January 2026 Board of Education Synopsis

Board of Education President Mr. Luis Alcantara opened the meeting by wishing everyone a happy New Year.

Mr. Alcantara introduced School Safety Director Mr. Tom Weiner, who presented the District’s School Safety Plan, which was adopted by the School Board following the presentation. In accordance with New York State Education Department guidelines, Mr. Weiner reported that the draft plan had been posted on the District website on December 12 for residents to review. The entire security and school safety team (100%) has received training this year. Staff members are made aware of the locations of Automatic External Defibrillators and how to call for help.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon A. Dungee announced that she received a letter of appreciation from New York State Senator Monica Martinez, thanking the District for participating in the Holiday Cheer Program.

Dr. Dungee showed News 12’s coverage of her Mulvey Student Council meeting, to which she invited Central Islip Fire Department firefighter Dennis Solares after two students expressed aspirations to one day become firefighters. Mr. Solares candidly spoke with students about his job and shared his experience rescuing two people from a burning house during a Central Islip fire in October.

Mr. Donny Chiarel, Communications Specialist, announced that the High School Girls Tennis Team are scholar-athletes and that 92 high school athletes achieved grade point averages of 90 or higher. Proud of these statistics, Central Islip High School Principal Eric Haruthunian said that CI students shine as outstanding athletes, scholars, and role-model citizens.

Board of Education Student Liaisons Sabrina Delgado Flores and Taylor Burrell-Ford gave a presentation on a student survey they developed to collect student feedback. Among the feedback shared with the Board was that students are adjusting well to the prohibited use of cell phones in school and are requesting more expeditious solutions to repair them. High school students are also asking for increased SAT and ACT preparation and support, including embedding SAT preparation into the curriculum. The students reported that they appreciate Dr. Dungee’s and the School Board’s support of increased safety and security. They also outlined the calendar of upcoming events at the high school.

Guidance Director Mr. Deaner announced numerous initiatives his department is developing, all designed to improve student attendance and enhance student performance and success. Mr. Deaner credited Ms. Burrell-Ford and Ms. Delgado Flores for their SAT and ACT presentation, highlighting the importance of this initiative and noting that ACT registration fees have been waived for 250 applicants.

Mr. Deaner explained that his office is focusing on success-based initiatives for elementary, middle, and high school students, including:
a) Elementary level: a focus on fundamental educational skills, kindness, social-emotional needs, and peer relationships.
b) Middle school level: supporting student transitions, equity, and engagement so students are involved in decision-making, as well as teaching dispute resolution through remediation. He also announced that student financial aid workshops will be held to assist students in securing college funding.
c) Secondary level: improving SAT and ACT preparation opportunities.

Mr. Deaner summarized the Guidance Department’s mission, stating, “Our overriding goal as counselors is to ensure each student achieves success by attending school regularly, receiving the social-emotional support they need, understanding the vocational and post-secondary options and scholarships available to them, gaining a firm grasp of programs that provide extra help when needed, and reaching for their goals—because our only limitation is our imagination.”

Mr. Alcantara announced that the next School Board meeting will be held on February 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alfano Multi-Purpose Room.