During the start of the June 9 Board of Education meeting, there was a moment of silence for the untimely passing of Brookhaven Elementary School teaching assistant Mark Brown, a faculty employee for 15 years. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani remarked that Mr. Brown was also a Bellport alumnus who was enthusiastic and dedicated to making a positive impact on anyone he interacted with each day. On behalf of the District, Dr. Giani also sent thoughts and prayers to his family.
The meeting also marked the tenure and retirement of South Country faculty. In lieu of the traditional reception, library media specialist Colleen Oates-Robesch prepared a virtual Retirement and Tenure Recognition Video, which was played and can be further viewed on the District website.
The Board of Education also thanked Ex-Officio Board Member Jack Frankie for his service and contributions to the board.
Suffolk County held a successful pop-up vaccination event at Bellport High School on June 5. The event was conducted by Suffolk County Department of Health and 45 individuals were vaccinated. Dr. Giani also reported that masks and face coverings are no longer required when outdoors on school property, according to the New York State and Suffolk County Department of Health. Masks and face coverings are still required indoors. As of June 9, 2021, there were 106 faculty and staff and 316 students who tested positive this school year. Additionally, there was 1 faculty or staff member and no students in quarantine due to close contact.
Teacher Union President Wayne White addressed the board during the public commentary section. Mr. White thanked the teachers for their resiliency and patience during the pandemic and urged the Board to make sure these amazing teachers are kept in the district. He also announced that on July 12, 2021, he will take the position of New York State Director of Social Justice, a position in which he feels he can impact the country and every district and geography in each state.
The first item for discussion was an Advanced Placement Seminar presentation by Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability Elizabeth Doyle, Director of Humanities Jaclyn O’Hagan and teachers John Bishop and Kristen Fehr-Thompson. In addition to describing the program, students Kaitlyn Foley and Alexandria Lewkowski provided video testimonials on their experiences and a description of their projects.
A second topic of discussion was the district website and public relations. Dr. Giani explained that a website committee has met throughout the year with a focus of cleaning up the website and making it more user-friendly. The focus for the following year will be to explore new or improved website options. There was also discussion amongst the Board of Education whether to reevaluate how it utilizes its public relations services. The district is currently exploring what additional services may be available to the District.
The Board of Education updated its reopening plan to reflect current guidance regarding quarantine guidelines. The reopening plan now states that testing is not required to end quarantine if no symptoms have been reported during the quarantine period. However, a test is required if symptoms develop during the 14 days after exposure.
There was a second reading and approval of Board policies 7530 (Child Abuse and Maltreatment) and 8140 (Equity, Inclusivity and Diversity in Education).