1 00:00:31,420 --> 00:00:35,360 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America 2 00:00:35,760 --> 00:00:39,700 and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under 3 00:00:39,760 --> 00:00:43,220 God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 4 00:00:46,200 --> 00:00:46,700 Thank you. 5 00:00:47,740 --> 00:00:49,220 Roll call. 6 00:00:49,260 --> 00:00:49,800 Mr. Weaver. 7 00:00:50,040 --> 00:00:50,200 Here. 8 00:00:50,360 --> 00:00:50,960 Ms. Donnelly. 9 00:00:51,060 --> 00:00:51,480 Here. 10 00:00:51,540 --> 00:00:52,160 Ms. Zurek. 11 00:00:52,200 --> 00:00:52,360 Here. 12 00:00:52,500 --> 00:00:53,260 Ms. Boland. 13 00:00:53,280 --> 00:00:53,700 Here. 14 00:00:53,720 --> 00:00:54,460 Mr. Keegan. 15 00:00:54,600 --> 00:00:54,750 Here. 16 00:00:55,140 --> 00:00:55,600 Ms. DeWitt. 17 00:00:55,760 --> 00:00:55,920 Here. 18 00:00:56,090 --> 00:00:56,610 Ms. Hanley. 19 00:00:56,740 --> 00:00:57,159 Here. 20 00:01:01,720 --> 00:01:02,300 Sweetheart, 21 00:01:03,540 --> 00:01:05,880 did you already administer the oath? 22 00:01:06,680 --> 00:01:10,460 At this time, we're going to swear in our new student rep, Julia Gomes. 23 00:01:24,500 --> 00:01:27,890 I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States of 24 00:01:27,940 --> 00:01:31,740 America and the Constitution of the State of New York, and 25 00:01:31,780 --> 00:01:35,440 that I will faithfully discharge, according to the best of my ability, the duties 26 00:01:35,460 --> 00:01:39,340 of student representative to the Board of Education in the Port Jefferson School 27 00:01:39,350 --> 00:01:39,350 District. 28 00:01:39,440 --> 00:01:39,840 Yay. 29 00:01:39,900 --> 00:01:43,960 Congratulations. 30 00:01:46,360 --> 00:01:49,800 Yeah, usually in January they start the middle school. Gives them some time. 31 00:01:51,960 --> 00:01:53,560 We're going to start to welcome Dr. 32 00:01:53,620 --> 00:01:56,460 Carravall to the podium to recognize our student artist. 33 00:01:56,500 --> 00:01:59,180 Sure. Good evening, Mr. Schmidthan, members of the board. 34 00:01:59,810 --> 00:02:02,920 This evening, we'd like to recognize one of our very talented fine arts students, 35 00:02:03,060 --> 00:02:05,350 whose work was featured in this year's school calendar. 36 00:02:05,820 --> 00:02:09,801 At this time, I'd like to invite ninth grader Sianna Serar, as well as her 37 00:02:09,861 --> 00:02:13,350 middle school art teacher, Ms. Stacey Schumann, for her artistic guidance 38 00:02:16,170 --> 00:02:17,050 come up to the podium. 39 00:02:21,040 --> 00:02:21,740 You can face the board. 40 00:02:22,740 --> 00:02:26,700 So please join me in congratulating Sianna and as the board would 41 00:02:26,740 --> 00:02:30,660 like to present her with a copy of her framed artwork that 42 00:02:30,680 --> 00:02:31,360 presents her 43 00:02:32,180 --> 00:02:35,100 artwork from the calendar, as well as a certificate of 44 00:02:35,120 --> 00:02:38,380 recognition and a few extra copies of the calendar. 45 00:02:40,880 --> 00:02:42,840 And thank you so much for 46 00:02:43,780 --> 00:02:46,160 being here with us this evening, along with your family, and for sharing your 47 00:02:46,480 --> 00:02:48,560 wonderful talents with our community to enjoy. 48 00:02:48,580 --> 00:02:51,360 Every time they look at an event for our school, they see your artwork. 49 00:02:51,660 --> 00:02:53,820 So congratulations and thank you all for being here. 50 00:02:58,670 --> 00:03:00,360 At this time, I'd like you to surround 51 00:03:01,280 --> 00:03:02,880 your artwork, and we'll take a photo with the board. 52 00:03:03,400 --> 00:03:06,910 Okay. Congratulations. Where did we get all the pictures? 53 00:03:08,880 --> 00:03:10,640 No, where did we get this inspiration? 54 00:03:14,750 --> 00:03:14,829 Did you 55 00:03:14,829 --> 00:03:19,120 find 56 00:03:20,220 --> 00:03:21,020 me? 57 00:03:21,040 --> 00:03:24,670 I just 58 00:03:26,180 --> 00:03:27,420 saw that picture. Yeah. 59 00:03:27,500 --> 00:03:28,260 I'm coming. 60 00:03:29,860 --> 00:03:30,959 You're so sweet. I just saw the other one. 61 00:03:31,160 --> 00:03:33,060 I wish there was more. 62 00:03:33,280 --> 00:03:34,410 Thank you so much. 63 00:03:34,410 --> 00:03:34,730 You're welcome. 64 00:03:34,800 --> 00:03:35,460 You're so sweet. 65 00:03:36,760 --> 00:03:38,340 One, two, three. 66 00:03:39,180 --> 00:03:39,400 One, 67 00:03:41,600 --> 00:03:41,609 two. 68 00:03:41,620 --> 00:03:47,890 Congratulations. 69 00:04:02,700 --> 00:04:03,280 Thank you. 70 00:04:04,160 --> 00:04:07,940 Next, Dr. O'Neill is here to honor some of our long-term employees. 71 00:04:08,400 --> 00:04:09,100 Dr. O'Neill? 72 00:04:11,540 --> 00:04:14,860 Good evening, everyone. Before we begin tonight's recognition, I want to take a 73 00:04:14,900 --> 00:04:18,500 moment to thank our Board of Education, our superintendent, our administrators, our 74 00:04:18,541 --> 00:04:22,470 colleagues, and especially our Port Jefferson community for being here and 75 00:04:22,480 --> 00:04:24,670 for supporting the people who make our schools what they are. 76 00:04:25,060 --> 00:04:28,280 It is a privilege to be part of the Port Jefferson School District and to have the 77 00:04:28,340 --> 00:04:32,310 opportunity to recognize the dedication and service of some truly special 78 00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:33,760 members of our school community. 79 00:04:34,840 --> 00:04:37,930 Tonight, we have the opportunity to recognize something that is becoming 80 00:04:37,930 --> 00:04:40,230 increasingly rare and increasingly meaningful. 81 00:04:40,810 --> 00:04:44,529 Twenty-five years of commitment to one place, one profession, and one community. 82 00:04:45,340 --> 00:04:49,260 We're recognizing 14 people who have reached that milestone. 83 00:04:49,270 --> 00:04:52,860 And while their roles may look very different from one another, they have something 84 00:04:52,920 --> 00:04:56,820 important in common. For 25 years, they have shown up. 85 00:04:56,860 --> 00:05:00,680 Some have stood in front of classrooms, some have worked beside students, 86 00:05:01,080 --> 00:05:04,500 some have kept our technology running, our buildings working, and our grounds 87 00:05:04,560 --> 00:05:08,370 looking their best. Some have supported the people who make a school function every 88 00:05:08,440 --> 00:05:11,130 day, often without much attention or recognition. 89 00:05:11,920 --> 00:05:14,180 And that's what really makes tonight special. 90 00:05:14,780 --> 00:05:18,560 Twenty-five years is a long time. It represents thousands of mornings getting to 91 00:05:18,620 --> 00:05:22,480 work, countless conversations, problems solved, challenges 92 00:05:22,560 --> 00:05:26,500 handled, and probably more than a few days when it would have been easier to 93 00:05:26,600 --> 00:05:29,570 just say, "Not today." But they kept coming back. 94 00:05:29,980 --> 00:05:32,160 They adapted as technology changed. 95 00:05:32,180 --> 00:05:35,280 They adjusted as expectations changed. 96 00:05:35,310 --> 00:05:39,140 They worked through different leadership, different programs, different buildings, 97 00:05:39,160 --> 00:05:40,550 and different eras of education. 98 00:05:41,600 --> 00:05:45,070 And through all of those changes, they brought something that can't be taught in 99 00:05:45,100 --> 00:05:48,230 workshops. They brought experience, perspective, and 100 00:05:48,260 --> 00:05:52,200 commitment. The value of that kind of service isn't simply measured by numbers 101 00:05:52,240 --> 00:05:56,200 of years on a calendar. It is measured by the people who have benefited from those 102 00:05:56,260 --> 00:06:00,200 years. The students supported, the colleagues helped, the classrooms 103 00:06:00,280 --> 00:06:04,060 maintained. The systems kept running and the countless everyday 104 00:06:04,100 --> 00:06:07,240 things that happened because someone cared enough to do their part. 105 00:06:07,280 --> 00:06:11,080 So tonight, we're not just celebrating 25 years, we're recognizing 25 106 00:06:11,140 --> 00:06:15,020 years of contribution, and we're saying thank you, not only for what each 107 00:06:15,080 --> 00:06:18,110 of you have accomplished, but for the consistency, 108 00:06:18,320 --> 00:06:21,600 professionalism, and dedication you have brought to Port Jefferson School 109 00:06:21,680 --> 00:06:23,630 District for a quarter of a century. 