001All right. Good evening all. Welcome to the board of education regular business meeting. Today is December 8th, 2025. Can I please have a motion to open the meeting? Anyone? Teresa 2. All in favor? That is everyone. It is my further recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education enter into executive session to discuss specific legal, collective bargaining, personnel, and other matters in accordance with the open meetings law. Can I have a motion to enter into executive session? Kelly one, Tom two. All in favor? That's everyone. We will be returning around 7 uh 7:30. Welcome back. Can I please have a motion to exit the executive session and re-enter the public meeting? Teresa 1, John 2. All in favor? That is everyone. Let's all please rise for the pledge of allegiance. To the
002flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. In case of an emergency, please direct yourselves to the illuminated exit signs. There's four of them. Uh this auditorium, this building is a smoke-free building. Smoking or vaping is not permitted. We'll jump into our board meeting. Sorry, I didn't have it open. >> Have it. I just opened it up. All right, we're jumping into the approvals. First one is the Board of Education meeting minutes of November 17th, 2025. It is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education approve minutes from the meeting of the Huntington Union Free School District Board of Education dated November 17, 2025. Can I have a motion, please? Tom
003first. Uh, Jenna 2. All in favor? That is everyone. We have a few FYIs. Uh, number two, three, four, and five are FYIs. Any questions or comments? All right. And we move on to the treasures report of October 2025. It is my recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education approve the October 2025 treasurer's report. Can I have a motion, please? Annie one, Teresa 2. All in favor, that's everyone. And the warrants. It is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education approve the attached warrants which were certified for payment on November 19th, 2025 and December 3rd, 2025. Can I have a motion, please? Kelly one, Tom two. All in favor? That's everyone. Right. Moving on to communications and announcements. I do have something that I wanted to
004bring up. Um something really interesting out of New Jersey. Uh New Jersey lawmakers are advancing a bill to overhaul charter charter schools regulation for the first time in 30 years. Uh they're including banning for-profit uh charter schools. Um banning fully virtual charter schools, increas increasing the transparency uh uh by requiring public posting of budgets, contracts, and board info, and imposing residency requirements on some trustees. Um which to me was pretty um astounding that that already didn't exist. So charter schools is something that we really have to keep an eye on because th those kinds of regulations, those kinds of restrictions don't exist uh in the charter school world. Um that's it for me. Uh Emily Herrera. >> Um I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and recharged for the next couple of weeks before winter
005break. Before the Thanksgiving break, many clubs such as Grand Friends, Italian Honor Society, and AfroCaribbean Heritage Club collected non-p perishable foods for people in need of support for the holidays. Our school emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and supporting one another in any way we can. Clubs such as New World, United Amigos, the Bible Club all contributed in putting together a friend's giving for their members and any student who desired to join in the festivities. Our collaboration and teamwork allows us to connect with one another and create lasting memories in our school. In addition to these charitable activities, the afor the AfroCaribbean Club and Environmental Club are doing a clothing swap until the 12th of December. Students are encouraged to bring in any clothes they may have that they may not use
006anymore. We appreciate any type of donation. The winter orchestra chorus and chorus concert is just around the corner. Join us on December 18th to enjoy the incredible talent of Huntington students. Enjoy. Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate their musical performances. On that note, the drama club had a major success with their production Lost Girl. All students part of the club put their time and effort into making the show mesmerizing to the audience. They received grand applauses for all three performances and remarkable reviews from the audience. Their extraordinary efforts make an exciting wait for their spring performance in March. In celebration of college awareness day, the high school will be hosting its alumni day on December 12th. Students will be able to hear recent Huntington High School graduates about their life after graduation. It's a
007great opportunity for students to hear about a young adults college experience and the opportunities that are offered for their futures. Periods three and four will include an English session and periods five and six will have a Spanish speaking session, allowing all students to gain insight into the college world. Last but not least, I would like to highlight the assembly held on November 17th regarding the introduction of Generation SOS to our school by Isabella Palasios. The the assembly made a significant impact on students across all grades. The guest speaker shared her raw story and displayed courage and hope to students who may be dealing with their own addictions and mental health struggles. Several of my peers formed enough fortitude to go up to the microphone and share their stories, validating that nobody's alone when faced with
