001[Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat.
002[Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. [Music] Hey, heat. Hey, heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat [Music] up here. Heat.
003[Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Good evening everybody. Do I have a motion to convene the December 10th Audit committee meeting of the Levittown Board of Education. Peggy, do I have a second? Jen, please note Mary and Adrien, James Moran, and Michael Papus are excused from this meeting. All in favor? 4. May I have a motion to move to executive session for the purpose of receiving and reviewing the draft internal auditor's report, risk assessment, and detailed testing report on employee benefits for the 2024 2025 fiscal year and working directly with the internal auditors assisting the audit committee in interpreting those documents
004and the district's draft corrective action plan. Phyllis, do I have a second? Jen, all in favor? Four against, zero. Let's head back into the room. Thank you. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]
005Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat.
006[Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat.
007[Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Good evening everybody. Where are we? Okay. I would like to welcome you to the December 10th audit committee meeting of the Levittown Board of Education. May I have a motion to reconvene the meeting? Jen Mscina, do I have a second? Fill us. All in favor? 4. We're going to recite the pledge of allegiance at the beginning of the 7:30 regular meeting. So, we will be seeing stating the pledge just in a little while. Okay. Are we? >> Yeah, we're ready. Uh so tonight is the uh next part of our uh annual audit meetings and so I'm going to just pass this on over to Mr. Fabiano, our assistant superintendent for business and finance. >> Thank you, Superintendent Witch. Yes, tonight we have a uh presentation by the
008firm of Cullen and Donowski. Uh with us from the firm tonight is uh Richard Coffee and Jen Da. uh they will be presenting um a summary of the uh annual risk assessment which you should have received earlier in the week and I provided an additional copy tonight. Uh included in this uh report is a uh detailed testing of our employee benefit department and um I'm going to turn it over to uh uh to Rich and Jen and um uh this will be followed by uh a period uh where you'll free to answer uh ask some questions. Good evening everyone. Uh Richard Coffee, Cullins and Out. Okay. So, uh as I mentioned right, we serve as the internal auditor for the school district. In that role, we perform two types of uh engagements each year. One
009is an annual risk assessment engagement and then the other is some detailed testing and as the title says the detail testing is more of an in-depth review in a particular area. Uh the area selected comes from us meeting with the audit committee previously and going through and determining after we have our risk assessment. We determine which area you think is the best value or most makes the most sense kind of to perform a detailed testing and that's something we'll do tonight. So tonight's agenda the three things we'll cover tonight cover the results of the detail testing related to employee benefits which was the area determined and selected when we met last year. And then next would be the uh risk assessment update report. And then the third item will be determining the detail testing for
010this 2000 2025 26 year. So with our detailed testing uh related to benefits. So as it says right there when we do detail testing we're going to more need to do more of a deep dive into an area and it's going to include actual testing as the title says. So we'll do sample selections things of that nature. Employee benefits is one of the key areas in any district in terms of administration and managing and monitoring the various activities that happen within benefits which was covered and within uh within our report what we do is beforehand we prepare and set up an engagement letter that has a scope of work which is in here. the report itself. Hopefully, you had a chance to look through it. Little background information on the first couple of pages and
011then uh in the background section itself to give the board and the readers some background info related to uh the various pieces and components that we look at and review and test. You have the health insurance which is really kind of the lion share of your insuranceances that are offered to your employees. Then there's some ancillary insuranceances as well, right? Dental, vision, life insurance and then you have also some billings and collections. Uh so in terms of administration right you want to ensure that you're managing the various mostly with health insurance in terms of contributions from employees and the way that's set up too and structured you have the various contribution amounts are driven by your contracts. So we look at that right ensuring that the district is properly uh obtaining the right contribution amounts
012from your active employees based on such contracts and then you also have your rates which may change which do change each year as well in terms of the insurance premiums. So you have those calculations ensuring accuracy there also. And then retirees. So then you have retirees also have contributions. Usually it's the amounts that they're contributing at retire you know upon retirement and into retirement. So you need to look and monitor and how we processing and collecting monies from those individuals towards towards health insurance as well. So those are things that we tested and then also some of the other insuranceances as well. Ensuring the proper coverages payments to all the insurance providers as well. That's part of our scope. look at ensure that the invoices are correct and the payments of such invoices are timely
013reviewed, signed off and accurate. Uh and then also with billings and collections as well. Also a couple of key areas in terms of administration related to benefits uh is health insurance optouts, right? So people have uh an opportunity if they have other insurance, they may opt out. So what's the procedures? What's the frequency? How is that managed and controlled? Ensuring that an employee isn't both on insurance and also receiving an opt out. So we looked at that and tested that as well also. And then another pretty sizable piece of benefits is again as I mentioned right there's a lot of different pieces of benefits that are covered during our review and the district needs to administer and that's your Medicare part B reimbursement. That's something else that's also we look at the amounts that are
014are paid to employees driven by the basically the amount of insurance that or amount of social security monies that's withheld towards Medicare part B. So that's another thing that we looked at and tested. Overall uh very positive results in terms of all of the testing that we've done related to those different types of activities. We didn't find any exceptions in terms of dollar amounts or late payments or miscalculations uh within the engagement. So that's very positive terms of uh results of the engagement and uh recommendations as part of our review too right we look to see if there are any opportunities for efficiency or enhancements related to those different various activities and processes. So we do have three recommendations for consideration. One and these are all pretty much again is really uh really for enhancements
015and operational efficiencies. Schoolfront system right using for benefits. See if there way a way you might be utilized functionality within your schoolfront system. See if there's opportunities to maybe help administer some of these activities within the system. Your Medicare part B uh payments a payments. So currently checks are issued for the for the reimbursements to individuals who receive Medicare part B payments. Maybe consideration there is moving to AC automatic you know payments as opposed to checks. It would be a you know more streamlined process. You reduce potential for having to uh follow up on unclaimed checks. Your bank reconciliations could be cleaner. And you know that's something you may think about setting up phases in phases maybe starting off with people that are upcoming in and going into retirement. Maybe it start with those folks,
016right? Because they a lot of those individuals now pretty much almost all are probably on direct deposit for payroll anyway as a beginning, right? So might be able to have that transition for consideration. And then the third item here, retirey billings. Again, thinking about maybe an automatic process there to see if there's a way you might be able to collect monies from your retirees as opposed to sending out bills and invoices and then having to subsequently follow up to see that they've collected and paid on such uh payments. Okay. Any questions related to our benefits uh review or findings reports? >> Does anyone have any questions? >> Okay. >> Is it I real quick is it challenging to do the electronic payments like the direct deposit instead of check? >> I don't know. I think
017you you know you have already kind of set up in scenarios there right with employees getting their payrolls. I think moving forward then, you know, in terms of using ACH's, I don't think, you know, it's something that's very, you know, obviously it's obtainable, you know, and I don't think any, you know, I think you could look I don't believe usually contracts don't include uh anything that says that it um it prohibits it from that standpoint. Obviously, it's something you always want to look at, right? If there's anything in any contract that speak to the way things may or should be or need to be handled, but not that I'm aware of. >> Yeah. and and uh you know we would we're certainly going to look into this because it is a recommendation and it's our
018obligation to look into it. Um what I would say is that we would probably offer it as an option. Uh and I think uh uh Rich makes a a very good suggestion. The people who are current uh currently on our payroll who looking to retire who may receive this soon um they're a little bit more familiar with electronic payments and so we might you know we might say you have to go to a payments but with the retirees sometimes you know how they receive the payment it it can be a little bit upsetting or daunting to them if we don't do what we've always done. So uh we'll take a look at it. Uh but I probably wouldn't um I would probably make the recommendation that we offer it as an option. >> Good question.
019Any other questions on benefits before the next draft report? Uh and also I should have mentioned in terms of our process where we create uh create a preliminary draft report bet that with administration ensure that you know everything we have in our report is correct and accurate and then uh then move forward with a final draft and we keep it as a draft for this evening with the audit committee and then finalize the reports uh subsequent at tonight's meeting. So the second second report uh risk assessment report similar format to our previous risk assessment reports we have here's a little background about you know about the uh internal audit requirements for internal audit. Couple things here that we do during our risk assessment is speak with numerous individuals administrators some key employees and staff directors
020uh to talk about and follow up on any key changes that may have taken place since the previous year. So it's an annual risk assessment update. Those changes could be either systems, processes, new laws or regulations. I know there's been quite a few of those things that the state has now mandated over the last couple of years for whether it be requiring a policy to be set up, new protocols to be established. Uh so those things will follow up and sure if it's compliance item, we'll you know check to see that board policies have been created as required. Uh we also follow up on prior recommendations that uh from our previous report. So any open recommendations from a previous risk assessment report as well as following up on a detailed testing report that may have
021some recommendations given the uh the benefits was a more recent review. Right? So we'd follow up on that next year. So this year we followed up on the recommendations from the review of transportation and that was a report that was issued uh in 2024 and then we follow up and determine the status. So within the report itself, we would find where where the recommendations are they still open or had they been closed and addressed. We also include in our risk assessment is a table of all the processes and areas that we review and cover during our risk assessment. That would be pages four and five. And within there we also note the date of any detailed testing. So we can use this to kind of track and monitor where we go as we move forward.
