MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting – January 10, 2006
Riverhead High School Auditorium
PRESENT: President, Mrs. Lori H. Montefusco; Mrs. Kathleen Berezny; Mrs. Christine Prete; and, Mr. W. Brian Stark.
LATE: Mrs. Nancy Gassert, Mr. Timothy Griffing and Mrs. Mary Ellen Harkin.
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Paul R. Doyle, Mr. Joseph Singleton, Mr. Joseph Ogeka, Jr. and Ms. Nancy Carney.
President, Mrs. Montefusco, opened the meeting at 5:40 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
A motion was made by Mr. Stark, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to recess to executive session to discuss negotiations (RCFA and RAA) and personnel (recommendation for Associate Principal and consideration of Leave of Absence).
Yes 4 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education recessed to executive session at 5:41 p.m.
Mr. Griffing arrived at 5:50 p.m.
Mrs. Gassert arrived at 5:52 p.m.
Mrs. Harkin arrived at 6:10 p.m.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to return to open session.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:41 p.m.
A brief recess followed.
The meeting resumed at 8:00 p.m.
There were about 45 other people in attendance.
Pledge of Allegiance
Recess to
Executive Session
Return to
Open Session
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Board of Education
January 10, 2006
Page 2
ALSO PRESENT: Mrs. Barbara O’Kula.
The Superintendent and Board of Education acknowledged the birthday of the Board President, Mrs. Lori Montefusco and extended best wishes to her.
Mrs. Montefusco announced that the first opportunity for comments by members of the community would be timed at 5 minutes per speaker and relate to agenda items only. After thirty minutes, the Board of Education will move on to Items for Action. The second opportunity will be open to other topics and be limited to 5 minutes per speaker, as well.
Mrs. Montefusco read the following statement regarding ongoing negotiations with Little Flower UFSD:
The Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District is pleased to announce that the Board of Education and administration have entered into discussions with representatives from Little Flower U.F.S.D., based in Wading River, for the purpose of evaluating the mutual benefits of program cooperation and possible annexation by Riverhead C.S.D.
Little Flower U.F.S.D. is a “special act” school district, which means that it was created through a special act of the New York State Legislature, and it is geographically contiguous with the Riverhead Central School District. After serving as a small parochial school since its inception in 1930, the Little Flower U.F.S.D. residential special act district – the only one on Long Island – was created in 1972. It serves approximately 100 students from a variety of school districts that pay state-reimbursable tuition to attend the school. Little Flower provides education services to approximately 100 children, most of which reside on the campus of Little Flower.
Many operational questions are being examined, and a full cost/benefit analysis is being conducted as part of the ongoing discussions between the two parties. If a mutual decision is reached to move forward with expanded program cooperation up to and including annexation, separate public votes would have to be held in each of the two communities and voters must provide approval in both communities for annexation to occur. Any annexation would be limited to the Little Flower School and would not involve the residential or other services of Little Flower. The approval of the New York State Legislature and the Commissioner of Education is also required.
Opening Comments
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Board of Education
January 10, 2006
Page 3
The driving force of annexation discussions is the potential financial benefits offered to each of the two school districts. Little Flower U.F.S.D. is confronting the possible dissolution of its district due to the limited number of children being educated on the campus and the cost related to a small program. If the Little Flower School were to close, the students, as residents of Riverhead Central School District, would become our responsibility to educate. Riverhead’s Board of Education has the responsibility to seek the financial benefits offered by the State that are provided by annexation. In theory, annexation would provide for preservation of the services that Little Flower U.F.S.D. currently provides (under the Riverhead C.S.D. name) while giving our district a significant financial benefit.
“Annexation” is a term used to describe the process by which one school district is entirely absorbed by another school district, subsequent to the approval of voters in each of the two communities. It differs from the process of consolidation of two districts, in which each community agrees to share one newly formed district (e.g., Eastport-South Manor). However, the financial benefits of both processes are potentially significant.
The Board of Education is intrigued by this possibility since we believe our district receives a disproportionately low amount of state operating aid and state building aid. Annexation could result in significant increases in building aid and operating aid and make the reconstruction of existing facilities and/or the construction of a new high school much easier to bear for taxpayers.
