Superintendent's Corner

Dear Port Jefferson Community,

We would like to provide you with an update regarding our football program. The District has continued to pursue all possible avenues in advocating for our football players to have an opportunity to play this season. This included submitting a formal petition to Section XI to allow a combined varsity team with Rocky Point. As a result of this advocacy, the District has been granted a hearing with Section XI. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our students and will update the community when a formal decision has been rendered.

Additionally, we are moving forward with a combined JV team with Rocky Point.

Thank you for your continued support of our students, District, and community.

Sincerely,


Jessica Schmettan
Superintendent of Schools

Director Combs,

I am writing regarding the decision communicated to our Athletic Director regarding Port Jefferson’s request to combine our JV and Varsity football programs with Rocky Point School District.

Yesterday, Interim Athletic Director, Mark Passamonte was advised by phone that the request was not approved because the combined varsity team would be ineligible for postseason competition and that the host school, Rocky Point, was not willing to accept that consequence.

To ensure that the District has an accurate understanding of the decision and can determine the appropriate next steps, please provide the following in writing:

• The specific Section XI rule or regulation that would result in the combined varsity football team being ineligible for postseason competition; • The individual, committee or governing body that made this decision or determined this penalty; and
• The written decision and the rationale for the denial of the District’s request.

The District provided the circumstances surrounding the late request when the matter was submitted for consideration. At this point, I am seeking clarification of the basis and authority for the decision, as well as the identity of the decision-making body, so that the District can appropriately determine whether and how to exercise its appeal rights. 

In light of the immediate impact this decision has on our student-athletes and their opportunity to compete this season, the District requires an expedited written response in order to evaluate the decision and take any necessary formal action.

Sincerely,

Jessica Schmettan

Superintendent of Schools

Port Jefferson Union Free School District

August 28, 2026

Dear Port Jefferson Community,

We want to provide our community with a clear and accurate account of what has occurred regarding the Varsity Football program and our efforts to ensure that our student-athletes would have the opportunity to play this season.

We understand that many in our community first learned about our situation through the media. We had hoped to hear back from Section XI regarding our request to combine our football program with Rocky Point before communicating any definitive information to the community. Unfortunately, Section XI Executive Director Tom Combs chose to speak directly to the press about his decision, without providing the District with any formal, written communication about that decision or the reasons for it. As a result, we have been put in the position of playing catch-up and responding publicly to information that should have first been communicated to us in an official capacity.

Heading into this season, we anticipated 23 returning varsity players and eight (8) incoming freshmen. Unfortunately, that did not materialize. In fact, it was not until this past Wednesday that it became apparent, we would not have the required 16-player minimum to field a varsity team. This is the first time Port Jefferson has been unable to field a varsity squad.

While we were hoping we would reach the 16-player minimum, we also took the prudent step to prepare a backup plan to ensure that our students would have an opportunity to play football this season. Last week, we approached the Rocky Point School District about the possibility of combining our programs. Rocky Point was amenable to the concept, and our two districts quickly reached an agreement that would allow for both a combined varsity and junior varsity football program.

With that agreement in place, we submitted jointly with Rocky Point a proposal to Section XI and Mr. Combs. We fully expected our request to proceed through the normal Section XI process for combined teams. We were prepared to work cooperatively with Section XI on any logistical, scheduling or administrative requirements necessary to make the arrangement work. Instead, yesterday, we heard from multiple sources that our request was not going to be sanctioned by Section XI. In a Newsday article, Mr. Combs seemed to imply that this was based on the request coming in too late and the combined team potentially upsetting established power rankings, scheduling and divisional play.  The fact is that the proposed Port Jefferson/Rocky Point varsity team would remain in Division III, and the Rocky Point schedule would remain in place. Rocky Point would be the host district. There would be no disruption to Division III play or to the existing schedule. Additionally, a combined Port Jefferson/Rocky Point team would have no impact on existing power rankings based on both teams’ won/loss records last season.