110 00:06:24,220 --> 00:06:27,760 Please join me in recognizing and congratulating our 14 111 00:06:27,960 --> 00:06:30,370 recipients of the 25 Year Service Award. 112 00:06:30,820 --> 00:06:32,290 When you hear your name, please come up. 113 00:06:33,260 --> 00:06:36,070 Stacy Bueller, middle school special education teacher. 114 00:06:41,349 --> 00:06:43,660 Dennis Christopher, high school mathematics teacher. 115 00:06:47,760 --> 00:06:50,140 Melissa Quarry, middle school social studies teacher. 116 00:06:55,080 --> 00:06:56,900 Harry Fenton, groundskeeper. 117 00:07:00,400 --> 00:07:02,640 Megan Hine, elementary school teacher. 118 00:07:06,760 --> 00:07:09,960 Brian Kendrick, network and system specialist. 119 00:07:14,400 --> 00:07:16,370 Melissa Martin, elementary school teacher. 120 00:07:21,220 --> 00:07:23,160 Nancy Randazzo, art teacher. 121 00:07:28,230 --> 00:07:30,520 Allison Roske, elementary school teacher. 122 00:07:35,340 --> 00:07:37,560 Brian Sandek, network and systems 123 00:07:37,580 --> 00:07:40,720 administrator. 124 00:07:43,180 --> 00:07:46,120 Francois Schnetzer, physical education teacher. 125 00:07:51,320 --> 00:07:53,000 Stacy Schumann, art teacher. 126 00:07:57,980 --> 00:08:01,860 Dr. Tara Sladek-Mahar, middle school, high school social studies teacher. 127 00:08:04,760 --> 00:08:08,700 And lastly but not least, Dr. Katherine Zvokol, elementary school 128 00:08:08,780 --> 00:08:09,100 teacher. 129 00:08:14,000 --> 00:08:15,960 I'm this one. 130 00:08:16,000 --> 00:08:17,260 Thank you. 131 00:08:22,260 --> 00:08:24,660 All good. 132 00:08:27,400 --> 00:08:27,920 How are you? 133 00:08:32,701 --> 00:08:33,520 25 years. 134 00:08:34,880 --> 00:08:35,470 Put it on your- 135 00:08:36,380 --> 00:08:36,390 Yeah 136 00:08:36,390 --> 00:08:37,380 ... just put it on your line there. 137 00:08:37,581 --> 00:08:39,260 Thank you. 138 00:08:40,180 --> 00:08:40,249 25 139 00:08:41,180 --> 00:08:44,760 years. Very special. 140 00:08:44,840 --> 00:08:45,920 So you're subbing today. 141 00:08:45,960 --> 00:08:49,040 I'm the teacher. 142 00:08:49,100 --> 00:08:49,560 I hate it. 143 00:08:50,190 --> 00:08:50,630 Yep. Certificate. 144 00:08:50,630 --> 00:08:52,060 There you go. 145 00:08:52,070 --> 00:08:52,480 Thank you. 146 00:08:52,520 --> 00:08:54,380 Very good. Follow directions. 147 00:08:55,230 --> 00:08:55,390 Look at 148 00:08:56,860 --> 00:08:58,460 you. 149 00:09:00,800 --> 00:09:03,000 Yeah. 150 00:09:03,260 --> 00:09:03,720 Look at all the 151 00:09:03,740 --> 00:09:09,540 people 152 00:09:12,780 --> 00:09:13,089 in the 153 00:09:13,089 --> 00:09:23,320 audience. 154 00:09:33,440 --> 00:09:34,840 I was a different animal back then. 155 00:09:36,160 --> 00:09:36,840 Different. 156 00:09:37,020 --> 00:09:37,529 I was more like a 157 00:09:37,529 --> 00:09:44,939 nightcrawler. 158 00:09:59,780 --> 00:10:02,340 We recognize it's the first week of school, so 159 00:10:04,640 --> 00:10:08,460 thank you to our dedicated staff. At this point, 160 00:10:08,860 --> 00:10:10,460 I'm going to arrange my report. Is that okay? 161 00:10:10,760 --> 00:10:11,580 Yeah. 162 00:10:11,610 --> 00:10:14,440 Yeah? We will go right into my report with Dr. 163 00:10:14,480 --> 00:10:15,910 Nydick and the AP results. 164 00:10:24,580 --> 00:10:28,260 Thank you, Mrs. Chmatan. Good evening, everyone, and I'd like to thank the 165 00:10:28,300 --> 00:10:32,180 board for the opportunity to speak about the results of our 166 00:10:32,240 --> 00:10:35,000 most recent AP testing from this last May. 167 00:10:36,320 --> 00:10:39,920 During the '25, '26 school year, we once again experienced an 168 00:10:39,960 --> 00:10:42,500 increase in AP exams taken in the school with 169 00:10:42,860 --> 00:10:46,750 433 total exams. Participation is also 170 00:10:46,860 --> 00:10:50,460 higher than last year, with 175 students taking an AP exam, 171 00:10:51,120 --> 00:10:54,280 and this is certainly a positive trend that the district is committed to 172 00:10:54,580 --> 00:10:56,040 continually increasing. 173 00:10:56,860 --> 00:11:00,380 Students with scores of three or higher was up slightly from last year to 174 00:11:00,480 --> 00:11:04,470 85.71. And overall, I think it's clear to say that 175 00:11:04,520 --> 00:11:08,460 as participation has increased, performance has not suffered, and 176 00:11:08,500 --> 00:11:11,320 this is certainly a sign of quality instruction. 177 00:11:12,820 --> 00:11:16,800 This college credit report, formerly known as the Equity and Excellence Report, 178 00:11:16,880 --> 00:11:20,480 shows the proportion of the district's entire senior class who 179 00:11:20,540 --> 00:11:24,350 scored a three or higher on an AP exam at any 180 00:11:24,500 --> 00:11:26,700 point during high school. This year, 181 00:11:27,100 --> 00:11:30,560 62.7% scored a three or higher on at least one AP 182 00:11:30,620 --> 00:11:33,300 exam at any point during their high school career. 183 00:11:34,300 --> 00:11:38,140 Additionally, this table shows the percentage of our entire 10th, 11th, and 12th 184 00:11:38,200 --> 00:11:41,920 grade classes who took it and scored a three or higher on at least 185 00:11:42,180 --> 00:11:45,950 one AP exam in May of 2026. For 12th graders, 186 00:11:46,140 --> 00:11:49,780 45.8% scored a three or higher this past May, for 187 00:11:49,820 --> 00:11:53,500 11th graders, 61% scored a three or higher, 188 00:11:54,240 --> 00:11:58,140 and for 10th graders, 54.7% scored a three 189 00:11:58,160 --> 00:12:00,800 or higher. Certainly pretty impressive information there. 190 00:12:02,392 --> 00:12:06,072 For 2026, we had 433 AP exams 191 00:12:06,092 --> 00:12:08,982 taken by our students with an average score of a 192 00:12:09,192 --> 00:12:13,112 3.60. Over the past five years, we've also seen 193 00:12:13,122 --> 00:12:15,382 strong consistency in these average scores. 194 00:12:16,192 --> 00:12:20,172 Also, while we may have more students taking AP exams, I do want to 195 00:12:20,232 --> 00:12:24,122 send a shout-out certainly for those of our students who are 196 00:12:24,552 --> 00:12:27,812 participating in our ever-expanding dual enrollment program. 197 00:12:28,232 --> 00:12:31,932 We have many, many courses based on different passions and interests of our 198 00:12:32,012 --> 00:12:32,392 students. 199 00:12:33,692 --> 00:12:37,672 These dual enrollment courses are certainly tied to Stony Brook and Suffolk 200 00:12:37,712 --> 00:12:39,512 Community College at this point in time. 201 00:12:41,352 --> 00:12:45,222 Our AP English courses demonstrate continued outperformance compared 202 00:12:45,272 --> 00:12:47,372 to the New York State mean and the global mean. 203 00:12:47,452 --> 00:12:50,662 Notably, AP Language had a mean of 204 00:12:50,792 --> 00:12:54,712 3.77, with 92% of our students obtaining a three 205 00:12:54,732 --> 00:12:58,032 or higher, and AP Literature had a mean of 206 00:12:58,212 --> 00:13:01,772 3.87, with 87% of our students 207 00:13:01,872 --> 00:13:03,642 obtaining a three or higher during the 208 00:13:03,812 --> 00:13:06,952 2026 testing cycle. 209 00:13:08,792 --> 00:13:12,252 In terms of AP World, we had 18 of our 24 students, or 210 00:13:12,472 --> 00:13:16,312 75%, attain a three or higher. For AP US, the 211 00:13:16,372 --> 00:13:19,252 mean score was higher than New York State and the global mean. 212 00:13:19,872 --> 00:13:22,652 The percent earning a three or higher was 82%. 