001Welcome to the uh October 15th board meeting. I'd like you to please stand for the pledge of allegiance followed by the national anthem that's going to be sung by Nadia Altessie. 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. to see by the dawn early light. But so proudly we held at the twilight last gleaming who brought stripes and bright stars through the perilous flight or the reds we were so streaming and the rockets reds [Music] gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled better yet wave or the land of the free and the hope of the brave. >> Please remain standing. A moment
002of silence for our troops that are abroad keeping us safe. for our Nassau County Police Department, for our fire department, and for all our nurses and doctors. Okay, everyone could please be seated. I would be remiss to say that Nadia is secretary of the O uh OS symphonic choir, honors choir, and member of the S YNC uh sync Oceanside High School select choir. Natalie, thank you so much for that. I was supposed to give you an intro for that. Round of applause. We're on 4A, which is the uh audit finance statement review. Dr. Gerald Kley. Yes, thank you. Uh, President Drosio. Um, every year a school district is required um to undergo an external audit, which is a complete review of the prior year's financials, which would be the 2425 school year. Um, in and
003shortly I'm going to turn it over to Mr. Christopher Schneider, partner from RS Abrams. But this report is very comprehensive. It looks at the revenues and expenses. It matches the assets and liabilities and ultimately it gives the district an overall um fiscal position. Um in my opinion, this uh audit was once again very successful. At this point, I turn it over to uh Mr. Christopher Schneider, a partner from RS Abrams. >> Thank you, Jerel. Again, thank you everybody for having me here tonight. My name is Chris. I'm a partner from RS Abrams. We are the external auditors for Oceanside School District. Again, what I'm presenting today is a summary of what we spoke about last week in a detailed audit committee meeting. So again, this will be very high level. Ultimately, the items that we'll
004discuss tonight will be available on the district's website. So for anybody who wants to read and and take a deeper dive into that, you can feel free to do so. If you could go to the next slide, please. So again, there's four deliverables that we give as part of our audit each year. There is the district's financial statements as a whole. There is what we call an ECAF financial statement or extra classroom activity funds. That's a summarization of the activity for all of your extra classroom activity clubs. Again, that is a state requirement to issue that financial statement. And there's two things that are required by our auditing standards. One being a management letter, the other being a governance letter. I'll get into those in a second. Most importantly, with the two audit reports that
005I mentioned previously, there are clean opinions, what we call unmodified opinion. That is the best opinion you can get. So again, the financial statements that we'll discuss here are all appropriately stated, fairly stated. We can rely on them for the purposes of these analyses. As always, I do want to extend thanks to Sam, Jerel, the business office, and the whole team here. Again, audits are inherently not an easy process. They all handle it very well, answer our questions. So, we are appreciative of that relationship. Next slide, please. So, again, I mentioned some required communications per auditing standards. One of those is what we call the management letter. So that's one of the attachments that you board members have in front of you. What that summarizes is any areas where we think that there are um
006potential for improvements. So we provide recommendations there. Again, there are series of recommendations here. We've discussed these at length with the district. They are aware there are plans to implement these going forward. One item that I think is worth mentioning because we've spoken about this before and then I'll allow Dr. H and Jerel to speak to this is this concept of unassigned fund balance. So again, from the state's perspective, there's a 4% limit of next year's budget that you should keep your unassigned fund balance at. The district currently is over that, but it is purposeful. They are purposely setting aside monies to be able to offset uh future tax amounts that would otherwise have to be passed on to the taxpayer. So I'll segue over to you if you want to have any quick commentary
007on that. >> Just Dr. Kley, you can remind the community why we have that money there. >> Yeah. So approximately four years ago, uh the district was faced with um a a LIPA glide path, which was a settlement that was done with LIPA and Nassau County, not the school district. But since we do own parcels of land at the EF Barrett plant, um we were presented with a financial uh glide path in a negative way, which was approximately going to have us lose um over a period of seven years up to 45 uh% of revenue loss. So what Mr. Schneider is referring to is in an effort to um kind of absorb the the tax uh revenue loss and not pass it on to the community, the district is intentionally exceeding the 4% which is
008again the state's recommendation in an effort to offset next year's amount of what we already know we are going to lose in revenue. And just to be fully transparent, if the district and the board did not take this action, ultimately this tax burden would be felt by the Oceanside taxpayers. So, this is now the fifth year of a seven-year glide path that we have absorbed um the the impact of revenue loss. Thank you, Chris. >> Thanks, Terrell. Next slide, please. So, the next two slides here are another one of our required communications, that being the governance letter. So, again, per auditing standards, there's a series of things that I have to communicate to you. One of the items here are those long-term estimates that are in your financial statements. I go won't go through them
009in detail because they are outlined here. If you go to the next slide, another item here that we are required to communicate is when there are corrected misstatements. Again, the important thing here is that these were ultimately corrected. Everything that we're talking about here today is fairly stated, appropriate. You can rely upon it and we can have these meaningful discussions about those financial results. Next slide, please. The next two slides, I'll just focus on this one. for the general fund just show a a snapshot of your ending fund balance at year end. So for those of you familiar with the terms net assets, equity, this is showing what do you have left over at the end of the year. The district has a series of reserves which are um what we'll describe as in layman's
010terms buckets of money you're able to set aside for particular purposes as per the state's guidelines. So again, each of these is set aside for a particular purpose with particular reasons to spend for eligible expenditures in current in current years and future years. Again, this is common practice for school districts. You want to set aside monies to be able to offset future expenses. To Jerelle's point, this allows you to not have to have taxpayers absorb those costs. You're able to use internal means to fund future costs. You could skip ahead a couple slides. I'll tell you when to stop and keep going. You can stop right here. So, one one back, please. So, this shows a depiction of your activity within those reserve funds. Again, um the district both used 11.3 million of your capital
011reserve. Again, as voters, you would have approved the use of these monies with the capital reserve and then also was able to fund that capital reserve back, which again is a good thing. That means you're setting aside monies to be able to use in future years. If you could go a couple slides forward, please keep going. You could stop right there. Perfect. So, the next two slides here that we'll go through quickly represent your revenues and expenditures for your general fund. Again, your general fund is your voter adopted budget, the one that you all would have approved in May of last year. So, again, this is the results of those. You can see year-over-year fluctuations, both negative and positive. If you go to the next slide, you can see that from the perspective of expenditures.
