001Excuse me everyone. We'd like to get started. Thank you everyone and welcome to our May 5th, 2026 Oyster Bay East Norwich Board of Education meeting. If we could all please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you very much. Before I turn it over to Dr. Yanni, I would like to say this is one of my most favorite nights of the year. So, more celebrating to come. But Dr. Yanni, if I could turn it over to you right now for our Superintendent's report. >> Thank you Ms. Custer-Giovanni and good evening everybody. Um this week is Teacher Appreciation Week and I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all the teachers in our district for all that they do for our students every single day. Uh to the to the teachers, you truly deserve
002this Teacher Appreciation Week and please remember that the entire administrative team is appreciate your work not just today, not just this week, but every single day. I am very fortunate as a superintendent to have a staff like you every single day working with our students and I'm very proud of you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Uh before I pass the microphone to Giovanna for student report, I would like to send congratulations again to Krista Thomas as she's leaving on Friday to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair. Over the next week, Krista will showcase her research alongside 2,000 students uh from 60 countries all over the world. Uh this is an impressive accomplishment, a first time in Oyster Bay that we have a
003student competing at the international level. Um we are very proud uh that uh Krista will represent Oyster Bay on the global um stage. So, Krista, good luck. Wish you all the best. >> [applause] >> Good evening, everyone. I hope everybody's well. First, I would like to thank everybody who performed in our spring concert. I know this concert was the last concert for our seniors in the Chamber Singers and Wind Ensemble, and I want to send a huge congratulations to all of those amazing singers and players. Furthermore, the high school held its STEM Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremonies. Congratulations to our new inductees. Additionally, APs have begun, and they will occur throughout this and next week. Thank you to all of the teachers that have done practice tests and review sessions after
004school, and to the students for all their hard work. Good luck to our AP students. Finally, as Dr. Yanni said, it is Teacher Appreciation Week, and I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the amazing teachers throughout the district. You have fostered mine and so many others education in undeniable ways. In celebration of this week at the high school, the staff is hosting a fun game show based on the show The Traitors. I've been seeing teachers around the school have a lot of fun with the events as part of this little game. And that is all the news that I have to share this evening. I hope everybody has a great night. >> [applause] >> Okay. Uh tonight, like um Miss Castrogivanni stated, is a very special night. We celebrate an important milestone as
005we recognize several staff who will be recommended for tenure. Their dedication plays a critical role in shaping the next generation. And we acknowledge their their outstanding contribution that they make every single day to the students of Oyster Bay. I wish each one of you many years of success and fulfillment in the Oyster Bay East Norwich Central School District. At this time, uh we had a a suggestion from the board to have some of the administrators recognize all the teachers. So, at this time, I'm going to ask all the administrators, Miss Erica Giopac, uh Miss Starguman, Miss Shana McCanty, Joanne Donca, Dr. Donca, uh Anastasia Smith, Miss Lynette Bruzzo, and Debra Small to come to the podium to recognize some of our teachers. Okay, we're going to start with Miss Erica Giopac, and she's going to
006speak about Alex Dolan. Alex, are you upstairs? Are you coming down? And Miss Arguman also joined Miss Erica Geopark. >> The kids were happy to take over for Mr. Dolan. They said, "Ah, he grew up so fast." Which I thought was the most precious thing I ever heard. Good evening, everybody. Members of the board, our amazing community, Dr. Yanni. Um it is my distinct honor to stand before you tonight to celebrate Mr. Alex Dolan's recommendation for tenure. When Alex joined us in 2022, he brought 14 years of professional expertise from News 12 Long Island. But he brought a lot more than that, something even more valuable, a vision to modernize how Oyster Bay students communicate. Because of Alex, we have moved away from the era of disembodied voices over the PA system. Every morning in
007our building, it comes to life with a student-produced professional-grade news broadcast, and that keeps us all connected. As his director, I have watched Alex build a New York State CTE approved CTE program from the ground up. But he didn't just help to renovate the TV studio. He created a professional culture. Whether his students are winning top titles at the Bash Awards or producing Bay News Now, they are operating with a level of independence and professionalism and precision that mirrors a real-world network. Beyond the newsroom, Alex's impact on our school culture is massive. His Bayman Backstage Club has grown to nearly 40 dedicated students, and under his mentorship, these students have become the technical backbone, just like these guys right up here, handling every facet every facet of lighting and sound and staging for our concerts
008and plays and even this very board meeting. From transforming our auditorium into an immersive wonderland for his annual 4D holiday movie night to capturing the oral histories of our local senior citizen, Alex has made the media arts the heartbeat of our community. He doesn't just support district initiatives, he elevates them. Alex, you have turned our students into the storytellers and historians of Oyster Bay, and it is with great pride and total confidence that we recommend you tonight for tenure. Congratulations. >> Thank you so much. >> [applause] >> We have at this point Ariana Esposito come up with Shannon Mackendy. >> [applause] >> It is my privilege to speak on behalf of Ms. Ariana Esposito. Ms. Esposito has has been an educator, coach, and advisor at the Oyster Bay Middle-High School for the past 4 years.
