Message from Board President Steven Finn
Hello, South Orangetown!
It is an honor to serve as your Board of Education President this year. I look forward to working with our entire community to ensure that SOCSD is a safe space where all students and faculty have the opportunity to learn and grow. Our District is like no other and the 2023-24 school year is a new opportunity to strive for excellence.
Go Dutchmen!
Board Work in Progress
Board Development: Board members Katie Gravino and Diana Korabel, who were sworn in during the July 6 Reorganization Meeting, are registered for mandatory new member training in September. Newly-elected school board members are required by New York State law to complete training on the essentials of school governance within their first year of service. This training requires a minimum of six hours on fiscal oversight, accountability and the fiduciary responsibilities of a school board member.
Board President Steven Finn and Vice President David Sansone attended a two-day New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) Leadership Education event in July which addressed urgent challenges facing public schools, including school safety.
The annual Board of Education retreat is scheduled for August 3. A NYSSBA facilitator will lead the half-day session, which will focus on Board roles and responsibilities.
Administrative Appointment: The Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Melissa Luciano as Principal of Tappan Zee High School, effective July 21, 2023.
Capital Projects: Summer capital projects are in progress and on schedule for timely completion.
Policy: Second readings were conducted for Policies 4328 (Home Tutoring), 4513 (Library Materials Selection) and 8130 (School Safety Plans and Teams) during the July 20 Board meeting. The third and final reading for each of these policies is scheduled for the August 14 Board meeting. View the Policies Under Review webpage.
The 2023-24 District-Wide Safety Plan and Building-Level Response Plans Summary are posted under District Notices on the e-Backpack webpage for public review and comment.
Video streaming: The District is pursuing next steps toward the implementation of livestreaming Board meetings, including legal consultation and logistical planning (budgetary, staffing and/or equipment needs).
Upcoming Meetings/Workshops
Board of Education Regular Meeting/Tax Rate Setting
August 14 at 7:30PM
South Orangetown Middle School Library
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.