Copiague Union Free School District, NY

Regular Meeting Agenda

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education meets Monday, September 28, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Everett E. Newman III Administrative Offices. The board will vote on a Memorandum of Agreement with the New York State Nurses Association covering July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028, and on changes to 15 curriculum-related board policies. It will also act on a long list of personnel appointments, resignations, leaves, and stipends, and receive financial and enrollment reports.

• Resolution to ratify a Memorandum of Agreement (July 1, 2023–June 30, 2028) with the New York State Nurses Association Local Bargaining Unit, ratified September 9, 2026
• Approval of 15 curriculum policies including 4300 Curriculum, 4315 Health Education, 4315.1 Aids Instruction, 4317 Teaching About Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, and 4326 Programs For English Language Learners
• Middle school remedial tutoring stipends of $4,460 each for seven teachers for the 2026-2027 school year
• Elementary K-5 Fountas & Pinnell curriculum writing project: 10 hours at $45.00/hour for eight teachers
• Final approval of an out-of-state/overnight trip for the HS NYSFBC State Championships in Syracuse, NY, October 30–November 1, 2026

Audit Committee Meeting

The Copiague Union Free School District Audit Committee meets Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6:15 pm at the Everett E. Newman III Administrative Offices. The committee will hear from external auditors EFPR Group, represented by Brent Jensen, and review the district's financial statements and independent auditor's reports for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, along with the extraclassroom activity funds audit report for the same period. No votes or dollar amounts appear on the agenda. The date of the next Audit Committee meeting has not been determined.

• External auditors EFPR Group (Brent Jensen) present to the committee
• Financial statements and independent auditor's reports for fiscal year ended June 30, 2026
• Extraclassroom activity funds and independent auditors' report for fiscal year ended June 30, 2026
• Next Audit Committee meeting date listed as TBD

Regular Meeting Agenda

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education will vote on routine personnel actions, including approving minutes, accepting resignations and declinations, granting leaves of absence, and appointing staff for the 2026-2027 school year. The agenda includes annual appointments for co-curricular advisors, teacher mentors, winter coaching staff, and a chaperone, as well as appointments for the 'Project Interceptors' program and a probationary coordinator. No major policy changes or public hearings are listed.

• Approval of minutes for August 24 and August 26, 2026 meetings
• Resignations of cafeteria aide, teaching assistant, food service worker, and office assistant
• Leaves of absence for an English teacher, school nurse, and food service worker
• Annual co-curricular appointments with stipends ranging from $762.33 to $7,948
• Winter coaching staff appointments with stipends up to $13,690

Regular Meeting Agenda - For the Purpose of Hiring New Staff Members

The Copiague Board of Education is meeting to finalize staffing for the upcoming school year. The agenda focuses on accepting resignations, approving new teacher and substitute appointments, and authorizing pay for additional duties. No public comment or discussion items are scheduled.

• Hiring Ayla Irvine as a temporary elementary teacher at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School with a salary of $70,781
• Approving $13,304 stipends for teachers Marino Stamatelatos and Yoleidys Swerdloff for teaching additional classes
• Accepting resignations from four staff members including a courier, security aide, teaching assistant, and food service worker
• Appointing six per diem substitute teachers at a rate of $205 per day
• Approving grant-funded stipends for co-curricular advisors ranging from $1,995 to $5,193

The Board of Education held a regular meeting on August 26, 2026, to address personnel matters. The Board accepted several staff resignations, approved declination of appointments, and confirmed numerous new hires, including teachers, substitutes, and support staff for the 2026-2027 school year.

• Appointed Dr. Kathleen Bannon as Clerk Pro Tem (5-0)
• Accepted four staff resignations (5-0)
• Approved six declination of appointments (5-0)
• Approved leave of absence for food service worker (5-0)
• Approved additional class stipends for two high school teachers (5-0)
• Approved various extended learning and co-curricular appointments (5-0)
• Approved multiple teaching and substitute teacher appointments (5-0)
• Approved probationary appointments for school monitors and cafeteria aide (5-0)

Regular Meeting Agenda

The Copiague Board of Education will vote on a series of personnel actions, including accepting resignations, approving leaves of absence, and making new appointments. The agenda includes the approval of minutes from the August 10, 2026 meeting and a large number of appointments for the 2026-2027 school year, including probationary appointments, substitute teachers, and staff for the Extended Learning program. The meeting is scheduled for August 24, 2026, at 7:00 pm.