What is more concerning is the message that was communicated to Rocky Point yesterday. They were told by Mr. Combs that they would be excluded from postseason play if they proceeded with a combined varsity team. Notably, we were not informed of this penalty. It is also our understanding that no such penalty formally exists in Section XI rules and regulations. We were told that this is “a customary practice” of Section XI for late forming combined teams. In fact, this penalty has only been applied once in Section XI history.  Faced with this consequence, Rocky Point had no alternative but to withdraw from the varsity portion of the agreement. Rocky Point has indicated they will continue with our agreement for the combined JV squad.

This whole matter and how it has transpired is deeply disappointing and troubling. Our students should not be caught in the middle of a dispute over administrative processes, power rankings or scheduling concerns. The Port Jefferson and Rocky Point districts came forward with a good-faith proposal designed to preserve opportunities for student-athletes in both communities. Without a combined varsity team, our high school student-athletes will not have a football season this year. For our seniors, who have invested years of their lives in this program, that prospect is particularly devastating.

As educators, our first responsibility must always be to our students. When there is a reasonable way to provide them with an opportunity to participate, particularly when that opportunity can be created without disrupting other schools or existing schedules, we believe every effort should be made to find a way forward. In this instance, this arbitrary decision to deny a combined Rocky Point/Port Jefferson varsity football program falls far below that standard.

We are not going to stop advocating for our students. The Port Jefferson School District will continue to pursue every possible avenue to enable our varsity football players to get on the field this year. We will continue to explore options, including formally petitioning Section XI for a written response, including clarification of the basis and authority for this decision, and the identification of the individual, committee or governing body that made this decision and determined the penalty of post-season exclusion. 

Our football players have worked hard. They deserve the opportunity to play.

 Sincerely,

Jessica Schmettan

Superintendent of Schools

Port Jefferson Union Free School District

August 2026

Dear Royal Families,

A new school year always brings a fresh start and an opportunity to build on the work and successes of the year before. As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, our theme, “Future Ready, Royal Strong,” reflects both where the district is headed and the foundation that supports us. Our schools will embrace new opportunities and prepare students for an ever-changing world while remaining grounded in the strong sense of pride and community that has always defined Port Jefferson.

This year, we are excited to continue two initiatives that reflect our commitment to being future-ready and providing the support our students and staff need to thrive.

• Stony Brook CARE: A partnership with Stony Brook University to provide mental health services, consultation, and education for students, families, and staff.
   
• An additional $80,000 grant from Assemblywoman Kassay to add a podcast room, enhance the outdoor elementary instructional space, and expand our STEAM resources.   

Preparing our students for the future also means making sure our schools and facilities are ready to support them. This summer was extra busy with our twelve-month staff preparing for the grades 6-12 strategic realignment. Thank you to our grounds crew, technology department, clerical staff, facilities department, and administrators who worked tirelessly to ensure our buildings were ready for both staff and students. In addition, the district is nearing completion on two large-scale capital projects in our buildings. These projects will update heating, cooling, and electrical systems in a majority of our instructional spaces.

Being Royal Strong also means making thoughtful decisions today that will support our district for years to come. The Board of Education carefully reviewed restricted reserve funds. The goal was to determine whether some of these funds could be used to reduce the debt from the Child Victims Act (CVA) settlements. At our August meeting, the Board plans to use additional reserves, reducing the amount the District will need to borrow to approximately $7.1 million in January 2027. While this is still a significant financial obligation, reducing the amount the District needs to borrow will lower long-term debt and annual payments. This will lessen the impact on future budgets and allow us to continue providing the instructional programs and services that are important to our community.

We are eager to welcome students back for the first day on Wednesday, September 2. I hope you enjoy these final days of summer and look forward to beginning another successful year together. 

Sincerely,

Jessica Schmettan

Superintendent

June 8, 2026

Dear Royal Families,

At the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 9, the District will be accepting the resignation of Mr. Brian Walker, our Middle School Principal. Mr. Walker has accepted a position as an elementary principal in the Longwood School District.

A former elementary teacher, Mr. Walker is returning to his educational roots and will be serving as principal in the same District where his grandfather was once principal. We are sad to see him leave Port Jefferson, but we are incredibly proud to support him in this meaningful full-circle moment and wish him continued success in his next chapter. Once a Royal, always a Royal. 

