Assessing the state of the school district

Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District Superintendent Francesco Ianni presented a comprehensive update on the state of the district at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, highlighting the schools’ continued academic success, community involvement and positive atmosphere. The meeting, which also featured remarks by Erica Giglio Pac, the district’s director of fine, performing and media arts, offered a detailed snapshot of OBEN’s achievements and future goals.

Ianni began by reflecting on the district’s progress over the past several years. One of his points of emphasis was the increasing number of students earning high scores on Advanced Placement exams.

“We are evaluated based on assessments,” he said, pointing to a steady rise in the percentage of students scoring 3 or higher on AP exams, from 21 percent in 2021 to over 70 percent this year. The improvement has not only elevated the district’s reputation, but also given students more college credit opportunities, helping to ease their transition to higher education.

The district has also garnered recognition for its achievements. In 2023 it reached Silver status on the AP School Honor Roll, and this year it earned a Gold rating, a step toward Ianni’s stated goal of reaching Platinum status in the coming year.

He emphasized that these results are a reflection of the district’s dedication to supporting students in achieving their dreams.

“If you have a dream, we’ll find a way to help you make it happen,” Ianni said, also citing the district’s science research program, in which students are conducting innovative work. Robotics and business programs also appeal to those with diverse interests.

Beyond academics, Ianni celebrated the schools’ strong sense of community, describing it as “almost like a private school within the walls of a public school.” The close-knit atmosphere is fostered by initiatives and events such as the Summer Olympics, which brought students and the greater community together for a day of fun and competition.

Another notable example was the participation of sixth-graders in a ceremony honoring Billy Joel with a street-naming in downtown Oyster Bay, where they played a tribute to the renowned musician. The district’s commitment to building strong community spirit is also reflected in its Friday night games and the longstanding tradition of students working with veterans.

“The climate has been quite amazing,” Ianni said, “and you can feel it walking through the halls.”

As well, the district’s new broadcasting studio is helping students pursue their passions. Using state-of-the-art equipment, they learn media production and broadcasting, getting hands-on experience in a professional setting.

Giglio Pac gave an update on the district’s vibrant arts programs. She emphasized its commitment to nurturing creativity and artistic talent from an early age, when students are introduced to music and the arts. Many go on to achieve remarkable success.

One recent highlight was the district’s participation in the American All-Star competition, where students showcased their talents on a national stage. The schools’ music programs also continue to thrive, with students performing at various events and competitions and earning accolades.

“Our students presented and played for the naming of the street of Billy Joel in downtown Oyster Bay,” Giglio Pac said, praising their hard work in preparing for the event.

Ianni concluded his presentation by emphasizing the district’s ongoing commitment to both academic and extracurricular excellence. He acknowledged that while there has been significant progress, there is still more work to be done to ensure that all students have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.

“We have one more to go, which is Platinum,” he said, referring to the AP School Honor Roll program, “and that’s what we’re aiming for next year.”