009Although I've only had the pleasure of working with her for the last two, her presence, ability, mentorship to students, and leadership within the department is vibrantly clear to me. Ms. Esposito is the type of educator who is remarkably creative, innovative, and not afraid to bring new ideas to the table. Ms. Esposito expands her educational reach and impact on the students within and outside the academic school year. Ms. Esposito also coaches field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, is a 2027 class advisor, bacon club advisor, and participates in multiple school student faculty events, and leads groups within the Oyster Bay Athletic Booster Club camps. I'm so proud of the work that she has accomplished so far, and I cannot wait to see what she brings uh or has in store for us for the future. Congratulations. >> [applause]
010[cheering] >> And we bring up uh Kayla Pollens and Dr. DeYonker. >> In the school counseling profession, we often measure success through data. And if we look at Ms. Pollens through that lens, her record is flawless. She has revolutionized our efficiency, modernized our resources, and nearly doubled the reach of our high school Bigs Mentoring Program. But to truly understand why we are here tonight, you have to look past the numbers and into the lives that she has touched. What distinguishes Ms. Pollens isn't just her work ethic, it's her gentler hand and innate ability to see the unspoken needs of a student who is struggling to stay afloat. I have witnessed her carry her students through the greatest of tragedies, ease their academic stresses, and celebrate their most momentous triumphs. Ms. Pollens doesn't just guide students
011through high school, she guides them through the start of their life's journey created with her encouragement. Ms. Pollens' advocacy for her students' heart is just as fierce as her advocacy for their grades. Whether she is spending her own time visiting colleges and universities to better advise her kids, or being a constant cheering presence at our school events, she operates with a singular philosophy that no piece of technology will ever replace the power of human connection. And her dedication is worth mentioning as on February 7th, 2025, she worked until 11:30 a.m. and gave birth to her beautiful daughter not more than an hour and a half later. All I will say is thank goodness she made it to the hospital. Ms. Pollens, you don't just help our students find their way to graduation, you help them
012find their own voices. You have made our department stronger, our faculty closer, and our community kinder. Simply put, thank you. >> [applause] [cheering] >> When I asked Anna Thomas, mathematics teacher, to come to the podium and Melissa Arguman will present. >> [applause] >> Good evening. It is my pleasure to recommend Ms. Anna Thomas for tenure in the Oyster Bay East Norwich Central School District. Over the past several years, Ms. Thomas has distinguished herself as an exceptional math educator who consistently combines strong instructional practice with genuine care for her students. Her classroom is structured, respectful, and engaging where where students feel comfortable taking risks and are encouraged to think deeply and explain their reasoning. I especially love the dancing musical stuff tray that the kids always ask for in your class. It always brings them a
013laugh. Ms. Thomas has a remarkable ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible to all learners while maintaining high expectations that push our students to grow. This is reflected in her consistently strong Regents results. Beyond the classroom, she is a dedicated member of our school community serving as class advisor, supporting school events, and continuously seeking professional growth to better serve her students. Ms. Thomas is a dependable, respected, and valued member of our faculty and I'm so very proud to recommend her for tenure. >> [applause] >> I'm going to ask Nicole Bifolco to come up to the stage and Miss Smith will present. >> [applause] >> Good evening all. It's my pleasure to recommend Miss Nicole Bifolco for tenure in the Oyster Bay East Norwich School District. Over the past several years, Miss Bifolco has proven herself
014to be much more than a teacher at Vernon. She is a cornerstone school community and a tireless advocate for her students. When you walk into her classroom, you immediately feel an environment built on motivation, mutual respect, and academic rigor. And she leads the classroom with positivity. One of the first times I ever went into her classroom was to observe a math lesson on Starbucks. It was right to my heart. Miss Bifolco not only does that with her students, but she also ensures that every learner feels seen, supported, and challenged. However, we are not just celebrating her mastery of instruction today. We are celebrating her profound dedication to the Oyster Bay East Norwich School Community beyond the classroom walls. Miss Bifolco is a true champion of student involvement. She shares her love of learning in many
015ways. Last year, she was the advisor for the third and fourth grade math club, creating a space where students can discover the magic of numbers through puzzles and games. And her impact is perhaps most visibly felt on our athletic fields. Over her past several years in the district, she has been a dedicated coach for numerous athletic programs, including varsity cross country, JV and varsity girls lacrosse, middle school field hockey, and intramural golf. It's a lot. As a coach, she doesn't just develop athletic skills. She builds resilience, teamwork, and a strong sense of self-worth in our student athletes, helping them grow into confident individuals both on and off the field. I felt firsthand during the spike off how much inspiration she brings to the team. Ms. Baifolco, your teaching philosophy centers on the belief that every