In light of Mr. Walker’s departure, the District is taking this opportunity to strategically realign our 6–12 configuration and administrative structure. Since our High School and Middle School already share a building, staff, and systems, this is a natural step that will allow us to improve operational efficiencies, strengthen our instructional program, and enhance the overall experience for our students and families. This change aligns with our current 6-12 enrollment and maintains our commitment to fiscal responsibility. 

Effective September 2026, students in grades 6 through 12 will be part of a single secondary school. 

·         Mr. John Ruggero, current High School Principal, will serve as Principal of the 6–12 building.

·         Mr. Adam Sherrard, current Athletic Director, will be appointed Associate Principal of the 6–12 building.

·         An interim Athletic Director will be appointed for the 2026–2027 school year while we evaluate the position for the future. 

This realignment will create significant benefits for students, including greater scheduling flexibility, improved 6–12 curriculum alignment, increased opportunities for staff collaboration, and expanded extracurricular options. Students in grades 6–8 will have access to more clubs, mentoring opportunities with older students, and a larger cafeteria with expanded food choices.  

We understand that this change may cause some concern, particularly for incoming sixth-grade families. Please know that Mr. Ruggero is a highly experienced administrator with a strong background across all grade levels. In addition to serving as our High School Principal for the past four years, he previously served as a Middle School Principal in the North Babylon School District and as an Elementary Principal in Sachem. We are confident in his leadership and are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. The District will also maintain a dedicated sixth-grade wing with minimal movement for these students. 

We recognize that this new structure brings both opportunities and questions. We welcome your input and will share additional details at our Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elementary LGR. All Board meetings are livestreamed portjeffboemeetings. 

Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions at 631-791-4221 or jschmett@portjeffschools.org.

Sincerely, 

Jessica Schmettan

Superintendent of Schools

March 5, 2026

Dear Port Jefferson School Community,

I am writing to provide an important update on the ongoing financial impacts of the Child Victims Act (CVA) on our school district. As you may recall from my previous communication, the CVA was signed into law in 2019, creating a “look-back window” that allowed survivors of sexual abuse to file civil claims against alleged abusers and institutions, regardless of when the incidents occurred. This window led to over 10,000 claims statewide, including seven against Port Jefferson.

While the CVA’s intent to deliver justice to survivors is vital, it has created significant and unintended financial challenges for school districts like ours. In November 2024, we settled all seven CVA-related lawsuits for a total of $16.5 million. To cover this, the District utilized $5.1 million from our unassigned reserves and issued an $11.4 million Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) for the 2024-2025 school year. A BAN is a short-term financing tool that requires only interest payments initially. The initial note came due in late January 2026. At that time, we issued a new BAN, which will mature in January 2027 and requires a payment of approximately $650,000 in the 2026-2027 school year. 

Our current plan is to convert this debt into a long-term bond in January 2027. Thanks to recent legislative progress, we now have more flexibility, new legislation finalized in late December authorizes up to 30-year bonds. We anticipate issuing a 28-year bond to spread out the payments and reduce the annual burden on our budget. These bond costs do not impact the tax levy. Bond payments must be made within the 2% tax cap. This means we cannot raise taxes to pay for the bond and must make reductions in expenditures in our budget to cover the cost. That said, we will continue to investigate and pursue all viable options to minimize the long-term impact on our District.

To seek relief, we are advocating at the state level for additional support. In particular, we urge our community to join us in supporting the New York State School Boards Association’s (NYSSBA) position on Assembly Bill A10065 and Senate Bill S8174. These bipartisan bills would authorize the New York Liquidation Bureau to establish a reimbursement program for eligible local educational agencies, like ours, facing liabilities from CVA claims where the original insurers have become insolvent. This would help cover costs without further straining local taxpayers or educational programs, ensuring equity and protecting our District’s financial health.

