School Leadership Team (SLT)

ABOUT THE SLT

The School Leadership Team (SLT) of Booker T. Washington MS54 plays a significant role in creating a structure for school-based decision making and shaping the path to a collaborative school culture. Teams are the primary vehicles for developing school-based educational policies and ensuring that resources are aligned to implement those policies. Functioning in a collaborative manner, SLTs assist in the evaluation and assessment of a school’s educational programs and their effect on student achievement.

The responsibilities of the SLT are to develop and review the school’s Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP), including annual goals and objectives; and to consult with the principal in developing a school-based budget and staffing plan aligned with the CEP. The SLT is not responsible for hiring or firing school staff. [Text taken from Chancellor’s Regs #A-655, School Leadership Teams.]

A copy of the current CEP is available in the library as well as online: Comprehensive Educational Plan CEP (PDF)

The SLT bylaws are also available.

2026-2027 SLT MEMBERS

Core Members:

Elana Elster, Principal

Adam Guzman, UFT rep

Erich Jungwirth and Aparnaa Saini, PTA co-presidents

Darnell Lipford, DC37 rep

Parent Members:

Ivy Venafro, Co-Chair

Usha Kotelawala, Co-recording secretary

Philip Horigan

Meredith Thompson

Marisa Shemi

Vacancy

Teacher Members:

Sara Lichtman, Co-chair

Daniel Clark, Co-recording secretary

Hilda Blair

Elizabeth McNulty

Rebecca Saltzman

FAQ

How often are meetings?
For the 2026-2027 school year, meetings are held monthly, on a selected Friday, starting at 7:20am, unless otherwise noted. The schedule is set at the beginning of each academic year by the SLT members and can be found on the MS54 calendar. This year's meetings will be held on the following dates:

Friday, 10/9, 7:20am
Friday, 11/18, 7:20am
Friday, 12/11, 7:20am
Friday, 1/8, 7:20am
Friday, 2/12, 7:20am
Dates for March - June TBA

Meeting minutes are posted on this page, below.

Who can attend an SLT Meeting?
Anyone can attend. Non-member participants are free to speak if and when recognized by the Chair; however, per DOE regulations, they may not participate in consensus-making.

How can I get the SLT to discuss something important to me, even if I don’t wish to present the issue myself?
E-mail the SLT Co-Chairs or any SLT member with your concerns.

How long is an SLT Member’s term?
One or two years, depending on the time you have been elected and the person you are replacing. Please check the bylaws for more specifics.

How do I become a member of SLT?
Elections for vacant SLT seats are held in June at the last general PTA meeting. One seat is held open for the beginning of the school year. If you are interested in running, you can contact the nominating committee to get on the ballot.