The Lynbrook Public Schools Board of Education gathered in the Lynbrook High School auditorium on Oct. 7 for its monthly work session meeting. Each board member and central administrator were separated 6-feet apart and seated behind desk shields for the meeting. A limited number of community members were welcome to attend in-person, however, the work session was also streamed live on YouTube.

Board President William Belmont opened the meeting by welcoming several new staff members to the district. He also announced that Matthew Sarosy, an assistant principal at Lynbrook High School, was appointed by the board to serve as the interim Lynbrook South Middle School principal until Principal Kaitlin GaNun returns from maternity leave in late December.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Melissa Burak provided updates related to the COVID-19 pandemic. She made the community aware that the New York State Department of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard, which collects case data from each school and district across the state, is experiencing lags and errors. The health department will now be partnering with the New York State Department of Education and sharing data for a more efficient system.

In addition, Dr. Burak announced an update regarding those who are current remote learners. When the district initially unveiled its reopening of schools’ plan, the goal was to allow families to change their initial choice of either full remote or in-person and allow for some of the remote learners to return to the school buildings. This was based on 40% of families stating that they would opt for remote learning after a survey was released during the summer. In reality, only 18% of elementary parents chose to move forward with remote learning. Unless the social distancing restrictions are eased, the district will not be able to bring back a limited number of students into the buildings.

“We know this decision may disappoint you, but the health and safety of all our students and staff is our number one concern,” said Dr. Burak. “If we are able to make a change we will most certainly notify you. You have been absolutely wonderful in working with us. We thank our community for its continued support of our schools at this time.”

Following her report, Neil MacDermott, instructional technology coordinator, presented information about the district’s learning management systems to the board. This year, students in grades K-3 are utilizing Seesaw, while students in grades 4-12 are utilizing Schoology. These are software programs that create and organize opportunities for students. They are valuable tools that not only improve communication but give individuals the ability to share and respond to content.

Mr. MacDermott discussed the district’s process when choosing the best learning management system for students, staff and families. A committee was formed consisting of administrators, teachers and parents who followed a specific criteria of what would be needed. Learning management systems that met the district’s short-term goal of being a tool for potential school closures and its long-term goal of being a tool to improve student learning was important. Mr. MacDermott provided a detailed overview of each learning management system, the professional development involved and the benefits of each system on students, faculty and families. Although the district is in the first stages of implementation, these programs have already been a success. Dr. Burak thanked Mr. MacDermott and his committee for their hard work during this massive undertaking which was done in a short amount of time.