March 3, 2022

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Dear Valley Stream District 30 Families and School Community:

For 125 years, National Parent Teacher Association (National PTA®) has worked toward bettering the lives of every child in education, health and safety. Founded in 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, National PTA® is a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Congratulations to the Forest Road School for virtually hosting Founder’s Day and honoring our PTAs. The video is posted on Parent Square and the District website. Thank you to our outstanding presidents of our PTAs – Tiffany Lucas, Clear Stream Avenue School; Natalie Mitchell-Cange, Forest Road; and Shabeena Shakur, Shaw Avenue School. It is still not too late to join the PTA.

Our Black History Month class activities and assemblies last month were outstanding. My thanks are sent to all involved in the celebration, research and study of African-Americans who have made contributions and history in the past. Developing cultural proficiency is an everyday goal in our District, and I look forward to the activities and celebrations during Women’s History Month in March.

At our Board of Education meeting last month, discussions and review of the budget for 2022-23 were held. We have developed a budget that maintains all programs, ensures that our strategic plan efforts will be supported within the budget, improves technology integration and opportunities for students. All of this has been done by staying below the tax cap, as well as moving forward on capital projects (air conditioning) without the need to request a bond referendum. My thanks to the Board of Education; Brian Phillips, Assistant Superintendent for Business; administration and staff for their input and assistance in developing another budget that will have one of the lowest tax levy increases on Long Island. Please join us at upcoming Board of Education meetings and PTA meetings for more detailed information pertaining to the budget.

Our annual Legislative Breakfast will be virtual this year. Please join us on Saturday, March 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. for this informative meeting. A flyer with the link will be sent next week.

Our superintendent search is moving forward and meeting our timeline. The selection of the new superintendent is anticipated before the end of this month. Please join us on March 14th and March 21st for further updates at this month’s Board of Education meetings.

Sincerely,

Nicholas A. Stirling, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools