Message from Board President Steven Finn
Happy New Year from the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education!
It was wonderful to see our school district community come together last month to support our student-musicians at the outstanding SOMS and TZHS winter concerts and to celebrate our 2023 New York State Championship Boys Varsity Basketball team at the December 22 banner raising and ring ceremony. It was truly a memorable event for our the team and our District.
We hope that the December Recess provided our students, families and staff with time for fun and rest. Barely one week into the New Year, our schools are already buzzing with activity once again!
The 2024-25 budget development process is in progress and will continue over the months ahead. At our December 14 budget workshop, the Board and administrative leadership all stressed the importance of academic excellence, fiscal responsibility and being prepared for future trends. Upcoming dates for presentations are posted at www.socsd.org/budget.
Plans are also being finalized for Phase 1 of our Capital Improvements Project, which will break ground this summer at WOS and CLE. Details to come later this winter.
We have a lot to look forward to in 2024…Go Dutchmen!
Board Work in Progress
Budget: On December 14, the Board held its first budget workshop for the 2024-25 school year. The session served as an introductory discussion regarding budgetary priorities, concerns and impacts. The most recent demographer’s report was shared and indicates that District enrollment will remain at or near current levels through 2033. Information regarding anticipated State Aid and retirement notifications will be included in upcoming meetings and budget workshops.
View the December 14 budget workshop slides here.
Capital Project: The district-wide Capital Improvements Project is on track to begin in Summer 2024. The project is being implemented in a phased approach with construction starting at WOS and CLE to include HVAC installation and classroom renovations.
Policy: No action on policy was taken in December. Second readings of Policies 2410 (Policy Development, Adoption, Implementation and Review) and 5151 (Education of Students in Temporary Housing and Unaccompanied Youth) are scheduled for the January 11 Board meeting.
In accordance with a recommendation from the New York School Boards Association, Policies 8130.2 (Workplace Violence Prevention) and 9520.6 (The Right of Employees to Express Breast Milk in the Workplace) are under review by the Policy Committee. First readings of both policies are scheduled for the January 11 Board meeting.
To view all policies currently under review by the Board of Education, visit the Policies Under Review webpage.
Upcoming Meetings/Workshops
Board of Education Regular Meeting
January 11 at 7:30PM
South Orangetown Middle School Library
Board of Education Workshop
January 25 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.