016student is capable of success when they are when they are empowered to believe in themselves. For the past several years, you have been the person empowering them. You You embody our district's mission of empowering all students to achieve excellence. Please join me in offering my warmest recommendation to Nicole Baifolco on achieving tenure. Here's to many more years of making an incredible impact at Vernon. >> Sorry. >> [applause] >> Basically, these people never sleep. I can get that. So, at this point, uh we'll uh ask to come to the podium Danielle Yingling and uh Ms. Bruto will present. Danielle? >> [applause] >> It is with great pleasure that I recommend Danielle Yingling for tenure. Danielle is a duly certified special educator and licensed behavior analyst. Focuses on creating a highly structured learning environment. Her management style
017is rooted in evidence-based behavioral strategies using clear routines and individualized behavior intervention plans to maintain calm, predictable space for students to learn and grow. In the classroom, Danielle's instruction is driven by consistent data collection. She monitors IEP goals weekly using that information to differentiate lessons. Her work bridges the gap between academic standards and functional life skills, always supporting students in the use of their communication devices. Danielle emphasizes a team-based approach. She collaborates regularly with the related service providers, teaching assistants, and general education teachers to ensure her students are integrated into school-wide events and grade level projects. She also maintains a steady line of communication with families through daily logs and digital platforms to ensure consistency between school and home. Danielle always remains focused on cultivating instructional practices. Her work at the Vernon School is characterized
018by a true commitment to inclusive programming and the practical application of behavioral science to support student independence. It is my pleasure to recommend to the board uh Ms. Danielle Youngling for tenure. >> Congratulations. [applause] >> At this point, I'm going to ask Megan Wigenauer Zeffini to come to the podium and we have Never a small will present. >> Megan is an excellent second grade teacher. Perhaps she was inspired when she was 7 years old by her own second grade teacher, me. Or perhaps by her high school math teacher, Maureen Raynor. Regardless, she is now an outstanding teacher in her own right. For the past several years, she's been working with a co-teacher in our integrated co-teaching classroom and she and her co-teacher together uh employ the very best of co-teaching models and strategies to ensure
019that every child in the classroom is appropriately challenged and appropriately supported. In addition, Megan is very dedicated to each child's social emotional growth taking the time to talk with each child and work them through different situations and explicitly teaching lessons that develop students' skills at understanding their own feelings, the feelings of others, emotional self-regulation, and uh conflict resolution. Megan has been at the vanguard of our efforts to ensure that our curriculum and instruction are aligned with the science of reading. A member of our K-12 literacy committee and an active participant in professional development and curriculum writing, she has really led the charge. In addition, she is a leader in our work to implement project-based learning. For example, recently working with her second-grade colleagues and with our special area teachers, she designed a wonderful choice board
020uh for projects for our second graders to do as part of their communities unit. Megan is the type of teacher who throughout her career will always learn, grow, and contribute to our district. It is my pride and pleasure to recommend her for tenure. >> [applause] [cheering] >> I promise you there were no teleprompters. I'm impressed. I'm impressed. Ronnie Lubin, uh special education teacher. >> It is my honor and privilege to recommend Ronnie Lubin for tenure in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District. Ronnie is the embodiment of students of a student-centered educator, blending rigorous academic standards with excitement for learning. Her classroom serves as a model in structure and innovation. She integrates multi-tiered management systems from the Zen Zone to the regulation um to self-regulation to mag- magnet tracking for student independence, ensuring our most diverse
021learners feel safe and empowered. She has completed intensive crisis intervention training, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to safety and physical well-being of every student in her care. Ronnie served on the district literacy and professional development committees, ensuring our curriculum aligned with the science of reading while remaining accessible to special education students. She remains in consistent communication with families to keep them informed. She makes learning visible and inclusive. Ronnie has built an excellent relationship with our colleagues. This year she collaborated on a wonderful Regis theater production for her class and their Licked the Second Grade Class, including a choreographed dance that she taught to her students. Her sense of humor and liveliness help her to bond with children and adults. In the words of her principal, Mrs. Small, the school would not be the same without her.