Riverhead C.S.D. residents can look forward to periodic updates on this matter in the coming weeks and months.
Mr. Singleton then gave a brief explanation of the type of increase in state aid as a result of an approved annexation by the taxpayers, the State Legislature and the Commissioner of Education. Such an annexation/merger would provide an increase of 40 basis points in operating aid for a period of 14 years. The first four years would be at the highest level and then decrease by 4 basis points each year thereafter. Building aid (currently at 29%) would increase by 30%
(i.e., 59% of $100,000,000 would result in $59.6 million dollars to the district). Since the district has been discussing the construction of a new high school, we are talking “millions of dollars” in aid.
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Board of Education
January 10, 2006
Page 4
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the minutes of the following meetings:
Regular Meeting – December 7, 200.
Special Meeting – December 22, 2005
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Budget Transactions for the month of November 2005.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
Mr. Doyle reported on his attendance to The Celebration of Technology in Education recognition ceremony at Stony Brook University presented by Eastern Suffolk BOCES Model Schools Program. Students from Riverhead High School under the tutelage of Art teacher, Vincent Nasta, were honored to display their exhibit of creations using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Imageready. As a result of their efforts, the district received two Certificates of Commendations – one from Assemblyman Marc Alessi and the other from Assemblyman Fred Thiele. A Certificate of Merit was, also, awarded from Riverhead Town Supervisor, Phil Cardinale.
With regard to negotiations for the possible annexation by the district with Little Flower UFSD, Mrs. Prete stated her concern on the process of annexation and reported that she spoke with representatives of the state and was informed that an annexation of a “special act” school can only be dissolved by another act of the legislature to approve such annexation since they created it. Although state law provides conflicting information, it is her understanding that the only way the public would have any voice in the matter would be via a petition filed with the Commissioner of Education within 60 days of a legislative act to remove the title of “special act” school to request a public referendum. Mr. Singleton stated that a careful study with students of both districts will be brought before the community and many questions on procedures, state law, etc. will be discussed and clarified when he and the Superintendent go to Albany next week to meet with state officials and suggested that the Board submit questions to him that will be presented for clarification.
-Approved
Report and Budget
Transactions
-November 2005
-Approved
Opportunity for
Superintendent
Opportunity for
Board Members
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Board of Education
January 10, 2006
Page 5
Mr. Stark stated that an annexation is a potential solution and path to get more building/operating aid for the district. It is the fiduciary responsibility of the Board to the people to explore and examine this viable solution.
Mrs. Berezny’s concern is that the state can give us up to 95% vs. a token of 30% and a guarantee from Senator LaValle of dollars in the long run to educate the children of Little Flower vs. no acquisition of land and/or building. She further stated her understanding that if Little Flower were to go financially under or defunct, the state will pay for the education of those students that might come to Riverhead Central School District. Additional concerns are that the district returns to its former position of 29% building aid at the end of 14 years and that Riverhead would be taking in the administration, teachers, teacher aides, etc. of Little Flower. Mr. Singleton informed her that the staff of any school which has been annexed is placed on a recall list and hired in seniority order. Their Superintendent has contractual rights that must be honored, as well as, that of the building Principal.
Mrs. Harkin clarified to the public that the purpose of the resolution is to conduct a thorough investigation and to gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision.
Mrs. Prete expressed her concern on how the consultant, Dr. Norman Doctor, was selected as she received no information. Mr. Singleton stated that in order to have someone study “special act” districts, someone familiar with the regulations, etc. was needed. Dr. Doctor was Regional Supervisor of SED for Long Island and New York City and recently retired as Director of Special Education in Western BOCES. The combination of knowing special education and state regulations in analyzing a report on the quality of the program makes him most qualified. The study includes special education, financial enrollment projections, demographic and facilities studies and overall impact on the district.
Mr. Griffing offered that Little Flower currently has 92 students (three from Riverhead) and that expenses incurred for those students not part of the Riverhead Central School District would be recovered from their home school district.
