001I'll always be good in your eyes. If everybody can can please be seated. Welcome to the November 19th board meeting. Um I would ask everybody please to stand up for the pledge of allegiance. The national anthem is going to be sung by Matthew Moran, member of the Oceanside High School Symphonic Choir, Honors Choir, and member of Symphonic Oceanside High School select choir. And then moment of silence. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Oh, say can you see by the dawn early light what so proudly we held at the twilight last gleaming. Who's but stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight? Or the ramp parts we watched were so
002gallently streaming. And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled ber yet wave for the land of the free and the home of the brave. [applause] Please remain standing. Moment of silence for our troops, men and women serving around the world. Our Nassau County Police Department, our Oceanside Fire Department, and everybody else that's in healthcare that's protecting us all the time. Okay, please be seated. And now at this portion, we'd like to ask Dr. Harrington and uh Mr. Bravito to start off our honors program. >> Thank you, Mr. Drosio. Good evening. I'm honored to share with you the accomplishments of our exceptional professionals who exemplify dedication and excellence in education. Congratulations to Frank Luisi for being named
003a recipient of the National Football Foundation Chapter Leadership Award for the East Region. This national recognition underscores Mr. Luis's long-standing commitment to student success both on and off the athletic field. His leadership has inspired countless student athletes to excel in the classroom and in competition. Thank you, Mr. Louise, and congratulations. [applause] Frank, come here. This way. >> We are proud to recognize Francesca Wasserman for being named an educator of excellence by the New York State English Council. Miss Wasserman's commitment to literacy and her innovation appro innovative approaches to teaching English have made a lasting impact on her students and colleagues alike. Congratulations to our director, Mrs. Wasserman. [applause] Yeah, we could do that again. Thank you. Congratulations [applause] to Heather Corel who has been name Miss Coriel has been named Nassau County coach of the
004year for girl for the girls varsity tennis. Coach Corell's dedication to her players, her strategic expertise, and her commitment to developing both athletic skills and character have made her a role model in our athletic program. Congratulations, Coach Kuriel. [applause and cheering] [applause] All right. Please welcome Dr. David Rose of our world language department to read the next honor. [applause] >> Good evening, Buenosera. I am so pleased to congratulate Spanish and ENL teacher Gina Smith for earning a doctorate of education in educational leadership and management at Capella University. Dr. Smith completed a doctoral capstone project focused on enhancing English language learner instruction in the classroom. She conducted an action research study at Boardman Elementary School 9E and her work will have a lasting impact on our commitment to serving all learners. Please help me congratulate Dr.
005Smith. [applause] Our next presenter is Dr. Frank Singari. Can I have Miss Delaney up with me? Good evening everyone. Please join me in recognizing three extraordinary individuals who were instrumental in saving the life of a student at school 8. Miss Grace Empistado, our school nurse, demonstrated exceptional professional judgment when a medical emergency arose. Her careful observation and immediate response ensured that our student received life-saving medical care. Thank you to Miss Teren Rink, our students one-to-one medical monitor, for her attentive care and quick thinking. Her viligence and calm professionalism exemplify the high standards of her profession. And thank you to Deborah Rickman, our substitute nurse, who was part of this exemplary team that helped obtain life-saving medical attention for Miss Delaney. Miss Rickman's expertise and decision action were instrumental. I would also like to acknowledge Delaney's
006parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walsh, whose partnership, trust, and collaboration with our school community help us do our job and help us protect all our students. Thank you. Please come up. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Great. Great. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Please welcome our next speaker, Jared Rubin, associate principal at OS. Good evening. I'm pleased to announce our honores in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. our National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist, Samuel Cohen. [applause] >> Samuel's score on the PSAT, which is also the National Merit Scholar uh program qualifying exam, puts him among the top 1.5% of students in the nation. He's eligible to continue in the program to compete for finalist status and scholarships. Our commended merit scholars are Joel Angelitude, Juliana Calibris, David Sarkeesian, and Richard Wang. [applause] These students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement
007and their performance on the PSAT places them in the top 3 to 4% of test takers nationwide. Congratulations to all of our merit scholar program honores. [applause] Our [applause] next speaker is Mitch Pickman, director of social studies K to2. [applause] It is my pleasure to recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional mastery of financial literacy. The following students from Oceanside High School achieved greater than 95% on the wise financial literacy certification exam. Antonio Contrino, Hamza Ramen, Matthew Schwarz, Lauren Gilmore, Gabrielle Santiago, and Ari Sloven, and their teacher Erica Dawitz. Please come up. >> [applause] >> Just one time. >> [applause] >> Our next presenter is Andrew Fry Gould, director of media, fine and performing arts. [applause] Good evening. I am excited and pleased to congratulate our outstanding artists this evening. First up, congratulations to Maria Topus
008from Oceanside Middle School, who earned a bronze level award in the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County Student Art Competition. Maria's artwork was selected to be featured in the 2026 CCE Nassau Gardening Calendar and Guide, where will inspire our community throughout the year. Have plenty of copies up here as well. Very proud of her work. Congratulations, Maria. Her teacher is Leslie Sullivan. [applause] You got to give me a second. Give me a second. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Next up, um, from Oceanside High School, we recognize the following exhibitors whose artwork was selected for the 2025 Nassau County High School jured competition and exhibition at the art guild. Josephine Gzi, Julie Grant, Kylie White. Sorry, I'm going too fast. Look at their beautiful work. Chloe Hang, Leah Shapiro, and Elizabeth Guyger. Their art teachers are Maria
009Anna Sansel and Katherine Theal. If you're here this evening, come on up and accept your award. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> In conclusion, be resolved that a page for the minutes of this meeting be set aside to record these accomplishments along with continued best wishes for success done at Oceanside New York this 19th day of November, 2025. At this particular time, we're going to take a fiveminut break. We do have some cookies and refreshments in the cafeteria. Five minutes and then we start our business meeting. Thank you. Round of applause for everybody. Come on. Let's go. Wake up everyone. [applause] If everyone can please be seated. Would like to continue now with the business meeting. If everybody can find a seat, that'd be great. At this particular time, uh, we always, New York State, uh,
010Department of Education requires us to have, uh, a member from the student body. We are blessed to have Brian Lusco, uh, but we started this a year and a half before it was mandated. So, uh, we're very proud of what we do here and we're very proud of Brian at the high school. So, Brian, if you'd like to take the section of mute, that'd be great. >> Thank you so much. At this time, I would like to invite up the high school student government. Our first quarter officially wrapped up last week and our report cards were released yesterday. Now that the quarter has ended, we've started the second quarter and are looking forward to continuing our momentum as we move ahead. Our our fall sports season has officially come to a close with the exception
