Introducing the “Board Brief”
“As we begin a new school year, the Board of Education is excited to introduce the Board Brief, a monthly communication designed to keep our school district community informed of the Board of Education’s work,” said Board of Education President Dana Stilley, PhD.
Board Work in Progress
- Superintendent Search (Updated Timeline): In order to optimize response, the deadline for executive search firms to submit proposals was extended to August 26. The Board reviewed and discussed proposals on August 29 and intends to convene in Executive Session on September 6 to interview selected firms. It is anticipated that the Board will approve a firm to conduct the District’s superintendent search process at its September 8 meeting.Once a firm has been retained, information regarding the search, including timeline and stakeholder participation, will be communicated to our South Orangetown community.
- Budget: On August 15, the Board of Education set the tax rate for the 2022-23 school year, based on the voter-approved school budget. Answers to frequently-asked questions regarding school property taxes are posted on the District website here.
- Program: Board of Education President Dana Stilley, Ph.D. joined District administrators in welcoming new hires at the New Faculty and Staff Orientation on August 29. The Staff Relations office has worked throughout the summer to ensure that 18 teaching vacancies were filled for the new school year.
- Safety: The Board of Education approved the 2022-23 District-Wide Safety Plan and Building-Level Emergency Response Plans following a public hearing during the August 29 Board meeting. Families are strongly encouraged to review school safety information contained in the Guide to the School Year: 2022-23, which was mailed to all South Orangetown residents in mid-August.
- Capital Work: Last month, Board members toured schools to review the extensive minor capital project work completed this summer with Director of Facilities Jack Rallo and Director of Safety, Security and Compliance John Gulino, who confirmed that our schools are ready to open for the new school year. SOCSD Board Policy 7365 requires the Board of Education to conduct post-construction walk-through inspections.
- Board Development: The Board of Education has scheduled its retreat for September 10. A facilitator from New York State School Boards Association will facilitate the half-day session, which will focus on governance and Board roles and responsibilities.
In addition, Board members Steven Finn and David Sansone are registered for new member training this fall. 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. Steven Peña completed new member training in the spring.
Upcoming Meetings/Workshops
Board of Education Meeting
September 8 at 7:00PM
South Orangetown Middle School Library
Board of Education Workshop
September 22 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.
The Board Brief is a monthly communication from the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education.