Board opens public hearing on 2024–25 safety plan, tables adoption to Aug. 20; trustees and residents discuss UPK rollout

Board member Brian Phillips opened a public hearing on the West Hempstead School District’s 2024–25 districtwide school safety plan and noted statutory requirements that the board adopt a plan by Sept. 1.

"A preliminary version of the plan will be posted on the district's website for at least 30 days," Phillips said, and he told the board the goal is to adopt by Aug. 20 so the district complies with the Sept. 1 deadline. The presenter referenced 'Alyssa's law' as part of the compliance framework and said the district must consider features such as silent panic alarms while avoiding disclosure of confidential details in the districtwide version.

Trustees agreed to table the plan until the Aug. 20 meeting to ensure the required public posting period is satisfied. "We're gonna table this docket to the August 20 meeting, which is when we'll vote on it," the presiding officer said.

During public comment the district and residents also discussed the recent expansion of UPK (Universal Pre‑K) satellite sites. District staff explained that UPK eligibility is based on residency and age (a 4‑year‑old who is a West Hempstead School District resident) and that assignments were determined by a lottery. A resident asked whether the lottery considers religion or income; district staff answered repeatedly that selection is a "pure lottery" and not based on religion or financial means.

Board members and residents raised operational questions about available seats, waiting lists at some sites, the reporting and assessment obligations of UPK providers, and whether the district could in future repatriate UPK seats into district-run classrooms if RFP cycles change. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session on personnel.