022what areas have we reviewed uh and when when we perform such reviews or if there's reviews that have not been uh performed in a particular area then it wouldn't have a subsequent you know a date noted in there. So we'll get back to that when we determine which area for detailed testing for this year. And then as part of the risk assessment as I mentioned key changes. So we include key changes within the risk assessment report that's pages six 7 and 8. And in there we note different things in terms of numerous policies I mentioned on page six. Any newer laws regulations exopicial board members for example right is one of those things. uh prevention acts, Disha's law, uh you have you know the temperature in classrooms, the cell phones as I mentioned been quite
023active all districts in the past couple years particularly this past year uh that's all included in here any financial results related to overall general fund and the health of the district there which you would get from your financial auditors in more detail as you have those uh and each district has financial auditors as well and then any IT things you know in terms of uh trainings and awareness fishing campaigns those those scenarios so changes all come about from our meetings and interviews with the various administrators and employees. And then in terms of current observations if we have any identified any uh recommendation suggestions again for either in in uh and then ones here also are you know the compliance or more are for operational efficiencies enhancements thinking about using electronic documentation for your journal entries
024and budget transfers in place of paper. Probably one of the largest changes I've seen in the 20 years work with schools probably moving from paper to electronic processes and procedures that you have. Uh so we have a couple recommendations here. uh new hire compliance training, right? Ensure complete completion of those particular activities and human resources and then the personnel activity reporting the PAR forms that's required for employees who receive funding from grants. There's a form that's required to be filled out and we're there. We're looking to see if there maybe there's an opportunity for some efficiencies there. They're doing that every price cycle for all individuals. Someone with 100% monies covered uh under a grand could be reduced in frequency. So that's more on an operational efficiency improvement. and then uh and then working on
025it. District's got some recommendations that are open that are in progress which I anticipate these being closed next year related to se a few of them related to payroll and trying to use again those operational efficiencies utilizing some software and stuff uh to try to find uh enhancements and improvements and then a number of closed recommendations starting on page 12 rolling down through page 15. Those are closed items and then they would kind of drop off uh the report for the upcoming report for next year. We'd follow up on the open recommendations, the new and the ones that are still open. >> Okay. Any questions related to the risk assessment report? >> I I have a question. >> Yes. >> Um for for grants for personnel activity reporting? >> Yes. >> Um so it said
026that this the personnel activity reports should be completed. They're currently completed annually and they're recommending or you're recommending monthly and then we're looking to do it quarterly. Is that correct? >> Am I getting it wrong? >> Yep. So, recommending district consider implementing a periodic time effort uh certification process for grant funed salaries under which employees charge less than 100% certify their actual time distribution. Um I'm sorry, at least monthly with supervisor approval and reconciliation payroll while employees charge 100% to a single grant may be covered by a semianual supervisory certification. >> Okay. So are there like does the employee have to like fill out something in order to show that they worked under the grant? Is that like something separate? >> It's a it's a Yeah, basically it's a form and it's a form that
027notes what the charges are being towards the grant from that particular person's salary or the percentage of Okay. Okay. >> And that's something that's the certification that they're aware that they know that they're receiving funding uh payroll monies or earnings working underneath a grant, you know, an approved grant that uh that >> they're signing off basically that they're saying that they're doing the work that's associated on that form that's associated with the grant. >> It's correct. >> No, it makes sense. I just signed one at work. That's why that's I didn't understand why, but now I know. Thank you. >> And and then frequency depends on your percentage of the percentage of your salary charged to a grant. So if it's 100% it could be less frequent semiannual and uh so that's the recommendation there.
028Uh good question. Any other questions on the report? >> Yeah, >> I I just wanted to just uh make a couple comments. Um so I know you mentioned the uh piece in there, the recommendation about the training for new hires and about um really about um being able to develop a system for tracking and ensuring that they uh did receive the training and certificates and so forth. So, I know it's just funny because we had talked actually for a couple of months now um with with Mrs. Gadis in the HR office who has been developing those procedures specifically. So, >> um we should be able to have those to share with the board probably by January. Um so, it was just ironic because I don't know that we knew that that recommendation was coming, but
029uh that was great. Um but also that uh many of those items even from last year, most of them are really closed out, which is great. So, I did want to thank business office in regards to the work that they've done to um really, you know, get a handle on closing out recommendations um that have previously made. You know, we we we love you guys. We don't always agree with every recommendation. I know sometimes there are things that we prefer to either continue to do because we're doing it in house and it may be cheaper than bringing in a third party or things like that. But um I am very appreciative to everybody from the business office uh for everything that they do in regards to always looking to become more efficient and better at
030what we do and obviously your team is a big part of that. uh just like with our look at the benefits department right we our processes like we looked at that when we had some you know questions that we had internally just about Medicare reimbursement we said you know what it's a great opportunity to have our auditing firm look at the whole department to then come back and say there are other things that we are unaware of that we need to do a better job so it's really about being open to the fact that like we're all learning we're all lifelong learners in whatever role we play and as long as we're open to the fact that there are going to be new things that we can implement that will make us better and be
031willing to do that then I think that we're uh we're always going to keep moving forward be a little bit better tomorrow than we are today. >> So thank you business office for your work. >> Excellent. Thank you Todd. We love working with you guys as well. And in terms of recommendations right there uh you know there are suggested recommendations if it's a compliance type of recommendation then obviously we expect the district you know should and needs to kind of follow such but some of these operational efficiencies it's something to consider. districts may choose a different route or do something different obviously which is understandable and again it just drives the conversations discussions and some thought for them for the district to look into and okay so the thinking about now I guess the last
032agenda unless any other questions on reports okay uh so thinking of detail testing for this upcoming 2025 26 year as I mentioned right using the table going back and looking at key areas you know there's some areas where you'll see we have not performed any detailed testing. Some of that is because the area itself probably isn't very significant or sizable where you really find a lot of value add in a district probably like in terms of governance and planning accounting and reporting scenarios you know you have your orders in place you're following compliance you have order committees you have board board activities and everything is pretty good and solid there so really not something that would you know find value added in terms of us doing detailed testing in that particular areas so then we
033look at some key areas where we have uh performed a review but it's been I guess you know a period of time has passed and one that we're thinking of suggesting and considering and we've talked about it previously I believe too in the past couple years it's come up you maybe human resources as the area to look at uh and I know there was a newer person right there was a change in administration so we said why don't we wait have the newer administrator in that area before considering that as our detail testing area so that's kind of our suggestion our thoughts had conversations as we usually do with the administration before tonight's meeting and but the decision rests with the audit committ in terms of which area you would like to see us perform
034detailed testing or if you have any questions or any other thoughts, you know, please feel free. >> Okay. you >> I I I I'll just say and and uh just to remind the committee, we did talk about last year um in the prior year we were we were going to we were gearing up to do the detailed testing in HR. Uh we we we changed it uh to look at the Medicare uh payments as you as you all know. Uh and then we expanded that scope and did the entire uh employee benefits department through the detail testing. Uh as uh as Rich uh suggested uh we also postponed HR because Miss Gadis had just come in uh was was just learning the department and we figured with a year under her belt uh it would
035be easier this year. So we don't have to make a final decision tonight. Uh but we can we can talk about it further if you'd like. Uh but uh Rich would need to know what area we're going to do in detail testing. And I I highly recommend that we we stick go back to the original plan uh and do HR this year unless anybody has any other suggestions, concerns or questions with regard to where we're going to test uh in this coming school year. >> I think it's a big area. I feel very comfortable with that. >> Yeah. And and we're looking at different systems. So, I think it it'll all kind of kind of come together as we look on, you know, an onboarding process and making sure everybody's done. Uh the the audit
036can certainly help uh us sort through the options there. >> Fabulous. >> So, agreed or want to take? >> Yes, we're we're good with Okay, great. Thank you. Happy and healthy holidays, everybody. Appreciate it. All right. Good night. Okay, is that's the end of this meeting. So, I'm going to uh may I have a motion to adjurnn the audit committee meeting? Peggy, do I have a second? Jen, all in favor? Four. Again, zero. Meeting is adjourned. Okay, hold on. We have to open one. Okay, we ready? All right, everybody. We're starting a new meeting. So, good evening. As a reminder, anyone planning to speak at our publicly heard tonight, you must sign up prior to the start of the meeting, which is about to start. I'm watching you back there, Dylan. All right. Um, okay.
037Do I have a motion to convene the December 10th regular meeting of the Levittown Board of Education? Phyllis, do I have a second? Jen, all in favor? Oh, wait. I have a second. Please note Mary and Adrienne, James Moran, and Michael Papus are excused from this meeting. Okay. Now, all in favor for against welcome everybody. Uh, I would like you to welcome you to the December 10th meeting of the Levittown Board of Education. Let's all rise for the pledge of allegiance. May we please have a moment of silence to remember all of those serving our country at home and overseas. Thank you. Please take a look at the beautiful artwork on the walls from Abby Lane Elementary School. Many thanks to our art teachers and students for sharing their work with us. It's very festive,
038beautiful, and colorful, and I love it. Okay. Um, so a really exciting part of our evening. We're going to move to the auditorium for a brief musical performance from the MacArthur Wind Ensemble. We're going to return about 7:45 and we'll continue with the family recognitions here. We'd love for you to join us if you'd like or you're more than welcome stay here, but we will now be >> we'll be back. >> We will be back. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat [Music] up here. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat.
