The Port Jefferson Board of Education held its regular meeting on Oct. 8 to discuss a number of matters. The agenda included various actions and reports, including a variety of personnel decisions, policy updates and financial resolutions.
Among the important personnel actions, the board reapproved a student-teaching affiliation agreement with St. Joseph’s University for the upcoming school year. Several instructional substitute personnel were also appointed and rescinded, alongside teachers assistants. Concluding the board’s personnel actions, teachers Victoria Damm and Jeanette Garofola were appointed as advisers for the high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance and freshman class respectively.
On the financial side, the board ratified tax levies in the sum of approximately $39.8 million for the district alongside $3.4 million for the library in this upcoming school year. The district budget was also increased by $200,000 to cover damages from recent flooding. This portion of the meeting concluded with approval for a number of financial reports from the month of June.
The board also moved to approve policy changes to the district’s nondiscrimination policy for a first reading. These preliminary changes, entitled Policy 0100, would enable the district to follow the New York State Department of Education’s guidelines on creating a “safe, supportive and affirming school environment for transgender and gender-expansive students.”
During the reports portion of the meeting, Edna Louise Elementary Principal Amy Laverty gave a brief presentation on the school. Additionally, the board opened the meeting with resolutions recognizing recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, as well as recognition for some administrative staff in the district.
The meeting concluded with a review of surplus items and welcoming of public comment. The board will reconvene for a work session on Oct. 22 and then again for a regular business meeting on Nov. 12.
Superintendent of Schools, Jessica Schmettan. Photo by Aramis Khosronejad
By Aramis Khosronejad
A Port Jefferson Board of Education meeting was held at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School in the afternoon of Sept. 10. The meeting was led by Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan.
The report began with a review of the damage caused by the flash floods that swept through the Port Jefferson community in August and the possible repercussions. Then the report shifted to an overview about the summer programs that were available to students over the summer. Toward the end of the meeting, the chair of the Port Jefferson Royal Educational Foundation, Leza Di Bella, covered news on the annual fun run, which aims to fund projects in the school district.
Schmettan’s report opened up with updates on the flood damage the local schools suffered due to the flooding that took place. The band room in the high school lost a wall, the entirety of the lobby was flooded with rainwater, the “bowl” in front of the high school was entirely flooded and ruined, as well as various losses to school materials and tools.
The cleanup was quickly and impressively done before the school reopened. Deputy Superintendent Sean Leister addressed the funding that would need to take place in order to facilitate the repairs done to the school such as replacement of “music stands and chairs.” Leister explained how the district hoped to make Port Jefferson eligible for recovery funding. Meanwhile, he warned the board to anticipate some budget transfers.
A few updates at the high school were highlighted during the meeting. The high school has implemented a new retaining wall behind the school, the middle school family consumer science classroom was redone, and a shining new computer lab was constructed which was an initiative led by Robert Neidig, the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
Summer programs
Award recipient, Tracy Zamek. Photo by Aramis Khosronejad
The meeting then moved to an overview of the different, eclectic programs the school district facilitated over the summer. Jodi Cahill, the director of special education, took the podium and began by describing the extended summer program held for special needs students. The program was divided into three age-based cohorts with 25 children total. Highlights included a “clowning around” event with Jester Jim, a Paris 2024 Olympics-themed program, a Holtsville Ecology Center field trip, an under-the-sea collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension and bowling at Port Jeff Bowl. The program concluded with a field day, in partnership with Sayville BOCES, featuring activities for the children.
Michael Caravello, director of music and fine arts, then took over and talked about the various music programs that were available for students over the summer. The programs were aimed to encourage “collaboration and problem solving in a relaxed, fun atmosphere” according to Caravello. He mentioned how next summer they hope to broaden their array of programs beyond just musical instruments and onto further fields of fine arts.
Next, Adam Sherrard, director of health, physical education and athletics, talked about the eclectic collection of sports. The athletic programs included football and tennis through volleyball, all meant to encourage younger children to become passionate and engage with Port Jeff athletics in the future. Older high school students also participated in these programs and helped coaches train and practice with these kids. In a turn of events, the summer athletic program this year increased in participation after a steady decline in recent years. Summer programs also consisted of a book club, social skills program, as well as STEM for both secondary and elementary students.
Di Bella took the podium and talked about the annual fun run. An award was given to Tracy Zamek, a BOE trustee, for her contributions to the school district. It was in fact her idea to facilitate the fun run which has funded so many Port Jefferson School events. The run this year will be held on Sept. 28.