008addictions and dealing with mental health. Isabella is planning on forming a club as soon as possible after seeing the amount of students in need of someone to talk to. We will be having another assembly in Spanish so all students can understand the importance of having support systems to guide them through difficult times. The introduction of Generation SOS is already having a positive impact and will continue to benefit Huntington students. Thank you. >> Thank you, Emily. Fellow board members, comments? >> I had one. Uh last month I attended the Southtown School's cultural night. Uh it was a terrific event where the students got to display their family's culture um for other students and families to come and learn about. What I especially loved about the night was that the students got to go around with a
009passport, get a stamp from each country and write down one thing they learned from the presentation. So, there's something to be said uh in my opinion about students even as young as our primary students who uh get to research a topic that interests them and then take on the challenge of presenting it and teaching other people about it. So, great job to Mrs. Amad Urwig and the Southtown teachers for putting on the event and to the Southtown students who did a fantastic job presenting. >> Thank you, John. Anyone else? >> Beth. >> All right. So, I am going to start tonight with some comments for one of the people who are sitting up here with me who will this will be her last meeting and that would be Miss Blake Dunn who's sitting all the
010way at the end over there. So, I'll give you a little bit of information about Blake. She grew up the youngest of four. I did get some of this information from a friend. Uh each summer her family spent a month in a small cottage in Hampton Bays, a place that helped shape who she is. She grew up on the beach swimming, sailing, and soaking in the joy of long days by the water. Even now, the beach and the outdoors remain some of her happiest places. As we all know, music has always been central in her life. She has a beautiful singing voice, but the ch cello became her true musical home. Her talent led her all the way to Thailand where she performed with the Long Island Youth Orchestra, an experience she treasures. Blake and
011her husband Tom built a wonderful life in the city, but they decided to move here when a close friend convinced them that there was no better place than Huntington, as we all know. [snorts] Blake began her journey in Huntington in December of 2015 as a substitute aid. By March of 2016, she had joined the main office at Jack Abrams as a part-time office assistant, serving there until June of 2017. In November of 2017, she became a full-time 10-month office assistant at Finley Middle School. Her dedication, professionalism, and warmth led her to an appointment in July of 2019 as the senior office assistant at Jack Abrams, a role she has filled with exceptional commitment. [snorts] In September of 2024, Blake was appointed district clerk, explan expanding her impact even further. She will continue serving as both
012district clerk and senior office assistant until her departure from the district on January 1st, 2026. As Blake prepares to take on a new role outside the district, we reflect with deep gratitude on her years of service, her kindness, her steady presence, her professionalism, and her heartfelt care for staff, students, and families that have made a lasting impre impression and meaningful mark on Huntington. Blake is a trusted colleague, a compassionate listener, and the heart of every office she has served. And we will miss her voice over those announcements because she has the perfect perfect announcement voice. Uh we thank her for all she has done in both her roles and for the grace and warmth she brought to our school community every day. While we will miss her greatly, we are excited for the new chapter
013ahead and know she will bring the same dedication and spirit to her next adventure. With heartfelt appreciation, we wish Blake all the happiness and success she deserves. >> [applause] [applause] >> It's been my honor truly. >> Okay, so now on to athletics. Uh, five Huntington High School football players are under consideration for all state honors. Jacob Gusk, Yasier Jones, Ethan Lawless, Teton Elise, and Jack Hammondstein are all viring for all state. The all-state team will be announced in about one month. Huntington girls swimmers finished fifth in a field of 18 in the Suffach Championships. It was a great showing after a runner-up finish in the league. What makes it even more amazing is that all 11 of our girls are underassmen, so they will be back. Huntington will host the league wrestling wrestling tournament on
