November Board of Education Synopsis

At the November 3, 2025 Board of Education Meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon A. Dungee and the Board of Education recognized Mr. Dennis Solares as a hometown hero. Mr. Solares was honored for his heroic actions when, on October 23rd, he entered a burning house and saved the lives of two local residents. Mr. Solares is a 15-year volunteer with Central Islip Fire Department, and currently holds the rank of Captain for Engine Hose Company No. 1. Family and comrades from the fire department attended the Board meeting to demonstrate support for Mr. Solares. Dr. Dungee, School Board President Luis Alcantara, Vice President Maureen Esposito, and Board Members Michele Harriott, Glenn C. Mitchell, Debra Cavanagh and Ralph Delgado, Jr. presented Mr. Solares with a plaque in recognition of his heroism.

Dr. Dungee and the Board of Education recognized three outstanding individuals in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Board of Education and Superintendent presented plaques to Central Islip High School Seniors (and student ex officio members of the Board of Education), Miss Sabrina Delgado-Flores and Miss Taylor Burrell Ford, and School District Messenger, Mr. Dennis Solares, for their dedication and commitment to the Central Islip School Community-at-large.

Miss Delgado-Flores is President of Student Council and NYIT Science & Technology Club, she sits on Dr. Dungee's Superintendent's Student Council Roundtable, and is a member of Students Taking Active Roles (STAR), junior member with CI Connects for Change, and volunteered with Safe Halloween, Trunk-or-Treat, and News 12's Backpack Giveaway.

Miss Burrell-Ford is Recording Secretary for Science National Honor Society and Student Council, she sits on Dr. Dungee's Superintendent's Student Council Roundtable, she is a member of CI Connects for Change and Students Taking Active Roles (STAR), volunteers with CIHS PTSA, and she is a member of the Central Islip High School Marching Band and Wind Ensemble.

Mr. Solares is an alumnus of Central Islip High School's Class of 2009. As School District Messenger, Mr. Solares is responsible for the accurate management and delivery of mail for the Board of Education, as well as for the Superintendent's and District Administrative Offices. He is a night security guard for the Brentwood School District, and Captain for Engine Hose Company No. 1. with the Central Islip Fire Department.

In other business, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Jessica Iafrate offered a report on high school students who excelled in the 2025 final exams. Among her statistics, Ms. Iafrate reported that 36 students achieved perfect scores on Advanced Placement Exams, and 11 students scored 100 on Regents Examinations.

Following a report by Facilities Director Mr. Matthew Providente, the Board of Education authorized an expenditure not-to-exceed $855,000 from the Repair Reserve Fund for the purpose of replacing the Woodshop dust collector at Central Islip High School.

Funded Programs Administrator Christina Guastella presented an outline of goals she has established for the department. Ms. Guastella's goals include: fostering kindness and inclusion, support for academic excellence, investment in infrastructure and learning, support for holistic well-being, and community engagement.

Communications specialist Mr. Donny Chiarel reported that Central Islip High School student, Miss Ashley Reyes, has qualified as a Coca-Cola semi finalist, and is a contender to receive a $20,000 scholarship. Central Islip High School Assistant Principal Mrs. Maria Lorandini accepted a certificate for Miss Reyes.

Cordello Elementary Physical Education Teacher Mr. Dennehey was recognized by Dr. Dungee and the School Board for his feature story in Newsday. Mr. Dennehey was joined by his family and colleagues who turned out to show their support.

In closing the meeting, Mr. Alcantara wished the community a happy Thanksgiving on behalf of the Board of Education, Administration, Faculty and Staff.

The next meeting of the Board of Education is Monday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alfano School Multi Purpose Room, 50 Wheeler Road, 11722.

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