001Good evening everybody. Thank you for joining us. Please rise and join me in the pledge of >> allegiance. I aliance 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. >> Okay, we are going to begin with Dr.'s administrative report. >> Okay, so I think first we're going to do the public hearing. Right. Um so um Rhonda, you're going to take that tonight, right? >> Good evening. Uh so this evening we're having a public hearing to present again the districtwide health and safety plan. Uh the re this was done back in July. However, uh there was legislation enacted in July of 2025. uh entitled Desha's law and what that was that every public school in New York
002State had to um come up with a cardiac response plan of emergency. Uh so any school sponsored event uh there had to be um we had to be prepared to respond to an instance like a sudden cardiac arrest. uh the uh law had addressed training personnel, the use of AEDs or other lifesaving measures and uh to have procedures in place. So where the district-wide health and safety plan comes into play is because in January January 20th, 2026, every school district must incorporate DESA's law within the district-wide health and safety plan. So, it addresses uh training for cardiac events of both students and staff and um it that's part of our district-wide plan which is public. So uh after this evening the plan will incorporate this and will sit on our website again for 30 days
003for public comment and then at which point in um after the passage of the 30 days it will be adopted again by the district and that is where uh what our new plan will entail. It also does um affect our building plans but those are confidential in nature and uh those are more fluid so that those are already incorporated. Uh and um so I don't know if there are any questions I open it to the floor >> okay with that said that ends I guess public hearing. >> Thank you. >> Okay so we're going to go a little out of order. I'm going to do my administrative report and Matt Kind is actually at the Nassau County football awards ceremonies tonight so he's not here but I have his report to read. Um but we
004are very very fortunate to have coach Body here and Mr. Wit and our wonderful Nassau County girls soccer team. So it's absolutely incredible every year that our athletes perform on such an amazing level. And I was at the Nassau County Championship game. You girls played with your hearts. It was just absolutely incredible to see the athleticism on the field. So I am going to now ask Mr. W to come up and say more fabulous things about this team and then coach Body of course as well and then we'll give you guys a little award. >> Thank you Dr. Pakora and thank you to the board of education for allowing us to recognize these superstar athletes. Mr. Body. All right. Um, you can come alongside me. Mr. Body here is uh he was the 2025 coach
005of the year once again. So, round of applause, Mr. Body. So, I'm just going to give you a little history because I know he won't. Um, Coach Coach uh took over as the varsity girls head coach in 2015. um before coach Body took over the program. Um Seaffort hadn't had a Nassau County uh championship girls soccer team. Um since then in his 10-year career, um he has been the coach of the year five different times, half the time there. Um under his leadership, we've won four conference championships. We've won two Nassau County Championships and we've won a Long Island Championship. Now, in this crowd, I know many of the girls very well here. Um, 10 of them were part of two of those championships. So, they have two Nassau County championships under their belt and
006one Long Island Championship, which is even more impressive. So, you guys are part of history and, you know, your legacy will live on in secret history. So, just kind of getting to the 2025 season, which was memorable and special. Uh, this group has been a very tight group. soccer for a very long time at a high level with tremendous success. Um, first you were scholar athlete team, a scholar athlete team which meant 75% of the girls had a 90 or higher grade point average. Very impressive to begin there. They were undefeated during the regular season. They were 12 county award recipients. So 12 individuals received county accolades. We had 55 goals scored, only 14 goals scored against. Um, and then here's my drop the mic moment. So, um, there's 56 varsity soccer programs in Nassau
007County. We are the 11th smallest program. The Coaches Association awarded us with the Bob Bigalow award. And I know that sounds like a big deal, right? It is a big deal. Okay, that means the coaches association voted Seaford as the very best team in Nassau County out of all 56 teams. >> It doesn't it doesn't get better than that. So, round of applause there. And then to my left, I'm going to give him the mic in a second, but um I I could just go on about Kenny Body. He's uh he's he's really everything you would ask for in a coach. He's super committed. He works so hard during the off season. Uh he has great relationships uh with his student athletes. He's always prepared. Uh he's hungry. He's competitive. We're losing so many great
008athletes that are going on to play in college and had phenomenal careers. But as soon as the season ends, he's kind of thinking about the next season, talking about the girls that are returning and what's coming up through the FEA program, the middle school, the JV, and uh he's going to get right back at it. So girls, like I said, I couldn't say enough wonderful things about you. A lot of these girls are two sport athletes and three sport athletes. Your character is topnotch, which is even more important than kind of just everything I went through. Great people, great parents. The support has been wonderful over the years. And we're going to miss you very much. Excuse me. Congratulations again. You were phenomenal. Coach Body, >> thank you, Kevin. um he pretty much just took
