February 26, 2013

Families and Friends of the Carle Place School District:

I am certain that many of us know that life can feel like we have a seat on a roller coaster.  This has certainly been our experience during this school year.  The lows of “Superstorm Sandy” and the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School contrast with the highs of excellence in academic achievement and a student’s lifesaving efforts.  This edition of the Carle Place Pride is filled with stories of students and staff persevering through difficult times to achieve excellence.

During a recent Board of Education meeting, several local dignitaries were on hand to congratulate Frances Bruschi for saving the life of a fellow student.  It is important to note that Frances learned the techniques used during her heroic act as a part of the curriculum in school.  She stands as an example for us all. I encourage everyone to take a class in the use of cardio/pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and basic first aid.

Our community has another reason to be proud as our administrative team has been successful in a grant competition offered by the New York State Education Department. Recently we were notified that the Carle Place School District has been identified as a “Commissioner’s School.”  Only five districts in the entire state have been so designated!  We will now be available as a resource for other districts who hope to replicate our best practices and we have been awarded a two-year grant of $300,000 to assist us in continuing this outstanding work.

Our Board of Education has made excellent progress on the recommendations of our Facilities Improvement Committee.  On Tuesday, March 5, 2013 we will hold a referendum that will, if approved, allow the district to make improvements to our MS/HS library and auditorium, various science labs and our athletic fields.  All of the funds for these improvements will be derived from the Capital Reserve Fund.  A capital reserve is a savings account that the community approved several years ago.  Your continued support and our frugal business practices have made it possible for us to present these plans at no additional cost to the taxpayers of our community!

As we head into the budget development season, we are keenly aware that it is our responsibility to build a spending plan that balances the needs of our children with the ability of our community to provide support.

Thanks for your consideration.

David J. Flatley

Superintendent of Schools