Home Tags Posts tagged with "Smithtown Central School District"

Smithtown Central School District

Smithtown BOE adopts $294 million budget with 2.66% tax increase

by William Stieglitz - April 24, 2025

0 108

By William Stieglitz

At the April 22 meeting, the board of education for Smithtown Central School District voted unanimously to adopt the proposed 2025-2026 budget. Set at $294,998,455, it would be a 1.74% increase from last year’s approximate $290 million. According to Superintendent of Schools Mark Secaur, the budget will allow the continuation of existing programs, including summer learning, while also keeping class sizes within district policy parameters.

The proposed property tax levy is set at $225,253,356, a 2.66% increase from last year’s levy of approximately $219 million. This is the maximum allowable levy for the budget to require a simple majority to pass, as opposed to the over 60% that would be required were the cap exceeded. The tax limit is calculated primarily based on the rate of inflation but also includes factors such as the tax base growth for the area, the Payment in Lieu of Taxes receivable and the capital levy exclusion.

The budget’s other revenues are primarily from state aid and the school district’s reserves. Since the New York State budget has not yet been passed, missing the April 1 deadline for the fourth year in a row, it is unknown how much state aid the district will receive. The board, instead, based its calculations on Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) executive state budget as proposed in January, predicting about $51 million in aid. Should the state budget exceed what was expected, the board’s plan will be not to change the expenditure budget, but rather to reduce the dependence on around $7.5 million dollars in reserves.

These reserves include $3.65 million from the Employees’ Retirement System, $2.725 million from the Teacher’s Retirement System, $770,000 from Employee Benefit Accrued Liability and $400,000 from Workers’ Compensation Insurance. The use of this last reserve is a significant change from last years’ budget, which did not pull from it at all. The smallest reserve change, by contrast, is for EBAL, which sees the same amount used from it as last year. Employee benefits see decreases in Social Security and Medicaid but also increases in health insurance, with an overall $4.13 million rise in benefits.

There will be a budget hearing May 13 for community members to learn more about the budget. Then the vote for both the budget and board members will be May 20, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and locations including Nesconset Elementary, Accompsett Elementary and Smithtown Elementary schools. Smithtown residents must be registered with the Suffolk County Board of Election by May 13 in order to vote.

If the proposed budget doesn’t pass, the board may resubmit either the same budget or a revised version for a second vote. If this fails too, the board would have to adopt a budget with no increase to the tax levy, resulting in an approximate revenue loss of $5.85 million. In this situation, the district would have to either include more reductions or withdraw more from its reserves.

For more information visit the school website: www.Smithtown.k12.ny.us.

Autism Acceptance Week celebrated at Dogwood Elementary School in Smithtown

by Press Release - April 12, 2025

0 570

1 of 4

Starting on April 1, Dogwood Elementary School in Smithtown celebrated Autism Acceptance Week. Children have been learning about autism and seeking ways to make school even more inclusive. Mrs. Nielsen’s students wrote and shared about the different things that make them special.

Mrs. Braun and Mrs. Diemer’s class learned about autism acceptance. After listening to a story, students brainstormed ways they can be kind and include others and worked on this project together.

On April 2, students were encouraged to wear red, gold, rainbow or blue to show support and acceptance of individuals with autism.

One characteristic of autism is to show incredibly focused passion for topics of interest. On April 3, students shared their passions and interests.

On April 4, students dressed in cozy pajamas in recognition of the fact that individuals with autism often have a variety of sensory sensitivities.

Smithtown High School students hit the runway

by Press Release - March 29, 2025

0 981

1 of 13

Smithtown High School East and West students dressed to impress at their individual PTSA Fashion Shows, held at Flowerfield in St. James.

On March 17, High School West seniors walked the runway with proceeds from the gala supporting senior scholarships and the school’s cultural arts programs.

The following night, juniors and seniors from Smithtown High School East participated in their annual PTSA/Leadership Dinner/Fashion Show, with proceeds also supporting the high school’s senior scholarships and cultural arts programs.

Catching a leprechaun at Mt. Pleasant Elementary

by Press Release - March 22, 2025

0 649

1 of 9

Sneaky leprechauns visited Mt. Pleasant Elementary School kindergartners in Smithtown on St. Patrick’s Day. Students found a trail of gold dust, a bit of a mess and shiny gold coins along with a special message. Unfortunately, students found their leprechaun traps empty as they were unable to catch one. Better luck next year.

