[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6180040,"mediaKeyId","5121497-ca025f3ddee711bd7106c04d048c9c98","parentId",5121497,"title","Trustee urges board to renew opposition letter to South Bay Village (formerly Island Hills) development","audioSeconds",99,"startMs",3792000,"endMs",3891000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5121497-ca025f3ddee711bd7106c04d048c9c98&start=3792&end=3891","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5121497-ca025f3ddee711bd7106c04d048c9c98/thumbnail_3792000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6180040/New-York/Trustee-urges-board-to-renew-opposition-letter-to-South-Bay-Village-formerly-Island-Hills-development","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180040-9ebeea9d36e384bbddbf5cbc7b546067/orig.mp4?Expires=1770936436&Signature=fSUy6-WgpfQuq4u1yoCwd1kOOBX68Vg8lrFEOlfE1vE8Hk4RzQj92w5hqaa4IlFbR9Nbtv2XuwZpGGqF~EDWFGBP2CQfAKBAKXa6E6ciVIFoxNrIOqO1F1BgnL3kWoG7i9mObfutmwFBSN5zMgAEyOwm6GtjtnU4a5-1zEqoAmJGPxJ7X0CdSvNc9Fqpc0OqU3nGohj0Y6FjipPpjB3AoLJxFUAaf0pbDtMewXwhy4I5KFVcJV0htZrts6kNLmrWVMlI5qf8YapLChoxDQifKbfq9d7krxPeN8kTCmEfLTqx17YIFoLHyeRyNeUpA13U1eD~NLjYpjpNQ6bJ66y8Fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-02T13:21:02Z","article","Trustee Jackie D’Orenzo asked the Connetquot board to resend and update a prior district letter opposing a large residential development now called South Bay Village (formerly Island Hills), saying the project could add hundreds of students and strain local services.

D’Orenzo said she attended a meeting with the Greater Islip Association and asked that the district reissue its previous letter with the updated project name and any revised details. “They want to build close to 900 units...I really would like another letter to go out,” she said, citing potential impacts on town resources, emergency services and the schools.

Trustees agreed the district can reissue the earlier correspondence with the updated project name and any changed facts; the district clerk was asked to prepare a revised letter for board review and signature.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education - Public Session - 7/1/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Trustee Jackie D'Orenzo asked the board to send another letter opposing the South Bay Village development, citing concerns about traffic, strain on emergency services and a projected increase in school enrollment from an 890-unit project.","taxTitle","CONNETQUOT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",67169,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6180045,"Connetquot superintendent announces 'hold harmless' for Earth and Space Science regents after lower scores; district posts review option",69,3466000,3535000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5121497-ca025f3ddee711bd7106c04d048c9c98&start=3466&end=3535","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5121497-ca025f3ddee711bd7106c04d048c9c98/thumbnail_3466000.jpg","/articles/6180045/New-York/Connetquot-superintendent-announces-hold-harmless-for-Earth-and-Space-Science-regents-after-lower-scores-district-posts-review-option","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180045-81636c90d5f1cf222bbeacf4ae1c2d45/orig.mp4?Expires=1770936436&Signature=V8wrxrPRajBslEpxtIh2-15g8FD~ZhI6GvUlzseCBL2DtCfJ~0XUgO6PK4PaA4Fup60I9hiiu9P8bhuyaf~EbkI2KytxOq0fpixtxRClChBZ25JQ1nJd0HDaPkddpddi9as~LIIh5W3YrjqvI22nXrvZz0U~X7iG7cqglYrSlQLJUe86Y2wywGs4AlsVPM0s~L3uQTKtKeIi2L2pqCt374QoDvpBZTTpVXzfRXSYNmUKtZ1fh64AmEwKgsTTy7yDvMV2iRgHG9K0M9e~RDyyJGqWC~PksW-22uuvCjIpNHgbhrt4kuBvOXtYJQEIlHLWTjV0DXXsX9BmDwxphcD5aQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Connetquot Central School District announced it will apply a “hold harmless” approach for the June Earth and Space Science Regents after teachers, administrators and parents raised concerns about the exam.

Superintendent Dr. Sinemore said teacher feedback and statewide discussions showed a decline in results on the exam and that, with unanimous support from teachers, building and departmental administrators and the curriculum office, the district will allow the exam to factor into a student’s course grade only if it benefits that student. “If it doesn’t benefit them...it wouldn’t hurt their overall...course grade,” Dr. Sinemore said. The district plans to notify affected families promptly and offer students the opportunity to retake the exam.

The superintendent also reported June 2025 Regents results for math courses: district-wide passing rates (65 or better) were 95% for Algebra I, 83% for Geometry (a rise of about 9–10 percentage points) and 91% for Algebra II (a slight decline from 94% the prior year). Mastery rates (85 or better) were 54% for Algebra I and 19% for both Geometry and Algebra II. District leaders invited families to review regents exams with curriculum directors over the summer and said directors are available to meet with students and families.

