Port Jefferson Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan on the “Pressroom Afterhours” podcast.

Port Jefferson School District Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan recently appeared on The Times Beacon Record podcast Pressroom Afterhours. During the episode, Superintendent Schmettan provided an in-depth report on recent settlements related to the Child Victims Act (C.V.A.) and the ongoing financial impact on school districts statewide.

Ms. Schmettan explained that, unlike organizations such as the Archdiocese or the Boy Scouts, school districts cannot declare bankruptcy when facing settlements. Instead, they are required to pay the full amount, placing the burden on taxpayers. Port Jefferson settled seven cases for a total of $16.5 million—an amount lower than some other districts, which have been ordered to pay up to $25 million for a single case. Schmettan discussed how the District is working to pay off the remaining $11.5 million without raising taxes or cutting programs.

“We are focusing on championing our community right now,” said Superintendent Schmettan. “How can the state help us and other neighboring school districts that are facing similar types of cases? We’ve asked the community to start writing letters, speaking to local state representatives, to look for some types of solutions.”

Superintendent Schmettan laid out five potential solutions to the statewide issue, including a partial reimbursement plan in which districts would receive a percentage of money back for every dollar put toward C.V.A. settlements. She also suggested raising the tax cap, creating a C.V.A. superfund to provide districts with additional state aid, opening a window to the liquidation bureau, and allowing districts to use reserve funds for C.V.A.-related payments.

The Pressroom Afterhours podcast is available on Spotify, with the C.V.A. discussion beginning at the 28:36 mark in the episode titled “Superintendent Schmettan Speaks on CVA Settlement.”

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, of the Port Jefferson School District, recently hosted the SCMEA (Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association) Division One East All-County Festival. On March 1, 7, and 8, more than 400 Suffolk County music students in grades 5 and 6 participated in the festival, performing in either band, chorus, or orchestra.

For the SCMEA Division One East All County Festival, Port Jefferson music faculty and student volunteers from the Tri-M Music Honor Society assisted with rehearsals, auditions, ticket and food sales, and guiding visitors through the building.

“We congratulate the Port Jeff students, music teachers, custodial, and security staff for helping to create a memorable music experience for so many of our county musicians and teachers,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, the district’s director of music and fine arts.

SCMEA consists of professional music educators and advocates of music education throughout Suffolk County that sponsors and organizes numerous All County Music Festivals (Band, Orchestra and Chorus) each year for students in grades five through ten.

Port Jefferson students and staff shaved their heads in a St. Baldrick’s event for childhood cancer.

Port Jefferson students and staff shaved their heads in a St. Baldrick’s event for childhood cancer.

Port Jefferson students and staff shaved their heads in a St. Baldrick’s event for childhood cancer.

Port Jefferson students and staff shaved their heads in a St. Baldrick’s event for childhood cancer.

Port Jefferson students and staff shaved their heads in a St. Baldrick’s event for childhood cancer.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Senior Kyle Martin, organizer of the District’s St. Baldrick’s event.

The Port Jefferson School District hosted their annual St. Baldrick’s event to raise money for childhood cancer research on March 17. Elementary, middle, and high school students, staff, and community members had their heads shaved by volunteer hairdressers from the Long Island Beauty School in solidarity with cancer patients as a symbol of support and a way to help raise critical funds. Participants raised more than $22,000 for the cause, a new school record.

The event was organized by Earl L. Vandermeulen High School senior Kyle Martin, a childhood survivor of rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Kyle spent most of second grade in treatment at Cohen’s Children’s Hospital. His appreciation for the organizations that helped him and his family during this rough time inspired him to give back to others battling cancer. March 17 marked 10 years cancer-free for Martin.

"Port Jefferson is an incredibly tight-knit community that always comes together to support one another," said Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Principal John Ruggero. "Seeing everybody shaving their heads in solidarity is truly inspiring. Today’s St. Baldrick’s event was yet another example of the generosity and compassion that make me so proud of our school community."

The Port Jefferson School District is proud to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Kristyn Anumolu, a beloved secondary English teacher at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, for her exceptional dedication to fostering a positive and engaging classroom environment. Ms. Anumolu’s commitment to teaching and her outstanding contributions to her students' academic and personal growth have significantly impacted our entire school district community, earning her well-deserved recognition.

Ms. Anumolu is widely admired by her students and colleagues for her vibrant teaching style and unwavering support. Described as a fun and approachable teacher, she strives to make the classroom experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. Known for creating an atmosphere of openness and genuine connection, Ms. Anumolu makes every student feel seen and valued, ensuring they are equipped with academic knowledge and the confidence to succeed.

Kristyn is an educator who brings both passion and creativity into her teaching, said Principal John Ruggero. She goes above and beyond to cultivate an inclusive, engaging, and supportive classroom environment. We are proud to honor her for the incredible work she does and the positive influence she has on her students.

A dedicated professional, Ms. Anumolu holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in English literature, journalism, and secondary English from CUNY Brooklyn College and St. Bonaventure University. She began her teaching career at Midwood High School in Brooklyn, NY, as a New York City Teaching Fellow, before continuing her career at I.S. 228 in Brooklyn. Since joining the Port Jefferson Secondary English Department in 2007, she has been a tireless advocate for student success.

In addition to her teaching duties, Ms. Anumolu co-advises The Mast, the school’s literary magazine, alongside colleague Chuck Ruoff, providing students with the opportunity to express themselves through creative writing and the arts. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Anumolu enjoys a fulfilling life in Smithtown with her husband, Praveen, and their two daughters, Sofia (11) and Sonje (7).

Date Added: 3/6/2025