Your advocacy is crucial. Please consider contacting our elected officials to express support for A10065 and S8174. Templates for letters, emails, or calls are available on our website, along with contact information for key representatives, including Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Anthony H. Palumbo, Congressman Nick LaLota and Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. By voicing your support, we can collectively push for solutions that balance justice for victims with the sustainability of our schools.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our District and our students. Together, we can navigate these challenges and prioritize their education.

 
Sincerely,

Jessica Schmettan

Superintendent

December 23, 2025

Dear Royal Family,

As winter break approaches, I want to wish everyone in our school community a joyful and restful holiday season.

I am truly grateful for our staff for the care and heart they bring to our schools each day. Your commitment to our students and to one another is what makes our district such a special place to learn and work. I am also thankful for our families, whose partnership, trust, and support strengthen everything we do. Together, you help create the sense of community that defines Port Jefferson.

I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished this year, including our recent Blue Ribbon recognition at the high school, which reflects the strength of our entire district.
As you spend time with family and loved ones, I hope the break offers a chance to slow down, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments together. I look forward to continuing our work side by side in the new year.

On behalf of the Board of Education and the entire school district, I wish you a peaceful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year. I’m excited to see what 2026 has on the horizon!

Warmly,

Jessica Schmettan

Superintendent

November 25, 2025

Dear Royal Family,

As we head into the Thanksgiving break, I want to take a moment to share how grateful I am for our Port Jefferson community and the people who make our schools such a special place.

To our students—thank you for your curiosity, your effort and the energy you bring into our classrooms each day. You are the heart of this district, and you remind us why we do this work.

To our families—thank you for your trust and for the many ways you support your children and our schools. Port Jeff has always been a place where families show up for one another and that spirit is felt every day.

To our teachers, staff and administrators—your dedication is what keeps this district moving. Your commitment shows in every hallway, classroom and program. Whether it’s a quiet moment of support for a student or a big event that brings us together, you make our District a place where students feel seen and valued.

This time of year reminds us to appreciate the people around us and the community we’re lucky to call home. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far and excited for what’s ahead.

I hope the next few days give you time to rest and enjoy the people who matter most. On behalf of our Board of Education and myself, I wish you and your family a warm and happy Thanksgiving.

With appreciation,

Jessica Schmettan

Superintendent

September 15, 2025

Dear Port Jefferson Community Members, Parents, and Guardians,

I am writing to share an important update regarding a matter that impacts our school district and to reaffirm our commitment to academic excellence and community pride. This summer, we were thrilled to receive official notification from the U.S. Department of Education that Earl L. Vandermeulen High School had been selected as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School. This prestigious recognition was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our students, educators, staff, and families, who collaborated tirelessly to meet the program’s rigorous standards.

Unfortunately, we were recently informed that the U.S. Department of Education has made the unexpected decision to terminate the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, effective August 29, 2025. This abrupt cancellation has prevented our high school from receiving the formal recognition it earned, leaving our community—students, teachers, parents, and residents—deeply disappointed. The Blue Ribbon designation was not just an award; it was a celebration of the collective efforts that make Port Jefferson a beacon of educational excellence in Suffolk County.

In response, the Port Jefferson School District is taking action. We have sent a comprehensive letter to key officials at the U.S. Department of Education, including Secretary Linda McMahon, and the New York State Education Department, including Commissioner Betty A. Rosa, urging them to reconsider this decision or provide alternative recognition for schools like ours that were selected for the 2025 award. We have also reached out to our elected representatives—U.S. Representative Nick LaLota, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand, Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Mario R. Mattera, and Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay—to amplify our concerns and advocate for our students and community.

Our advocacy reflects the pride we take in our schools and the values we share as a community. The application process for the Blue Ribbon award involved months of reflection, collaboration, and effort from our educators, administrators, and stakeholders, all of whom worked to showcase the innovative practices and academic achievements that define Port Jefferson. While the loss of this recognition is disheartening, it does not diminish the excellence that our students and staff demonstrate every day.

We remain steadfast in our mission to provide a world-class education for our students, regardless of external accolades. We are also exploring opportunities with state and local leaders to ensure that our high school’s achievements are celebrated in meaningful ways. Your support as parents, guardians, and community members is vital to our success.

