In a recent meeting held by the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District Board of Education, community members expressed both optimism and concern regarding the future use of local school buildings. The highlight of the evening was the proposed 10-year lease agreement with the Variety Child Learning Center for the Bellrose Avenue Elementary School, which aims to provide essential educational services for children with disabilities. This initiative is seen as a significant step forward, as it will offer local options for preschool and early childhood special education, reducing the need for families to travel long distances for these services.

Denise Schwartz, a resident of East Northport, voiced her support for the lease, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the school buildings that have remained closed since 2021 and 2022. She noted that while the 10-year lease is promising, there are lingering concerns about the short-term lease with Western Suffolk BOCES for a portion of Dickinson Avenue Elementary School, which is set to begin in the upcoming school year. Schwartz urged the Board to clarify the future of the Brosnan Building, which has been overlooked in discussions, and called for transparency regarding its use.

Lenny Olmick, another community member, acknowledged the hard work of the Board and the challenges they faced in reaching this point. He expressed pride in the community's collaboration and the progress made. However, he also raised concerns about the condition of school buses and suggested improvements, including solar panel protection.

The Board of Education is excited about the potential benefits these agreements will bring, not only in terms of educational opportunities for students but also in generating additional revenue for the district. The financial implications of these leases will be discussed in future meetings, as the Long Range Financial Planning Committee prepares to integrate this new revenue into the district's budgeting process.

As the meeting concluded, the Board acknowledged the upcoming retirements of several staff members, celebrating their years of service and contributions to the community. The discussions highlighted a pivotal moment for the district, as it seeks to enhance educational offerings while addressing community needs and concerns.