The Lynbrook Board of Education gathered for their regular board meeting in the Lynbrook High School cafeteria on Sept. 1. Prior to the start of the meeting, the district held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the high school’s new wing. A dedication ceremony will be held on Oct. 16 to name the new wing in memory of Alicemarie Bresnihan, a long-serving board member.
Prior to the opening of school on Sept. 9, board members began conducting building inspections and complimented the facilities department for their work over the summer to prepare the buildings for students. Additionally, the policy committee met and recommended updates to several district policies. Policies 1530 (Smoking & Other Tobacco Use on School Premises), 5300 (Code of Conduct), 5300.05 (Code of Conduct Definitions), 5301 (COVID Protocols 5420-R Student Health Services Regulation), 5460 (Child Abuse, Maltreatment or Neglect – Domestic), 5460-R (Child Abuse, Maltreatment or Neglect Regulation), 6410 (Authorized Signatures), 8505 (Charging School Meals/Prohibition Against Shaming), 8635 (Information Security Breach and Notification [for informational purposes, 8635-Exhibit is new]) and 8635-E (Parents’ Bill of Rights for Student Data & Security) underwent a first reading. The policies were made following updates to state guidance.
Board of Education President William Belmont discussed his visit with the district’s new staff and kindergartners during orientation and open house, respectively. The board discussed two properties available for sale within close proximity to the high school and the opportunities they could present for the district. The board has asked the administration to gather more information on the two properties and potential uses.
During her remarks, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Melissa Burak provided a short update on the opening of school. Administrators, faculty and staff are focused on providing a smooth transition to students and families who were remote last year and rebuilding in-person relationships. Monthly bulletins will be sent out through Dr. Burak’s office to provide important updates to the community. She also discussed Superintendent’s Conference Day and preparing the staff for the start of school, as well as the district’s plan to honor the 20th anniversary of 9/11. During the varsity football game on Saturday afternoon, there will be a special halftime ceremony to honor the lives lost in the tragedy. The SGA will be selling T-shirts with the slogan “Lynbrook – We Will Never Forget.” Residents are invited to attend the game and wear the T-shirts to support one another during the anniversary.
Dr. Burak spoke on the 2021-2022 board of education goals, which are available on the district website under BOE – Board of Education Goals. The three goals emphasize the effective use of federal grant funds, monitoring the transition to full in-person learning and increasing staff development opportunities to support the whole child.
With the construction of 5 Freer St. in Lynbrook, the district discussed elementary zoning for children who will reside in the apartments. It was finalized that families living in those apartments will be zoned for West End Elementary School.
Dr. Paul Lynch, assistant superintendent for finance, operations and information systems, provided a capital project update. He discussed the new wing at the high school and updates to the cafeteria. The new science wing at the high school is still under construction; however, he noted, the district received a certificate of occupancy and is excited for students to return to the building. At Marion Street, work on the elevator and the chairlift near the nurse’s office is still underway, but children will be allowed to safely enter the building. The boiler work at the Atlantic Avenue building is continuing. New projects that will begin to take place are the courts at Waverly Park and the turf field at North Middle School.
Following public comments, Mr. Belmont announced the passing of Victor Miller, former Lynbrook principal. Mr. Miller served as an employee of the district from 1956 through 1981, retiring as principal of Waverly Park Elementary School. The board expressed its sorrow and sympathy.
The next meeting of the board will be a work session on Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.