elects new president, VP

on the table, but before the tally resulting in Cheng’s election, Board President Tom Rotolo shared a lengthy prepared statement. In his remarks, he reflected on many successes and innovations made by the Syosset Central School District during his tenure as president of the nine-member board and with the district’s resiliency to bring students back to normal courses of learning and activities during and following the Covid-19 pandemic – with a look at major social and academic highlights.

Rotolo spoke about strides for equity and inclusion in Syosset Central Schools. He brought up the board decision made at the May 8 board meeting for the athletics team name Syosset Braves to be retired, following the April move by the New York State Education Department banning indigenous names, logos or mascots.

“Inclusivity is fundamental to our district. We have actively championed diversity by eliminating Native American mascot names; we’ve added district holidays including Lunar New Year, Eid and Diwali and fostered inclusivity and cultural understanding. I’m also proud to mention our Diversity & Inclusivity Task Force which ensures that stakeholders have a seat at the table and have provided us with invaluable insight as we navigate this important initiative,” Rotolo said.

Academic highlights of Syosset Schools Rotolo noted in what became his last address as board president included Syosset School’s reading and math scores on standardized assessments, which have improved to the point of elevating the district to a 6th best overall national ranking.

In other key points Rotolo wanted to address as board president, he spoke about Syosset CSD “building the necessary technology infrastructure and establishing research labs, which empowered our students to explore their interests and excel in the S.T.E.M. fields.”

“Our implementation of the 1:1 Chromebook program ensures that every student has access to technology for learning and innovation. Investing in education has played a vital role in the district’s process – starting from our elementary schools we’ve witnessed tremendous progress throughout H.B. Thompson and South Woods Middle Schools and Syosset High School.”

Before the vote for 2023-2024 board president, Rotolo continued shining a light on the positive momentum, “Our comprehensive Math and Science programs rival those of any district, offering our students opportunities to engage with these subjects at a high level. The dedication to excellence is exemplary as Syosset CSD offers 29 AP classes, demonstrating our commitment to providing rigorous academic opportunities. Furthermore, our Science Research program has been resoundingly successful. We had 525 Syosset students participate last year resulting in six finalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search,” he said.

The fiscal component of the district and board’s work in the last few years was also noted: “We have delivered a balanced budget, under the tax cap, while providing all of our valuable programs and services – our commitment to expanding our resources includes adding universal pre-K for all students and property tax exemptions for senior citizens and our disabled community members,” outgoing Board President Rotolo said.

He stated the intent of Syosset CSD’s program, “to nurture every student’s interest and passion,” including opportunities to pursue extracurricular activities and the district’s expanded offerings of student clubs, theater programs, sports teams.

Rotolo also mentioned the new fit- ness center at Syosset High School and the growth of the district’s physical education program “with an increase from three sections to 28 sections in physical and P.E. programs, now serving approximately 600 students.” The co-ed Rowing program was introduced, as well as unified and challenger basketball and flag football.

The facilities investments made by Syosset CSD were another highlight R0tolo presented before the vote to elect Cheng as board president. He mentioned the budgeting involved to upgrade roofing, air conditioning and air filtration systems at the district’s buildings as well as student services.

“We understand that ensuring student safety is of the utmost importance so we have installed bulletproof doors and windows, to provide a secure environment for our learning and growth. Moreover, we have expanded our roster of Mental Health professionals to support the emotional well-being of our students,” he said. “As our district enrollment has grown, we’ve responded by adding more teachers and personnel to ensure that individualized attention is given to all students. The implementation of the co-teaching model allowed us to maintain exceptional quality of education, irrespective of the increased number of students.”

Another element of Syosset CSD he brought up was the increased transparency and communication from the district to the parents and community members, including the new Weekly Update and communications in multiple languages, “providing equal access to information and resources. The openness has increased trust and involvement within our district,” Rotolo stated.