039[Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat [Music] up here. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] So, I hope you all got to join us. That was absolutely beautiful. So, thank you for that. And I am now going to turn the meeting over to Mr. Winch for Amly. Am I saying that right? Yes, that's correct. >> I'm so excited. Recognitions ask for the board. Those that Who's the Okay. Good. Okay. Uh so, good evening. Uh tonight we have the pleasure of recognizing a truly outstanding accomplishment by the Wisdom Lane Middle School community and by a team of people who represent the very best of
040what public education stands for. Wisdom Lane Middle School has been proudly designated as an Amly School of Distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education. This is not an award that is given lightly as only, I believe, Mr. Vina, 64 other schools in the nation have achieved this designation. It reflects deep reflective work around how a school serves young adolescence academically, socially, and emotionally. It speaks to the strength of the school's culture, its instructional practices, its partnerships with families, and its commitment to meeting students where they are while preparing them for what lies ahead. Tonight, we are recognizing many of the individuals who work behind the scenes on the detailed application process that made this designation possible. This was not just a simple form to fill out. It required thoughtful evidence, reflection, collaboration, and a
041clear articulation of who Wisdom Lane is and what it stands for. That takes time. It takes honesty, and most of all, it takes teamwork. To our administrators that were involved, thank you for your leadership and vision. You set the tone, you guide the work, and you help ensure that every decision remains centered on students. If I remember correctly, you actually received a special award from Amily uh for the most supportive administrative team. So that says a lot about you. So thank you for that. [Applause] A special shout out to Dr. Zerianis uh who helped with the inception of this idea and to Mr. Vel Shaw the assistant principal for facilitating much of this work. And at this point I am going to call up our administrators who were involved with this process. So if Mr.
042Rava, the principal of Wisdom Lane, can come on up. Assistant principal, Mr. Craig of Ellis Shaw. And then Dr. Margareto, special education chair, come on up. And then from district level, Dr. Khal Nikki and Mr. Towers who were very helpful with the data collection for this process. Congratulations. I'm going to have the four of you come back over to the front here. Mr. Rel Shaw, Mr. Towers, Dr. Kicki, all down here at Thankers and staff. Thank you for opening your classrooms, sharing your practices, and telling the story of the work that you do every day. Your impact is real, and this recognition affirms what we already know about the care and professionalism you bring to your students. As someone who was a former teacher at Wisdom Lane for several years, I can honestly vouch for
043that. The building is a very, very special place. To our students, thank you for lending your voices to this process. Your experiences, your honesty, and your enthusiasm helped show exactly what makes Wisdom Lane such a special place to learn and grow. And to our parents and families, thank you for your partnership, your trust, and all of your help, your willingness to share your perspectives and be a partner. Strong schools are built on strong relationships with families, and this recognition reflects that connection in a powerful way. And this designation belongs to all of you. It reflects a school that believes in educating the whole child, in holding high expectations while providing strong support, and in creating an environment where young adolescence feel known, challenged, and valued. As a small symbol of our thanks, we are presenting
044certificates this evening to each of the individuals who contributed to the application process. These certificates, while minor, uh, represent many hours of work, but more importantly, they represent your commitment to the students and to the continued excellence of Wisdom Lane Middle School. At this time, I am going to pass the microphone over to Mr. Aina and Mr. Shaw to announce the parents, teachers, and the students who are involved in this process. >> Thank you, Mr. W. Um for the whole entire administration team uh we would like to thank the board of education and central office and Dr. Zerjanis especially who started us on this path over two years ago and um for the financial backing and also the support throughout that time. Um I would also like to thank Mr. Arl Shaw for his leadership
045in helping us achieve this wonderful recognition. Um tonight we will recognize about 40 of our staff members, students, uh community members, parents, um and other members from the building. Um those 40 represent a whole community. Um as a wise person told me once we were the people that worked uh to put the application together and do the interview process, but there are 125 staff members and 800 students each year in that building that help us make Wisdom Lane what Wildcat are all about. And it's really proud and I'm really proud just to be um the face of that building. So before I get more emotional um which I usually don't um which I usually don't um the process [Applause] uh the process that I was 100% against doing um two years >> uh two years
046ago in till Dr. is your Jiannis and then Mr. Arvel Shore kind of said let's try and do this let's do this um it turned out to be so rewarding um to have a lifetime of work and a lifetime of good friends and staff members have this recognition and really humbling to see what we've done and how much we mean to community members and how they honored us. So I really do thank everyone who was a part of this. Um, and at this time I'd like to start calling up the members of the committee that helped us write the application and did the entire interview process with a number of AMLY uh members. Hey, where are Kira Beechler, science teacher, Cassandra Pusco, um, >> Oh, sorry, Kira. She's not tenured yet, so she really doesn't
047know what to do. >> Cassandra runs our cafeteria. Um, >> uh, Dr. Julie Cherello, who I don't see here with us tonight. Um, Miss Jessica Dylan, English teacher. [Applause] Miss Christine Elder, guidance counselor, who's not here with us this evening. Miss Dawn Felman, computer teacher assistant. Miss Reena Finkelstein, who is our social worker out on maternity leave. Miss Carol Fitzpatrick, our nurse. Dr. Lee Gardner, our school psychologist. Um, Vanessa Qualek, science teacher. Kevin Lou, custodian. Uh, as you see what I'm calling off, so many people were involved in this process. Uh, John Leani, sixth grade social studies teacher. Barbara Loveland, a um a sixth grade a seventh grade guidance counselor. Megan Mastinardi, a sixth grade reading language arts teacher. Pam McClendon, our eighth grade guidance counselor. [Applause] Robert McNamera, our math teacher, Joanne Medina, our
048social worker, [Applause] Christine Morger, one of our ENL teachers, Mr. John Nazinski, one of our social studies teachers. Miss Mororrow Sullivan, our guidance chairperson. Mr. Dave Radkkey, longtime math teacher, now TA in the building. Ron York, who is our security security aid, Christine Schlenner, our principal typist clerk in the main office. Kristen Schmidt, our dean of students and English teacher. Daniela Spect, our art teacher. Uh, Brianna Springer, our science, sixth grade science teacher. Miss Caitlyn Stabil, our librarian. and Miss Melissa Thompson, our a seventh grade social studies teacher who was just recognized as a national board. [Applause] And now to some of our students that really helped through the process. Both students in the middle school and our students at the um our former graduates did help through the process. I know not all of
049them can be here tonight as they were um some of my practices and other obligations. So, first Adriana Faith, Thomas Hartman, Ryan Erkavan, Allison Kim, Michael Loel, Rayan Muhammad, Mona Muhammad, Japene Rother, Leonardo Martinez, and now some of our PTA community members that have been involved and been working with us seems like forever. Um, Lauren Sika [Applause] Karen Martinez, Yiz Cypriano, Janette, Rudy RDY. Sorry. I know. Sorry, Miss RDY. Sorry, Miss RDY. Janette RDY. It's so much easier when I'm not reading. Sorry, Miss Ruddy. She is our PTA president, so I should know that name. and then Danielle Mascud again. Thank you to All right. Thank you again for this recognition um tonight. It was a long process that was welld deserved um and well earned. um a lot of years prior to when I
050got there. I have to give a shout out to Mr. Tim Chambers. Um one of the first principles that I met at Wisdom Lane Middle School who hired so many of the staff members are still in place. Um and that just continued and as we rolled into the last 16 years that I've been there, it's really been a wonderful journey and it's was such a cool honor and recognition and I thank you to everybody involved in the process. Uh one le more last time I thank you to Mr. Velure for leading us in this process. [Applause] and Dr. Zer Giannis for mentioning it two years ago. I'm just going to mention that uh obviously thank you to everybody in the board of education and central administration. So proud of all the work and on this
051designation. It really is incredible. Only two other schools in Long Island were designated this year. Um and just a he is extremely humble. Uh but none of this really would be possible without Mr. Rava's leadership. Um like I said that uh at Amley they received a special award basically which uh noted the amazing administration that exists at Wisdom Lane. Uh but that starts at the top and Mr. Ravine is at the top and though he'll never take credit for anything that happens there um so much of what happens there is because of him. So we thank you Mr. Reina for all the years of service to the districts. [Applause] Uh, can we do can we do a big photo? We're going to do it in the lobby. All right. All right. Can we do a