213 00:13:22,812 --> 00:13:26,232 It's nice to see the strong enrollment that we also have with this course over the 214 00:13:26,292 --> 00:13:29,852 past three years. In terms of AP Macro, our students 215 00:13:29,932 --> 00:13:33,772 outperformed the global mean, and we had 86% of our students 216 00:13:33,812 --> 00:13:37,392 earning a three or higher, which was a nice rebound from the 217 00:13:37,452 --> 00:13:38,292 previous year. 218 00:13:41,532 --> 00:13:45,392 AP Science courses saw, once again, very strong scores that were higher 219 00:13:45,452 --> 00:13:47,972 than both the New York State and global average scores. 220 00:13:48,612 --> 00:13:52,572 AP Biology had a 3.81 mean and 94% of the students 221 00:13:52,612 --> 00:13:56,432 earning a three or higher. AP Chemistry had a 3.6 mean 222 00:13:56,472 --> 00:13:59,872 with 88% of students earning a three or higher. 223 00:14:02,332 --> 00:14:05,992 AP Physics students performed exceptionally well again this year, with an average 224 00:14:06,092 --> 00:14:09,992 score outperforming both New York State and the global mean by almost one 225 00:14:10,132 --> 00:14:13,972 full point. Additionally, 100% of students earned a three or 226 00:14:14,052 --> 00:14:17,952 higher. AP Calculus AB continues to outperform both the New 227 00:14:17,992 --> 00:14:20,652 York State mean and the global mean with a 228 00:14:20,872 --> 00:14:24,572 4.07 average score. In terms of Calculus 229 00:14:24,672 --> 00:14:28,292 BC, 100% of our students earned a three or higher, while also 230 00:14:28,372 --> 00:14:31,832 outperforming the New York State mean and the global mean. 231 00:14:33,432 --> 00:14:37,372 In terms of AP Stats, the Port Jeff mean was much higher than the New 232 00:14:37,412 --> 00:14:41,212 York State mean and the global mean, and we had 86% of the students 233 00:14:41,272 --> 00:14:42,212 earning a three or higher. 234 00:14:43,352 --> 00:14:47,152 With AP Computer Science Principles, our Port Jeff mean was somewhat similar to the 235 00:14:47,192 --> 00:14:51,132 New York State and global mean, with 54% of 236 00:14:51,172 --> 00:14:53,912 our students earning a three or higher in that course. 237 00:14:57,012 --> 00:14:59,952 AP Music Theory runs on an alternating year basis. 238 00:15:00,052 --> 00:15:02,352 This year, we had six students challenge the course. 239 00:15:02,902 --> 00:15:06,872 The Port Jeff mean was a 2.67, which was below both 240 00:15:06,892 --> 00:15:08,852 the New York State mean and the global mean. 241 00:15:09,592 --> 00:15:13,212 In addition, we had two of the six students obtain a 242 00:15:13,272 --> 00:15:15,132 three or higher on that exam. 243 00:15:16,492 --> 00:15:19,772 This was our first year offering AP Human Geography. 244 00:15:19,812 --> 00:15:23,692 This course was mainly composed of ninth graders, but we also did have a few 245 00:15:23,752 --> 00:15:25,812 upper-level students challenge this course. 246 00:15:26,512 --> 00:15:28,732 In all, we had 39 students take the class. 247 00:15:28,992 --> 00:15:29,592 33 248 00:15:30,632 --> 00:15:34,552 of the students, or 85%, achieved a three or higher on that 249 00:15:34,592 --> 00:15:38,552 exam, and the Port Jeff mean of 3.64 was higher than both the 250 00:15:38,592 --> 00:15:40,612 New York State mean and the global mean. 251 00:15:41,592 --> 00:15:45,482 And back this year was AP French Language and Culture, which did not run last year. 252 00:15:46,112 --> 00:15:49,972 With this exam, the Port Jeff mean of 2.75 was below the New York State 253 00:15:50,072 --> 00:15:53,932 mean and the global mean. Of the four students taking the class, however, three 254 00:15:53,992 --> 00:15:57,212 of them obtained a three or higher on the exam. 255 00:15:59,112 --> 00:16:02,952 In terms of AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature, we 256 00:16:03,012 --> 00:16:06,152 noticed that the Port Jeff mean still falls below the New York State mean and the 257 00:16:06,212 --> 00:16:10,132 global mean. With AP Spanish Language, we had 64% of 258 00:16:10,152 --> 00:16:13,732 our students earning a three or higher and 60% of students earning a three or 259 00:16:13,772 --> 00:16:15,832 higher for AP Spanish Literature. 260 00:16:15,852 --> 00:16:19,842 And with all of these world language exams, they're 261 00:16:19,852 --> 00:16:23,811 very tough and almost designed for native speakers to 262 00:16:23,852 --> 00:16:27,592 meet success. So when we talk about numbers in the 50s and 60s, it is quite an 263 00:16:27,632 --> 00:16:31,432 impressive feat for our students who are often taking these 264 00:16:31,532 --> 00:16:32,442 as a second language. 265 00:16:34,692 --> 00:16:38,292 We had both students, in terms of 2D Art and 266 00:16:38,372 --> 00:16:41,312 Design, obtain at least a three in that course. 267 00:16:41,332 --> 00:16:45,172 We are certainly very proud of the fact that the Port Jeff mean was well above the 268 00:16:45,192 --> 00:16:49,012 New York State mean and the global mean. 269 00:16:51,432 --> 00:16:54,832 And this was our fourth year of AP Seminar, and we are extremely 270 00:16:54,952 --> 00:16:58,612 pleased with the results, as we had 95% of the 40 271 00:16:58,732 --> 00:17:02,032 students earn a three or higher. The Port Jeff mean 272 00:17:02,752 --> 00:17:05,833 was well above the New York State mean and global mean. 273 00:17:06,552 --> 00:17:10,292 And in our third year of AP Research, we had all six of our students earn a 274 00:17:10,373 --> 00:17:11,593 three or higher. 275 00:17:13,262 --> 00:17:17,152 This slide details our AP Scholar awards for 2026. 276 00:17:17,472 --> 00:17:21,312 Total scholars decreased slightly from 103 in 2025 277 00:17:21,353 --> 00:17:25,152 to 90 in 2026. We did, however, have 28 278 00:17:25,212 --> 00:17:28,472 AP Scholars, which is the second highest amount over the past seven 279 00:17:28,572 --> 00:17:31,862 years. We also had 11 AP Scholars with Honor. 280 00:17:32,552 --> 00:17:36,352 AP Scholars with Distinction was the highest number we have had over the past seven 281 00:17:36,412 --> 00:17:40,002 years, with 45 students earning this 282 00:17:40,032 --> 00:17:43,872 award. This is an amazing number considering that you need at least 283 00:17:43,932 --> 00:17:47,492 a 3.5 average score on all AP exams 284 00:17:47,552 --> 00:17:51,012 taken and scores of three or higher on five or 285 00:17:51,152 --> 00:17:52,972 more of these exams. 286 00:17:54,192 --> 00:17:57,972 This was the third year that our students were eligible for the AP Capstone Awards, 287 00:17:58,012 --> 00:18:01,852 and this year we're happy to report that we had six students earn that AP Capstone 288 00:18:01,892 --> 00:18:05,368 Diploma This is granted to students who earn scores of three or 289 00:18:05,488 --> 00:18:09,268 higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four 290 00:18:09,328 --> 00:18:11,548 additional AP exams of their choosing. 291 00:18:12,528 --> 00:18:16,168 So when you look at the last column, the past year, we did not have... 292 00:18:16,198 --> 00:18:19,588 Or second to last column, we did not have any students earning the AP Seminar and 293 00:18:19,608 --> 00:18:23,508 Research certificate, which is granted to students who earn scores of 294 00:18:23,528 --> 00:18:27,268 three or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research, but do not take or 295 00:18:27,348 --> 00:18:30,728 pass four additional exams. So our students are all falling into the higher 296 00:18:32,628 --> 00:18:34,808 designation, which is a big deal. 297 00:18:35,788 --> 00:18:39,708 So all in all, we will reflect on all of this data and continue to look 298 00:18:39,748 --> 00:18:43,328 for ways to improve our AP program. 299 00:18:44,348 --> 00:18:48,188 I did want to just take a moment to remind the board of the 300 00:18:48,228 --> 00:18:51,848 district on how we did in terms of our AP Platinum status. 