What's New at Western Suffolk BOCES

Adults from across Long Island celebrated their long-awaited high school graduation on June 17 at West Babylon High School. "It's never too late to learn," said many of the 60 graduates of the External Diploma Program, a program for adults over 21 to earn their high school diplomas, as they gathered with their families and friends for an emotional ceremony to receive their diplomas. Click here to see the new high school graduates!

In this study-at-home program, these adults received credit for skills they had acquired and demonstrated mastery of specific academic requirements in weekly sessions with a counselor/teacher. For more information about the EDP program, call Wilson Tech's Career Center at 631-667-6000, ext. 320.

“Kick Butts” Day is a great opportunity to promote tobacco awareness within the school through hands-on activities and lessons, “said Principal Chandra Rivera. “Student involvement is critical to the implementation, communication, and enforcement of this policy.”

The main events at Kick Butts Day included an Anti-Tobacco Pledge/Graffiti/Memorial Wall for students to write their anti-tobacco messages, posters, and letters to US Senators and Representatives to express how they feel about big tobacco companies targeting the youth of America. Winners of “Outstanding Letter Entry” include: Vincent LaPonte, Lindsey Koontz, Karen Luciver, Cassandra Wilkie, Grant Nelms, Alex Brook. Winners of “Anti-Tobacco Graffiti Entry” include: Rayshawn Jones, Alfredo Laurean, Christina Ortiz, and Elijah Gaskins. The BHS grand prize” was awarded to Gabrielle Famighette, and the BMS grand prize was awarded to Raheem Daniels.

According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 2006: 23,900 youth under the age of 18 in New York State become new daily smokers each year. Developing and enforcing a tobacco-free policy is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as one of the top strategies to prevent tobacco use and addiction. Kick Butts Day affords students and schools the opportunity to ‘stand out, speak up, and seize control against big tobacco.’

BM/HS joins more than 70 other secondary schools across Long Island and Westchester County that have made a commitment to the Tobacco-Free Schools Project. For more information about Tobacco-Free Schools, Kick Butts Day, or any other tobacco control initiatives please go to http://lirsssc.wsboces.org

BOCES Recognizes Outstanding Students

The Board of Western Suffolk BOCES honored the following outstanding students for 2008-09. Click here to see photos of the awards ceremony. (You will need Microsoft Media Player to view.)

Ralph Cothias of Half Hollow Hills in Wilson Tech's Aviation Science Flight/Science program

1^st Place Related Technical Math at NYS SkillsUSA Competition

Mitchel Schwartz of Smithtown West in Wilson Tech's Automotive Technology program

Philip Carlson of Commack in Wilson Tech's Automotive Technology program

1st Place, Region and NYS Automobile Competitions sponsored by Greater NY Auto Dealers Association

Alexandria Simeone of Smithtown East in Wilson Tech's Medical Laboratory Assisting program

National SkillsUSA Delegate

Ximena Gutierrez of West Babylon in Wilson Tech's Police Science & Law program

Joseph D. Myers Scholarship

Christian Santiago of Hauppauge in Wilson Tech's Office Skills program

Joseph D. Myers Scholarship

Jason Curcio of Copiague in the JEA Alternative School

Outstanding Achievement Award

Joseph DeMonte of North Babylon in the Brennan Middle School

Presidential Award for Educational Excellence

Tiffany Harris of Commack in the Alternate Learning Center at John Glenn High School

SEPTA Council Director’s Award

Erica Martin of Half Hollow Hills in the Brennan High School

Bernard Ivan Novy Scholarship Award

Joseph Rivera of Copiague in the JEA Jr./Sr. High School

Paul Loiacono Memorial Award

Districts Approve BOCES Budget for 2009-10

Local school districts overwhelmingly approved the 2009-10 administrative budget of Western Suffolk BOCES and re-elected Sydney Finkelstein and Sal Marinello to three-year terms as trustees on the Board.

Seventeen districts approved the BOCES administrative budget and 17 voted in the affirmative for the two incumbents; one district did not vote for the budget or for the trustees.

