Locust Valley Middle School

On May 28, nine Locust Valley High School student-athletes put pen to paper, committing to collegiate programs as part of the school’s College Athlete Signing Day.

Seniors Gavin Boyd, Alyssa Ciminiello, Byron Hafner, Jake Lamb, Stefano Linardos, Ryan Sullivan, Will Summers, Emma Tonner and Dean Wolfe will continue their athletic pursuits far and wide, but they will always be Falcons.

“The opportunity to compete in college athletics is earned through years of dedication, perseverance and hard work,” Athletic Director Danielle Turner Cosci said. “These nine student-athletes have left a lasting mark on our athletic program and school community through their leadership and commitment to excellence. While their journeys will take them to campuses across the country, they will always be part of our Falcon family. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see what they achieve next!”

Kathleen Reilly wore many hats during her 25 years working in the Locust Valley Central School District. She’s taught, helped programs such as driver’s education and the middle school Washington, D.C., trip, supervised and worked the clock at sporting events, written courses at the high school level, and most recently guided Locust Valley Intermediate School students as the principal. She’s seen every level of the district and seen generations of students grow up, find themselves and return to thank her for her enthusiasm and care for them.

Reilly fell in love with history and social studies during her college years, specifically during a semester in London. Surrounded by the many historical sites there, she discovered her passion for learning the stories of how the modern world was built.

“History is always a story,” Reilly said. “It has romance, passion, laws and the ability to look at the present and relate it to the past and hopefully prevent tragedy in the future.”

A member of Locust Valley High School’s Class of 1980, Reilly started her career as an elementary school teacher at a catholic school in Queens before moving onto Floral Park Memorial High School as a grades 7-12 history teacher. In 2001, she returned to her alma mater, excited at the prospect of bringing her passionate teaching style to her social studies classes and her experience to the new Model UN club. She moved to the middle school side of the building in 2013, where she expanded the Model UN program there and coached girls lacrosse. She and then principal Tom Hogan oversaw the first nine years of the annual Washington, D.C., trip, which has helped students better appreciate the freedoms they enjoy and the historical figures who earned them.

“In middle school, mistakes are a natural part of the learning process,” Reilly said. “Educators and school leaders must create opportunities for students to reflect on their actions, take responsibility and use those experiences as valuable lessons for personal growth and future success.”

In 2022, Reilly was named principal at Locust Valley Intermediate School where she quickly endeared herself to students with her energy and excitement. Having worked her way through teaching elementary, middle and high school, Reilly knows the seeds of interest are best planted early, so that students leave the district with a goal or interest they are ready to pursue further.

“I’ve been able to look at all three stages, and realized the same things: interest and exposure,” Reilly said. “How are they going to know what they’re interested in and what they want to get better at if we don’t expose them to it?”

At every step of the way, Reilly and her teachers have tried to bring in a wide array of organizations and speakers, ranging from revolutionary war reenactors to meteorologists, to talk about their areas of expertise and spark curiosity in her students.

As a teacher and administrator, she has sought ways to instill empathy in her students while educating them. In one of her most famous lessons, Reilly would describe an ancient tribe and it’s infatuation with a mysterious item called a “rac,” which was a status symbol that dictated how infrastructure was built. At the end of the lesson, the students could not believe a people would put so much emphasis on the item, and Reilly would reveal that the whole time they were talking about our society and the “rac” was a car.

“Whenever you look at another society or another group of people, remember what you just ridiculed that tribe for,” Reilly said. “You have to be open minded with every group and every society you come in contact with. Hopefully, that gives our kids tolerance of others.”
While she won’t be there to do her quiet hands during an assembly or to high-five them in the hallways, the lessons Principal Reilly taught will stay with her students as they continue to learn and grow.

You’ll see plenty of red, white and blue at our schools throughout June, as the entire district celebrates the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding this summer. On June 1, our schools kicked off the festivities with assemblies at the elementary schools discussing the origins and evolution of the Stars and Stripes.

Throughout June, students of all ages will partake in America-themed lessons and activities, such as creating quilts with national symbols, playing games and sports of the 1700s and 1800s in gym classes, baking and cooking early American meals and treats, and appreciating the veterans who served and protected the country.

In May, the district and Locust Valley Chamber of Commerce teamed up to display student artwork at many local businesses. Thanks to this partnership, 117 students had their incredible works decorate storefronts that showcased the talent of these artists and the strength of our community.

