Westbury BOE Addresses Increased Enrollment, Other Concerns

Written by Cory Twibell Friday, 28 September 2012 00:00

New Superintendent Mary Lagnado says district has 120 more students than last September

New Westbury Superintendent of Schools Mary Lagnado said that the district opened early this year on Wednesday, Aug. 29 with more students enrolling in the various schools as compared to last September.

“Our growing student enrollment continues to be a concern and we are keeping a close eye on that. As of today, our enrollment is 4,753. It’s approximately 120 more students or a 4 percent increase from last year,” said Lagnado, who was appointed as the district’s new superintendent of schools following the resignation of Dr. Constance Clark-Snead.

Lagnado’s monthly superintendent’s report touched on the fact that increased enrollment will impact how the district approaches its budgetary process in the coming months.

“As we start our budget preparation process this year, the increased enrollment will be a priority, not only for classroom space but also for additional teachers, instructional materials, textbooks, etc.,” Lagnado explained.

According to Lagnado, the 1934 middle school wing is currently undergoing renovations, which will be completed no later than November. The district’s sponsor, JP Morgan Chase, recently donated more than 200 backpacks to the middle school, Lagnado said.

The district’s annual homecoming parade (noon) and football game (2 p.m. versus Mepham) will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, and the pancake breakfast will kick things off at 8 a.m.

“Please support this wonderful school event. Tickets are $7 each. Please see or call Elaine Lovell at 333-4252 if you want to purchase tickets,” Lagnado added.

Following Lagnado’s report, one resident inquired about the increased enrollment, specifically at Dryden Street School and its availability of restrooms for young students. 

“Most of the classrooms there do have bathrooms. In the majority of the building, yes, we are [in compliance]. There is a shortage of adult bathrooms, however,” said Michael Batkiewicz, director of facilities.

The following teaching assistants were also congratulated at the meeting for receiving tenure, including Park Avenue teaching assistants Gloria Libardi and Gwendolyn Brabham and Dryden Street teaching assistants Christine Blankson, Alexandra Gilles and Christopher Hiltz.