Islip Union Free School District

The Board of Education may be contacted by mail at the following address:

Board of Education
Islip Union Free School District
215 Main Street
Islip, NY 11751

Telephone messages for the Board of Education may be left with the District Clerk during regular business hours at 631-650-8210.

The Board of Education may be reached at the following email address: BOE@islipufsd.org

So that we may better respond to your email, please include your name, address, and telephone number in your message.

Kari-Ann Carr, District Clerk

Contact the District Clerk at 631-650-8211 or districtclerk@islipufsd.org

The Board of Education of the Islip Union Free School District is comprised of seven trustees, each elected by community residents to staggered three year terms. The Board, along with central administration, typically meets twice a month to conduct the public business of the school district. An agenda is published prior to the public meetings, and residents are provided with an opportunity to address the trustees during them. The vested responsibility of the Board includes appointing the Superintendent of Schools to operate and conduct the daily affairs of the school district. Furthermore, according to state law, the Board is authorized to review and adopt policies which are necessary in order to provide students with the public education to which they are entitled. Additionally, the Board members adopt a levy each year, based upon the recommendation of the superintendent, which is the tax revenue for the annual proposed school budget. They are also responsible for the ratification of collective bargaining agreements with employees, the management of district facilities, instruction, and meeting with state and federal officials to advocate for public education initiatives. The Board trustees volunteer their service to the Islip community and participate in numerous community organizations and committees.

The Islip Board of Education, in partnership with the community, will empower all students to achieve excellence and reach their full potential. Learner-focused instruction will provide the whole child with the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to become a productive and successful member of society.

Through a three to five year plan, the Board of Education will address the following goals and objectives in a collaborative manner:

1. In order to provide a foundation for success, the district's operations and the budget will be developed to support high quality instructional programs and services in a safe, secure learning environment that reflects both our academic and financial priorities.
2. The Board of Education will review and develop policies that improve the overall operating success of the Islip school system.
3. For the respect of the community, as a Board, we will plan and effectively execute Board of Education meetings in a transparent and timely fashion. The Board will then provide the community with accurate, relevant information.
4. The Board will continue, through the legislative committee, to advocate and collaborate with others within the Islip community and our educational partners to support public education locally, regionally, and nationally.
5. The Board of Education will perform an annual review.

About the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee acts in an advisory capacity to assist the Board of Education with overseeing the District's internal audit function and external audit. The committee is comprised of four members - two Board of Education trustees and two community members. The Board President and District administrators serve as ad hoc members. Community members are appointed by the Board of Education by resolution, with each serving without compensation for a three-year term. The Board meets multiple times throughout the year to discuss the external audit and any risk assessment of the District's fiscal operations, review the draft of the annual audit report and accompanying draft management letters with the external auditor, and assist the Board in interpreting these documents.

Audit Committee Members

Board of Education Representatives

• Paul Austin
• Eric Buehler
• Philip Dineen (ad hoc)

Community Representatives

• Laura Paehr
• Elaine Romeyk

District Administration Representatives (ad hoc)

• Dennis P. O'Hara
• Donna Brower

Audit Committee Charter

Visit the School District Financial Information page for links to recent audit reports and other related information.

About the Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee is commissioned by the Board of Education and is comprised of Board trustees, district and building administrators, teachers, parents, community members, and other District stakeholders. The committee meets throughout the school year to discuss the educational advocacy objectives of the school district and develop action plans for their initiatives. The committee meets with state and federal officials to discuss key public education laws and regulations. In addition, the committee writes letters, develops position statements, reviews advocacy briefs, and serves as the legislative liaisons for the Board and school district. The volunteer members attend the Longwood Legislative Breakfast, New York State School Boards Association's Capital Conference, the SCSSA Advocacy Workshop, and a number of other conventions, workshops, and meetings. 

Legislative Committee Members

Board of Education Representatives

• Paul Austin
• Kristin Presti
• Laura Rogacki

Parent and Community Representatives

• Jennifer Autera
• Jonathan Galyardt
• Kristen Piazzolla
• Sonia Pinzon
• John Reagan
• Meredith Schwamb
• Angela Tarnok Rocchi

District Administration Representatives

• Dennis P. O'Hara
• Michael Giacchetto
• Curt Juengerkes

Staff Representatives

• Renee Clock
• Marie LaBella

 
Advocacy Efforts

• July 16, 2024 - Board of Education and Superintendent Letter Regarding Mixed Competition
• January 24, 2023 - Board of Education and Superintendent Letter to Governor Hochul
• July 6, 2022 - Board of Education Position Statement on Property Tax Relief Bill
• December 8, 2020 - Position Statement on Withholding of State Aid
• March 27, 2018 - Position Statement on State Aid and School Safety
• December 1, 2015 - Position Statement on Educational Reform
   

Listing of Government Officials Representing the Islip School District

About the Policy Committee

The Policy Committee is responsible for reviewing, amending, and recommending the adoption of policies for school district operation to the Board of Education. The committee meets throughout the year to ensure the policies are reflective of current laws and regulations, and that they meet the needs of the District. Upon recommendation from the committee, policies are read twice at Board meetings and then voted upon at the third meeting. The committee utilizes the policy services of the New York State School Boards Association and subscribes to the ePolicy Manual to host the policies electronically. Policies adopted by the Board pertain to facilities management, instruction, student conduct, grading, fiscal management, school board governance, district personnel, and more. The development and adoption of policies is the principal responsibility of the Board of Education, and the execution of policy is the role of the Superintendent of Schools and district staff members.

Policy Committee Members

• Matthew Clareen
• Kristin Presti
• Laura Rogacki
• Dennis P. O'Hara (ad hoc)
   

Click below to access the Policy Plus Online Board Policy Manual