001Good evening all. Welcome to the board of education regular business meeting. Today is August 25th, 2025. Can I please have a motion to open the meeting? Tom 1, Kelly 2. All in favor? That's everyone. It is my 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 please have a motion to enter into executive session? Teresa one, Annie 2. All in favor? That's everyone. Well, we'll be back at 7. All right, welcome back everyone. Can I please have a motion to exit the executive session and re-enter the public meeting? Teresa 1 any two. All in favor? That is everyone. Please all rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> Pledge allegiance to
002the flag of the United States of America and to the standy for all. In case of emergency, please direct yourselves to the illuminated exit signs in the back and the sides of the auditorium. This is a smoke-free building. Smoking or vaping is not permitted in the building. And let me just join the meeting. All right, we're going to go right to the approvals. It is upon recommendation from the super superintendent of schools that the board of education approved minutes. Hold on. From the meeting of the Huntington Union Free School Board of Education meeting dated 84205. Can I have a motion? Tom one, Jenna Two. All in favor? That's everyone. We have a few FYIs from 2 through five. Any questions or comments? No. Okay. and we'll go off to warrants. It is upon recommendation from
003the superintendent of schools that the board of education approve the attached warrants which were certified for payment on August 13, 2025. Can I have a motion, please? Jenna one, Kelly 2. All in favor? That's everyone right here. >> Oh, that's right. John Weston, our board member, is unable to attend today. And we're going to move into the board communications. I actually have a few things. Um, actually, I'm going to start off with something a little bit sad. We we had a superintendent that was with us for a short period of time that has recently passed. So, I'm going to ask for a moment of silence for Superintendent Alan Gverman. Thank you. And now, um, the annual ATT kindergarten welcome will be tomorrow at Huntington Firehouse at 6 PM. It's the one leverage uh place in
004Huntington. It's a fun event for all the kindergarten parents that they're that are coming in. Fun to get to meet some of the teachers there. Uh opening day convocation on August 27th from 8 to 10:30. Um I think we have a speaker John Paul Gonzalez, right? Is that his name? Dynamic speaker. You're going to have a good time with him. Um very invigorating. We listened to him. We heard him speak once and just walk out excited. Excited for whatever it is you're going to do. Uh, and then last week we kicked off the new teacher orientation. Made me feel really old, but it was a really really fun experience to to meet all the new teachers and to know that they're in it because one, they want to teach and two because they want to
005teach here in Huntington, which is which is really nice feeling. Um, lots of lots of enthusiasm in the room. U, that's all for me. I'm going to leave it up to Emily. Yours. Yeah. Um, good evening board and members of the community. I hope you all had an enjoyable and restful summer as we begin to prepare for the 2025 and 2026 school year. Huntington High School is beginning to open up its doors once again. The music department is working hard now that their annual marching band is underway. Students are practicing and training for their spectacular shows throughout the year. This year's show for the competition is called Stranded, and it's very exciting to see what the Huntington marching band brings to the field. They had a parent performance yesterday at Finley Middle School to show
006parents all the hard work they have been they have put in during their training. Clubs in the high school have been contributing to their community all throughout the summer. Habitat for Humanity went on their summer build on August 7th, and everyone who attended enjoyed reuniting again after a long break from building homes for families in need. It was a meaningful and successful act of service that day. Um, and several new renovations were carried out in the high school, such as installations of new stadium lights on the field and picnic tables near the gym entrance and in the courtyards for students to use during their lunch periods. they this allows students to enjoy the outdoors and have a place to connect with peers in the school environment. And just a little reminder to seniors, parking spots
007will be available tomorrow, August 26, between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. In order to register, students must present their registrations and their class D license. Additionally, forms for senior privileges were sent out through parent square requiring the signature of a parent or guardian to qualify for senior lunch and special attendance access. And finally, I'd like to highlight the success of the college application boot camp. Many students attended and utilized the resources provided for them. I asked several students and many found it extremely helpful. It allowed them to improve their college essay writing skills and prepare their application for a smoother process in the upcoming months. It demonstrates the support Huntington gives to each student. Um and that is all. Thank you all for your time. >> Thank you Emily. Board members. >> Uh yeah, one
