The East Williston school district made progress toward its goals in the last school year despite the COVID-19 pandemic, school officials said at a meeting Monday night.
After Superintendent Elaine Kanas gave an update on efforts to reach the goals, school board President Mark Kamberg said it was great to see so much done during such a challenging year.
“It’s really an incredible list that so much was able to be accomplished in the district,” Kamberg said at the meeting at the Wheatley School auditorium. “Even in a year of COVID, students were able to see and experience so much. We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved.”
For the 2020-21 school year, the district listed five strategic goals: supporting the third year of a five-year strategic plan, supporting the continued Integration of technology to enhance student learning, expanding anti-hate and anti-racist initiatives, continuing maintenance and support of facility repairs and enhancements, and supporting the school re-opening plan.
On technology, Kanas said one achievement was providing Google Chromebook tablets for all kindergarten and first-grade students, as well as streaming equipment for classrooms to accompany remote learning during the pandemic.
“The board is always looking towards more effective technology,” the superintendent said during her report.
As part of the anti-racist initiatives, students attended regional workshops such as the Long Island Leaders of Tomorrow Conference with ERASE Racism. A virtual roundtable supporting Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders was also attended by students and Asian and Pacific Islander history was expanded, according to Kanas.
The board also had a focus on diversity hiring for the school year, according to the report, and was able to make additions to the staff.
Kanas said Improvements to the district’s facilities included an upgraded security camera and software system. The Wheatley School auditorium stage floor was redone, and HVAC repairs were made throughout the district. Also, supplemental heating was added to the North Side School.
Kanas finished her outline by discussing the district’s reopening plan in regard to COVID-19.
She said there will be a detailed presentation in October on each of the areas.
Kamberg also said the board plans to adopt goals for the 2021-22 school year at the October meeting.
The next business meeting for the board is slated for Oct. 18. Also included now on the district website are applications for Board of Education committees.