Thank you to all the businesses who took part in our celebration!

A.A. Baker Design
Accentiques
Andrew Maier Design
Apple Bank
Blush
Buckram Stables Café
Country Plaza Deli
Daniel Gale Realty
Dime Community Bank
Elizabeth Pash
G. Willikers
Interstyle
Karmic Grind
Locust Valley Chemists
Locust Valley Dentistry
Marquis Wines & Spirits
Piazza di Cappa
Piñions
The Finer Things
The Spot Boutique

The Locust Valley High School music department returned from New England with several trophies to add to their cabinet from the Music in the Parks Festival. The high school’s symphonic band and string orchestra each earned first place in their divisions, with the former winning Best Overall Band Award, while the concert chorale took second place in their division. All three groups earned the festival’s highest honor, a Superior Rating.

Cheered on by Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kristen Turnow, the performing groups spent the day taking the stage for judges and their peers at Enfield High School, United Congregational Church of Holyoke and Holyoake High School. After the spectacular showcase and awards ceremony, the students spent the rest of the day at Six Flags New England, celebrating and enjoying the games and rides at the park.

“Bringing home top division honors and Superior Ratings in such a competitive environment is a testament to our students’ hard work and passion,” Coordinator of Instruction Technology and the Fine and Applied Arts AnnMarie Buonaspina said. “We owe a huge thank you to our music faculty, especially Mr. Guerra, Mr. Fong and Mrs. Blake for their dedication and leadership in preparing our students for this memorable achievement.”

The Board of Education will have a special meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in the LVMS/HS auditorium to review and adopt the revised budget for the revote on Tuesday, June 16. There will be an opportunity for public comment for district residents during the meeting. If you cannot attend, you can view the livestream of the meeting at the Locust Valley Board of Education YouTube channel linked below and in our social media bios.

https://www.youtube.com/c/LocustValleyBoardofEducation

After months of hard work and preparation, Locust Valley High School siblings Izabella and Oliver Watson both became New York State Scholastic Rowing champions in May. The Watsons and their Oak Neck Rowing Academy crews are now looking ahead to their next hurdle: The United States Rowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida in June.

Izabella and her teammates finished a clear first in the girls varsity quadruple sculls, while Oliver and his crew won the boys freshman quadruple sculls at the state regatta in Saratoga. The siblings grew up on the water, with their sailor father, and were inspired to pick up the oars by watching their older brother, Orlando, who also trained at Oak Neck Rowing Academy and now rows at Dartmouth College.

“We’re always competing and trying to beat each other in everything,” Izabella said. “
“It’s just such a neat sport,” Oliver added. “It requires so such finesse and form, but at the same time you need to have the right build and strength and height.”

The two state champions have spent countless hours before and after school training in dreadful cold and oppressive heat alike, but neither has been able to stop them.

“One thing people focus on with rowing is the athletic part of it and the drive you need for strength and cardio, but you have to be mentally driven to want to practice even if it’s 28 degrees and there’s ice on the water,” Izabella said.

Moments where the two have pushed through those hindrances have prepared them for cold weather like they experienced at Saratoga, where their crews took on the best of the best teams from all over the state and emerged victorious.

“You have to make sure you’re not rowing as four people, you’re rowing together,” Izabella said.

While training and technique are important, morale also needs to be high. Oliver has emerged as the go-to team member for pep talks before races and encouragement while on the water.

“I love to give these little calls and mantras,” Oliver said. “I can feel the change in the boat when I’m on the water and I’m telling them come on, let’s push it, let’s bleed speed.”

The siblings will be on the water plenty of the next few weeks, as they prepare for the national championships, and it will be a much different environment in hot and humid Sarasota, Florida. But they are already preparing by changing their diets, keeping hydrated and getting out on the water as much as possible.

We encourage the community to be aware of the following important meetings leading up to the budget revote.

• On Monday, June 1, there will be a special meeting to review and adopt the revised budget, which will include an opportunity for public comment.
• On Monday, June 8, there will also be a public hearing on the revised budget. This is an opportunity for the community to share thoughts regarding the adopted budget.
• On Tuesday, June 16, the revised budget will be voted on at Ann MacArthur Primary, Bayville Intermediate and Brookville Reformed Church, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Both meetings will be held at the Locust Valley Middle School/High School auditorium at 99 Horse Hollow Road and start at 7 p.m.

