The November 13 business meeting commenced with a recognition of Brookhaven Elementary School second grade teacher Victoria Suarez, who was recently named a 2019 Educator of Excellence by the New York State English Council. This award honors teachers who are leaders in the classroom, who collaborate with colleagues and serve as mentors for new teachers. Principal Dr. Rebecca Raymond presented Ms. Suarez to the trustees as a teacher who readily seeks out opportunities to support her students’ continual growth, seeks professional learning opportunities, attends and presents workshops, participates in numerous school committees and extends the learning experiences of colleagues. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Giani congratulated the 20 students who were inducted into the Bellport High School Center of Excellence, held on November 7 and attended by members of the Board of Education. President E. Anne Hayes also congratulated the students and explained that of the students inducted last year, all but one is attending college, the one student who did not attend college decided to pursue a trade school program. President Hayes and Dr. Giani also congratulated the Brookhaven Elementary PTA and faculty for the opening of the new food pantry, which will provide nonperishable food and paper goods for 20 families in the community. The cast and crew of “The Game’s Afoot,” also received a congratulations for their performances in Ebersole Auditorium on November 1-2.

Cullen & Danowsky, LLP independent auditor Mike Leone also delivered a presentation on the results of the District’s external audit, which covers financial statements through June 30, 2019. The audit was positive, with the District receiving an unmodified report free of  errors. Mr. Leone thanked the District for its cooperation during an involved process and explained that the focus of the audit was the general fund. He said the District has reasonable reserves and is financially strong. Any management comments have already been addressed in a corrective action plan.

Vice President Jack Nix also thanked the South Country Education Foundation, DonorsChoose.org, Lifetouch and Assistant Principal Erika Della Rosa for their donations to student programs.

The next Board of Education meeting will be held on December 4 at 7:30 p.m.