Dr. Jonathan Brice Named Chair of New Task Force in New Rochelle
Community members welcomed to apply for positions on panel

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (February 12, 2018) – Dr. Jonathan Brice, an education expert with 25 years’ experience, including with the U.S. Department of Education, has been chosen by the New Rochelle Board of Education to head the independent Task Force on Reducing Violence in the Lives of Children and Youth that the Board is establishing in conjunction with the city.

For members of the community interested in joining the Task Force, the District has also established an online form for community members to apply. The Task Force is one of several initiatives the District and City have implemented and continue to put in place following the violent incidents involving New Rochelle High School students last month.

“Dr. Brice’s background makes him uniquely suited to take on this important role,” said Board of Education President Rachel Relkin. “With his appointment, the Task Force is well-positioned to fulfill its mission to reduce violence among youth in New Rochelle and make our community a better place for every student.”

Dr. Brice’s 25 years’ experience as a teacher, school leader, and district administrator in six large public school districts make him uniquely qualified to lead this effort. He currently serves as the Associate Superintendent for Student and Family Support and Engagement for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland.

Dr. Brice also brings a national perspective, having served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education for The United States Department of Education. In this role, he provided leadership in programming in several areas, including bullying prevention. He also helped the Department launch its Family and Community Engagement Framework and strategy, and served as a team member for the President’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative.

With Dr. Brice’s appointment, the Task Force will be established in the coming days and is expected to consist of approximately 25 to 30 members. The Task Force will bring together the city, social services, non-profit and faith-based organizations, law enforcement, community members, and the schools, including students. While some positions must be reserved for specific designees from various agencies, several seats will be filled from among applicants in the community.

“We’re looking for volunteers who are willing to make the commitment and are passionate about reducing youth violence in New Rochelle,” Relkin said.
The Task Force will examine how conditions, policies and practices of the School District and the City impact student safety on and off campus. It will make specific recommendations for how to reduce bullying and violence in the lives of children and youth; ensure a safe, nurturing learning environment; and strengthen the safety of New Rochelle schools and the surrounding community.

For more information and to apply to be a member of the Task Force, please visit the designated page on the district’s website. Applicants will be asked to provide basic information and a statement about why they want to join the Task Force. The deadline to apply is February 18, 2018.

In addition to participation from City and School officials, Dr. Brice will select Task Force members with an effort to include diverse perspectives – including law enforcement, parents, school representatives and students, city representatives, and non-profit organizations. Final selections will be announced on February 22, 2018 and the first Task Force meeting will occur by the end of February.

“I am pleased to work with the New Rochelle community to listen, learn, and develop recommendations that will add to the Board of Education options to improve supports for students,” Dr. Brice said.

About the City School District of New Rochelle:
With nearly 11,000 students in 10 schools, the City School District of New Rochelle, through an active partnership amongst community, parents, staff and students, provides a high-quality and challenging education for every child, in a safe, nurturing environment that embraces rich diversity and drives success.