Community members gathered in the Atlantic Avenue Board Room on Aug. 8 for Lynbrook Public Schools’ regular Board of Education meeting. Here, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Melissa Burak, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Dr. Gerard Beleckas and Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Operations, and Information Systems Dr. Paul Lynch updated the public on important information surrounding the district.
In her superintendent’s report, Dr. Burak proudly announced that Lynbrook High School was recently recognized as a Scholar-Athlete School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. At least 75 percent of the teams received scholar-athlete team awards which certified them for the title. She also announced the launch of the district’s new alumni webpage, which can be found on the district’s website, lynbrookschools.org, under the community tab and alumni. The webpage is a new outlet to connect the district with former students. All Lynbrook graduates are welcomed to fill out a quick form on the site to be added to the district’s mailing list.
Dr. Beleckas reported the curriculum update during the meeting which focused on the district’s title grant applications. Titles one through four are different grants that support a variety of areas in the district such as Academic Intervention Services, professional development, the English as a New Language program and wellness or technology services. Dr. Beleckas stated that grant money slightly decreased in title one, slightly increased in title two and three and for the first time the district received title four, which is a $10,000 grant that can be used toward wellness services or technology.
Dr. Lynch provided a Smart Bond and summer projects update where he stated that “the buildings are in really good shape” for the new school year. Summer projects including the brick pointing at West End and new boiler at Waverly Park are progressing at a good pace. Completed summer projects include new fencing at the Kindergarten Center, new nets by the softball field and all redone gymnasium floors. He also reported that the districtwide walkie-talkie system has been established and that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission license has been obtained. Marion Street projects included classroom renovations and floor work. At Lynbrook High School, room 306 was renovated into a general education classroom and ceiling and lighting projects were completed in the second-floor hallway. Dr. Lynch also discussed the progress of the security vestibules. They are in the final drawings phase and will be bid out in late September/early October. The district anticipates the security vestibules to be done by the end of the year.