• Probationary appointments: Theodore Rohrs (Coordinator of Athletics, $127,118) and Linda Swinkin (School Psychologist, $118,637 + differential)
• Part-time (.2) Art Teacher appointment: Stacey Zurbaran, $74,582 @ .02
• Per Diem Substitute Athletic Trainer: Andrew Denmark, $55/hour
• Approval of four staff resignations, including cafeteria aides and office assistants
• Approval of leaves of absence for a security aide, speech teacher, and science research teacher

The Copiague Board of Education approved a slate of personnel and policy items, including the 2026-2027 District-Wide School Safety Plan and revised Code of Conduct policies. It accepted four staff resignations, approved appointments including a Coordinator of Athletics and a School Psychologist, and named two student ex-officio board members for 2026-2027. All votes recorded were unanimous among the five members present; two members were absent.

• Approved 2026-2027 District-Wide School Safety Plan and Building Level Safety and Emergency Response Plans (5-0)
• Approved revised Code of Conduct policies 5300.1 through 5300.70 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of the August 10, 2026 regular meeting (5-0)
• Accepted resignations of four staff: Janice Guerriero, Ana Pena, Veronica Carrello, Amanda Espinal (5-0)
• Approved appointments of Theodore Rohrs as Coordinator of Athletics and Linda Swinkin as School Psychologist (5-0)
• Approved consent items 2.4-2.13: leaves of absence, extended learning appointments, substitute teachers, chaperones, and a monitor hour increase (5-0)
• Approved Committee on Preschool Special Education and Committee on Special Education student placement recommendations (5-0)
• Approved resolution seating Jai'den Pernell and Irie Waterbury as non-voting student ex-officio board members for 2026-2027 (5-0)

Regular Meeting Agenda

The Copiague school board is holding a public hearing and voting on a resolution to grant a 100% school tax exemption on primary residences for seriously disabled veterans, as allowed by a recent state law amendment. The board also approved several personnel actions, including resignations, leaves, and numerous teaching and substitute appointments for the 2026-27 school year. All motions passed unanimously with four yes votes.

• Resolution authorizing 100% real property tax exemption for seriously disabled veterans' primary residences
• Accepted 5 resignations including Senior Office Assistant Sandra Stephenson (retirement) and Music Teacher Obdulio Garcia
• Approved leave of absence for Science Teacher Deysi Donato for childcare
• Appointed Jamie Carucci as temporary elementary teacher at $74,582 salary
• Approved 40+ per diem substitute teacher appointments at $205/day

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 tax levy of $73,604,235 and adopted a 100% real property tax exemption for seriously disabled veterans. The board also accepted multiple staff resignations, leaves, and routine appointments, and approved budget transfers and a $111,860.59 expenditure budget revision. All recorded action items passed unanimously with four board members present.

• Approved Real Property Tax Exemption for Seriously Disabled Veterans (4-0)
• Accepted five staff resignations including retirements (4-0)
• Approved leave of absence for science teacher Deysi Donato (4-0)
• Approved various staff appointments, substitute positions, and provisional hire of Stephanie Catano as School Purchasing Agent (4-0)
• Approved district priorities for the 2026-27 school year (4-0)
• Approved 2026-2027 tax levy in the amount of $73,604,235 (4-0)
• Approved contract with Electrical Training Center Inc. (4-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 expenditure budget revision of $111,860.59 using EBALR funds (4-0)

Reorganization Meeting and Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education held its reorganization and regular meeting, electing officers and approving numerous appointments for the 2026-2027 school year. All actions were approved unanimously by the five board members present. The agenda was largely procedural, focusing on annual appointments and contracts.

• Appointed Michael Kearns as Claims Auditor at $23,829 fee
• Appointed R.S. Abrams & Co. as Internal Auditors at $59,900 fee
• Appointed EFPR Group as External Auditors at $45,200 fee
• Appointed Dr. Jason B. Hitner as Chief School Medical Officer at $60,000 fee
• Approved Ingerman Smith as School Attorney and Hawkins Delafield as Bond Counsel

The Copiague Board of Education held its reorganization meeting, electing Brian J. Sales as President, Kenneth Urban as Vice President, and Ledy Torres as Second Vice President. The board unanimously approved numerous appointments for the 2026-27 school year, including district officers, legal counsel, auditors, and various staff positions, as well as policy changes and the continuation of Universal Pre-K providers. All votes were unanimous (5-0) with two members absent.