00990% of what I was going to say. So, uh this is going to be extremely uh the shortened version, but um quite a team we have out there. Um bold claim, but um best team ever uh sever history. I'm not sure with the Bob Bigalow. Um you really got to consider them now being the best team ever. Um four years ago, we win the uh class B county championship and some of our friends next door seem to think that's not a real county championship. So now we have the A under a belt and we could, you know, put that in their face and now we say we have a real class A county championship. Uh, in our opinion, class A was probably one of the most competitive soccer classes in Nassau County. Um, Kevin did
010say we went undefeated uh, in this season. Uh, in our non-leagues, we tested ourselves. We we went against a lot of the AAA, the DA teams in MacArthur and Port Washington and Calhoun and uh, we came out on top each and every time. So, um we certainly um we have one of the best girls soccer teams here in Seafford in the history. Um besides being one of the best, uber talented, um deep and complete, um just a great group of kids, easy to work with, fun to be with. Um so, I can't really uh I can't complain there. It was always a joy coming to work every day. So, ladies, I do really appreciate that. Um those of you that are leaving, uh we appreciate everything you've done. And those that are returning, I hope
011you're gearing up for another run cuz we got plenty of talent to go. Girls, um, wait for your name and then we're going to call you up and we'll give you an award and we'll take a picture, I believe, on the stage. >> Love it. >> All right. Thank you very much everyone. Girls, congratulations. Uh Kayen Caldero, Catherine Caldero, Josie Felio, Leah Conlin, Kaye Conlin, Ally Callingford, Grace Callingford, Gigi Deros, Angelina Depreta, Linda Donovan, Taylor Goldberg, Kayla Horn, Sophia Lara, Leio, Kira Lucas, Caitlyn McHugh, Alysia Mitsuranda, Riley Osera, Zoe Kosa, Cameron Cameron Sainsbury, Megan Stovall, Riley Stovall, Kendall Chukoli, and Juliana Viano. You guys want to come up? You're going to take pictures. Ready? On three. One, two, three. You're fine. Again, thank you, Mr. Whit. Thank you, coach Body and girls. We're we're incredibly
012impressed with the work that you've done this year. So, at this point, we realize it's a busy time of year. You may have homework to do. You may have other things to do. You're welcome to stay for the board meeting, but you do not have to stay for the board meeting. So, it's really your choice. >> I'm shocked at your decision. Bye, girls. Congratulations. >> Okay. So, I think I had mentioned before, one of the individuals that is being honored at the Nassau County Awards call tonight is our exitial board member. So, I just wanted to read his report for him. It says, "Good evening. I am so sorry I'm not able to attend tonight. However, as we start to approach the end of this the calendar year, the secret student body has been very
013active. This past weekend was the 20th annual hot chocolate 5K run and I know many students along with their parents, friends, and families participated and competed in this run. Each year this event is a huge success. It is also the winter concert season here at Secret as well. The Manor and Harbor are having their concerts on the 15th and 16th respectively. The middle school is having their concerts on the 17th and 18th. And the high school is having their concerts on the 9th and the 11th. Come out, wear your secret gear, and support the secret students. In addition, with all the fall sports officially now over, I would like to say congratulations to the varsity football team on winning the county championship and making it to the Long Island Championship. No bias, lol. Good luck
014to all birds winter sports teams. Go bring home some championships. That wraps up my Supreme Court for tonight. Thank you and have a great evening. >> Well said by >> and he knew that we were recognizing the girls. So I guess he didn't want to be sure. >> So on also for the board tonight or a couple of appointments and some things but before we do that I just wanted to draw the board's attention to the UP contracts that are on for your approval tonight. So the same four vendors that we had last year have returned. So it's Maplewood, Kitty Junction, Learning Row, and Harmony Harmony Harmony Early Learning. So those four vendors have returned. At this point in time, I do want to point out that they are not able to provide us as
015with as many seats as we had last year. Last year we had about 120. This year we're looking at 98. So, anybody in the community that's interested in UPK, we've already put a preliminary notice up on the website, but that's where you go to get information about UPK, we'll be updating that regularly, so so be on the lookout for that over the next week or two. In addition to that, I just wanted to repeat what Matt had said. We kicked off the season of winter concerts last night at the high school's beautiful coral concert and then the band will be tomorrow night and and again next week Monday and Tuesday is going to be the Manor and Harbor respectively and then the 17th and 18th will be the middle school concerts. I also wanted to
016to mention that the football team will be recognizing them in January. There was a conflict tonight. So that's why we were not presenting them with awards from the Nassau County Championship. That being said, there are a number of personnel items on for board approval tonight. So it's the best of all worlds. Um we have somebody coming into the district, we have somebody getting tenure in the district, and then we have people that have served the district so well and are have announced their retirement. So I'm going to start with the retirements. As everybody knows, we do a very formal presentation in June, but I think as people retire, it is important to recognize them for their accomplishments. So, um, first I just want to speak a little bit about Lisa Gataliano. She's our speech pathologist
017over at the Manor. She has been in the probationary positions since 2007, and a couple years prior, she had been in a part-time position. And Lisa is one of those people that when you walk through the halls, she is always smiling. She makes you smile. She's a resident. She bleeds green. And it is such a pleasure to have been a colleague of hers for the last nine years. I wish her the best in retirement. Um she's a grandma and she's going to be I told her super grandma. So we will say a lot more about Lisa in June, but I just wanted to say a few remarks about her. Also at the Manor, we have Diane Z retiring this year. Um she's one of our PE teachers over there and she's been with us since