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Board of Education
January 10, 2006
Page 6
Mrs. Berezny commented on her pleasure to attend the Winter Concerts at Pulaski Street School and Riverhead High School in December 2005 and stated that the music programs were “really special”. She, also, reported on her attendance at Supervisor Cardinale’s inaugural ceremony at the High School where teacher Katherine Kent’s students performed a beautiful song.
Mrs. Prete, also, attended both Winter Concerts and thanked David Loddengaard and his staff for their efforts to accomplish these kind of great performances. In this regard, she requested the Superintendent to explore having them filmed//televised on the educational/government channels in all towns to promote our district. Mrs. Prete commented on the success of the subsidized music program in 6th grade upward and supported its continuance for next year and recommendation that it start at the 5th grade level.
Mrs. Montefusco announced that Friday, January 13 is a half-day of school for elementary grade students. She encouraged student entry in the contest for students in Grades 5-12 and who are Riverhead Free Library card-holding students, to create a “logo” from a slogan – “Riverhead Free Library…An Electrifying Experience!” The contest begins January 3 and submissions shall be accepted until May 1, 2006.
Mrs. Harkin applauded the Middle School Winter Concert and praised the 7th and 8th grade bands, chorus and orchestra.
Mrs. Berezny inquired as to when representatives from LIPA and the Auditor’s Report would give presentations to the Board. Mr. Singleton responded that the auditors will give their presentation at the next Board of Education meeting.
Comments from the community included:
-caution to move toward annexation of Little Flower
-clarification of restrictions for school members and volunteers
relative to fundraising activities and handling of funds (Mr.
Singleton stated that there are no restrictions on programs or
fundraising through Booster Clubs – there are, however,
restrictions for staff members collecting and disbursing cash that
does not go through the formal activity accounts of the district –
Community
Comments
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Board of Education
January 10, 2006
Page 7
any staff member or student involved in handling the monies must
be accountable. Employees can remain voluntary but cannot
handle funds without any records for the Booster Club). Mr. Doyle
further stated that the Student Fundraising Activities policy in its
third and final reading tonight addresses the issue that an
employee of the district should not collect monies and/or write
checks without following through with the district’s extra-curricular
funds accounts to be legitimate.
-support of review for potential annexation of Little Flower UFSD
-concern of financial impact upon the district and its taxpayers of
annexation and cost to assume responsibility of their special
education students(Mrs. Montefusco stated that annexation of
Little Flower would present huge increases in both building and
operating aid to the district in the area of $300 million over the
course of fourteen years).
-affordability to annex and its effect on the district’s test scores,
rating and accountability
-concern that the district does not have the skill or capacity to
handle children of Little Flower with special needs
-a public thank you to Betsy Chappell to facilitate a meeting with
the Riverhead Recreation Department and the district for a
child with disabilities
-“kudos” to Mr. Janecek of the Town of Riverhead and the
program he oversees
-funding of students at Little Flower under its current difficult
financial situation (Mr. Singleton stated that the state is required to
fully fund them despite being in the red).
-recommendation to table the resolution and cooperative study
for further discussion between the public and Board of Education
(Mrs. Montefusco stated that the subject was discussed at the
last Board meeting. Mrs. Prete, however, stated that this is
the first time the matter is being publicly discussed).
-request that the Board dismiss the resolution to appoint an
Associate Principal and address filling the Interim position of
the current principal with that of a permanent individual
-opposition to costly study/investigation as first step in the
application to annex Little Flower and concern on the process
(Mr. Singleton stated that no papers have been filed with
the state. Mrs. Montefusco stated that it is the Board’s
financial duty to investigate).
