Sachem honors administrator award winner; superintendent reports on facilities and state testing delays
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Summary
The board recognized John Caridi as a regional Administrator of the Year, received updates on Union Avenue demolition, a state testing connectivity issue, PTA donation handling for arts programs, and announced the retirement of the district's special education executive director.
The Sachem Central School District Board of Education on April 9 recognized Assistant Principal John Caridi of Sachem East High School as the Long Island Council of Administrators’ Administrator of the Year and received several operational updates from district leadership.
“John Caridi has made a positive impact on students and staff alike,” said the president of the Sachem Administrators Union during remarks honoring Caridi, noting his leadership, humility and long career in education. The board presented Caridi with a certificate and public congratulations.
Superintendent's operational updates Superintendent Michele Trombetta (noting the transcripts’ usage) provided brief operational items before the budget presentation. She said work on the Union Avenue property is progressing and that the district is coordinating with PSEG to disconnect utilities so demolition can move forward. Trombetta also reported a statewide connectivity problem that delayed state English language arts assessments for elementary grades; she said grades 6–8 testing was completed but that grades 3–5 testing was to be rescheduled the following days due to the statewide computer connection issues.
Arts-in-Education funding and PTA donations Business/budget staff explained how PTA donations intended for next year’s Arts-in-Education programs can be restricted at the time of deposit and recorded as deferred revenue so those funds are available to schools at the start of the 2025–26 school year. District staff advised that auditors will not allow a budget line to be created at $0; instead the district can accept restricted donations this year and move the revenue by journal entry into next year’s budget codes after BOCES aid adjustments are finalized in December.
Retirement recognition The board also recognized the retirement of Eric Neinhardt, the district’s executive director for special education, who is retiring in May. The board thanked Neinhardt for his years of service supporting special education students and noted he plans to continue work in private practice.
Other routine items Student board members reported on school spirit activities and fundraising events. The board approved consent and personnel items and heard two public visitors who thanked the board and noted concerns about communication and long‑term fiscal planning.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for April 23 in the district boardroom.