Fifteen of the 18 school districts in the supervisory district will see a decrease in their combined administrative and capital charges from Western Suffolk BOCES for 2009–10.

Mr. Finkelstein, a former Board member of the ElwoodSchool District, has served on the BOCES Board since 1979. Mr. Marinello, a former Board member of the West BabylonSchool District and immediate past president of the BOCES Board, has served on the BOCES Board since 1997. They will take the oath of office at the July 7 Board meeting.

By eliminating 1.5 positions and holding several smaller budget lines such as travel, conference and postage to the current year’s levels, the administrative budget for Western Suffolk BOCES will increase just 0.4% over the 2008–09 budget. The projected decline in interest rates resulted in a decrease in revenues and, therefore, a 3% increase in the BOCES administrative charge (analogous to the tax rate in local districts).

In the capital budget, the major savings to local districts results from the consolidation of the Brennan Middle and High School programs into one building. This elimination of rent on one school results in a 6.25% decrease in the capital charge for next year.

The BOCES administrative and capital charges are distributed to local districts based on a three-year weighted average of their student enrollment.

The total proposed BOCES budget for 2009–10 is $136,043,319. Of this, 3.2% will go to administration; 4.1% will go to post-retirement benefits; and 2.3% will go to the capital budget. The balance, 90.4%, of this proposed budget is driven by the programs and services that local school districts request.

Charges/Pupil Are Lowest in NYS

According to the State Education Department’s most recent Report to the Governor and the Legislature on BOCES, the combined administrative and capital charge per pupil* for Western Suffolk BOCES are the lowest in New York State.

“When the high regional costs on Long Island are considered, it is significant that the combined administrative and capital charge per pupil for this BOCES is below all other BOCES in the state,” noted Peter Wunsch, president of the Western Suffolk BOCES Board.

For copies of the proposed BOCES 2009-2010 Tentative Budget, call 549-4900, x224.

*per pupil refers to the Resident Weighted Average Daily Attendance (RWADA) figure.

Public School Enrollment Declines as Population Plateaus

Long Island’s population has reached a plateau according to the annual Regional Nassau/Suffolk Public School Enrollment Report for 2002-2011 compiled by the Office of School Planning and Research at Western Suffolk BOCES. Public school enrollment in the two counties reflects the lack of overall population growth and aging in the two counties.

Decreasing enrollments, the report notes, have been seen across Long Island since 2005 and this trend is expected to continue. Enrollments in public schools are affected by a number of demographic factors, including the number of births in the area, median age of the population, immigration/migration rates, housing trends, and non-public school enrollments. Data in the BOCES report (click here to read the full report) reflects the overall impact these factors have had in recent years on school district populations and the projected impact these factors may have in the next three years.

According to the 2008 U.S. Census estimates, Nassau County experienced a slight decline (0.1%) and Suffolk County had virtually no change when compared to 2007 estimates. In addition, the median age of residents is increasing in both counties. The median age has risen in Nassau County to 41.2 years while in Suffolk County it is 39.2 years, according to 2007 estimates.

Immigration/Migration
While indicators point to an increase in “domestic migrants”, i.e., people who move off Long Island to other parts of the country, this is tempered by overseas immigration to Long Island. Between 2000 and 2007, there were notable increases in both the Hispanic and Asian populations in both counties.

In general, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, immigrants who came to this country in the 1980’s and 1990’s had higher birthrates than those of non-immigrants. However, in general, this population’s family size expectations are showing signs of declining. A consideration for school districts in the future may be a larger population of bilingual and English as a Second Language students in area schools.

Births
Overall, births have been declining in both counties since the 1990’s. In addition, there has been a declining natural increase (births relative to deaths) in the population on Long Island. Both counties saw declining natural increases in 2005; the numbers recorded were the lowest since the late 1980’s.

A reported slight increase in births in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, however, was found in 2006 (the latest year data is available). This is expected to continue through 2009 before leveling off at a slightly lower level. This is an indication that some districts will experience larger kindergarten cohorts beginning in 2011. These cohorts, however, will be significantly smaller than those cohorts graduating from high school in those years. The net result will continue to be an overall decline in school enrollments in the region through 2011.

