Board approves Western Suffolk BOCES budget, trustees, contracts and $30,000 donation

The South Huntington Union Free School District Board of Education on an affirmative vote adopted the Western Suffolk BOCES 2025–26 administrative budget, elected three BOCES trustees, approved the district—s 2025——2026 property tax report card and approved several contracts and cooperative purchasing agreements during its business meeting.

Board members voted to approve the administrative component of the Western Suffolk BOCES budget and then cast ballots for three trustee seats, electing Eileen Hertz (Half Hollow Hills Central School District), Brian Sales (Copiague Union Free School District) and Peter Wunsch (Comsewogue Union Free School District). The board also adopted the district—s 2025——2026 property tax report card, described at the meeting as the required side—by—side summary comparing the current 2024——2025 budget to the proposed 2025——2026 budget and noting proposed reserve use.

The board denied a homebound instructional appeal that had been discussed in executive session. The motion structure presented at the meeting indicated a vote "for the appeal" would grant homebound instruction; the board voted against granting the appeal, and the appeal was denied.

Other adopted items included: - A contract extension with Educational Bus Transportation for student transportation services under the same terms as the existing RFP, renewing at the consumer price index for the upcoming year. - A budget transfer greater than the $35,000 threshold under board policy (to purchase networking and other IT items across the district). - A five—year Western Suffolk BOCES multiyear services agreement to purchase Chromebooks for the district—s first, fifth and ninth grade replenishment cycle. - Approval for South Huntington to participate in the Eastern Suffolk BOCES cooperative bidding program for the 2025——2026 school year. - Approval of a health services agreement with Great Neck Public Schools for health services to be provided to one South Huntington student attending North Shore Hebrew Academy who resides in the district. - Approval of multiple student placements recommended by committees on special education and preschool special education on the listed February—March—April dates. - Adoption of personnel schedules presented at the meeting. - Acceptance of a $30,000 donation from Vicky Dolin (listed at the meeting as the donor behind the district—s fine arts fair) to fund a wildcat statue.

Most motions were made and seconded by board members as shown on the agenda (for example, the motion to adopt the BOCES administrative budget was moved by Mr. Scragg and seconded by Mr. Joiner; the trustees motion was moved by Mr. Bingazzo and seconded by Ms. Meyer). Where the meeting recorded votes, the chair asked "All in favor? Any opposed?" and the actions were taken by voice vote as approved. The homebound appeal was explicitly put to a vote and denied. Specific roll-call tallies were not given on the audio record.

Board discussion about the contract extension with the transportation provider noted the extension follows the previously awarded RFP terms and will apply a CPI adjustment; the district—s presenter described that continuing the current terms keeps costs more predictable. The budget transfer was presented as exceeding the board—s $35,000 policy threshold and intended to purchase districtwide networking and IT equipment.

The board also announced an administrative personnel appointment (see separate article). Future meeting dates were announced, including a public hearing on the budget on May 7 and the budget vote and elections on May 20.

Votes at a glance (agenda items/new business): - Adopt Western Suffolk BOCES 2025——2026 administrative budget — outcome: approved. - Elect BOCES trustees (Eileen Hertz; Brian Sales; Peter Wunsch) — outcome: elected/approved. - Adopt 2025——2026 property tax report card — outcome: approved. - Confidential personnel resolution (pursuant to New York Education Law —19——13) — outcome: approved (discussion in executive session). - Homebound instructional appeal (student request) — outcome: denied. - Contract extension for student transportation services to Educational Bus Transportation (renewal at CPI) — outcome: approved. - Budget transfer > $35,000 for networking/IT — outcome: approved. - Western Suffolk BOCES multiyear (5-year) Chromebooks agreement — outcome: approved. - Health services agreement with Great Neck Public Schools (services for one student at North Shore Hebrew Academy) — outcome: approved. - Eastern Suffolk BOCES cooperative bidding participation (2025——2026) — outcome: approved. - Donation of $30,000 from Vicky Dolin for wildcat statue — outcome: accepted. - Committee on Special Education/Preschool Special Education placements for listed dates in February, March and April — outcome: approved. - Personnel schedules (listed schedules 2, 3, 6, 9, 11, 15, 16, 20 and 202) — outcome: approved.

The board did not provide numeric roll-call tallies on the public audio for most motions. Where items were discussed by staff, presenters summarized the purpose and fiscal effect (for example, the property report card summarizes reserves proposed for 2025——2026). The board chair moved business items in sequence and called for voice votes on each motion.

Ending: The meeting concluded with administrative reports and reminders of upcoming events and the budget calendar; the board adjourned after the business and personnel actions were completed.