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Board of Education
January 10, 2006
Page 8
-support to research annexation and suggestion that the other
parties commit to participate in the study and equally share
in the costs
-offer by a former member of the Little Flower Board of
Education to assist the district in ideas and with personal expertise
and recommendation that the process must involve the community
A motion was made by Mrs. Berezny, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District accepts the following recommendations of the Committee on Special Education regarding children with disabilities and whose Individualized Education Plans need to be implemented:
CSE MEETING STUDENT NUMBERS
09-28-2005 207340
10-05-2005 214251, 215601
10-12-2005 204695, 207867, 208701
10-25-2005 218198
10-26-2005 206376, 206717, 206833, 207019,
207059, 207801, 207803, 207868,
208665, 209622, 216139, 217198,
218113, 218174, 218206
10-27-2005 212043, 212065, 212574, 212858,
213019, 213503
10-28-2005 206385
11-01-2005 206276
11-02-2005 213330, 213679, 214019, 214089,
214477, 218051, 218185
11-07-2005 209090, 209301, 207403, 208404,
210044
11-10-2005 206423, 206717, 213380, 214605,
215036, 215554, 216150, 216176,
217018, 217188, 218063, 218302
11-15-2005 206828, 208512, 209852, 210795,
211532, 211693, 212481, 212554,
213005, 214089, 205481, 207842,
207873, 207877, 208028, 208378,
209088, 209659, 209767
11-21-2005 208476
Committee on
Special Education
-Approved
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Board of Education
January 10, 2006
Page 9
11-29-2005 209721, 210022, 212043, 212437
11-30-2005 205353, 205513, 205514, 205745,
206764, 207349, 207649, 207771,
208340, 208410, 206105, 206596,
212698, 213562
12-01-2005 214532, 208710, 208710, 213652,
214036
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves Change Order #1 – Rolands Electric - in the amount of $4,816.50 for the purpose of furnishing and installing two (2) additional exterior cameras and one (1) KBD 4000 controlling device for the High School security system; and,
authorizes the President of the Board of Education to sign such change order.
In a discussion that followed, Mrs. Prete questioned this as an expenditure in addition to the initial bid for surveillance cameras at the High School. Mr. Singleton explained that the expenditure is needed for two additional cameras as two areas in the back parking lot have inadequate lighting and this installation will correct that deficiency and is needed for protection of liability. He, also, stated that it is not abnormal to have change orders less than 3% of the total contract).
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the contracts between the Riverhead Central School District and the following:
Approval of
Change Order #1
-Roland Electric
-Approved
Approval of Contracts
-Therapy Services
-PBS Consulting
-Approved
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Board of Education
January 10, 2006
Page 10
Therapy Services Contract from Complete Rehabilitation Consultants for one (1) student, per Individual Education Plan, attending the Leonard Burkett School for the 2005-06 school year as per outlined fee schedule;
PBS Consulting (Positive Behavior Support Consulting) Agreement for the 2005-06 school year for psychological consulting services @ $95/hour, as needed;
and, authorizes the President of the Board of Education to sign such Agreements.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Berezny, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, bids for Interscholastic Athletics/Boys’ Track and Softball were opened on December 21, 2005, and
WHEREAS, bids for such items have been reviewed by the Director of Athletics and the Purchasing Agent, and
WHEREAS, the Director of Athletics and the Purchasing Agent have recommended that certain awards be made to the qualified low bidders meeting specifications, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District awards the following items to the vendor indicated for Interscholastic Athletics/Boys’ Track and Softball for the 2005/06 school year:
Sportime International
3155 Northwoods Parkway
Norcross, Ga. 30071
Boys Track Items # 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5, 6*, 7*, 8*
17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 25[1]
Amount $675.26
-Interscholastic
Athletics
Boys’ Track &
Softball
-Approved
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Board of Education
January 10, 2006
Page 11
Aluminum Athletic Equipment Company
1000 Enterprise Drive
Royersford, Pa. 19468
Boys Track Items # 9, 14, 16
Amount $178.55
Dol Gray Enterprises
64 Division Avenue
Suite LL3
Levittown, New York 11756
Boys Track Items # 26, 27
Amount $1,362.00
Port Jefferson Sporting Goods
538 Jefferson Plaza
Port Jefferson Station, New York 11776
Boys Track Items # 28, 29
Amount $780.00
Metuchen Center, Inc.
429 Joyce Kilmer Avenue
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
Boys’ Track Items # 30
Amount $391.50
Sport Supply Group, Inc. d/b/a Passons Sports
Post Office Box 49
Jenkintown, Pa. 19046
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