Housing Trends
The high level of housing sales on Long Island has been reversed, reflecting the tightening of lending standards in the face of an increasing number of foreclosures. The dramatic increases in housing inventories reflect the switch from a sellers’ market to a buyers’ market. Reductions in median home prices are being seen throughout Long Island. However, there remains a need for workforce-housing designed to attract young professionals, who would otherwise be priced out of the Long Island housing market. While this need has received recent attention, the reality of the slumping economy has stalled all types of building, including affordable housing.

The Economy
The report says that the impact of recent economic changes on school enrollment within our region is yet to be determined. The Long Island economy, however, is not faring as well as in the past, with the annual growth of the Gross Domestic Product/Gross Metropolitan Product less on Long Island than the United States as a whole. Long Island is experiencing growing unemployment and the full impact of the reductions in the banking and financial workforce has yet to be felt.

According to the Long Island Index, Long Island’s downtowns showed a small increase in vacancy rates, indicating that the problems on Wall Street have not yet impacted Main Street. While the attractiveness of the region includes often high-wage jobs in the engineering, technology, biotechnology, electronics, education, health, tourism and other industries, average annual pay per employee was on the down swing in 2008 and is now on par with the United States as a whole. Ten years ago, Long Islanders earned more than the U.S. average, but, when adjusted for inflation, Long Island’s average pay per employee was lower in 2008 than it was in 1999. (Long Island Index – 2009 Report and Key Findings).

At this time, it is uncertain whether job losses and the high cost of living on Long Island will drive more people to less expensive environments. Continued high rates of immigration are also uncertain. This report, therefore, projected enrollments for the next three years based on current trends and assumptions that take into consideration the factors that are known today.

Western Suffolk BOCES supports local school districts in long-range planning by offering experienced, objective assistance in demographics, enrollment, facilities, and future organization. For more information about this service, call 595-6802.

“Idol” Raises $700 for Local Boy

The students in the Music Honor Society at the JEA Jr./Sr. High School raised more than $700 to help a local boy who needs extensive medical treatment. After seeing him with his parents in the newspaper, students encouraged staff members to sing and dance in their own “Idol” contest. Everyone at the school then voted by making a donation for their favorite performance. The Tri-M Music Honor Society later presented Bobby with their donation in a special ceremony. We are very proud of our thoughtful and caring students for helping this deserving family.

Manor Plains Sends Packages to Soldiers

Students in the Office Skills classes at Manor Plains High School are making U.S. soldiers' days a little brighter! They are making cards, writing letters, and assembling small gifts to mail to servicemen and women stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Italy, Africa and Japan. See them at work on their recent projects:

Operation Shamrock

Spring Packages

175 Messages plus 13 Dozen Cookies inside Memorial Day Packages

Construction Begins to Replace Modular/Portable Complex

The 37-year old modular/portable complex that housed the offices for career and technical education and special education at Western Suffolk BOCES were demolished and work began on an addition to the BOCES administrative building at 507 Deer Park Rd. BOCES will pay for the 10,500 square foot, single-story addition from its capital fund with no additional cost to local school districts. Voters in the 18 school districts of Smithtown, Huntington, and Babylon approved the $3.35 million, pre-engineered capital project in January 2008. To see the progress of the project, click here.

Legislators Discuss Funding with Boards and Superintendents

Andrew Raia (second from r.) explains budget points to (l. to r.) Dr. Sheldon Karnilow, superintendent of Half Hollow Hills School District; Fran Greenspan, president of the HHH Board; Ilene Herz, legislative chairperson of the Western Suffolk BOCES Board; and Dr. Judith Wilansky, superintendent of the Cold Spring Harbor School District.

Charles Leunig (l.), superintendent of Copiague School District discusses the funding issues in that district with Owen Johnson (r.), NYS Senator.

