West Islip board approves emergency-calendar MOUs, tenure and retirements

The West Islip Union Free School District Board of Education on March 11 approved two walk-in memoranda of understanding addressing adjustments to the school calendar tied to a state-declared emergency and took multiple personnel actions, including a long-term appointment for the district technology leader and several retirements and tenure approvals.

Mr. Cameron introduced the emergency-calendar MOUs between the district and the West Islip Teachers Association and between the district and the paraprofessionals chapter, describing them as responses to school closures under the governor’s state of emergency. Both MOUs were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Superintendent Dr. Romanelli recommended a 10-year appointment for Dr. Patrick (executive director of technology and innovation), praising his role strengthening cybersecurity, modernizing the district website and leading work on an AI vision statement and the district’s acceptance into the League of Innovative Schools. "His leadership has significantly enhanced our cybersecurity measures," Dr. Romanelli said. The board approved the recommendation by voice vote.

Separately, the board approved tenure for speech-language pathologist Catherine Behrend, effective April 21, 2026; the board also accepted the retirement of Mary Kate Kavanaugh from the special education department, effective July 1, 2026. The board approved the retirement of Richard Kelly, chief custodian, effective Aug. 5, 2026, after nearly 18 years with the district.

All personnel motions—MOUs, tenure and retirements—were introduced during the personnel portion of the agenda and passed by voice vote. No roll-call tallies were provided in the public record.

The board adjourned the public session and moved into executive session to discuss personnel, legal matters and negotiations; no further public actions were announced before adjournment.