0181996. Besides the fact that Diane I could read everything but she has done almost everything in the district. She was the physical education club advisor, early AM club adviser, middle school girls soccer coach, early morning fitness advisor, computer mentor, morning math academy, summer math program, and summer experience teacher. Not to mention she did maker space. That I think summarizes who Diane is. Diane is all in for the children and she's just always participated with the most amount of passion and uh she's a tough cookie, but with that tough cookie comes a lot of heart. So again, we'll say more about it in June. And then with regards to tenure, I'm really excited. I'm gonna call you guys up in one second. >> That was just a >> So, so I'll present you tonight is Leah
019Kla and Leah Kla was hired with a vision in mind. So, we were creating the lift program. She's a person that is certified in genet special ed and then she has a gifted and talented certification. And we were looking for somebody that sees all aspects of learning and is able to differentiate for what a child's capacity is to expand. And Leah was the perfect person for that. And and I have to say that and I have to say she's a very gutsy lady too because we went to go present at a national conference and it was me and two other central office administrators and Leah and Leah absolutely she had us laughing a lot. We took she told me how to take a better selfie that's for sure and a time picture. And we just
020we just had a lot of laughs together and it just shows what a professional she is that she can take it up take it down. She can she can work with kids that are in kindergarten and then and she can hold it and present at the national level. That's who Leah is. But to say more, I would love to introduce our two principles because Leah, as you know, is split between the two buildings. So Joanne Cutis and Joe and Nicole. Hello. Good evening everyone. Tonight we celebrate a truly exceptional educator and colleague, Mrs. Leah Kukla, as she earns tenure in the Seafford School District. This milestone reflects her dedication, professionalism, and the tremendous impact she has on both Manor and Harbor Schools. As our lift teacher, Leah meets students exactly where they are and lifts
021them to where she knows they can be. Pun intended. She is the definition of a team player. Always willing to help, always flexible, and always bringing positivity to every space she enters. Her colleagues say it best. One shared, "Leah is a wonderful colleague and a great friend. She's always kind, helpful, and supportive, making work and collaboration enjoyable. Her positive attitude and teamwork inspire those around her, and she truly makes the workplace a better place. And if you ask her students, their words say everything. She helps me when I don't understand something. She's funny and she's like a kid. There is no greater compliment than a than children describing you as someone who understands them, supports them, and brings joy into their learning. Leah, your passion, your kindness, and your unwavering commitment to our students make
022you an invaluable part of the Seafford family. You elevate not only the children you work with, but also the staff and culture of our buildings. On behalf of all of us at Manor and Harbor, congratulations on your welldeserved tenure. We are so grateful for you. Please join me in celebrating Mrs. Leah Kucha. Just want to add a few words. Leah Kla comes to mind for me as out of the box thinker. has a spirit of forward thinking pedigogy that is just infused in everything that you do for the lift program. We are so honored and grateful to have you as part of our lift team. You're collaborative with all of our members and you help terms of integrating all of those disciplinary concepts not only for our teachers but for our students and truly looking
023at them as blurred lines. And I thank you for all of that and everything that you continue to do for the program. You're a collaborative. You do that work for all of our K to5 scholars and I congratulate you this evening. Thank you very much. >> So, you get to come up and get your hat out. Which education would you play? Congratulations. >> You have to direct this. You're the producer, the director. We can't see. All right. >> This is the middle. >> She does that. >> Please. That's better. >> Congratulations. Okay. And also on for board approval, we have the lead replacement male teacher to be appointed to the middle school, Derek. Okay. With that, that's the end of the administrative report. >> Thank you, Dr. McCor. Thank you. Uh we will move on
024to some regular business items. I need a motion for agenda item 5A through D2. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> This is the resident comment section. Would anyone in the audience like to speak? Okay. Uh correspondence. Old correspondence has been responded to. We'll do new business together if that's okay. I need a motion for agenda item 8 A 1 through 10. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I need a motion for agenda item 8 B1. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? I >> uh any miscellaneous discussion items from the board? No. Okay. Closing comments. Congratulations again on your tenure. We're happy uh for you to be a permanent member of the Viking family. U I just want to encourage the community to attend the holiday concerts. It's
025a great way to spend a couple hours on the weekend and really such these students are have immense talent. Um so wellrounded. You know, you see them on the fields but then you see them playing incredible music at these concerts. So we encourage you to in attend and enjoy that. Um, and I believe this is our last meeting before the holiday break. So, on behalf of the board and the district, we just want to wish everybody a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, happy holidays, happy new year, enjoy your break uh with your loved ones. Anything else different? >> Okay, >> very good. And I need a motion to adjurnn. >> Any discussion? All in favor? I. Thank you.