301 00:18:53,008 --> 00:18:56,778 Only 8% of schools in the United States and Canada met College 302 00:18:56,908 --> 00:19:00,748 Board's highest possible standard, and to achieve the Platinum status, 303 00:19:00,808 --> 00:19:04,588 schools must meet rigorous benchmarks for student access and success 304 00:19:05,008 --> 00:19:08,918 in AP coursework, which includes 80% of graduating 305 00:19:09,028 --> 00:19:11,758 seniors taking at least one AP exam during high school, 306 00:19:12,788 --> 00:19:16,688 50% of graduating seniors earning a score of three or more on 307 00:19:16,708 --> 00:19:20,518 at least one AP exam, and 15% of seniors taking 308 00:19:20,668 --> 00:19:24,488 five or more AP exams, including one in ninth or 309 00:19:24,548 --> 00:19:28,448 tenth grade. So I'm so proud of our students, our faculty, for 310 00:19:28,488 --> 00:19:32,388 obtaining this designation for our school community 311 00:19:32,468 --> 00:19:35,568 because it definitely demonstrates the top-notch 312 00:19:37,508 --> 00:19:39,668 rigor that we have here in Port Jeff. 313 00:19:41,408 --> 00:19:45,368 So with that, I know I went a little quickly this evening, but are 314 00:19:45,388 --> 00:19:48,308 there any questions about these 315 00:19:49,328 --> 00:19:51,088 monumental results, as always? 316 00:19:52,708 --> 00:19:53,428 Port Jeff proud. 317 00:19:54,368 --> 00:19:54,568 Yeah. 318 00:19:55,118 --> 00:19:56,018 Yeah. No questions, but- 319 00:19:56,228 --> 00:19:56,408 Yeah 320 00:19:56,528 --> 00:19:57,288 ... amazing. 321 00:19:57,348 --> 00:20:01,268 Yeah. We were really just commenting on the Human Geography first 322 00:20:01,388 --> 00:20:01,508 year. 323 00:20:01,518 --> 00:20:03,858 I thought it was astonishing. I just said it to Pat, I said 39 kids. 324 00:20:03,948 --> 00:20:04,938 I was like, "Wow, that's amazing." 325 00:20:04,938 --> 00:20:07,128 That's the first time, and mostly ninth graders- 326 00:20:07,138 --> 00:20:07,218 Yeah, overwhelmingly 327 00:20:07,218 --> 00:20:11,188 ... to be exposed to that AP course, and to have such strong scores in the 328 00:20:11,228 --> 00:20:14,488 first year implementing that course is just very proud. 329 00:20:14,528 --> 00:20:14,768 Yeah. 330 00:20:14,808 --> 00:20:16,788 Really good work from all of our departments. 331 00:20:17,148 --> 00:20:20,748 And it also provides some of our upper-level students with the opportunity to 332 00:20:20,788 --> 00:20:23,328 challenge an AP, which has certainly been a goal of ours- 333 00:20:23,488 --> 00:20:23,897 Yeah, exactly 334 00:20:23,897 --> 00:20:27,428 ... to expose them to college-level work before they actually graduate from Port 335 00:20:27,488 --> 00:20:27,808 Jeff. 336 00:20:28,808 --> 00:20:29,068 All right. 337 00:20:29,888 --> 00:20:29,897 It's great. 338 00:20:29,897 --> 00:20:30,468 Well, great. 339 00:20:31,008 --> 00:20:31,368 Thank you. 340 00:20:31,418 --> 00:20:31,418 Thank you. 341 00:20:31,568 --> 00:20:33,168 The mathematics are great. 342 00:20:35,428 --> 00:20:37,668 Congratulations. Julia, how are you for your report? 343 00:20:37,728 --> 00:20:38,268 Can I finish first? 344 00:20:38,608 --> 00:20:39,888 Oh. You wanted- 345 00:20:40,108 --> 00:20:40,848 I just want to say something else. 346 00:20:40,968 --> 00:20:41,168 Oh, okay. 347 00:20:41,308 --> 00:20:41,668 Is that okay? 348 00:20:43,448 --> 00:20:46,268 Well, we had a wonderful start to the school year, and we're happy to welcome our 349 00:20:46,328 --> 00:20:49,388 staff and students back to the buildings, and we look forward to open houses 350 00:20:49,428 --> 00:20:53,318 tomorrow night at the elementary school and Thursday at our middle school and 351 00:20:53,348 --> 00:20:56,168 high school. Did I jump ahead a little, Leslie? 352 00:20:56,888 --> 00:21:00,868 And so, we would like to also invite the public to 353 00:21:00,928 --> 00:21:04,648 join us next week for the Port Jefferson School District Wall of Fame induction 354 00:21:04,808 --> 00:21:07,948 ceremony on September 18th at 1:00 PM. 355 00:21:08,008 --> 00:21:11,108 We will honor two remarkable members of our schools, John R. 356 00:21:11,248 --> 00:21:14,388 Bob Estell and Leslie E. JJ Goodman Jr. 357 00:21:15,148 --> 00:21:18,748 Bob Estell was a foundational figure in Port Jefferson education and athletics, 358 00:21:18,828 --> 00:21:22,348 serving as an impactful teacher, coach, athletic director, and mentor in our 359 00:21:22,368 --> 00:21:26,288 district from 1951 to 1994. Also 360 00:21:26,328 --> 00:21:30,108 being honored is former NFL player and class of 1968 alumnus, 361 00:21:30,468 --> 00:21:33,978 Les JJ Goodman. Les stands as one of the most accomplished 362 00:21:34,068 --> 00:21:37,658 athletes and continues to inspire Port Jefferson students and the community through 363 00:21:37,688 --> 00:21:40,128 his legacy of excellence and character. 364 00:21:40,138 --> 00:21:43,748 The ceremony will take place at the athletic stadium and will be open to the 365 00:21:43,788 --> 00:21:47,408 public. In the event of inclement weather, though, the ceremony will move indoors 366 00:21:47,428 --> 00:21:51,158 to the high school library, and space will be limited to family attendees only. 367 00:21:52,308 --> 00:21:55,788 As many of you are aware, we unfortunately have been unable to field a varsity 368 00:21:55,888 --> 00:21:59,748 football team. This was not expected, and we planned 23 returning 369 00:21:59,768 --> 00:22:01,648 players and eight incoming freshmen. 370 00:22:02,228 --> 00:22:05,448 Once we realized we would not have the minimum number of players, we requested to 371 00:22:05,528 --> 00:22:09,388 combine with Rocky Point. Section 11 would allow the combination 372 00:22:09,408 --> 00:22:11,358 but imposed a no-playoff penalty. 373 00:22:11,988 --> 00:22:15,888 Faced with this consequence, Rocky Point had no alternative but to withdraw from 374 00:22:15,928 --> 00:22:17,728 the varsity portion of the agreement. 375 00:22:18,408 --> 00:22:22,348 Rocky Point has continued with our agreement for the combined JV squad, and our 376 00:22:22,388 --> 00:22:25,968 students in grades nine through 11 have been practicing with them beginning last 377 00:22:26,028 --> 00:22:26,228 week. 378 00:22:27,298 --> 00:22:31,188 The whole matter and how it transpired is deeply troubling and disappointing. 379 00:22:31,228 --> 00:22:34,588 Our students should never be caught in the middle of a dispute over unexpected 380 00:22:34,648 --> 00:22:37,948 circumstances, administrative processes, or scheduling 381 00:22:37,968 --> 00:22:41,828 concerns. The Port Jefferson and Rocky Point school districts came forward with a 382 00:22:41,868 --> 00:22:45,608 good faith proposal designed to preserve opportunities for student athletes in 383 00:22:45,668 --> 00:22:49,408 both communities. Without a combined varsity team, our high school 384 00:22:49,448 --> 00:22:53,418 student-athletes will not have a football season this year, and for our seniors 385 00:22:53,448 --> 00:22:57,368 who invested years of their lives in this program, that prospect is particularly 386 00:22:57,408 --> 00:23:01,348 devastating. We have not stopped advocating for our students, and we're looking for 387 00:23:01,408 --> 00:23:03,168 the best outcome for our athletes. 388 00:23:03,678 --> 00:23:06,868 Our players just want to play football, and our district wants to give them that 389 00:23:06,928 --> 00:23:07,538 opportunity. 390 00:23:08,398 --> 00:23:11,808 The district appealed the decision of Section 11 last week, and we were 391 00:23:11,848 --> 00:23:15,468 denied. Tonight, the Board of Education is going to consider a 392 00:23:15,548 --> 00:23:19,378 resolution to authorize our legal counsel to begin litigation 393 00:23:19,408 --> 00:23:22,808 against Section 11 in order to permit our football players to 394 00:23:22,828 --> 00:23:26,628 participate with the Rocky Point varsity football team for the 2026 season. 