• Elected Brian J. Sales as President (5-0)
• Elected Kenneth Urban as Vice President (5-0)
• Elected Ledy Torres as Second Vice President (5-0)
• Appointed Deborah Van Florcke as District Clerk (5-0)
• Approved Michael Kearns as Claims Auditor at $23,829 (5-0)
• Approved Ingerman Smith, L.L.P. as School Attorney (5-0)
• Approved R.S. Abrams & Co. as Internal Auditor at $59,900 (5-0)
• Approved policy changes for emergency plans, school meals, and free meal services (5-0)

Regular Meeting Agenda

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is holding a regular meeting with a consent agenda covering personnel actions, including resignations, appointments, and coaching staff for the 2026-27 school year. The board will vote on these items as a block, with no separate discussion expected.

• Resignations: Vivian Alba (Food Service Worker), Christopher Napoli (Athletic Trainer), Nicole Katsanis (School Psychologist)
• Appointment: Christopher Napoli as Physical Education Teacher at Copiague High School, salary $94,135
• Fall 2026 coaching appointments with salaries up to $11,092 for varsity football head coach
• Intramural staff appointments at $55/hour up to 30 hours per activity
• Ancillary staff appointments including music and color guard positions with stipends up to $4,000

Regular Meeting Agenda

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is meeting to approve minutes, accept resignations, and make numerous appointments for summer 2026 programs, including mentor coordinator, summer school staff, and student services personnel. The agenda is largely routine and administrative, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of minutes for May 5, May 18, May 19, and May 27, 2026 meetings
• Resignation of Krystina Gherlone, per diem substitute teacher, effective 6/1/26
• Appointment of Allison Weller as Mentor Coordinator with $5,000 stipend for 2026-2027
• Appointment of Lauren D'Annunzio as Secondary Regional Summer School Liaison at $50/hour for up to 50 hours
• Appointment of summer school support counselors at $300 daily rate and elementary summer program staff with stipends up to $1,200 weekly

The Copiague Board of Education approved all action items, including granting tenure to Lauren D'Annunzio as a school counselor, accepting a resignation, and approving a large consent agenda of summer school appointments, staff hires, and contracts. The board also authorized the president to issue tax and revenue anticipation notes for the 2026-2027 school year if needed. All votes were unanimous among the five members present.

• Approved minutes from May 5, May 18, May 19, and May 27 meetings (5-0)
• Accepted resignation of per diem substitute teacher Krystina Gherlone (5-0)
• Approved declination of appointment for temporary elementary teacher Emma Iehle (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda 2.7-2.20 including summer school staff, mentor coordinator, and new hires (5-0)
• Granted tenure to Lauren D'Annunzio as school counselor effective 11/3/26 (5-0)
• Approved CPSE and CSE recommendations for student placements (5-0)
• Authorized delegation to board president for tax/revenue anticipation notes for 2026-27 (5-0)
• Approved multi-year service agreement with Western Suffolk BOCES for computers and copiers (5-0)

Special Meeting

The Copiague school board held a special meeting with procedural opening items and two actions. The board appointed Dr. Kathleen Bannon as Clerk Pro Tem and approved a resolution denying a Step IV grievance heard on May 18, 2026. All motions passed unanimously with the same four board members voting yes.

• Appointed Dr. Kathleen Bannon as Clerk Pro Tem
• Approved resolution denying a Step IV grievance heard May 18, 2026
• All motions passed 4-0 with Sales, Daubel, Pepe, and Guido voting yes

The Copiague UFSD Board of Education held a special meeting and took two actions. It approved a resolution denying a Step IV grievance heard on May 18, 2026, and directed the District Clerk to notify the grievant. The board also appointed Dr. Kathleen Bannon as Clerk Pro Tem. All votes were 4-0, with three members absent.

• Denied Step IV grievance and directed District Clerk to notify grievant (4-0)
• Appointed Dr. Kathleen Bannon as Clerk Pro Tem (4-0)

Regular Meeting Agenda - For the Purpose of Hiring New Staff Members

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is holding a regular meeting primarily to act on personnel matters, including accepting resignations, approving leaves of absence, and making appointments for the summer and upcoming school year. The board voted to approve all action items, which include hiring new teachers, appointing summer program staff, and approving stipends.

