May Board of Education Synopsis

On May 12, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., the Board of Education held a public hearing on the proposed 2025-2026 budget that residents will vote on May 20. Voting will take place in the Alfano Elementary School Gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for qualified voters of the Central Islip School District. The proposed $301,498,985 spending plan reflects an estimated 1.89% tax rate increase, remaining below New York State's 2% tax levy cap. School Business Official Sharon Morgan reported that the average resident with a home assessed at $40,000 would see an estimated $182 increase in school property taxes next year, equating to about 50 cents per day.

At 7:30 p.m., Board of Education President Luis Alcantara opened the board meeting. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon A. Dungee introduced Reed Middle School Technology Teacher Joseph Cornell, who presented a range of projects completed by his students. These included designing and constructing a mobile school store cart, beautifying the first-floor corridor connecting the new wing to the original building, building a complete irrigation system for the outdoor greenhouse planter beds and indoor planters for Science Teacher Mrs. Rios’s class, and programming drones to fly autonomously using advanced coding techniques.

Board President Luis Alcantara, Vice President Debra Cavanagh, and board members Michele Harriott, Glenn Mitchell, Jim Musumeci, Ralph Delgado Jr., and Maureen Esposito congratulated Mr. Cornell and his students for their achievements. Dr. Dungee presented congratulatory letters to students Ulises Aviles, D’Marcus Carter, Jayla Dees, Bryan Galdamez, Joshua Mazariegos, Tidus Nguyen, Suhiyrah Tomlinson, Mikayla Woodruff, Alexander Martinez, Ogechukuka Ebinum, Ashley Cubas Jiminez, and Anderson Acosta, representing each project.

The Superintendent and Board of Education also recognized Central Islip High School students Heisel Fuentes Delgado and Allyson Saravia for winning the 2025 Long Island Water Quality Challenge, and Aiden Holley for being named football’s Division I Scholar-Athlete.

On behalf of the New York State School Boards Association, Dr. Dungee presented certificates of achievement to Board President Luis Alcantara and Board Member Ralph Delgado for their accomplishments through the association’s Excellence in Recognition Program.

Board Member Michele Harriott presented a plaque and flowers to retiring School Business Administrator Sharon Morgan, recognizing her years of service to the district.

Grants and Funded Programs Administrator Christina Guastella outlined several grants she secured for the district, including $1.3 million in Title I grants, $200,000 for Cordello University, Saturday Academy, and dance classrooms; $191,265 in Title II funding for new teacher support; $800,000 in Title III funding for Immigrant and ELL programs; $205,587 in Title IV funding; $4,509,250 in UPK funding; $500,000 for student mental health initiatives; $2.9 million in IDEA funding; a $2,233 mini-grant for the “H2O: Let’s Grow!” initiative; and $125,000 for the YES Before School Enrichment Program. She also announced that the district’s application for the 'My Brother’s Keeper' initiative was accepted, making Central Islip one of 50 districts statewide selected for implementation.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Jessica Iafrate announced that Islip Town Councilman Lorenzo would host a special reception at Islip Town Hall on May 13 for students entering active military service after graduation.

Donny Chiarel, the district communications specialist, introduced new Head Football Coach Sean Christie, who recently hosted a cancer fundraiser. Chiarel then shared a News 12 clip highlighting the event and featuring Teacher Appreciation Day at Alfano Elementary School.

Dr. Dungee provided an update on her K-12 Student Advisory Council Roundtable meetings, where students discussed desired school improvements. Many of their recommendations were implemented. To reward students for their contributions, Dr. Dungee, with the help of Public Relations Coordinator Ms. LaMonica, organized a finale event at Dave & Buster’s. Students enjoyed lunch, games, and an opportunity to interact with peers from other district schools.

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Alfano School Multi-Purpose Room, 50 Wheeler Road.

Photo gallery here