BOE Highlights: Language Class Cut, Student Spotlight and Budget Cuts

A previously cut middle school elective sparked debate amongst BOE members at Monday night's meeting at , which also included student recognition, talks on the budget and points of pride.

Language Course Sparks Debate

When the floor was opened for discussion, one resident – and parent of a sixth grader – asked the BOE why Mandarin Chinese was no longer offered.

Superintendent Laria said that the course was “significantly under-enrolled.”

He added that only the students who are currently taking the class will be able to continue. Incoming seventh grade students will have Spanish and Italian to choose from.

However, board trustee Joel Sunshine said he felt it was unfair that courses, such as Mandarin Chinese, had to be cut.

“This is what I’ve been talking about all year,” said Sunshine. “To me, we should be encouraging kids to study Mandarin Chinese, not discouraging them.”

His statements were followed by an applause from the public and sparked a small debate with Laria and BOE president Ida McQuair, who reassured the public of the board’s continuing work.

“We have the best interest of the community in mind,” said McQuair. “We’re doing the best we can.”

Glen Cove High School Students Recognized

Two students, Paul Ferrante and Esteban Maraboli, were commended by the BOE for their “outstanding accomplishments or contributions,” spotlighting the district’s programs and educational initiatives.

Ferrante, a junior, is the first student chosen for a pilot internship aimed at establishing and encouraging cultural clubs in high schools.

He was selected based on an essay he had written about his “passions for the future, and his desire to be involved in marketing,” according to the board.

The program, sponsored by the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit, provides “valuable and professional experience,” said Laria. 

Ferrante helped with some of the logistics of managing the organization’s database and communication, as well as its bookkeeping and fundraising activities. He was also instrumental in planning a recent black tie affair.

Maraboli, a senior, arrived from Chile three years ago with a limited knowledge of the English language, but a “strong desire to make a difference in his community.”

“We can safely say that Esteban is well on his way to achieving all of the hopes and dreams he came to this country with,” said Laria.

. He followed through by volunteering with La Fuerza Unida to run the after-school ESL tutoring program three times per week for an hour.

Beginning earlier this month, the tutoring program was extended to the middle school as well.

Due to his efforts, Maraboli has been selected to participate in the annual New York State Assembly and Senate Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute in Albany this April. It is an opportunity given to 12 Nassau County juniors and seniors.

Executive Director of the Nassau County Youth Board Maggie Martinez Malito presented the award.

Real Estate Breakfast 

The BOE is beginning to make plans for a breakfast with local real estate agents on Friday, May 20, at the Middle School Mini Center.

The reason for the meeting, according to Laria, is to market the school district by informing local realtors of the “factual, good things that exist in Glen Cove.”

Budget Season

Superintendent Laria spoke about the upcoming budget adoption.

“Depending upon which way the tax rate goes, cuts in the magnitude of $3 million to $3.6 million have to be made,” he said.

If the community votes against the proposed school budget, additional cuts will be instituted beginning July 1 totaling $4.2 million.

The next Budget Workshop will be held March 23, 7 p.m. The agenda includes: the remainder of instructional part of the budget, special education, co-curricular activities and inter-scholastic athletics.

BOE Grants Tenure

The BOE motioned to pass two items on the agenda regarding personnel, one of which involved appointments, tenure and salary changes.

The teachers who are granted tenure are invited back for the traditional tenure reception  in May, where they are formally recognized.

Points of Pride

“If we don’t toot our own horn, there is no music,” said Laria before announcing this week’s “points of pride.”

held bake sales, raising $350 for cancer research. More fundraisers were held to support the earthquake victims in Japan.

ranked fifth in the Long Island Spelling Bee Championship.

Medals were awarded to the following members of DECA for being state finalists in their respective categories: Alison Abrams (Marketing Mathematics), Alison Baade (Visual Advertising), Remi Farnan (Sales Demonstration), Andrea Lazo (Marketing Economics),  Risa Nagel (Chapter Scrapbook), Jenna Piccirillo (Advertising Campaign), and Andrew Sakhaee (Advertising Campaign). 

Senior Heather Artinian won second place for her advertising campaign on Valley Trophy and Sports. She was also awarded Outstanding Chapter Member of the Year. She will be taking part in Nationals in Orlando, FL.

Patrick Bellidoro and Anish Joshi have been inducted into the New York DECA Honor Society.