The District would like to thank the community for voting to pass the 2025-2026 school budget. The budget passed 492 to 308. The district also congratulates reelected trustees Cristina Costanza (503 votes), Francesco Ferraro (449 votes) and David Samartino (502 votes), who will each serve an additional three-year term on the board of education. Additionally, the Library proposition was approved 628 to 168.

Date Added: 5/20/2025

Tuttle second grade students Matthew Sarmiento, Brayden Sparks and Connor Turitto were regional winners in the First in Math Virtual Regional Tournament and have now qualified for the 2025 First in Math New York State Mathematics Championship Finals to be held in Albany on May 31.  

First in Math is the Eastport-South Manor Central School District’s cornerstone of math fluency and recall. With its engaging game-based activities, students build math skills by solving problems under a time limit. The program challenges students, fosters a love for mathematics and builds problem-solving skills. First in Math requires fluency, automaticity and a deep understanding of mathematical principles.  

“Matthew, Brayden and Connor have exemplified hard work, sportsmanship and curiosity. They are role models for their classmates and an inspiration to us all,” District Director of K-12 Mathematics Justin Grover said.  

Date Added: 5/20/2025

National Science Honor Society members at the Jr.-Sr. High School learned of several possibilities in the STEM field thanks to a recent visit from ESM Class of 2003 alumna Dr. Sharon Pepenella. Dr. Pepenella is a former Advanced Placement Biology student of science research teacher Robert Bolen and is now a senior research programs representative at Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Office of Workforce Development and Science Education. She supports the student programs in which dozens of Eastport-South Manor students have participated at both Brookhaven National Laboratory and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. 

In her presentation, “From the Bench to BNL,” Dr. Pepenella highlighted her experiences as an undergraduate student and the transformative experiences that shaped her pathway to earning a Ph.D. She also provided insight into entering the STEM field.  

“It was a truly unique experience having a former student share their success and provide insight into achieving success in STEM fields,” Mr. Bolen said.  

Date Added: 5/19/2025

The District is pleased to announce that S & P Global has raised the district’s 2019 bond rating from AA- with a Stable Outlook designation to an AA rating, along with a Stable Outlook designation. As a result, the district now stands to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest costs over the next decade, particularly with this year’s borrowing of $70 million for the Capital Project, an additional $20 million the following year and scheduled TAN borrowing.     

Each time Eastport-South Manor borrows funds, it is reviewed by credit-rating agency S&P Global to determine its credit worthiness. S&P Global is a financial intelligence provider that supplies detailed information on the credit standing of countries, states, local governments and municipalities to the largest financial institutions in the world. A higher municipal credit rating earns lower interest rates for borrowed funds, resulting in less interest paid on the lifetime of a loan. Ratings are designated from a high of AAA+ to as low as D-.    

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Timothy Laube explained during the May 7 board of education meeting that the improved bond rating was due to the district’s financial stability, as well as the result of improved and upgraded facilities, seven years of passed school budgets, steady school leadership and the voter-approved capital project in 2022.  

Board President Jeffrey Goldhammer congratulated Mr. Laube on the improved credit rating and noted that the district has been “proactive” over the years in its work to improve district finances.  

Date Added: 5/16/2025