008or two things. Um the uh school's uh booster club uh which provides financial support for annual awards, purchases of equipment, summer sports programs, and refreshments at athletic events are having their uh annual fundraiser here. And this year's fundraisers to honor John Lurco, a lifelong uh Blue Devil uh both uh him playing there and uh two children that have actually gone on to become Duke Blue Devils. Lifelong Blue Devils. And we'll be having the uh annual fundraiser at the American Legion Hall Friday, September 12th. Uh be with a local band, Anarchy on the Bay, local favorites. Uh and we will be there to uh uh honor uh John and uh hope everyone comes on down. If you're interested at all, that the uh link will be on the school website or you can just go to
009the Huntington Booster Club annual fundraiser.com. Thank you. Anyone else? And that booster club event is a fun event. Um the highlight of that event is going to be the band, right? Because uh yours truly is the singer of that band. I saw him actually perform the other day. He was unbelievable. So it it's open to the public. Uh everybody's invited to come September 12th. Love to see you all. >> Superintendent Superintendent Beth. >> Yesterday's home show was phenomenal. The HBDMBB has outdone themselves once again. Just to mention a couple of upcoming performances, uh, Hunt Huntington Unity Day parade is on September 13th, kicking off at Huntington High School starting at 10:00. Our marching band will be performing. That will end at Stimson Middle School. Um, probably around 11ish. Um, and then there are some fun
010activities there as well. And Mr. Ronald E. Wilson, our Huntington High School dean and coach um and mentor to many will be honored at that event. So, we hope to see you there. Uh our HBD is also performing at Brentwood on Sunday, September 14th, COPEG on the 21st and Roslin on the 28th. So, those are a few upcoming performances for them. Uh our early morning music, we're off to a good start for this year. We already have the date. It will begin hopefully and expectedly on October 6th. letters, parents square, and social media post um will be going out forthcoming in the next couple of weeks if you haven't received any information already. In the area of athletics, our fall sports teams are underway. As of 5:45 a.m., yes, that was the time I got
011my most recent update. Uh we have 343 student athletes signed up for 18 high school teams and we have 143 student athletes signed up for our seven Finley teams. So, we're very excited to welcome them back. There is still time to sign up on final forms. So, please, if you need assistance, please reach out to your building and we can provide you with any help that you might need. Um, the Finley team meetings will begin on Thursday, September 4th with the practices starting on Friday, September 5th. Um, just some other uh updates in the area of athletics and PE. Uh, the yoga room is now fully airond conditioned and we have a new mat installed with new yoga mats and blocks for our classes that take place there. The rig room in the corner of
012the gym has also been airond conditioned for the warm months. Uh and almost all of the new equipment for uh and supplies for health, PE, and athletics have been delivered, including new uniforms for 20 teams. So, we really do pride ourselves on continuing to upgrade our not only our facilities, but also the uniforms and the things that our athletes need to be successful as well as our scholars in the district. Um the new high school botchi courts are almost finished. So we're very excited about running the unified botchi team uh this year as well. I already mentioned unity day. Um just a reminder that will kick off at 10 a.m. and we really do hope to have a really great presence from Huntington. Um September 13th, yes, 10 a.m. starting at the high school. Uh
013we did have a very successful two days of administrative workshops last week uh as well as new teacher orientation as we welcomed a really terrific group of educators. I'd like to thank Mr. Cuzac and all of our presenters for all their work in supporting our new teachers as they get started here in Huntington. We look forward to our facilities tour tomorrow with several board members and we will have a slideshow to share with the community about updates made to our buildings and grounds at our next board meeting on September 8th. I'd like to thank our custodial staff and our buildings and ground staff for all the work they've done over the summer. In addition to our clerical staff really preparing for the opening of school, we'd like to thank everyone for all their hard work
014and dedication. Just a reminder, we have AC in all of our classrooms as well as free breakfast and lunch for all students in Huntington as we start the year. So, please just be aware of that as our kids come back to school next week. Uh we do also have our Huntington High School grade 9 and Finley Middle School grade 7 orientations tomorrow and kindergarten orientation takes place on Thursday. The interactive calendar is up. So if you have any questions about times, everything is posted there. And we did add a tab to the top of the website based on feedback from the community. So if you press calendar, it'll take you right down to all of the different calendar options that we have. Two superintendent conference days are coming up this week. Um we're really looking