Trustees and staff said they will share comparisons with prior years and pursue instructional strategies to raise mastery where needed.","After parent and teacher feedback about the June Earth and Space Science Regents, Connetquot will apply a 'hold harmless' policy so the exam affects students' course grades only if it benefits them; the district also reported passing and mastery percentages for June math regents.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6180049,"Trustees and superintendent discuss bus electrification mandate, study and potential costs",400,2863000,3263000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5121497-ca025f3ddee711bd7106c04d048c9c98&start=2863&end=3263","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5121497-ca025f3ddee711bd7106c04d048c9c98/thumbnail_2863000.jpg","/articles/6180049/New-York/Trustees-and-superintendent-discuss-bus-electrification-mandate-study-and-potential-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180049-7e483d53bf8e884ca84b4dc62029a2b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770936436&Signature=PaKMYO9jGLXomheO~BGqExFla46GKPXqY7qVB-3g9X-u3FIttP9N-8jJKszRhXahUVr-3aa7Pm51qw4GyQhZAAPduoFzA43gWe1x0KLU9u4XXIpXejG-7xeSiwptCvtqwOv6jNcMnscBqb6~JbdyTcAjBwZ33ITxPWJwPHB9a8PJ4gqoczSBDDHB1NUOQvZiWCpAFquYG-gA~Whm6e~Sa2Q9KzrNR6YoyKU87SrohD~sls4NQfUxDlWL~2mpyFuyaelpDx-3ApK-1g4PlOCyJp4W8r0hY5cCF~lncDCR6vevHU8B16iSz0rUU6V6fbFkEYFUUz4To5yi-whxWCAZag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Community members and trustees used the board meeting to raise concerns about state and federal policies that could require fleet electrification and the budget and logistical effects for Connetquot’s large bus yard.

A resident asked the board to consider the timing and cost risks tied to an upcoming federal bill and recent tariffs on aluminum and steel, and urged the district to keep electrification on the budget radar. “But yet, Mr. Hauser, you’re faced with a budget for 2027, which can only buy electric buses,” the resident said, describing supply-chain uncertainty and possible tariff impacts.

Superintendent Dr. Sinemore and district leaders said the district is pursuing a multi-pronged approach of advocacy and preparedness. “The EBUS mandate, alright, which starts 2027 at full effect then through 2035, has been a priority and a concern in terms of affordability, sustainability,” Dr. Sinemore said, noting the district’s participation with Suffolk County superintendents on the issue.

District officials told the board they are seeking quotes for an electrification study to assess what it would take to electrify the district’s bus yard; the presenters said about three-quarters of the study cost would be covered by external funding, leaving the district responsible for roughly one-quarter. Officials said they are exploring grants, waiting for an extension-request portal from the state that may open in December, and consulting local fire departments about safety and suppression for electric buses.

Board members said they would continue advocacy at the state level, pursue grant opportunities and include electrification planning in upcoming budget discussions. No binding budget decisions were taken at the meeting.","Trustees and community members raised concerns about state-mandated bus electrification, supply-chain and tariff risks; the superintendent said the district is seeking an electrification study with most costs covered by grants and will continue advocacy for extensions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6180053,"Connetquot holds 30-day public hearing on districtwide safety plan and code of conduct",138,1952000,2090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5121497-ca025f3ddee711bd7106c04d048c9c98&start=1952&end=2090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5121497-ca025f3ddee711bd7106c04d048c9c98/thumbnail_1952000.jpg","/articles/6180053/New-York/Connetquot-holds-30-day-public-hearing-on-districtwide-safety-plan-and-code-of-conduct","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180053-a91d83d0cb9467fc0b792cfa4b4fd026/orig.mp4?Expires=1770936436&Signature=mdY0l1nHGneJIyACPBGKgSYSamtuxywscq-VBQdfcBKATB5ry4ng9OXsv4CvQcELVL0jKaKz5qsAiExQw3IBcWLx4rP3zmwAO8pTtiHOeu-7rbO6OUbT6aQlLnz5qZOel6m2xYfZ~9lOoqx6GLBTjbiUqHiHIRblNQNARRCeS9TfWjSyjjhtjrZ25znNCj2~xlsUPZveaKfVNJbvxcgpOoRsDg5uD8wobXBE-CTS-dPjhhFifC~uxrKi-4s27tcmsBklznLaQ7AukAEDmr77PCSrSEUmmJ8z4bYlZnNm9ThkWKljiIObTy0qV3j2lC74XLvRhw9Ys9JE2HqPYB5HMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Connetquot Central School District Board of Education on Tuesday opened a public hearing and presented the districtwide safety plan for 2025–26 and proposed revisions to Policy 5300, the district code of conduct, starting a 30‑day public comment period.

Assistant Director of Security Adam Labadi told the board the safety plan was developed by a districtwide team of administrators, board representatives, parents and community members, and that it is posted publicly while building-level plans remain confidential. “The plan is submitted this evening for a 30 day adoption period for the district as well as presenting it publicly to allow for public comment and question,” Labadi said.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Christina Poppy summarized changes proposed to Policy 5300. She said the committee meets twice annually and that revisions clarify expectations for acceptable conduct by students, staff and visitors and expand certain definitions. Poppy said changes include adding preschool-level students to sections on violent students, clarifying prohibited use of unauthorized Internet-enabled personal devices during instructional hours and adding that reported violations may be emailed or hand-delivered.