For those who cannot attend in person, these meetings will be livestreamed at the Board of Education YouTube channel linked below and in our bios.

https://www.youtube.com/c/LocustValleyBoardofEducation

Locust Valley and North Shore High School life skills student basketball players got the varsity treatment, as Locust Valley students filled the stands and cheerleaders got the crowd going at a friendly exhibition earlier in May.

The Locust Valley and North Shore life skills programs have developed a close relationship over the past four years, starting a basketball game and lunch day for the students to compete and come together. This year, Locust Valley life skills teachers Jennifer Bluestein, Jessica DiPardo and Jessica Garrison wanted to reciprocate and host North Shore. To commemorate the event, the high school’s Peer Leaders and Best Buddies clubs created signs to celebrate both the Falcons and Vikings teams. The SEPTA parents council provided the teams with a postgame pizza meal.

The students and staff helped create an incredible atmosphere and a day to remember as this new tradition continues to grow.

Prior to the Memorial Day break, members of district administration and faculty celebrated the careers of 17 soon-to-be retirees. These staff members held a wide variety of roles in the district, but all worked to further the goal of creating a safe and nurturing place for our students to learn and grow.

Please join us in thanking these retirees for their years of hard work!

Ruth Brooks-Katten
Anna Diana
Anita Domin
Charlene Enoch
Joanne Ewen
Peggy Fitzmaurice
Faith Keenan
Karen Kriesberg
Evelyn Mason
Patricia Mastacciuola
Douglas Notti
Kathleen Reilly
Janine Sampino
Grace Smoak
Susan Stephens
Kathleen Tisch
Jacqueline Zimbardi

On behalf of the Board of Education, we would like to thank all residents who participated in the school budget vote and Board of Education election. We appreciate the time our community members took to make their voices heard through the voting process.

Since the budget did not pass, the district will now begin work on a revote scheduled for Tuesday, June 16. We will provide updates regarding this process and the budget in the near future.

Budget Results:

Proposition 1: School Budget: The Budget Did Not Pass.
Propuesta 1: Presupuesto Escolar: El presupuesto no pasó.
Yes/ Sí: 765
No: 850

Proposition 2: Transportation Policy Update
Proposición 2: Actualización de la Política de Transporte
Yes/Sí: 981
No: 613

Proposition 3: Locust Valley Library Tax Levy
Proposición 3: Impuesto para la Biblioteca de Locust Valley
Yes/Sí: 424
No: 240

Board of Education Trustee Election Results (* indicates winners):
Resultados de las Elecciones para Miembros del Consejo de Educación (* indica ganadores):

*Brian Keaveney: 1,078
*Holly Esteves: 1,060
*Paul Chirichella: 1,047

Before tomorrow’s budget vote and Board of Education election, you can catch up on important information at the Budget tab on the district website. There, you will find the line-by-line adopted 2026-2027 budget, all presentations and the budget newsletter.

https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info

A link to the Voter Information page will help you find the designated polling place for each election district. These locations are Bayville Intermediate School’s gymnasium, Ann MacArthur Primary School’s gymnasium and Brookville Reformed Church’s community hall.

https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/voter-information

If you have any questions regarding the vote, please contact the district clerk at (516) 277-5002.

Prepárese para la Información sobre el Presupuesto y los Votantes

Antes de la votación del presupuesto y de las elecciones de la Junta de Educación que tendrán lugar mañana, usted puede consultar información importante en la pestaña de Presupuesto del sitio web del distrito. Allí encontrará el presupuesto adoptado para el periodo 2026-2027, detallado partida por partida; todas las presentaciones; y el boletín informativo sobre el presupuesto.

https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info

Un enlace a la página de Información para Votantes le ayudará a localizar el centro de votación asignado a cada distrito electoral. Dichos centros son: el Gimnasio de la Escuela Intermedia de Bayville, el Gimnasio de la Escuela Primaria Ann MacArthur y el Salón Comunitario de la Iglesia Reformada de Brookville.

https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/voter-information

Si tiene alguna pregunta relacionada con la votación, por favor comuníquese con el secretario del distrito al (516) 277-5002.

Dear Locust Valley Central School District Community,

As members of the Board of Education, we understand the concerns many families and residents have regarding rising costs, inflation and the impact of taxes on household budgets. These concerns are real, and they were central to every discussion and decision made throughout this year’s budget development process.