015forward to welcoming back our amazing faculty and staff um as we provide them with time to set up their rooms, professional development, department meetings, as well as our opening day convocation. We have our bonfire and homecoming up the weekend of September 25th. So please hold that date. On the 25th, we start with the bonfire at 6:30 p.m. That is a Thursday. On September 27th, which is the Saturday, we will have the parade at 11:30 a.m. and our game at 1:30. And I believe we're playing can no com center reach. I knew it was a C. I'm sorry. I believe there will also be some activities on Friday evening under the lights. We are expecting them to be up and running. So, Mr. Hoops wanted to plan. I believe it's our soccer team that will be
016playing that night under the lights. So, that'll be an exciting weekend for all. I would like to also commend Mr. Hender on an amazing job routing for the upcoming school year and the dry runs that are have been completed and will also be continue to be completed this week. Uh we do expect to have the snap the stopfinder app up and running in the coming weeks where parents will be able to track the bus in real time. Uh route information is also available on the stopfinder app. This is an exciting new initiative that we're launching this year due to the hard work of Mr. Hender and the transportation office. But I just please remind like to remind everyone, we ask that you be very patient the first week or two of school as we work
017out the kinks. So many of our buses, they start at the high school. If they're 10 minutes late leaving on the first day of school, then they will be late to the next place, then another 5 10 minutes. So the first week, sometimes we do have a little bit of a later um dismissal and even an arrival in the morning when kids are familiarizing themselves with the bus stop, etc. Some parents might want to say something to their child for a little longer as they put them on the bus. So, please be patient. Um, if we do expect significant delays, your principal will send out a parent square to that particular bus to say, "We really had a late start or a late dismissal. Please expect a little bit more of a delay than usual."
018But we usually do work those kinks out within the first week or two of school. Just a reminder about our intermediate school planning um that we will be presenting that plan uh a revised plan on September 8th for the board to review. Um we really do believe that this forwardinking curriculum model will really go beyond traditional classroom room classroom learning provides real world hands-on experiences that empower empower students to not only be strong learners but future ready leaders. Um the the presentation that we've done on July 1st is still posted on the website along with the FAQ um and has been shared also via parent square. So we look forward to that discussion on September 8th. Something that I hope most of you know about at this point is the cell phone policy. There is
019a belltoell ban on cell phones beginning September 1st. This is a New York State requirement. Um our board uh adopted a policy on August 1st to comply with this requirement. um after receiving stakeholder input. So we are asking that our parents, guardians, and students assist us with the implementation of this policy at all levels. We ask that to the greatest extent possible that cell phones be left at home. However, if a child does bring it to school, please note that it will need to be stored in their locker at the secondary level or their cubby at the elementary level throughout the day. The device should not be seen at any point from when they arrive at school until they leave at the end of the day. Information related to the policy and the frequently asked
020questions is also posted on the website under the notification section. If you haven't received the communication from your child's building already, it will be shared in the coming days. After you receive the information, if you have any additional questions, please contact your child's school. So, that is a big shift for this year and we do ask for the support of our teachers, our faculty, our staff, our administration, our parents, and of course our students. Um, so that being said, we are so excited to welcome our children back on September 2nd. We can't wait to see everyone's smiling faces. >> Thank you, Beth. Can't believe we're here. I feel like we're just going through graduation. All right, so at this time, we open up our meeting for public commentary. Public commentary is open to residents and
021employees of the Huntington District. Speakers are limited to three non-transferable minutes per person. There will be a maximum of 30 minutes total for all comments. We will open it up again for a second public commentary toward the end of the meeting. Priority will be given to 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 expressing rather than dialogue. So, please understand that the 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 an employee of the district. Use the form at the podium to sign in, and please refrain
022from naming any students or employees of the district. All right. And like I said, we have a second public commentary. We'll come back to that. Where'd I go? Yeah. Okay. Items for discussion and action. And we have a 2026 budget election timeline. It is my recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education adopt the 2026 budget election timeline outlined below. Can I have a motion, please? Teresa 1, Annie 2. Uh, any questions, comments? Anything to say about it? >> You want to say anything about it? No. Right. All in favor? That's everyone. All right. Moving on to curriculum and instruction. >> Good evening. It is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education approve CSSE CPSC submissions as delineated. >> Have a motion, please. Channel 101, Kelly 2.