Joseph Saladino (l.), NYS Assemblyman, meets with Sydney Finkelstein (r.), member of Western Suffolk BOCES Board.

The Western Suffolk BOCES Board recently hosted its 11th annual Legislative Roundtable for local NYS legislators to discuss state funding for education with school board members and superintendents. Seven legislators and one legislative aide joined 28 superintendents and board members at the roundtable discussion.

BOCES Students Troobleshoot New Planes

Hands-on learning just got more exciting at the Western Suffolk BOCES Aircraft Maintenance Technology program as students Frank Atria (l.) of Deer Park and Felix Zapata (r.) of Queens examine one of the two aircraft recently purchased for the program.

The Cessna Piper Cub airplanes, while non-flyable, present BOCES students with many opportunities to troubleshoot and repair engines using equipment that meet current industry standards. The BOCES aviation program offers instruction for both high school and adults to earn Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licenses in Powerplant and Airframe which help prepare graduates for employment with airlines, private aviation clubs, airports, utility companies and power stations.

The FAA-approved aviation program combines hands-on experience and instruction to service, repair and overhaul reciprocating and turbine engines. Opportunities for employment and career growth are excellent for technicians with these FAA licenses, noted Kenneth Burr, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education at BOCES.

For more information or to take a tour of the BOCES aviation program at Wilson Technological Center’s Republic Airport campus, call 752-1957 or go to www.wilsontech.org/amt. Semesters for adults begin in January and September. Financial aid is available to eligible adults. Registration is taking place now for high school students to attend half-day in fall 2009.

BOCES Awarded National Accreditation

After an extensive review, Western Suffolk BOCES was recently awarded national accreditation from the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education for its full-time adult education programs. Dr. Michael J. Mensch (l.), Chief Operating Officer of BOCES, presents the certificate to Kathi Baker (c.), administrator of health programs; and Deborah Montaruli (r.), principal of adult services. With this accreditation, BOCES can continue offering financial aid to adults studying cosmetology, aesthetics, practical nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, surgical technology, aircraft maintenance technology and automotive technology. For more information about these seven programs, go to www.wsboces.org/fulltime, or call 667-6000 ext. 320. Registration is now underway for spring semester.

To earn this prestigious recognition, BOCES had to demonstrate that it met not only the standards of quality of the Commission but also the needs of students, the community, and employers. The Council, whose mission is to assure quality and integrity in career and technical education at postsecondary institutions across the nation, is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Practical Nursing Grads Have 95% Pass Rate

95% of the 2006 graduates of Wilson Technological Center's Practical Nursing program passed their licensing exam. This pass rate far exceeds the rate of other PN grads across the nation. Tech’s pass rate compares to 83% for NYS; and 86% for the U.S.

Students can complete the BOCES adult education program for Practical Nursing in a 13-month accelerated day program, an 18-month part-time evening program or a 24-month part-time day program. Once students successfully complete the academic work and clinical component of the program, they must sit for their state boards in order to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Tech's program, approved by the NYS Education Department, has a low ratio of students to faculty that allows for individualized instruction. Day and evening classes begin again in September 2008. For more information about admission requirements, the curriculum or the tuition, click here.

Auto Body Earns National AutoYES Certification

Wilson Tech’s Auto Body program has earned a national endorsement from AutoYES after a successful site visit in June. A program evaluator from Okalahoma City inspected Tech facilities and interviewed Tech instructors. The endorsement is effective immediately.

Tech's program prepares high school students pursuing Auto Body Repair to earn the Regent's diploma, including the prestigious seal of Technical Endorsement, and this nationally recognized certificate. For details about the program, visit http://www.wilsontech.org/HSPrograms/auto_body_repair/

Next BOCES Board Meeting

The next Regular/Organization meeting of the Board of Western Suffolk BOCES will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at the Western Suffolk BOCES Administrative Offices, 507 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY. The Regular meeting convenes at 6:30 in the Small Conference Room immediately followed by an Executive Session. The public portion resumes, beginning with Item Number I on the Agenda, at 8:00 in the Large Conference Room.