Smithtown High School East seniors lobby for environmental act

by Press Release - February 24, 2025

0 659

709EDA58-8B95-4717-98EF-C770BFD11E5E — Smithtown High School East seniors Sophia Trivigno and Gabe Finger traveled to Albany on Feb. 11 to advocate for passing the Students for Solar Act (S1986). The students met with Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District

Smithtown High School East seniors Gabe Finger and Sophia Trivigno. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District

Smithtown High School East seniors, Gabe Finger and Sophia Trivigno, traveled to Albany on Feb. 11 and joined the Long Island Lobby Coalition to speak one-on-one with members of the New York State Senate, Assembly and governor’s staff to advocate for passing the Students for Solar Act (S1986). They highlighted the success of Smithtown High School West’s solar array for its environmental benefits and for the cost savings that go directly back into the schools.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassey (D-Port Jefferson), a Smithtown High School East alumna, praised the student’s involvement. “What a joy to speak with two students from my very own high school on Long Island Advocacy Day,” Kassey said. “Along with fellow community members, Gabe and Sophia traveled to New York’s capital to let us policymakers know the kind of future they want — a sustainable one! Their visit and voices reinforce my commitment to passing laws that not only address the near future but also build towards meeting long-term goals as we work towards both environmental and fiscal sustainability for every New Yorker.”

The students were met with applause and admiration for their passion to make a difference. “It is imperative these students are given the opportunity and voice to advocate for their future,” says Melissa Parrott, executive director, Renewable Energy Long Island. “Gabe and Sophia expressed themselves with such confidence and commitment, it was impressive.”

Smithtown BOE approves $110 million in allocations, provides updates on sexual abuse claims

by Peter Sloniewsky - November 21, 2024

0 486

By Peter Sloniewsky

The Smithtown Central School District Board of Education convened Nov. 12 to discuss a range of financial and legal matters, approve community donations and review correspondence submitted by residents.

During the meeting, the board approved financial reports totaling more than $110 million, which included treasurer’s reports, classroom expenses and other districtwide allocations.

The board also accepted a variety of donations aimed at enhancing school resources and community engagement. These included a $1,000 monetary gift from the New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal, a commemorative bench valued at $2,300 from Smithtown East High School’s Class of 2024 and a $2,700 inflatable tunnel donated by Smithtown High School East’s gridiron club. Additionally, the board approved facility-use requests for several organizations, including FIRST Long Island, the Rotary Club of Smithtown and Backyard Pigskins, a youth flag football program.

Revised harassment policy at Smithtown BOE meeting after school district sued again

by TBR Staff - February 2, 2024

0 1197

Smithtown-Schools-Administration-Building2-Shapirow-700x357-1 — Smithtown school district’s Joseph M. Barton administrative building on New York Avenue. File photo

By Sabrina Artusa

After two recent lawsuits, Smithtown Central School District Board of Education revised its harassment policy at a Jan. 23 meeting.

In the latest lawsuit, Michael Coppola, 16, claims he was bullied from fourth through ninth grade while a student in Smithtown. His family is now suing the school district under the allegation that the school violated Title 9 by failing to protect him.

According to CBS News, the lawsuit states that “peers physically assaulted him, misgendered him, threw objects at him, verbally abused him,” from elementary through high school.

As a result of the alleged abuse, the family registered several New York State Dignity for All Students Act complaints.

In addition to Smithtown school district, the lawsuit is also filed against seven employees, according to Newsday.

Diane Coppola, Michael’s mom, told CBS New York’s Ali Bauman, “Our family has gone into survival mode. We’re not thriving. We’re trying to survive the school years, and it shouldn’t be that way.”

According to Newsday, Michael Coppola’s grades declined and he developed an eating disorder due to the harassment. After switching schools within the district and continuing to deal with bullying, Coppola now attends a private school over an hour from his house.

The Coppola family’s lawsuit is the second against the school district this year. The first was filed by a 16-year-old Smithtown High School West student who claimed the school failed to protect her from the bullying she suffered on a daily basis. This lawsuit was filed in September.

As a matter of policy, the school district does not comment on matters pertaining to litigation.

At the Jan. 23 Board of Education meeting, trustees read through a revised bullying harassment and prevention policy as well as reviewed capital projects.

The board amended the policy to include hazing as behavior to be prevented and stopped, and also elaborated upon the definitions of bullying, harassment and hazing, as well as the practices for prevention and intervention.

“I’m really pleased that we are revising this policy at a time that we need it.” said Kevin Craine, a first-year trustee.

Other matters

The board also discussed bond projects, both current and expected. While HVAC system upgrades are planned or proposed for several of the schools, the upgrades would not significantly improve the air conditioning in the schools, which has been a point of complaint of many parents after a hot September in the classroom. On multiple days there was a heat alert.

In order to have air conditioning in every room, the electrical system would have to be upgraded — something the board hopes to do in the future. Installing window units as a solution would be temporary, and in the opinion of Daniel Leddy, the district’s director of facilities, would hinder them in their overall goal of central air conditioning.

“When we have the money and the electric and the capability, we will can that in the future,” he said. “We are trying to look future. Throwing window units in — it’s going to create other issues.”

Among hopeful projects for the future were sports lights at High School East, upgraded lights at High School West, and synthetic turf field installments at both high schools. President of the Friends of Music for Smithtown Schools, Jennifer DeGregory, said that while she is grateful for the athletic improvements, she feels that the arts are being overlooked.