014Saturday, February 7th for the first time in more than a decade. It will feature the Blue Devils vying against teams from Comarmac, Connectquat, North Babylon, Newfield, and Copag. A winter preseason training intramural program is planned for girls softball players. It will be held in the Finley gym in January and February on 11 dates for 75 minutes per session. We are really looking to promote the program and make sure we have enough athletes to perform in the spring. In girls wrestling, Emily Herrera Rivas, who also is sitting up here with us, captured fourth place in her weight class on Sunday at the Queen of the Mat tournament in Copek. Congratulations, Emily. [applause] And freshman Ma Blizzard took first place at her weight in the Bracket for the second straight weekend. So, I do have some more
015honors. These never get old. Girls volleyball fall athletic honors all league Emily Barbara and Kamora Derillis. Girls soccer, all county, Madden Calb. All league, Bella Duke, all league, I'm sorry, Bella Duke and Cameron Smith. Academic all county, Win Francescich. In boys soccer, all conference, Robert Campbell, and Jonathan Morales. All league, Justin Sodto, Rutus Vro, and Ezra Odoi. Girls tennis, all county, Amanda Ganley, Mia Kaufman, Isabella Palasios, Valentina Puchio. All league, Bridget Calerie, Grace Gordon, Kate Gordon, Matteline Calendarian, Fiona Lynch, and division one sportsmanship award, Naomi Lynch. In field hockey, this list just keeps going. All county, Caroline Mitik, all county honorable mention, a Ava Ben Svena and Sophia Vanarddale. All classification, Charlotte Kindleman. All division, Sophie Hoffman. All division goalie, Katie Kokman. Unsung hero, Alexa Wazoski. All tournament, Elliot Manu. All academic, Sophia Vanardsdale. Girls
016cross country, all division and academic. All county, Kylie Bartch. Boys cross country. All league, Eric Hines. And in football, [snorts] all county, Asier Jones, Jacob Guzzik, Ethan Lawless, and Jack Hammondstein. All division Teton Elise, Henry Gerberg, Chase Northrup, Frank Algieri, Banny So Conua, Jane Roal, Patrick Hasset, and Javon Henderson. And balls, boys volleyball, all division, K Caleb Polarmo. All academic, Spencer, Spencer James. Girls gymnastics, all league, Khloe Bedell and Maline Harris. Boys golf, all conference, Jack Corkran and William Donahe. And in girls swimming, all league, Campbell Proctor, and Senna Knap. Let's give all of our athletes a really great round of applause. [applause] And the best part is that there's more. But in the area of fine and performing arts, we did not forget about you all. In the area of art, Kylie Bart received
017the scholar artist award and will be recognized on April 21st with more details to follow. Uh I would also like to congratulate the high school fall drama casting crew on a very successful production of Lost Girl. It was a small but mighty cast and all did a phenomenal job. Uh schamia day of tamia tuba day is where tuba and euphonium players joined for master classes and performances. This year Diaz a euphonium virtuoso from the president's own US marine band was selected by schamia to lead our students. The event was held on November 7th at Central Ipeslip High School where the night began with all state honors students performers who were then joined by all other high schoolers. This continued to include middle school students and then elementary students. Mr. Rudo joined the following students on
018the stage with over 300 tuba and euphonium players. John Dos Santos, Jaden Scott, Ka Key Bonitez, Joseph Herman, and Cole Lima. Let's give them a round of applause. >> [applause] >> And then we'll move on to the nice game all county concert. They had three intensive rehearsals. It this was held at Hop Hog High School on November 14th. And the following students performed among the best seniors in Suffach County. And I believe some of them are here tonight. They are Rachel Huth on the viola. Lily Wasowski soprano 1, Rachel Huth alto 2, Michael Danchenzo tenor 2, Senna Knop on the clarinet, bass clarinet, Alexander Thine, bass one and voice, oh no voice, I'm sorry. Dana Saramigo, French horn, Jessica Lee, soprano 1. Dan Simon, percussion, and Elean Horn soprano 2. Another round of applause. [applause]
019The NISMA Allstate Conference in Performance was held uh December 4th through 7th. So, they just returned yesterday. This is where the best of the best of New York State musicians joined in Rochester to participate in master classes and rehearsals that culminated in a performance for parents and patrons. Congratulations to Rachel Huth on the viola in the string orchestra and she was also selected for voice as well as Lily Wazowski soprano one mixed chorus. Last round of applause there. [applause] Couple more quick mentions. Our chamber choir performed their holiday music at Comet State Park uh treelighting yesterday, I believe, at 400 p.m. And I heard it was a wonderful experience and a great time had by all. We do have many concerts coming up beginning tomorrow evening, Songfest next week and other celebrations. So, please check