011of our varsity football team who will be playing Massipa at Hofra this Friday at 4 p.m. In addition, our winter triyouts took place this past week as we transition into the next athletic season. This fall season, we were proud to celebrate two historic athletic runs. Our cheerleading team captured the Nassau County Championship, marking an incredible accomplishment for their program. Our girls soccer team also made school history by winning the Long Island Championship for the first time. Both teams went on to compete at the state level, and we want to congratulate them on their hard work, dedication, and truly historic achievements. [applause] Our Halloween costume contest has had a fantastic turnout with so many creative and impressive costumes from student staff. It was a really fun way to celebrate Halloween, and it brought a lot of
012positive energy into the building. Events like this help strengthen our school spirit, bring people together, and give everyone a chance to take a quick break from the stress of the stu school day. Overall, it was a great success and something we hope to continue in the future. This month, representatives from the Army and Navy visited our school to speak with students about the wide range of opportunities available through military service. They shared information about career pathways, educational benefits, leadership development, and the many skills students can gain through these programs. These visits help students explore different post-graduation options, and encourage them to think about the many routes they can take towards their future goals. This week we kicked off our annual tur turkey shoot collection. We're encouraging everyone to drop off canned goods and other listed
013items in the donation bin located outside the front of the high school. The full details are available on the Oceanside website. This event is a meaningful way for our school community to support local families and give back during the holiday season. We traditionally see an incredible turnout each year and we're hoping to make an even bigger impact this time around. We also held our annual Debbie Pieraw powderpuff game which had a fantastic turnout. The event brought a lot of excitement and school spirit and all the girls who participated had a great time. It continues to be a fun and meaningful tradition that brings our community together each year. >> Tomorrow after school, we'll be holding our senior photo makeups in the library. This is an important step in helping our seniors prepare for graduation and
014ma and making sure everyone has a chance to be included in the yearbook. We are encouraging any senior who still needs to get their photo taken to stop by. Our turkey shoot packing event will take place this Monday right after school in the cafeteria and deliveries will be made on the following day on the 25th. This project is only possible because of the generosity of our community and the support of our staff and board. We're grateful for everyone who contributes each year and to help make a meaningful difference for families in need. We have our battle signups coming up this week of December 15th leading up to our big battle of the classes event. This is always one of the most exciting weeks of the year as each grade prepares to compete, show their spirit,
015and come together as a class. We're looking forward to another fun and energetic event that brings whole school together. Thank you for your time. [applause] >> Thank you. Thank you. And at this time, I would like to invite up our Oceanside Middle School student government representatives. [applause] >> Hi, I'm Maddie. I'm Emma. I'm Joey. I'm Jack. And I'm Eva. Good evening. We're so excited to be here tonight. We are members of MS Builder Club. Builder Club is a student-ledd service club where we work together to make a positive difference in our school and community. This year, we are thrilled to welcome so many new seventh graders into our club. It's been awesome seeing everyone's enthusiasm and new ideas as we plan projects and help others. Oceanside Middle School has been really busy this fall. Our
016school community has come together to support so many great causes. We've raised over $4,000 for breast cancer awareness, collected Halloween candy for veterans, and gathered items to help victims of the Hurricane Melissa. It's been amazing to see how students and staff at MS work together to make a difference and support others in need. Builders club has also been volunteering around the community. Some of our members volunteered at DOA's pumpkin fest, the Halloween parade, and Septa's trunk retreat. We have really enjoyed being part of these events, working together with members of K Kids and Key Club, and representing MS while getting involved in giving back to our community. Right now, our focus is on our Thanksgiving food drive, which is Builder's Club's biggest undertaking. Every year we collect food to help families in need. This year
017we're proud to be providing full Thanksgiving meals, including a turkey, to 10 families right here in Oceanside. Our students and staff have been bringing in Thanksgiving food to help donate. We will be packaging and delivering our meals this upcoming Tuesday. As we get ready for the holidays, we're really excited to keep spreading kindness and helping others. On behalf of the MS Builders Club, we want to thank our administrators, Dr. Glickman Rogers, Miss Levventhal, Mr. Trump, and the board of education for having us here tonight and for supporting everything we do. We can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings. [applause] Mr. Eniso, just one question. The Army and Navy that came to the high school, are they ROC or straight enlistment or just different career paths from the Army Army and Navy?
018>> I think I think that they're recruitment officers from the And they also have a uh a pull-up bar in the lobby and all the kids love to do pull-ups. >> Yeah. So the the answer was OTC or enlistment. >> It was enlistment. >> Just enlistment. >> Yep. >> Okay. Good. >> Any questions? Everyone's good on the board. Okay. At this particular time, the 2627 high school new course offerings CTE business pathway. Dr. Harrington. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Drosio. This is the annual time of year. as we begin to start to begin our budget preparations. Uh believe it or not, uh one of the things we do first is look at any kind of new course offerings at their high school that we're interested in getting the board support on. So we just have
019a few. Um and I turn the uh mic over to Miss Pvido, our assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction to lead the conversation. >> Thank you, Dr. Harrington. Good evening, everyone. I am so pleased to share the proposed new course offerings for the 2026 2027 school year and to highlight how these additions strengthen our commitment to being a truly comprehensive high school. One where every student can explore interests, discover passions, and prepare for a future that is meaningful to them. I'd like to start by sharing a few stories with you. This is Rohan, the gentleman on the left. He is class of 2021. While he was with us, Rohan immersed himself in our computer science and cyber security offerings. He took college introduction to computer science, cyber security, part of our project lead path, AP
020computer science principles, AP computer science A. Today, Rohan is at Virginia Tech. He is majoring in cyber security management and analytics. This is one of the strongest programs in the country and his journey began right here in Oceanside. In the middle we have Nora. Nora is class of 2022. She took advantage of our social science and business dual enrollment options including college psychology, college business law, college statistics, and college money and investments. Today, Nora is a senior at Fairfield University, majoring in communications and marketing. She actually spent this past summer as a corporate communications intern at a major league baseball headquarter in New York City. This is an incredible achievement for an undergraduate. And then there is Ava. Ava is class of 2024. She took our elementary education pathway which has since been approved by
021the state as a career and technical education pathway. CTE is a structured sequence of courses that um allow for a career experiences and prepare students for college career and also offers an approved graduation option. Ava took college, elementary education, child development, and early childhood education. She also served as president of our take a look at teaching, which we call Tallet in Oceanside club. Today, you'd be proud to know that Ava attends Long Island University, where she is majoring in early childhood education along with students with disabilities and has a concentration in English. She is enrolled in LIU's 5-year dual major program, which is only available to students pursuing certification in students with disabilities. Ava is part of LIU's deans scholar program and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, which is a nationally recognized honors society.
