Wayne Abenes

The meeting commenced with special presentations recognizing the boys varsity soccer team and coaching staff for their historic undefeated league one season and advancement to the Suffach County Championship. Several individual student athletes received recognition for county, conference, and American honors, as well as academic achievements. A new program initiative, part of 'Graduation Plus,' was introduced to allow students to become certified referees for multiple sports, offering them practical skills and potential income. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation and discussion regarding enhancing the senior citizen and disabled persons real property tax exemption limits, analyzing the potential impact on the number of qualifying households and the resulting shift in tax burden to other district taxpayers, estimated at $88 per year for non-qualifying homeowners under the proposed maximum enhancement.

The Business Meeting included a special presentation from the New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA) for Champions of Change Recognition and special recognition for Shanti Fund Peace Art Calendar Contest Winners. Key actions involved the approval of financial reports, including the Treasurer's Report, Investment Report, and Claims Audit Report. Several action items were addressed, such as establishing the mileage reimbursement rate at 72.5 cents per mile effective January 1, 2026. The Board approved modifications to the Rotational List of Impartial Hearing Officers, approved an agreement with Farmingdale State College, and authorized executing a student data privacy agreement with Kokomo Solutions, Inc. Furthermore, the Board approved an amendment to the agreement with Marnava, Inc. to increase funding for the My Brother's Keeper (MBK) program. Approvals were also granted for Memoranda of Agreement with Our Lady of Guadalupe teachers for Academic Intervention Services, revised funding sources for two organizations, Special Education Services Contracts with out-of-district schools, and Affiliation Agreements with SUNY institutions for teacher preparation programs. The Board authorized contracts for specific students attending The Center for Discovery and Summit School at Nyack, and executed IDEA Flow-Through Contracts. Contracts for health services were authorized with East Islip SD, Babylon Union Free School District, and Middle Country Central School District. Additionally, the Board approved the award of a bid for electrical work on the Fire Alarm System at BHS Sonderling Center and authorized an agreement with Wendel for a comprehensive energy study, fully funded by NYSERDA. Change Orders were approved for Eldor Contracting Corporation for electrical work at multiple sites. The Board also approved out-of-state/overnight field trips, including several Winter Guard competitions in New Jersey and academic trips to SUNY Fredonia and a conference in Albany. Personnel actions included the approval of Certificated and Non-Certificated Personnel Action Reports detailing appointments, resignations, leaves of absence, and reclassifications. A resolution was adopted to appoint Shannon Ticali as Assistant Principal, Elementary, for a four-year probationary period effective February 2, 2026. The Board also authorized execution of an agreement with BPSO and the Director of School Safety regarding security guard training sessions, approved a Settlement Agreement and General Release concerning litigation with a former employee, and approved a Last Chance Agreement dated January 15, 2026, with a staff member.

The discussion centered on the upcoming graduation ceremony, specifically addressing concerns regarding the date (set for Saturday, June 27th) which was chosen to allow sufficient time for grading final and Regents examinations to certify diplomas. Due to renovations on the football field, the ceremony location is proposed for the newly renovated soccer field, which has a capacity of 3,000 spectators, for an expected 1,400 graduates. Protective flooring is being considered to prevent turf damage, and discussions involved the feasibility of using other external venues, which were deemed unsuitable due to capacity, location constraints, or lack of rain day provisions. The board is weighing the benefits of maintaining one unified ceremony (traditional experience, streamlined logistics, weather flexibility) against two separate ceremonies (increased tickets per family, shorter individual ceremony time). Stakeholder surveys for students and parents are planned before a final decision is made. There was also consideration regarding ticketing limitations for a single ceremony, potentially reducing seats from three to two per family, a reduction also applicable if using external venues. Additionally, protocols for field protection, including prohibiting high heels on the turf, were discussed.

The meeting began with a proclamation presentation to Ellen Edelstein by Suffach County Executive Edward Roma, recognizing her extensive service to the community, including her teaching career, founding the Brentwood Historical Society, and work with the library board and revitalizing the old schoolhouse. Following this, a presentation was given on the Graduation Plus five-year core strategic plan by Dr. Vincent Leone. The discussion centered on the alignment between the Board of Education goals (Student Achievement and Equity, Whole Child Development, Family and Community Partnerships, Staff Excellence and Development, Operational Effectiveness and Innovation) and the strategic charge areas of the Graduation Plus plan. Key components of the plan, such as ensuring every student earns a plus credential, aligning success pathways to student strengths, and developing infrastructure K-12, were detailed. The development process involving extensive outreach to over 6,000 stakeholders was also highlighted.

The meeting included a special recognition for Ann Palmer, Superintendent of Elementary Education, and the Green Machine Marching Band. The Board accepted various financial reports, approved extra-classroom activity reconciliations, and modified the rotational list of Impartial Hearing Officers. They also approved DASA School Coordinators, accepted a donation of books, and amended agreements with LTW Services, LLC and the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, and Youth Enrichment Services (YES). Additionally, the board approved an agreement with Docufree ScanCloud Service, affiliation agreements with multiple universities, and contracts for professional development/educational services. Change orders for contractors were approved, and a student data privacy agreement was authorized. The board also approved additions to the list of retired administrators and overnight/out-of-state field trips. The meeting also covered committee on special education matters, appointments, resignations & leaves for both certificated and non-certificated personnel, and last chance agreements.