020the interactive calendar and the weekly communications from your building principal to make sure you're able to attend. I would also like to congratulate more than 70 members that were inducted into Huntington High School's National Honor Society Nathan Hail chapter on November 24th. We are so very proud of your accomplishments. And two other quick mentions. Uh in January in the evening, I'll be attending the pathways to partnership CTE and workforce development resources event with several board members where we will have an opportunity to listen to keynote speakers and explore collaborative opportunity collaborative opportunities with community partners and related to upcoming legislative events. uh will be attending the Longwood Legislative Breakfast on February 7th with se several members of the board of education to continue the dialogue between local school districts and our elected officials to discuss
021our priorities. We will [snorts] be presenting a brief plan on the updates to the intermediate uh planning that's been taking place throughout the year for implementation in September of 2026. We will be providing that presentation at the January 12th board meeting. And at this time, I would like to end with happy holidays. I hope that our Huntington community gets to spend lots of times with lots of good times with families, friends, and loved ones as we really remember the reason for the season and giving back and taking care of our neighbors. Happy holidays to all. >> Thank you, Beth. At this time, we open up our meeting for public commentary. Public commentary is open to residents and employees of the Huntington District. Speakers are limited to three non-transferable minutes per person. There will be a
022maximum of 30 minutes total for all comments. We will open it up again for a second public commentary towards the end of this meeting. Priority will be given to the comments related to today's regular business meeting titled items for discussion and action. Public commentary is a time dedicated to sharing your thoughts with the board and your input is valued. It is meant for expression rather than dialogue. So, please understand that direct discussions with board members or administration will not be part of public commentary. When you approach the podium, please identify your affiliation to the district, whether you're a resident or or an employee. Use the form at the podium to sign in. Please refrain from naming any student or employees of the district. Public commentary is open. And as I said, we have a second
023public commentary later on. All right. So, at this time, I am going to be introducing Dr. Robert Wadawa, our director of fine and [snorts] performing arts, who will be bringing up Mr. Charles Kolanti and the chamber choir for some holiday treats. We look forward to this meeting every year. We're so happy that you're all here tonight. Thank you. >> All right, so I'll I'll talk as they're getting set up so we can save a little bit of time. So, I would like to introduce our Huntington High School uh chamber choir conducted by Mr. Kasanti. Uh this group is going to be performing three selections. The first selection is a group of Spanish carols. There's going to be three Spanish carols. Followed by Oh Hanukkah, and lastly they're going to end with Carol of the Bells.
024The members of our chamber choir are Haley Camarado, Jessica Lee, Casey Meyers, Ella Van Horn, Molly Barbara, Lauren Depico, Rachel Huth, Avery Joint, Michael Danchenzo, Walter Lopez, Sergio Portigo, uh Kevin Dominguez, Dennis Mcook, and Alexandra Time. So, let's put our hands together for our amazing students. >> [applause] [singing] >> SP [singing] >> [singing] [singing] >> Ius and [singing] [music] [singing] most >> [singing] [singing] >> of the city. The most [singing] SP [music] [singing] >> [singing] >> My soul [singing] is Tore. [singing] >> [singing] [singing] >> for [singing] the floor. [singing] The floor as the floor as the floor. [singing] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [singing] >> [singing] >> Pastor [singing] [singing] I don't >> [singing] [singing] >> might love your [singing] son. Love [music] your son. Let us [singing] follow the >> [singing] >> All around >> [singing]
025[singing] >> Let's have a party. around the table. We'll give you a [singing] treat. to eat. And while we [singing] play the candles [singing] for each [singing] night they will shed a sweet light to remind us of days long ago. For each night [singing] they will shed a sweet to us ago. The bell bells away [singing] from everywhere. Feeling the [singing] air single [singing] ring. seems [singing] to hear from everywhere Christmas [singing] on without their joyful to [singing] every home. [singing] Thank you. That's just wonderful. I want to hit replay on that last song. All right, moving on to policies. We have policy 5250, sale and disposal of school district property. It is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education review first read draft policy 5250 sale and disposal of
026school district property with options for further consideration or second read adoption. Um first take a vote. >> I would make a motion to bypass. >> Okay. >> Um and approve. It's something that we already do as a matter of daily business. So >> yep, we have one motion. Someone second that. Tom. Um, any questions, comments? Let me just see if I have any questions. I did have one question with regards to that. Um, how do we purge some of these electronics? >> How do we purge them? Yeah. >> So, one, we are looking to see if there is any actual value. So, it can go on an equipment site. Um, we will reach out to Boseies. um technology has different vendors they also reach out to to see if there's any salvageable value to it.
