The Board of Education meeting held on December 4, 2019 commenced with  the Superintendent’s Report from Dr. Joseph Giani who commended COMPASS Unity on its 10th anniversary and service to the District. He presented COMPASS Unity Coordinator Lynette Murphy and Family Service League Prevention Specialist Cierra Corbett with a certificate of appreciation. Dr. Giani also congratulated Bellport High School students Connor Coleman and Emily Gentzel for being selected as 2019 Suffolk Zone Award recipients by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. This award recognizes one male and female high school senior from each school district who exemplifies scholastic ability, physical education performance and leadership qualities. 

During the Items for Discussion, the Board approved the District’s Response to Intervention (RTI) plan. The plan was previously presented and discussed in November. There was a first reading of District policies 7240 (Student Records: Access and Challenge) and 5684 (Use of Surveillance Cameras in the School District). The Board also approved a memorandum of agreement with the Suffolk County Police Department for remote electronic device access.  

During the Board Consent Agenda, the trustees approved three new courses for the 2020-21 school year: Pre – AP English 9, Facing History and Ourselves and AP Seminar, which is the first course being offered in the District’s adoption of the AP Capstone Program. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability Marlon Small and Director of Humanities Jaclyn O’Hagan presented information and the benefits of each of the courses, which will be open to all high school students who are interested. The Board also approved a two-day, one-night trip to Philadelphia for eighth grade students. The location and cost of the trip will allow the middle school to increase the attendance of interested students.

Dr. Giani also announced the appointment of Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services Christine S. Costa, who will replace Sam Gergis, effective December 16. Dr. Giani and Board President E. Anne Hayes, thanked Mr. Gergis for his stewardship over the District’s finances for the past 4 ½ years and his ability to explain complicated concepts in a way that the community can understand. Ms. Costa comes to South Country from the Westbury Union Free District where she served as assistant superintendent for finance and operations. 

Trustee Lisa Di Santo announced that South Haven Early Childhood Center approved the South Haven PTA chapter on November 25. Ms. Di Santo said it is great to see the PTA growing as the parents of the District’s youngest students are getting involved.

The next public Board of Education meeting will be held on January 8 at 7:30 p.m.