Our Mission
The mission of the Monticello Central School District is to nurture and enrich the lives of its students by providing them with the opportunities, skills, and knowledge to become contributing and responsible citizens.
Our Vision
The district is committed to developing students who achieve academic success, practice lifelong learning, and become productive citizens through the development of inquiring minds, compassionate hearts, creative expression, healthy bodies, and service to the community.
Our Schools
The district is comprised of Monticello High School, Robert J. Kaiser Middle School, Emma C. Chase Elementary School, George L. Cooke Elementary School and Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School.
Instructional Goals
Monticello seeks to develop and implement high-quality educational programs that are aligned with the district’s values and beliefs, recognizing that children develop and learn at different rates and in different ways.
Monticello Central School District’s Core Beliefs:
The district’s decisions and priorities are based on the following core values and beliefs, which are upheld by every member of the Monticello Central School District community:
- courage to do the right thing
- kindness in every exchange
- literacy focus to ensure all students are approaching or on reading level
- high expectations for all students
- relevant and rigorous academic programs
- skills and strategies for lifelong learning
- reciprocal responsibility and accountability
- productivity and success
- flexibility and adaptability
- personal ethics and integrity
- dignity and respect
Welcome to Monticello
The Monticello Central School District educates nearly 3,000 students, encompasses almost 190 square miles, offers more than 725 programs and employs over 740 people. The district is bordered by the Delaware River to the west, the Catskill Park to the north and the Shawanagunk Ridge to the east and is located within 90 miles of the New York City Metropolitan Area. The district serves the areas of Bethel, Forestburgh, Mamakating, Rock Hill and Thompson.
The districts’s diverse population provides students the ability to interact with peers from different backgrounds, expanding their knowledge of other cultures and preparing for life in a global society.
We are a vibrant learning community that is committed to being greater than the average.
A Well-Rounded Education Program
The Monticello Central School District has a K-12 enrollment of nearly 3,000 students. The district has five school buildings: Emma C. Chase Elementary School, Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School, George L. Cooke Elementary School, Robert J. Kaiser Middle School and Monticello High School.
A main focus of instruction at the elementary level focuses around an integrated language arts curriculum supported with early intervention programs such as Reading Recovery, Title I and English Language Learning.
Our diverse and rich curriculum is anchored firmly by the implementation of Common Core State Standards. All K-5 students receive instruction in art, music, physical education and technology.
Robert J. Kaiser Middle School serves grades 6-8 and offers accelerated science, technology, engineering, art and math classes. Technology, music, art, home and careers, study skills and a foreign language program are also part of the curriculum.
Monticello High School serves grades 9-12 and offers a variety of academic programs. The high school curriculum is designed to prepare students for college and the global economy with access to college level courses, advanced computer technology, a comprehensive foreign language program and the Academy of Finance, a nationally recognized program that prepares students with skills in computer applications, accounting, banking and credit, economics and international finance.
Emma C. Chase Elementary School
“Emma C, Chase Elementary School is the busiest place in Wurtsboro, New York. Chase instructs 370 students in grades K-5 by infusing reading, writing, math and technology skills with an enrichment and mastery mindset. Chase is a neighborhood school with high expectations. We provide student growth with a nurturing approach.” – William Frandino, Principal
Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School
“At Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School we believe that good work habits contribute to life-long learning and good citizenship. Rutherford has approximately 475 students and continues to make significant growth in math and ELA. Student engagement, high expectations and goal setting are our daily priorities.” – Michelle Knowlton, Principal
George L. Cooke Elementary School
“George L. Cooke Elementary School is the largest elementary school is the district with 560 children in attendance. Our teachers are caring and committed and we offer a great parental involvement program with EPIC (Every Person Influences Children). We also have a vegetable garden that is cultivated and harvested by students.” – Christopher Palmer, Principal
Robert J. Kaiser Middle School
“Robert J. Kaiser Middle School is an average sized school that strives to be greater than the average. We are the only school in the Hudson Valley that is classified as a 1:1 iPad school. Technology is integrated throughout the day to move students forward academically and to excel in life.” – Nicholas Millas, Principal
Monticello High School
“Monticello High School provides rich experiences to students through a variety of art, music, screen writing, dance and year-round sports programs. We have incredible opportunities for students to earn college credit at reduced tuition rates through our partnerships with SUNY Sullivan and Syracuse University. Our Academy of Finance program provides mentoring and internship experiences with local business partners and other incredible opportunities.” – Stephen Wilder, Principal
Profile of a Monticello Employee
We invite you to explore the job opportunities and many benefits of working with Monticello Central School District. All available instructional positions are listed on OLAS; Applications for these positions must be submitted via OLAS. Visit www.pnwboces.org/teacherapplication for more information. Outlined below, in broad terms, are the district’s expectations for potential employees.
