December Board of Education Meeting Synopsis

At the December 9, 2024, Board of Education meeting, School Board President Mr. Luis Alcantara called the meeting to order, during which several students were showcased and recognized for their achievements.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sharon A. Dungee, began the meeting by highlighting student accomplishments. Among them was News 12’s visit to Morrow Elementary School, where students designed and created holiday cards for U.S. troops serving overseas to brighten their holidays. School Board Vice President Ms. Debra Cavanagh spearheaded this districtwide initiative, arranging for hundreds of cards to be distributed.

Dr. Dungee also shared a short video of the O’Neill Elementary School Chorus performing a preview of their Winter Concert under the direction of Music Teacher and Chorus Director Ms. Michele Scala. The performance delighted the Board of Education, district administrators, and the audience.

Mr. Philip Voigt, Director of Instructional Technology and Music, introduced several students who were recognized for their outstanding musical achievements. These students were acknowledged by Dr. Dungee, the Board of Education, and district leaders, including Mr. Alcantara, Ms. Cavanagh, Board Members Mrs. Michele Harriott, Mr. Glenn C. Mitchell, Mr. Jim Musumeci, Mr. Ralph Delgado, and Mrs. Maureen Esposito; Music Director Mr. Voigt; Central Islip High School Principal Mr. Eric Haruthunian; and Central Islip High School Marching Band Director and Music Teacher Mr. Jeremiah Ryan.

The recognized students included:

• Davian Perez: Participation in the NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) All-State Band Ensemble and the NYSCAME (New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education) All-County Band Ensemble.
• Daphne Vaisman, Giovanni Miner, Gabriella Castro, Iyanna Mukoro, and David Solomon: Participation in the NYSCAME All-County Choir Ensemble.

Mr. Alcantara also expressed gratitude to the parents and families for their continued support of their children’s education.

During the public participation segment, Mrs. Isabelle Mitchell requested that the district offer tutorials to assist parents and guardians in accessing the parent portal. Dr. Dungee shared that O’Neill Elementary School was hosting a parent training session on December 10 and suggested that similar sessions could be held at other schools. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Ms. Jessica Iafrate, emphasized that the district has been actively promoting the parent portal over the past year. Additionally, in response to Mrs. Mitchell’s inquiry about obtaining printed copies of the school district calendar, district officials advised contacting the Main Office of the student’s school for a hard copy.

The School Board approved several faculty and staffing appointments, including the unanimous appointment of Mr. Erin Posner as Assistant Principal of Central Islip High School, effective January 6, 2025.

Audit Committee Chair Mrs. Harriott provided a synopsis of the November 17 Audit Committee Report for the fiscal year ending June 2024.

Dr. Dungee shared a positive letter from a Bellport resident and teacher who attended the Boys Basketball Gold Game at Reed Middle School. The letter praised the district’s security team and commended the mutual respect displayed by administrators, teachers, students, and the community at the event.

In closing, Mr. Alcantara extended holiday wishes to all and announced that the next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for January 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in the Alfano School Multi-Purpose Room.