012So, again, what are the costs being incurred by the district? If you go to the next slide here, there are some quick explanations as to why things are going up and down. Again, um your real property taxes, which is that um tax levy that you're approving as part of the budget, did go up, as you would all know. You had increased interest earnings. Again, rates were up last year. They won't continue to be up necessarily in future years. And then there were some state amounts, state aid amounts, again, which is the aid that the state provides you to cover your costs throughout the year. On the bottom of here of the slide, you can see um fluctuations in your expenditures around instruction. You can also see around employee benefits. Again, the trends outlined here are
013common or I should say typical of what we're seeing with other school districts on Long Islands at this time. So, with that, that's all I plan to cover for tonight. Are there any questions from the board or from anyone else in the audience? Chris, I'll just say again that we had an extensive audit committee meeting which did include three board members um who serve on on that and the meeting was about two hours long going through every single page and every single you know question that could have been three three hours. Thank you. I stand corrected. Three hours long. Um so um so and and they asked some very important questions and got some very fine answers from you. I would also like to reiterate that this was Sam Santa's first uh audit and she
014did a phenomenal job under Dr. Kley's leadership. So, I want to recognize and thank her and of course the business staff as well. One of the things we're incredibly proud of is the fiscal uh stability that we find ourselves in. Um and it's a credit to the board's uh in decisions that they've made over time. Um so we look forward to future years continuing to remain fiscally solvent. Thank you. Thank you. >> At this time Tom, anything else? We're in good shape. >> All good. That's all I have. >> Okay. Dr. Kley, would you like to make any closing? >> Uh, no. Just as a reminder to the community, uh, the presentation once accepted by the board uh, tonight as well as the district's response, which is called the corrective action plan. Both will be
015posted to the district website for public uh, accessibility first thing in the morning. Thank you. >> Thank you, Chris. Appreciate it. >> Thanks, everybody. >> All righty. Uh, we're going to move on to 4B >> is school board recognition. So October is annually the time of year where we get to recognize and honor our amazing school board. So I certainly can speak uh accolades about um how I feel about uh this board. I think the community knows that. Uh but we are going to begin uh with it with the words being said by the the ones that matter most and that's our children. So um I ask your indulgence to uh enjoy this couple minute uh presentation done by the students at school number eight. [Music] No, >> no. >> The border of education. >>
016I don't even know what that is. [Music] people who like decide on what you can do to help the school and helps it go smoothly. Helps like make budgets and fund the schools to make everything possible. >> The board of education lets us kind of do like whatever we want like we have abilities in our school, make clubs and everything possible. >> If we need something, they could supply it to us. The board of education keeps our school funded and also helps us make sure we have the essentials that we need to learn, >> making new friends, >> learning new things, and making new friends. >> My favorite thing about the school is that everyone gets to work together and like create a kind area and space. I like being with my friends and making
017new friends. >> I like that there's like so much opportunities to do really good stuff. The student council and like the school store cuz they always have like good stuff there. So like that's nice. >> Um that it's really fun and you can make friends easily. >> Probably that it's a safe and fun environment and I learn a lot here >> and there's so much fun stuff. >> How everyone is never left out. >> How everybody can like communicate to each other without kind of being afraid and how um like there's a lot of different things that you have a lot of freedom and creativity. >> Sure. >> Mhm. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yeah. Sure. >> 100%. Yeah, >> just to tell them that I'm thankful for what they've done. [Music] So, thank you school
018number eight for saying it better than any of us really could. So, thank you. Thank you. And and I think doctors and Gary, we're going to find a way to make sure that those students get to meet different board members. We'll we'll work on that. Um, so now, uh, to turn to our, uh, adult voices, uh, we have a tremendously supportive and active PTA council that represents the leadership of PTAs throughout our district. And it is my pleasure to turn the microphone over to Miss Stroma and Miss Moran. >> Thank you, Dr. Harrington. Just for a little spiel, my name is Kim Moran. I'm co-president of the Oceans High Council of PCAS. My co-president Roetta is at the cheer competition at the high school right now with her senior. I have with me Tara Strowmer.
