Dear Long Island Community,

It is a true privilege to write my first letter to you as your school superintendent. Although I have only been in this role for a few months, getting to know you, your students, and this beautiful island has been an absolute joy.

A Hidden Gem

The Long Island School is a rare gem. Between our talented staff and a dedicated Board, to whom I owe a great deal of gratitude for helping me hit the ground running, we have something special here. Our school remains deeply committed to providing a well rounded education that prepares students for whatever their future holds. What truly set us apart is our commitment to "place-based learning."  We don't just teach in a classroom; we use the island itself as a living laboratory for hands-on, experiential projects.  Our small size is our strength, allowing for the kind of personalized attention and individualized goals that ensure every student is both challenged and supported at exactly the right pace.

Investing in Our Future

We all recognize that a vibrant school is the heartbeat of island life; it ensure our long-term sustainability and makes Long Island a home for young families.  I also want to speak candidly to those who have questions about the school's longevity given our current enrollment. From my perspective, as a newcomer, you have something precious here, something worth saving through the collaboration of the entire community. To ensure this is sustainable, the School Board is proposing a budget that is both fiscally responsible and realistic.  

Significant Savings: By streamlining our staffing to just our essential teaching role, along with other smaller reductions, we have reduced the budget by over $140,000 compared to last year.

Lean Operations: We are operating on a very lean "skeleton crew" that is going to become leaner next year.  For context, we currently operate without an administrative assistant nor a dedicated special educator. Next year, we additionally will be operating without an education technician.  

Understanding Fixed Costs: It is important to note that even if the school were to have zero enrollment, state laws require us to maintain certain fixed costs. Our team crunched the numbers and found that a dormant school would only save the community an additional $150,000 beyond our current proposed budget.

Growing Together

Now, the real work begins: building our enrollment. This is a collaborative effort that requires the minds, hearts, and hands of the whole island.  Some of the school staff and I are launching a piece of this effort immediately, so keep an eye out for updated materials showcasing our "great little school." Should we have the good fortune of attracting several new famililes, the Board has a plan in place to use the remaining reserves from this year to support that growth.

Thank you again for the warm welcome.  I look forward to working alongside all of you on behalf of the children and families of Long Island.

Warmly,

Barbara Anne