052big photo with everybody in the lobby and then we'll be right back. Okay, let's do that. So, thank you very much everybody. Well, that was a lot of fun and I'm grateful to be part of such an amazing community. >> Um, all right, let's go to comments and reports. Superintendent Winch. >> Thank you, Madam President. Uh, so I don't have a lot of presentations or reports from the superintendent tonight. Uh, though I did want Mr. Fabiano, just have a moment to explain something that is on the agenda tonight, which is about the bids. Um, so if you remember, we are in the process of doing a lot of capital work that was approved by our voters a couple years ago. Those projects take a lot of time. They have to be designed by an architect,
053sent up to the state for approval, and then bid out, and then the work starts. And so we're in basically the next phase of our projects. Uh, so Mr. Fabiano, I just want to just talk briefly about the um the bids and and where we are in that process. Uh yeah, this is just a a real brief recap. Uh tonight you're going to be asked to uh award several contracts associated with the capital plan. Uh uh mostly their uh um roof work, masonary work at MacArthur Summit, Sulk uh and this building LMEC. Uh work includes abatement and at MacArthur it also includes the uh reconstruction of the locker rooms. Um the uh this work represented about $19 million in our capital program. If you could just go to the next slide. That's the uh $18,879
054up there. Uh what you're going to be awarding tonight is um an amount of approximately 10.7 million uh with all the uh other costs factored in. This would be our what we call soft cost, architect fees, construction management fees. Uh our projected cost are about 14.3 million. uh based on these awards tonight. Uh which puts us under budget by about $4.5 million. Um so this is this is really good news. Uh the bids which were held in this room, this entire room was filled up that day. So it the the bids were wellreceived. We had a lot of interest uh in this work and henceforth uh the good pricing. Um if we go to the next slide, I just wanted to update this was part of our um September capital project update uh where we
055had uh approximately four $4.8 million in unplanned balance. Uh I've updated this slide to show that um this money has now been returned back into the pot, so to speak. uh and it gives us uh an an additional $4.5 million that we can apply towards future capital projects that we didn't know we had just a couple of weeks ago. Um so, you know, congratulations to the facilities team uh and um and the work that they did in in bringing this all together. So, if there are any questions, like I said, I think it's uh item six uh item 6.7 on the agenda. Um and that'll be that'll be coming up shortly. Can you uh just I know it uh just I want to just mention a couple of these. So when it talks about unplanned
056balance that's just money that's in the capital fund to fund things that are unexpected, right? Anything that comes up, right? >> Well, the unplanned that we haven't dedicated that uh to anything yet. So the the 21 future >> future future project >> and then the contingency is the $4 million for unexpected >> that that that is that is truly yes a uh we we call it a code compliance contingency. uh if any work needs to be done that is that is required such as an abatement uh we have a we have a money set aside just for that >> and the planned uh expense that you have could you just mention what the that 21 million >> yeah so uh we had gone I I didn't want to go rehash the whole thing uh but
057real briefly uh we have uh we have the parking lot the south parking lot at wisdom uh we have uh the uh gardener's uh traffic circle up front and the world work and the side work associated with that. But the majority of his work, the board has uh committed $14 million uh to the softball fields at both MacArthur uh and division high school >> and the baseball fields. >> Uh I'm sorry, the softball and baseball field. What did I say? >> You just said softball. >> Okay. Softball and baseball fields at at both high schools. >> Okay. >> And just real quick, the capital fund, the extra money, woohoo, it has to stay in the capital fund lines. We can't Right. I just want to make that clear. >> Yes. because the these came from
058a capital reserve. These are voter approved. So, we could only use the money for what the voters approved it to do. And and these are the capital projects and they are the capital projects that are contained in the 5-year capital plan. And so, we'll be looking for uh input as we move forward. Uh but as you can see, we still have approximately $22 million worth of work uh ahead of us uh in addition to this work that you're awarding here tonight. So there's still a lot to go. Uh but we'll we'll be getting to that um you know a a as the year unfolds. >> But I just want to say it's a great question because a lot of times people will um misunderstand and say, "Well, look at all that money. Why don't they
059just use that and not raise taxes?" Things like that. That money is voter approved by the voters several years ago to be used for certain projects. We can't do anything else with that money other than that because it is voter approved. >> Yes, correct. That that is correct. And this is this is its own separate fund. This is the capital fund. And so the monies do not, you know, flow back to uh the general fund uh which is the which is the fund that the voters approved the budget for. >> And I think Yeah. Right. I think that's important for people to understand. All the people listening at home now know now. >> Um so hopefully a lot are but and look at what happened at Wisdom, right? We had a whole school >> Yeah.
060>> underneath the school. So you know that >> that's part of the reason why we had the contingency. Yeah. I mean, it's always a good idea to have a set aside, but we've kind of uh formalized it a little bit more now and we're, you know, uh um and that's that's what that >> Thank you. >> Um in regards to followup to prior public uh prior public be heard questions, I'm going to read those now. I just have to dig out my glasses. >> Mine they're pretty. >> What are they? What number? >> One. >> Oh, mine's 2.5. One. Okay. Uh, so at our last meeting, we had two public beheard speakers. Uh, my first letter is to Mr. Morris. Uh, thank you for speaking at our November 19th, 2025 board of education meeting and
061for sharing a thoughtful idea about creating a school district flag or a community flag really as part of your seal of civic readiness project. I appreciate the initiative you are showing and the pride you clearly have in our community. Your proposal reflects exactly what the seal is meant to inspire, meaningful engagement, leadership, and a desire to leave a positive mark on your community. Our central office team would be happy to support you in exploring a clear and inclusive process for developing a flag. This could include opportunities for student voice, staff input, community involvement, which aligns well with both the seal of civic readiness requirements, and our district's values. Your project has the potential to bring people together and strengthen our shared identity. We will reach out to you in the coming days, which actually has
062already occurred, through your school email so we can connect you with the appropriate staff members who can help guide you, guide the next steps. That includes Mr. Burke, social studies director over at um in the district office. You should feel proud of the way you are using this project to contribute to something lasting and meaningful. Thank you again for your commitment to our schools and for taking the time to present your idea to board. Our second speaker was Mr. Mattie Buckies. Thank you for taking the time to speak at our November 19th board of education meeting. I appreciate the thoughtful way you raised your questions about the vice chairperson positions in our special education department and guidance offices at the high school level. We will keep your suggestions in mind as we review our administrative
063structure in anticipation of building our 2627 annual budget which is about to begin. I also want to thank you for your kind words about the district supports for individuals with disabilities. Our staff cares deeply about meeting the needs of every learner and it means a great deal when community members recognize their efforts. I am glad you highlighted the work of our director of special education and the partnership with the Winter Center for Autism. That collaboration continues to help us strengthen our programs and provide meaningful support to students. We value your engagement and your advocacy. Please know that your feedback will be part of our ongoing conversations as we review staffing structures and look for ways to enhance services for our students. Thank you again for your time, your thoughtfulness, and your commitment to our school
064community. Those were our two publicly heard responses. Uh in regards of follow-up board questions, uh I did receive some question. Mr. Papis is not here unfortunately tonight. Uh he did send some questions in regards to the um audit which I think were all answered. There was about uh 15 10 or 15 questions. Um so the auditors gave us feedback on those answers which I did provide to the board. I'm not sure if the board member board members have any other >> I have a question that kind of has to do with the audit but also has to do with our budget. So Mike, maybe this is more for you. So the benefits for health insurance are going to go up in Janu on January 6th, right? I mean everyone's are well okay. I don't know.
