<p>Manhasset High School teacher Brandon Cruz&nbsp;received a fine of three months&#39; salary for taking three unauthorized unpaid days off&nbsp;to work as an NCAA Tournament referee.</p>


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Teacher fined for moonlighting as referee

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The absences raise new questions about whether the school district missed potential signs of trouble at the girl's home. Newsday investigative reporter Payton Guion explains.

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The 31 sexual misconduct allegations tied for the most — an identical number was reported in 2022-23 — since the academy began maintaining the data more than a decade ago.

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Education Video Playlist

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland speaks to actor Gary Sinise about the Wantagh Union Free School District partnering with his foundation to raise money for field trips to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, as well as a commemorative 9/11 statue in front of Wantagh High School.

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Sara Lopez Garcia recorded an address to her class from her native Colombia. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

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Rori Zura was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at the age of 33. Today, she helps others as a cancer exercise specialist. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

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The report identified over half a million hateful posts on X between January 2025 and June 2026, with monthly growth of 75%. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

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Liberty Water has applied to raise rates in three of the areas it serves on Long Island. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

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Residents in LI's more than 120 school districts weighed in on board candidates, budgets and propositions. See how your district voted. For additional information, read our article here.

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See the latest news from Long Island school districts, including local rankings, school board developments, safety updates and more.

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