Bryan Bortzfield

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key updates included reminders about the upcoming Martin Luther King Day closure and the high school's Regents week. The Superintendent also discussed two upcoming events: a student presentation to parents regarding internet safety and social media, and a community forum for updating the strategic plan. The Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations provided the second budget workshop presentation for the 2026-2027 school year, detailing the budget development timeline, guiding principles (student-centered, fiscal responsibility, transparency), and a preliminary review of the 2026-2027 tax cap calculation, which is currently projecting a negative levy of approximately 0.4%. The board also approved a $2,000 donation from the Academy Street Elementary PTA for a community book club and approved several policies regarding board meetings, fiscal accounting, and conduct disclosure.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call confirming six trustees were present. A significant portion of the beginning of the meeting was dedicated to publicly acknowledging and expressing sincere gratitude for Superintendent Dr. Harney's tenure and impending retirement on July 31st, and discussing the subsequent search for a new district leader. Key discussion points during the superintendent's report included student achievements, such as a social media presentation for parents on internet safety created by high school students, recognition for students involved in the 5K Cocoa Run, and acknowledgments for the facilities staff's work after snow. The board also recognized student winners for the Community and Cocoa 5K T-shirt and ornament designs. An academic presentation was given by the Silvin Avenue Elementary principal regarding their universal Pre-K program, covering alignment with district priorities, curriculum, structure, and student-centered practices. Other administrative matters included reminders about the upcoming high school musical, end-of-quarter report cards, and progress on the district's strategic plan planning for the 2026-2027 school year.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss collective negotiations, employment matters, and legal counsel advice. The subsequent Business Meeting included announcements regarding community participation opportunities and meeting livestreams. Key discussions involved recognizing winners of the BBP Community & Cocoa 5K Fun Run and Walk, academic presentations, and a budget presentation focusing on projected state aid revenue. The Consent Agenda covered numerous items, including approval of professional development providers and conference attendance requests, changes to instructional and non-instructional personnel salaries, appointments, and resignations. Finance & Operations actions included approving a Memorandum of Understanding with LIU Post for speech-language pathology training and authorizing two settlement agreements related to worker's compensation claims with Swiss Re. The Regular Agenda involved the second reading and adoption of several policies covering board meetings, fiscal reporting, copyright compliance, and wrongful conduct disclosure, as well as the first reading of new or revised policies concerning graduation requirements, fiscal controls, and school meal services. A significant action was the acceptance of the Superintendent of Schools' resignation for retirement, effective July 31, 2026. The board also appointed election workers for the upcoming Bayport-Blue Point Library vote.

The meeting featured several reports and presentations concerning district activities. The Superintendent's report congratulated fall sports teams and provided updates on upcoming calendar events, including a half-day, a "go home early drill," and the Thanksgiving break. The superintendent also announced plans for a new community survey following the completion of the current strategic plan. Student delegate reports covered Veterans Day recognition activities, the collection of items for the Long Island State Veterans Home, a visit from a children's author/illustrator, and updates from Academy Street and Bluepoint Elementary, including their Family Literacy Night and soccer team activities. The high school principal presented on changes and timelines for the new New York State science curriculum and Regents exams across Biology (Life Science), Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science, highlighting data analysis regarding student performance and plans to adjust curriculum, assessments, and instruction to focus on areas like increased reading passages and application of concepts. Specific data points from past exams were reviewed, emphasizing areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss collective negotiations and specific personnel matters, followed by reconvening the Business Meeting. Key discussions during the business portion included community participation guidelines and livestreaming announcements. A budget presentation was given regarding the 2026-2027 Budget Process and Projected Tax Levy. The extensive Consent Agenda covered numerous personnel actions, including appointments of coaches, priority substitute teachers, a teaching assistant, leaves of absence, and resignations. Finance and Operations actions included approval of a significant budgetary transfer, acceptance of the 2024-2025 Federal Single Audit report, an amendment to an Equipment Lease/Purchase Agreement, and approval of various contracts for services, special education, health services, and a lease agreement for voting equipment. The board also accepted a $2,000 cash donation and reviewed the first reading of four district policies related to meetings, fiscal reporting, copyright law, and disclosure of wrongful conduct.