Wantagh Union Free School District

The meeting began with the recognition of students receiving the Seal of Biliteracy from the New York State Education Department, including one student recognized for proficiency in Spanish and Italian. Additionally, recognition was given to two retiring Teacher Aids, Elaine and Kathy Lux, for their dedicated service. A significant portion of the meeting involved an update from the mascot committee regarding the directive to address indigenous mascots. The committee presented two scenarios: one involving retaining the 'Warrior' name with new imagery based on four core pillars (bravery, strength, courage, leadership), and another for developing entirely new imagery and a nickname if litigation to retain the name is unsuccessful. Survey results from 63% of the student body informed these recommendations, showing a strong desire to keep the 'Warrior' name and a concern for cost if a change is mandated. For the scenario where 'Warrior' is retained, the committee proposed using a trident as new imagery, symbolizing protection and connection to the ocean. For a new nickname, options presented included the WTO Wolves, WTO Wolfpack, and the Wonto Wolverines.

The superintendent provided updates on budget matters, noting anticipated increases in foundation aid and changes to the UPK formula, with several budget forms and public sessions scheduled for March. Capital projects updates included ongoing work across the district related to the 2022 referendums, specifically focusing on unit ventilators and window replacements at the high school, middle school, Wantagh elementary, Mandalay, and Forest Lake. Progress on new bathrooms at Forest Lake and plans for Mandalay bathrooms this summer were also mentioned. Future capital work for Summer 2026 involves renovating the high school library and courtyard. The board will consider the tentative deal to sell the 1865 Beach Street property to a developer. Future events scheduled for the next meeting include recognizing retirees, all-county athletes, and the administration/staff of Wantagh Middle School for its recent designation as a School to Watch, along with a presentation on changing graduation standards. The meeting agenda covered the approval of financials, budget transfers, personnel items, and various contractual authorizations, including the approval of a donation from the Forest Lake Elementary School PTA and a contract of sale for the Beach Street property. Student government reported on February activities such as Black History Month decorations, a Valentine's Day raffle, an anti-bullying campaign, and the upcoming Sports Night and Battle of the Classes event. The Forest Lake PTA reported on their PARP reading initiative, the winter book fair, high school student shadowing elementary teachers, the Family STEAM Olympics Night, the variety show, and fifth-grade fundraisers. The Mandalay PTA reported on a Kaboom Kids assembly focused on wellness, the conclusion of their Valentine's candy fundraiser, and upcoming spirit wear, movie, and pancake fundraisers, as well as planning for the luau-themed dance.

The meeting began with ceremonial elements, followed by administrative business, including the approval of minutes from prior meetings. The Superintendent's report highlighted the recognition of successful student athletes and coaches for significant honors, including Conference Coach of the Year and a football coach achieving 200 career wins. The Athletic Director was also noted for receiving an honor from the New York State athletic administrators Association. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on mental health initiatives, specifically detailing partnerships with Northwell for student/family behavioral health support and Yes Community Counseling for providing a social worker at the high school, including data on utilization and communication consent. Furthermore, there was an update on the launch of a new District website and the transition to the Board Docs system for managing agendas and minutes digitally. The Superintendent also announced the schedule for upcoming budget forums for the 2024-2025 school year. Finally, an update was provided regarding the work of the mascot committee, which is analyzing survey data to refine the imagery associated with the 'Warrior' name.

The meeting commenced with the superintendent welcoming attendees and recognizing outstanding fall student-athletes, including the Nassau County Champion varsity football team. Recognition was also extended to the Assistant Coach of the Year and several individual and team award winners across various sports. A moment was taken to acknowledge the dedicated service of employee Donna D. Jaganji upon her retirement. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by students from the Science Research Academy, who detailed their involvement in external research programs such as the Brookhaven National Lab Science Scholar Symposium (involving Python coding for data analysis on environmental variables and global temperature changes) and the Barcode Long Island program (focusing on invertebrate biodiversity). Students also presented on their participation in research competitions, including the Toshiba Explorer Vision competition (hypothetical technology proposals) and the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair. Other key academic activities discussed included oyster reef monitoring projects and educational trips to Jones Beach.

The January SEPTA meeting featured a presentation by Dr. Bennett regarding the transition process from CPSE (preschool early intervention) to CSE (Committee on Special Education) for families entering the district's elementary schools. Key discussion points included the differences and similarities between the CPSE and CSE processes, eligibility criteria, and the importance of multidisciplinary evaluations and parental consent. Updates were provided on recent successful pairing activities and upcoming February and March fundraisers. The staff emphasized their commitment to collaborative communication, data collection, and personalized program planning for transitioning students, noting that service providers in the district are internal staff rather than external Nassau County agencies.