“These facilities have not been updated to the point where there’s parts that need to be replaced that no longer are being manufactured,” she said. “We are very concerned about possible cuts to the arts.”

According to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) proposed state aid budget, Smithtown will lose over $1.5 million for the 2024-25 school year. Overall, Hochul’s plan dedicates over $53 million in aid.

The board commended the boys cross country team and the Smithtown-Hauppauge girls swim and dive team on their excellent performances this past season.

MLK education throughout Smithtown school district

by Press Release - January 20, 2024

0 900

1 of 2

Students throughout the Smithtown Central School District have been learning about the importance and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

At Mills Pond Elementary, Kimberly Passamonte’s second graders combined social studies, art and ELA to complete projects. They read and discussed the Scholastic News article, “The Story of a Speech,” which discussed King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Students then wrote about his dream and connected it to a dream of their own. Students also received art materials to create his portrait.

Kindergartners and first graders at Mt. Pleasant Elementary learned about the activist’s legacy by sharing what their dream for the world is and how they can be peacemakers.

At Smithtown Elementary, kindergarten students also discussed what their dreams would be, which included more family time and sharing.

Finally, Nesaquake Middle School sixth grader Ava Rekus designed an MLK book recommendation bulletin board for the NMS Book Club this month.

Local school districts seeing an uptick in antisemitic incidents

by TBR Staff - November 22, 2023

0 1091

antisemitism — Suffolk County residents can call 311 to report an antisemitic incident. File photo from Steve Bellone’s Flickr page

By Sabrina Artusa

Just last week, schools across the North Shore — including Smithtown East, Commack and Port Jefferson high schools — all reported antisemitic language in their buildings.

‘It’s such a cruel way of being made to feel better or superior.’

— Renée Silver

Last week, swastikas were found in the boys bathroom at Commack High School and on a desk at Smithtown High School East. This is the second swastika reported at Commack this month — racist graffiti was also found on the bathroom stalls.

Two swastikas were also found on a desk at Smithtown East.

“This news is greatly upsetting, but it is important for our school community to be made aware of such incidents and work collaboratively to oppose hate whenever it occurs,” Smithtown Central School District Superintendent Mark Secaur wrote in a letter.

Jordan Cox, superintendent of the Commack School District, wrote in a letter to families, “Once the responsible individual is found, I am committed to pursuing legal action to the fullest extent,” adding, “Given the current conflict in the Middle East and the many families in our community who are hurting, it is a travesty that something like this occurred.”

Cox plans to take students to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., and invited Holocaust survivors to speak to the students. Survivor Renée Silver, 92, told News 12 that she hopes “giving a little background” will help teach the students the harm of their actions.

“It’s such a cruel way of being made to feel better or superior,” Silver said.

In Port Jefferson high school, a swastika was found on a desk alongside the Star of David and the word “fight.” The Star of David can be a source of pride for many Jewish people or as a connection to their shared culture and past. It can also be seen as a symbol of support for Israel.

Police reports were filed for each of the incidents at the three high schools, and the county Hate Crimes Unit is involved.

Antisemitism and racist language are spreading at both high schools and middle schools across Long Island. Three swastikas were found in a bathroom at South Woods Middle School in Syosset. A swastika and antisemitic language was written on a whiteboard at the Harry B. Thompson Middle School, also in Syosset. A student was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.

These incidents occur alongside the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked the Israeli towns neighboring Gaza. Over 11,000 Palestinians and about 1,200 Israelis have died, according to reports.

Antisemitism in Long Island schools mirrors a broader national trend. Since Oct. 7, incendiary language regarding the conflict has increased on social media.

In addition, antisemitism and other hate crimes across the United States, including college campuses, have left students feeling scared and unsafe. The Anti-Defamation League Center on Extremism recorded nearly a 400% increase in antisemitic incidents for the same Oct. 7-23 period from last year.

President Joe Biden (D) has addressed the uptick in antisemitism in the U.S., particularly on college campuses. “We can’t stand by and stand silent when this happens,” he said. “We must, without equivocation, denounce antisemitism. We must also, without equivocation, denounce Islamophobia.”

Smithtown Central School District hosts ‘Popped for Paige’ fundraiser

by Press Release - October 27, 2023

0 1244

1 of 3

They “Popped for Paige” and had a great time doing so.

Nesaquake Middle School PTA in the Smithtown Central School District recently raised $450 for the Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation with an Oct. 20 fundraiser.

Students and faculty showed their support for AVM Awareness Month by dressing in pink and purchasing popcorn during their lunch periods. Many students wore pink and even painted their faces. The PTA donated all proceeds to the Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation.

Paige Elizabeth Keely was a first grader at St. James Elementary School who passed away in 2018 at the age of 6 from an undiagnosed brain arteriovenous malformation.

For more information visit thepaigekeelyfoundation.com.

12 3...5 Next

Page 1 of 5