022There were so many stories like this, so many stories that it was just incredibly difficult to choose. There was a young lady named Gianna who's from the class of 2024. She is now studying mechanical engineering at the University of South Carolina and she's part of their honors college at OHS. She took the engineering sequence that we have courses like civil engineering, mechanical drawing, AutoCAD. There's also Jake. Jake is also part of class of 2024 and he's now at Sunni Bingmpington. He's studying biology and in the preysition assistant track. He took full advantage of our health science offerings, including AP Biology, college anatomy and psychology, nutrition and fitness, and sports medicine. These students represent just a small sample of the incredible journeys that begin at Oceanside High School. Their stories reflect how an Oceanside education offers
023opportunity, nurtures curiosity, and prepares every single student for a future of possibilities. Oceanside High School is comprehensive by design. Students challenge themselves academically, explore potential careers, and receive individualized support along the way. Our course catalog and this is this year's um in encompass academic rigor, career preparation, personalized learning and deep opportunities for exploration through electives, research and interdisciplinary programs. Being comprehensive is not just about a lot of courses. It's about curating a system where every student can find a path that feels right for them. So, here's a snapshot of what we already offer, and it truly speaks to the depth and strength of our academic program. We offer 26 advanced placement courses. This gives our students access to rigorous college level learning while they are still in high school. We also offer 29 dual enrollment
024courses through our university partnerships. These partnerships include Nassau Community College, St. John's University, Long Island University, and a multitude of other Sunni institutions. We're also very proud that it includes our latest partnership with Syracuse University for our college psychology course, which is now offered at Castleton High School. And finally, our students have access to 101 electives that encompasses all the courses that they get to choose from. Students explore interest, discover what excites them, and begin to identify their future goals, whether it's in arts, business, engineering, humanities, world languages, computer science. The list goes on and on. These numbers are more than statistics. They represent options. They represent access. and our belief that the high school experience is where students truly become future ready. So for this year uh for next year in social studies we
025are excited to propose AP Africanamean studies. This course has been in the works for a number of years following faculty and student interest. This course provides students with a rich inter interdisciplinary understanding of African-American history, culture, and contributions. It is rigorous. It is relevant and it aligns with our belief that students benefit from learning multiple perspectives and engaging in complex meaningful topics. This addition strengthens both our AP program and our social studies elective offerings, expanding opportunities for students who are passionate about culture, history, and humanities. In business, we are proposing two innovative courses that directly support career readiness and financial literacy. The first is AP business with personal finance. This is a brand new advanced placement course launching nationally. It blends foundational business concepts with critical personal finance skills such as budgeting, investing, credit, and
026economic decision-making. This will be a powerful addition for collegebound students and for students interested in entrepreneurship, management, and financial planning. And finally, we have college datadriven decoding data for realworld decisions. This new course prepares students to understand and use data, which we now know is one of the most valuable skills in today's job market across every single industry. Students learn how to analyze information, interpret trends, and make real world decisions based on evidence. It's a perfect complement to both our business pathway and our college dual enrollment offerings. And now I will turn over the presentation to our director of social studies and business, Mr. Mitchell Bickman, who will share more about these courses and our everexpanding and outstanding business pathway. Mr. Bickman. Good evening. It's an honor to share with you the tremendous growth and
027success of the Oceanside High School business department over the past decade. [clears throat] A story that reflects not only innovation in curriculum, but also our deep commitment to preparing students for the future. 10 years ago, our department set out with a clear vision to inspire all students to think critically, lead confidently, and innovate for the future. We wanted to build a program that didn't just teach business concepts, but empowered students with real world skills, financial literacy, data analysis, entrepreneurship, and leadership to prepare them for life beyond high school. Today, that vision is thriving where our students can explore their passions and begin to plan for their futures. A decade ago, Oceanside offered a handful of traditional business electives. Today, we proudly offer a comprehensive suite of college level career connected courses that rival university business
028programs where we have seen the introduction of a middle school business elective in junior virtual enterprises, the most highly enrolled elective at Oceanside Middle School, along with a 40% increase in student enrollment in business classes at Oceanside High School over the past decade. Students can now take college accounting, college business law, college real estate, college marketing, business ownership and entrepreneurship, and college money investments along with college virtual enterprises and many other elective options, earning up to 27 college credits before graduation. And in the 2026 2027 school year, Oceanside will launch data analytics and AP business with personal finance, one of the first of its kind, further solidifying our leadership in business education. We've also expanded our career and technical education pathways or CTE pathways, allowing students to earn a CTE endorsement on their diploma, the
029first such alternative graduation pathway in Oceanside, where we now offer similar pathways in various other subject areas. Distinct pathways in marketing, business management, entrepreneurship, accounting and finance, and virtual enterprise provide hands-on experience, and industry certification that make our students workforce and college ready. Our growth extends far beyond the classroom. Through DECA, students represent Oceanside on the national stage, most recently at the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida, developing leadership, problem solving, and presentation skills for them to prepare for competitive industries. The Young Investors Club brings personal finance lessons to Oceanside's elementary schools, turning our students into community educators and mentors. In every one of these experiences, our students discover that business education isn't just about numbers. It's about communication and collaboration. Skills students will need to be successful beyond the confines of the classroom.
