[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",5979119,"mediaKeyId","5807994-d385eb65bf9d8bda93f9152fe70f1324","parentId",5807994,"title","Ronkonkoma Historical Society seeks $90,000 ballot proposition; Sachem board declines to add it to this year’s ballot","audioSeconds",391,"startMs",5169000,"endMs",5560000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5807994-d385eb65bf9d8bda93f9152fe70f1324&start=5169&end=5560","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5807994-d385eb65bf9d8bda93f9152fe70f1324/thumbnail_5169000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5979119/New-York/Ronkonkoma-Historical-Society-seeks-90000-ballot-proposition-Sachem-board-declines-to-add-it-to-this-years-ballot","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5979119-15b6747aba0e9f8a5a3303e19c31cedf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770803584&Signature=VicPJee7BhoTjxDa1ca2uyitmc~0X85cdYlE9w-tdyH0I3MPZM5QDTHP6ek-kYBaCiWW-ngrjtqYsClJ-4fqrNLKc2hGPjZApKIZ6qrFBoSNLVTXYChB3CIZRahjie5~rm9DsS5YIFWtUx-9yfheRkypcBiczZN4JYlN76KzxCiUqBEkcu7-IXwF862dNLUBHpipVQjVc~xA0VuknfZXaFphHLeASuM0PlsNQl4fDdO-8SGHMwRkmLQf2KmNh2am~pKq4eho3kx~gtRXb3pNpDKyIwJ1hUTbM8wgJLsMyFqTRnkRm0PH6E5qZsbuw2GQTzeZc-LAHiMphuhDHTBefA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sachem Schools","date","2025-09-18T12:54:53Z","article","Representatives of the Ronkonkoma Historical Society asked the Sachem Board of Education on Sept. 17 to place a proposition on the district ballot that would raise funds to support the society’s museum and programming. The society’s initial request was for $90,000 and presenters estimated that would amount to roughly $3 per household annually across the district.

Why it matters: The request would place an additional proposition on the district ballot during the annual vote and would impose a small, ongoing levy on district taxpayers if voters approved it. Other Long Island districts have placed similar historical‑society propositions on their ballots in prior years, the presenters said.

Board discussion and concerns: Trustees raised practical concerns: added ballot items can cause voter confusion and a \"no‑vote mentality,\" the board heard. Trustees also noted the district spans multiple towns; the board asked whether residents in parts of the district outside Ronkonkoma would be expected to pay for a local society. Administration told the board the ultimate authority to place an item on the ballot rests with the board and that the first legal notice for the ballot would not be due until March, giving time to consider the request.

Outcome: The board declined to place the historical‑society proposition on the current ballot. Trustees suggested alternative paths such as direct fundraising, PTA partnerships or targeted programming and said administration would follow up with the society to explain the board’s decision and discuss alternatives.

Next steps: Administration said it will contact the society to convey the board’s feedback and to discuss non‑ballot options for supporting historical programming.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","September 17, 2025 Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Representatives asked the board to place a proposition on the district ballot to raise about $90,000 for the Ronkonkoma Historical Society, estimated at roughly $3 per household; trustees expressed concern about additional taxpayer burden and ballot clutter and chose not to include the measure now.","taxTitle","Sachem Central School District, School Districts, New York","taxId",14385,"location","New York","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5979125,"Sachem board declines to rejoin Nassau‑Suffolk school‑board association this year, citing tighter school budget priorities",596,4350000,4946000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5807994-d385eb65bf9d8bda93f9152fe70f1324&start=4350&end=4946","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5807994-d385eb65bf9d8bda93f9152fe70f1324/thumbnail_4350000.jpg","/articles/5979125/New-York/Sachem-board-declines-to-rejoin-NassauSuffolk-schoolboard-association-this-year-citing-tighter-school-budget-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5979125-c62aa0a406f0ca3bbf1c7068592f316b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770803584&Signature=WPzOp2QAmBDpO~4CxSQ2mcEfVIeSOgdohB2Jiom48ZhVG9nzrKcuWyAUhffKP9vtyYbs7U4qUKRPui~eQiAePlPqXp8rOWaEvtz93hGaE160kV~fLsRAqPnF0mDqdfIl0lr3W01kyU3xNv2uCCk-6pIpOwP4H8s2PnBsfXCucZj6futc-qrwylHY2QeYFQSTceJJkA5~S6OOIilCkLrHuq7e5Uph1D7izXvYIeOl9DffOB563p48H9ZmyildY7biyLV93b0XDpV4RCPF~hBEnV5rgXanNBhqs7CU3Mq0Nc7FrVxxKZ9Q8qw1dwftq37zx4nJu8rX3CX6YGT6nfAsjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sachem Board of Education discussed membership in the Nassau‑Suffolk School Boards Association (NISBA) and the New York State School Boards Association on Sept. 17 and indicated it would not rejoin those associations this year.