023All in favor? That's everyone. Next, uh it is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education adopt the attached district professional development plan for the 2025 2026 school year. >> Can I have a motion, please? Annie one, Teresa 2. All in favor? That's everyone. >> Just a quick description. The professional development plan for the 2526 school year has been updated to incorporate the mission and vision of our district's strategic plan, which is the blueprint for excellence. Focus has been placed on professional development sessions that provide learning opportunities related to project-based learning, integrated co-eing models, restorative practices, the science of reading and computer science standards, as well as new developments in artificial intelligence. Our tech mentors will continue to be instrumental in guiding our faculty with next steps regarding AI best practices,
024ethics, and balancing technology with authentic and meaningful human interaction. The plan for 2526 includes the updated fall and spring required PD calendars and new teacher sessions as well as updated funding information and testing data. Great. And lastly, it is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education adopt the attached district special education plan for 2025 through 2027. >> We have a motion, please. Tom one, Kelly 2. All in favor? That's everyone. >> And again, a quick description. The district's special education plan has been updated to reflect any changes in staff as well as compliance with new regulations regarding compulsory and age out attendance ages in relation to students with individualized education plans. Additionally, the visual chart used to depict the district's continuum of services was updated for aesthetic purposes, while the
025content of the chart remains the same, indicating the types of services provided by the district in order to support students while maintaining the least restrictive environment standard. I'd like to thank uh Miss Diana Rich, our director of special education and student support services, for providing the updated document for approval. That's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you. And moving on to personnel, Mr. Hender, >> it is upon recommendation from the superintendent of schools that the board of education approve personnel items on schedules 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 20, and 22. >> Have a motion, please. Any one? Teresa two. All in favor? That's everyone. >> I have some exciting announcements to make. Uh, first and foremost, the board just approved and appointed Nicole Defilo as a mathematics teacher at
026Huntington High School. So, welcome aboard. [Applause] And then the next piece while everybody is here uh is to celebrate 20 individuals who have earned tenure tonight. Um so when I call your name and I'm going to go in order of uh how they were placed on the board agenda. Please come on up um and collect your rows and then at the end please do not run out. Mr. Hoops would like to take a wonderful photo of all 20 of you. Okay. So, uh, first and foremost is Ivy Alviero. Ivy's empathy, professionalism, and unwavering support have guided students through pivotal moments and helped shape their future success. She's a trusted advocate who makes a lasting difference in the lives of her students. Her presence uplifts both families and colleagues across our district. Congratulations. [Applause] Next is
027Julie Der. [Applause] Julie has turned the library and maker space into vibrant, welcoming hubs of exploration, inspiring curiosity and creativity in every child. Her love of books and innovation sparks discovery across the entire school. She has truly redefined the library as the heart of learning. Congratulations, Next is Alexa Gentiel. Alexa's passion for math and her ability to foster collaboration and deep thinking have inspired her students to engage confidently in challenging work. She has helped students build both skills and confidence in mathematics. Her classroom is a place where students learn to love problem solving. Congratulations. Next is Sarah Guagliano. [Applause] Sarah creates inquiry based real world science experiences that captivate her students and spark a genuine love for learning. She brings science to life in ways that empower students to think like scientists. Her energy and
028creativity inspire true curiosity about the world. [Applause] Next is Kenya Govara Moriera. Kenya's engaging lessons and inclusive classroom culture have enriched our students appreciation of language and culture while strengthening their voices. She inspires her students to embrace language as a bridge to the wider world. Her passion helps students develop pride in their identities. [Applause] Next is Mary Guzman Lewis. Mary's dedication as a bilingual social worker has strengthened homeschool connections, supported countless families, and made her a true difference maker. Her compassion and expertise continue to shape a supportive, welcoming environment for all. She is a cornerstone of our team. Next is uh Patricia Hack. Patty has built a nurturing, engaging classroom where our youngest learners thrive. And she has become a beloved part of the Flower Hill family. Her creativity and energy light up her classroom