030Our student achievements have been recognized across multiple platforms. In 2023, Oceanside proudly established its own chapter of the National Business Honor Society, inducting 32 outstanding students this past fall. We've also introduced the Wise Financial Literacy Certification where earlier tonight we honored six of our most recent students achieving this prestigious certification, the Microsoft Office Specialist credentials, and even real estate licensing preparation, allowing students to sit for the New York State Salesperson exam upon turning 18. These credentials give students tangible proof of their skills, a powerful advantage as they apply to colleges, internships, and jobs. Perhaps the most inspiring part of our story is the way Oceanside business students are taking what they learn and turning it into opportunity through partnerships and work-based learning programs. Students have visited Vogue, Amazon, City Field, the Nassau County Courts, and
031Hofster's Winning Women Conference. These experiences bridge classroom learning with career exploration, often leading directly to internships. One recent graduate shared that exposing myself to college level business classes in high school set me up for the career trajectory I am on. Another leveraged her high school accounting internship to secure a tax internship at Price Waterhouse Coopers. A testament to how Oceanside students are truly future ready and businessminded. The incredible growth would not have been possible without our dedicated team, Michelle Senelli, Sheila Cruz, Erica Dawitz, and Mike Lowry. and Miss Cruz and Miss Dawitz are here tonight. If we can just give them a round of applause. [applause] Together, we've worked tirelessly to ensure that our program evolves with the modern economy, reflect student interests, and open doors for every learner. In just a decade, Oceanside's business
032department has transformed from a small elective program into a comprehensive, nationally recognized model of career readiness. One that empowers students to lead, innovate, and succeed in any path that they choose. We are proud of what's been built, excited for what's ahead, and grateful for the board's continued support in providing our students the opportunities they deserve. Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Mr. Bickman. And of course, thank you, Miss um Sheil, uh Mrs. Cruz and Mrs. Desawitz. Um please allow me just a final opportunity to extend my gratitude to our teachers, to our school counselors, to our administrators, our superintendent, and of course to the board of education in our community for your ongoing support of a school and a district that gives every student access to an exceptional education. Our courses and programs are robust. They
033are varied. They are strong. And our students continue to thrive because of the pathways that we create for them. Future ready, dreams discovered, paths defined. This is Oceanside High School. Thank you. >> At this particular time, is anybody on the board have any questions for Mr. Bravito or uh Dr. Mitchman? Dr. Bikman at this time. No. Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> At this particular time, we're on 4E, which is the 2627 school calendar. Dr. Harrington. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. D. Uh, so I'm going to be recommending a calendar to the board um to adopt this evening. Uh, it is based on the Bosey's calendar. Uh, I did review it at length with the PTA council last night. I started my presentation by saying don't shoot the messenger. Um but the
034reality is is that uh there are a number of things that are completely out of our control that drive our calendar. First being of course the date that the regions typically sets for the end of their testing period in June. We work backwards from there and then of course the uh actual date of Labor Day um has a great deal to do with how the calendar plays out this year. Labor Day next year. Labor Day uh is very late. Uh actually it's Monday, September 7th. Um so that is our first hurdle um that we have to face. I also remind the community at this time that Oceanside builds a calendar of 185 days. That's that's larger than um many other districts, particularly those neighboring us. We get that call all the time. It is driven
035contractually because teachers are contractually obligated to work 184 days. So we build 185. If we have no um inclement weather day like we actually did last year, we will get a day back. So it totals 184. Um but the bottom line is we do have a larger calendar uh than than most. So we have to build 185 days. The other thing that makes next year's calendar a little um more difficult is that Easter and Passover are not together. Easter's in March, Passover is in April. That complicates things. Uh other than that, the the holidays are typical. We're lucky that there's only one Jewish holiday, uh Yam Kapor, which falls on a week day. The others that we are typically off for the second day of Yamapour and also I should say the first day and
036also Rashashana fall on weekends. So we actually get a pass with that this that next year. To that end um the calendar that I'm asking the board to adopt uh brings teachers back on Monday August 31st uh with students to begin school September 1st. So, while it is before Labor Day and I recognize that for some in our beach community that that that raises an issue, but I absolutely count it and I guarantee you will still get eight solid weeks of summer vacation uh given that calendar. So, um it does again model the Bosey's calendar. I will entertain any questions from the board. If not, it will be on the agenda for approval this evening. >> Any questions from the board? >> Yes. >> I just have one comment. Uh Dr. Harrington, I think you
037might have misspoke slightly. Yum Kapor is just one day. It's the two days of Rashashana, I believe, that are on the weekend. >> Okay. Thank you for that. It's a clarification. Appreciate that. >> Any other questions? Okay, great. Thank you, Dr. Harrington. And we'll be approving that um that school calendar in short time. So, this is the opportunity to comment on agenda items. Any audience member wishing to make a comment on any item that's on tonight's agenda can do so at this time. Anyone wishing to make a comment on an item not on tonight's agenda will have the opportunity to do so later on in the agenda. While New York State Law does not require us to hold a public comment period on agenda items, this board of education chooses to do so because we
038believe it's important to get input from community members on board agenda items. Please note that the board is here to listen. While everybody's encouraged to share their comments, please keep in mind that this is not designed to be a question and answer session. Again, comment should be directed towards the chair of the meeting, which is me. Anyone who wishes to speak should come up to the microphone. Clearly state your name and your child school only on agenda items. Is there anybody that has any questions? Seeing none, we're going to go on 6A, which is a motion to accept the minutes of the October 15, 2025 regular meeting for file uh as submitted. Do I I'll take a motion. >> Motion. Second >> Stew and Seth. Any questions or comments? All >> we're good. All in
039favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. Approval for the minutes of the November 5th uh special meeting uh be accepted to file as submitted. I'll take a motion. >> I'll make a motion. >> Sandy, >> I second. >> Laura, any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. We're on C. Acceptance of financial reports, Treasury report, transfer of funds, internal claims, auditors, review of warrants. A motion to accept the financial reports, treasury reports, transfer of funds, and internal claims audit review of warrants as submitted. I'll take a motion. >> I move it. >> Second. >> And Don, uh, any questions or comments? All in favor? I. >> Any uh, any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. We're on 7A approval of use of facilities. A motion
040to approve use of facilities as submitted for um it's going to be at the elementary schools soccer field by Pasqual Rizzy of Showtime soccer on Saturdays March to June 2026 for soccer practice. I'll take a motion. >> Motion and set. Any questions or comments? >> I have a question. >> Yes, ma'am. Um before we do any more, you know, we go down the whole list of the uh use of facilities requests. I ask this every time. I want to make sure because some of these uh requests uh span a long period of time. I want to make sure that uh when we c when we uh have an application with these indivi these individual groups, they understand that if for any reason our school district needs use of those facilities, >> uh that they will
041get bumped and we'll do our best to give them another alternate facility. But I would just want to make sure that that's everybody's common understanding. >> It's very well understood and it's outlined in the our policy and in the paperwork that they fill out. >> Thank you. We're on 7B. >> No, we're on eight. >> Okay, we're on A. I'm sorry. I'll take a motion. >> Stew and set. Uh, any questions or comments? All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. Uh, we're on B. Approval uh for the recommendation uh approve the use of facilities for school 349 middle school gym 3 gym four gym by Kevin Connors of the Oceanside girls softball from 11:202 to 712026 for girls softball little league. So I'll take a motion. >> Uh I'll make that
042motion. >> Sandy, >> I second. >> Laura, any questions or comments? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. use of facilities for the Oceanside Wrestling Club. I'll take a motion. >> I'll move it. Second. >> Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. Uh Warren D, approval for the use of facilities for the Oceanside Little League. And that's going to be on Fridays from 12125 to 41 1726 for baseball winter workouts. Uh and I'll take a motion. >> Motion second. >> Sue and Seth. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. Take your time. And also for E, approved for use of facilities by the Oside Chamber of Commerce. This is a very big thing in our community.
