Message from Board President Steven Finn
As the days get shorter and colder, the South Orangetown Central School District continues its work of elevating, engaging, and inspiring our students. We have had many great accomplishments recently, as you will see in this Brief. Transparency has been increased through live streaming the board meetings, the Board passed the Volunteer Exemption giving a tax break to local volunteers and progress continues on the capital work.
With winter holidays right around the corner, it is a great opportunity to express our appreciation to all of our hardworking and dedicated faculty and staff. Special thanks and congratulations to those who have recently received tenure–a milestone achievement and a testament to their commitment to SOCSD.
Let this holiday season be one that brings our community closer together. May we take this opportunity to build bridges with someone new, find what connects us, focus on our shared goals and begin building an even better future…together.
Board Work in Progress
Volunteer Exemption: At its November 2 meeting, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to provide a partial property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. View the resolution here.
Policy: At its November 2 meeting, Board conducted third readings of each of the following four policies and voted unanimously to adopt: Policies 4513 (Library and Resources Materials Selection), 2832 (Broadcasting and Recording Board Meetings), 4810 (Teaching About Controversial Issues) and 6700 (Purchasing). On November 30, the Board of Education conducted first readings of Policies 2410 (Policy Development, Adoption, Implementation and Review) and 5151 (Education of Students in Temporary Housing and Unaccompanied Youth).
View the Policies Under Review webpage.
Board Livestream: In an effort to enhance transparency and public access to its meetings, the Board of Education began livestreaming its public meetings on November 16 via the SOCSD BOE YouTube channel. The livestream is view-only; members of the public must attend meetings in person to participate in public commentary.
Only regular meetings, in which business is conducted, are live streamed; Board workshops will not be live streamed. Board workshops are open to the public, but there is no public commentary.
Budget: The District’s budget development process for 2024-25 has begun. An overview of the process and timeline was presented at the November 16 Board meeting. On November 30, the Business Office presentation focused on the process and purpose for long range financial planning, including factors impacting the budget and tax cap projections.
View the November 16 presentation here.
View the November 30 presentation here.
Program: William O. Schaefer Elementary School and Cottage Lane Elementary School administrators presented an overview of their academic programs, support services, organizational structures and future focus at the November 2 Board meeting. View the presentations here: WOS | CLE.
Capital Work: The District’s architect and construction manager presented the Board with a capital construction update at the November 30 meeting, which encompassed Summer 2023 work, repairs and the Capital Improvements Project (CIP). Phase 1 of the CIP is slated to kick off in Summer 2024 at William O. Schaefer Elementary School and Cottage Lane Elementary School. Plans for Phase 2 construction at Tappan Zee High School were submitted to the New York State Education Department in September and Phase 3 design work for South Orangetown Middle School has begun. View the presentation here.
Upcoming Meetings/Workshops
Board of Education Regular Meeting/Workshop
December 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.
Board meeting agendas, minutes and audio are posted online at BoardDocs.
Board policies are posted at BoardPolicyOnline.
Questions? Send an email to the Board of Education at feedback@socsd.org.
The “Board Brief” is a monthly communication from the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education.