Together, we will continue to champion the values that make Port Jefferson a remarkable place to learn and grow. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our students.

Sincerely, 

Jessica Schmettan

Superintendent

August 22, 2025

Dear Royal Families,

A new school year brings a fresh start—opportunities to learn, grow, and build on our successes. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Excellence, Growing Together,” reflects both our traditions and our shared commitment to growth. Just as trees deepen their roots while reaching upward, we too are grounded in strong values while always striving higher together.

We already have much to celebrate. U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized our schools among the best:

• Port Jefferson Middle School: #72 in New York State, #3 in Suffolk County

• Earl Vandermeulen High School: #734 nationally, #77 in New York State, #4 in Suffolk County, and #51 in STEM high schools in the U.S.

These honors reflect all of our staff's hard work, creativity, and unwavering dedication. Looking ahead, we are excited to launch two initiatives that strengthen both student well-being and innovation:

• A partnership with Stony Brook University to provide mental health services, consultation, and education for students, families, and staff.

• A $50,000 STEM grant from Assemblywoman Kassay to enhance our offerings in computer science, coding, drones, 3D printing, virtual reality, and other cutting-edge platforms that prepare students for high-demand STEM fields.

In addition, we're aligning with two major statewide initiatives:

• Statewide Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Restriction: All NY schools must enforce a ban on internet-enabled devices during the entire school day—promoting focused learning and reducing digital distractions. 

• Universal Free School Meals: All students in our schools will receive free breakfast and lunch, eliminating income requirements and reducing stigma. 

As always, I want to express gratitude to our twelve-month employees. Thanks to their tireless summer efforts, our buildings shine and our systems are ready. 

May this year be one of growth, joy, and continued excellence—rooted in the best of who we are and always reaching higher together. We are excited to see all of you on Tuesday, September 2. 

Sincerely,


Jessica Schmettan

Superintendent

Dear Port Jefferson School Community,

I am writing to inform you about an important matter that significantly impacts our school district’s financial health and, ultimately, our students. In 2019, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed the Child Victims Act (CVA) into law. This legislation created a "look-back window" allowing victims of sexual abuse to file civil litigation against alleged abusers and institutions that may have enabled such abuse, regardless of when the incidents occurred. The look-back window opened in August 2019 and closed in March 2021, resulting in over 10,000 claims filed against various institutions, including numerous school districts across New York State. Port Jefferson had seven claims filed during this period.

While the CVA was enacted with the critical goal of providing justice to survivors of abuse, it has also led to unintended financial consequences for school districts like ours. Port Jefferson settled all of the CVA-related lawsuits in November of 2024, totaling 16.5 million dollars. In order to pay for this settlement, the District was able to utilize 5.1 million dollars from our reserve funds and additionally, borrow a one-year Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) for 11.4 million dollars. A BAN is a short-term financing option that allows the District to make an interest-only payment for one year.

During our first work session budget presentation on January 28, 2025, Deputy Superintendent Sean Leister outlined the District’s plan for making this first BAN payment of $370,445 in the 2025-2026 school year. A copy of the presentation can be accessed here. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the District will need to convert the 11.4 million dollar debt into a fourteen-year long-term bond unless we have some legislative relief.

These substantial future bond payments will place a heavy financial burden on our district, impacting our ability to deliver the quality education our current students deserve. While we remain deeply sympathetic to the victims and recognize the seriousness of the allegations, we believe it is unjust for our present-day community and students to shoulder this financial burden. To address this issue and advocate for fair solutions, we are urging our elected officials to support the following measures at the state level:

1. Partial Reimbursement: Establish a budget initiative to offer partial reimbursement for CVA settlements or judgments. This can be accomplished through a formula similar to the existing Building Aid model for school infrastructure.
2. Tax Cap Exemption: Allow districts a tax cap exemption specifically for CVA-related expenditures.
3. CVA Fund: Create a dedicated fund to reimburse uninsured school districts for settlement and judgment expenses under CVA.
4. Liquidation Bureau: Expand the look-back period for school districts to submit insurance claims to the New York State Liquidation Bureau. This Bureau is an entity that receives no funding from the taxpayers and protects policyholders of insurance companies that have been declared insolvent.
5. Access Restricted Reserves: Allow districts to access restricted reserve funds by Board of Education resolution for payments of debt associated with CVA judgments or settlements.

