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BOCES names Students of the Quarter Page 8 VOL. 70 NO. 52
Massapequan authors new book on baseball Page 10
Career Fair in Massapequa schools Page 11
DECEMBER 31, 2025 - JANUARY 6, 2026
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Oyster Bay approves asbestos testing at former Budget Inn By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
Mike Polansky/Herald
Left: Dr. Brian Trapani. Right: Resident David Ebert addresses the Board at the December 4 meeting.
Trapani highlights career, college prep at Massapequa board meeting Board also hears criticism of legal challenges over transgender policies, mascot By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
Massapequa’s commitment to preparing students for both college and careers was at the center of a Dec. 4 Board of Education meeting, where Dr. Brian Trapani, the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, presented updates on secondary education programs. Trapani began by celebrating the academic success of Massapequa students, noting that members of the Class of 2025 have earned 5,118 college credits through dual-enrollment programs and received more than $14 million in scholarships and grants. He added that 83 percent of students taking Advanced Placement exams earned a score of 3 or higher across 1,458 exams taken. Looking beyond test performance, Trapani emphasized the district’s goal of ensuring students are “future ready” through hands-on experiences and career credentials. He highlighted workforce certifications available to students, including Automotive Service Certification and the ServSafe Food Handler credential. While a large majority of Massapequa grad-
uates continue on to college, Trapani said the number of students entering the workforce directly after high school has begun to rise. In response, the district is offering more exposure to career pathways, such as Manufacturing Day events at Suffolk County Community College and the Cradle of Aviation Museum, Shadow Day at H2M Architects & Engineers, and the Apprentice Challenge at Adelphi University. Trapani also previewed the 16th annual Massapequa High School Career Fair, set for Dec. 5, which would feature more than 50 participants from local unions, businesses, the military, law enforcement, and educational and vocational programs. He noted that 90 Massapequa students are currently enrolled for 2025–26 at Nassau BOCES programs including Barry Tech, GC Tech and the Long Island High School for the Arts. The district is also exploring ways to bring portions of these offerings back in-house. Board members responded positively to Trapani’s presentation. Board President Kerry Wachter noted that while college has long been viewed as the standard post-graduation path, “the pendulum swung too far,” and she believes it is vital that students “see what else is out CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
The Oyster Bay Town Board has authorized $120,816 for asbestos investigation and testing at the former Budget Inn property in Massapequa, a key step toward demolishing a building that town officials say has long posed a public safety concern. The authorization, approved at the board’s Dec. 9 meeting, covers work by LiRo Engineering Inc. to identify and test asbestos-containing materials in connection with required abatement at the Budget Inn, located at 400 Carman Hill Road. The property sits a few hundred yards north of Berner Middle School and directly across Carman Mill Road from several Berner athletic fields. It has been the subject of years of disputes between the town and the property owner, Om Shiv Sai Guru Inc. In February 2024, the Budget Inn was ordered closed after the town determined it met the definition of a “Dangerous Building” under Chapter 96 of the town code and a “Public Nuisance” under Chapter 184. All occupants were removed, and the structure has remained boarded up since then. Town officials said Oyster Bay is currently negotiating with Om Shiv Sai Guru Inc. to purchase the property. Once ac-
quired, the town plans to demolish the building, but demolition cannot proceed until asbestos abatement is completed. Officials estimate the remaining abatement work will cost an additional $500,000. Under the terms of the process, all abatement-related costs will ultimately be borne by the property owner. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said the town intends to move quickly to resolve the situation. “This property has long been a source of concern and a detriment to the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhood,” Saladino said. “This longtime eyesore will soon be eradicated as we continue to take steps to ensure the public safety and welfare of our community.” Town Councilman Thomas Hand echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the town’s broader planning goals for the site. “We are continuing our negotiations and discussions to determine the best future for this property, while ensuring the protection of the quality of life of the surrounding neighborhood,” Hand said. According to a Town Environmental Quality Review report dated June 19, 2025, the preferred reuse of the property, once purchased by the town, CONTINUED ON PAGE 9