Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Baldwin Board of Education kicked off preparations for the 2026-27 school year by reorganizing its leadership, offering updates on summer construction projects and discussing plans for a new Brookside Elementary School playground at its annual reorganization meeting on July 8.
Trustee Pamela Green was sworn in to a new three-year term after winning re-election in May, and was unanimously selected to continue serving as board president. Trustee Susan Cools was elected vice president, and Baldwin High School junior Jonnae Green was sworn in as the board's student ex-officio member.
Superintendent Anthony Mignella said that district’s summer programs are underway, including extended school year services for students with IEPs at Meadow Elementary School, high school and middle school summer programs, and universal pre-K partner programs at Plaza Elementary School. He also highlighted ongoing capital improvement projects taking place while students are away.
Construction is progressing on a new artificial-turf field at Baldwin Middle School, while work has begun on the high school’s addition. Preparations are also underway for kitchen renovations at Steel and Lenox elementary schools, and electrical infrastructure upgrades continue throughout the district.
"We're on track," Mignella said, adding that groundbreaking ceremonies were planned at several schools to mark the start of construction projects.
Board members also approved an intermunicipal agreement with Nassau County on a $150,000 Community Revitalization Project grant that would help fund a new playground at Brookside Elementary School. Mignella cautioned, however, that the district has not yet received the grant funding, and that the board's action was one of several required steps in the approval process.
District officials estimate that the playground could cost roughly $300,000, meaning that additional funding will likely be needed before the full project can move forward. If the remaining funding cannot be secured, administrators said, the scope of the project could be reduced.
Mignella explained that one of Brookside's playgrounds had previously been dismantled after being deemed unsafe and obsolete, creating an immediate need for replacement equipment. He added that the district continues to seek grants for playground improvements at all five of its elementary schools while trying to ensure that projects are completed equitably.
During the public comment period, a Brookside parent asked whether PTAs or community members could help secure grants or raise money for playground improvements. District officials encouraged residents to bring potential grant opportunities to the administration, but noted that some grants carry restrictions, and that PTA fundraising is subject to state regulations.
Board members also discussed how independent community organizations have successfully raised money for playground projects in the past.
Looking ahead to the school year, Green announced that the board planned to expand its community Coffee Conversation meetings by using them to help develop a strategic plan for the district.
"We're going to do a little deeper dive into the board priority goals and change them a little bit more to a strategic plan," Green said, encouraging residents to participate in the first meeting, expected in August.
The board also approved a series of annual organizational resolutions, including district appointments, financial management designations and committee assignments.
Among the policy actions it approved was an update of the district's Code of Conduct that added restrictions on e-bikes and electric scooters on school property. The change, Mignella said, reflects growing safety concerns and updated guidance in light of an increase in injuries involving the devices.
Before the meeting concluded, board members reflected on this year’s graduation ceremonies and recognized district staff members who recently earned tenure or retired.
Mignella also welcomed Jonnae to the board, calling the student representative position "a great opportunity to develop some civic leaders."
Jonnae, an incoming junior enrolled in the high school's Media Academy, said she hoped to strengthen communication among students, administrators and the community during the 2026-27 school year.
"I have tremendous pride in Baldwin," she said. "There's so many great things happening districtwide. I can't wait to promote it."
