August 2026 Board of Education Meeting Synopsis

Prior to the August 3, 2026, Board of Education Meeting, Director of School Safety Mr. Thomas Weiner held a Public Hearing on the Districtwide School program. Mr. Weiner offered an update to changes in the program which include how to respond to cardiac arrests, as well as required training for nurses, school security guards, and coaches.

Mr. Weiner noted that each elementary school will receive one additional AED to their existing inventory, bringing each elementary school's AED inventory to two per building. Mr. Weiner added that Director of Athletics & Physical Education, Mr. Piropato, is purchasing 75 updated AED's - one for each coach. 

At the August 3 Board of Education Meeting, School Board President Mrs. Michele Harriott introduced Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon A. Dungee who gave a recap of summer programs.

In the Superintendent's presentation, Dr. Dungee outlined the following:

• High School Summer School - the program was beneficial to the 566 students who were enrolled. Mr. Brett MacMonigle and Mr. Donald Bahr served as principal and assistant principal, respectively. Dr. Dungee reported that Director of Facilities Mr. Matthew Providente provided air conditioning in all summer school-occupied classrooms.

• High School Science Research Program - Dr. Dungee explained that 24 students enrolled in the program under the tutelage of Mr. Soldano learned about how cells from the shedding of worms are used for recycling.

• O'Neill Elementary Summer School Program - under the direction of Mrs. Rentz and utilizing safari as this year's theme, students engaged in Math and ELA lessons. They constructed two safari mobiles using cardboard and recyclable materials  

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Ms. Jessica Iafrate added that students also participated in hands-on STEM and drone activities.

• The Extended School Year, (ESY), initiative was again offered at Alfano Elementary School. Dr. Dungee explained that the program, which is scheduled Monday through Friday, commenced July 5 and concludes August 14. Many of the 91 special needs students enrolled in the program engaged in hands-on art projects as well as music classes. Dr. Dungee noted that this program bridges the gap in learning between grades over summer months. Students created hand-crafted cards which they are presenting to the CI Civic Council. 

Following her presentation of summer school programs, Dr. Dungee introduced Central Islip High School student Camila Barzola, who serves as an ex officio student member for the Board of Education. Miss Barzola gave a special presentation. As a member of Future Teachers of America under the direction of Advisor Mrs. Irizarry, Miss Barzola presented an outline of a program she attended at Molloy University over the summer entitled, 'Change Makers Who Care.' Miss Barzola thanked Dr. Dungee and the Board of Education for their support of Future Teachers of America. Miss Barzola said she participated in a series if workshops that centered around:

• different learning styles and how great teachers understand every student;

• speaking, writing, interacting, and listening with a focus on ELL's;

• social work where every voice is heard and valued;

• visits with social workers and counselors;

• making positive impacts on communities by solving local issues;

• mental health counseling, and

• working together to help students succeed.

Ms. Iafrate presented a brief report on Adelphi University's 'Panther Pathways to Student Success' initiative - a four-day institute to help students prepare for college, including resume writing. 

Ms. Iafrate gave a report on Curriculum Updates which included:

• monitoring and supporting August graduates; 

• new curriculum orders

    training, Science Grades K-8, Math Grades

    7 & 8, new High School AP Courses

• three days of Common Apps workshops for high school seniors;

• senior portraits.

Mrs. Harriott invited the Central Islip Community to News 12's Backpack Drive and School Supplies Giveaway on August 20^th from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. on the front lawn of Central Islip High School. The event is sponsored by News 12, Optimum, and Warner Bros./Discover, and hosted by Central Islip UFSD. Backpacks and school supplies will be given to the first 500 residents. In the event of rain, activities will be held in the high school student cafeteria.

NAACP will be hosting its Annual Backpack Giveaway. For more details, visit www.centralislip.k12.ny.us.

The next meeting of the Board of Education is September 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alfano School Multi-Purpose Room.