Poppy also described a progressive disciplinary approach beginning with warnings and said policy language on student searches was changed from “cause” to “suspicion.” The policy and the districtwide safety plan will be available on the district website for 30 days for community review and written comment to the posted district email address.

No formal adoption was attempted at the meeting; board members and the public were invited to submit questions or comments during the posted period. The board reconvened its business meeting after the public hearing.","Assistant director of security and district staff presented the 2025–26 districtwide safety plan and proposed revisions to Policy 5300 (Code of Conduct); both documents will be posted for a required 30‑day public comment period.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6180057,"Connetquot board hears community split as district continues appeal over 'Thunderbirds' mascot",3200,2432000,5632000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5121497-ca025f3ddee711bd7106c04d048c9c98&start=2432&end=5632","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5121497-ca025f3ddee711bd7106c04d048c9c98/thumbnail_2432000.jpg","/articles/6180057/New-York/Connetquot-board-hears-community-split-as-district-continues-appeal-over-Thunderbirds-mascot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180057-4f075aee314dc98ba79b507759061207/orig.mp4?Expires=1770936436&Signature=f2AeEK5pkK1ugwPCR2hF8dFMggfiz8S0vc71dz6tm5n1nPEBmonQwhobxLeAh~YGVEFucMgQM~LNKRPSbVt6iHYikwljnET6dSFYuUiXxhD-NUjTfmYfAz7g-EZcySWl~OR1uL~QcHHfCOGl3dZfI4mwweOZJkg9BET7Vth2vDcXq6iQhOPUw1xIyYueqvvCoyQs0aA~B-r-eqdWso2z91y~YO9BajBF0vaszFMnwtcl-luOTf3pOPwNdGgz~XrYgeygYD7ZEdDubGniFYQcAgofncXaiwqGWZyq~wjjpCRuF6rTZTZsb8NU67VbDW5Y-K6GjsYh~MIApx1n5b2-lQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Connetquot Central School District Board of Education on Tuesday reviewed community feedback on the district mascot and discussed ongoing litigation after a federal judge dismissed the district’s initial lawsuit and the district’s attorneys filed notice of intent to appeal.

The superintendent presented survey results and emails showing a majority of respondents favored continuing litigation to retain the Thunderbirds name and imagery. Board members and residents disputed how the results should be interpreted and whether the district should accept a negotiated settlement or continue to pursue appeals.

“The survey was posted June 16 with a response period through June 23,” Superintendent Dr. Sinemore said, and read the tabulated results: “Based upon 2,229 responses, roughly 60.66% stated that they were in favor of the district continuing litigation to retain the Thunderbirds name and imagery.” He added that roughly 75.37% supported changing the mascot to “Thunder” if a change became necessary and that more than 240 emails had been received since June 12.

Board attorney Doug Spencer summarized the legal posture: the state revised regulations addressing names and symbols considered derogatory to Indigenous peoples, districts were given deadlines to comply, the district’s federal suit was dismissed, and “your attorneys have filed notice with the court of their intent to appeal,” though the appeal had not yet been perfected. Spencer told the board the district obtained an extension to comply with the state regulations that would run into early 2026.

Trustee Jackie D’Orenzo and other trustees pressed for transparency in communications and for allowing the litigation to run its course. “I don’t want to change a single feather of our mascot until all options are exhausted,” D’Orenzo said. Resident speakers and trustees alternately urged a community-driven process if a change becomes unavoidable, and several trustees urged a public committee and wider, clearly gated outreach rather than relying solely on the online survey.

Trustees also debated the survey’s methodology and integrity. Trustee April Iannatelli said she worried about how the online survey handled duplicate responses and device-based counts and asked that future outreach be more strictly controlled and widely publicized. Trustee Sarah Parisi emphasized that email submissions — which the district clerk printed for trustees — provide a different form of record than the online poll and cited those emails showing support for continuing legal action.

No board vote was taken on settlement or changing the mascot during the meeting. Board members said they will keep the district email and survey open, continue discussions with legal counsel, and seek further community engagement before taking any binding action.

The board will continue to receive input via the mascot email address and will report back to the community as legal and negotiation developments occur.","The Connetquot Central School District presented survey results showing majority support for continuing litigation to retain the 'Thunderbirds' name; trustees debated transparency, legal options and next steps after federal dismissal and a notice of intent to appeal was filed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Trustee urges board to renew opposition letter to South Bay Village (formerly Island Hills) development

Connetquot superintendent announces 'hold harmless' for Earth and Space Science regents after lower scores; district posts review option

Trustees and superintendent discuss bus electrification mandate, study and potential costs

Connetquot holds 30-day public hearing on districtwide safety plan and code of conduct

Connetquot board hears community split as district continues appeal over 'Thunderbirds' mascot