Sent via SchoolMessenger on November 1, 2022
Board Recognition
During School Board Recognition Week (October 17-21), our Board of Education was recognized on District social media feeds for its commitment to our mission to “elevate, engage and inspire through personalized and exceptional educational experiences that ensure all students achieve to their fullest potential.”
“The Board of Education is proud of the recognition that was received during Board Recognition Week. It is our desire to continue to build outstanding opportunities, both in and outside of the classroom, that enhance the wellbeing of all students,” said Board President Dana Stilley, Ph.D.
The annual event is sponsored by the New York State School Boards Association to highlight the volunteer efforts of board members statewide and to thank them for their service.
Board Work in Progress
Superintendent Search: School Leadership, LLC, is analyzing data gathered from its October survey, focus groups and community forums regarding the background and experience that our community is seeking in superintendent of schools candidates. Thank you to all who participated in the survey and forums!
Representatives from School Leadership will present a search specifications report based on its findings at the November 17 Board meeting. It is expected that the search will conclude with the appointment of a new superintendent of schools effective July 1, 2023.
Updates will continue to be shared with our community and will be posted on the Superintendent Search webpage.
Leadership Transition: The Board is seeking an Interim Superintendent of Schools to serve from January 1-June 30, 2023. Candidate interviews are slated for mid-November.
School Goals: At the October 20 Board meeting, William O. Schaefer Elementary School and Cottage Lane Elementary School presented ongoing and new efforts aligned with New York State’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) indicators: chronic absenteeism, academic readiness, school climate, college career and civic readiness. A presentation from the secondary administrative teams is scheduled for the November 3 meeting. To learn more about ESSA, view the New York State Education Department’s ESSA Fact Sheet for Parents.
Security Review: Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Personnel Services Karen Tesik, Ed.D. and Director of Safety, Security and Compliance John Gulino presented a District safety and security overview at the October 20 Board meeting which described planning, structures, staffing and professional development. The presentation also covered the continuous improvement cycle for evaluating and revising the District’s safety and security program. In alignment with the budget development process, the District-Wide Safety Committee is reviewing the District’s program, including lockdown system and camera upgrades, consulting services, school security and the School Resource Officer position.
Energy Performance Contract: At the November 3 Board meeting, the District’s architectural consultants will present their report assessing the potential benefits of an Energy Performance Contract aligned with the District’s upcoming Capital Bond Project work. A preliminary presentation was given at the September 8 Board meeting.
Upcoming Meetings/Workshops
Board of Education Meeting
November 3 at 7:30PM
South Orangetown Middle School Library
Board of Education Workshop
November 17 at 7:30PM
South Orangetown Middle School Library
Please note that meeting dates, times and locations are subject to change. Be sure to check the District’s e-Backpack webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Additional Resources
Board meeting agendas, minutes and audio are posted online at BoardDocs.
Board policies are posted online at BoardPolicyOnline.
Questions? Send an email to the entire Board of Education at feedback@socsd.org.
The Board Brief is a monthly communication from the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education.