Why it matters: NISBA and the state association provide training, policy services and advocacy on education issues. Membership would have cost the district about $17,000 annually; the associations offered a prorated seven‑month membership for roughly $10,300 if the district joined Oct. 1.

Board discussion and concerns: Several trustees, including Mariel (board member) and Mike, said the district faces near‑term budget pressures and that the $17,000 budgeted for full membership would be better spent directly on student programs such as elementary clubs. \"I could not vote to join with a clear conscience,\" one trustee said, citing the district’s financial outlook.

Supporters’ view: Other trustees defended the associations’ value. Stephanie (board member) said NISBA provides free trainings, consulting and convention opportunities that have produced useful vendor and policy contacts in the past; she noted those resources can save districts money over time. Supporters argued members can use the associations for advocacy on foundation aid and unfunded mandates.

Outcome: After discussion the board did not adopt a resolution to rejoin this year. Trustees said individual staff and board members may still attend association events as needed, and the decision will be revisited in future budget cycles.","After discussion the board signaled it will not rejoin the Nassau‑Suffolk School Boards Association and New York State School Boards Association this fiscal year; trustees cited cost and preference to direct funds to students, though some members defended the associations’ advocacy and training.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5979131,"Sachem demographer to present utilization and \"do‑nothing\" enrollment projections Oct. 8; elementary work now complete",314,4066000,4380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5807994-d385eb65bf9d8bda93f9152fe70f1324&start=4066&end=4380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5807994-d385eb65bf9d8bda93f9152fe70f1324/thumbnail_4066000.jpg","/articles/5979131/New-York/Sachem-demographer-to-present-utilization-and-donothing-enrollment-projections-Oct-8-elementary-work-now-complete","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5979131-71e10b338a4b720cc15c2da71a7ade1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770803584&Signature=hfaZ82bk5NKi-nlWiHlq-KS8vJEICXio~rhZtelNI~a82lCQMBBUC1L1bf5O8KW94Uq~cC13JFmj9lxBfpzCEvap1MufgTtKadBFpWBy1DlM4ltM9YI6K0sRI4fK5lSt22-6FogW0BZI798e4lyyrKrYj1INq1DUdRE88Fy5cmsImnknm4oKibUCmLVWqbDJDYG-H6Gng84V5EDuL~Z0dWUEmJ8f-Pii1HlAK9J-5VwuMSI4qkhkCtqC8vYGKXvS0YedABQI~6JzPT~-A2K-rwjh033ck95VFZZfkqu5ptXd3KI2VLyE3sTMCzZYQzufEf0eWaoaCfs6skf0gdor5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sachem administrators told the Board of Education on Sept. 17 that the district’s demographer, hired to analyze enrollment and attendance zones, has completed elementary attendance‑zone mapping and cohort projections and will present a fuller analysis at the Oct. 8 board meeting.

Why it matters: The demographer’s analysis — particularly a baseline \"do‑nothing\" projection showing future building utilization if current patterns remain — will be a key input for any discussion about attendance‑zone changes or building use.

What administrators reported: Michelle (last name not specified), who is coordinating the project for the district, said the demographer has completed geocoding of students, cohort projections and an elementary‑school tour. The demographer has surveyed elementary principals and is reviewing local new‑housing projects to estimate their enrollment impacts. Middle‑school tours and feeder‑pattern analysis are the next steps, followed by presentation of findings on Oct. 8.

Board expectations: Trustees asked that the presentation include a clear baseline projection — what would happen to enrollment and utilization if no changes are made — so the board and community can see projections that would justify any recommended changes to attendance zones or school configurations.

