November Board of Education Synopsis

A public hearing was conducted prior to the Board of Education Meeting at 7 p.m. Facilities Director Mr. Matthew Providente offered details about replacing the Dust Collector and Heating Ventilation System in order to improve air quality in the workshop at Central Islip High School. Funding for the estimated $600,000 cost will be derived from the District's Repair Reserve Fund in order to accelerate a path for replacement. In a roll call vote, the Board of Education approved the SEQRA Type II Determination.

The November 4 Board of Education Meeting reflected academic excellence of high achieving students' performances on AP exams. Those students were recognized by the Board of Education (President Luis Alcantara, Vice President Debra Cavanagh, Michele Harriott, Glenn C. Mitchell, Jim Musumeci, Ralph Delgado, Jr., and Maureen Esposito), and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon A. Dungee for scoring 5's on their Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Central Islip High School Principal, Mr. Eric Haruthunian, introduced each student and their respective exams on which they excelled. Also attending the meeting to congratulate their students were Mr. Jordan Turk, Mr. Roger de los Santos, Mr. Mitchell Cottrell, and Ms. Carin Velazquez.

Congratulations to students Indigo Ho Sang (AP Biology, AP English Language Composition, and AP World History); Ty Cittadino (AP Biology, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP English Literature Composition); Patrick Cortez (AP Computer Science A, and AP Computer Science Principles); Gianluca Pillaga (Computer Science A, AP English Literature Composition, AP English Language Composition, AP US Government & Politics, and AP World History); Zaria Alston (AP Drawing, AP US Government & Politics, and AP US History); Johana Garcia (AP Spanish Language); Jose Pena (AP Spanish Language); Michael Alderdice (AP US Government & Politics); Giancarlos Benitez (AP English Language Composition, and AP World History); Joel Hernandez (AP English Language Composition); and Jazlyn Rubio (AP English Language Composition). The Board of Education, Administration, Faculty and Staff congratulate these students on their remarkable achievements!

Central Islip High School Varisty Cheerleaders, Coach Rebecca Gallagher, and Assistant Coach Jenna Torns were saluted and received certificates from Congressman Andrew Garbarino for their participation at the Long Island Ducks Game on Fan Appreciation Day, as were Ms. Yvette Brideau's Performing Arts Students from Reed Middle School. Miss Ogechukuku Ebinum, who sang the National Anthem during the game's 7th Inning Stretch, also accepted a proclamation by Congressman Garbarino. 

Dr. Dungee's Superintendent's/Student Council Roundtable held at Cordello Elementary on October 30 was covered by News 12. Dr. Dungee's assistant, Ms. LaMonica, presented the News 12 video which showcased Dr. Dungee's Districtwide Student Council Roundtables. High School Senior, Miss Indigo Ho Sang, who is on Dr. Dungee's high school panel, spoke beiefly about the content of this year's first Roundtable Also shown were photos of Mr. Pisano and his students who were engaged in an extended keeping Islip clean project, gathering debris that filled over 11 filled bags. Superintendent Dungee attended the cleanup and said she was "extremely proud" of what the students had accomplished.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Ms. Jessica Iafrate presented an overview of the New York State Regionalization Survey, initiated by the New York State Education Department last September 12. The 40 page Strength & Needs survey contains data dating back to 2018. Ms. Iafrate noted that the Regionalization Survey raises some questions, and that NYSUT, (New York State United Teachers), held a meeting with superintendents to clarify the intent of the survey. Superintendents are expected to meet to bring information to state lawmakers in time for their next legislative agenda.

Also at the meeting: Director for Special Education & Pupil Personnel Services, Ms. DelValle, presented an overview of her department of 6 assistant directors and 13 secretaries whose duties encompass providing programs and services to support families. Special services include, but are not limited to resource room, integrated co-teaching classes, least restrictive environments, self-contained classroom settings, and out-of-district-placements. She noted that 11 attend the charter school. Ms. DelValle also explained that enrollment in the department is increasing, and that her team receives enriching staff development oppprtunities.

In closing the meeting, Mr. Alcantara extended a happy Thanksgiving holiday to families on behalf of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools, Administrators, Faculty and Staff.

The next meeting of the Board of Education is December 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alfano School Multi Purpose Room.