The New York State School Boards Association has recognized Port Washington Board of Education members Deborah Brooks and Emily Beys for their efforts and dedication to their posts, Superintendent Michael Hynes announced Tuesday
Hynes shared the news in his report at the Tuesday evening school board meeting. The state school boards association’s Recognition Program acknowledges the time and effort required of school board members who try to extend their knowledge and skills for better board governance.
Members gain points for attending NYSSBA training events, such as the Annual Convention and regional workshops.
Based on the number of points one earns, one can place in four tiers. Bey had 75 points, placing her in tier one, earning the Board Achievement Award. Brooks had 150, placing her in tier two and earning the Board Excellence Award.
“I think some of us forget at times that board trustees, believe it or not, are volunteers,” Hynes said. “They are not paid and all they do is give up their time to help problem solve and to work with the administration to make sure that our students get the best education they can.”
Both winners will receive a Board Achievement Certificate of Recognition. Brooks will also receive recognition in the On Board newspaper, which provides the latest news on legal issues and governmental happenings.
During the meeting, the school board made a slew of other announcements.
The board reinstated the Emergency Preparedness Committee. It existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The committee reviews and discusses the district’s reactions to emergencies and it offers guidance to district staff on issues pertaining to safety, security and infectious diseases. It also aims to use the community and local first responders’ knowledge for the district’s benefit.
The board opted to take part in all upcoming town-authorized Stop Arm Programs. The program uses camera monitoring to boost bus stop safety. Bus cameras can catch negligent drivers and ticket cars that illegally pass a bus that is waiting to pick up or drop off children.
In November, there are plans to test a new bus time app for parents called StopFinder. The app offers bus location and messages, updates and alerts in real-time for parents. The district will fully release the app in January.
Thirty-nine students are not completely immunized against polio. The board said nurses are following up on the cases that they can. Most unimmunized pupils are new to the country, are on a catch-up plan or are not yet ready for their next shot.
The next Board of Education meeting will be on Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. It will be at the Schreiber Auditorium and also livestreamed.