065I'm a teacher matter going up January 1st. So my question is like how is that impact what you have budgeted for the school year since our budget ends at the end of June but the benefits go up in January. Does that make sense? >> It it it you know it absolutely does. So they we have two different fiscal years uh July to June our fiscal year and uh nice ship's fiscal year is J is the calendar year January to December. So, we have to make an assumption when we're budgeting um uh what the rates will increase and typically uh we go a little bit high because if if you're low uh you you'll have to transfer money from from other places. Um we went high with about with about a 10% increase and unfortunately it
066it got entirely consumed here. So come so for January to June we're going to pay that increased rate that was budgeted. The challenge is going to be for next year we have to then budget that increase and then make an assumption for the 2027 um school year. So, it's a u it it is challenging. Uh you know, we're going to get into the budget process, but our uh you know, to put it in perspective, our appropriation for health insurance is 15th our tax levy. So, when it goes up by 10%, double digits, that's the equivalent of our tax levy going up by 2%. Which is the cap. So, um you know, one way to look at that is a 10% increase in health insurance cost consumes our entire tax cap. So that's going to be
067the challenge we face for 26 27. >> So when you come up with that like that amount or you're looking like do a 5year look back, right? Like insurance premiums have gone up I would say significantly since 2020. So do you base it like on like a fiveyear look back or like three year cuz like my I think it went up like 8.9% my health insurance and I don't know how it is across the board. So if you're saying 10% let's say you figured for this year so for next year would you look like 12 or 15 just to make sure you are covering enough because there could be a giant increase the way that the premiums are have been going up the last few years. >> Yeah we we will strive so u generally
068um NASBO our organization business officials will kind of come up with a consensus is what it should be. We do take their advice, but it is district specific in that, you know, many districts, as much as they might want to bud budget a 10% increase, really don't have the wherewithal to do that, and so they sometimes go less. Uh, again, it's a little early in the process to see where we're going to go. Uh, but there are a lot of things on the horizon pointing to um we're not done with this yet. uh you know, the government shutdown, uh the the the subsidies for Obamacare, they're all related. And um we just don't see the growth in health insurance premiums, the percentage increase slowing down anytime soon. And it it is one of the biggest
069challenges we're going to face budgetarily this year. >> Okay. I just want to acknowledge that you guys thought about this in advance and I think even with the money that's left in the capital fund, like um it's not we didn't have to go for a bond for that. So I think like that financial forethought and thinking about the future it really makes a difference like that's another example of it. So thank you to your in office >> then. Thank you. >> And just a comment on that um that uh it's a good point because a lot of times I think people feel like well why why is that number being budgeted higher than what you know it already is. problem is that you the fiscal calendars don't run the same way. And so like you
070just said, we're going to have to start paying more money for healthcare starting in January, even though this budget was adopted last May. Um, and so that is definitely a tricky thing to predict. Uh, especially when at the same time you don't know what your state aid numbers are. There's so many things you don't know. A lot of it's a guesswork. that because of the the really the the fiscal conservatism of the district for like the last 10 or 15 years of which some of you have been a part of that and all of you have been part of a certain amount of time is incredibly important because um you then don't have to go after bonds like when we did the AC work which was as much as we did it at the time
071for security it then became a state law that you you know couldn't have students in session if the temperature was above 88 um we didn't have to go out for a bond to do that we we didn't raise additional taxes to do that like we were able to accommodate that within our budget as it was. So that all comes into play when we talk about the budget process and about you know why it's important to make sure that we're all invested in that and that you know it is really it's really looking at the next five because Mr. Fabiano mentions each year that you know healthcare is one of our 30 3030 club right so 30% increases over the last three years transportation special education and health and at least for healthcare um and transportation
072really special ed we're starting to see a little bit of a of a a shift at least in our district um but transportation healthcare continue to outpace inflation and outpace our ability to raise revenue so it it continues to decrease the surplus cap uh But that surplus won't last forever. And so if healthcare continues to increase for 10% every year, forever we're at some point will not for uh that concludes my report, Madam President. >> Well, thank you, Superintendent Win. All right, we are up to comments and reports and we're going to actually start with our um with Miss Moren. >> Yes. So, I just wanted to give an update um on uh one day this week. I forget which day. Oh, Monday. Monday there was a team of us including uh our superintendent, our
073deputy superintendent, the health uh directors from Sulfur, a health teacher from division division uh Mary and Adri Adrienne and myself went over to um Oceanside High School to meet with their some of their staff to do go over a program that Marian and I had observed when we were in the New York State convention. Uh it was called the sources source of health and self source of strength sorry and um we find that uh have we learned about it in the city then we came here and we saw the way oceanside has implemented we know Beth Page has implemented and um we ga gathered a lot of information but from from what we're looking at we're not looking at a add-on peace meal um we're looking for something that has um great depth into uh
074suicide prevention is the end result but the beginning result starts in kindergarten and even before that of all the going through all the developmental stages and finding out um it they use the the thought process of an upstream instead of um you know uh focusing on what kids shouldn't do. It's really an upstream approach of just build up build up build up and and it builds from grade to grade to grade you know. So, it's something that we're going to look further into as part of our when we talked about security. We know security is not a just a one facet um part of what we're looking for that there's many components to building a safe school district and mental health is a huge part of it. So, just to let everybody know that the
075board and the central office and our some of our directors and faculty and staff are looking into the program and then we'll bring you later re reports down the line. Thank you. Anybody else? Okay. Um, now ready life back. We are going to do the light back. Go ahead. >> Yeah. So, you may remember uh a couple of meetings ago, we had someone come to the public be heard that um uh asked the district to investigate the product known as LIFAC. And I believe that Miss Dalton had requested a little more in-depth presentation from the organization. And so, we do have a representative from LifeAC who's uh going to give a presentation. So, um if you come on up and you can use that microphone that's right there and uh and share with us your
076information. Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate you. Um I actually have been in this community, not Levittown, but I was in Wan for about 30 years. So I know a lot of the people that are here in Levittown. Matter of fact, I'm the past president of Quanis of Wanah. So I know Marian Adrium. She's our lieutenant governor. um and as well Mike Papus from Kuanas. So, thank you so much for having me. Really appreciate it. I happen to be the vice president of sales for Life Act. So, um I wanted to just say thank you again to all of you in the audience, but um for those of you who don't know what LifeAct is, that's what I'm going to cover for you now. Um it is a product that is actually
077made here on Long Island, which is really something we're very proud of. Being made in the USA is a big deal. Um especially because it is very expensive labor and so forth. But um the gentleman who actually invented this product, his name is Arthur Lee. A lot of people might have seen him on TV, right? And he is not just a handsome actor. He actually is the inventor of the product. And it was a tragedy that led to this solution. So he was a retired shipping executive. Um one of his best friends had witnessed, he was a gentleman he worked with a choking incident inside an ER that was um unfortunately an ending that no one wants. a seven-year-old boy was wheeled in by EMTs and paramedics and that little boy did not make it
078out of that ER alive and his best friend witnessed this. Now, that child was the same age as Arthur's child. So, Arthur sat to work in his garage in Masipiqua to make sure that he was going to invent something so his daughter would never die. Um, not to say that he would never she would never die, but from choking for that matter. So here we are and ironically I just sent this presentation over to Randy Damrosia who by the way I was a Girl Scout leader with for many years. Um so kind of crazy small world here right? Um but we have now saved 5,095 lives and 3,088 of them are children. So where do children spend their days in school right? So the idea that we set to work on doing peer-reviewed studies we
079have nine peer-reviewed studies. We have a global research study. We are a worldwide company. So that number that you see there, that is the clinical reports that we have received. We know that there's probably double that because we've been in business now since 2012. A lot of people think that we are brand new company. Um, but we have been around for 14 years. We are in about 5 million homes worldwide. But we are also in thousands of school districts including the Wah School District because that's where my children went and I happen to be the leader of the KE club. I am the Kowanis adviser. So, I know Joanne Medina very well. Um, we actually she's the teacher adviser certainly, but um, one of the things that we're really passionate about is making sure our
080community is safe. So, my key club did a baked sale and donated the life packs to our WTO school district. Um, but they are in thousands of restaurants, businesses. The Nassau County Police Department has it in every single patrol car. Ironically, a police officer in Levittown was able to save a disabled man at ACLD when they used every single precautionary measure. Choking rescue protocols did not work on this gentleman. He was a big guy. The PL patrol officer right out of the academy saved his life. So, we were really excited about that. Um, the Levittown Fire Department has it in their fire department. I don't know if you're aware of that. So, when I went in and presented to them, they all lined up and bought it for their own personal homes and they said,
081"Why don't we have this in the school district?" and I said, "I need your help on that." So, I thought it might have been them, but I have a feeling it might have been a teacher named Christine Mural. Does that sound familiar? Um, very passionate. And I was at the Levittown Property Owners Association meeting, and she came up to me and said, "I'm going to speak to our district about it." Um, it is also in assisted living facilities and nursing care facilities worldwide. We have it in all the Bristols in New York State. In my first six months, I've saved five lives in the Bristols. Okay. So, um, with that being said, it's one of those things that we always say we wish we never needed it, but unfortunately, choking happens every single day. I
