This board meeting is the only meeting in February, on account of the February break. This meeting is the last meeting before the final budget talks begin, and as such, many community members were out to have their opinions heard.

But firstly, the board heard a student representative report from those who attended the LEAD conference in Washington D.C. This conference had representatives from 29 states, 3 U.S. territories, and Honduras. The conference lasted 3 days and had many inspirational speakers and workshops, which were praised by the attendees for their informative talks on subjects important to life not found in the school community. Some takeaways from these meetings were the school voice project, which is meant to take student suggestions and empower the student body. They also are pushing for more variety in assemblies.

After this, the public showed what they were all here for.  Some came asking to close a school to prevent taxes from getting higher, and one wants to freeze the budget until the LIPA suit concludes. Three parents want to increase the amount of time kids are allowed to spend recess outside, and three others want to reduce the class sizes of first graders attending Pulaski.

After the public comments, Mr. Dantuono came to explain a policy revision regarding students in athletics “playing up.” This means that if an exceptionally talented student is recommended by the coach to play in a higher league and is considered socially and emotionally capable of interacting with his or her peers in the higher grade. There was a bit of debate concerning some of the language between Trustee McCue and Trustee Badanes, but a proposed compromise by Trustee Noonan was accepted and the bill was eventually passed, along with the soliciting of funds from students from 1981.

Then, the board voted to make someone under the school district’s employ (who remained nameless), undergo some psychiatric help. At this point, Trustee Badanes and the board went into executive session.