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Vol. 91 No. 18
APRIl 30 - MAY 6, 2026
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Metal detector causes stir at Freeport H.S. to-prison pipeline,” Coward said during the meeting. “When I did hear that there The sudden appearance of were metal detectors that large metal detectors in the looked like we were in JFK lobby of Freeport High School [Airport], I was disgusted.” on April 20 sparked feelings of Coward said she was told by fear, confusion and ang er Idowu Ogundipe, the school disamong students, parents, staff t r i c t ’s e xe c u t ive bu s i n e s s and school board members, administrator, that last year’s wh o i n s i s t t h a t school board they never approved the purapproved the purchase of the metal chase of the securidetectors. That ty devices. board consisted of During a school Coward, Sonia year when transDixon, Scott Richparency has been a ardson, Maria Jorcontentious issue dan-Awalom and for Freeport Public Sharon Jackson. Schools, its staff However, CowSuNDAY CoWARD and students’ fami- School board ard told Ogundipe lies, at least four president, that the board had m e t a l d e t e c t o r s Freeport Public never authorized were installed at the purchase of the Schools t h e h i g h s ch o o l devices. temporarily with The current no one seemingly knowing school board trustees, Richardwhere they came from or who son, Dixon, Alphonso Hardwick had given the go-ahead to pur- and Dina Skeffrey, said they chase them. shared Coward’s anger over the The school board, led by lackluster communication and President Sunday Coward, the presence of metal detectors bluntly expressed disapproval at the high school, which they of the purchase of metal detec- deem unnecessary and insensitors during a public board tive. meeting on April 22 at the CaroC ow a r d s u g g e s t e d t h a t line G. Atkinson School. Ogundipe was confused about “I don’t believe in a schoolContinued on page 10
By ANDREW FRANCIS
afrancis@liherald.com
Michael Monahan/Herald
Black Educator’s Committee hosts legends Ball A local nonprofit organization, the Black Educators Committee, celebrated nine men for their efforts as educators, role models and mentors at its annual Legends Ball. Dorothy Goosby, deputy supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, joined attendees in celebrating and acknowledging the recipients. The men shared that they hope their efforts help inspire younger generations to give back and invest in their communities. Story, Page 11.
School board presents budget of $260 million ahead of May vote By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
During a school year filled with controversy and complaints, Freeport school district administrators may get a much-needed win this spring if the proposed 2026-27 district budget, which promises no increase in the tax levy and no additional cost to district residents, is approved. The district hosted its budget adoption meeting on April 22 at the Caroline G. Atkinson School. Idowu Ogundipe, executive school business administrator, explained that the spending plan has been in development since last October. It will be put to a public vote on May 19.
“Our budget is made up of needs to support our students,” Ogundipe said. “We are preserving all program services and staffing, while looking to enhance what is already in place to meet the needs of our students and families.” The proposed budget totals roughly $260.82 million, an increase of over $9.8 million, or nearly 4 percent, over the current spending plan. At the same time, enrollment in district schools has declined by 4 percent, from 6,409 students in 2024-25 to 6,151 this year. Ogundipe said that the decrease is similar to others across Long Island school districts. Salaries, benefits and transportation costs Continued on page 2
I
am livid. Our kids are not animals. They are not savages.