043It's been requested at schoolhouse green and we do a nice holiday uh tree lighting and and and it's a it's a great thing for for the entire community. That's going to be on uh 126 2025 with a rain date of 127 2025. So I'll take a motion for that. >> I'll make that motion. >> Sandy, >> I second. >> Laura, any questions or comments? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. And again, uh uh we're on F use facilities by the Abad of Oceanside. And they do a very nice thing also at schoolhouse green. And that's going to be on December 14th. um December 14th for the Monura lighting. Uh it's a very nice event. We urge the community to come out and I'll take a motion on that. >> I'll move
044it. >> Bob, >> second >> and Don. Any questions or comments? >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. 8A. I'll take a motion to approve professional personnel recommendations are submitted. >> Motion. >> Still >> second. >> Set. Any questions or comments? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. >> Mr. Drosio, if I may, just take a moment of personal privilege, please. Uh, it is very bittersweet um that I use this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Jill D. Rosa, who has now been officially accepted uh by the board. Um, her resignation for the purpose of retirement. Uh, Dr. D. Rosa, for those that don't know, have been has been in the district well over 20 years. She wore multiple hats. She was an assistant principal at our middle school. She
045was principal of school 3, assistant superintendent for special ed, and then most recently assistant superintendent for human resources, which she where she has really transformed um that department. Um she will be retiring in the end of April. Um we're hoping to we will be starting the process first thing tomorrow morning in terms of uh sending out um canvas letters in terms of internal and external possibilities of people interested in in her position. And we hope to have someone in front of the board in February with the hopes that someone can start in May. Dr. D. Roza has graciously agreed to um to help that individual over the months of May and June. Um but at at the end of the day um Dr. D. Roza has been nothing but an amazing colleague, an amazing friend,
046a partner, a teammate. I know I will miss her. We'll have plenty of time to talk about that over the next couple of months, but I did want to use this opportunity to to personally congratulate her. [applause] I will say on a on a personal note also that Dr. Dr. D. Roza, you know, we we get inundated from March all the way in with new employees, new teachers, people retiring, and Dr. D. Roza and her and her uh crew, we call them, they just it's amazing that they're able to get things in. And as you know, when you hire somebody new, a new personnel of all the uh paperwork that's got to get done and when people retiring all that paperwork and you know, that doesn't happen magically. And her and her team really put
047things together. She definitely will be somebody that's going to be sorely missed. Hopefully, you know, we're going to be able to pick up the pace on that, but I wish her well, but we'll be having a lot more with her. But this board will definitely uh miss uh Dr. D. Roza. [applause] >> Let's go up to uh personnel C, which is our employee recommend. >> Oh, B, I'm sorry. Civil service personnel recommendation. Um motion to approve the civil service personnel recommendation as submitted. >> I'll make that motion. >> I second. >> Um any question or comments? All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? >> I'll be abstaining. Any other abstensions? >> Not that one. >> Okay. I'm not abstaining. Motion passes. >> I would like to just add, Mr. that um we are also recognizing
048now the retirement of Christine Bertram who's been a clerical uh typist clerk at 9M for many many many years. We will certainly be missing her. But we but I'm also very happy to to show that we have you know we have been talking for months now about the number of clerical openings that we've had that we've been having difficulty filling and just because of the way new lists come out and the process takes place and and the hard work of the HR department. I am so thrilled that you can see that we are now in this agenda alone appointing five new clerical people to our staff. So we're thrilled. We thank everybody for their efforts and we certainly welcome these individuals to the Oceanside family. >> Okay, so we're on C. Motion approve hourly employee
049recommendation submitted. I'll take a motion. >> I move it. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? [clears throat] All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? I will abstain from that now. Anybody else? Motion passes. We're on 8D which is a 2025 2026 co-curriculum new appointments. A motion to approve the 2526 co-curricular new appointments. I'll take a motion. >> Motion >> second. >> And Seth, any question of comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. >> Mr. Trosen, I just want to take the a moment to if you if you look at our actual agenda, you will see that the motion that the board just approved is 10 pages long, single space. Um, that is such a credit to our faculty who step up and take on these clubs. Um,
050honestly, sometimes when you do the math, you really you you just know it's a it's it's they do it out of their passion and their love uh of working with kids. Uh it is impressive that the board continues to endorse and support these number of extracurricular clubs, we know how super important they are to our students, but it also uh if we didn't have teachers willing to step up, we wouldn't be able to run them as well. So, I just wanted to acknowledge and not let this just pass 10 pages long of teachers uh from our our elementary level all the way to our high school who step who continue who stepped up and continue to step up year after year. So, we thank them for that. >> Thank you, Dr. Harrington. A motion to
051approve Docker employees recommendation is submitted. I'll take a motion. >> Make that motion. >> Sandy, >> I second. >> And Laura, any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. We're on 8F, high school and middle school, winter coaching, staff, varsity, and JV for the 2526 season. I'll take a motion. >> I'll move it. >> Bob, >> second. >> And Don. All in favor? I >> I any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. A recommendation to approve approve a motion to approve the recommendation of the CSC CPSC chairperson is submitted. I'll take a motion. >> Motion. >> Stu and set. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. One 10A. Approval. A motion to approve a student who moved to another part of
052the community to complete the students elementary school year at school three. I'll take a motion. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> I second. >> Laura, any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. >> Approval to establish the Ficaro family scholarship for three years beginning with the class of 2026. I'll take a motion. I'll move it, Bob. >> Second, >> Don. Any questions or comments? >> All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? >> Motion passes. A motion to approve all employees hourly rate to a minimum $17 per hour effective January 1st, 2026 in accordance with New York State minimum wage law. I'll take a motion. >> Motion. >> Still. >> Second. >> Seth. Any question or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed?
053Any abstensions? Motion passes. And finally on 10D, um take a motion to approve the 2627 calendar that Dr. Harrington just reviewed. I'll take a motion. >> I'll make that motion. >> Sandy, >> I second. >> Laura, any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? >> Motion passes. 11A. Superintendent of schools. >> Just a couple of quick things, Mr. D. So, our students again always do such a good job at sharing the accomplishments, but a few are worth repeating uh including the fact that our athletic uh sports teams were in full full uh gear this this fall. So, uh we we we applaud our boys soccer who were conference champions, our our girls volleyball who were quarterfinal final champions, our cheerleading teams who were not only conference champs but county champs.