• Resignations: Michelle Gutierrez-Kinzel (Teaching Assistant/Per Diem Substitute Teacher, Deauville Gardens West Elementary) and Tristan Hayes (Music Teacher, Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School)
• Probationary appointments: Danielle Aiello (Special Education Teacher, $120,641), Michael Valente (Music Teacher, $72,656), Alexandra Perticone (Music Teacher, $61,959)
• Summer program appointments: 43 enrichment teachers at $1,200 weekly stipend, 14 teaching assistants at $1,728 for 4-week program, clerical at $23.90/hr, nurse at $207/day
• Literacy support teacher stipends: $10,800 each for 9 teachers
• Summer registration teachers at $50/hour for ESL student registration

The Copiague Board of Education approved a series of personnel actions, including accepting two resignations and approving a consent agenda covering leaves of absence, appointments, and summer program staffing. The board also approved three probationary teaching appointments and several permanent non-teaching positions. All votes were unanimous (6-0).

• Accepted resignations of Michelle Gutierrez-Kinzel and Tristan Hayes (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda items 2.2-2.14 covering leaves, appointments, and summer staff (6-0)
• Approved probationary appointments for Danielle Aiello, Michael Valente, and Alexandra Perticone (6-0)
• Approved permanent appointments for Elizabeth Kahoud, Marianna Pascarella, and Rylie Allen (6-0)
• Approved part-time office assistant appointment for Emely Gomez (6-0)
• Approved substitute custodian appointment for Anthony Indellicati (6-0)
• Approved co-curricular appointment for Gabrielle Romanelli (6-0)

Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Agenda

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is holding a public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 school budget and then conducting a regular meeting with multiple action items. The board will vote on minutes, resignations, leaves, and a large consent agenda of appointments and stipends. The meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Everett E. Newman III Administrative Offices.

• Public hearing on 2026-2027 proposed school budget
• Approval of minutes for April 21, 2026 regular meeting and April 14, 2026 library special meeting
• Resignations: Maribel Candanedo (Cafeteria Aide), Lauren Russo (Teaching Assistant), Molly McBride (Teaching Assistant), Sylvia Grenci (Office Assistant, retirement)
• Probationary appointment: Anthony Faber, Special Education Teacher at Great Neck Road Elementary, salary $70,781 (Step 1, MA column)
• Appointments: Jissell Garcia (Spanish Speaking Office Assistant, $38,084), Kristin Camarillo (School Nurse, $54,806 + $2,000 stipend), Jamal Arthur (School Security Guard, $24.59/hr)

The Copiague Board of Education held a public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 school budget and then approved a series of administrative actions. The board accepted multiple staff resignations, approved leaves of absence, and made numerous appointments including teachers, substitute teachers, and support staff. Policy changes, budget transfers, a donation, and the scheduling of the annual reorganizational meeting were also approved.

• Held public hearing on 2026-2027 proposed school budget
• Approved minutes of April 21, 2026 regular meeting and April 14, 2026 special library meeting
• Accepted resignations of 4 staff members (cafeteria aide, 2 teaching assistants, office assistant)
• Approved medical leaves for 2 food service workers
• Approved appointments: probationary special education teacher, 2 per diem substitutes, additional class stipend, extended learning staff, Wilson reading instructor, ancillary staff, intramural staff, permanent/probationary office assistants, substitute staff, school nurse, school monitor, food service/custodial workers, security guard
• Approved updated list of Impartial Hearing Officers and special education committee recommendations
• Approved 10 board policy changes and 2025/26 budget transfers over $10,000
• Approved $307.26 donation from Ahold Delhaize, extended plant facilities bids, scheduled reorganizational meeting for July 8, 2026, approved 2026-27 meeting nights, and approved out-of-state trip for HS Music in the Park

Regular Meeting Agenda- Adopt A Budget and BOCES Budget/Trustee Vote

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is holding a regular meeting to adopt the 2026-27 budget and BOCES budget, and to conduct a trustee vote. The agenda includes a budget work session presentation and multiple personnel actions, such as appointments, resignations, and tenure recommendations. All listed actions were passed unanimously.