395 00:23:27,908 --> 00:23:31,558 And at this time, I'd like to formally introduce Julia Gomes, 396 00:23:31,988 --> 00:23:35,558 our student board member. Julia is a senior, active in student government, 397 00:23:35,808 --> 00:23:39,458 extracurricular clubs, and volleyball, and we are excited for her to join us as 398 00:23:39,468 --> 00:23:43,128 part of the Board of Education. At this time, Julia gets to give her first report. 399 00:23:45,528 --> 00:23:45,538 Yeah. 400 00:23:45,548 --> 00:23:47,908 Well, I was also told to give a little introduction. 401 00:23:48,208 --> 00:23:51,788 So hi, my name is Julia Lima de Oliveira Gomes, 402 00:23:52,008 --> 00:23:54,128 and I've been in Port Jeff since first grade. 403 00:23:54,748 --> 00:23:58,598 I am a senior, and I participated in student organizations since freshman year, and 404 00:23:58,628 --> 00:24:00,828 I've also been class vice president since freshman year. 405 00:24:01,648 --> 00:24:05,528 I've played school and travel volleyball since eighth grade, and during my academic 406 00:24:05,588 --> 00:24:08,768 career, I participated in nine clubs and 15 APs total. 407 00:24:09,558 --> 00:24:11,488 True. She's the story today. 408 00:24:13,972 --> 00:24:17,012 I was also part of the Hospital Career Exploration Program, 409 00:24:17,512 --> 00:24:19,812 internship program offered last year at St. 410 00:24:19,952 --> 00:24:23,452 Charles Hospital, and I volunteered there over the summer, accumulating over 120 411 00:24:23,572 --> 00:24:27,092 community service hours from the hospital alone, and hundreds of hours total. 412 00:24:27,172 --> 00:24:30,572 I am super excited to be the student board representative, and I really appreciate 413 00:24:30,612 --> 00:24:31,972 the opportunity. 414 00:24:32,012 --> 00:24:32,272 That's great. 415 00:24:32,672 --> 00:24:33,672 So now the actual report. 416 00:24:36,352 --> 00:24:39,132 It has been a smooth transition to start off the new year. 417 00:24:39,352 --> 00:24:42,292 Students and teachers are getting used to their new schedules and classes. 418 00:24:42,372 --> 00:24:46,212 Sports and clubs are off and running, and many of the seventh and eighth grade 419 00:24:46,292 --> 00:24:48,782 students have reported that they love having their backpacks in school. 420 00:24:49,772 --> 00:24:50,702 Town hall meetings are 421 00:24:51,932 --> 00:24:55,492 being held with the students to review the expectations and procedures of the 422 00:24:55,512 --> 00:24:55,752 school. 423 00:24:56,892 --> 00:24:58,862 There are many things happening in the middle school and high school. 424 00:24:59,352 --> 00:25:03,252 On Thursday, November 10th, the middle school and high school will be having a 425 00:25:03,272 --> 00:25:07,012 back to school night. This event is a great way for the parents of our students to 426 00:25:07,032 --> 00:25:10,522 get a glimpse of their child's academic day by meeting their teachers, as well as 427 00:25:10,532 --> 00:25:13,152 learning about the different curriculums. 428 00:25:17,392 --> 00:25:21,252 On Friday 9/11, the 11th and 12th graders will be taking a field trip to 429 00:25:21,272 --> 00:25:24,332 the PJ Firehouse for the September 11th ceremony. 430 00:25:24,852 --> 00:25:28,152 The entire district is asked to wear red, white, and blue to show our support. 431 00:25:28,992 --> 00:25:29,152 On 432 00:25:30,232 --> 00:25:34,062 September 17th, some of our high school athletes will be hosting a fall sports 433 00:25:34,132 --> 00:25:35,532 fair for the fifth grade students. 434 00:25:36,132 --> 00:25:39,792 This opportunity provides the elementary school students with a chance to learn 435 00:25:39,832 --> 00:25:42,752 about the various sports that are offered to them at the middle school and high 436 00:25:42,812 --> 00:25:43,242 school level. 437 00:25:44,172 --> 00:25:45,002 Next week is the Start 438 00:25:45,832 --> 00:25:49,612 with Hello Week. There will be various opportunities district-wide to 439 00:25:49,652 --> 00:25:52,892 support this program that was developed through the Sandy Hook Promise. 440 00:25:53,702 --> 00:25:57,142 The mission is to lead and promote by having all students feel 441 00:25:57,192 --> 00:25:59,232 included and not to feel like they're alone. 442 00:26:00,012 --> 00:26:03,982 Senior Derek Wonderland is working with the League of Yes to organize a Bike 443 00:26:04,052 --> 00:26:07,622 to the Beach event on October 3rd at Smiths Point to raise awareness for 444 00:26:07,712 --> 00:26:08,792 autism and disabilities. 445 00:26:09,752 --> 00:26:12,572 And finally, some important upcoming meetings and events. 446 00:26:12,672 --> 00:26:16,262 On September 14th, SEPTA will be having a virtual meeting. 447 00:26:16,812 --> 00:26:20,452 September 16th, the PTSA will be having a meeting. 448 00:26:20,492 --> 00:26:24,292 September 18th, the Wall of Fame induction at 12:30 at the 449 00:26:24,312 --> 00:26:28,192 athletic complex. On September 23rd, there will be a club 450 00:26:28,232 --> 00:26:31,472 fair where students can learn about the different clubs that are available for them 451 00:26:31,492 --> 00:26:35,272 to join. And finally, on September 30th, financial aid night 452 00:26:35,512 --> 00:26:36,912 presentation will be held. 453 00:26:37,632 --> 00:26:38,032 Thank you. 454 00:26:38,092 --> 00:26:38,552 Thank you. 455 00:26:40,032 --> 00:26:41,872 I'm sure you have a lot of AP studying to do- 456 00:26:42,022 --> 00:26:42,022 Yeah 457 00:26:42,022 --> 00:26:45,212 ... so if you have homework, you are excused. Thank you so much for joining us. 458 00:26:45,312 --> 00:26:45,772 Thank you. 459 00:26:46,552 --> 00:26:46,932 Thank you. 460 00:26:48,292 --> 00:26:49,292 Great first meeting. 461 00:26:50,272 --> 00:26:50,972 Happy first report. 462 00:26:52,612 --> 00:26:53,532 I am done now. Sorry. 463 00:26:53,712 --> 00:26:53,932 Okay. 464 00:26:55,382 --> 00:26:58,712 All right. We'll go to committee reports and we'll start with 465 00:26:59,112 --> 00:27:00,152 policy has not met. 466 00:27:01,112 --> 00:27:02,662 Curriculum has not met yet, right? 467 00:27:02,841 --> 00:27:02,841 No. 468 00:27:02,841 --> 00:27:03,942 They're a little early in the year. 469 00:27:04,692 --> 00:27:07,952 So we have facilities, and we'll go to facilities first. 470 00:27:08,632 --> 00:27:10,032 I thought we were doing finance first. 471 00:27:10,052 --> 00:27:10,061 You're up. 472 00:27:10,072 --> 00:27:10,332 Sorry. 473 00:27:12,312 --> 00:27:15,792 So facilities didn't have a formal meeting, but we had a facilities 474 00:27:15,852 --> 00:27:19,712 walkthrough, which is always so nice to do at the end of the summer to see 475 00:27:19,812 --> 00:27:23,592 all the work that was done. So we received a tour given by Mr. 476 00:27:23,852 --> 00:27:27,692 Lester and Mr. Minerak, beginning at district office, where we saw new 477 00:27:27,732 --> 00:27:30,452 fencing and carpeting inside district office. 478 00:27:31,332 --> 00:27:34,972 Then we walked over to the O&M building to see the floor construction. 479 00:27:35,052 --> 00:27:38,182 So everyone should be happy to know that the floor is not sloping and things aren't 480 00:27:38,232 --> 00:27:41,792 falling off shelves anymore. So that was happy. That was a good thing to see. 481 00:27:43,092 --> 00:27:46,492 While we were actually outside about to walk into the elementary school, we had a 482 00:27:46,512 --> 00:27:50,452 discussion about replacing the fence along Scraggy Road 483 00:27:50,462 --> 00:27:53,272 and installing a walkway with bollards. 484 00:27:53,332 --> 00:27:54,512 I think they're called bollards, right? 485 00:27:55,982 --> 00:27:59,042 Okay. To create a buffer between the parking spaces on the street, 486 00:27:59,692 --> 00:28:03,412 since this can potentially be a safety concern for students who 487 00:28:03,472 --> 00:28:07,252 get either dropped off or picked up from school, or even 488 00:28:07,752 --> 00:28:10,812 if they are attending school events. So Mr. 489 00:28:11,072 --> 00:28:14,652 Minerak is going to look into pricing for this project potentially. 