082do also, and I can do a demonstration for you because I would love to. It is very simple. It's safe and it's an effective alternative to the situation when it doesn't work right. I'm not going to say don't do what you're trained to do. Always do your back steps. Always do your abdominal thrust. But we know that 70% of the time that works, 30% of the time are not great statistics. Okay. And it is registered with the FDA as a class 2 medical device. I am working right now on approval with the FDA to move it into a different classification. There are a number of devices circulating in from the um China unfortunately in other countries and those devices are not patented, not regulated and they could potentially kill someone. So our company has hired
083a whole team of lawyers to fight that right now. So we're working on it. Time is of the essence. So now, one of these things that you might not realize that unfortunately brain damage can happen between four and six minutes. Think about that. If you have a choking incident inside the cafeteria area, there's, you know, a situation that maybe a cafeteria aid can't resolve. They have to go get the school nurse. In a lot of places, there's school resource officers as well, many of which are trained to do exactly what we're all trained to do, right? I'm certified as well, back slaps and abdominal thrust. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work. There's 5,000 people who die each year and one child dies every five days. That's far too many. And again, where do children spend their
084day is in school. So it is one of the fourth leading causes of accidental death in children, but it's also one of the leading causes of accidental death in people over 65. I'm no spring chicken. I'm 58, right? And the idea that this could happen to any one of us, right? So it's something that I always say it's something preventable. So again that is um statistics that are facts. Between six and 10 minutes brain damage is probable but after 10 minutes that person is never going to live. It's unfortunate. The body will go into shock. It will go into cardiac arrest between four and six minutes. And that's typically what people don't survive. How does life work? You place the mouth over the nose and mouth. You push and you pull. How many of you
085used a a toilet plunger, a sink plug? We all have, right? So the brilliance behind the design of this product was Arthur Lee said, "I'm not a doctor. I'm not an engineer, right? I'm just a passionate dad. I know I would panic if something was happening to my daughter." He wanted to keep it simple and he looked at the trachea and the esophagus as pipes. And again, what do we use to clear a clog pipe? A plunger. And so again, what we've attached to that is the anesthesia mask. And there is an adult and a pediatric mask in each one of our kits. and is a very simple device to use. Um, I'm going to do a demonstration at the end. I just want to be able to reserve some time for questions. It's so
086easy. It's safe for children and adults. A lot of people always ask me about this suck, right? It's about 300 milliliters of mercury. Anybody ever had a really deep cough or ever had a choking incident? Anyone in the room? Okay, I'll tell you. Just the other day, I had um they gave me one of those pills for an antibiotic because I had a root canal done and I almost didn't swallow that pill. I almost choked on my own pill, right? I live alone. My children are adults. So, what would I do? Well, I'm lucky. I have a life hack in my home and I was able to gag, right? And and sometimes that does work, but it doesn't always work. So, this is a solution that can be for anyone and everyone. It's portable and
087compact. One of my districts down in Texas, and by the way, in the state of Texas, there was a bill passed and that was the Weston Mandrella bill that was passed by the governor because a little boy choked to death. And there was about five children who choke to death in the state of Texas in schools. The bill was passed and over 10,000 schools were equipped. It kept us pretty busy this summer. Okay. All with airway clearance devices. But this is a portable airway clearance device called the travel kit. They have it on all their buses. They call it safety on the move. They have a stop the bleed, a life kit, a first aid kit, and a fire blanket on all of their buses. So again, portable and compact. It's effective in a critical
088situation. Training and awareness is is one of the key components of our success. We have hundreds of trainers, CPR trainers that are out there training people on our device. Why? Because people are asking about it. People know about it. And another thing is the American Red Cross for the first time in 47 years, they did an update to their guidelines and they are now saying when it's not feasible to be able to do abdominal thrusts and back slaps. Think about a situation someone's in a wheelchair. It's very difficult. you have to remove the person from the wheelchair. Someone who might be muscular or a little bit bigger and the resuscitator doesn't have the ability to get their arms around them effectively. Think about someone who's frail. A lot of the people that are frail, you
089could cause damage. There's certain situations where it makes sense. How about one of your pregnant staff members? What are you going to do in that situation? Are you going to do abdominal thrusts? You have to do chest compressions and back steps and it's not always going to work. So, that's when the American Red Cross comes into play. And again, they uh scientific advisory council did an update to that to include anti- choking devices. Um you might recognize a couple of these partners that I work with. Cintas First Date and Safety has helped me put it into thousands of their businesses. Mckessid is one of the leading surgical supply companies. They are one of my partners also. Anybody like to shop at Costco here? Okay. Well, a tragedy led to this one, too. Um, a little
090four-year-old girl was shopping for her fifth birthday party inside Costco with her mother and she went into the food court to have a hot dog and didn't make it out alive. The store had to be shut down. So many people who witnessed the incident. For any of you who don't know and you haven't seen it, I will tell you, I've talked to hundreds of families who have lost loved ones and it is not an easy conversation. This little girl died. Costco from their risk assessment team came to us. They have deployed a life in every single one of their facilities. So, next time you walk into Costco, right next to the AED, you will see my device. This is in a clear wall case on the wall. Okay. Um Naples Community Hospital, their medical director
091tested the efficacy of our product. They deployed over a thousand units to the school districts down in the Naples area. We have two lives saved. Um one happened to be in a steakhouse in a restaurant that actually received it. Um IKEA was a deployment I did with Cintas. They've deployed it all in all of their stores after a near-death incident for one of their staff members. And we ended up giving them an award down at their Fort Lauderdale facility. Burger King. Anybody know Burger King? Right. We have a lot of franchise operations who are now implementing the Life Act for a very good reason because they want to prevent those tragedies. Nobody wants to have to deal with a lawsuit. Okay? And unfortunately, I've had to deal with a number of them. One was Palm
092Beach Gardens. a disabled boy choked to death inside the cafeteria standing right next to his aid and they did not know what to do. Unfortunately, the school district had to pay out a $2 million lawsuit and that family doesn't have their child. These are the things that we're trying to prevent at Life Act. Education and awareness. The Want Fire Department has it. The Levittown Fire Department has it. The Nassau County Police Department has it. Right? You're protected from your first responders. You don't want to have to rely on them for response time. Okay? And again, wherever food is being served. Now, if I tell you there's 450 different objects that I've removed, so all of them aren't food, trust me. Legos, coins, and all kinds of interesting things that children like to swallow. But even
093things like leaves and pieces of plastic and candy wrappers, and I can't tell you how many bottle tops we've removed, but it safeguards all of your students and your staff and the well-being of your students and staff, I know are important to you. by installing a life in each one of your schools and making sure that you keep your community safe is going to prevent those choking tragedies. So, with that being said, I wanted to open it up to questions. I also wanted to be able to give you a demonstration if that's okay. I wasn't sure how much time we had. >> Perfect. Sorry about that for all the people at home. Um, we do have a choking poster and this choking poster actually includes doing what you're trained to do. Doing the back slaps,
094doing the abdominal thrust and then using the life act. It's as simple as place, push, pull. So again, the graphics are there. very simple to use. Inside the actual clear wall case, there's also additional instructions, place, push, pull. Um, this is what we've deployed all throughout the state of Texas. There was just a new bill, by the way, passed in the New York City Council and all New York City schools will be equipped with Life Act within the next 180 days. Question, of course. Can you just um to go back to the beginning in regards to the FDA and what what it currently is approved for and and you know like the issue that we've had with this is that it's it from what we've been told is not FDA approved. So you're saying it's
095FDA approved at a particular level and you're working on a different level. Can you just talk about that a little bit? >> Sure. So there's something called a classification, right? So anything that's in your first aid kit is what they call class two. The stop thebleleed kits, your tourniquets, anything that's in a first aid kit is what they call class two. Many of the things even on ambulances are all class two. When we submitted our let's call it the pre-market approval. We we not too many people volunteer to do a study to choke, right? So we had to use cadaavvers. So we used cadaavvers. We submitted all our data and that was going back almost 14 years. So the FDA gave us the classification. We registered as a class 2 device and we hit the
096ground running and we've now saved close to we 5,000 lives. Right about two years ago they came back to us because there's all these other devices circulating the market. So they're coming in from China. People might think they're our device. They're getting served an ad. It looks like our device. They buy it. These things do not work. They don't suction. That's a problem with an airway clearance device if they don't suction. So what we did is we hired a team of lawyers to actually go after these companies and we cast a net to eliminate all not not the competition by any means. If they had a product that worked, we'd be fine with them competing with us. But we're talking about hundreds of different variants of these devices and we brought it to the FDA's
097attention. The FDA has been trying to shut down these companies. Very difficult to do. So what we've been doing is working in conjunction with the FDA to be classified as a different classification, a class three, which puts us in a different category, much like the AEDs, Narcan, Epipens, right? Ideally, it's probably not the best classification for us because look at how our product is. It's noninvasive. It's simple and easy to use. Doesn't require battery. Doesn't require extensive training. And it certainly doesn't require prescription. Okay? So all those things are typically what you have with a class 3 device, but we're just happy to be compliant with the FDA at this point. There was a warning letter that was issued. Keep in mind that was really to cast out all of the bad actors that are
098out there. Okay? So we have thousands of school districts all across the country that have all deployed life. Why? Because there's typically an incident that leads them to me. Whenever I get that phone call, it's they're calling me to tell me that there was a child who died or a near-death experience and they don't want that to happen again because the liability, it's called premise liability. Okay? Premise liability. You have to be held to a higher standard when somebody is in your building. If, god forbid, something happens to them, people are ligious. They want to sue. It's a terrible world that we live in that all these people think it's okay. But we don't want anyone to sue the school district. And we know that you had a choking incident, right? I have a lot
