Overview
This lecture covers the proceedings of the July 8th, 2025 Smithtown Board of Education meeting, including new board member oaths, summer programs, policy adoptions, staffing updates, and upcoming meeting details.
Meeting Opening & Reports
- The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
- The board approved the claims auditor’s report.
- Maline Donahe was sworn in as the new student board member; Alexa Lip to be sworn in at the next meeting.
- No board or district committee reports were presented.
- The district acknowledged numerous summer student opportunities in collaboration with local organizations.
Superintendent’s Report
- Welcomed new and returning board members and highlighted leadership roles.
- Summarized summer work: finalizing the past year, preparing for 2025-2026, and compiling reports on district goal progress.
- Ongoing external financial audit and capital construction projects are underway.
- Smithtown Scope summer enrichment program offers academic and college prep for grades 1–12.
- Continued partnership with Western Suffolk BOCES for Regents review and exams, with free transportation.
- Summer camps and skill programs for students, including those with individualized education plans (IEPs), are running.
- Staffing for the next school year and new teacher orientation preparations are in progress.
- Updated procedures, course catalogs, and curriculum sequencing for the new year.
- Compliance documents for NY State Education Department are being prepared.
- Summer provides time for reflection and planning future goals.
Policy Adoptions & Board Actions
- Second readings and adoptions for policies on: Attendance (5100), Grading (4710), Disclosure of Wrongful Conduct (9645), Extreme Heat Condition Days (8113), and Student Personal Electronic Devices (5695).
- Policy 5695 prohibits student personal device use during school unless stated in an IEP or 504 plan.
- Consent agenda (items 11–19) approved, including staff appointments and retirements.
- Cameron Miller appointed as music teacher; Christian Alicia Coleman and Joshua Vogle as teaching assistants.
- Briana Castellano (family consumer science) and Leah Dietrich (social worker) appointed as substitute teachers.
- Gerald Dean Kandrai recognized for retirement and service.
Upcoming Meetings & New Business
- Next board meeting: Tuesday, August 12th; Executive Session at 4 pm, Public Hearing at 4:30 pm; regular meeting to follow.
- Board approved committee assignments for the coming year.
Key Terms & Definitions
- IEP (Individualized Education Plan) — Customized educational plan for students with special needs.
- 504 Plan — Plan that ensures students with disabilities receive accommodations for academic success.
- Regents Exams — New York State standardized tests for high school students.
- Consent Agenda — A group of routine items approved together without discussion.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for August 12th board meeting and public hearing.
- Staff and administration to finalize preparations for the 2025–2026 school year.
- Students and families may participate in summer programs and enrichment opportunities as available.