James Petti

This document outlines the foundational strategic elements for the Deer Park School District, encompassing its mission, vision, and core beliefs. The district is committed to providing an equitable, excellent, and safe learning environment that supports academic and personal success for all students. Key priorities include fostering an inclusive environment, engaging students in a rigorous curriculum to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, celebrating diversity, promoting social-emotional wellness, and developing positive relationships within the community, all aimed at preparing students to be productive citizens in a global community.

The board adopted the proposed school district budget for the upcoming school year to be submitted for a voter referendum. Additionally, they approved the real property tax report card for the annual district meeting. The board also authorized a revision to the corrective action plan to include a specific implementation date following an auditor's recommendation and approved the disposal of obsolete equipment. Discussions included approvals for student track field trips and updates regarding potential school closures and meeting venue changes.

The meeting agenda includes recognition of students and staff, an IT presentation, and a budget presentation focusing on special education, special schools, athletics, pool, co-curricular, transportation, and instructional media and technology. Key business items include the resolution for the Annual District Election and Budget Vote, approval of a new employment agreement for the Superintendent of Schools, ratification of memoranda of understanding with CSEA Local 870 regarding title changes and salary adjustments, acceptance of a monetary donation for the Patriot Club, and the disposal of non-functional air conditioning units. The Board will also address the adoption of a partial real property tax exemption for the primary residence of an eligible surviving spouse of a police officer killed in the line of duty, along with various personnel schedules and financial reports.

The Board of Education meeting agenda included several key business items, such as the 2026-2027 BOCES budget vote and candidate elections, approval of a Universal Pre-Kindergarten proposal with The Learning Experience, and acceptance of internal audit reports and corrective action plans for the prior fiscal year. Additional actions involved accepting a resident donation of stress balls, authorizing the disposal of outdated library books, and managing various instructional and non-instructional personnel changes, including appointments, salary adjustments, and leaves of absence. The board also reviewed bids for the 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program, awarded a contract to Irwin Contracting Inc., and processed various budgetary transfers, contract reports, and financial status reports.

The board meeting featured a recognition event for School Board Recognition Month and Staff Appreciation. Key actions included the approval of the school year tax levy and library operations funding, as well as the acceptance of a gift card donation for the Life Skills Apartment/Falcon Career Academy. Additionally, the board approved various non-instructional and instructional personnel schedules, encompassing appointments, changes of status, leaves of absence, resignations, retirements, and temporary assignments for extracurricular activities.