Paula Barnick-Eoanidis

The agenda for the Board of Education meeting includes procedural items such as the Call to Order, Determination of Quorum, and Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussion and action items cover the Superintendent's Report, including a tenure recommendation for the Executive Director of Special Services, and various consent items from the Education Committee, such as approving a Substitute List, appointing a Teaching Assistant, accepting resignations, and approving credit for advanced study. The Education Committee will also address approvals for personnel to instruct Family Engagement Workshops and an Affiliation Agreement with Grand Canyon University, as well as rescinding a previous resolution. The Business Committee agenda involves approving the Treasurer's Report for November 2025, appointments for a Part-Time Typist Clerk and a Custodian, approval of an Addendum to the Financial Advisory Services Agreement, and adopting the IRS mileage reimbursement rate. The Committee of the Whole will ratify special education reviews and approve the School Calendar for 2026-2027, authorize the disposal of obsolete books, and amend a resolution regarding transportation contracts.

The meeting agenda covered several reports and committee actions. The Superintendent provided an update on lead testing in school drinking water, noting that recent October 2025 tests identified several outlets exceeding the lowered threshold of 5 ppb, with remediation efforts underway. Capital project updates were also presented. The Education Committee consent agenda approved a Substitute List for 2025-2026, accepted a resignation, and appointed new Classroom Aides and a Long-Term Substitute Teacher. The Business Committee approved the Treasurer's Report for October 2025, and approved appointments for a Part-Time Personnel Clerk and a Part-Time Typist Clerk, along with a provisional appointment for a Typist Clerk. The Policy Committee adopted several policies related to construction safety, building safety and maintenance, staff cell phone use, and student transportation. The Committee of the Whole ratified Special Education Reviews, updated the Impartial Hearing Officer list by adding one and deleting two individuals, approved a piggyback transportation contract with Valley Stream Central, approved Transportation Contract Extensions and New Contracts for 2025-2026, approved an Indemnification Agreement for the New York Islanders Floorball Program, approved a consultant services agreement for an author visit, accepted a donation from the PTA, and ordered the destruction of unused and spoiled ballots from the May 20, 2025 election. New Business included the adoption of an updated Safety Plan following a hearing on November 25, 2025.

The Board discussed various personnel actions including appointments, resignations, and retirements. Significant agenda items included the adoption of the 2026-2027 Proposed Budget and authorization of voter propositions for the Annual Budget Vote and Election, such as expenditures from the Capital Reserve Fund for capital improvements and the establishment of a new Capital Reserve Fund. Additionally, the Board reviewed policy updates, accepted donations for district schools, approved a memorandum of agreement with Sacred Heart University, and ratified Committee on Special Education and Pre-school Special Education reviews.

The meeting addressed several significant items across various committees. The Superintendent reported on a successful Family Literacy Night, provided an update on the 2026-2027 budget development process, and highlighted the upcoming presentation on the new SEL program, Character Strong. Key personnel actions included the unanimous approval of tenure for the Executive Director of Special Services. The Education Committee Consent Agenda approved substitute lists, appointments and resignations of personnel (including a Teaching Assistant and Classroom Aides), approval of credit for advanced study for numerous staff members, approval of personnel to instruct upcoming Family Engagement Workshops, approval of an Affiliation Agreement with Grand Canyon University, and the rescission of a previous resolution regarding a Noon-Hour Aide appointment. The Business Committee Consent Agenda approved the Treasurer's Report for November 2025, appointments for a Part-Time Typist Clerk and a Custodian, approval of an Addendum to the Financial Advisory Services Agreement, and adoption of the IRS mileage reimbursement rate. The Committee of the Whole ratified and adopted numerous Committee on Special Education and Pre-School Special Education Reviews, deleted several individuals from the Impartial Hearing Officer list, approved the School Calendar for 2026-2027, declared certain books obsolete for disposal, and amended a resolution regarding Transportation Contracts for 2025-2026. The District Attorney reported on the successful dismissal of a disability and retaliation claim. The High School Report noted recent student accomplishments and the annual building walkthrough event.

This document outlines an intentional approach to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), emphasizing its foundational role in preparing students for a complex world. It details how SEL aligns with an existing strategic plan, presenting a roadmap for implementation through phased strategies including weekly lessons, expanded teacher involvement, and consistent language across school staff. The approach is informed by neuroscience and trauma-informed practices, aiming to foster student regulation, belonging, and the development of socially, emotionally competent, and resilient learners.