Responsible and productive workers dedicated to education, children and community and recognize the importance of providing quality service.
Employees who…
- have a positive attitude.
- are trustworthy and dependable in honoring their commitments.
- show a respect for all the various positions within the district.
- provide courteous quality service to students, parents and staff.
Lifelong learners who understand, appreciate and pursue lifelong learning and are willing to embrace educational changes and advancements.
Employees who…
- demonstrate the ability and continuous desire to learn.
- ask for input in attempting to continually improve.
- show a willingness to accept challenges from others and from themselves.
- contribute to the advancement of education and service to students.
Involved citizens and leaders who model the importance of participation within the school district and surrounding communities.
Employees who…
- are problem-solvers and effective decision-makers.
- foster shared beliefs and a sense of community and cooperation.
- volunteer for district activities and events.
- demonstrate concern for the well-being of others in the district.
Effective communicators who express knowledge, thoughts and feelings in a variety of ways to build constructive relationships within the school and community.
Employees who…
- communicate in appropriate tones and respectfully to parents, children and fellow co-workers.
- act as an advocate for the district’s employee groups, programs and services.
- represent the district positively to parents and community members.
- demonstrate respect and consideration for others.
Monticello Board of Education Goals
The Monticello Board of Education believes successful educational organizations strive to:
- Put people first, knowing that culture trumps all strategies for improvement;
- Educate students for life readiness;
- Ensure a safe and secure environment for learning to occur;
- Hold high expectations for students and staff members;
- Actively engage the community in school activities and initiatives;
- Offer diverse educational programs in order to meet the needs of today’s learners;
- Enhance and maintain facilities and grounds that reflect our investment in education and build a sense of pride in our schools; and
- Maintain fiscal and educational responsibility.
Therefore, the Board of Education of the Monticello Central School District sets forth the following goals:
Student success
This Board will provide a holistic education comprised of extensive curricular and extra-curricular experiences that empower each individual student to conquer challenges, develop talents, and discover passions, while sustaining rigor and achieving evidence-based academic growth.
Community engagement
This Board will strive to build authentic relationships rooted in trust, transparency and two-way communication with all constituents. We will actively seek avenues to partner with local organizations and agencies to increase our network of resources to improve and support life-long learning opportunities for our community.
School culture
This Board will foster an inclusive culture that sparks community pride, emphasizes kindness and respect and ensures that all students, staff and visitors are valued and supported in safe, secure, orderly and clean appropriately effective facilities.
Fiscal responsibility
This Board will fortify its financial assets through long-term, strategic planning that aims to consistently maximize district improvements while minimizing taxpayer impact.
Find Out More and Apply Today
The Monticello Central School District seeks the most exceptionally qualified and greater than the average individuals for all of its intra-district teams.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Monticello Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, handicap, or sex in the educational programs and activities, including vocational education opportunities, which it operates. This policy is in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Inquiries concerning this policy may be referred to the District’s Title IX coordinator and Section 504 coordinator, Tanya Duryea, Director of PPS, 39 Breakey Ave., Monticello, New York 12701