Next steps: The demographer will receive an updated student file to capture new entrants since the summer and will apply enrollment projections to utilization tables; the consultant will present initial findings at the Oct. 8 meeting.","District staff said the hired demographer has completed attendance‑zone mapping, cohort projections and elementary tours and will present findings, including utilization and projected scenarios, at the board’s Oct. 8 meeting.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5979135,"Sachem transportation chief reports improvements but ongoing late mini‑bus routes; board presses for faster fixes for special‑needs students",621,937000,1558000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5807994-d385eb65bf9d8bda93f9152fe70f1324&start=937&end=1558","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5807994-d385eb65bf9d8bda93f9152fe70f1324/thumbnail_937000.jpg","/articles/5979135/New-York/Sachem-transportation-chief-reports-improvements-but-ongoing-late-minibus-routes-board-presses-for-faster-fixes-for-specialneeds-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5979135-9fe168b5ef304bfaf4a4ba0d52b2084d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770803584&Signature=GWToovaHfLhMAWHGzNT42gQTxbfH0q0S1wF0F~bkAfu0Nl40xKbqIwnsDfRr3ihRVmu-QGwISxd2QI7noI7pCqF-ZnKsiOOoknYh80DUEwicsPpUpd4fmmIgnFLWNEczS7C1dOscw8rbTDZTGdKWjCP8PtneSPnE6Cb2v2RSj9KRHWqZIomAIrho3aB1PzEjZEUcM~6CnPUBbQd2pZw7n3qIvUHdPsvtVG81BYmJfdaAY5DTpEhgD~cFrEyMMUpT7ICjDlzdaTAGmFw-B8aX9sqIK3P2j~7e3qNNj5DJd7ZHdbLK52SEccy9Hv5XmrSF8Ii72YMSqivugfu98tEKMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sachem Board of Education heard a detailed update on Sept. 17 from transportation staff about continuing bus‑route problems and the district’s response. \"We run approximately 75 contracted big buses, 28 Sachem District big buses, and approximately a 100 contracted mini buses. That's a little over 200 bus routes that are on the road every day,\" John Gennari, the district’s transportation representative, told the board.

Why it matters: Board members pressed staff about punctuality and safety for special‑education students who ride minibuses and often have IEP timing requirements. Parents have complained that minibuses arrive late or that routes changed after school began.

What the district reported: Gennari said Sachem buses passed New York State Department of Transportation inspections this year at a 99% rate (the state’s acceptable benchmark is 90%). He described improved communications with contractors and internal tools the department has introduced, including a shared \"change spreadsheet\" to track additions/deletions/corrections, and a Google form the district is rolling out to standardize late‑bus requests from buildings.

Ongoing problems and causes: Transportation staff reported a surge of routing changes since the start of school: roughly 90 additions to minibus service since late August, 10 IEP requirement changes, more than 20 address changes and over a dozen school‑assignment changes. Construction and road closures in neighborhoods and gated communities have also lengthened routes, Gennari said.

Board reaction and directions: Several board members, including Jessica (last name not supplied) and Meredith (last name not supplied), pressed for faster turnaround on safety‑related stop changes. Jessica asked whether the district could work with Suffolk County police on traffic mitigation or crossing guards; staff said crossing guards are hired by the county and that the district relies on drivers’ on‑the‑ground feedback.

Board members asked for more and faster communication to affected families; Gennari described the formal chain (driver→supervisor/dispatcher→district) and recommended targeted messages through ParentSquare. A board member asked to see the district’s timeliness data; Gennari agreed to share it to allow board members a second set of eyes for vendor follow‑up.

Capacity and staffing: The district said many minibuses carried more students than preferred early in the year because contractors were short drivers; onboarding additional drivers and splitting routes are planned once personnel are in place. Staff stated the typical desirable load on a minibus is nine to ten students; some vans have been temporarily above that level while routes are adjusted.