027Um some items could be considered scrap metal so you may get uh revenue back in that regard. So we do look at all those avenues before it's something that is just thrown away. >> Great. Thank you. Anyone else? All in favor? That's everyone. Next policy is policy 5621 accounting of fixed assets. It is my recommendation from the superintendent of schools at the board of education review first read draft policy 5621 accounting of fixed assets. Uh this again is with an option for further consideration or a second read adoption. Uh is there a motion for a >> I would motion to bypass this one as well. Again it's standard practice that we're already uh >> can we have someone second? >> Tom questions, comments? All in favor? That's everyone. Policy 5681, school safety plans. It is
028my recommendation from the superintendent of schools. Uh that the board of education review first read draft policy 15680. >> 5681. >> I'm sorry. 5681. Uh school safety plans with options for further consideration or second read adoption. Can I have a motion? John, any second questions, comments? Um, this one I did have a comment about. Um, I think it creates on if we look at a part two on it, I think it creates a rather vague guideline in an area that may establish our duty of care. Um, if we are to accept any responsibility for cardiac emergency and potential liability, we should probably be either more specific or consider eliminating it alto together. I'm not giving legal advice, but it's just a suggestion. So there's a group that's been working on a cardiac emergency response plan.
029It is due to be approved by January 20th, 2026. Um so there have been a group of people working on that and also working at the building levels to establish code blue teams in each building. I would like to thank uh Mr. Stein, uh Dr. Harris, Mr. Hoops, and Miss Rich, uh who have been working on this plan, and that will be ready for approval and review on January 12th at that board meeting. It also requires us to put some additional language into our district-wide safety plan. So, we will be reapproving the district-wide safety plan on January 12th as well in advance of the January 20th deadline for this cardiac emergency response plan to be approved. There will also be protocols that will be very clearly indicated at every AED machine in the district so
030people will know what to do in case of a cardiac emergency. >> Right. And that one we'll come back to for a second read. Policy 58 51 cyber security incident response. It is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools at the board of education review first read draft policy 5851 cyber security security incident response with options for further consideration or second read option. Can I have a motion please? Kelly one, Jenna 2 questions, comments. The comment that I had, the question that I had with regards to this, is there um a policy for our board to um pay out ransom? You know, is that something that we want to discuss because the policy here says that it is our policy that we would consider ransom payment. Um something to think about when we come back
031to this for second read. All right. Um, policy 7210, student evaluation, promotion, and placement is my recommendation from the superintendent of schools at the board of education. Review first read draft policy 7210, student evaluation, promotion, and placement with options for further consideration or second read adoption. >> Um, I'm comfortable bypassing this one also. Um, >> okay. Can I have a second, Tom? Second. Questions, comments? All in favor? That's everyone. Next one is policy 7220 graduation options early graduation accelerated programs. It is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education review first read draft policy 7220 graduation options early graduation accelerated programs with options for further consideration or second read adoption. Can I have a motion? John one, >> Annie 2. Any questions, comments? Let me just see my notes. This was
032also something we considered bypassing. Um, it really just eliminates language um and replaces it with kind of again practice that was already in place. >> So, you make a motion to bypass. >> Can we have a second? >> Any second? Questions, comments? I did have a question. Um, I know that we had had somebody ask us before about waving the college fees. Um, how how do we address the waving of of the college fees for >> at this time? We have the dual enrollment options at full price and then at a reduced price. And we really are very uh careful about the partnerships that we have to ensure that every partnership we have does have a free and reduced price, which some of them are as low as free or $25 per credit. Um, some
