Message from Board President Steven Finn
It amazes me how fast time has passed! The 2023-24 school year is drawing to a close and our students are excited for June celebrations and for the start of summer.
I’d like to extend my appreciation to all those who came out to vote last month. It was wonderful to see the community’s strong support for next year’s budget–and congratulations to newly elected Board member Ms. Dawn Kitz.
In the meantime, I would like to thank Board member and former Board President Dr. Dana Stilley for her service over the past three years. The time we have served together has been a pleasure and I am grateful to know that her commitment and support to this community will continue through her new role in the County Legislature.
As we get through the next few weeks, may we all find the strength and focus needed to finish this year with a much deserved commitment to excellence. Congratulations to all the 2024 graduates!
Board Work in Progress
Budget Vote and Board Election: The 2024-25 school budget passed with nearly 75% of the vote on May 21. The 2024-25 budget totals $110,595,035 and reflects a 1.5% tax levy increase, which is within the maximum allowable tax levy. Voters also approved Proposition 2 to establish and fund a new capital reserve fund and Proposition 3, to authorize the use of existing capital reserve funds to remove and replace two boilers at Tappan Zee High School. Dawn Kitz was elected to the Board of Education seat held by outgoing Board of Education member and former Board President Dana Stilley, PhD. Ms. Kitz will be sworn in at the Board Reorganization Meeting on July 8. Her three-year term ends on June 30, 2027. For detailed information, view the Budget webpage.
School Community Survey: At the May 14 Board of Education, a representative from K12 Insight, the firm that conducted the District’s School Community Survey last winter, presented high-level results. View the presentation slides.
Upcoming Meetings/Workshops
Board of Education Regular Meeting/Districtwide Celebrations
June 6 at 7:30PM
Tappan Zee High School Cafeteria
The Board meeting and Districtwide Celebrations will not be recorded or live streamed.
Board of Education Regular Meeting
June 20 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 and minutes are posted online at BoardDocs; meeting livestreams are posted on the SOCSD BOE YouTube channel. 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.