Next steps: The district will roll out the Google form to buildings, continue to use the change spreadsheet for tracking, and provide the board with timeliness data. Multiple trustees urged the administration to accelerate safety‑related route changes where feasible and keep parents informed while also balancing safety and logistics.","Transportation supervisor John Gennari updated the board on routes, safety and recent service issues: Sachem runs roughly 200 daily routes, reported a 99% DOT inspection pass rate, but has seen 90 minibus route additions and many last‑minute changes this school year, prompting board concern about delays impacting students with IEPs.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5979140,"Sachem officials brief board on proposed New York graduation changes; district highlights civic- and biliteracy seals",546,228000,774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5807994-d385eb65bf9d8bda93f9152fe70f1324&start=228&end=774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5807994-d385eb65bf9d8bda93f9152fe70f1324/thumbnail_228000.jpg","/articles/5979140/New-York/Sachem-officials-brief-board-on-proposed-New-York-graduation-changes-district-highlights-civic-and-biliteracy-seals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5979140-09afd71052bd7d34aaeed7f40478d2b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770803584&Signature=fhYCNpTWa1GurAxF~Eq~gscz3AnclejmsXKj8KSvz3XSBd8tlP4za7fEhZt1WKRZzgVM42PgoreSqOAGwu7bqiKRD8s-TjJ63yV-R-q-pwFbbQErHVH~sJMryFbLLdV3Rm9SvWW23nvyq8iUaeTsbHIfwWEn4KsEpHTqTMKEf3NxRqOKseHCW7xBbDraDethIbEwYaJAuwZRJSgYqPT8bGnNdlXHbiN~dRbpSwYwmzOLvqsmI7V~05w6BDTCQbvC4dNRn93PZx6mxNrVomCSDdZus6NwnAEhGPH2lPMGmNtSD7ntKxH1wLUfhJHQU5Dbk-rhRrEhhX2w51-XW9zLHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sachem school officials told the Board of Education on Sept. 17 that New York State’s Blue Ribbon Commission has proposed broad changes to high‑school graduation measures but that no diploma requirements have yet been amended by the Board of Regents. \"Until specific changes are approved by the Board of Regents, the current graduation requirements remain in effect for all public schools in New York State,\" Danielle Moran, the district’s administrator for instructional support and assessment for STEM, told the board.

Why it matters: The commission’s proposals — which district staff said would most affect the class entering high school around 2029 — could change how credits, assessments and learning experiences are defined statewide. Sachem staff say they are preparing students and families for new pathways (internships, capstones, seals and portfolios) while maintaining the current requirements for students graduating before any Regents changes take effect.

At the meeting, administrators summarized four broad areas the Blue Ribbon Commission has targeted: adoption of the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, redefining credits and learning experiences (examples include a possible financial‑literacy requirement), sunsetting diploma assessment requirements and moving toward a single New York State high‑school diploma. District presenters emphasized that only the Portrait of a Graduate has been finalized by the Board of Regents to date.

Sachem described how local work already aligns with the state portrait. Marie (last name not specified at the meeting), an administrator who presented on seals and family communications, said Sachem has been developing a local portrait of a graduate and “have started to share this out” with staff and families. She said the district is embedding portfolio and capstone work and described in‑district pathways such as humanities, STEM and career and technical education (CTE).

Seals and family materials: The district reported two seal programs in place. The New York State seal of civic readiness has been offered in Sachem for three years; Moran said many eighth graders leave middle school with one point toward that seal, and that high‑school students can elect to continue pursuing it. Marie said Sachem had launched a district seal of biliteracy this year and that 10 students earned it in the program’s first year. \"We expect that to grow exponentially next year,\" she said, noting cross‑department collaboration to make the pathway more accessible.

Administrators also described new family communications tools: a one‑page overview of proposed graduation measure changes, a full‑color grade‑6 curriculum and family guide available online and a suite of elementary curriculum guides on the district website. Marie said the guides were built in Canva so they can be updated and translated immediately.

What remains unresolved: Presenters repeatedly cautioned families that Regents exams and current diploma requirements still apply to students graduating before any future effective date and that the timeline depends on the state’s funding and rulemaking. District staff said the Blue Ribbon Commission proposals would likely be meaningful to the 2029 cohort (current fifth graders) if approved.

The board asked staff to continue community workshops and to share materials publicly; district leaders said they will schedule family workshops when proposals become clearer.","District administrators told the Board of Education that New York State has finalized a \"Portrait of a Graduate\" but has not yet changed diploma requirements; Sachem said it has already implemented seals and family guides to prepare students and families for possible future changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ronkonkoma Historical Society seeks $90,000 ballot proposition; Sachem board declines to add it to this year’s ballot

Sachem board declines to rejoin Nassau‑Suffolk school‑board association this year, citing tighter school budget priorities

Sachem demographer to present utilization and "do‑nothing" enrollment projections Oct. 8; elementary work now complete

Sachem transportation chief reports improvements but ongoing late mini‑bus routes; board presses for faster fixes for special‑needs students

Sachem officials brief board on proposed New York graduation changes; district highlights civic- and biliteracy seals