490 00:28:16,332 --> 00:28:17,832 We then went into the 491 00:28:18,832 --> 00:28:22,742 elementary school and toured the second grade and fourth grade 492 00:28:22,852 --> 00:28:23,372 wings. 493 00:28:24,252 --> 00:28:27,892 We moved on to the middle school/high school, where we saw the labeled 494 00:28:28,012 --> 00:28:31,772 senior parking spots and new fencing by the 495 00:28:31,832 --> 00:28:35,751 middle school outer stairs. We toured the middle school art room, 496 00:28:36,192 --> 00:28:40,152 room A206, A207, saw the middle 497 00:28:40,232 --> 00:28:43,992 school gym padding, and middle school special ed offices. 498 00:28:44,032 --> 00:28:47,512 Then we moved to the high school, saw the principal's office hallway carpet. 499 00:28:47,832 --> 00:28:51,732 We went outside to the high school breezeway for tech ed and saw the stairs, 500 00:28:51,772 --> 00:28:55,012 railings, bollards where the portables used to be, 501 00:28:55,572 --> 00:28:58,612 and a new drain cover, which I think Mr. 502 00:28:58,972 --> 00:29:02,332 Minerak was very excited about personally. But he was very excited about it. 503 00:29:02,372 --> 00:29:03,052 The little things. 504 00:29:03,172 --> 00:29:06,952 Then we went on to the high school second floor 505 00:29:07,072 --> 00:29:10,332 to see, finally, the new unit 506 00:29:10,412 --> 00:29:14,212 ventilators for the air conditioning, which was again, very exciting. 507 00:29:14,312 --> 00:29:15,052 We were all very happy. 508 00:29:16,932 --> 00:29:20,372 That concluded our tour. But as always, we 509 00:29:20,432 --> 00:29:24,261 have so much thanks to our staff for 510 00:29:24,332 --> 00:29:27,172 making your classrooms warm and inviting for your students. 511 00:29:27,292 --> 00:29:31,162 I love it because I get some great ideas before I get to decorate my 512 00:29:31,192 --> 00:29:34,912 own classroom. Thank you to the high school staff for their patience with the 513 00:29:34,952 --> 00:29:38,792 installation of the HVAC system, and a huge thank you to our 514 00:29:38,892 --> 00:29:42,472 custodial, grounds, and maintenance crews, as well as our technology 515 00:29:42,512 --> 00:29:44,492 department for getting our schools ready for the 516 00:29:44,692 --> 00:29:48,612 2026/2027 school year. Your 517 00:29:48,672 --> 00:29:51,752 hard work does not go unnoticed, and it's certainly very 518 00:29:52,132 --> 00:29:53,772 appreciated. So thank you. 519 00:29:54,752 --> 00:29:58,172 Thank you, Randy. And I'm just surprised that they were able to 520 00:29:58,432 --> 00:29:59,892 retrofit that air conditioning- 521 00:29:59,992 --> 00:30:00,252 Mm-hmm 522 00:30:00,432 --> 00:30:03,172 ... without taking so much space out of the rooms. 523 00:30:03,272 --> 00:30:03,392 Yeah. 524 00:30:03,452 --> 00:30:04,012 It was really- 525 00:30:04,232 --> 00:30:05,312 They did a great job with that. 526 00:30:05,512 --> 00:30:05,832 It's nice. It was great 527 00:30:05,872 --> 00:30:06,432 ... really nice. 528 00:30:07,652 --> 00:30:10,912 Okay, so we'll move on to finance. We met- 529 00:30:11,252 --> 00:30:11,592 We met. 530 00:30:11,612 --> 00:30:11,792 Yeah. 531 00:30:11,892 --> 00:30:15,682 Early in the year, we met. Finance met on September 1st on our 532 00:30:16,060 --> 00:30:19,880 And a lot of our meeting was about the end of last year going into this 533 00:30:19,940 --> 00:30:23,900 year. Our audit is in the process, and it's being completed, and hopefully 534 00:30:23,920 --> 00:30:27,780 should be completed shortly. We discussed fund balance 535 00:30:27,820 --> 00:30:30,860 transfers for the end of the year, including 536 00:30:32,020 --> 00:30:35,800 fund balance transfer in order to add a third pre-K class this year, 537 00:30:36,240 --> 00:30:40,120 which is a great thing for us to have three pre-K 538 00:30:40,160 --> 00:30:43,060 sections going forward in the '26, '27 school year. 539 00:30:44,200 --> 00:30:46,930 We did continue to discuss, which was brought up at August meeting, 540 00:30:48,079 --> 00:30:51,980 a new RFP to go out for potential 541 00:30:52,420 --> 00:30:56,220 possibility of a land sale near Scraggy Hill. That'll go out in the near future. 542 00:30:57,120 --> 00:30:58,360 We'll have a three-month window. 543 00:30:59,700 --> 00:31:03,080 And we discussed a couple of the other aspects that'll go 544 00:31:03,140 --> 00:31:07,080 forward during the course of the year, but it was very early in the 545 00:31:07,200 --> 00:31:07,440 year. 546 00:31:08,260 --> 00:31:11,800 And our next meeting is October 13th at 6:30. 547 00:31:13,260 --> 00:31:14,840 I think next facilities- 548 00:31:14,870 --> 00:31:15,450 It is the same night 549 00:31:15,450 --> 00:31:15,820 ... is the same day. 550 00:31:15,909 --> 00:31:15,909 Sorry. 551 00:31:15,920 --> 00:31:16,580 October 13th. 552 00:31:17,020 --> 00:31:17,520 Ditto. But right after. 553 00:31:17,600 --> 00:31:19,020 So we're both going to meet on October 13th. 554 00:31:19,280 --> 00:31:19,520 Yes. 555 00:31:20,890 --> 00:31:20,890 Okay. 556 00:31:20,960 --> 00:31:22,700 And audit, I think you're waiting to- 557 00:31:23,280 --> 00:31:23,730 Yeah. Waiting for the- 558 00:31:23,730 --> 00:31:24,520 ... wrap things up, and then- 559 00:31:24,560 --> 00:31:24,590 Yeah 560 00:31:24,640 --> 00:31:26,220 ... it'll be on the calendar. 561 00:31:26,300 --> 00:31:26,600 Correct. 562 00:31:26,640 --> 00:31:26,750 Mm-hmm. 563 00:31:27,200 --> 00:31:27,960 Great. Thank you. 564 00:31:31,040 --> 00:31:33,180 We'll move on in our meeting. So 565 00:31:33,200 --> 00:31:37,080 the board approves the minutes of 566 00:31:37,120 --> 00:31:40,560 the August 25th regular business meeting of the Board of Education. 567 00:31:41,000 --> 00:31:42,160 Could I have a motion, please? 568 00:31:43,280 --> 00:31:46,660 That'll be Tracy Zamek. Second is Mike Weaver. 569 00:31:47,600 --> 00:31:49,780 Any discussion, revisions, 570 00:31:50,780 --> 00:31:51,280 changes? 571 00:31:52,680 --> 00:31:54,500 No. We move for a vote. All those in favor. 572 00:31:55,820 --> 00:31:56,260 Thank you. 573 00:31:57,600 --> 00:32:01,200 Now at this point, we have the public comment that is related to 574 00:32:01,260 --> 00:32:03,560 anything on the agenda, on tonight's agenda. 575 00:32:04,260 --> 00:32:07,660 Is there anybody here for public comment on tonight's agenda items? 576 00:32:10,060 --> 00:32:13,950 Seeing no one's come up to the mic, we'll move on to 577 00:32:13,950 --> 00:32:15,200 the board consent agenda. 578 00:32:16,020 --> 00:32:19,780 So as recommended by the superintendent of schools, the board approves 579 00:32:20,280 --> 00:32:21,920 the following resolution, 580 00:32:22,780 --> 00:32:26,280 the facilities resolution item C1 appearing on the 581 00:32:26,900 --> 00:32:29,520 September 8th, 2026 consent agenda. 582 00:32:29,940 --> 00:32:30,900 Could I have a motion, please? 583 00:32:31,980 --> 00:32:33,800 That'll be Randy DeWitt. Second, 584 00:32:35,560 --> 00:32:37,369 Tracy Donnelly. Any discussion? 585 00:32:39,420 --> 00:32:42,160 So move for a vote. All those in favor. Thank you. 586 00:32:43,920 --> 00:32:47,429 We now have the board consent agenda for instructional 587 00:32:47,540 --> 00:32:48,100 personnel. 588 00:32:49,700 --> 00:32:53,600 As recommended by the superintendent of schools, the board approves the 589 00:32:53,680 --> 00:32:57,420 following instructional personnel resolution items D1 590 00:32:57,460 --> 00:33:01,140 through D8, appearing on the September 8th, 2026 591 00:33:01,160 --> 00:33:03,540 consent agenda. Could I have a motion, please? 592 00:33:04,660 --> 00:33:05,360 That'll be Mike 593 00:33:06,280 --> 00:33:08,740 Weaver and Tracy Donnelly. 594 00:33:09,720 --> 00:33:10,500 Any discussion? 