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Vol. 90 No. 34
AUGUST 21 - 27, 2025
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Parents clash with Freeport school board Many Freeport parents were under the impression that the matter had been investigated Confusion seems to rule in and resolved. But the Board of Education the Freeport High School football program, at least for many disputes that, and Trustee parents looking for answers — Sonia Dixon stated on Aug. 13 and, as is becoming increasing- that the matter was never forly familiar to the school com- mally closed. The board has munity, none are not offered details forthcoming. about the investigaThere is a public tion or why Jones outcry over a perwas allegedly sonnel matter: Varplaced on leave, citsity football head ing a policy that coach and physical prohibits them from education teacher discussing personJimmy Jones has nel matters. been placed on leave At the Board of as part of an invesEducation’s Comtigation of an inci- PATRIcIA lANGAN mittee Meetings on dent that took place President, Aug. 13, however, in early June, alleg- FTA scores of parents edly involving the shuffled into a Carothrowing of an object at the coach and his han- line G. Atkinson School classroom where personnel issues dling of the situation. J o n e s h a s t a u g h t a n d were to be discussed by the coached in the district for over board. Many were irate to learn 20 years, and is considered by that a committee meeting difmany students and football fers from a re gular school players past and present, as board meeting in that there are well as their families, an icon no public comments. But that didn’t stop parents in Freeport — a man who has consistent displayed profes- from voicing — sometimes even sionalism and character, as shouting — their displeasure well as evident care for stu- with Jones having been put on dents and players. Continued on page 11
By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ
mrafiq@liherald.com
Courtesy Ready Set Grow Academy
Mayor hangs out with Ready Set Grow students Mayor Robert Kennedy welcomed students from Freeport’s Ready Set Grow Learning Academy to his office at Village Hall on Aug. 14, where the day campers learned about local government and asked questions about village life. More photos, story, Page 5.
A legacy of community service Charlene Thompson touches lives in Freeport and beyond By KEPHERD DANIEl kdaniel@liherald.com
For more than 30 years, Charlene Jackson Thompson, has embodied the power of public service, grassroots advocacy, and economic development across Long Island. With deep ties to Freeport, Roosevelt, Uniondale, and Hempstead, Thompson, 59, a Baldwin resident has spent her career strengthening institutions, expanding opportunity, and mentoring the next generation. From courtroom advocacy to neighborhood revitalization, her work has left a lasting mark on communities throughout Nassau County. “My journey has always been about service,”
Thompson said. “Whether in law, education, or economic development, I’ve focused on building bridges and bringing real, tangible support to the people and neighborhoods that raised me.” Currently, Thompson serves as a Deputy County Attorney, where she represents Nassau County in child welfare proceedings. In this critical role, she works closely with child protective agencies, family service organizations, and the court system to advocate for safety, stability, and permanency for children. Her legal approach reflects a trauma-informed perspective rooted in compassion and a sharp legal mind. She also serves Of Counsel at Comrie & Associates PLLC in Freeport, where she practices Continued on page 7
W
e fully stand behind our colleague Jimmy Jones.