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MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting – February 7, 2006
Riverhead High School Auditorium
PRESENT: President, Mrs. Lori Hulse-Montefusco; Vice President, Mrs. Nancy G. Gassert; Mrs. Kathleen Berezny; Mrs. Christine Prete; and, Mr. W. Brian Stark.
LATE: Mr. Timothy Griffing and Mrs. Mary Ellen Harkin.
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Paul R. Doyle, Mr. Joseph Singleton, Mr. Joseph Ogeka, Jr., Ms. Nancy Carney and Christopher Venator, Esq.
President, Mrs. Lori Hulse-Montefusco, opened the meeting at 5:42 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to recess to executive session to discuss negotiations (RCFA, Assistant Superintendents’ contracts, confidential group contracts and waiver of fees/Town of Riverhead); and, litigation (individual suit).
Yes 5 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education recessed to executive session at 5:43 p.m.
Mr. Griffing arrived at 5:55 p.m.
Mrs. Harkin arrived at 6:10 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Griffing, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to return to open session.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:05 p.m.
A brief recess followed.
The meeting resumed at 7:25 p.m.
There were about 300 other people in attendance.
Pledge of Allegiance
Recess to
Executive Session
Return to
Open Session
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ALSO PRESENT: Mrs. Barbara O’Kula.
The meeting commenced with the recognition of the accomplishments of certain athletes and their teams who will then retire to the cafeteria to receive Certificates of Commendation and enjoy a photo opportunity.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolutions:
WHEREAS, the Riverhead Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team qualified
to become a Scholar Athlete Team in accordance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) criteria, and
WHEREAS, these Riverhead Central School District students maintained a composite grade point average for the 2005/06 Fall season of 93.682, and
WHEREAS, the students brought credit to themselves, their parents and the Riverhead Central School District, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools commends the students and their Coach, Jerry Duvall, on this outstanding achievement.
WHEREAS, the Riverhead Boys’ Cross Country Team qualified
to become a Scholar Athlete Team in accordance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) criteria, and
WHEREAS, these Riverhead Central School District students maintained a composite grade point average for the 2005/06 Fall season of 93.752, and
WHEREAS, the students brought credit to themselves, their parents and the Riverhead Central School District, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools commends the students and their Coach, Kevin Brennan, on this outstanding achievement.
-Applauded and
Approved
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WHEREAS, the Riverhead Boys’ Golf Team qualified to become a Scholar Athlete Team in accordance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) criteria, and
WHEREAS, these Riverhead Central School District students maintained a composite grade point average for the 2005/06 Fall season of 93.062, and
WHEREAS, the students brought credit to themselves, their parents and the Riverhead Central School District, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools commends the students and their Coach, Chad Haverty, on this outstanding achievement.
WHEREAS, the Riverhead Girls’ Volleyball Team qualified to become a Scholar Athlete Team in accordance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) criteria, and
WHEREAS, these Riverhead Central School District students maintained a composite grade point average for the 2005/06 Fall season of 92.600, and
WHEREAS, the students brought credit to themselves, their parents and the Riverhead Central School District, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools commends the students and their Coach, Karen Braune, on this outstanding achievement.
WHEREAS, the Riverhead Girls’ Soccer Team was selected for the Section XI Sportsmanship Award for the 2005-06 Fall season which have best exemplified standards of sportsmanship as assessed by opposing teams within each scheduling device (league, division, etc.), and
WHEREAS, the students brought credit to themselves, their parents and the Riverhead Central School District, be it
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RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools commends the students and their Coach, Maria Dounelis and Assistant Coach, Danielle Altman, on having achieved such outstanding sportsmanship honors.
WHEREAS, the Riverhead Boys’ Varsity Golf Team has earned the Section XI Sportsmanship Award for the 2005-06 Fall season which have best exemplified standards of sportsmanship as assessed by opposing teams within each scheduling device (league, division, etc.), and
WHEREAS, the students brought credit to themselves, their parents and the Riverhead Central School District, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools commends the students and their Coach, Chad Haverty, on having achieved such outstanding sportsmanship honors.