The Board of Education unanimously approved the proposed 2026-27 school budget, which reflects a careful balance between fiscal responsibility and our continued commitment to educational excellence. With a proposed tax levy increase of 2.1%, well below the district’s allowable tax cap of 2.84%, this budget was crafted to protect taxpayers while preserving the outstanding opportunities and experiences our students deserve.

At a time when many neighboring districts are proposing significantly higher increases, Locust Valley remains among the lowest. This budget maintains all current academic, athletic and extracurricular programs while continuing to invest in student success and school safety. It preserves small class sizes, expands course offerings in areas such as engineering and accounting, strengthens literacy and science programming, and supports award-winning arts, music and film programs. It also includes critical security upgrades to school buildings and continued investment in leadership and career readiness opportunities for students.

Equally important, the district continues to utilize a thoughtful strategy to support the maintenance of our buildings without additional tax increases or unnecessary debt. By utilizing transfers to capital, we can responsibly manage long-term financial obligations, reduce future borrowing needs and minimize the burden placed on taxpayers over time. It is a fiscally prudent strategy designed to ensure that today’s decisions do not create tomorrow’s financial problems.

The Locust Valley and Bayville communities have always been strongest when we work together as one. Our schools reflect our collective values, and supporting our students is an investment in our shared future. In recent years, public discourse has increasingly shifted to social media forums and online commentary. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, we encourage residents to rely on factual information from district communications, budget presentations and official public meetings when making decisions about the future of our schools.

As a Board of Education, we stand firmly behind this budget because we believe it reflects the priorities of our community: strong schools, responsible financial planning, student opportunity, safety and long-term stability. We remain committed to supporting a thriving, healthy and unified school community where every student can succeed and every resident can feel confident in the direction of the district.

We encourage all residents to vote on Tuesday, May 19. Your participation matters, and your vote will help determine the future of the Locust Valley Central School District.

Sincerely,
The Locust Valley Central School District Board of Education

Over the past few years, the district has continued to add to its safety precautions at every building with new camera and attendance systems, additional security staff and lifesaving medical devices and training for building staff.

The 2026-2027 budget will provide additional safety precautions, primarily new doors and lock upgrades, as recommended to the district by the Nassau County Police Department and Department of Homeland Security.
A total of 230 doors will be upgraded, and 277 locksets will be outfitted to doors for swipe cards and automatic locks.

En los últimos años, el distrito ha seguido reforzando sus medidas de seguridad en todos sus edificios mediante la incorporación de nuevos sistemas de cámaras y control de asistencia, personal de seguridad adicional, dispositivos médicos para salvar vidas y capacitación para el personal de las instalaciones.

El presupuesto para el periodo 2026-2027 permitirá implementar medidas de seguridad adicionales —principalmente la instalación de puertas nuevas y la modernización de cerraduras—, tal como lo han recomendado al distrito el Departamento de Policía del Condado de Nassau y el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional.

Se modernizará un total de 230 puertas, y se equiparán 277 conjuntos de cerraduras con sistemas de acceso mediante tarjetas magnéticas y cierres automáticos.

In Proposition No. 2, the Board of Education is seeking permission from the community to update transportation policies for all students. This proposal seeks to align policy with current practices by providing transportation for all in-district K-12 students regardless of distance from their school. Additionally, it will increase the maximum transportation limit for all private and parochial students from 15 to 18 miles. Both updates are at no additional cost to the district or taxpayer.

Community members can catch up on important information ahead of the annual budget vote and Board of Education election on May 19 by going to the Budget Information tab on the district website.

There, you can find the entire adopted budget and all budget presentations from December to May, as well as voter location and registration information.

En la Propuesta N.º 2, la Junta de Educación solicita la autorización de la comunidad para actualizar las políticas de transporte para todos los estudiantes. Esta propuesta busca alinear las políticas con las prácticas actuales al proporcionar transporte a todos los estudiantes del distrito (niveles K-12), independientemente de la distancia a la que se encuentren de su escuela.

Además, aumentará el límite máximo de distancia para el transporte de todos los estudiantes de escuelas privadas y parroquiales, pasando de 15 a 18 millas. Ambas actualizaciones no representan ningún costo adicional para el distrito ni para los contribuyentes.

