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Syosset superintendent praises expanded summer program, outlines facilities upgrades and COVID guidance
Summary
Superintendent Doctor Rogers highlighted a record summer-school enrollment (~1,200), major facilities work including gym resurfacing, solar installation and turf-field lights, and said the district will follow forthcoming state COVID guidance; he also reported staff follow‑up with the Nassau IDA over an Amazon project that could affect district finances.
Superintendent Doctor Rogers opened the board’s business report by calling the district’s expanded summer program a success, saying the district enrolled about 1,200 students and reimagined classes to mix STEAM, coding, art and theater to prevent learning loss and ‘‘keep kids being kids.’’
Rogers gave a rundown of summer facilities work, saying the high school main gym floor was resurfaced and restriped and that athletic staff were able to add two courts for badminton competition. He said the district removed several underground fuel storage tanks (with one remaining under warranty), completed boiler replacements and installed a cogeneration plant as part of an energy performance contract intended to use savings to finance the work. "We're installing literally today solar on the main gymnasium roof and auxiliary gymnasium roof," Rogers said, noting the roofs had been redone to avoid removing panels later.
Rogers said the district secured approval to resurface the high school back parking lot and obtained a building permit for lights for the turf field; a contractor will install pole bases next week and the poles are expected to be installed in early October. He described using cooperative procurement ("piggybacking") to accelerate purchasing for the light project while working through related logistical challenges.
On public health, Rogers referenced new CDC guidance and said the state typically issues refined guidance for school districts. He said Governor Kathy Hochul had not indicated a mask mandate was anticipated for fall and that the district would follow whatever guidance the state issues: "the guidance that we get from the state, we must follow."
Rogers also reported district engagement with the Nassau Industrial Development Agency about an Amazon project and possible unmet job‑creation commitments that could pose a fiscal risk. He said the IDA chairman expressed willingness to work with the district "in order to make sure that we're kept whole," and that the administration and counsel were following up at staff level.
Treasurer/finance update: the treasurer reported that "the cash on hand for the month end 06/30/2022 showed $80,796,813.02," and said bank balances were reconciled and collateralized in accordance with district policies.
The superintendent closed by thanking summer-school staff and the board for supporting expanded programming and said the administration will communicate updates to families as state guidance is issued and projects progress.
