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MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting – April 4, 2006
Phillips Avenue Elementary School
PRESENT: President, Mrs. Lori Hulse Montefusco; Vice President, Mrs. Nancy G. Gassert; Mrs. Kathleen Berezny; Mr. Timothy Griffing; Mrs.. Christine Prete; and, Mr. W. Brian Stark.
LATE: Mrs. Mary Ellen Harkin.
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Paul R. Doyle, Mr. Joseph Singleton, Mr. Joseph Ogeka, Jr. and Ms. Nancy Carney.
Board President, Mrs. Hulse Montefusco, opened the meeting at 5:57 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to recess to executive session to discuss personnel, negotiations (RCFA) and acquisition of real property (new High School site).
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education recessed to executive session at 5:58 p.m.
Mrs. Harkin arrived at 6:45 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 a 7:28 p.m.
A brief recess followed.
The meeting resumed at 7:48 p.m.
There were about 200 other people in attendance.
ALSO PRESENT: Mrs. Barbara O’Kula.
Pledge of Allegiance
Recess to
Executive Session
Return to
Open Session
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 2
A motion was made by Mr. Stark, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to amend the agenda to include the following resolutions:
WHEREAS, the Riverhead Central School District has extensive capital needs including, but not limited to the acquisition, design, planning, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, preservation, development, improvement or modernization of school facilities, and
WHEREAS, the capital needs may be financed in whole or part from a Capital Reserve Fund, as authorized under Section 3651 of the Education Law, and
WHEREAS, the expenditures from the Capital Reserve Fund require approval of the residents of the district, and
WHEREAS, a Capital Reserve Fund may be financed from unallocated District funds, State funds designated for capital improvements, donations, or a levy of the taxes on residents of the district, therefore, the following proposition is placed on the ballot for the May 16, 2006 vote of the residents:
“Shall the Board of Education be authorized to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the purposes of acquisition, design, planning, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, preservation, development, improvement or modernization of school facilities, and such fund shall for a period, not to exceed five ( 5 ) years, in an amount not to exceed ten million dollars ( $10,000,000 ) and shall be financed from unallocated district funds, state aid for the purpose of capital improvements, donations, or an annual tax levy, not to exceed one million five hundred thousand ($1,500,000).
NOTE: the Approval of this Resolution will not have an impact on the tax levy for 2006-2007.
-Approval of
Proposition for Placement
On Ballot: Capital Reserve
Fund
-Adoption of 2006-07
Budget
-Approved to Amend
Agenda
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 3
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District adopts the proposed budget as presented for the 2006-07 school year in the total amount of $93,352,740 to be presented to the public at a budget hearing on May 9, 2006; and, i.e., be it further
RESOLVED, that the Property Tax Report Card for the 2006-07 school year be approved.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion to Amend Agenda Carried.
Mr. Singleton presented reductions in the tentative budget totaling $487,809 that included $56,000 in consultants’ fees, $50,000 in repair and renovations of facilities, $95,309 to the teacher’s retirement system, $250,000 for long term liability in compensated absences, etc. A major change in the tentative budget is the inclusion of a proposed $1.3 million from the state for payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) on state-owned land within the district (Pine Barrens and Wildwood State Park) only if approved and signed into law by the Governor. Another change in the state aid formula is EXCEL aid. EXCEL is an acronym for “expanding our children’s education and learning” and is a school construction initiative. Basically, the state will borrow money through the State Dormitory and then use the proceeds to make grants to school districts. The grants would essentially cover the difference between traditional Building Aid and total approved project costs. The program adopted by the State legislature totals $2 billion – New York City schools received $1.2 billion and the rest of the state received $100 million – districts like Riverhead receive about $350 per student at the state average. Should the program be approved by the Governor, it will mean $1.5 million of EXCEl aid to Riverhead. The proposed budget for 2006-07 amounts to $93,352,740 or an overall increase in spending of 6.51%. The tax levy for each township of the District (Riverhead, Southampton and Brookhaven) is anticipated to fall below 3%.
2006-07 Budget
-Revenue
-Estimated Tax Impact
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 4
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Budget Transactions for the month of February 2006.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
Mrs. Hulse Montefusco thanked the building Principal, Mr. Tom Payton, for hosting the Board meeting tonight at Phillips Avenue Elementary School. She, also, announced that the Long Island Science Center 4th Annual Fundraiser Champagne Buffet Brunch will be held on Sunday, April 30th at East Wind Caterers in Wading River, New York where honorees will include our science teacher, Mr. Robert Jester.
