Alison Barrett

The meeting included a presentation on the Regeneron Science Talent Search competition, where two semi-finalists, Michael Ren and Winston Z, presented their research projects on antibiotic resistance screening using MultiTOP MS and machine learning, and on enhancing machine learning-based El Niño forecasts, respectively. The primary focus then shifted to a budget information presentation for the 2025-2026 school year. Key discussion points included the current budget climate, inflationary pressures, rising travel costs, and concerns over increased transportation proposals exceeding CPI. The presentation detailed preliminary figures for the tax cap (2.52%) and state aid, noting a favorable increase in Foundation Aid due to changes in high needs indicators, resulting in a $700,000 overall increase in state aid. Budget sections reviewed included Capital codes, which increased primarily due to contractual salary adjustments for custodial staff and security, and Administration codes, which saw an increase driven by liability insurance and technology expenditures, despite savings from having fewer district meetings scheduled compared to the previous year.

The meeting began with the presentation of the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) semifinalist lists, featuring presentations from three student scholars on their research. The first student presented on the effects of apology strategies on the spread and intensity of cancel culture incidents. The second scholar presented research on gender disparities in entrepreneurship, linking uncertainty aversion to hindered female entrepreneurship. The third scholar discussed the impact of federal sentencing guidelines on racial disparities in federal sentencing, finding that the guidelines are not effectively mitigating disparities. Following the student presentations, the board commenced budget season discussions, marking the first of several informational presentations for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Key budget climate factors discussed included significant increases in health insurance premiums (potentially $5 million), inflationary pressures on contracts, and the constraints of the tax cap, which is currently calculated at 2.37%. Positive news included a 10% increase in state aid, amounting to approximately $3.6 million, primarily in foundation aid, and an increase in UPK funding allocations. The discussion covered proposed capital budget codes, which focus on custodial/maintenance, security, debt service for new borrowings, and smaller district capital projects, separate from bond work.

The special meeting focused on several resolutions, primarily the award of bids for construction and alteration projects at various school facilities. Key actions included the award of bids for civil and site work for turf fields at Sciaset High School to Lane Tech Group. Additional awards covered civil and site work for the bus loop at Sciaset High School to Stasi General Contracting LLC. Furthermore, construction work for guidance alterations at SAS High School was awarded to Chernado Sons Contracting Inc., HVAC work to Reliance Mechanical, and electrical work to Roland Electric, Inc. Finally, the board awarded bids for civil and site work for athletic upgrades at HBT Middle School to Laser Industries Inc.

The mission of the Syosset Central School District is to prepare students to thrive in an evolving future. The District's vision outlines strategic areas including fostering academic excellence with agile and creative learners, cultivating a positive culture and character through PRIDE values and wellness support, maintaining strong community engagement and celebrating diversity, and ensuring responsible operations and fiscal management with investments in safety and modern facilities.

This document outlines the Syosset CSD's comprehensive transition to the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS), which are based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The plan details a multi-year instructional shift towards three-dimensional, inquiry-driven science learning, encompassing Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science & Engineering Practices, and Cross Cutting Concepts. Key initiatives include curriculum development, professional learning for teachers, and collaborative efforts to support the implementation of new assessment styles, ultimately aiming to prepare students for future challenges and foster their full potential.