019She is one of our secretaries on the council as well as the middle school co-president. Um I just want to say on behalf of all of the Oceanside PTA units, all the families to thank our board of education, Dr. Harrington, Dr. D. OSA, Miss Bravito, um, Dr. Kley, I'm going down my line, and Brian, who's new, our high for high school liaison, um, for everything you do for our children. We know it's not easy. Late nights, endless meetings, tough decisions, and yet you just keep showing up. You make sure our students have what they need, and you do it with heart. Because of you, our schools don't just run, they thrive. You support the teachers, the programs, the arts, the sports, all the things that make our schools feel like home for our kids. And
020that means a lot to us. So tonight, we want to thank you. We left gifts on the table for you to to show you that we appreciate you and we thank you for having our students backs every single day. And honestly, it's that kind of commitment that sets the tone for everyone from our teachers to the parents to our children. It reminds us that we are anchored together, working towards the same goal, giving our students the very best. So, here's to you for the hours you give, the care you show, the heart you bring to this district. We are lucky to have you leading the way. Thank you so much. [Applause] >> Thank you so much. First of all, Dr. Z, those kids vote. I just got to know because if not we this whole
021board's going to come over to school 8. We're going to talk to all of them over there and we're going to just let them we >> Exactly. It's up to you over there to being a principal. So you got to let us know. And as far as the PTA is concerned, you know, we can't say enough enough accolades towards them. You know, we're here trying to make the right decisions and sometimes we we do, sometimes we don't. We just we just try to go with what we go with. But the PTA does the heavy lifting. They really do all the things that we can't do. And that reaches out to every elementary school, the middle school, high school, the alternative schools, and and you guys are the ones that are carrying the heavy heavy water.
022You guys are making sure that you let us know what you guys need. And that's so important because sometimes we get stuck in in this vortex of watching the budget, watching watching where everything goes. and we never lose sight of the kids, but we're so we work together with the PTA so close and of course the OFT, but with the PTA to let us know what's going on and what you need and all those car washes and the bake sales and the Halloweens and the Christmas and the Hanukkah and all of these events, these PTAs are all in the middle of it. And it's so good because we know that any child uh that needs anything will never get left behind. And that's one as of all attributes that the PTA does. No child gets
023left behind. And we can say that up here, but you guys really carry the water. You guys carry do that heavy lifting. You guys make sure that any student that's got to go on a field trip or anything else got to get done. Somehow someway the money magically appears. And I know a lot of you go into your own pocket and a lot of you do these fundraisers, but without the PTA, we couldn't do what we do up here without you guys. So, a round of applause for the PTA, please. [Applause] We're at 4C and we're so lucky. Um, two years ago, uh, the state made us, uh, get a school representative, government representative, and we had, uh, Dennis Shabbay last year. Got their name correct, Seth. And now we have Brian, uh, Rusco. And
024Brian, you are doing a great job so far. So, this is the part that you run the meeting with, and please bring up your people. Thank you so much. I would now like to invite up Matthew Copel, Jeremiah McDow, and Macy Bronner. The fall season at Oceanside High School has been filled with energy, pride, and community involvement. Students have adjusted well to their classes and are continuing to thrive both academically and socially. Oceanside football will be hosting plane view JFK this Friday at 6 pm. In addition, fans are allowed to go on the field after the game and take p pictures and receive autographs from the players. Our Oceanside boys soccer team secured first place in their conference last night against East Meadow, winning 5-0. To start their playoff run in the playoffs, they play
025View at home next Wednesday. Our homecoming week was a huge success. We had a large student participation throughout spirit week, the pep rally, and the homecoming parade. The parade featured members of student government, the cheer team, and the dance team, showcasing incredible school pride and teamwork. The homecoming game drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, uniting students, families, and alumni and support of our sailors. We hosted many local businesses, helping unite our community, as well as our annual homecoming barbecue. In September, the annual club fair took place in the cafeteria, offering students the opportunity to explore more than 40 extracurriculars. Attendance was outstanding with many students signing up for multiple activities ranging from service clubs to create arts and academic competitions, encouraging students to meet new people, explore their interests, and outside the classroom. Re we
026recently launched the first Sailor Station broadcast of the year, a student produced program by Mrs. Bus broadcasting class. The broadcast serves as a creative platform for students to express themselves, showcase their talents, and share important school updates. Beyond highlighting student achievements, the initiative also promotes a sense of belonging and inclusivity with the school community, giving students a voice and opportunity to contribute to the positive culture at Oceanside High School. Seniors have begun their preparations for graduation with cap and gown sales taking place in the lobby along with opportunities to order class rings to commemorate their time at Oceanside High School. Back to school night was a success which also held in late September giving parents and teachers a valuable chance to connect as students settled into their courses. Teachers reported positive feedback to families and
027many parents expressed appreciation in the way for new energy in the building this year. Academically, college representatives visits have continued providing seniors with a valuable opportunities to learn about more potential universities and programs. Our guidance counselors have been diligently conducting senior meetings to ensure the students remain on track of their comm submissions and recommendations letters and scholarship uh applications. In addition, counselors have been begun working with juniors and sophomores to prepare them for upcoming PSAT and SAT programs offering sessions through method learning to focus on test strategies and academic readiness. These efforts reflect the school's ongoing commitment to supporting everyone in their college applications. The annual Halloween costume contest will take place at 7 in the cafeteria, giving students and staff a fun opportunity to showcase their creativity and school spirit. It's always a highly
028anticipated event that brings the building together in a festive way. The powderpuff game will take place at 6:30 on November 3rd. Continuing one of the Oceanside High School's favorite fall traditions. This spirited event features female students from different grade levels competing in a friendly flag football game. While many of the male students take on roles as coaches, and referees, the game promotes school spirit, teamwork, and leadership, and always draws a large, enthusiastic crowd of students, families, and staff members. It's a fun and empowering way to bring the school community together and celebrate student involvement outside the classroom. The district will also be observing a superintendence conference day, providing teachers and staff with a valuable time for professional development, curriculum planning, and collaboration to enhance the student learning experience. Variety show auditions will be held at