054You might have seen them in the paper this past week. Um, of course, our girls soccer team, uh, not were were our county champs, Long Island champs, and they actually went to the States and my goodness, they they had such a such a hard hard loss, but the girls are amazing, and we just know there's more great stuff to come from them. And then finally, as mentioned, our football team is still standing and they will be playing this Friday uh, at Hostra at at 4 pm. So, we cheer on our sailors and wish everybody um the very very best. Most importantly, we want it to be important for our kids to enjoy what they're doing and have fun doing it at the same time. They do make us proud. Speaking of being proud, our theater
055pro uh program, Alive and Well, as those you know, our elementary schools are already in in in process. But this weekend, our high school drama, Little Women, will be produced both Friday and Saturday evenings. Uh, Miss PvO and I actually caught uh the the dress rehearsal today. It's quite quite uh wonderful. Um, so please, it's also a great way to introduce young people. It's a obviously a a a classic story. Uh, it's a it's a great way to introduce uh young people to theater. Speaking of theater, our Oceanside Theater Guild, can't believe it's at time already, but December 6th and December 7th, we'll be producing the show Carnival. It's going to be a spectacular treat, I'm sure. Please come out. Again, another great way, a relatively inexpensive way to introduce young people to theater. We're
056looking forward to that. Our winter concert season is is beginning. We know what that's all um connected to. But that also brings us right back to Thanksgiving. And um I I had the pleasure of reading uh the book Thankful, which is our book Love Choice this month to classroom um at school 8. Uh it is a beautiful beautiful celebration reminding us all of so many things that we have to be thankful for and I just ask um that everyone continue to remain focused on the important things in our life which are our our our friends, our family of course and certainly our health. Um I use the opportunity to wish our board of course and uh my colleagues but our entire community a just wonderful wonderful Thanksgiving season. That concludes my report. Mr. Drosio. >>
057Thank you. At this particular time, we have the opportunity for the board, which I'll start off. And I'm still um still thinking about our staff at school aid where we had a young child that was in trouble and our staff pulled this kid out and and she's alive today because of our staff. So, I know a lot of times we get a little bit a little bit off off craziness with things that we read about, but I can't begin to tell you that what could have happened didn't happen. And it's because of the staff. It's because of our teachers. It's because of our nurses. It's because of people that work in this district that I can't say enough about. And those are people that, you know, sometimes we we we get off track on different
058things. And these are the things that are important. These are the things that matter. These aren't the small things. These are the big things. And these are the things why we say Oceanside is really a great place to live. And Oceanside School District is a great place for your kids to grow up. So, I'm going to tell you on behalf of this board of education, we thank every employee, every teacher, every assistant teacher, every everybody that works in this district. I thank you every day for making these kids your priority at this particular time. Is there anybody else on my board uh set? >> Uh last month, the end of last month, uh along with Dr. Harrington, myself and several of the board members, we had the opportunity to go to the New York State
059School Boards Convention, which was a couple of days. It was great opportunity to learn. Uh they had all different types of um courses, all different types of topics on aspects of what we're all dealing with in the world of public education. And it was also a good opportunity to network. The um the the I forgot what school district it might have been COMAC, but the girls ac capella group that performed was quite remarkable that um that we heard there. And of course, I had a a a really fantastic keynote speaker um to close the evening out, a man named Steve Hartman, who does a I guess a regular um segment on I don't know if it's CBS, CBS's and and so it was uh it was really a a a terrific opportunity, terrific time. Um
060we've taken a couple of days out of our lives to go to go to this. Um but it was it was well worth it in the end. Um Dr. Harrington. I don't know if there's been any followup over the diligent community, but I know when I logged into board docs today, I saw there was a big sign that said diligent community on it. So hopefully that will be moving. I know they insisted they tried calling you. Whether they did or not, um, who knows? >> We're still waiting. >> Okay. I had the opportunity um among along with a few other people, a few of the board members and and a lot of people from uh the community to attend um our semi-final football game against Farmingdale. It was quite a nailbiter going to to the
061very end. and I believe in there and it was hard for us to see from where we were sitting, but there was a a hook and ladder play going on on the other side where we saw all sorts of um craziness going on that led to a touchdown and of course the last minute um Farmingdale's decision to go for the two-point conversion which Yeah. which missed they didn't get it. >> So um we do have the the county championship game this week. Um, also the circle of pride dinner was last week. The circle of pride is uh really um within Oceanside uh people uh student former students who graduated through the Oceanside school system. It's really the top of the top the cream of the crop of our student athletes that have graduated and gone
062on and and contributed. Um they honored they really had three separate honores which were teams had to do with our um 1978 and79 I believe they were the county championship the women's soccer teams. Um we had the 1955 undefeated football team that was inducted and the 1996 uh champion county champion lacrosse team that was um being inducted. And of course, all this was very timely with what's going on with our football team and and the girls soccer team, you know, this year. Uh it was it was quite interesting. Um I I I do want to uh put in my own personal recommendation. I see Mr. L sitting in the back because I know that they always look for certain people or they look for people to induct in the future. I don't believe that the
063circle of pride has inducted a man named Ray McDonald who was the captain, one of the captains, co- captain of the 1938 football team that was not only the Nassau County champions at the time, but the team also won the um what are they called? They have the the two big awards. There's there was the the winner of the Bacon trophy and the Ruters trophy. I believe it's the only football team that we've had that have actually won those awards um from 1938. So Ray McDonald was one of the captains of that team. He was also captain of the basketball team and the baseball team. Quite the athlete. Um someone who you should take a look into for whenever the next Circle of Pride dinner is because I think he is worthy. Interestingly enough, his
064co- captain, which was Stephen Pulchuk, was um has been inducted probably about 20 years ago. Um but between the two of them, you may also want to take a look at the 1938 football team, which again was a one-of-a-kind team and established um really hit some some some real high marks there. So, those are some things I would ask for to be reviewed for consideration going forward. Um, >> is it okay? >> Are they with us anymore or from 193? >> I'm not going to give the answer to that. Some other people have to push them up at this. >> Some other people can do a little little leg work on this. I I could give the answers out, but >> All right. >> But I won't. >> Okay. >> Um, I also want to
