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Friday, February 3, 2017
Vol. 77, No. 5
For Syosset schools, canceling property sale carries price tag BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
Members of Syosset High School’s Association of Creative Thespians presented a holiday-themed, cabaret-esque performance at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center. See page 14. Photo courtesy of the Syosset School District
Syosset Bd. protests pick for Education Secretary BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
Joining a growing number of tristate area public school districts ready to oppose President Donald Trump’s cabinet choice for U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, at their January 25 meeting the Syosset Board of Education approved a detailed resolution against her appointment and outlined its reasons clearly, as 200 members of the school community listened. A clear majority of the crowd of residents applauded and some offered public comments thanking the board for the resolution. The district’s reasons included its prior opposition to excessive student testing, opposition
to the proliferation of charter schools, support of the national public education systems and being a well-recognized regional example of public schools that accomplishes its mission of having students lead lives that fulfill their highest potential. Through the resolution, Syosset’s school board puts it bluntly, writing that at her Senate confirmation hearing DeVos was unable to “satisfactorily describe how she would resolve the conflicts of interest presented by her extensive investments in organizations that may benefit from her actions as Education Secretary.” The board resolution outlined specific issues that DeVos’
background has brought forward for discussions among education leaders, some of which other top Long Island school boards such as Garden City’s have echoed as questionable points. Syosset Central School District put the following in the board’s resolution: “Ms. DeVos’ extensive philanthropic investments have served to undermine public education by promoting charter school and voucher systems. Ms. Devos had an opportunity to demonstrate her fitness, philosophy, and ethical independence for the position of Secretary of Education during her Senate confirmation hearSee page 8
The Syosset Central School District Board of Education canceled a controversial land sale during its January 25th meeting, which could pose financial and other repercussions in the future. The district rescinded its decision to sell a parcel of land in Woodbury that is adjacent to Walt Whitman Elementary on Jericho Turnpike and Woodbury Road, with the hope that it can put “water under the bridge” between all factions of residents in this eclectic community. All board members voted in favor of rescinding the original contract of sale ($5 million) and paying for inconveniencing the developer while satisfying the Syosset / Woodbury rallying cry that packed board meetings December 19, 2016, and again on January 25. In return for doing an about-face and backing out of the deal, the Syosset school district negotiated compensation to its buyer. It will be paying $125,000 to developer Basser Kaufman Realty, in settlement of any potential claim of breach of contract. That sum and the compromising position this district is now in was criticized at times but also lauded by different residents of the community. While the school board listened closely, its statement as of January 25 reflects much scrutiny of its legal standing. “As the community can see the board has on its January agenda to enter into a settlement agreement which includes termination of the contract of sale for the Woodbury property. The board understands that during the audience to the public portion of this meeting there will be people addressing the board concerning this resolution. On advice of counsel the school board will not be responding to any statements or questions concerning the proposed agreement prior to consideration of the resolution, so as to avoid any liability to the board. As the board and counsel previously advised the community, the agreement between the developer and the school district does not provide for termination of the agreement by the district. The agreement which the board will consider tonight was negotiated by the school district counsel after they were notified of a potential claim from the developer that the board had breached its obligation to cooperate in connection with the development of the property,” explained School Board President Dr. Michael Cohen. He was asked by counsel to read that statement before the public comment period. As Cohen described last week, there were a lot of highly charged emotions in the room on December 19 when the community spoke up against the property sale. Strong sentiments carried forward five weeks later, although new context and developments with the sale were in the mix. Conversation flowed, marking progress in itself. But the school district’s inability to communicate with all community members last fall, when an initial contract with Basser See page 8
Syosset HS students to perform “Hair” PAGE 3 Joe Saladino sworn in as TOB Supervisor PAGE 6