033are more around 50, but it is a huge discount from paying, you know, $900 for three credits to get down to $150. Um, and we really do pride ourselves on offering this option to all of our students. At this time, we do not uh pay as a district for students to take the dual enrollment option. um if that was something we would want to consider that would be a a large cost that we did look into I think about two years ago and b the the parameters around that as that would become a districtf funed uh cost for students to be attending college. So we would have to really explore that uh greatly. It's great that we're offering all of these credits uh for students, but you're right. I think it would be a slippery
034slope to go down that road and you would get into SATs, ACTs, uh and we can't give away uh funds like that. All in favor? That's everyone. Uh policy 7251, student privacy, parental access to information, and administration of certain physical examinations to minors. It is my recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education review first read draft policy draft board policy 7251 student privacy parental access to information and administration of certain physical examination to minors with options for further consideration or second read option my password right can I have a motion please Kelly one Tom two questions comments I will come back to that for a second read next One is 8460F.1 field trip parent guardian consent medical information during school hours English and Spanish forms A and B. It is upon
035recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education review first read draft board form 8460F.1 field trip part parent guardian consent medical information during school hours English and Spanish forms A and B with options for further consideration or second read option. Make a motion from bypass. >> Yeah, make a motion for bypass. >> Bypass second by Annie. Questions, comments? I just love that this um this does put a little bit more onus on the student um which I think is important for them to get approval from all of their teachers um to make sure that they'll be catching up on any missing work. It's just a much more comprehensive plan and I love that it's now both in English and Spanish. So, anyone else? All in favor? That's everyone. 8460F.2 two field trip
036parent guardian consent medical information out of state English and Spanish form A and B. It is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools at the board of education and review first read draft board form 8460F.2 field trip parent guardian consent medical information outofstate English and Spanish form A and B with options for further consideration or second read adoption. Are we bypassing a motion? >> Make a motion to bypass. Second, John. Questions, comments? All in favor? That's everyone. All right. On to district district clerk. It is my recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education appoint Kim Zelman as district clerk from January 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2026. Can I have a motion? Did Terresa Horn and two? All in favor? That's everyone. And deputy district clerk. It is upon recommendation from
037the superintendent of schools that the board of education appoint Sarah Mian to the position of deputy district clerk from January 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2026. Can I have a motion, please? Jenna one, Tom 2. All in favor? That's everyone. Curriculum and instruction. Good evening. It is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education sorry >> that the board of education approved cse CPSC submissions as delineated >> can I have a motion Teresa one John two all in favor that's everyone personnel >> it is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education approve personnel items on schedules 5 7 8 9 10 11 13, 15, 16, and 22. >> I have a motion. Jenna one, Kelly 2. All in favor? That's everyone. >> I have a few
038announcements. Uh, first and foremost, uh, the board just granted um, tenure to Allison Bean this evening. Um, congratulations on earning this in the area of library media specialists. Since joining Huntington High School, she has transformed the library into a welcoming, innovative hub where students are engaged, supported, and excited about learning. Her dedication to fostering collaboration with teachers, integrating cutting edge technology, and curating diverse and inclusive resources has made a tremendous impact on our school community. So, congratulations. [applause] Additionally, um the board also approved Miss Kim Zelman as district clerk. Uh Kim has a wealth of knowledge. She has been a staple and a fixture um in central office uh for quite some time. Prior to that, she was uh running the realm of special education when I first started here in Huntington. Um we're excited
