Superintendent reports new student information system, universal meals uptake and grading policy changes amid enrollment dip

Superintendent Dr. Posse and district staff updated the Port Washington Board of Education on the district’s start‑of‑school operations and several initiatives affecting students and staff.

Dr. Posse said the district completed a summer of capital and operational work and launched Infinite Campus as the district’s new student information system. “We would like to thank our technology team who worked tirelessly over the summer to launch Infinite Campus,” he said. Assistant administrators reported that the technical transition has been largely smooth and that transcript finalization is expected by the end of the week.

Enrollment, calculated on Sept. 10, stood at 5,108 students in kindergarten through 12th grade—158 fewer than at the same point last year. Dr. Shields presented the enrollment tally and noted the district graduated 451 students last June and enrolled a kindergarten cohort of 356, which helps explain part of the year‑to‑year decline.

The district launched the state’s universal school meals program this fall. Dr. Posse reported that one building saw a 30 percent increase in breakfast participation compared with last year, per the district staff member who tracks participation. The superintendent noted Governor Kathy Hochul visited Manor Haven Elementary to highlight the program. He said there is no income eligibility requirement for the program.

At the high school level the district is implementing recommended grading policy changes adopted by a committee earlier this year. Dr. Posse summarized the changes as including the addition of an unweighted GPA to transcripts, removal of Regents exam scores from final grade calculations, marking courses dropped after the deadline with a W on transcripts, and equalizing quarter weights beginning next year for final grades and GPA calculations. He acknowledged some families have raised concerns and said the district will publish an FAQ and hold listening sessions this fall.

Facilities and capital work completed over the summer included an estimated 75,000 square feet of roof replacement, tennis court reconstruction, new lighting and drainage, a new water main at Daley, bathroom work at Manor Haven and door replacement at Weber. Bond funds covered some projects such as fire alarm upgrades at Susa and masonry repairs at Shriver High School, the superintendent said. Dr. Posse praised facilities staff for cleaning, refinishing gym floors and painting classrooms ahead of the opening.

The board heard that a number of operational items—transportation changes, cafeteria updates and safety policies like distraction‑free schools and student ID requirements—are being monitored and refined as the school year begins.