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Students press Locust Valley board over discarded books and cuts to middle-school technology classes
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Summary
Two Locust Valley High School students used public comment to ask why books were found in a dumpster behind the stage and why the district is considering removing middle-school technology classes, urging the board to reconsider decisions that affect economically disadvantaged students and skill-building opportunities.
Two students addressed the board during the public comment period, raising separate concerns about district decisions affecting students.
Maya Valderrama, a junior at Locust Valley High School, said members of her stage crew found books in a 40-yard industrial dumpster behind the stage while cleaning the loft on Feb. 4. Maya said a student tried to remove a broken chair and discovered stacks of discarded books that appeared to be in good condition. She said a member of administration — identified in the transcript as Mrs. Bonaspin — told the students to stop and said they could not climb into the dumpster or take the books because they were being cleared for a library renovation. Maya said students who volunteered their time to rescue the books received no follow-up from staff and later weather conditions (snow) left the books' condition unknown. Maya asked why the district disposed of the books, why community members were not informed, and how discarding materials is consistent with a district that she said is composed of roughly 25% economically disadvantaged students (per the New York State Education Department).
Desmond Zahai, another student, urged the board not to remove technology classes in middle school, saying they teach engagement, teamwork, hand-tool and machinery use, problem-solving and exposure to trades such as plumbing and electrical work. He questioned proposals to replace broad middle-school technology experiences with a single AP computer-science course and warned the loss of early, hands-on exposure could affect future interest in trade careers.
Both students asked for clearer communication from administration. The board did not provide an immediate, detailed response in the meeting transcript; the Chair said the pulled consent item related to transportation would be followed up by administration by email.
Maya and Desmond’s comments were made during the first public-comment period reserved for agenda items; their remarks were presented directly to the board and recorded in the meeting minutes.
