During a recent meeting of the Massapequa School District Board of Education, significant discussions centered around the implementation of new technology for parent communication and student information management, as well as pressing legislative resolutions.

The board addressed the rollout of a new app, Apogee, which aims to enhance parental access to student information, including grades and attendance. Currently, parents must navigate multiple applications—Schoology, App2g, and PowerSchool—to obtain necessary information. The board emphasized the importance of clear communication to parents regarding these apps and the eventual goal of a unified system, which is still in development.

Cybersecurity was another critical topic, with officials highlighting the need to protect staff email addresses from phishing attacks. The district has moved staff emails behind a secure portal to mitigate risks, allowing parents to contact teachers through a contact form instead. The new app is expected to further streamline this process, providing parents with easier access to contact information.

The board also discussed the potential for real-time bus tracking, acknowledging both its benefits and security concerns. They assured that any tracking features would be limited to parents of children on the bus, aiming to improve communication without compromising student safety.

In addition to technology updates, the board reviewed several resolutions for the upcoming New York State School Boards Association (NISBA) annual meeting. Key resolutions included advocating for a cap on BOCES budget increases, updating the foundation aid formula to be determined by the state legislature, and opposing legislation that mandates comprehensive K-12 gender and sexuality education. The board expressed a desire for local control over educational decisions, particularly in light of recent legislative trends.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to finalize and submit these resolutions by the July 12 deadline, ensuring that the district's concerns and priorities are represented at the state level. The board's proactive approach reflects a dedication to enhancing educational resources and maintaining a secure environment for students and staff alike.