595 00:33:12,520 --> 00:33:14,520 We'll move for a vote. All those in favor. 596 00:33:16,240 --> 00:33:18,360 Thank you. We want to welcome Lauren. 597 00:33:19,440 --> 00:33:21,700 How do we say your last name? Orel? Ormes? 598 00:33:21,760 --> 00:33:22,320 Laurel. 599 00:33:22,500 --> 00:33:22,980 Laurel. 600 00:33:23,180 --> 00:33:23,540 Tenure. 601 00:33:23,560 --> 00:33:24,180 Yes. Tenure. 602 00:33:24,570 --> 00:33:24,570 Mm-hmm. 603 00:33:24,580 --> 00:33:25,000 For tenure. 604 00:33:25,020 --> 00:33:25,510 Congratulations. 605 00:33:25,920 --> 00:33:28,380 Yes. So congratulations, again. 606 00:33:31,920 --> 00:33:35,580 And now we have the board consent agenda for non-instructional personnel. 607 00:33:36,340 --> 00:33:39,920 If I could just request, under non-instructional, if you could pull item 608 00:33:40,020 --> 00:33:42,400 E3 separate to vote on. 609 00:33:42,540 --> 00:33:42,760 Sure. 610 00:33:50,860 --> 00:33:54,640 So as recommended by the superintendent of schools, the board approves the 611 00:33:54,720 --> 00:33:58,020 following non-instructional personnel resolution items 612 00:33:58,700 --> 00:34:02,600 E1, E2, and E4, appearing on this, the 613 00:34:02,660 --> 00:34:05,860 September 8th, 2026 consent agenda. 614 00:34:05,900 --> 00:34:08,801 Could I have a motion, please? That'll be Randy DeWitt. 615 00:34:08,920 --> 00:34:11,240 Second is Shannon Hanley. 616 00:34:12,281 --> 00:34:13,140 Any discussion? 617 00:34:15,100 --> 00:34:18,940 Okay. We'll go for a vote 618 00:34:18,980 --> 00:34:21,950 on this, and we're pulling E3 for- 619 00:34:21,990 --> 00:34:21,990 Three 620 00:34:21,990 --> 00:34:22,640 ... a second vote. 621 00:34:23,560 --> 00:34:26,841 Thank you. All those in favor? We're one, two, 622 00:34:27,460 --> 00:34:27,980 and four. 623 00:34:29,140 --> 00:34:29,520 Thank you. 624 00:34:31,861 --> 00:34:34,790 And now as recommended by the superintendent of schools, 625 00:34:38,040 --> 00:34:40,920 non-instructional personnel resolution item E3 626 00:34:42,100 --> 00:34:43,620 is up for a motion. 627 00:34:44,560 --> 00:34:45,600 That would be Mike Weaver. 628 00:34:46,900 --> 00:34:47,600 Second is 629 00:34:48,420 --> 00:34:49,321 Tracy Donnelly. 630 00:34:51,000 --> 00:34:52,000 We'll move for a vote. 631 00:34:54,380 --> 00:34:55,841 And that you'll stay- 632 00:34:55,960 --> 00:34:56,540 Are you abstaining? 633 00:34:56,821 --> 00:34:56,960 Yeah. 634 00:34:58,020 --> 00:34:58,700 Thank you. 635 00:35:01,700 --> 00:35:04,600 And just to say, her daughter is volunteering as a coach. 636 00:35:05,340 --> 00:35:06,700 But we have to get it up front. 637 00:35:06,900 --> 00:35:07,010 Cat's out of the bag. 638 00:35:10,480 --> 00:35:14,280 The board consent agenda for finance, as recommended by the superintendent of 639 00:35:14,320 --> 00:35:18,120 schools, the board approves the following finance resolution 640 00:35:18,220 --> 00:35:21,920 items F1 through F5, appearing on the 641 00:35:22,920 --> 00:35:25,600 September 8th, 2026 consent agenda. 642 00:35:26,020 --> 00:35:26,960 Could I have a motion, please? 643 00:35:28,310 --> 00:35:29,440 That'd be Tracy Donnelly. 644 00:35:31,880 --> 00:35:34,440 Second is Shannon Hanley. Any discussion? 645 00:35:36,740 --> 00:35:38,740 All right. We'll move for a vote. All those in favor. 646 00:35:40,080 --> 00:35:40,600 Thank you. 647 00:35:42,300 --> 00:35:45,600 And we are for the consent agenda for 648 00:35:45,700 --> 00:35:49,620 education. As recommended by the superintendent of schools, the board 649 00:35:49,640 --> 00:35:53,000 approves the following education resolution items 650 00:35:53,260 --> 00:35:56,560 G1 through G2, appearing on the September 8th, 651 00:35:57,120 --> 00:35:59,800 2026 consent agenda. Could I have a motion, please? 652 00:36:01,780 --> 00:36:04,440 Mike. I'm sorry, Mike, I looked at you. 653 00:36:05,760 --> 00:36:05,990 We're all good. 654 00:36:06,020 --> 00:36:07,200 It's been whack-a-mole. 655 00:36:08,660 --> 00:36:10,180 It'd be Randy as the second. 656 00:36:13,740 --> 00:36:15,020 And any discussion? 657 00:36:16,460 --> 00:36:18,340 So we'll move for a vote. All those in favor. 658 00:36:21,468 --> 00:36:24,488 So we have old business. Anybody have old business they want to discuss? 659 00:36:28,028 --> 00:36:31,588 And under new business, we do have some new business. 660 00:36:32,528 --> 00:36:35,728 We discussed a 661 00:36:40,408 --> 00:36:43,308 resolution for a litigation we wanted to bring. 662 00:36:43,968 --> 00:36:46,268 So I'll read that motion now, 663 00:36:47,108 --> 00:36:49,588 and we'll move for discussion and vote. 664 00:36:50,348 --> 00:36:53,987 Whereas the Section 11 Athletics issued a 665 00:36:54,028 --> 00:36:57,848 determination dated September 4th, 2026, that 666 00:36:57,868 --> 00:37:01,668 effectively denied an appeal of the school district to combine its 667 00:37:01,728 --> 00:37:05,128 varsity team with Rocky Point's varsity team for the 668 00:37:05,268 --> 00:37:09,068 2026 season. And whereas the 669 00:37:09,328 --> 00:37:13,228 Board of Education has reviewed the determination, and upon the advice 670 00:37:13,268 --> 00:37:16,748 of counsel, has concluded that the determination was made in 671 00:37:16,788 --> 00:37:20,548 violation of lawful procedure, was affected by an 672 00:37:20,648 --> 00:37:23,568 error of law, was arbitrary and capricious, 673 00:37:24,228 --> 00:37:28,108 and/or it was an abuse 674 00:37:28,248 --> 00:37:31,878 of discretion. And whereas the Board of 675 00:37:31,948 --> 00:37:35,548 Education has concluded that it is in the best interest of the 676 00:37:35,618 --> 00:37:38,908 district to challenge the determination by 677 00:37:38,988 --> 00:37:42,388 filing an education law section 678 00:37:42,648 --> 00:37:44,888 3110- 679 00:37:45,608 --> 00:37:45,718 310 680 00:37:45,718 --> 00:37:45,908 ... 310, 681 00:37:47,048 --> 00:37:50,548 appeal with the Commissioner of Education, and for commencing a 682 00:37:50,588 --> 00:37:54,188 proceeding pursuant to Article 78 of the Civil 683 00:37:54,308 --> 00:37:55,768 Practice Law and Rules. 684 00:37:56,588 --> 00:38:00,328 Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Education 685 00:38:00,388 --> 00:38:03,788 hereby authorizes its counsel, Ingerman Smith 686 00:38:04,088 --> 00:38:07,848 LLP, to file an education law Section 687 00:38:09,128 --> 00:38:12,568 310 appeal with the Commissioner of Education 688 00:38:13,128 --> 00:38:16,728 and/or commence an Article 78 proceeding in the 689 00:38:16,768 --> 00:38:17,968 Supreme Court of 690 00:38:19,208 --> 00:38:22,958 the State of New York, County of Suffolk, against Section 691 00:38:23,288 --> 00:38:27,108 11 Athletics, seeking to annul, vacate, 692 00:38:27,148 --> 00:38:30,828 and/or set aside its September 4th, 2026, 693 00:38:31,108 --> 00:38:34,888 determination, and for such other and further relief 694 00:38:34,968 --> 00:38:38,828 as may be just and proper, including, but not 695 00:38:38,868 --> 00:38:42,818 limited to, the immediate stay of Section 11 Athletics' 696 00:38:42,908 --> 00:38:46,588 decision that effectively precludes the combining of the Port 697 00:38:46,708 --> 00:38:49,888 Jefferson and Rocky Point football programs for the 698 00:38:50,068 --> 00:38:53,848 2026 season. And be it further 699 00:38:53,888 --> 00:38:57,458 resolved that the President of the Board of Education and/or the 700 00:38:57,528 --> 00:39:01,408 Superintendent of Schools are hereby authorized and directed 701 00:39:01,448 --> 00:39:04,328 to execute any and all documents, 702 00:39:05,028 --> 00:39:08,808 verifications, and papers necessary or appropriate to 703 00:39:08,848 --> 00:39:09,348 commence 704 00:39:10,728 --> 00:39:14,628 and prosecute the appeal and/or proceeding, and 705 00:39:14,688 --> 00:39:18,468 to take such further action as may be necessary to effectuate 706 00:39:18,477 --> 00:39:21,848 the purpose of this resolution. And be it 707 00:39:22,228 --> 00:39:25,828 further resolved that this resolution shall take effect 708 00:39:25,888 --> 00:39:26,528 immediately. 