Script from the video:
Hi, I’m Board of Education President Nicholas Ciappetta with a wrap-up of the Wednesday, January 13th Board of Education meeting.
At this meeting, the Board of Education made a historic announcement that current Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Dr. Vito D’Elia would become our new superintendent of schools effective July 1st. This announcement capped an exhaustive five-month search process to find a successor to Dr. Bennardo who can build upon the strong foundation already in place. Selecting a superintendent is the most important decision that a Board of Education can make, and I am extremely confident in our collective decision. Dr. D’Elia understands the South Huntington culture, possesses a strong work ethic, and offers a dynamic vision for our district’s future. Please join me in congratulating Dr. D’Elia on reaching the pinnacle of his professional career.
In other news, the Board approved an $800,000 offer by Dena Properties, LLC to purchase the Central Field property, subject to voter approval in May. The Board also accepted the Single Audit Report for the 2019/2020 school year, which contained no negative findings, a testament to our sound fiscal practices. Next, the Board authorized the execution of a memorandum of agreement between the District and South Huntington Office Staff Association, completing our negotiations for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement.
On the curriculum front, the Board approved two new high school courses. Anatomy and Physiology I will maximize the recent purchase of three virtual dissection tables in our newly renovated high school forum. The other new course, Electrical Explorations will serve as a foundation for the Robotics program and is intended for 9th and 10th graders.
Lastly, the Board of Education approved a schedule of capital projects for the summer of 2021 that includes much needed new lockers and casework at Silas Wood, the addition of a life skills apartment at Stimson, vestibule improvements at Countrywood and Oakwood to protect against intruders, the construction of an art gallery at Walt Whitman High School, the addition of a new baseball field at Memorial for the Boys Varsity Baseball team, and much more. These exciting projects are of course subject to voter approval of the 2021/2022 budget.
In closing, I want to remember two extraordinary members of the South Huntington family that we have lost in recent months. Dr. Carroll Congo served for nearly two decades as the Chief of Psychological and Social Worker services and holds a coveted place in our District’s history as the first mental health counselor of color to selflessly serve our students. Dr. Emily Rodgers served for over 15 years as a principal, first at Silas Wood and then at Countrywood. Dr. Rodgers was deeply devoted to the education of elementary-age children and her upbeat demeanor always brought a smile to the face of anyone that she interacted with. Both Dr. Congo and Dr. Rodgers will be greatly missed and we send our thoughts and prayers to their families during their time of grief. God bless Dr. Congo and Dr. Rodgers.
Full Board meeting here: