Sent via SchoolMessenger email on March 1, 2023
Board Work in Progress
Superintendent Search: Semifinalist candidates were presented by School Leadership LLC to the Board of Education during its February 16 Executive Session. The search drew more than 30 applicants. Specifications for the position were developed by the search firm based on student, staff and community input gathered through a survey and focus groups last fall.
Semifinalist and finalist candidates will be interviewed by the Board during Executive Session throughout the month of March. It is anticipated that the Board will announce a new superintendent of schools in April to start July 1. Additional information is posted on the Superintendent Search webpage.
Property Tax Exemption: Following the public hearing at its February 16 meeting, the Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution to grant a reduction on the amount of property taxes paid by qualified senior citizens. Information regarding the senior citizens exemption is posted on the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website here.
The Board did not have sufficient time to review information and hold a public hearing regarding the Volunteer Tax Exemption before the March 1 deadline. However, the Board intends to explore this topic further.
Budget Development: An introduction to 2023-24 budget planning was presented at the February 16 Board meeting. The community is encouraged to attend upcoming budget presentations. Dates are posted on the Budget webpage. (Please note that an additional budget workshop has been scheduled for April 11.)
District Data Update: Student performance and participation data was presented at the February 16 Board meeting. View the presentation here.
Security Staffing: As part of the District’s ongoing consideration of staffing options to increase the level of response at each of our four schools, the Board of Education will host a public feedback forum on Thursday, March 16 at 7:30PM in the SOMS Auditorium.
Students, staff and community members are encouraged to review information posted on the Security Staffing webpage and submit questions via this Google Form (English | Spanish) by Sunday, March 5. Questions submitted will be used to develop a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) resource which will be shared with our community on Friday, March 10.
Upcoming Meetings/Workshops
Board of Education Meeting/Budget Workshop
March 2 at 7:30PM*
South Orangetown Middle School Auditorium
*Tenure Celebration scheduled for 7:00PM
Board of Education Public Feedback Session: School Security Staffing
March 16 at 7:30PM
South Orangetown Middle School Auditorium
More information
Board of Education Budget Workshop
March 28 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 or comments? 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.