022I will add the district would not be the same without her. Ronnie teaches to the heart and the potential of every child. It is my pleasure to recommend Ms. Ronnie Lubin Petagna. >> [applause and cheering] >> I should have mentioned this at the beginning. I also want to welcome all the families, the babies, and everybody. It's It's so nice to have all of you here and it really shows that we are a family. So, thank you so much for coming. >> [applause] >> So, at this point it would be my honor to talk about our administrators. So, I'm going to ask Ms. Gibbons, director of technology, to come up. >> [applause] >> Ms. Gibbons' exceptional leadership is defined by a forward-thinking vision that successfully guided the district to a comprehensive transformation of its technological infrastructure,
023cybersecurity network, and instructional technology systems. A lot of words, but we are safe because of you. Together with the team, she has advanced instructional technology by ensuring alignment with the New York State computer science and digital fluency standards and expanding many opportunities for our students such as coding, robotics, and many other initiatives. She consistently analyzed district data to support instructional decision-making, and I apologize for asking always for a report, and has collaborated on the design of a new report card for the high school and Theodore Roosevelt. As a dedicated community builder, she has enhanced transparency and engagement with families through the modern platform like Parent Square, Stopfinder, GoGuardian, and the extensive role that you took in revamping the entire website, which was many, many hours that you took out of your family. So, I'm grateful
024to to uh everybody for that. Uh Jackie, it is truly a pleasure to work with you. I wish many, many years of success. I've worked with a lot of directors of technologies, but I never had somebody that whatever I ask, whenever I ask, always respond with a kind, passionate, and kind manner. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Ms. Erica Giopac Ms. Erica Giopac demonstrates exceptional technology, exceptional leadership, articulating a clear vision that has resulted in the district music program earning multiple national recognition, and the visual art program earning the New York State Community of Excellence in vis- in vis- visual arts award. She consistently expands opportunities for our students from the designing of the music buddy dates program, which is an articulation K to 12 for the music program, the gaining and approval for the district
025multiple pathway to graduation, which is forward-thinking. Under her guidance, her students have achieved outstanding success. 100% pass on the AP R2 exam and the selection of 24 musicians for the 2025 All-County Music Ensemble, which is probably the first here in the East Bay. She is at every district event personally supporting all the students in their performances. Our relationship with Old Ben Arts Foundation is second to none, and they always work together to create opportunities for our students. Seeing our students, musician, and artist thrive under Erica's guidance is a source of pride for me. I never forget when we were interviewing you and I said, "We have the best music teachers. We need to make this the best music schools in the county." You did and you did even more. Thank you for all that you
026do. >> [applause] [applause] >> Mr. LoCastro, Robert LoCastro, assistant principal at the high school. >> [applause] >> Mr. LoCastro is a calm and effectively leader who leads by example, maintaining a warm, friendly, and highly approachable demeanor for teachers, staff, students, and the superintendent. He manages complex school operations, including the master schedule. I know that's massive uh work. And I'm going and arrival procedures always out there rain or shine, as well as special events such the senior barbecue, the 8th grade trip, um boat trip which is coming up. And the STEM Honor Society. Since the beginning he has brought valuable experience as a former mathematics teacher to his role as a supervisor of math and science. He has built strong relationship with students and families by regularly attending sporting events, concerts, plays, while also coordinating the
0276th to 7th grade transition through buddy day program and Baymen day, which is kind of a tradition over here at Oyster Bay. Rob's ability to remain cool, calm, and collected under pressure is truly remarkable. Whether he's stepping into an emergency or cheering on students at a game, his positive student-centered presence is felt and appreciated by everyone in the building. Miss Argument, did I say it all? I said to Miss Argument the other day, if please if you find Rob Locastro upset, please call me out of my office. I would like to see him upset. I never see him upset. Wish you all the best. It's truly a pleasure to have you here. >> [applause] >> Miss Debra Small, principal Theodore Roosevelt. >> [applause] >> I wish I had a teleprompter. I should have memorized it.
028Miss Small's transformative leadership is defined by a data-driven approach and a passion that inspires everyone under our including students, staff, and families. She has achieved remarkable academic results, notably increasing the percentage of students reading on grade level. It went from a 33% to 82%. Impressive. >> [applause] >> And and completing the development of a brand new standard-based curriculum for the full-day kindergarten pre-K program, which for the first time we have four sections, and under your leadership they're doing very well. Demonstrating a commitment to operational excellence, she she strategically redesigned the master schedule to protect instructional time and facilitate the multi-tier system of support MTSS framework. As a gifted community builder, she massively opened the school's doors to let to celebrate students' learning through events such as the kindergarten biome study and the grade a grade
029two balloons over Roosevelt and the many other initiatives. Ms. Small's leadership has been truly transformative for the Roosevelt school community. The remarkable community events you organized are a true reflection of our commitment and dedication to the students and the families. Sometimes I try not to email at night over the weekend or anytime when they're not here, but if you email Devra at 1:00, at 2:00, at 10:00, no matter what day it is, she will answer within 20 minutes, so I stopped touching the phone around that time. Devra is truly a pleasure to have you. Wish you all the best. >> [applause] >> Let's give everybody a round of applause. >> [applause] >> Take a picture. You want to organize a picture? Just want to take a picture. Yes. Yeah, sounds good. Yeah. >> [applause and