039for her to take over. We know that we are in tremendously great hands. So, congratulations on that. >> [applause] >> And the board also approved the deputy district clerk Sarah Mihan who also comes with a wealth of experience and knowledge and the two of them will be a dynamic duo together. So congratulations [applause] >> uh business Dr. Harris. >> It is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education approves business items I through N. Can I have a motion? Any one? John two. All in favor? That's everyone. >> We have some nice donations. Um like to thank Miss Erin Flor who is presenting a donation of flower bulbs to primary uh Southtown Primary School. Donation have has an approximate value of $100. So thank you so much to beautifying the outside
040of our building. [applause] um like to also thank Dr. James Pacy. Um he is presenting a donation of a new Normatch 3 full body system and two Normatch 3 leg attachments um to the Huntington High School athletic department. It's a state-of-the-art system that's uses dynamic air compression to create a restorative massage. So it'll help our athletes feel refreshed faster. Um this is a donation of approximate value of $1315.88. Thank you, Dr. Pacy. [applause] And as always, the Washington Primary School PTA is always coming through with a donation uh to help offset the uh cost of upcoming field trips in the amount of $1,710. So, thank you to the Washington PT. [applause] >> Great. And we open it back up for a second public commentary. Same rules apply as they did earlier. Teresa will be our
041timer. >> I'll just give you a little nod when you have 30 seconds left. I don't want to interrupt you. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Karen Love Lace. I'm a Huntington resident and I'm also the mom of three young children, two of whom attend South Primary School. I'm here tonight to bring your attention to sidewalks and the vital role they play in our children's lives, helping them move safely through their neighborhood, grow independent, develop healthy lifestyles, and feel connected to their community. For many families in our district, our local school is less than a mile from home, but gaps in the sidewalk, especially along narrow stretches and blind curves, make even the shortest walks unsafe. As a parent, I feel this every day. I live directly across from Southbound Primary, but the broken,
042uneven shoulder means I'd have to walk in the street with my 7-year-old, 5-year-old, and three-year-old in a stroller. During busy drop off and pickup times, I often end up driving the onetenth of a mile instead, adding one more car to an already congested drop off line. And I'm far from the only parent who does this. This is problem isn't limited to Southtown. I have friends who live quite literally next to Wood Hole. Yet they will not be able to walk their children once they attend simply because no safe pathway exists. When families who live right next to a school still have to drive, that is the sign of an environment built for cars, not for kids. Our community clearly wants change. A petition circulated among local residents to complete the sidewalk gaps on Southdown Road
043now has more than 200 signatures with nearly every affected household represented. This level of unity on an issue is rare and it sends an unmistakable message. Families want safer, more connected ways to move through our community. We've brought this issue to town board and we'll be speaking again tomorrow afternoon, but pedestrian safety and walkability have long been neglected and treated as a low priority. >> [snorts] >> The truth is sidewalks have the power to be life and community transforming. Especially at a time when loneliness, depression, sedentary lifestyles, and lack of independence are major concerns for our kids. Walkability is one of the most powerful tools a community has to counter those trends. As our kids grow, we want them to experience that sweet sense of independence that's so crucial to their development and their confidence.
044walking to school, heading to a friend's house, walking the dog, or grabbing a slice of pizza rather than [snorts] sitting at home alone and scrolling until someone can drive them. Our mission as a district is to nurture the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally, and to empower them to become compassionate, and productive members of their community. That's why I'm asking the board of education to add its voice to this conversation. While I realize the district cannot build sidewalks, your voice carries tremendous weight. Many Oh, thanks. Many state and federal grants, including the federal Safe Roots to School grant, require school involvement. A board resolution or letter of support could significantly strengthen the town's ability and willingness to secure funding for these projects. If you join us in publicly advocating for safe walking routes throughout our
045communities, particularly near our schools, it becomes far more difficult for the issue to be ignored. Thank you so much for your time and for your commitment to the well-being of our kids and our community. Anyone else? Right. [laughter] Board members comments. Happy holidays to everyone. Have a great holidays. See you next year. Motion to adjurnn. Annie one, Teresa two. All in favor? That's everyone. Have a good night.