065mention um there's something interesting. Before the end of the regular football season, I went to a game um an away game. one of our neighboring districts and the neighboring district actually charges us to go see our own team play in a regular football game. And the amount that they charge was kind of irrelevant, but it's the whole concept of why are we being charged to go see our own kids play? Why are our parents who are going off and and we generally have a decent number of people that go to the away games? Um the whole notion that we're being charged to see our own students play in a regular game I just I I find somewhat offensive. I don't understand if that's permitted, if it's allowed, if it's allowed by section 8. >> So
066if if I can I did follow up on that. So um first it is it is allowed but you should also know that it's not just the visitors that are charged. Anyone who comes to the game whether they are a he whether they are a resident of that district or not um they they they they are asked to donate towards a ticket. >> Well nobody nobody asked me to donate. I was told it was $3 to go in and it was also the other team's homecoming. So for the people that were there for the entire day, whether they had to go back and then pay pay the extra money to go back in or if they just went there, I'm not really sure. But I don't I don't really like the idea of our residents
067being used as a way for other districts to be, you know, raising money or for for whatever it is that they're doing it. And if this is something that is allowed, I would ask that the board look into a policy that we charge visiting districts that come here only the ones that charge us and we charge them five times the amount because they, you know, I I don't understand where they get off on being able to charge us to go see. It's not us is they they they they do ask for an entrance fee for anyone who attends their games whether they're residents or not. That's that's what I was told. I understand your question. >> So I I I think this turnaround is fair game then and I think that we should be charging
068th only those teams. >> Yeah. >> That charge. >> It is done but it is very very unusual and rare. >> I understand but again it is being done. Um, and I still would ask for a policy of that nature to to be taken taken away. >> You call that? Would you call that? >> Lastly, lastly, I would just like to congratulate >> Dr. D. Rosa on on your retirement. It has been I know just within our district 20 plus years, it's a long ride. Congratulations. Definitely welld deserved. >> So, Mr. Bl, what you're basically saying is you want to impose a tariff. [laughter] >> Is that what you're basically saying? No. >> Just on certain people? No. Tariff on certain people? >> No. >> Okay, I move it. All right. I I said what
069I wanted. >> Okay, good. I heard you loudly and everyone else did. Uh, Mr. Shaw, >> uh, I don't want to repeat everything that that Seth said. It's been a great fall season for our athletics and and I know that the show this weekend is going to be outstanding. Uh, but I don't want to forget our marching band who also had a wonderful season and they were extremely entertaining and they also did a really great job on at all their competitions. So, congratulations Mr. Fragul to wherever you are. I don't see you anymore. Um on a on a great season. Um and again to Ken Dwire, Al Lys and the whole team. The circle of pride dinner was probably one of the best I've been at and it was really nice to see uh some
070of our athletes come back and and get together and see each other again. So it was very well done and thank you for that. have a happy Thanksgiving and healthy to everybody. >> U Miss Lisa, do you have something you'd like to say? >> Just wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving. >> Perfect. Uh Mr. Kaplan, do you have anything to say? >> Happy Thanksgiving. And Mr. Transm, I know you got a couple of things on your agenda there. >> I probably should get it before Don Morescu gets up. >> Um I want to thank the uh Powderpuff uh Al for the kind donation that they gave. I got to expressly uh thank the OFT who came through at the end and gave us uh 52 or 60 turkeys all stacked nice and neatly in the freezer
071unlike our politicos who took up all of the belly freezer space and now we got to put them all over the freezer. Um thank everybody in the community that has donated to Oceanside Community Service to for those that care for their neighbors. If you know a neighbor or you know a senior that might need a meal. Uh if you have a pen and paper, you can call 2085991. We'll make sure that they get a Thanksgiving uh dinner they can pop in the microwave. And if they can't, I'll heat it up for them and take it over there. Uh everybody have a great holiday. We are still collecting turkeys through Thanksgiving for Christmas. Um, we have about 130 right now, but we need close to 300 uh to cap out the year. Uh, I defer now
072to Mr. Moresca. >> Oh, Mr. Trans, are those turkeys alive or they they're in the box? You said they're running around downstairs in the basement of high school. >> No, no, no. They're running through the halls of the No, I I I already rescued a gerbil at school five today. [laughter] >> So, Mrs. Mr. is her pet. I I saved him in the hallway. Didn't crush him. >> Thanks, Don. He's a he's he's a beautiful animal. >> There you go, >> Mr. Moresca. Go ahead. >> Thank you very much. Uh many of the things I uh was about to say were said, but I'm going uh maybe be a little repetitious in some respect, but I'd like to begin by uh saying I attended the Oceanside Veterans Flag Ceremony, which was held at the Schoolhouse
073Green, and uh the Castleton students, staff, and principal Frank Simmons should be congratulated for a wonderful program. Now, I know the girls uh varsity soccer team unfortunately lost their semifinal, New York State semifinals one- nothing to Cicero North Syracuse in double overtime. What a game that must have been. But I congratulate congratulations to the players their coach Daniel Sheira and assistant Tina Puma for winning the Nassau County and Long Island Championships. They had quite a season. The football team I can't say enough about. They won a They won a tough game against Farmingdale in the semi-finals and the score was 28-27 and uh they won that with two minutes to go as somebody indicated. Uh the Fingale went for the two-point conversion and missed the boat. And uh Oceanside now goes against Masipeka uh at
074Hustra at 400 p.m. this Friday for the Nassau County Championships. You know, I I'd like to say we should be very proud of our dance team and our cheerleaders. They do a great job. You watch them perform at the different uh activities and they're just outstanding. the coordination, the movements, everything. Our m our marching band competed in Bergenfield, New Jersey and won first place in that competition. They also competed in the New York State Championship in Lindenhurst and placed third with a score of 82.3%. A score of 82.3, which I believe is high. Anything over 80 uh puts them in the outstanding car category. Now they will be competing in the nationals in Allentown, Pennsylvania if they haven't done so already. I'm not sure. But congratulations to the students to coach Veter and his two
075assistants uh Chelsea Rosenberg and Marco Capanelli. a marching band competes in any every weekend in some kind of a tournament or activity somewhere in the neighborhood. So, congratulations to them and I'd like to extend uh to one and all a very healthy and happy new year to you and your f happy new year, happy uh Thanksgiving to you and your families. >> Good. Thank you, Don. Mr. Dr. Luso, is there anything you'd like to mention that you might have forgot or left off or something that's great going on? >> Uh, yeah. I just wanted to say I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and uh please just keep sending in more stuff for our turkey shoot because the more we can get, the more we can give. >> You got that all straightened out at
076the lobby over there. You got everybody lined up. That's your deal over there. >> Okay. Uh Okay. At this particular time, next is public comment on non-aggenda items. This is the opportunity for anyone who wants to make a comment on any item that is not on tonight's agenda. As I previous as I previously mentioned, state law does not require us to hold a public comment period, but this board of education does so because we believe it's important to provide this form to hear our community members about concerns and issues. Having said that, please note that the board is here to listen. Comments should be directed towards the chair of the meeting which is made. While everyone is encouraged to share their comments, please remember that this is not designed to be a question and answer