709 00:39:28,388 --> 00:39:28,788 So 710 00:39:30,148 --> 00:39:31,788 we have this resolution. 711 00:39:32,048 --> 00:39:32,058 Mm-hmm. 712 00:39:32,468 --> 00:39:33,948 I'm in full support- 713 00:39:34,228 --> 00:39:34,388 Yep 714 00:39:34,398 --> 00:39:35,848 ... of doing this and moving forward. 715 00:39:35,948 --> 00:39:38,608 So we've obtained the motion is from Randy DeWitt. 716 00:39:39,508 --> 00:39:42,088 Second is Tracy Donnelly, 717 00:39:43,548 --> 00:39:44,848 and Mike and Tracy. 718 00:39:45,828 --> 00:39:47,168 Is there any discussion? 719 00:39:48,748 --> 00:39:51,218 No, I think this is the best. 720 00:39:51,348 --> 00:39:51,417 I second. 721 00:39:51,417 --> 00:39:54,528 I think this is-- Hopefully we get the results that these- 722 00:39:54,648 --> 00:39:54,938 This is for- 723 00:39:54,938 --> 00:39:56,368 ... student-athletes deserve. 724 00:39:56,408 --> 00:39:56,417 This is- 725 00:39:56,417 --> 00:40:00,048 To no fault of their own, being denied a season when we have a 726 00:40:00,108 --> 00:40:03,928 neighboring school district that is more than willing to take them. 727 00:40:04,228 --> 00:40:07,528 We have good faith with that other school district, and it's just a shame 728 00:40:07,568 --> 00:40:11,388 that there wasn't a resolution last week, and we have to pursue 729 00:40:11,448 --> 00:40:15,238 this. But I think it's the right way to go, and I think we 100% need to do 730 00:40:15,268 --> 00:40:16,788 this for our student-athletes. 731 00:40:16,848 --> 00:40:20,158 Yeah. I think this is absolutely 732 00:40:20,868 --> 00:40:24,358 what we need to do to continue this advocation, because the decision, 733 00:40:24,428 --> 00:40:28,417 unfortunately, is harming these athletes, and they can't 734 00:40:28,428 --> 00:40:31,948 get that season back. And it's unfortunate because they didn't do anything wrong. 735 00:40:32,408 --> 00:40:32,488 Right. 736 00:40:32,568 --> 00:40:36,477 And we have to make that point that this 737 00:40:36,748 --> 00:40:40,498 is something that has to be addressed, and this is the best way to go about 738 00:40:40,568 --> 00:40:40,818 doing it. 739 00:40:41,068 --> 00:40:43,468 It's a bad example, also, I think, for our students. 740 00:40:43,518 --> 00:40:43,518 It's- 741 00:40:43,548 --> 00:40:46,548 To demonstrate that you have two school districts willing to work together, kids 742 00:40:46,568 --> 00:40:50,298 willing to play together. You show up every day, you practice, you do the right 743 00:40:50,408 --> 00:40:51,808 thing, and it still 744 00:40:52,648 --> 00:40:56,608 didn't work out well for them. So I think they need to see that sometimes adults 745 00:40:56,668 --> 00:41:00,008 need to step in and help advocate, and that's what we're going to do. 746 00:41:00,228 --> 00:41:02,248 So I 100% support this. 747 00:41:02,868 --> 00:41:05,178 And I want to give Rocky Point credit for still- 748 00:41:05,228 --> 00:41:05,488 Yes 749 00:41:05,668 --> 00:41:06,348 ... being there and- 750 00:41:06,378 --> 00:41:06,378 Yes. 100. 751 00:41:06,488 --> 00:41:07,388 We did have an opportunity. 752 00:41:07,428 --> 00:41:09,638 They have been great in supporting and- 753 00:41:09,668 --> 00:41:09,948 Thankful 754 00:41:10,328 --> 00:41:12,388 ... trying to do right by our students- 755 00:41:12,438 --> 00:41:12,467 Yeah 756 00:41:12,478 --> 00:41:13,148 ... along with us, so. 757 00:41:13,228 --> 00:41:16,837 And just publicly saying that this is a very unique situation because I think 758 00:41:16,848 --> 00:41:20,768 there's a lot of social media out there where people are blaming this on 759 00:41:21,068 --> 00:41:24,908 lower enrollment problem that we had, when really we had a full roster. 760 00:41:24,948 --> 00:41:27,428 This is a last-minute thing that happened. It was very unique. 761 00:41:27,908 --> 00:41:31,098 So I just want people to see it as it really was. 762 00:41:31,128 --> 00:41:32,608 Well, it's unique also to the rule. 763 00:41:33,008 --> 00:41:33,028 Yeah. 764 00:41:33,058 --> 00:41:35,458 I think that's another thing. These are antiquated- 765 00:41:36,808 --> 00:41:37,158 Guidelines 766 00:41:37,188 --> 00:41:37,198 ... guidelines. 767 00:41:37,228 --> 00:41:38,588 From the '80s. 768 00:41:38,708 --> 00:41:38,718 Yeah. 769 00:41:38,728 --> 00:41:39,568 From the 1980s. 770 00:41:39,708 --> 00:41:39,718 Yeah. 771 00:41:39,768 --> 00:41:41,618 So I think that it requires- 772 00:41:41,728 --> 00:41:42,428 Sports are a little different now 773 00:41:42,448 --> 00:41:46,288 ... I mean, I hope we're setting a tone here to kind of revisit this and put 774 00:41:46,308 --> 00:41:47,688 students first so they can play. 775 00:41:47,718 --> 00:41:47,718 Yeah. 776 00:41:47,748 --> 00:41:48,108 So. 777 00:41:48,188 --> 00:41:51,188 And I think that's something that needs to be looked at in Suffolk County as a 778 00:41:51,228 --> 00:41:55,198 whole, is how do you reestablish the way we do athletic-- 779 00:41:55,428 --> 00:41:57,288 in order to make sure these kids don't get 780 00:41:58,648 --> 00:41:59,458 put in a situation like this overall. 781 00:41:59,458 --> 00:42:01,748 And the decreasing enrollment isn't just in the schools. 782 00:42:01,828 --> 00:42:03,848 I think that's another important point to note. 783 00:42:04,668 --> 00:42:07,708 It's a decreasing enrollment in football, period. 784 00:42:07,738 --> 00:42:07,738 Correct. 785 00:42:07,748 --> 00:42:11,398 In playing sports like that. I think we're seeing a decrease, even in schools that 786 00:42:11,488 --> 00:42:15,218 have larger enrollment and larger populations, they're having smaller and 787 00:42:15,288 --> 00:42:15,948 smaller teams. 788 00:42:16,128 --> 00:42:16,448 Correct. 789 00:42:16,748 --> 00:42:16,968 So 790 00:42:17,828 --> 00:42:21,268 we have to be more flexible. It's time to be creative, and kids come first, so. 791 00:42:21,328 --> 00:42:22,748 Do what's right for the kids. 792 00:42:22,808 --> 00:42:23,907 So go get them, Neil. 793 00:42:24,778 --> 00:42:26,188 Bring back good news. That's it. 794 00:42:26,628 --> 00:42:27,448 Yeah. So. 795 00:42:27,648 --> 00:42:28,808 We're sending you on your way. 796 00:42:30,368 --> 00:42:31,107 So we vote? 797 00:42:31,448 --> 00:42:31,728 Yes. 798 00:42:31,768 --> 00:42:31,868 Yes. 799 00:42:31,968 --> 00:42:32,918 All right. I will- 800 00:42:32,958 --> 00:42:33,078 All in favor 801 00:42:33,078 --> 00:42:35,308 ... ask for a vote. All those in favor? 802 00:42:35,848 --> 00:42:36,198 In favor, please. 803 00:42:36,208 --> 00:42:36,588 Thank you. 804 00:42:37,428 --> 00:42:37,728 Thank you. 805 00:42:37,848 --> 00:42:38,748 The kids thank you. 806 00:42:41,368 --> 00:42:42,858 And Neil, we will thank you when you're here. 807 00:42:43,848 --> 00:42:44,188 Yes. 808 00:42:46,908 --> 00:42:50,588 So we have any other-- At this time, we have an opportunity for public 809 00:42:50,628 --> 00:42:50,988 comment. 810 00:42:51,788 --> 00:42:52,848 Anybody would like to... 811 00:42:55,068 --> 00:42:55,148 No? 812 00:42:56,148 --> 00:42:58,728 So we'll close the public comment portion of our meeting. 813 00:42:59,428 --> 00:43:02,988 And, at this point, there's no other new business, 814 00:43:03,568 --> 00:43:07,128 so we'll move for an adjournment. Could I have a motion, please? 815 00:43:08,408 --> 00:43:09,648 Mike Weaver. 816 00:43:10,148 --> 00:43:10,158 Mike Weaver. 817 00:43:10,228 --> 00:43:12,328 Second, Tracy Donnelly. 818 00:43:13,348 --> 00:43:13,528 Yes. 819 00:43:15,748 --> 00:43:19,128 May I ask all those in favor, please? Thank you. 820 00:43:19,808 --> 00:43:20,428 Thank you, everybody. 821 00:43:20,808 --> 00:43:21,358 Have a great night, everyone. 822 00:43:21,358 --> 00:43:21,728 Have a great night, everybody. 823 00:43:21,808 --> 00:43:22,248 Thank you.