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Friday, June 19, 2026
Vol. 3, No. 25
THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR
Contract talks unresolved as school year ends
Legion visits school for Flag Day
BY KASSARA MCELROY
Floral Park’s American Legion Post 334 color guard visited John Louis Childs School to celebrate Flag Day on June 12th. Left to right: John Jones, Ed LaChapelle, Marianna Antonakis, Christine Saunders, Principal Kristine Lynch, Assistant Principal Lorie Dixon, Jim MacDonald, Patrick McGreal.”
Sewanhaka students present science research Sewanhaka Central High School District hosted its annual Science Research Symposium at New Hyde Park Memorial High School on June 9. Students in grades 7-12 from all five buildings
showcased their research projects, highlighting months of scientific inquiry and investigation. To recognize outstanding work, Science Research teachers selected one project from each building
to be presented during the symposium. Elmont Memorial High School senior Christina Bayne presented her project, "Foraminiferal See page 12
The Floral Park Villager Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Telephone 516-931-0012 Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Floral Park Villager, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris, Publisher
Contract negotiations remained a point of contention at last week's Floral Park-Bellerose Board of Education meeting, where residents urged district leaders to reach an agreement with teachers after more than a year of talks. The meeting opened on a celebratory note, however, with the board honoring staff members receiving tenure and retiring from the district. Trustee Laura Trentacoste was also recognized for her nearly nine years of service on the board, earning a Board Lifetime Achievement award from the New York State School Board Association. But teachers in "Fair Contract Now" shirts filled a section of the auditorium, and the mood shifted during public comment, when several residents urged the board to reach a settlement. One parent, who is an educator in a neighboring district, questioned the district's repeated references to investing in its schools while contract talks remain unresolved. “I find it pretty interesting that tonight we honored retirees and new hires, and in that celebratory photo are going to be shirts that call for a fair contract,” they stated. “What message are we sending?” Board President Jaclyn O'Donahue addressed the issue, saying, "We would like to find a resolution with the teachers and are grateful we are still in negotiations, and I can say that on behalf of the rest of the board as well." Another resident raised concerns about transparency, arguing that information such as comprehensive board election results should be more readily available to the public. The board also received an update on the district's safety plan from Director of Facilities Rob Costa. Planned improvements for the 2026-27 school year include upgraded security cameras, additional portable automated external defibrillators and a color-coded hallway system designed to help first responders navigate school buildings during emergencies. The Board of Education will hold a work session on June 17, followed by its annual reorganization and regular meeting on July 6.
Deputy mayor honored by Hempstead PAGE 3 Board honors tenured teachers, retirees PAGE 10