Patricia Berger

This document outlines a multi-year plan for the utilization of ARP-ESSER federal funding, developed with stakeholder input, to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key areas of focus include maximizing in-person instruction time by maintaining staffing and reducing class sizes, implementing evidence-based strategies for students' social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs, and expanding summer and extended learning programs. The plan also prioritizes educational technology enhancements, support for English language learners and early childhood education, and improvements to indoor air quality to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.

This document outlines the Half Hollow Hills School District's Final Investment Plan for the Smart Schools Bond Act, detailing the utilization of its allocated $2.717 million. The plan prioritizes comprehensive security enhancements across all district facilities. Key initiatives include implementing advanced video surveillance and DVR systems, establishing secure entry points with visitor management systems and security vestibules, deploying door ajar notification systems, and installing additional interior and exterior cameras. A central command center will be established for 24/7 monitoring and rapid response, aiming to protect students, employees, and property by improving access control, awareness, and incident management capabilities.

The Half Hollow Hills CSD has developed a Lead in Drinking Water Sampling and Remediation Plan for the 2023-2025 compliance period. This plan outlines the methodology for sampling drinking water sources, reporting initial results, and remediating locations where lead levels exceed 5 parts per billion. It also details protocols for identifying and managing non-applicable water sources, including communication and monitoring strategies, to ensure compliance with New York State Department of Health regulations and safeguard the health of building occupants.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss litigation, personnel matters, and legal counsel advice. The Open Session included the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, the Superintendent's Update, and a report from the Ex Officio Student Board Member. Key presentations covered student recognition and an Energy Performance Contract. Numerous action items were approved via consent agenda, covering coaching appointments, longevity pay, extracurricular club revisions, Intramurals, PDPs, Regents Scoring, and a musical approval. Personnel actions included the approval of administrative, certificated, and non-certificated retirements, resignations, FMLA requests, leaves of absence, appointments, assignment changes, and substitutes. Under Assistant Superintendent for Business actions, the Board approved an amendment to the lease agreement with Wyandanch Union Free School District for Forest Park Elementary School, declared itself the lead agency for the SEQRA process for the Energy Performance Capital Project, authorized a proposition for the May 19, 2026 Annual Meeting related to the Energy Performance Contract to seek enhanced building aid, and approved the SEQRA determination and proposition for the High School East Roof Capital Project. The Board also authorized expending funds from the Roof Replacement Capital Reserve Fund for roof replacement at High School East. Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer appointments were made due to retirements, and a consultant contract for the outgoing Treasurer was authorized. Several contracts for Special Education and Health Services for in-district and out-of-district students were approved, along with Bid Awards, Budget Transfers, authorization for reimbursements for damaged student devices, and disposal of obsolete items. The Assistant Superintendent for Education Operations received approval for Preschool Special Education and several dated Special Education Committee recommendations. A Board request for a member to enroll in the National School Boards AI Smart Certification was approved.

The meeting included a Superintendent's update, a Principal's message from Paumanok Elementary School, and Board Committee Reports. The Board addressed district-wide administration matters, including coaching appointments, the Family Life Program, High School Winter Shot Clocks, PDP, and Regents Scoring for January 2026. They also discussed retirements, resignations, FMLA, leaves of absence, appointments, substitutes, and tenure recommendations. Additionally, the Board addressed fiscal matters such as the Fiscal Year-End June 30, 2025 External Financial Audit Corrective Action Plan, a change order for the Candlewood Middle School Window Replacement Capital Project, budget transfers, a reimbursement check from NYSIR, reimbursements for damaged student devices and lost/broken chargers, and the disposal of obsolete items. The board also approved recommendations from the Committee on Preschool Special Education and the Committee on Special Education, along with related contracts. Policy readings and adoption were conducted, and the meeting concluded with comments from visitors and information items, including enrollment, appropriation status, budget transfers, budget variance, cash flow, claims audit, revenue status, Treasurer's report, and warrants and JP Morgan Chase Visa Credit Card purchases.