030cheering] [cheering] >> Before I pass the microphone to Miss Raynor for the budget hearing presentation, I like to share with the board that on tonight's agenda there is the appointment of Gianna Bifolco. I think Gianna is over here with us. >> [applause] >> Gianna has been working for the district for the past year and she has done a wonderful job connecting with the students and truly have a classroom that is warm, pleasant, and very um, effective for for students. Like a true learning environment. Uh, it is truly a pleasure, uh, to have you here. I know you went through an extensive, uh, search process. We're looking forward to have you for many, many years. Wish you all the best. So, I'm going to wait on the congratulations after the board will, uh, appoint you officially,
031uh, for the position. Thank you. Ms. Reina. >> [applause] >> Uh, after. After this. >> [snorts] >> Good evening, members of the Board of Education and members of our community. This evening's presentation represents our budget hearing for the adopted 2026-27 budget. As with each presentation, our work remains grounded in our vision of empowering all students to achieve excellence and our budget mission to support every student while maintaining disciplined financial leadership and long-term stability. The 2026-27 adopted budget reflects that continued focus. Balancing the needs of our students with responsible financial planning while remaining within the allowable tax levy. The 2026-27 school district budget was adopted by the Board of Education at the April 21st meeting. At a high level, the adopted budget totals approximately 69.4 million. As shown here, the revenues and expenditures are fully aligned,
032resulting in a structurally balanced budget. As we move into the revenue portion of the adopted budget, the overall structure remains consistent with what has been presented throughout the process. Approximately 89% of revenue comes from the tax levy, about 5% from state aid, and the remaining 6% from reserves, fund balance, and miscellaneous revenue. We begin with the tax levy, which continues to be the district's primary source of revenue. The adopted tax levy for the 2026-27 year is approximately 61.4 million, which is an increase of 1.54 million over the current year, and remains within the allowable tax levy of 2.58%. The next component of revenue is state aid. The total state aid funding is projected to increase by approximately 104,000, or 2.56%. However, as we've discussed throughout the process, the majority of that is an increase in
033expense-driven The foundation aid, which provides the most flexibility, is only increased by 1%. The remaining revenue categories includes reserves, fund balance, and miscellaneous revenue. These reserves are restricted by law and are used to support specific purposes, including capital needs, employee benefits, and long-term financial planning. The adopted budget includes 1.5 million in appropriated fund balance, consistent with prior years. This helps us reduce the tax levy while maintaining flexibility within our budget. This reflects the continued use of both appropriated fund balance and reserves as part of the district's long-term financial plan. When combined, all of the total revenue you see here in the adopted budget is approximately 69.4 million. This slide provides the full, detailed breakdown of the adopted revenue budget, reflecting all sources that support the district's financial plan. Now we move to the expenditure budget.
034As in prior presentations, the budget is organized within the required three-part structure, administrative, capital, and program. Each category represents a different component of the operating district operating the district, but together they reflect the full cost of supporting our schools. Over time, we have continued to see a shift in the budget structure with a greater share of resources directed towards programmatic support for students. The adopted 2026-2027 budget continues that trend. This slide provides the detailed breakdown of the entire three-part budget. The next section will highlight the main factors of the expenditure budget. The overall structure of the budget has remained stable, but there's pressures continue within key areas. As we step back and review the expenditure budget, the district continues to monitor these major categories that shape the development. Approximately 73% of our budget is committed
035to salaries and benefits. Because education is a people-driven organization, this creates a significant portion of the district's financial obligations. Putting this all together, the adopted budget for expenditures is 69.4 million. As discussed throughout the process, the district has relied on reallocations and cost reductions to sustain these programs. However, the gap between rising costs and allowable revenue growth continues to tighten. We are addressing immediate pressures through strategic staff realignment and retirement planning, while simultaneously advancing long-term workforce strategies tied to enrollment and program priorities. This dual approach stabilizes the current budget while positioning the district responsibly for the future. This includes replacing retired staff at the entry-level salaries, a reduction of 2.0 full-time positions at the middle high school aligned with the needs of students, and the reallocation of the UPK salaries to grant funding with no
036impact on the current UPK program. Even with these adjustments, this budget maintains the programs and opportunities our community values most. It preserves small class sizes at the elementary level, sustains our arts and music programs, maintains athletics and co-curricular offerings, and protects protects the academic opportunities for our students. This brings us back to the overall adopted budget. As shown here, the revenues and expenditures just discussed are fully aligned resulting in a structurally balanced budget. In summary, the adopted budget totals approximately 69.4 million representing a budget-to-budget increase of 1.6 million or 2.34% and remains within the allowable tax levy limit of 2.58%. If the proposed budget is not approved by voters, the Board of Education will have three options. To present the same budget for a second vote, to present a revised budget, or to adopt a
037contingency budget. If a second vote is required, it would be held on June 16th at a cost of approximately 15 to 20,000 dollars. If the budget is defeated a second time, the district must adopt a contingency budget. And under a contingency budget, no tax levy increase is permitted. A contingency budget is a legally defined budget that is limited to essential or ordinary expenses. These include maintaining school operations, preserving district property, and ensuring the health and safety of our students and staff. Under a contingency budget, the board has limited discretion in determining what qualifies as allowable expense. Certain items are not permitted including a non-essential maintenance, new capital expenditures, and most equipment purchases. For the 2026-27 year, a contingency budget will require a reduction of approximately 1.54 million from the current adopted budget. These reductions would