Any one of these solutions could provide much-needed relief to our District and lessen the long-term bond implications. These proposed legislative solutions seek to balance justice for CVA victims with the need to preserve educational resources for current and future students. We ask for your support and advocacy to ensure that the education of our students remains a top priority, free from the unpredictable financial hardships that result from events beyond all of our control.

Your voice matters! Please consider reaching out to state legislators and advocating alongside us for these necessary changes to protect our schools and our students. Templates can be found on our website along with directory information for our local elected officials.

Thank you for your continued support of our district and our mission to provide a high-quality education for all students.

Sincerely,

Jessica Schmettan
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Royal Family,

Port Jefferson experienced a great loss last week, with the passing of our student, Ash Patterson. Although this has been a difficult and emotional time for all of us, I'm profoundly proud of the way our school community came together. Through this incredible grief, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and pride for our village. Many individuals have commented on the love, patience, and support all of you have shown for each other, our staff, our students, and especially the Patterson Family. 

The holiday season is an ideal time for reflection, to pause and consider the moments that have shaped the past year. We confronted challenges, faced them head-on, and emerged stronger together. We've shared countless positive moments with loved ones and friends, building cherished memories along the way. As we remember those we've lost, let us also hold onto the understanding that every moment we have is precious and worth treasuring.

It is a privilege to be part of the Port Jefferson School District. As the final days of December draw near, I am in awe of the incredible accomplishments our students have achieved throughout the first half of this school year. We have celebrated our scholars, our athletes, our artists, our performers, our poets, our actors, and our musicians. Their determination and resilience are truly inspiring, and I have no doubt that the second half of this school year will bring even more achievements. 

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our staff, who come to work each day with a single, unwavering purpose: the education, safety, and well-being of our students. Each of them, regardless of their role, plays an integral part in making our district a special place to live and work. 

With your own families, I hope you find some time to rest, reflect, and connect with your loved ones. I look forward to continuing our mission together as we head into the New Year.

Sincerely,

Jessica Schmettan
Superintendent

Dear Royal Families,

As we approach the beginning of a new school year, I wanted to take a moment to welcome back all of our students and their families. Our theme for our staff conference days this year was entitled, “Tomorrow is Going to be a Brighter Day,” with a focus on finding happiness. We have an incredible community of educators and staff, each of whom plays an invaluable role in the success of our District.

Our goal this year is to ensure all our residents find the value and joy in the Port Jefferson School District. As a result, we look forward to working with all of you to help children experience true happiness and a strong sense of belonging in our schools. We are ready to start this new school year with an optimistic, fresh start and know each of you will collectively help us towards a brighter future!

We are excited to announce that we have adopted a new form of school-to-home communication called Parent Square. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with our District. It provides a safe way for District administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to send and receive school, course, extracurricular, athletic, and grade-level information.
Detailed information about this platform will be sent through email next week. In addition to lunch, this year the District is serving breakfast at all three of our buildings. Students will have access to buy breakfast first thing in the morning at our Middle School and Elementary School, and during periods one and two at our High School. Cafeteria menus can be found on our website along with details about pricing.

Thank you to our clerical, facilities, technology, and administrative staff who have worked tirelessly this summer to prepare our buildings for opening day. Our efforts were derailed by the historic rainfall that hit our area. Our Middle School and High School suffered water damage. Fortunately, through the hard work of our grounds and custodial team along with a remediation company, our buildings will be clean and ready for students on the first day. We hope all of your families and homes are safe. If any student or family needs assistance after this traumatic event, please contact our building principal.

We are excited to see all of you on Tuesday, September 3. Wishing you a wonderful Labor Day weekend.

Sincerely,

Jessica Schmettan
Superintendent