0292:45 p.m. in the auditorium on November 10th, offering students the chance to display their artistic talents from singing and dancing to comedy and instrumental performances. The event highlights the diverse creativity and spirit. Our honor society induction ceremonies are taking place this week and next week celebrating academic excellence and recognizing students who demonstrate leadership, scholarship, and service. Thank you for your time. Go ahead. Brian still on school eight. Okay. I take back everything I said about you before. >> Back. Dennis is going to come back. That's what's going to happen. >> Are you sure? >> Go ahead. >> At this time, I would now like to invite up school number eight and the student council members. Good evening, members of the board of education, teachers, families, and community members. Thank you for giving us the opportunity
030to share the plans our student council has for this school year. We are proud to represent our classmates and excited to tell you about the ways we want to make school 8 even better than it already is. This year we have several important goals. First, student council will be running the school store. We know how important it is for students to be able to get supplies like pencils, erasers, and folders when they need them. We will make sure the store has what students use most, and will keep prices affordable. Running the store also teaches us responsibility, teamwork, and how to manage money skills that we will need in the in years to come. In November, we hold our officer elections. This is one of the most important parts of student council because it allows us
031to practice leadership and understand the democratic process. We are looking forward to hearing speeches from our classmates and watching them take on challenges of representing others. Another goal we are excited about is working with the K Kids Club to organize fundraising activities for our community. These projects give us the chance to help others while building school spirit. Whether it's collecting food for families in need, raising money through fun events, or making courage to people in our community, we know these small acts of kindness can make a big difference. We also want to continue improving school lunches. Last year, students shared their ideas with the food service team, and we were able to make lunch more enjoyable. This year, we hope to keep those conversations going and add even more variety to the menu. One idea
032we are especially excited about is bringing back a special week that highlights the school late menu. This would feature students favorites and could even include themed meals like taco Thursday or breakfast for lunch. We believe that this will not only make lunch more fun but also give students a chance to try new foods. Another way we want to build community this year is by planning theme days. These are days when the whole school comes together around a common idea like pajama day, crazy hat day, twin day, or school colors day. Theme days bring excitement to the building, encourage creativity, and help everyone feel connected. We also want to connect theme days to special causes. For example, in March, which is down syndrome awareness month, we want to wear blue and yellow to show our support.
033We also want to celebrate our own school pride by having days whereas everyone wears blue and white, the Oceanside colors. These events not only bring joy, but also remind us that we are stronger when we stand together as a community. These spirit days may seem small, but they make a big difference in how our students feel about school. They bring smiles, laughter, and happiness to our classrooms and hallways. Most importantly, they remind us that our school is not just a place where we learn. It's a community where we belong. Overall, our council is dedicated to building school spirit, encouraging leadership, and giving students opportunities to grow beyond the classroom. We believe that by running the school store, holding elections, working with KIDS, improving lunches, hosting special weeks, and organizing theme days, we are creating a
034school year filled with energy, kindness, and pride. On behalf of the student council, thank you again for your time and for supporting our ideas. We are excited about the year ahead and we can't wait to see all the ways our school will grow together. I >> Hold on a second there. Hold on, guys. I You know what? I'm going to go back to right now, November. I want to know about that election process. So, how many Hold on one second, Don. So, how does the elections work over there at school 8? So, how many candidates are up there for president, vice president, and can someone explain that? Does anybody know? >> Yeah. >> Go ahead. Someone go up to the mic and tell us. >> There's two um people who are in sixth grade, and
035then they can run to be president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary for the school. >> And how do you how do you vote? Do you put names and ballots and stuff like that in a box? So, first in November, we have a primary vote where just the sixth grade votes and you can make it into the next election. And for that election, sixth grade can't vote, but um fifth, fourth, third, second, and first can vote. >> Okay. So, who's who's running for president? The two candidates, do we know? Okay. >> Good stuff. Okay, kids. Thank you very much. I was just going to have a little thing about that. Let's get a picture with Dr. Z. Dr. You want to get up there for a picture? >> Mr. Ronald, you want to get up there
036or two there? Perfect. Bring your camera up there and we'll make sure we get a picture with Donna. Okay, school 8. Thank you. >> All right, we're at u uh public input. So, at this particular time, um opportunity for the comment on agenda items. Any audience member wishing to make a comment on any item that is on tonight's agenda can do so at this time. Anyone wishing to make 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 believe it's important to get input from community members on board agenda items. Please note that the board is here
037to listen. While everyone is encouraged to share their comments, please keep in mind that this is not designed to be a question and answer session. Again, comments 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's school. At this time, is there anyone that would like to uh make a comment on agenda items? Seeing none. Uh we're at 6A. So let it be resolved that the minutes of the September 17, 2025 regular meeting be accepted for file as submitted. I'll take a motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Stew and set. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. B. Acceptance of financial uh resolved that the financial reports, treasury
038reports, transfer of funds and internal claims audit review of warrants be accepted for file as submitted. Um acceptance acceptance of the finalist report. The financial reports for tonight's meetings be accepted by the board of education include our monthly treasury report of receivables and appropriations for all funds. The extra classroom activity fund report, budget transfers, and our independent claims audit report. The board of education has also reviewed the district's appropriation status report and revenue status report. All of these reports are public record and are made a part of the board's agenda every month. They can be found at our public meetings as well as posted on our school district's website. These reports reflect an up-to-date accountant of the school's district finances and expenses. The public is welcomed and encouraged to view them and ask questions. Once