038directly impact student programs and opportunities. Athletics would be impacted, including potential reductions in modified and junior varsity programs, as well as other select programs. At the elementary level, this would include reduction in staffing, which would impact class sizes, the world language program, and extracurricular opportunities. At the secondary level, this would include reductions in instructional staff, fewer elective offerings, and reductions in clubs and activities. Additional impacts could include the reduction of field trips, non-instructional staff, administrative staffing, and the elimination of non-essential equipment purchases. Now we shift from the operating budget to the capital and technology reserve projects. The proposed capital projects total approximately $980,000, which would include auditorium rigging renovations in this building, a hot water heater replacement at the high school, gymnasium air conditioning at Vernon, and several projects at Theodore Roosevelt, which would include
039a new kindergarten, or excuse me, pre-kindergarten playground, replacement of a scoreboard at Memorial Stadium, and the abandonment of an unused oil tank. Next, we move into our technology projects. The proposed technology projects total $495,000, including device replacements, classroom device replacements, and educational display boards to support the district's instructional program and long-term technology plan. We now move into the capital reserve dis- fund discussion. As discussed in earlier presentations, the current capital reserve fund is nearing the end of its term. Tonight's presentation includes the related recommendation and ballot proposition language. The district's current capital res- reserve fund was originally established by voter authorization in May 20 2006. Over time, the reserve has been amended to expand its purpose, extend its term, and increase the authorized funding level. Over the past decade, the capital reserve has supported a
040wide range of improvements across the district, helping us proactively maintain facilities and support safe, efficient learning environments. This slide provides a multi-year view of how the capital and technology reserves have been funded and used. It reflects a consistent and transparent practice of funding the reserves when surplus is available and using those funds for voter authorized projects. It is important to clarify what the community will be voting on this May. The proposition authorizes only the creation and funding of a new capital reserve. It does not authorize any specific project. Each future use of those funds would still require a separate board action and a separate voter approval. The district is recommending the establishment of a new capital reserve fund, which would have a maximum funding level of 25 million, a term of 15 years, and an
041annual transfer of surplus funds not to exceed 2 million per year. Next, we move into the ballot propositions that will appear before the community. Proposition one is the proposed 26-27 school budget in the amount of 69 million, 378,079 dollars. Proposition two authorizes the expenditure of 495 for the projects just discussed for the technology capital reserve fund for student devices, display boards, and classroom devices. Proposition three is the expenditure of 980,000 from the existing capital reserve fund for the capital projects just discussed. Proposition four is the proposition to create a new capital reserve fund. This is the first portion of the ballot language that outlines a range of the purposes that could be considered. The second slide is the language that outlines the key parameters of the proposed reserve, including 15-year term, 25 million funding cap,
042and annual transfers not to exceed 2 million, as well as the authority to transfer any remaining balance from the current reserve into the new fund. We now move into the remaining steps of the budget timeline with this evening's budget hearing and the annual budget vote to be held on May 19th. This slide reflects the full timeline of the budget activity since the first presentation in January through the final vote in May. I would also like to remind the board and community of the resources available. All budget presentations are posted within the board meeting agenda on BoardDocs prior to each meeting as well as a dedicated budget page on the district's website, also providing ongoing access to materials, updates, and key information. As we move it to the voter information for the annual budget vote and
043board election, to participate in the vote, residents must meet eligibility requirements outlined here including age, residency, and voter registration. For those unsure of the registration status, information and deadlines are provided here. The last day to register to vote is Thursday, May 14th. Absentee and early ballot applications are available through the district clerk's office or on the district's website. Deadline for submissions and return are outlined here. Thank you for your time and continued engagement throughout this process. We look forward to your support of the of the community and the budget vote on May 19th. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Do any board members have any questions, Ms. Raynor? Thank you, Ms. Raynor, for the presentation. >> Ms. Thorne, can you bring up uh the questions uh public participation follow-up presentation? Thank you. So, um I just
044want to follow up from uh last meeting. We had some questions related to the budget, so I'm going to have Ms. Raynor go over this quick uh update. >> Sure. Oh, there you go. Okay. Yes, as a follow-up to last board meeting, there were several questions regarding the budget. Questions you see here, are we funding the capital reserve and technology reserve this year? Where do we anticipate the 1.5 uh to come from if we don't have an estimated fund balance at this point? Um thank you for quickly sending me an appropriation status. It shows 9.7 9.8 million of available funds at this point. How much do you feel would be unassigned and available at the end? So, go into each of those together. Um as we've been sharing uh throughout the budget process, there's been
