April Board of Education Meeting Synopsis

The Board of Education adopted the proposed 2025–2026 budget, which voters will be asked to consider on May 20. Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Alfano School gymnasium.

Prior to the start of the April 7 Board of Education meeting, School Business Administrator Sharon Morgan presented an outline of the proposed 2025–2026 spending plan, which reflects an estimated 1.891% tax rate increase. The budget remains under the 2% New York State tax levy cap. School Board President Luis Alcantara announced that a public hearing detailing the budget will be held May 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Alfano School multi-purpose room.

At the meeting, Board President Alcantara, Vice President Debra Cavanagh, board members Michele Harriott, Glenn Mitchell, Jim Musumeci, Maureen Esposito, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon A. Dungee recognized Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol Toulon Jr. for introducing his Sheriff's Student Ambassador initiative at Central Islip High School and Reed Middle School. Having just completed the fourth year of implementation, Sheriff Toulon said he will continue the initiative into the 2025–2026 school year and beyond.

Dr. Dungee thanked Sheriff Toulon for strengthening the bond between youth and law enforcement and for serving as a role model, encouraging students to become effective decision-makers. She also shared a video of the News 12 coverage of the Central Islip High School Student Ambassador graduation ceremony, highlighting students who successfully completed the course.

Dr. Dungee also acknowledged Marvin Smith for his support in implementing the My Brother's Keeper initiative in Central Islip schools. My Brother's Keeper, launched nationally by President Barack Obama, aims to bridge opportunity gaps for boys and men of color. Mr. Smith expressed his gratitude to Dr. Dungee and Funded Programs Administrator Christina Guastella for their support in bringing the program to the district.

Dr. Dungee introduced Central Islip High School student Sabrina Delgado-Flores as the student liaison to the Board of Education, with Taylor Burrell-Ford named as the student alternate. They will serve as student delegates at Board meetings for the 2025–2026 school year.

Central Islip High School science research teacher Roann Roderick and Principal Eric Haruthunian accompanied officers of the Science National Honor Society (SNHS) to the meeting, where they were recognized for their academic achievements and for Mrs. Roderick’s successful establishment of the chapter at the high school. Dr. Dungee presented honor cords to the following SNHS officers: Jazlyn Rubio (president), Jamie Paul (vice president), Landon Perez (treasurer), Daniel Mejia (corresponding secretary), Giancarlos Benitez (recording secretary), and Indigo Ho Sang (public relations). The cords will be worn on their robes at graduation.

Science research teacher Michael Soldano introduced students Heisel Fuentes Delgado and Allyson Savaria, who were recognized by Dr. Dungee and the Board for winning the 2025 Long Island Water Challenge, sponsored by the Long Island Regional Planning Council in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Principal Haruthunian thanked the students' parents and guardians for their continued support of academic excellence.

Also at the meeting, Dr. Dungee showcased a visit by Darryl “Run DMC” McDaniels to Cordello Elementary School, where he served as the Mystery Guest Reader. Mr. McDaniels read his book Darryl’s Dream and led a Q&A session with students, addressing topics such as anti-bullying, the value of education, and treating others with respect. Dr. Dungee noted that Cordello Elementary Principal Dr. Nathaniel Marner played a key role in arranging the visit through a mutual friend and co-author, Johnny Warfield.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Jessica Iafrate introduced the Edgenuity virtual credit recovery program for 11th- and 12th-grade students. The program, available in 60 languages with live teacher support, will be offered during all nine periods in the Central Islip High School library on instructional days. The cost is $40,000 for a site license. Ms. Iafrate shared that a parent information session will be held prior to the program’s launch.

Adult and Continuing Education Program Director Dr. Elaine Medin provided an update on the evening program, which includes 16 ESL classes—serving primarily students with lower-level literacy skills—and one GED class. Last year, the program enrolled 660 students, and enrollment is expected to grow. Continuing education courses are also available to students under 21.

The next Board of Education meeting will be held May 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alfano School multi-purpose room. The public hearing on the budget will take place beforehand at 6:30 p.m.

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