Gellar Re-elected BOE President, LaRosa VP

With students across West Islip enjoying the first weeks of their summer vacation, the board of education kicked off the 2011-12 school year and there could be some significant changes and new challenges ahead for trustees and administrators.

The first board meeting of the new school year began the same way the 2010-11 school year started as trustees Steve Gellar and Annmarie LaRosa were re-elected as president and vice-president respectively. For both, this is the third year each has held their respective position.

Also, trustee was sworn in for his second term and the recently elected also officially joined the seven member board of education.

While the first meeting of the new school year was held in a largely empty Performing Arts Center at the , the coming 12 months could be a busy time for trustees and administrators. One of the biggest changes now facing the BOE and school administrators is the recently approved statewide .

“Over the summer, I’ll be working with Wendy Duffy (assistant superintendent for Business) to unravel the details of the tax cap,” said Richard Simon, superintendent. “This will dictate the process as we develop the 2012-13 budget and will present significant challenges. But this district has a long history of meeting challenges.”

Simon, who is marking his first anniversary as superintendent, also said the school district’s study group that was convened earlier this year, will present a report to the board of education and community in September. Specifics on a day and time will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

“They will share a number of options and discuss the pros and cons of each,” he said.

News & Notes

• Simon noted that when schools re-open in September, some 200 new smart boards will be installed in classrooms across the district. Training for staff members will take place over the summer.

• School District Clerk Nicole Schiano has resigned effective July 15. Jeanne Koeper, Simon’s administrative assistant, will fill the position on a temporary basis.