039accepted by the board, the financial report documents will be filed for and subject to audit. I'll now take a motion to accept the financial reports to be filed for audit. >> I'll make that motion. >> Sandy, >> I second. >> And Laura, any questions or comments? All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. >> 7 A. >> We got it. Okay. 7 A. Approval for the use of facilities resolved that upon the recommendation of superintendent of schools board of education approved the use of facilities at the school 8 auditorium gym by Maria Mason of the Oceanside Corral on December 14, 2025 for the Oceanside Corral concert as outlined in the recommendations filed with the re records of this meeting. Board of Education approval is contingent upon the request providing the required information
040to the Department of Community Affairs. At this particular time, I will take a motion. >> I move it. >> Bob, >> second >> and Don. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Any abstensions? Motion passes. >> Uh, we're at 8A. So, resolved >> 7 B rather. >> 7B. >> Oh, yeah. resolved that upon the recommendation of school of superintendent, the board of education approved use facilities at school 7 cafeteria by Zoe Capano of the C social chair for the Oceanside School District on November 10, 2025 for the Oceanside School District friends giving as outlined in the recommendation filed with the records of this meeting. Board of Education approval is contingent upon request providing that required information to the Department of Community Activities. I'll now take a motion. >> Motion.
041>> Second. >> Stu and Seth. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. Now we're at 8A. Resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent schools, the attached professional personnel items be approved. 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. Dr. Harington. >> Yes. Mr. Drosio, the board just uh now approved the resignation for the purpose of retirement for two of our teachers. Um, and since they're retiring uh midyear, I just want to make sure that they're they're mentioned. They will be asked to be part of our celebration in June. But um Janine Garcia, who is a world language teacher, will be retiring as
042of the end of November, and Lisa Mayer, a long-term science teacher in OS, will be retiring at the end of January. We wish them the very, very, very best. Thank you, Dr. Harrington. On 8B, resolve that upon recommendation to superintendent of schools, the attached civil service personnel items uh be approved. I'll take a motion. >> I'll move it, Bob. >> Second. And done. Any questions or comments? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. >> Two quick things. First, uh again, for the purpose of retirement, we're going to be missing Sharon Hughes. Um who has been a nurse at our school, too. Uh but we're also adding a head custodian at Oceanside High School. Um a wonderful gentleman. We're very looking much forward to him being part of our faculty and our family.
043And a gentleman by the name of James Murphy. So we we welcome him uh and wish him nothing but the very best. >> Thank you Dr. Harrington. 8C resolved that the recommendation s the superintendent of schools the attached hourly employer recommendations be approved. I'll take a motion. >> Motion >> second. >> St. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. Dr. Harrington. Anything good. Uh 8 D. Um, resolve that upon recommendation, superintendent of schools, the attached list of docker employee recommendations be approved. 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 going to go on 8e resolve that upon the recommendation of superend superintendent
044of schools, the attached list of high school and middle school winter coaching staff 2526 be approved. I'll take a motion. >> I'll move it. >> And Don, any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. Uh 9A special educ uh special occasion special education placement recommendations resolved that upon the recommendation of the cse CPSSE chairperson the board of education approves recommended placements and or services as recommended by the cse CPSSE meetings held in dates so indicated in the committee recommendation for board of education review with details dated 10:1520 2025. I'll take a motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Seth and uh Stu. Any Stu and Seth? Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. Uh we're on 10A. Uh resolved that the
045board of education approve establishing the mathematics award of distinction for three years beginning with the class of 2026. 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. And 10B, resolved that the board of education approves establishing the Anthon and Miola scholarship athletes scholar athlete scholarship for three years beginning with the class of 2026. I'll take a motion. >> I move it. Second. >> That's going to be Bob and Don. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. When 10 C resolved that resolved that upon the recommendation of school of superintendent, board of education approves the purchase of two 2025 Ford Transit 250 vans which were
046included in the 2526 adopted and voted approved budget. The cost of each vehicle shall not exceed $110,800 which the OAD school district will lease through a taxexempt municipal lease underwritten by Mnt Bank or its holy subsidiary or affiliate. At the conclusion of the lease, the Ora Union School District will own all affordable vehicles for $1. I'll take a motion. >> Motion >> still >> second. >> Sec. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. We're on 10D. Resolved that the recommendation Superintendent of Schools OA Union Free School District Board of Education accepts the results of the financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2025 as prepared by our independent auditors as Abrams and Company. I will take a motion. >> I'll make that motion. >>
047Sandy, >> I second. >> Laura, any questions or comments? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. Resolved that upon a recommendation, the superintendent of schools, the Oceanside Union Free School District Board of Education accepts the results of the annual risk assessment for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2025 as prepared by the internal auditors Nagaroski Smith LLP. I'll take a motion. >> I'll move it. Second, >> Don. Any question or comments? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? >> Motion passes. Uh we're on uh F. Resolved that upon the recommendations of the superintendent of schools, the Oshad Junior Free Board, School Board of Education accepts the results of the annual risk for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2025 is prepared by the internal audits of Naski and Smith. Did I
048just read that? >> Okay. Okay. I'll take a motion. >> Still motion >> set >> second. Okay. Any questions, comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. Warren G. resolved that the recommendation of the superintendent of schools Oceanside Union Free School District Board of Education approves the corrective action plan CAP in response to the management letter comment comments related to the financial statements external audit prepared by Ris Abrams and Company dated October 8, 2025 for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2025. 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. How we doing, St. >> We're good. >> Okay. >> You're getting me a little nervous. That's all.