029and inspire her students every day. She represents the very best of early childhood education. Next is Laura Herbert. Laura's warmth, high expectations, and strong rapport with students have helped English language learners flourish both academically and socially. Her commitment ensures that every child feels seen, supported, and successful. She's been a champion for equity and opportunity. [Applause] Next is Megan Johnson. Megan brings energy, creativity, and high expectations to every lesson, and her students rise to meet the challenges she sets before them. Her classroom is a joyful, engaging place where learning comes alive. She inspires a love of exploration and innovation in every child. Next is Dawn Marmo. [Applause] Dawn's classroom is a joyful and rigorous place where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Her energy, creativity, and love for children make learning both meaningful and
030fun. She is a model of positivity and excellence for her peers as well. Congratulations. Next is Celia Narlo. Celia's engaging lessons, strong rapport with students, and high expectations have fostered a culture of respect and achievement. She inspires her students to think critically, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning. She has become a trusted mentor and role model. Next is Avano Nakarado. Avano's clear instruction, positive rapport, and thoughtful pacing have helped his students succeed in mathematics. His encouragement and structured lessons give students confidence and a love for learning math. He has made math approachable and enjoyable for all learners. Next is Peter Novalano. Peter's creativity, strong content knowledge, and ability to connect with students have made his classroom both supportive and challenging. His lessons spark curiosity and critical thinking while building lasting relationships. He has created
031a classroom where all students feel capable of success. Next is Janice Feifer. Janice's innovative lessons, positive energy, and use of engaging strategies have created a lively and nurturing classroom. She inspires her students to learn with joy and confidence every day. Her infectious enthusiasm makes learning truly exciting for her students. Next is Rosemary Rivera. Rosemary brings high expectations, strong instruction, and a caring approach that helps every child thrive. Her ability to blend rigor with encouragement makes her classroom a place where students grow academically and personally. She is deeply respected by both students and families. Next is Jessica Sims. Jessica's passion for art education and her creative student centered lessons have made her classroom a hub of expression and engagement. She connects deeply with her students, inspiring pride in their work and confidence in their abilities. Her
032art room is a place of imagination and joy. Next is Carly Smith. Carly's thoughtful instruction, datadriven approach, and warm rapport with students have transformed the math lab into a place of success and growth. She makes learning interactive, supportive, and fun for all learners. She's become a vital resource for our most at risk students. [Applause] Next is Mallerie Travers. Mallerie's caring presence, high expectations, and skillful instruction have allowed her students to flourish both academically and socially. Her reflective practice and dedication make her a true asset to her school community. She embodies the very best of the special education teaching. Next is Tara Vadsky. Tara's engaging technology lessons and supportive approach help students explore, problem solve, and create with confidence. She has built a classroom where curiosity and innovation thrive. She prepares her students for the future
033with creativity and skill. And last but not least, uh, Kamaria Hol. Kamari is a calm, dedicated professional whose strong work ethic and caring nature have made a lasting impact on students and colleagues. She steps up whenever needed, always putting students first. She is admired for her reliability, kindness, and devotion to students. Congratulations. I'm exceptionally proud of all of these individuals. Um, they have really made a lasting impact and I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of you. So, congratulations on this well-deserved milestone. Mr. Hoops, where do you want their photo? The amphitheater. >> Yep. Absolutely. If you guys can hold off, the meeting is almost over and then we're going to take it in the amphitheater since we still have some nice sun out there and it'll be beautiful. Okay. Thank
034you. >> All right. The pressure's on. I got to move this thing. Right. >> So, that means no, you're not allowed to leave yet. Okay. Few minutes. I do just want to say one of the best moments about sitting in this seat is that I knew all of you from new teacher orientation four years ago when many of you looked like you weren't really sure or maybe were going to cry. Um, and look at you all today. Congratulations. You've done a phenomenal job. We're so happy to have you here. Dr. Harris. >> All right. This is the most people I've ever had while I'm speaking. And I feel like I should be talking about budget since you're all here, but I won't do that to you. So, it is upon recommendation from the superintendent of
035schools that the board of education approve business items I through M. >> Have a motion, please. Tom Kelly 2. All in favor? That's everyone. Great. And move on to public commentary. This is our second public commentary. Same rules apply. >> All right. And comments by board members. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Teresa one Andy two. All in favor? That's everyone.