• Approve 2026/2027 budget and BOCES budget/trustee vote
• Appoint Karilyn Korec as Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations, salary $220,000, effective 8/1/26
• Approve summer school 2026 appointments with stipends up to $11,250
• Accept resignations of School Security Guard Walter Lenski, Secretarial Assistant Nancy Chieco, and Part-Time Security Aide Charles Carter
• Approve tenure for teaching assistants Deysis Rodriguez and Maryann Passeggiata

Regular Meeting Agenda and Budget Work Session

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education held a regular meeting and budget work session on March 30, 2026. The board approved a consent agenda covering numerous personnel actions, including appointments, resignations, and leaves of absence. The meeting also included a budget work session, though no specific budget details are provided in the agenda.

• Approved probationary appointment of Omar Garcia as Secondary Assistant Principal at Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School, salary $143,956, effective July 1, 2026.
• Approved probationary appointments for five teaching positions (counselor, special education, psychologist, social studies, English) with salaries ranging from $70,781 to $90,334.
• Approved resignations of three staff members: Adrianna Johnson (Teaching Assistant), Misheley King (Per Diem Substitute Teacher), Jessica DeJesus (School Monitor).
• Approved medical leave of absence for Utility Driver Carlos Velez, effective 3/17/26 through 6/30/26.
• Approved compensation for six teachers covering additional Spanish classes at $13,043 each (prorated) due to a leave of absence.

Regular Meeting Agenda and Budget Work Session

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education met for a regular meeting and budget work session. The board approved a series of personnel actions, including resignations, appointments, and stipends for summer programs. The agenda also included a budget work session, though no specific budget details were listed.

• Accepted resignations of 18 staff members, including Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Susan Kanuika (retirement) and several teachers and aides
• Approved $7,500 stipend for Melissa Maggio as Elementary Summer School Principal
• Approved $2,500 stipends for Crystal DiCioccio and Alison Silber as Elementary Summer Program Assistant Developers
• Appointed Olivia Maiorino as temporary elementary teacher at $69,393 (prorated) and Chesly Lievano as substitute foreign language teacher at $57,649 (prorated)
• Approved probationary appointments for part-time security aides at $24.59/hour

Regular Meeting Agenda

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is meeting to approve a series of personnel actions, including resignations, leaves of absence, and appointments. The agenda includes consent items for various staff appointments and stipends, as well as a recommendation from the Committee on Preschool Special Education. The board also approved minutes from a previous meeting.

• Approved resignations of 12 staff members, including 7 retirements effective 6/30/26
• Approved medical leaves for a custodian, cafeteria aide, and food service worker
• Approved 12 middle school remedial tutoring appointments at $4,373 each
• Approved 4 co-curricular appointments with stipends up to $3,188
• Approved appointments for school nurses at $54,806 each

Regular Meeting Agenda

The Copiague Board of Education will vote on routine administrative actions, including accepting a trustee's resignation and appointing a replacement, approving staff appointments and coaching contracts, and adopting policy and budget items. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items passed unanimously in a single consent vote.

• Accept resignation of Trustee Rosemary Natoli and appoint Ledy Torres as new trustee
• Approve 2025/26 budget transfers over $10,000
• Adopt 2026/27 school budget development calendar
• Approve Spring 2026 coaching staff appointments (e.g., $10,025 for varsity boys lacrosse head)
• Approve policy changes (e.g., Board powers, elections)

Audit Committee Meeting

The Copiague Union Free School District Audit Committee is meeting to discuss draft internal audit reports and hear from the internal auditors, R.S. Abrams & Co., LLP. The agenda includes procedural items like call to order and roll call, with the main business being the review of audit findings.

• Internal Auditors - R.S. Abrams & Co., LLP - Marianne Van Duyne
• Draft Internal Audit Reports

Regular Meeting Agenda

The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is meeting to approve a series of routine personnel actions, including teaching appointments, coaching stipends for spring sports, and support staff hires. The board will also vote on a budget transfer over $10,000, a revision to the district calendar, and recommendations for special education placements. All listed actions were passed unanimously.

• Approved part-time art teacher Donna Rivera at $57,649 (prorated) and substitute art teacher Stacey Zurbaran at $71,231 (prorated)
• Approved spring 2026 coaching appointments with stipends up to $11,724 for track and field head coaches
• Approved permanent appointment of Sandra Kuffo as Senior Office Assistant at $56,735
• Approved probationary maintenance mechanics at $71,501 plus $650 stipend
• Approved 2025/26 budget transfer in excess of $10,000 and district calendar revision