WHEREAS, the Riverhead Middle School Girls’ Soccer Team has earned the Section XI Sportsmanship Award for the 2005-06 Fall season which have best exemplified standards of sportsmanship as assessed by opposing teams within each scheduling device (league, division, etc.), and
WHEREAS, the students brought credit to themselves, their parents and the Riverhead Central School District, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools commends the students and their Coach, Ben Butler, on having achieved such outstanding sportsmanship honors.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District recognizes Karen Mickaliger as the school district nominee for School Nurse of the Year 2005, sponsored by the New York State Association of School Nurses, and be it further
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RESOLVED, that the Board also recognizes Karen Mickaliger’s outstanding school nurse practice and her professional commitment to school nursing, including ongoing professional development and community service.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, these teachers have been awarded MESTRACT Mini Grants for $1000 each titled, Social Opportunities for Communications in all Locations, Ni Hao-Hello China and Science: the Big Picture for the 2005/2006 school year, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools extend congratulations for the teachers’ outstanding contributions to the students of the Riverhead Central School District and for the credit they bring to themselves, the
community and the Riverhead Central School District.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Riley Avenue teacher Donna Verbeck has been selected to present her literacy proposal at the Sixteenth Annual Literacy and Learning Institute in NYC on March 25, 2006, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools extend congratulations for her outstanding contributions to the students of Riley Avenue School and for the credit she brings to herself, the community and the Riverhead Central School District.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
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A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Riverhead High School teacher Frank Rotenberg has been selected Educator of the Year by the News-Review, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools extend sincere congratulations for his outstanding contributions to the students of Riverhead High School and for the credit he brings to himself, the community and the Riverhead Central School District.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
Special mention was also made of the following recognitions:
· Boys’ Varsity Winter Track Team Freshmen achieved Suffolk County Champions 2005-06 status for the Winter Track Season under the leadership of Coaches, Sal Loverde and Ed Grassman
· Announcement of Riverhead alumna, Colleen Fox, selected to the Rider College Athletic Hall of Fame
· High School senior, Kirstin Krussell, recently selected as a semi-finalist in the 2005-06 Coca-Cola Scholars Program
· Varsity Indoor Track Team attained All League Champions status
Congratulatory wishes were extended to all by the Board of Education and Superintendent.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to approve the minutes of the following meeting:
Regular Meeting – January 24, 2006
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
-January 24, 2006
-Approved
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A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Budget Transactions for the month of December 2005.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
Mrs. Berezny thanked teachers, Marion Dorman and Joe Kruger, for coordinating the fun-filled Chinese New Year’s Celebration at the Riley Avenue School last week. She, also, commented on the Executive Briefing presented by Tom Rogers, Executive Director of NYSCOSS, last week at the H.B. Ward Technical Center that she attended along with Mr. Doyle. The briefing centered on the Albany Update on Legislation and State Aid and of the three challenges we will face by the year 2020, namely:
Mrs. Prete commented on a very interesting book and recommended reading of The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman which focuses on how we fit in a global society.
Mrs. Hulse-Montefusco commented on the recognition of teachers who applied for mini-grants which demonstrate what can be done with these grants, for example…the Chinese New Year’s Celebration at the Riley Avenue School but, also, cited the fact that the district was the recipient of only three grant awards for the 2005-06 school year thus far.
Comments from the community included:
-the President of the RCFA requested a change on page 254 of the minutes of the Board of Education meeting of January 31, 2006, inasmuch as, there was no increase to the East End Health Plan rates (Mr. Singleton apologized for any misunderstanding as he was informed by several districts to plan for a 17% increase in rates). Her additional comment referenced that this is the first time the recipients of MESTRACT grants have been recognized and that statistics for the period 2000-05 show our District as No. 1 for the greatest number of grants received that District teachers have
-December 2005
-Approved
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voluntarily researched, wrote and filed for such competitive grants which brought $75,000 to the District (Mrs. Hulse-Montefusco commended Riverhead teachers for the fine job they do but noted the significant drop in awarded grants as reflected in the following results:
2002-03 – 19 for a total of $15,000
2003-04 – 20 for a total of $19,000
2004-05 – 19 for a total of $18,900
2005-06 – 3 grants being recognized tonight for $3,000
-explanation of Senior Chief on tonight’s personnel recommendations (Mr. Doyle stated that it is a high rank in the Navy and comprises one of two staff leaders of the NJROTC program)
-request to return to regular schedule of Board meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month to avoid interference with Town Board meetings (Mr. Doyle stated that the calendar of Board meetings was approved as the Reorganization Meeting in July
to meet various conflicts such as vacation schedules, recesses and other plans)
-question as to the legality to discuss negotiation of advisor position in Executive Session (Mr. Doyle responded in that if a potential position does not exist…the board and administration have the right to commence initial collective bargaining which is clearly a subject for Executive Session. Further, the topic was not discussed tonight.)
-allegation that the previous topic at the last Board meeting of the annexation of Little Flower was illegal as was determined by Bob Freeman in Albany, Executive Director of the Open Meetings Committee (Mr. Doyle stated that the subject was not illegal or inappropriate as possible annexation would be same as acquisition of real property.) Mrs. Hulse-Montefusco stated that the Board is not doing anything surreptitious - that the Board voted unanimously to discuss the topic in executive session – and, that the public would determine final approval.
-request that the populace change the Board of Education and Superintendent
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-parental comment in support of a fair and equitable contract for the teachers comparable with that of other districts (Mrs. Hulse-Montefusco stated that the Board is endeavoring to settle the contract.)
