March 2026 Board of Education Synopsis

Women's History Month took center stage as the Board of Education opened their March meeting. Dr. Sharon A. Dungee, Superintendent of Schools, acknowledged National Women's Month and recognized the following women for their outstanding service, leadership, and kindness:

• Debra Cavanagh: School Board Trustee

• Maureen Esposito: School Board Vice President 

• Michele Harriott: School Board Trustee

• Denise Ridgeway: District Clerk

• Renee Dash: Assistant Director for Special Education.

• Linda Green: Custodian

• Ericca Jones Marshall: Guidance Counselor

• Dolores Martinez: Social Worker

• Jennifer Solares: Senior Office Assistant

• Rosette Tyler: Teacher

Dr. Dungee acknowledged Matthew Providente, Director of Facilities, and the Buildings and Grounds team for their hard work clearing 31 inches of snow from sidewalks and driveways after the last winter storm.

Mr. Luis Alcantara, Board of Education president, and Dr. Dungee congratulated student cast members from the Little Shop of Horrors high school stage production and Dr. Anthony Griffin, musical director, for their talents in presenting the show to the community.

Jessica Iafrate, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, announced that all second graders will experience 40-minute sessions of hands-on science experiments from the Learning Bus. Lessons are based on New York State standards. The program is fully funded under a grant secured by Funded Programs Administrator Christina Guastella.

Ms. Iafrate also shared that CIHS Senior Ashley Reyes will receive a $4,000 scholarship as a semifinalist for the prestigious Elks National Scholarship. Miss Reyes has advanced to the finalist stage of 500 seniors, where the winner will receive a $30,000 scholarship. Congratulations to Ashley Reyes!

Sabrina Delgado-Flores and Taylor Burrell-Ford, student ex-officio board members, offered a synopsis of a high school events calendar. They noted that they are assisting in the search for their successors who will represent them on the school board next year. Strong leadership skills are among the characteristics they are looking for in next year's student school board liaisons.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Frank Bacchi gave his second in a series of 2026~2027 Budget presentations. Mr. Bacchi offered a recap of the Budget, which totals $316,732,594. The District anticipates receiving a 7.4% increase in state education aid, totaling $208,779,238.  

Philip K. Voigt, Director of Music and Technology, outlined departmental expenditures. Technology highlights in the proposed Budget include, but are not limited to:

• purchase of 1,500 new Chromebooks (750 assigned to 3rd-grade students and 750 assigned to 9th-grade students). Mr. Voigt explained that Chromebooks are assigned to all students in Grades 3-12.

• 950 iPads will be purchased to replace outdated 8th Generation 2020 models.

• As part of an annual refresher plan, the District will purchase 150 classroom computers.

• Outdated devices are sold for replacement or repair credit.

CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Ms. Iafrate reported:

• All schools have been removed from the accountability list.

• 5% increase in the graduation rate.

• new Director of Humanities who oversees AIS, Professional Development, as well as English and Social Studies programming approved in the 2026~2027 Budget.

• Reading expansion for bilingual and special education, Grades 3-6.

• 2 new English high school electives

• 1 new high school social studies elective

• Pre AP Music Theory

• AP Business and Personal Finance

• Dual enrollment: Foundation for Future Teachers in partnership with Molloy University.

REVIVING:

• Physics Honors

• AP Physics

• AP Music Theory

IMPORTANT BUDGET DATES

• April 13: Board of Education to adopt proposed 2026-2027 Budget.

• May 11: Budget Public Hearing

The full Budget will be available.

• May 19 - Budget Vote at Alfano Gymnasium

9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Next Board of Education Meeting/Budget Adoption:

April 13,  7:30 p.m.

Alfano Multi-Purpose Room