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Friday, January 27, 2017
Vol. 77, No. 4
SCIENCE SEARCH HONOREES
State audit discussed at Jericho schools meeting BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
Syosset HS seniors (seated from left) Yash Samantaray, Rushabh Mehta, Adam Canarick and Ben Rhee have been named prizewinning scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. They are congratulated by (standing from left) Science Coordinator Raymond Loverso, Research Facilitator Veronica Ade, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tom Rogers and Syosset HS Principal Dr. Giovanni Durante. Syosset High School seniors Adam Canarick, Rushabh Mehta, Ben Rhee and Yash Samantaray have been named prizewinning scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search (formerly Intel and Westinghouse), the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition. Syosset’s Regeneron researchers covered a wide range of topics. Adam designed a prosthetic tennis racquet to allow amputees to play tennis. Rushabh analyzed the motions of mouns (electrically charged particles) to derive a new model of motion and better understand of how force fields affect the universe. Ben researched a more accurate scale system for predicting the destructiveness of extratropical cyclones such as hurricanes. Yash infused ruthenium nanoparticles (platinum) to hydrogen fuel cells to enhance their effectiveness,
durability, practicality and feasibility as a clean energy source. Alumni of the competition have made extraordinary contributions to science and hold more than 100 of the world’s most distinguished science and math honors, including the Nobel Prize and the National Medal of Science. As a result of their award-winning research, Adam, Ben, Rushabh and Yash will each receive $2,000 and the school will receive an additional $2,000 based on each winner. They are among 300 Regeneron STS scholars recognized nationwide. Later this month, 40 finalists will be named and invited to Washington, DC in March, where they will display their work to the public, meet with notable scientists and compete for additional awards, including the top prize of $250,000.
Following details of an unflattering New York State Comptroller’s audit report on the Jericho Union Free School District and a recent Newsday article highlighting the apparent downsides of the district’s financial operations, residents sought some answers at the Thursday, January 19 Jericho Board of Education meeting, held inside Cantiague Elementary School. As Assistant Superintendent for Business Victor Manual presented a first look at the 2017-2018 district capital budget and anticipated projects, along with Facilities Director Michael Hahn, former Jericho school board member Ira Checkla and resident Sam Perlman scrutinized the financials. Manuel followed by Superintendent of Schools Hank Grishman and Board President William Ferro spoke about
the state audit finding in response to items relating to the budget forecast for next school year. Manuel says the district has authorized $20 million in projects in the last few budget years without borrowing even a dollar. That translates into savings of interest of approximately $7 million by not having borrowed those funds. “One of our current bonds from 1999-2000 will be rolling off in the 2019-’20 and 2020-’21 school years. The reason I bring that up is because it is part of the tax cap calculation. If something rolls off the tax cap is reduced by that amount. If something rolls on your tax cap gets increased by that amount. Looking to the future, it would make sense as we do have projects that are needed – as that principal and interest is rolling off we can try to See page 8
Board explores adding religious holidays to calendar BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
Chances for the Jericho Union Free School District to follow its neighboring, albeit substantially larger school system in Syosset with the adoption of Eid and Diwali religious holidays got a boost at the January district school board meeting. Although their opportunity to speak at the January 19 School Board meeting, held at Cantiague Elementary School, came very late in the evening after 9:30 p.m. as
budget and other presentations consumed much of the time, a group of fifteen parents and students made an impact on Board of Education members when they sat up front and organized a schedule of public input. Board President William Ferro, recognizing the hardship caused by the meeting running late and the agenda item hanging in the balance, promises that on the Thursday, February 9 agenda the interested families See page 8
Syosset HS students entertain veterans PAGE 6 Jericho School board welcomes member PAGE 8