099of friends in Levittown. One of my best friends lives here. So, I hear these stories all the time. And to me, thank God that person knew what to do. That's all I can say because not everyone jumps in. Not everyone knows exactly the steps and measures to follow. And I will tell you, there was a school district down in Alabama in St. Croy County. Little boy is kind of horsing around at lunch eating a mandarin. Never thinking orange is a is something that's a very benign thing. He started choking. Cafeteria aid, school resource officer, school nurse, all jumped in. Who was the person who saved this little boy's life? The prek teacher with a life hack in her purse. Why? Cuz all the kids when they're little put everything in their mouths. Okay. So, if
100it wasn't for her, that little boy would be dead. The first responders were 20 minutes out. When the sheriff's department got there and they had resuscitated this little boy, the sheriff's department called me, the school district called me, and all of it was a happy ending. But this little boy had cracked ribs and punctured lungs and spent a week in the hospital from internal bleeding because they were very aggressive with their measures and he was an 11-year-old boy and not a big kid. Right? So, I get it. You know, we want to do what we're trained to do. Doesn't this make sense to have another option? That's all I'm saying. Correct. Class two. Class two. Yes. Yeah, bad actors, you are understanding it correctly. And and one of the big reasons why we're doing this
101is because once we have the FDA approval, there's no more barriers, right? Because people look at that as why weren't you FDA approved? For those of you who don't know, FDA approval costs between 20 million and $80 million. When we started this company, Arthur started this on a wing and a prayer. He was a retired shipping executive. We didn't have that kind of money. Okay? Not that we do now, but we've made these investments and we are working in conjunction with the FDA. And so, you know, a lot of people ask us that question and I know that was one of the barriers when I first came here a few years ago and um because my friends were all like, why is it not in the Levittown school district? Why is it in Want? Why
102is it in the fire department and it isn't in the school district? And I didn't really have a good answer for that until I heard. Okay. And I'm so grateful that you gave me the time today. >> What What complications, if any, have you had from use of that device? I know some of the devices, and I don't know whether it's yours, have resulted in bruising or other issues or not resolving the incident or making it worse. >> Yeah. So to me, um training and education is paramount. um that if the FDA letter that has the information about the bruising and so forth, that is dueer. They've been put out of business. They were not compliant with the FDA. They are now no longer allowed to sell in the United States. They killed a little
103boy. Um unfortunately, it happens because it had a tube. They have something that they call a tongue depressor on that device. Um it's really it's very invasive. I don't think I would ever feel comfortable intubating my child. Um I did save my own son's life, by the way, but I did everything I was trained to do. I did flip him upside down. I'm not going to lie. Hung him by his ankles and hit him between the shoulder blades. But he's my child, right? Not like he was some of one of the students. He is alive today in a trained DMT and we laugh about it now. Okay. But it's something that we can laugh about because he lived. So it's something that I feel very passionate about. Um part of this is part of the
104training, right? So we have trainers that are out there specifically in Long Island. I have trainers that I work with that are absolutely excellent. They incorporate this into their CPR training as another option at the end. They go through the training. On my website, I have a paramedic who happens to be a fire captain in West Palm Beach. His name is Ryan Charman. He does a very good video. It's six minutes. And at the end of the video, I have a training quiz. So, if they don't pass the training quiz, they don't get their certificate. Okay? So, training is a very important part of that. I've had some parents who are pretty aggressive with it, right? And you know, certainly if you're using it on a child under 22 pounds, it's not recommended. But I've
105saved over 3,000 children. 75% of them were under 22 pounds. Okay. The most recent one was just yesterday. I had a three-month-old that was saved choking on a mucus plug because they had um unfortunately they had policing a lot of mucus buildup. So ideally, would I have recommended it for that young child? No. But at the same time, it's their child and they own the device. So, it's very hard to tell them no. But there's a happy ending there, too. >> I don't think you answered my question. I'm sorry. I'm not I'm a school district, so I don't want to cross-examine you, but >> No, it's totally fine. >> It's a hazard. >> Is it a hazard? So, have we had damage caused by the device? Yes, because of user error. >> But what kind
106of damage has there been? Just so we understand the potential risks, >> right? Same kind of risk that you have with doing abdominal thrust where you could crack ribs, right? You could puncture lungs. The any kind of resuscitation that you're doing for a choking incident is going to cause some sort of bruising, right? Whether it be when you're doing the abdominal thrust over the nose and mouth, as you can see, it doesn't require a forceful move. It's the suction, right? It's not using it's using negative pressure. It's not using force. Does that make sense? So, there should not be any issues. However, is there going to be problems? And we do have, like I said, over 5,000 reports that have been issued to us, and we've had the majority of them happy endings. We did
107have one child that died, not as a direct result of the life. They waited 10 minutes to use the life back, and that is going to cause the child to go into cardiac arrest. That's what the child did not recover from. Okay. So, yes, to to your point, nothing's infallible. Nothing's perfect, right? Not like us people who are perfect, right? It's still a device. >> And I understand that there was some proposed state legislation that would have >> um given some authority for schools and other entities to use these devices. Do you know what the status of that is? So, Senator Matara and Senator Rhodess both introduced a bill and we're working on that being reintroduced. It made it through the Senate, passed through the Senate, got roadblock in the Assembly based on the Department
108of Education and funding. This is a device that cost $70. If somebody doesn't think someone's life is worth $70, I don't know how else to put it, okay? It's not like it's an expensive device. In the state of Texas, we introduced the bill. It passed within six months. It depends on who was supporting it. I had Christie Marmarado up in the Bronx introduced the bill in the New York City Council on March 17th and got it passed on December 3rd. Okay. It depends on the passion and the purpose behind the people that are working on the legislation. But yes, no, Senator Rhodess actually is, you know, we've talked a number of times. He happens to be a firefighter in Wah is acutely aware of this product. So, he's working on it and Matara is as
109well. >> Sorry, I have one more question. I apologize. >> I don't mind it. What is the shelf life or whatever you would call it for that device? How often does it have to be replaced? Assuming it's not used, >> this device never has to be replaced. The device itself, the masks will deflate over time. Two to three years. Um the mask cost is about $6. So that's the only thing that you're going to need to replace. If you use the device in a choking emergency, we replace the entire kit. People always ask me why. Well, we want to know where the life was saved. We want to know the incident report, but do you want to use a device in a public use situation? Someone has had vomit and mucus when you remove an
110airway obstruction. Trust me, everything else comes up, right? And I wouldn't want that being used in a public use situation. So, that is why we do the replacements. And we have done over almost 5100 of them free. Um, and did, by the way, did I tell you that my CEO has offered one free one to every school in the United States? So, one is better than none. It's how I feel. Okay. Um, so we will continue to offer that. We'll offer that to the Levittown School District. You have one of your own um residents, a demolition specialist. He actually offered to buy them for your entire school district. He bought them for his whole family. When I was at the Levittown Property Owners Association, he goes, "Make sure you tell them that, Heidi. Sorry, I
111forgot to tell you that." He'll buy you school school kits. And the school kits should be strategically placed. One should be in the main office, one should be in the school nurse office, one should be in the cafeteria, and one should be in the athletic director or gymnasium area everywhere where children are congregating and food possibly could be served. From what I understand, there's not a lot of school districts on Long Island that have that device now, but what I had started looking into was and I I haven't been able to determine which districts have it with a protocol for how it's to be used because obviously if the district was going to implement this, they would want to have a use protocol and figure out who's going to do it, how they're going to
112be trained. Um, would you be able to, not necessarily on, you know, the live stream here, but to share with us which district or district have an actual protocol that has been approved by their school physician so we could if the board wants to do something with this, they could speak with those districts. >> Sure. So, um, typically I don't share our facilities listing for a number of reasons for privacy unless they've allowed me to. So, I will contact a couple of the school districts that I know are willing to have that conversation with you. You want them on Long Island, correct? >> I I think if the board is going to consider this, I would think you would want to know, you know, districts here on Long Island, how they've done it. >> Um
113so that you know, you can do some followup and and see how it's gone. >> Yeah. Again, no, just I if you had implemented it, I would never do that without talking to you first, right? So, know that that's something that I have to just, you know, get clearance from. Um, I've also worked on policies and procedures for nursing care. I just was on with Ventura Unified School District right before I got here. Um, and that's one of their biggest concerns again is knowing how to deploy that, knowing who to train, knowing exactly how to follow the rules, right? So, I absolutely will. And I'm going to give everybody one of my cards. Any other questions? Good. Right. It really is. It was designed for consumers. I mean that was really who we were marketing
114to but you know all these people were buying the product for their homes. They all had day jobs. Some of them were firefighters, police officers, right? So that's a big reason why we've deployed them in a lot of businesses in schools. It's been our biggest and and no offense. It's usually the lawyers that have said that they don't want to have it. Um, I will tell you that, um, for those of you who know Kyle Bellapitzky, who happens to be the executive director of the New York State PTA, um, she's been a big advocate for this product. She had two choking incidents and she goes, "Let me tell you, I carry my life back with me everywhere." Now, um, being a first responder, one of the things that she appreciated was the simplicity of it,
115and that's what she said. Not only is she a lawyer, but she was also a firefighter. Do you have any proposals going with the legislature to expand like the good Samaritan laws so that a school employee who uses this device, you know, would be protected? Actually, you know, I'm going to share with you my risk evaluation form that I have all about good Samaritan law, premise liability, and the importance of having preparation like this. I have all this for you. You're welcome. Anything else? Thank you all for your time. I appreciate you. >> I am just going to uh quickly bump into the next topic here. I know we're on the board of education, but uh we had spoken previously about the process for taking board of education meeting minutes. And I think that Mrs.
