September Board of Education Meeting Synopsis

As the first meeting of the Board of Education commenced on September 9, following the official opening of the new school year for students on September 4th, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon A. Dungee and School Board President Mr. Luis Alcantara, on behalf of the Board of Education, welcomed the community back to the new school year. Following a moment of silence called for by Mr. Alcantara in remembrance of those whose lives were lost during the 9/11 attacks, as well as for those whose lives were lost in the Apalachee High School shooting in Winder, Georgia last week, Dr. Dungee reported that staff, from administrators to faculty to staff to buildings and grounds, security and custodian personnel, all did an "outstanding job" opening schools to students. 

School Board Vice President Ms. Debra Cavanagh briefed the Board of Education and those in attendance about the Islip Goes Purple initiative to create an awareness of the perils of substance abuse. A video of Reed Middle School students and one Central Islip High School student performing a skit on peer pressure and substance abuse was shown.

Mrs. Yvette Rivera, Administrator for Central Registration, offered a presentation on duties and responsibilities within her team's department. Mrs. Rivera noted how, during COVID, Central Registration operations continued to offer services to the community. She introduced School Social Worker Mr. Chris Carlozzo who underscored the importance of good student attendance. Mrs. Rivera then outlined her New Student Registration Report and said the Central Registration environment offers an ambiance that gives students and their families a sense of "weaving the culture of who we are, and what we represent." Mrs. Rivera addressed the extended hours of the department as follows:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., and Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. 

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Ms. Jessica Iafrate explained that parents and guardians of newly registering students will benefit, in particular, to the newly extended hours on Tuesday if they need assistance with the registration process as it relates to technology. 

School District Attorney Kevin A. Seaman, Esq., asked about steps the district is taking to ensure only those who legitimately reside in the district are, in fact, registering. Mrs. Rivera outlined a number of procedures and protocols the Student Registration has in place to ensure only students who are residents of Central Islip and Islandia are properly registered.

In other business, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Dungee and approval of the Board of Education, new teachers were hired to fill classroom positions. 

Due to observance of Columbus Day, the next meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alfano School Multi Purpose Room. 

District Clerk, Ms. Denise Ridgeway, was one of several faculty and staff members who were recognized for 25 years of service to Central Islip Schools. Ms. Ridgeway is pictured accepting her 25 year pin and plaque with, pictured from left: School Board members Mr.  Ralph Delgado, Jr., and Mrs. Michele Harriott, School Board President Mr. Luis Alcantara, District Clerk Ms. Denise Ridgeway, School Board Vice President Ms. Debra Cavanagh, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon A.  Dungee, and School Board members Mr. Jim Musumeci and Mrs. Maureen Esposito.