045a multi-year view of how the cap uh capital and technology are used and funded at a consistent level each year. Um we make sure we align the reserves for what they're used. So, if you see this year, you see the 980 and the 495, that is what we expect to be able to fund. Um each year those projects are proposed based on needs and the projected year-end fund balance. This is a slide that shows you with the consistent use each year. Moving forward to each year when the books are closed, you see the use of reserves and funded reserves, not only in the budget presentations, but on the bottom right of the screen, you see also in our financial statements that are audited by the external auditors and presented in the fall as well. Um
046these are the projects that I just discussed that are proposed this year. So, uh 980 for capital, 495 for technology, which I'll circle back to in just a second. And that 1.5 comes from surplus funds at the remaining of each closed year. So, this is the slide from the presentation that discusses where the year-end fund balance does go with the uh anticipation of the 1.5 for the '26 '27 budget. So, based on the appropriation status report referenced in the question, the 9.7 9.8 uh is available funds. However, that balance at that time does not reflect any expenditures that have been committed that have not been reflected in the accounting system, which would include things like our part-time and hourly salaries from that time period through June 30th. Our substitute and leave replacement coverage wouldn't be
047accounted for. Our spring coaching, our extra curricular stipends, um and all the payroll taxes, overtime, and TRS obligations that would go along with that. So, where we are at this point, our final year end fund balance will not be known until June 30th when the books are closed. Projections are done and continue to be done each month. And as of right now, or as of last week, our 25-26 school year is going to be consistent with prior years with approximately 3 million in surplus funds. This is going to allow us to appropriate the fund balance of 1.5 million, maintain our unassigned fund balance, which is limited by law to 4%, and to fund our restricted reserves, capital, which would be approximately 1 million, technology, approximately 500,000, which again matches the proposed projects that I just
048discussed in the earlier presentation. And you can see that appropriated 1.5, the capital and technology, that's the 3 million that we do expect to have consistent with prior years. Thank you. >> Thank you, Ms. Raynor. I just want to update the the board. I've received some questions regarding the meet the candidate night, uh the video that it was um uh that we we took. Um on April 27, we hosted a meet the candidate night. The League of Women Voters agreement was that it will not be recorded. So, the agreement was also signed by all the candidates. We received some feedback, so the district clerk contacted all the candidates, and once we have approved we received approval to post it, then the video uh has been posted um on on our website. Uh there was also
049a question regarding i-Ready. Um I had a conversation with uh with the parent on on the phone, but I just want to follow up with the community regarding some of the important questions that were asked. The first thing I want to reassure the district that the uh that the district takes student data privacy very seriously. As I stated at our last meeting, the lawsuit is still pending and the district is monitoring uh closely as far as I know right now. Uh one of the question was uh what data is and is not shared. Um so the answer is only basic educational information is shared such as name, date of birth, grade, school, teacher, and student ID. The district does not share special education status, socioeconomic status, ELL status. i-Ready does not collect biometric or health
050data, geolocation, social media, or contact information. Uh the data protection at low 2D um the data is stored on secure US-based servers with encryption and access is limited only to authorized personnel. If a data breach occurs, the um i-Ready, which is the Curriculum Associate, uh must notify the district within 7 days and the district must report to the New York State Education Department and notify parents directly. Um i-Ready is used as a required MTSS plan, multi-tier system of support, under the Every Student Succeeds Act, ESSA, and in New York State Education Department. So we use i-Ready for universal screening. Some of the benefits are adaptive questions, more accurate results, quick data, fast instructional response, and track students' growth over time. The The i-Ready is not used alone, uh one of multiple data points to determine
051academic intervention service, which is AIS, and ensure targeted support. So we have state assessment, writing benchmark, GoMath assessment, running record, and teachers observation, and recommendations. And um we also have initiated um about a month ago a round table discussion with several community members, and we having some wonderful conversation, and we have a follow-up meeting uh that will take place where we listen to the feedback, and um we are making some adjustments where necessary. There was another question um regarding the um not the the amount of money that it was saved from not fielding JV boys uh lacrosse, and girls lacrosse, seventh grade baseball, JV football this year. So, the total amount uh was approximately $26,000, and the $26,000 in saving was vastly offset by over 95,000 in um unbudgeted athletic expense such as um including
052the uh with the new swimming program that was not in the budget, uh the gymnasium sound upgrade system, which has been done and probably in the next week or so. Baseball facility updates, tennis courts and track repairs, and uh football uniforms, which it was a deal that if we were buying the uniforms prior to the end of the year, uh we would save almost uh half of the amount of money that the uniform will cost. Um that's the end of my report. I don't know if the board has any questions. >> Any questions, comments? No? Thank Thank you, Dr. Yanni and Ms. Arena for the for the reports. Okay. I'd like to move on now to the approval of minutes. Motion to approve our meeting minutes as listed and attached below. Do I have a
053motion? Do I have a second? All in favor? I. All opposed? Motion carries. We'll now move on to participation public session agenda items but nobody has signed in. Okay, thank you. So, I won't bore everybody by reading the statement. Let's move on now to the approval of instructional personnel. Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Oyster Oyster Bay East Norwich Central School District hereby approves the instructional personnel items as listed in their entirety. Do I have a motion? Do I have a second? Any questions or comments? >> I just want to say it was nice to see all the families here today and other teachers in the district and administrators come out to support all the teachers and administrators who um are tenure candidates tonight. Um it