Mrs. Berezny commented on her attendance to the Blue Masques production of Oklahoma on Friday evening and encouraged everyone to go see this excellent show that highlights the outstanding talent of our high school students. The performance will, also, be held this coming Friday and Saturday evenings at the High School auditorium. She, also, thanked the faculty for mailing envelopes/letters to her home.
Mrs. Prete complimented Mr. Payton on how great the school looks and inquired as to whether the District will be conducting a census that would prove helpful in the long-range planning of the District. She, also, took opportunity to update the public on the State Education Department’s requirement for all school districts to adopt a Health & Wellness policy for our children by June 30, 2006 and asked that members of the community be involved in the formation of the Committee to write the program. Mr. Doyle stated that Mrs. Berezny is currently soliciting for members.
Mr. Griffing commented on the District’s utilization of Connect-Ed
whose technology has proven effective timely communication to parents (i.e., recent incidents and awareness to parents of an alleged predator in the Wading River area driving a bluish-green van with no windows attempting to entice female students at their bus stops).
And Budget
Transactions
-February 2006
-Approved
Opportunity for
Board Members
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 5
Mrs. Berezny requested that the Board consider conducting a census that would provide enrollment projections and, in this regard, that the District not hire the last company used for this service.
Comments heard from the community include:
-inquiry as to whether the $1.3 million for PILOT funds is continuous (Mr. Singleton stated that it is his understanding that it is permanent legislation as quoted by Senator LaValle).
-comment that Connect-Ed is a very good feature and “thanks” to the Board of Education for approving its implementation
-request by Union President, Barbara Barosa to call her @ 727-2262 if interested in attending the L.I. Science Center Fundraiser where the RCFA will host a table for teacher, Bob Jester
-question of Charter School revenue/tuition within the budget (Mr. Singleton stated that it is shown as part of the overall state aid – in the past, it was a separate line item and a separate item on the tax bill)
-item of security and budgetary ethics of a salaried employee in that department who, also, provides the training and benefits from fees charged and compensation of same – is he an employee or a consultant? (Mr. Singleton stated that the District had asked that the individual get the certified training at the District’s expense as all outside consultants were high priced. In turn, he would provide the necessary training and supervise the fingerprinting procedure for security guards as mandated by the state…Mr. Doyle stated that the Board of Education will need to discuss overall security and Mr. Ogeka will do a study and report to the Board and community)
-question on new post of Data Specialist and “Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointment” (Mr. Doyle stated that the position is based on fingerprint requirements/clearance by the state and is a 3-year probationary appointment)
A motion was made by Mr. Stark, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the following resolution:
Community
Comments
Committee on
-Approved
-Supplemental File
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 6
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
02/09/06 217143
02/14/06 211030
02/15/06 216319, 216541, 212661, 217242
02/16/06 212632, 213608, 213062, 216116,
216130, 217043, 217310
C.P.S.E. MEETING STUDENT NUMBERS
03/02/06 219174, 219063, 219076, 219218
03/15/06 219006, 219228, 219170, 219263
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to amend the following resolution as follows:
WHEREAS, all component district Boards of Education are requested to meet on April 20, 2006 to vote on the Board of cooperative Educational Services Administrative Budget and to elect members of the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Board, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District will hold a special meeting for such purpose on
April 20, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the District Administration Office.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion to Amend Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the following resolution as amended:
Call for Meeting of
Component District
Boards of Education
-April 20, 2006
-Approved as Amended
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 7
WHEREAS, all component district Boards of Education are requested to meet on April 20, 2006 to vote on the Board of cooperative Educational Services Administrative Budget and to elect members of the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Board, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District will hold a special meeting for such purpose on
April 20, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the District Administration Office.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried as Amended.
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District appoints the following persons for the special district meeting of qualified voters on April 18, 2006 for the Riverhead Free Library and Baiting Hollow Free Library
budget vote:
Chairperson: Barbara O’Kula
Inspectors of Election: Vicki Farruggia (Chief Inspector of Election) and Josephine Sideratos.
Poll Clerks: Justyna Breitenbach, Ann Engelhardt, Muriel Groneman, Katherine Konkel, Irene Lachick, Frances Mapes, Eloise Parker, Patricia Raynor and Mary Skiba.