-inquiry as to the District’s plans and necessary contingency elements for field days (Mr. Doyle stated that suggestions have been “taken to heart” and the appropriate response for emergency services (i.e., water, EMT’s, shelter, etc.) will be on hand)
-question as to allotted time-frame for mid-terms in the Middle School (Mr. Doyle stated that tests may vary in terms of the subject and ability to finish; however, Ms. Pekar will get back with that information)
-personal opinion and comment on bogus editorial to Riverhead constituents by Senator LaValle to whom Riverhead gave 50 acres of land at EPCAL for free and reciprocation should come in the form of increased state aid comparing the 95% building aid that Eastport-South Manor Schools received (Mrs. Hulse-Montefusco stated that she has met with Senator LaValle and that he has committed himself to increase our building aid…Mr. Doyle noted her entitled opinion and emphasized the fact that he is our representative in the state Senate and was, in fact, senior staff member of the Senate Education Committee prior to being elected to the Senate and is making efforts to help Riverhead as best he can.)
-recognition of Marge Lawrence who teaches a grant-writing course and has brought substantial monies to the district in grant awards
-comment on alleged racial incident that occurred at the BOCES H.B. Ward Technical Center last Tuesday and double-standard on how children/students are treated (Both Mr. Doyle and Mrs. Hulse-Montefusco stated that the situation was handled immediately and with the severity that it deserved and that a fair observation would include all the facts in order to discuss fairly…all our children are treated in an equitable fashion)
-a teacher expressed pride in the diversity of our district and that in all her years of experience the students demonstrate no racial bias…diversity means differences and from her perspective, Riverhead Schools do not deserve its reputation – our students are polite and any racial issues are dealt with swiftly and appropriately and, moreover, one isolated incident does not represent the entire student body (Mr. Stark opined that the sportsmanship awards
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recognized tonight which speaks volumes that our children hold themselves in good stead and exemplify model behavior)
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Stark, 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:
C.S.E. MEETING STUDENT NUMBERS
12/13/05 207881, 209555
12/14/05 205514, 214088, 214569, 215000,
215602, 217172, 217184
12/15/05 209117, 209126, 209437, 209490,
211463, 211544
12/16/05 203727
12/19/05 210008
12/21/05 211288, 211533, 211693, 212707,
213013, 213664, 217284
12/22/05 214642, 215119, 216170, 217336
01/04/06 207875, 207883
01/05/06 208476
01/24/06 210022
C.P.S.E. MEETING STUDENT NUMBERS
12/15/05 220128, 219306, 220244, 219014,
220243, 221128, 220268, 220135,
220136, 219260, 219239, 220261,
219263
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 accepts the second reading of Board Policy #1222 – Relations with Booster Organizations.
-Approved
-#1222
-Relations with
Booster
Organizations
-Approved
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Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the Health Services contract with Quogue Union Free School District for the 2005/06 school year for one (1) child in the total amount of $525.93; and, authorizes the President of the Board of Education to sign such contract.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the following resolutions:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District declares as surplus certain outdated/unusable equipment at the Phillips Avenue Elementary School as contained in the list made part of the Supplemental File of the Minutes; and, authorizes disposal of same in the best financial manner of the
school district.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District authorizes the disposal of the following outdated/obsolete equipment in the High School library:
Zenith Television
Bell and Howell Filmstrip Projector
and, that it shall be disposed of in the best financial manner of the school district.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the following resolution:
-Approved
-Approved
-Approved
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RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District authorizes the deletion of Impartial Hearing Officer, Lawrence Larkin, from the district’s rotational selection list, effective immediately.
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 the appointment of the following person as a volunteer to support the athletic program:
James Janecek – Middle School Girls’ Basketball
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Professional Personnel recommendations be approved per Supplemental File Personnel Report and are subject to Board Policy #9310:
Change in Status/Fingerprint Clearance
James Jones
Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments
Amanda Dangelmaier
Jillian Davey
Colleen Gallagher
Danielle Goncalves
Erika Loeb
Tara Malanga
Marisa Medina
Genia Merkel
Deborah Mitchell
Cynthia Moore
Nancy Poserina
-Approved
Recommendations
-Approved
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Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointment
Deborah Talve – Leave Replacement/ESL Teacher, effective
2/1/06-6/30/06.
Change in Status
Garrett Moore – To: Social Studies Teacher, 2/5
position/Alternative School, Social Studies Teacher, 2/5
position/High School, From: Social Studies
Teacher, 2/5 position/Alternative School, 3/5 position/Middle
School, effective 1/30/06-6/30/06.
Lisa Dandrea – Medicaid Oversight of Speech Services, effective
2005/06 school year.
James Jones – Music Teacher, To: 1/5/06-2/17/06, From: 1/5/06-
undetermined date.
Senior Chief Kevin Woods – From: Step 16, To: Step 20, effective
7/1/05.
Request for Paid Leave of Absence
Lisa Talmage – Music Teacher, effective 1/5/06-2/17/06 (NYS
Workers’ Compensation).
Lisa Olsen – Reading Teacher, To: 9/1/05-1/31/06, From: 9/1/05-
2/3/06.
Resignation
William Silva – Elementary Teacher, effective 2/10/06.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the following resolution:
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RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Civil Service Personnel recommendations be approved per Supplemental File Personnel Report and are subject to Board Policy #9310:
Change in Status/Fingerprint Clearance
Karen Westwood
Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointment
Carlas Clairborne
Colin Grattan
Marianne Lynn
Denise Naso
Lillian Ramos
Cynthia Saletel