054was great to hear about everyone's accomplishments and the various ways that they support students um throughout the whole district and I look forward to hearing more about great accomplishments in the future. So, congratulations to all of our candidates tonight. >> Thank you, Mr. Lopez. Okay. So, all in favor? I. All opposed? Motion carries. >> [applause] >> We'll now move on to non-instructional personnel items. Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Oyster Bay East Norwich Central School District hereby approves the non-instructional personnel items as listed in their entirety. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? All in favor? I. All opposed? Motion carries. We'll now move on to approval of special services resolutions. Resolved
055upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Oyster Bay East Norwich Central School District, hereby approves the special services resolutions as listed in their entirety. Do I have a motion? Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? All in favor? I. All opposed? Motion carries. We'll now move on to the approval of new business resolutions. Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Oyster Bay East Norwich Central School District, hereby approves the new business resolutions as listed in their entirety. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? All in favor? I. All opposed? Motion carries. And I'd like to thank the um elementary PTA for
056their donation. We're so supportive of our students. Uh public participation for non-agenda items, again nobody has signed in, so thank you. And now I'd like to open up for an item for discussion. Dr. Giani, do you have some >> So, thank you, Ms. Castrogivanni. I'm very excited to share some wonderful news regarding our district finance and facilities. We have officially closed the books and received the final accounting on all the project and change orders for the uh capital project the 21st century capital project. So, through planning um and oversight, um I'm proud to announce that we have generated an additional 190,000 in savings. Uh this obviously this saving is in addition to the 2.6 million dollars that was already um not spent and and we had discussed this in the past. So, having these remaining
057funds present us with a unique opportunity. One option is to um over a period of 15 years return the money to the taxpayers uh the $190,000 or the second option which would be my recommendation would be to use the uh these funds to create an additional structure that remains perfectly within the scope of our high school turf field project. So, it is my recommendation that we move forward with the construction of a beautiful new terraza similar to the one that is in the front of the school and that terraza would be uh dedicated would be obviously a place where our parents um families and friends are watching the games right now most of the parents are watching the games from the bleachers that were donated by the booster club and the PTA and also on
058the slope that is the grass slope that we have on Weeks uh Avenue. I think the building of a new terraza will transform the hillside into a welcoming, comfortable, and dedicated space for our community to gather, relax, and cheer on our student athletes. I think uh this is a wonderful opportunity to enhance our campus and give back directly to the family who supports our programs. So, I would like to open and ask the board if they have any questions or comments or or if they would like to uh continue with the support the recommendation. >> Dr. Yianni, would be a turf similar to our front the uh >> Yes, it would be similar to our turf uh would be a little bit to when you face Weeks um would be left of the dugouts and
059um from the house from the when you turn on Weeks um it will have a turf on top. It would be very identical to the terraza that we have in front. With the steps that will come from uh a gate with steps uh that will come from Weeks. >> Would be Would the idea be that um spectators sit on those steps or bring lawn chairs to sit on those steps or both? >> Yes, uh similar to what we have in front. Um a lot of some of the students are laying down on the turf. Some students are sitting on the edge of the steps. Uh some students are you know and and I'm sure that parents would be able to just sit and bring a chair. So, there would be enough space to put a
060uh a beach chair the type. >> Dr. Yianni, I just I just want to understand a little about um the $190,000. Could you just explain for me? So, it could be returned over a 15-year period. >> Yeah. >> And roughly what would that equate to? Like >> So, >> per taxpayer household. >> So, if you if you think about an um I I can give you more specific numbers, but if you think about the debt service that we have, we're talking about a $2.2 million debt service over a period of 15 years for the bond. Um, so this would be sort of 190,000 divided by 15. Uh, so roughly probably uh, I would say 12, 13,000, right? Uh, that would be saved every year from the 2.2. So it would be 2.2 million minus 12,
06113,000. >> Minus 12,000. >> So it would be spread out over the period of 15 years. Because the 2.6 2.6 million dollars that was not spent, we didn't borrow that money. >> Right. >> But the 190 was part of the borrowing. >> So it would be roughly $12,000 reduction on a $2.2 million debt. >> Approximately, yes. Correct. >> As opposed to an opportunity within the scope of our bond project that we could construct this with the money that we didn't borrow, but we didn't we saved. >> Yes. >> Through excellent management we did of this overall project. So we have this money and we could therefore use it to build something that's within the scope of the project. >> And uh, several people have expressed interest in, you know, parents that I talked to, obviously
062they they stand on the slope, on the grass. So the the the whole idea is to use this money, which when you spread the 190 over a period of 15 years is a non-material. But what what will happen if 2 years, 3 years from now we decide to do a project like that, would have to come out of the capital project, probably capital reserve fund. >> Got you. >> Mhm. Okay. >> And then being Okay, being that this money is saved from the bond, are we restricted in using this for capital improvements or >> So, the the one the 190,000 can only be used if if it's within the scope of of the work. So, we kind of analyze all the projects and all the projects have been completed. So, um creating that that sort
063of retaining wall, fancy steps will fit within uh the scope of work uh and it would be okay. >> Thank you. >> So, I can move forward um with uh the approval of the board? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Now, we'll move on to meeting adjournment. A motion to adjourn our meeting. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? Thank you all very much for attending tonight. Get home safe.