077session. If someone has a question that can be quickly answered, we will do so. Otherwise, the appropriate personnel will follow up on any issue. Lastly, please remember that the board cannot and will and will not discuss personnel matters related to staff or students in public. Any party wishing to come up to the microphone, clearly state your name and your child's school. Thank you for cooperation. At this particular time, uh, can you please make sure the microphone is on, your name, and your childhood school. >> Is it on? >> Yep. >> Good evening everyone. Thank you so much. Every meeting I just continue to be impressed by everything that the Department of Education, our teachers, our schools, our principles, administrators, everyone does for the kids. Um, I attended the special meeting for special education that took
078place, I think you were last week or two weeks ago. I was blown away by everything that Oceanside Schools offers to, um, the children, uh, special needs children. And I just want to say thank you so much. It's just amazing all of the offerings and I love the presentation on everything that the high school has to offer for the kids. My kids are in school five, so they're still not in high school. Hi, Miss Mr. Randy. [laughter] Um, but I just am like amazed and I just want to say thank you to everyone who puts in so much hard work for our kids and um, you know, all the kids. They really, this community is just amazing from the community service that everyone does and everything that everyone contributes and just really just how much
079everyone cares. It really shows in what everyone does and just how people show up for each other. It really is impressive for me. Um I did speak a couple of meetings ago regarding the cuts to the Department of Education. Um, and I'm sure you're aware that yesterday, um, the administration announced plans to, um, incorporate several different agencies from the Department of Education into other agencies that if you really are honest with yourself and you take a look at the agencies that these things are being incorporated to, like for instance, um, it's called inter agency agreements. If you go to the US Department of Education website, you can see it's an according to the administration, it's saying it's an effort to break up federal bureaucracy, but throughout the whole thing, it really is just about cutting
080costs and with the ultimate goal of eliminating the federal department of education. With that um come severe cuts all throughout this document is saying basically like uh saving money, consolidating efficiencies. We all know what those words mean and just looking at all of the programs that Oceanside offers and the amount of money that I know that it costs because it's a huge district with a huge budget. You you mentioned Dr. Harrington last time that we spoke that that money comes from the state, the money that the state gets comes from the federal government and um as much as you know we're part of a community and everyone has their rights to their own beliefs and to what they support and you know who they want to vote for and stuff like that. But I don't
081think that these things are right and at this point they're calling them experimental. But the ultimate goal is to eliminate the Department of Education. And just as uh some information for anyone who's interested, the only increase in the budget in the US Department of Education was $60 million for a total of $500 million for charter or private schools. Everything else was a severe cut. Um and hold on, let me just see. I just wanted to share basically $4.5 billion in cuts to K through 12 programs, 12 billion in total cuts to the United States Department of Education were announced in the um bill that was just passed. Um, and I just don't think that people understand. If you think about that, 4.5 billion cuts to education, what that means for our kids, and $170 billion
082increase in the immigrations and customs enforcement budget to track down people who are most of, let let's be real, these people are hardworking people that come to these communities and they're making our communities better. 170 billion increase to that budget while taking away money from our kids >> is unacceptable. And the and I just want everybody in the community to know. And I do think that it's it's like how people talk about trickle down economics being like whatever. We're trying to go from the ground up and letting people know >> and speaking to our elected officials and saying, "Hey, this is not okay." >> So, so to that point, if I may, so a couple of things. First of all, thank you so much for your kind words about our special education uh presentation from
083last week. Um you are so right and we really do appreciate you taking the time to share that. In I just want to clarify just a couple of things and to to say that you're not wrong at all. I think we all, you know, read and heard the same thing. Um there's no question that there's an aggressive approach uh in place now to disbandle the Department of Education. I can tell you that um that has uh all of us concerned. Uh I'm an active member of our state council of school superintendents. We're taking some strong advocacy positions. Our board is a member of the NASA and New York State School Boards Association. There are advocacy conferences and and um sessions uh being scheduled and uh this winter. We will be an active part of that.
084Um, I I I agree with you 100% that the only way that we can get our message out is by being advocates and that's person by person, letter by letter, email by email. Just want to clarify just one final point. The we receive a certain amount of state aid that money is generated by the state and I believe if I recall I wanted to make sure that I felt that I was indicating that the state aid numbers that we would hope to continue to receive is generated by our state. our state gets to make that decision. That being said, you are absolutely correct that there are a number of federal grants um that we are recipients of that we are very concerned that those funds uh will be lost. uh right now there's no there's
085no threat of that imminently but of course it you know you just have to be have your eye on the ball like you say but I can assure you that the the advocacy from this group I can assure you that our teachers union we're theft but they're part of nit nice is one of the largest uh advocacy groups they they they put a lot of resources into that so we're behind you 100% we're public educators that's what we stand for that's why we do the work that we do we will continue to advocate on behalf of all of our children and quite honestly the children in in our state and in our country. Thank you. >> Good. Thank you very much. >> Thank you so much, Dr. Harrington, and thank you everyone again. I appreciate
086it. Thank you for allowing me to comment. >> Anybody else would like to come up? Seeing none, well, I'm sorry. If you say happy Thanks. Go ahead. I know you're going to say it. Come on. I want to wish the board. >> Not yet. >> Go ahead. First of all, I wanted to say um congratulations on everybody on the honors tonight. Um I'm Cindy Rosen. Uh this is actually my last November uh sorry, >> uh >> we're gonna have Talia, you come back and sing for us anyway. [laughter] >> My last November Thanksgiving uh meeting. I just wanted to say thank you so much to the administration, to the faculty, to the staff, to the administration. Um, and uh to the teachers as well. Um, Talia has been thriving throughout this district. Um, you know,
087I never thought that she would be and I'm just very proud of her and the way she's going. Um, Dr. D. Roza, congratulations on retirement. I feel like I've been with you forever. Uh, good luck wherever you go. I will see you. And I just wanted to wish everybody a very happy, healthy um Thanksgiving with your family, your friends, and anything that you guys do. Enjoy it with um love, care, and um enjoy as as much as you can. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. >> Thank you. Thank you, Cindy. >> Seeing no others, I make a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjurnn. Thank you everybody. Have a safe trip home and happy Thanksgiving. It doesn't matter. Sandy, I think