Jacqueline Apelsinov

The meeting included several procedural items such as the Pledge of Allegiance and procedural information regarding emergency evacuations and the smoke-free school district policy. Key actions included accepting the Internal Audit Corrective Action Plan related to facility usage, approving the December 2025 Treasurer's Report and associated warrants, and adopting the 2026-2027 school district calendar. The Board approved a resolution to rename the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School to Jack Abrams Intermediate School, effective July 1, 2026. Personnel actions involved approving various schedules encompassing probationary teaching appointments, temporary replacement appointments, additional assignments (curricular and non-instructional), leaves of absence, and accepting several resignations/retirements. Business items approved included awarding bids for printed forms and mailers, and contracts with the Center for Environmental Education & Discovery (CEED), Kros Learning Group, LLC, and the South Huntington Union Free School District for special education services. The Board also accepted several donations and approved mileage reimbursements.

The meeting included a discussion and information session regarding a tour of various buildings as part of the Facilities/Capital Tour agenda item. The meeting was formally called to order and subsequently adjourned.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss specific legal, collective bargaining, and personnel matters. Upon returning to public session, the board approved the minutes from the December 8, 2025 meeting. The agenda included informational updates regarding budget reports, transfers, and the claims audit report for November 2025, followed by the approval of the November 2025 treasurer's report and attached warrants. Board members shared communications highlighting student advocacy efforts, including attendance at legislative breakfasts and meetings in Albany. Updates were provided by the substitute student board member on academic matters such as midterms, Regents exams, and college-bound activities, alongside developments in community initiatives like the renovated Blue Teague and Blue Market. Athletics updates noted achievements in indoor track, wrestling, basketball, fencing, and swimming. Academic recognition included Huntington High School earning Civil Level recognition on the College Board's AP Honor Role, detailed across college culture, credit, and optimization indicators. Finally, a concern was raised regarding potential cuts to federal title funds, which could impact staffing, professional development, and English language learner support by approximately $1 million. The first item for action was the adoption of the cardiac emergency response plan for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Huntington Union Free School District's plan addresses lead in drinking water for the 2023-2025 compliance period. It details the methodology for sampling applicable drinking water sources, reports initial sample results, and outlines remediation strategies for locations exceeding 5 parts per billion. The plan also covers identifying non-applicable water sources, communicating their designation, and developing monitoring strategies to prevent consumption from these sources.

The Blueprint for Excellence outlines a strategic direction for the district focusing on four key priority areas: Academic Excellence, The Student Experience, Operations, and Family and Community Engagement. The plan aims to foster academic growth, enhance student engagement and well-being, optimize operational efficiency, and strengthen partnerships between schools, families, and the wider community.