Los miembros de la comunidad pueden consultar información importante antes de la votación anual del presupuesto y las elecciones de la Junta de Educación del 19 de mayo, accediendo a la pestaña de Información Presupuestaria en el sitio web del distrito.
Allí podrá encontrar el presupuesto aprobado en su totalidad y todas las presentaciones presupuestarias desde diciembre hasta mayo, así como información sobre la ubicación y el registro de los votantes.

https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info

The adopted budget covers a wide range of essential services. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, 96.4% of our funding is tied to fixed costs that sustain our core operations. These nonnegotiable expenses include staff salaries, mandated and contractual benefits, debt services and facilities maintenance as well as special education, BOCES, transportation and various other legal and contractual obligations.

Community members can catch up on important information ahead of the annual budget vote and Board of Education election on May 19 by going to the Budget Information tab on the district website.

There, you can find the entire adopted budget and all budget presentations from December to May, as well as voter location and registration information.

El presupuesto aprobado abarca una amplia gama de servicios esenciales. Para el año fiscal 2026-2027, el 96.4% de nuestros fondos está vinculado a costos fijos que sustentan nuestras operaciones fundamentales. Estos gastos innegociables incluyen los salarios del personal, los beneficios obligatorios y contractuales, el servicio de la deuda y el mantenimiento de las instalaciones, así como la educación especial, los servicios de BOCES, el transporte y diversas otras obligaciones legales y contractuales.

Los miembros de la comunidad pueden consultar información importante antes de la votación anual del presupuesto y las elecciones de la Junta de Educación del 19 de mayo, accediendo a la pestaña de Información Presupuestaria en el sitio web del distrito.

Allí podrá encontrar el presupuesto aprobado en su totalidad y todas las presentaciones presupuestarias desde diciembre hasta mayo, así como información sobre la ubicación y el registro de los votantes.

https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info

Grab your cleats and get ready to see some old friends! Locust Valley High School is hosting a softball game for Falcons baseball alumni this Sunday, May 17, at 12 p.m.

All participants must sign a waiver at the check-in. Register at the link below and in our bios!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpzPE7hjSPfFkHuQo-_9cy4G655NBWKVNkwprPLii5xB3waw/viewform

The 2026-2027 Locust Valley Central School District adopted budget, unanimously approved by the Board of Education, carries a budget percentage and tax levy increase far below those of our neighbors. The levy increase of 2.10% falls below the 2.84% maximum allowed increase and is the second lowest among 12 neighboring districts. This figure also represents a continuation of high-quality programs and experiences for our students, while keeping in mind the financial impact on our taxpayers.

Community members can catch up on important information ahead of the annual budget vote and Board of Education election on May 19 by going to the Budget Information tab on the district website.

There, you can find the entire adopted budget and all budget presentations from December to May, as well as voter location and registration information.

https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info

El presupuesto del Distrito Escolar Central de Locust Valley para el ciclo escolar 2026-2027, aprobado por unanimidad por la Junta Directiva, presenta un porcentaje de aumento presupuestario y de impuestos muy inferior al de los distritos vecinos. El aumento de impuestos del 2.10% se sitúa por debajo del máximo permitido del 2.84% y es el segundo más bajo entre los 12 distritos vecinos. Esta cifra también garantiza la continuidad de programas y experiencias de alta calidad para nuestros estudiantes, teniendo en cuenta el impacto financiero en nuestros contribuyentes.

Los miembros de la comunidad pueden consultar información importante antes de la votación anual del presupuesto y las elecciones de la Junta de Educación del 19 de mayo, accediendo a la pestaña de Información Presupuestaria en el sitio web del distrito.

Allí podrá encontrar el presupuesto aprobado en su totalidad y todas las presentaciones presupuestarias desde diciembre hasta mayo, así como información sobre la ubicación y el registro de los votantes.

https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info

On May 6, Locust Valley elementary schoolers had the chance to meet award-winning author and illustrator Jarrett Lerner, who many students know from his “The Hunger Heroes” and “Nat the Cat” series. Locust Valley Intermediate School students gave Lerner a warm welcome, covering the walls in their renditions of the Massachusetts-based writer’s book covers.

During assemblies with Ann MacArthur Primary and Locust Valley Intermediate students, Lerner took questions about how he was inspired to become an author and illustrator, taught the students how he draws his characters and signed copies of his books for students and the schools to keep.