116Dalton, again, you're on fire tonight, Mrs. uh had shared recently that at a um at a conference a board of education conference that they had suggested that districts um use a a summary form of minutes as opposed to verbatim. Uh correct. That's what they had recommended. >> It was a more what was said, not he said this, she said that, he said this. It was just kind of a a more summary with not being particular on who said what verbatim. Yes. So they said that's how it was done and that's you know >> and I will say that in in the on board magazine from NISSBA that a couple years ago they had an article that recommended that districts do not do verbatim minutes but that they do that version that you're talking about. And
117I know when we kind of went back and forth about this, you know, previously that uh I know one of the board members had suggested that, you know, like everybody seemed good with the idea. Uh but that if somebody wants to be specifically mentioned in the record for them to say, I would like it noted in the record that I shared this. Um is everybody comfortable with moving to that version of minutes? >> I'm comfortable. >> Okay, >> we're very comfortable. >> Merry Christmas, Vanessa. I think it gives a person uh you know the opportunity to say I'd like to be on the record as saying this. Hopefully somebody's not going to do that all the time because it loses if we all do that it it's not the spirit of the the law or
118the rule, but at least it gives a person a chance to say something if they want to be on the record. But I think that it would um I like that. I want to be on the record. >> Good. Of course. So for the student leaison and the public be heard that should be verbatim. Correct. There's nothing that requires it to verbatim but I have no strong opinion. I say summary, I mean it's somewhere in black and white, right? Like if we if we needed it. >> Well, don't forget it's recorded and and you could listen to it anytime you want the whole >> Right. So, it's there. It's recorded. So, >> you know, during CO when we couldn't meet in person anywhere, the temporary executive orders that were in place then that allowed you
119to do virtual meetings, then it required that they be transcribed verbatim if somebody requested it. And I think since then, many places just kind of kept going with that. But that you're having an in-person meeting here. You're also making it available online and so it's really not something that you are mandated to do anymore. >> Yay. I would agree. I agree >> for the record. Okay. Are we ready? Uh student leaison who have been patiently waiting. Who's starting tonight? I can start today. >> Fabulous. All right. Um, good evening everybody. I hope uh everybody had a happy Thanksgiving and I'm excited to say that since our last meeting, a plethora of great happenings have taken place in general nation. So, first on November 20th and 21st, Miss McHugh accompanied her AP government students on what
120was a spectacular overnight trip to Boston. All students participated in the famed Freedom Trail where they witnessed the Granary Burial Ground, Boston Common, the site of the Boston Massacre, and Faniel Hall. Following a self-guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Library, students visited the Em Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, where they toured all the exhibits and roleplayed in a predetermined debate debate and voted in the Senate Chamber. I'd also like to mention that as the bus drove past the legendary Fenway Park, all aboard had permission from Mr. Shien to initiate a Let's Go Yankees chance. So, uh, upon arrival back to MacArthur, all students stated that they had a phenomenal time and experience that they will always remember. And my friends really made it, uh, really made it known that it
121was a it was a great trip and made me feel bad for not, uh, for not signing up. But no, they definitely, they definitely enjoyed their time. Um, on October 21st and 22nd, we show we showcased our beyond amazing performances of our musical All Shook Up, which is inspired by Elvis Presley's music and Shakespeare's 12th Night. To say the performances were spectacular and that the talent of our student actors and actresses were sensational would honestly be an understatement. Each performance was sold out and both curtain calls resulted in standing ovations from all of our spectators. Congratulations to our dynamic director, Mrs. Levvenberg, our student actors and actresses, and to all of those who work so hard behind the scenes to make this show so successful and incredible. And as one parent stated in the lobby
122right after the show, quote, "If you told me I was on Broadway right now, I'd believe you." That's how great this show was. On December on December 2nd, we conducted two grade level assemblies for all 9th and 10th grade students. Special thanks to our keynote speaker, retired police officer John Gins for giving an incred extremely valuable and informative presentation on cyber safety. And on December 3rd, guidance chairperson Mrs. Hammer along with the entire guidance staff conducted an extremely informative and worthwhile presentation to all of our 9th and 10th grade parents on the high school academic planning process, the upcoming school year scheduling timeline, graduation requirements, as well as the college admissions process. The presentation was well attended and the feedback received was very positive and appreciative. Some uh upcoming events include on December 16th, business
123teachers Mr. Ley, Mr. Farnney, and Mr. Fazilari will be accompanying their students on a field trip to City Field uh for a behind-the-scenes look at how a major professional sports teams runs its day-to-day operations. on December 18th. >> Yeah, I I am I am uh I'm upset. I was in I was in gym class 8th period when I found out about the news about Pete Alonzo. And I mean I kind of I kind of Yeah. I I kind of I kind of I kind kind of saw it coming. I'm I'm kind of upset about it. Yeah, on uh on December 18th, we will be conducting our first winter concert of the season featuring our extremely talented string orchestras and chorus. The show begins promptly at 7:00 in our beautiful auditorium. So, come out and join
124us as you will certainly be put into the holiday spirit. And finally, on behalf of General Nation, we would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy holiday season and all the very best for a fantastic 2026. This concludes my report. Hey, good evening everyone. So on November 20th, our Division Avenue Key Club officers attended and ran the Lovetown Kuanas meeting. Um students were able to listen to presentations regarding Kuanas projects such as the blessing bags. They presented information on what our club has achieved so far and were even able to see Mr. Aina get inducted into Kuanas. Uh, we were also all very excited to find out that our assistant principal, Mr. Fazio, is going to be the next person to join Levittown Kuanas. So, let's just say the next day when I
125saw him in school, I'm like, I heard you're joining Kuanis and he's like, "Yes, I am." So, he's we're very excited that he'll be joining that K family. Um, additionally, this past Friday, division held their annual elective fair where students were able to talk to the teachers of these elective courses, and students who have currently taken or were involved in the class previously. This allowed students to explore their options in technologies, the arts, culinary, and more as they're preparing to create their schedules for next year. So, let's just say I've had a lot of questions about which classes they should be taking, as have all the upper classmen. But while the freshman, sophomores, and juniors have been busy looking into the wide range of course options, our seniors have had their last college admissions on
126site this past Wednesday and are wrapping up their college applications. In terms of our clubs, yesterday we actually had our animal awareness club have a guest speaker come from the Queen Zoo to talk about endangered animals and the Hudson Canyon. A lot of the members were really looking forward to this and they said it was a great presentation. I will let you know the next time I have word. It was very last minute when I heard it got to our key club and we spread it out. So, I will let you know as soon as they have something new coming up. Um, in terms of sports, we are switching into the winter season, but our varsity bowling teams today actually played in their position round, marking their halfway point in the season. So, the girls
127played Island Trees tonight and the boys played Seafford. I do not have their results yet. Um I reached out to the captain so we'll see. But they were very excited to play tonight. And in terms of what's coming up, this is the biggest time of the year for our music department. So band had their concert last night, but we also have our orchestra and chamber prepping for their concert this upcoming Tuesday. Additionally, our chamber orchestra and chamber choir are practicing for holiday in the halls. And Triumph is finaling finalizing their plans for a brand new project of delivering candygrams to teachers before the holiday break. A little way for students to show their appreciation for all their teachers and triumph members get to go in and give them their candy canes and cards and just
128wish them happy holidays from the students. So all of the students are looking forward to the holiday in the halls performance as well as the holiday break. So from me and everybody at division, we want to wish you a very happy holidays. I have a suggestion uh relative to what you were asking about before regarding their reports which are outstanding. You guys have amazing reports every month that I'm here and they're all typed out. So, I'm wondering whether you want to add that to the minutes and board doc something that can be clicked on. I'm not trying to create extra work for them as an attachment. >> So that way, you know, your amazing reports can go right there and be memorialized as you've written them >> in board doc. Okay. And then you don't
129have to type them. >> Love it. We'll discuss that. >> Great. We are now up to public be heard. Uh we will um portion of the regular meeting. This is the opportunity for members of the community to speak. All questions are directed to the board of education president. Each speaker is limited to three minutes and is expected to use the microphone clearly and state your name and address. Um, who do we have? We have Maddie the reading. But anyway, um, good evening everyone. My name is Maddie Bies and I live at 1297 Shaw Place. um which is a beautiful town located in the school district not in Seafford sorry um but anyway my thoughts are tonight though one of the things I really am interested in is in calendar standards when we develop a calendar
130for example we have an instructional day on the 22nd and the 23rd and then this building is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day does the administrative have to come back in on the 26th then have to work next week on that or or is it the whole building closed? So that's my suggestion. The second thing is my one of the things that interests me was having a Diwali and that Islam holiday as a student teacher Holly. I request is um who was the original person that requested that holiday to be off because I understand Assemblywoman Raj Kumar of Queens is making Diwali a state holiday like they did with Lunar New Year. So, and that is really something. And the second thing is more have our community involvement. Recently I watched a show on
131Hulu and today's one of the dancers birthday which took place in probably in the most median income county Louden County Virginia and it would be nice if they had a third season to be if have a dance competition if I was really to have one here and they would film here or at Division or MacArthur but anyway you guys didn't where did he go so that's what I'm going to say and also my suggest suggestion would be though, you know, when we develop the calendar next year, I want I just want when you respond to if the administration has to come in for a work day on the 26th, the 29th, the 30th, and the 2nd, I just want to just for for at least for transparency cuz if it's going to be a holiday
132for all or just a student teacher holiday. So with that, merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, happy Quanza, happy new year. that's hopefully looking forward to a great 2026. I am considering running for the board since Mike is retiring and including three years as chairman. So, I really hope I can run for this position and hopefully with your endorsement, you know, have bring a more voice that has a disability in that. So, God bless you all. Thank you >> and thank you for sharing your thoughts and your insights. Your perspectives always help guide our discussion and ensure that a diverse range of voices are heard. Uh we will reach out to you prior to the next meeting. Okay. Um I'd like to move to um the budget transfers. Uh do I have a motion to accept item
1335.1 on the agenda? Uh Phyllis, do I have a second, Peggy? Um all in any discussion? No. Okay. All in favor? Four against? Zero. Thank you. Okay. Um 5.2 to the schedules. Do I have a motion to accept item 5.2 on the agenda? Uh, Jen, do I have a second? Phyllis. >> Uh, President Lang, we do have one change on the schedule. It's schedule 108.3. We're going to pull number four. >> Okay. >> One8.3. Polling number four. >> You got that, Vanessa? Okay. Fabulous. All in favor? Four. Uh, against, zero. Motion. Okay. Do I have a motion to accept item 6.2 2 through 6.16 on the consent agenda. Peggy. Oh, you're looking over them. >> Is it? >> Oh, okay. Um, Peggy, do I have a second? Jen, any discussion? No discussion. Okay. All in
134favor? Four against? Like zero. And this is cross. Okay. Um, so upcoming dates, we have our regular meeting when we return on the new year in 2026. Amazing. January 7th is our regular meeting. And then I can't believe we're actually starting budget planning on January 21st. Um, before we uh make the motion to adjurnn, on behalf of the board of education and the Lovetown School District, I would like to wish our entire community a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy new year. May I have a motion to adjourn the regular meeting? Jen, do I have a second? Phyllis. All in favor? Four. And nobody seems to be against. So motion is okay. Thank you.