049>> Okay. Uh public content resolves that upon the recommendations of superintendent of schools, the Oshard Union Free School District Board of Education approves the corrective action plan CP in response to the current observation and recommendation cited in the risk assessment internal audit prepared by Naski Smith LLP dated September 26, 2025 for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2025. At this time, I'll take a motion. >> I move it. >> Bob second. >> And done. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. We're on I. Resolved at the upon the recommendation of superintendent of schools, the Oceanside Union Free School District Board of Education approves the corrective action plan in response to the audit findings recommendation related to the capital projects audit prepared by Naski Smith dated October
05010th, 2025. At this time, I'll take a motion. >> Motion set. >> Second. >> Stu and Seth. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion passes. We're on J. Resolve that upon the recommendations of the superintendent of schools as per the board policy 3113, two students be permitted to complete sixth grade at school 9E for the 2025 school year following the family's move to another school zone within the Ocean School District. Transportation will not be provided by the district. At this particular time, I will take a motion. >> I'll make a motion. Sandy, >> I second. >> And Laura, any questions or comments? >> Dr. Harrington, this is um in conformance with board policy. >> Yes, it is. >> Thank you. >> Uh any opposed? Any abstensions? Motion
051passes. We're on K. I resolved 2025 updated student overnight field trips. resolved that upon recommendation by the superintendent schools and following updated students student overnight field trips be approved for the 2526 school year. Uh I'll take a motion. >> I'll move it. >> Second. >> Bob and Dawn. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstens? Any abstensions? Motion passes. >> How we doing, Justin? We're in good shape. >> Okay. Uh 11A. This is the opportunity for the you okay. Okay. And we're at the number 11A opportunity for the superintendent of schools. Uh Dr. Harrington. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Dros. Just a couple of things. I mean, we're on the heels of Halloween festivities. Um I think if you take a look at our district calendar, you could see
052that there's no shortage of events that our students can participate in, whether it's through our DACA, Kowanis, local schools, or our overall PTA septers. So please uh pay attention to the dates on the calendar and um bring your your your students your children down to enjoy these festivities. Um also the scholarship fund Phonathon will begin the week of October 20th. Uh this is just a a a yman's effort uh that our PTA runs to raise direct scholarship monies for our students who will be graduating this school year. So, please look forward to that and we thank all those who volunteer to to participate well in advance. Um, it seems a bit away, but November 4th is uh superintendent conference day. I can already uh guarantee to our board and community that it is going to
053be a very worthwhile worthwhile professional development day for all of not only our teachers, administrators, but all um all of our faculty and staff. We put a lot of effort in making sure that the day is um is well prepared with the needs of these individuals kept in mind. So we look forward to that. November 5th, the following day is the special meeting that the board will hold. This year we will primarily focus on an update of our special education programs. Uh since they they run the gamut and we're incredibly proud of the work that we've done in those areas. So we're in the process of of getting that meeting ready. Also on that day, November 5th, we will be very excited to have our Castleton's Veterans Flag ceremony, we do it u as close
054to the Veterans Day um actual date as possible. So, we invite everyone who's available 10:00 a.m. on that day to join us um out at the schoolhouse screen. Uh the other two things I'd like to mention have to do with special recognitions of two of our administrators. uh we really are blessed with an amazing leadership team and these two individuals happen to be in the area of English language arts or literacy. So we're really very very proud of Franchesca Wasamin who has been selected as a New York State English Council Educator of Excellence Award. She'll be g given that this coming uh actually in the next couple of weeks. And the very first ever literacy luminary award given given by Mallaloy University is going to our own Jessica Keegan. So I would like to acknowledge
055and recognize both. >> Can they can they stand up please? Where are they? If they're here, can they please stand up? I think um the board knows that we we we're really are so blessed by such talent and dedication and it we know it in locally but when it is recognized um not only at extended local areas but at the state level uh it certainly is something we uh can be incredibly proud of. Uh that concludes my report. Mr. Dembrosio >> at this particular time um Mr. Board of Education report. I'd start off by saying uh I'm proud to stand with my fellow board members. Next week we'll be traveling to New York City. We have a New York State School Board Association uh conference that will be attending. Uh it's really uh a two
056and a half day conference that's built up between uh legal matters, lawyers conference. It's uh a lot of different issues that are uh involving New York State uh Department of Education and uh it's it's it's really a packed uh a packed uh week uh packed two and a half days and uh I want to commend our fellow board members of giving their time up to attendance from their families and I think it's incredible. Um, the second thing is that um I spoke to Amy from uh uh PTA Scepter uh and that it's the trunk or treat on next uh in two weeks on Monday night. Uh from what I understand there's almost 60 vehicles that's going to be given out to the kids. Uh we're expecting between 1,00 and500 uh children that's going to be
057all over. So be careful traveling in that area between 6:00 and 8:30 on schoolhouse greens. It's always been a success and we couldn't do it without, you know, all the children in this neighborhood and again another uh true testament to the PTA, the special ed PTA on doing a yman's job on on on on protecting and servicing a lot of these children that really desperately need help. And another thing is that I know we mentioned that the boys uh secured came in first place. The girls just uh two hours ago beat Garden City one- nothing. uh and they will be now seated one number one in their uh AAA conference going to the counties. So going to the county uh competition. Hopefully they'll get there. So congratulations to the girls varsity and I turn it
