New Trustee Sworn in at Syosset BOE Meeting

The three school board who ran unopposed in this year's election took their places among the ranks of the Board of Education during the board's on Wednesday at . 

Incumbents Vice President April Neuendorf and Trustee Dr. Michael Cohen were sworn in alongside newly-elected Trustee Laura Schlesinger, each for three-year terms. 

The Board named several appointments following the ceremony, among them were three attorneys and a chief legal officer. 

, a Syosset resident and outspoken critic of the school board, addressed the board during a public hearing portion, asking for 's contract to be published on the district website and suggesting budget workshops to encourage public involvement.

"I would like for there to be additional ways for there to be more transparency in the process," Ennis said. "How many lawyers were given contracts tonight? Who are these people? Who made these decisions? We don't know. And I'm not necessarily blaming the board for that, but I would like more opportunity for there to be discussion and involvement from the community on these decisions."

Resident also addressed the board during the public portion to state his dissatisfaction with the Board's response to his request for budget-related documents, and to second the suggestion for budget workshops.

In response, Board President Dr. Marc Herman reminded the audience that the public portion is a forum for inquisitive people who don't otherwise "run into" or try to contact the board. 

"The questions that we can't answer at this meeting, we will answer at the next meeting," said Herman, adding that a PowerPoint presentation given at the June 6 board meeting addressed the public's "biggest question" on reserve funds. 

"What we're not going to do, I assure you, is spend every meeting having the same questions asked and giving you the same answers," Herman said. "We've answered your questions diligently, we've answered them correctly, we've answered them in PowerPoint, so that's it."

"If you want to meet with us, call me, or meet with me privately - that would be fine," Herman said.

When approached after the meeting, neither Dr. Herman nor Dr. Hankin would comment on the approved appointment contracts and where more information on them could be found.