The Locust Valley Central School District Board of Education met on Monday, and discussed plans for infrastructure repairs, student successes, and highlights of the holiday season.
Trustees proposed withdrawing up to $250,000 from the repair reserve to replace a 31-year-old underground fuel tank at the bus garage on Right Field Road. The tank failed a tightness test in November, prompting a report to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.
“The failure was a dry failure, meaning no leakage occurred,” Karen Horoszeksi, the district’s facilities representative and bus administrator, explained. “Given the tanker has reached the end of its 31-year lifespan, the district has decided to proceed with a replacement.”
The repair reserve, which had a balance of nearly $84,000 as of June 30, will fund the project. District Superintendent Kristen Turnow assured attendees that the money was set aside specifically for facilities issues.
“This is not coming from our general budget,” Turnow said. “Having these reserves ensures we can address problems promptly without impacting other programs.”
The board approved the measure unanimously, with trustees expressing gratitude for the district’s financial planning.
Lindsay Fox, speaking on behalf of the Coordinated Parent Councils, expressed appreciation for the board’s work. Representing parents from Locust Valley and Bayville elementary schools and Locust Valley middle and high schools, Fox presented the trustees with tokens of gratitude.
“We are very grateful for all your time and effort,” Fox said.
The evening also featured a student report from the student council, who highlighted recent achievements across the district. They touched on fall sports, welcomed the boys’ varsity swim team, and acknowledged musical performances and community service projects, including a successful blood drive that collected 31 pints.
“We wish everyone happy holidays and continued success in the new year,” they concluded.
AnnMarie Buonaspina, the district’s music coordinator, and senior Sarah Paulus shared a highlight of the holiday season: the High School Chamber Singers’ performance at Radio City Music Hall on Dec. 9. Under the direction of Brianna Brickman, the group opened for the Rockettes’ “Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” performing for thousands and capping the day with a visit to Rockefeller Center.
“This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Paulus said. “We are so proud to have shared our love of music on such an iconic stage.”
The Chamber Singers delighted the meeting attendees with an encore performance of their Radio City set, which included “Joy to the World” and “White Winter Hymnal.”
Science Research Coordinator Lou DeRose gave an update on the district’s participation in the Long Island Sound High School Summit. The program, supported by a grant, engaged students in addressing environmental challenges affecting the Sound.
“Students tackled issues like nitrogen pollution and developed innovative solutions,” DeRose said. “Their projects have real-world applications and highlight the importance of local conservation efforts.”
DeRose also previewed upcoming science competitions, including the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair and the Long Island Science Congress.
Turnow closed the meeting by celebrating the district’s accomplishments and its festive spirit. From the Radio City performance to holiday concerts at every school, she noted the joy these events bring to the community.
“Watching our students perform on such a grand stage was a proud moment,” Turnow said. “These past two weeks have been filled with holiday cheer, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our students and staff.”
