The Board of Education held its second business meeting on Sept. 26.
The trustees noted that each of the schools’ Meet the Teacher nights went smoothly and prepared parents for the school year ahead. During the superintendent’s report, Dr. Giani thanked the local barbershops for their participation in the Barbers, Books and Beauty literacy campaign in which students read a book to their barber to receive a $5 gift certificate to use at participating businesses. Dr. Giani also announced the ribbon-cutting of Frank P. Long Intermediate School’s Courtyard and Learning Lab to take place on Oct. 3.
Bellport High School students Sean Skelly and Grace Armann were also recognized for recent achievements. Sean is the recipient of the Access to Better Learning Experience Award/AABLE Award by the Transformative Educational Departmental Services. The award honors able leaders and advocates of the disabled community. In addition, Grace Armann was designated as one of 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, or less than 1 percent of U.S. High School seniors, in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. Grace now has the opportunity to continue in the competition for one of the 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million offered next spring. Please log onto the district website at www.southcountry.org to read more about these exceptional student recognitions.
Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services Dr. Sammy Gergis gave an analysis of the District Reserve and Fund Balance Plan. After his presentation, the Board unanimously approved a resolution to fund the Capital Reserve Fund, using $2,132,810 of unspent 2017-2018 funds from the unreserved, unappropriated fund balance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018 for the purpose of funding capital projects. The Board authorized the creation of a Capital Reserve fund during the 2015-2016 school year to set aside unspent funds for capital improvements authorized by the voters. This reserve fund has a maximum accumulation limit of $10 million or 8 years, whichever is first. Dr. Gergis noted that the unspent funds were acquired through district savings and excess revenue.
The Board also adopted the 2018-2019 tax levy in the amount of $60,217,689 before STAR reimbursement reduction and predicated on an estimated valuation of $26,361,609, resulting in an estimated tax rate of $228.43 per $100 assessed value.
In her closing remarks, Board President Cheryl A. Felice reminded the community that protocol for questions can be found in the back of the printed calendar. The printed calendar, she said, is an excellent source for assisting residents with navigating the school system.
The next Board of Education business meeting is set for Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.