058over to my fellow board members. Anybody has anything to say? Sandy Shaw. >> Yeah, I I really don't want to end the night without thanking Dr. Kley and uh Samantha and also Sabrina. uh we spent uh myself, Mr. Transom and Mr. Moresca, we spent three and a half hours uh with auditors, all kinds of auditors and bankers and uh uh last week and they had nothing but high praise for the work that these individuals are doing and uh for the cooperation that they provided to these auditors. And uh the district is in really sound financial shape because of all your hard work and efforts. And Dr. Harrington, you get credit for that, too. So, >> by the way, um but uh I had to get to the other three first. Um and also, uh again,
059thank you for the tribute tonight to uh school eight uh which who represented all the schools actually and thank you for that. and uh especially to the my comrades in PTA. Thank you very much for your tribute as well. >> Thank you, Mr. Schaw. Anybody else? Mr. Moresca, go ahead. >> Uh yes. Does anybody else want to go first? Okay. I just have one thing to say. In fact, Brian said it very nice nicely that the homecoming day festivities were quite a success and it was a pleasure to be a part of it and I had the opportunity to drive on one of the big trucks in the back with cheerleaders and the dancers and it was outstanding and I want to thank them for allowing me to do it and I hope I can
060do it again. Um, I also would like to talk about the halftime activity. The cheerleaders were just outstanding. The dancers were again outstanding. And also the marching band. What an improvement. And when I say that, the number of students now, it's almost doubled from a year ago. Our superintendent of schools, Dr. Harrington had said that she one of her goals or one of her objectives, am I correct, is to improve student participation with the marching band. And I'm telling you, it was quite a show. And uh quite an achievement, Dr. Harrington. I would expect that next year maybe three times as big. Well, I I can believe it. Also, thanks to Mike Vetera, the marching band director, and Chelsea Rosenberg, who's an assistant director, and also Marco Campanelli, assistant director. And I would like to
061say our football team won that game. I think it was against Port Washington. We won by a couple of touchdowns. I don't have the score, but um they did a great job. The whole day was quite a success and I want to thank the PTA for their recognition. Uh and also school number eight did a nice job. Really thank you. >> That's it, Mr. President. >> Thank you so much, Mr. Moresca. Uh Bob Transom, >> just a couple of things. I want to congratulate all the fall sports teams uh both at the high school and the middle school. They're both doing extremely well and I'm glad to see that there's an upsurge down at the middle school. Uh, couple things. Uh, the Oceanside Warriors are hosting a festival on Lawson Boulevard. It's next weekend. It's
062not this coming weekend. It's the following weekend. Right, Mike? >> Is it this weekend? >> I think it's this weekend. It's this weekend. >> It's this weekend. >> Saturday. Saturday. >> 12 to 9:00. Uh, come on down. They'll have food and there'll be a lot of uh booze that you can get entertained with and buy stuff and just the community come out to show support. Uh Oceanside Community Service is having a dinner at Alia Smith and Jones on the 6th of November. If you'd like to uh come see Mrs. Luisi, she's the chairperson of that committee and Mrs. Schol. Uh but the the uh invites are online on our Facebook page. Uh the turkey shoots coming up. uh beyond the watch will be looking for turkeys to be donated for both uh Thanksgiving and for
063Christmas. Uh and I usually pick they're dropped off at my house and I take them over to the freezers at the high school. Uh we again offering uh Thanksgiving meals on Thanksgiving Day. Watch for the volunteer opportunities on Facebook. Uh there will be some, but it'll be limited so that everybody will have a chance to give meals out. And uh if you haven't noticed, the construction is going well on the turf at both the boys baseball field and the girls baseball field. It will finish on time and the construction work inside on the technology uh building is is going on schedule. So uh but you'll look for construction next year for the auto tech and the wood shop. With that, I'm done. Thank you, Mr. >> Thank you, Mr. Transm Laura, you have anything? Uh,
064set two. And Brian, you got anything there? You in good shape? >> Okay, good. I would just like to go back just to one thing to Dr. Harrington um with the marching band. I know uh Dawn brought up, but Dr. Can a little more little more insight of what's going on. >> I mean, I certainly appreciate the kind words, Mr. Moresca, but the truth of the matter is, you know, you need pi pipers and those are the people with boots on the ground. So those are our teachers, the individuals that you mentioned. Of course, Mr. Fry Gold, I basically told him his tenure depended on the marching band uh increasing. So he uh he he did what he had to do. But I would also say that it was also the efforts of the board
065of education, even going back to your willingness to support new uniforms. And I know that sounds like might not be a big Yeah, but that was something the board did a number of years ago and you committed to that. Um so you made a difference as well. So, you really really um it was a it was a village effort, let me put it that way. Uh I'm so excited because we are up to just about 60 students now, which again at one point we were down to maybe about 15 or 16. Um, but we also between that and our thesbians, we now had the numbers um, and the board just approved it tonight in the overnight field trips to be able to have our students actually participate in a wonderful program and actually perform uh
066at well in in Walt Disney World uh, in May and that was clearly also an objective of mine as well and so I'm very happy that we reached that. Thank you. >> Okay. I I have a feeling I have a feeling with you involved as your primary as a primary objective >> it will double next year. >> We'll need a bigger field. Thank god Andrew got tenured. Opportunity to comment on non-aggenda items. This is a public input at this particular time. Next is public comment on non-aggenda items. this the opportunity for anyone who wants to comment make a comment of any item that is not on tonight's agenda. 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
