Message from Board President Steven Finn
During the school year, SOCSD board members are given the opportunity to attend many trainings. This year, Dave Sansone and I chose to attend the NYSSBA Leadership in Education event. Board members from across the state had the opportunity to learn from a wide array of educators on topics, including closing the learning gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the wellbeing of our students, building a culture of positivity and much more.
In early August, the Board of Education held our annual Board Retreat at SOMS and it was facilitated by the NYSSBA. The retreat is an opportunity for board members and the superintendent to build on our relationships with each other and get to know each other on a more personal level.
Just a quick thank you to District Clerk Kathleen Muscari for all her hard work and dedication to the BOE and the SOCSD. Working around (six) different schedules can be a challenge. It is vital to have the board retreat scheduled each year and we count on her for that and so much more.
As you know, our first day of school is Tuesday, September 5. The entire Board of Education wishes all of our SOCSD students, staff and families a great start to the new school year!
Board Work in Progress
Administrative Appointments: The Board of Education approved the appointment of Paul Frisch as Assistant Principal of Tappan Zee High School at a special meeting on August 23.
A “special meeting” is a business meeting that is added to the Board meeting schedule after it has been published, typically because Board action is required for a time-sensitive matter, such as bids, contracts or legal items.
Capital Projects: Summer capital projects are nearing completion. The South Orangetown Middle School pool is on track to reopen pending a satisfactory Department of Health inspection next week and installation of the new flooring in the TZHS main gym is scheduled to begin next week and be finished by mid-to-late October. View the District’s ParentSquare e-blasts from September 1 and August 25 for more details.
Policy: At the August 14 meeting, third readings were conducted for Policies 4328 (Home Tutoring), 4513 (Library Materials Selection) and 8130 (School Safety Plans and Teams); Policies 4328 and 8130 were re-adopted. Policy 4513 was tabled until the September 21 meeting to allow the Policy Committee to conduct an additional review with consideration given to feedback provided via email and public commentary. View the Policies Under Review webpage.
Other Board Actions: On August 14, the Board of Education approved the 2023-24 District-Wide Safety Plan. View the plan.
The Board also passed a resolution for the issuance of the tax warrant, which directs the Town of Orangetown Tax Collector to collect the voter-approved school tax levy. Questions? View the School Property Tax FAQ.
On August 23, the Board passed a resolution to opt into the Rockland County School Bus Stop Arm Enforcement Program for the installation, operation and maintenance of photo violation monitoring systems on school buses subcontracted by the District to capture images of vehicles that illegally pass stopped buses to support enforcement efforts.
Upcoming Meetings/Workshops
Board of Education Regular Meeting
September 7 at 7:30PM
South Orangetown Middle School Library
Board of Education Regular Meeting/Workshop
September 21 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.