067important to provide the forum to hear from 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 me. While everyone is encouraged to share their comments, please remember that this is not designed to be a question and answer session. If somebody has a question that can be easily answered, we will do so. Otherwise, the appropriate personnel will follow up on any issue. Lastly, please remember that the board cannot and will not discuss personnel matters related to staff or students in the public. At this particular time, would anybody like to come up to the mic? Please state your name and your child's home homeschool. >> Put the mic on. >> Just whipped it up. >>
068Good evening everyone. Um my name is Jennifer Hennessy. My kids go to school 5. >> Thank you. >> Um we moved here around six years ago from New Jersey and I'm very grateful to the school board and the community for the wonderful education that my children have been getting in this school district. Um, you all were mentioning all of the amazing activities that are afforded to our children and I just want to say thank you to the PTA specifically and also to the board for all of those opportunities that are available to all of our kids. My kids in particular are really enjoying their experience here at Oceanside. Um, so I want to say thank you um for all of that effort that you guys all put in. Um, I do have a specific question
069um in terms of uh what specific policies does the district have in place to protect um undocumented students and their families? um and also what are the policies regarding uh immigrations and customs enforcement on school grounds. Um I am a first generation uh American. My parents came here from a different country and I have a particular affinity for immigrant students and um I am very concerned and I just want to know what uh the district has in place in that area. >> Dr. Harrington, would you like to >> Thank you for that question. Um you should know that the state education department has published very clear directives and guidelines um that all school districts are obligated to follow and they are all done with in the best interests of our young people in in regards
070to your concerns. So one of the first things first of all first first of all they are not allowed on school grounds and and and we we would have to ask them to leave and there's a process for for that building principles no um the people who you stand at the front gates know um but we would have to take immediate action we we are um told to refer direct any paperwork that's submitted to us goes directly to our school attorneys but at the end of the day the bottom line is there's a very it's almost a script of of what we've been educated on and in turn we have educated our local building level administrators and um the state has a commitment to protecting all of our children across our state. I will say
071um we've been very very lucky here that we've not had to address that. I do know that's not true across even some of our neighboring districts and it's sad but it's a it's just a reality. But I can assure you that we are wellarmed and prepared through the policy given to us through the state education department to protect our children. >> Okay. I do know that there's a collaboration agreement between the Nassau County Police Department and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. So I'm just curious if there is an emergency or something where the police has to be called onto school grounds like in terms of the collaboration with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. what takes place in that situation. >> We will still follow the state guidelines. Um I I I'm not I'm not familiar with what
072collaboration you're referring to, but we would um our state mandate would take precedence. >> Okay. Um and just another question on a different topic in terms of um I've seen that there's been a lot of cuts to federal funding and education um and specifically in terms of uh special education federally most of the uh high level people in special education were let go um recently. Um and so I wanted to know what contingency plans are in place in the school district for uh to make up for the shortfall that will be taking place um in that area. >> Well, I can assure you and Dr. I have the last question, but I'll show you that our special needs children, our special ed children are are never going to be affected. We will make sure that
073we take care of every child, no matter what it takes. And the Oceanside Federation Teachers President is here and we would never ever put any child in danger. With that, I'll give to Dr. Harrington if you'd like to expand on that. >> No, I I I will just have to say that it's fair to say that um the funding is a concern to us. Um, so far though, our state has made a commitment to um to be able to continue to support the the schools as they have in the past, but I I don't think it would be honest to say to you that we don't have a concern about that. Um, so we're monitoring that as closely as we can. As do as Mr. Damrosio said obviously we would do everything in our p
074power to make sure that none of our children lose in any way shape or form but to also um act as though we're not watching and waiting um very closely would would be un not honest. So we we will do everything that we can and I know that our state government has made a commitment but they also are um much of their funding that that they in turn give to us in the form of state aid comes from the federal government. That's just the truth. >> I understand and thank you so much for answering my questions and I appreciate Thank you again to the >> Thank you for coming up. Very good questions and we like to answer them. At this particular time, we'd like that the president of Oceanside Federation of Teachers, who we
075never met before. I >> I got to join the thank you party here. Okay. Um with with great gratitude, um the Oceanside Federation of Teachers uh recognizes the the board's contributions and sustaining all of our programs, our extracurricular activities, and and for me, staffing. So, we just want to let you know we we really appreciate it's um obviously board recognition month, and I want to say thank you. We'd also like to give a $1,000 to the Oceanside Community Services in hopes that they're going to continue the amazing work that they do. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. [Applause] >> At this particular time, we have any more uh anybody else would like to come up and a magic word. Do I have a motion? >> Done. Good night, everybody. Safe trip
076home.