AND, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the rate of compensation for the Poll Clerks and Inspectors of Election be set at $10.00 per hour.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
Appointment of
Workers for Special
District Meeting
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 8
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the attendance of three Riverhead High School students (two Interact students and one exchange student) to the District 7260 Rotary International 32nd Annual District Conference in Groton, Connecticut on April 27-30, 2006. The
Riverhead Rotary has agreed to pay the cost of $525.00 per student to represent our District. There is no cost to the district; and, transportation is subject to approval pursuant to Board policy.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mr. Stark, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District authorizes the addition of the following Impartial Hearing Officers to the District’s rotational selection list, effective immediately:
Jerome Schad
Judith Schneider
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District authorizes the deletion of Impartial Hearing Officer, David Marasciullo, from the District’s rotational selection list, effective immediately.
Out of State
-Approved
Additions to IHO
Rotational List
-Approved
Deletion from IHO
Rotational List
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 9
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 Tuition Agreement between the Riverhead Central School District and the Bethpage Union Free School District for the purpose of providing specialized educational services during the 2005/06 school year for one (1) child in the total estimated tuition of $46,648, subject to the New York State
Education Department calculations; and, authorizes the President of the Board of Education to sign such Agreement.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Stark, 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
Colleen Gallagher
Deborah Mitchell
Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments
Kelly Cerney
Amanda Dangelmaier
Jillian Davey
Danielle Goncalves
Noreen Harrigan
Gordon Scott Kenney
Erika Loeb
-Approved
Professional
Recommendations
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 10
Mark F. Lynch
Tara Malanga
Genia Merkel
Nancy Poserina
Appointments
Mary Kromhout – Teacher/SAT Prep Class – Spring Semester.
William Husing – Teacher/Drivers’ Education – Spring Semester.
Coaching Appointment for 2005-06
Kelly Lester – Spring Intramural Boys’ Tennis/Middle School,
effective 3/27/06-5/12/06.
Homework Club Appointments-Pulaski Street School/Effective 2/28/06-6/20/06:
Christopher Dorr
Bob Fallot
Christopher Gatz
Donna Gilroy
Karen Ivins
Marion Johnson
Pat Jordan-Cowley
Barbara Marsicano
Linda Myrden
Michelle Paterno
Candice Perry
Salary Advancement
Meghan Montpetit – From: Bachelors-Step 2 To: Masters-Step 2,
effective 2/1/06.
Tenure Appointments
David Leone – Science Teacher, effective 1/31/07.
Megan Zurek – Library Media Specialist, effective 1/31/07.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 11
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mr. Stark, 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:
Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments
Jack Maroun
Yes 6
Mrs. Berezny
Mrs. Gassert
Mr. Griffing
Mrs. Harkin
Mrs. Hulse Montefusco
Mr. Stark
No 1
Mrs. Prete
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to approve the following resolution:
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:
Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments
Victoria Beers
Walter Brown
Lorraine Cassidy
Carlas Clairborne
Professional
Personnel
Appointment
-Jack Maroun
-Approved
Civil Service
Personnel
Recommendations
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 12
Marianne Lynn
Sean Mackie
Denise Naso
Jennifer Ormandy
Lillian Ramos
Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments
Marilyn Ross
Cynthia Saletel
Edwin Stewart
Tiana Wells
Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointment
Carol McKay – Substitute Hourly food Service Worker, effective
4/5/06-6/30/06.
Change in Hours
Lori Riley – School Teacher Aide, To: 6.5 hours per day, From:
6 hours per day, effective 4/5/06-6/30/06.
Diane Tuthill – School Teacher Aide, To: 6.5 hours per day, From:
6 hours per day, effective 4/5/06-6/30/06.
Change in Status
Karen Westwood – To: Substitute Hourly Food Service Worker,
From: Hourly Food Service Worker, effective 4/5/06.
Sandra Kelly – To: Hourly Food Service Worker, From: Substitute
Hourly Food Service Worker, effective 4/5/06.
Jennifer Ormandy – To: Hourly Food Service Worker, From:
Substitute Hourly Food Service Worker, effective 4/5/06.
Jennifer Sullivan – School Teacher Aide, effective 4/10/06-6/30/06.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the following resolution:
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 13
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:
Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments
Timothy Crump
Yes 6
Mrs. Berezny
Mrs. Gassert
Mr. Griffing
Mrs. Harkin
Mrs. Hulse Montefusco
Mr. Stark
Abstention 1
Mrs. Prete
Mrs. Prete stated that she “abstains” because Mr. Crump is a relative.
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to table the following resolution:
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:
Appointment
Brian Davis – Substitute Custodial Worker I, effective 4/5/06-
6/30/06.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion to Table Carried.
Civil Service
Personnel
Recommendation
-Brian Davis
-Tabled
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 14
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Riverhead Central School District has extensive capital needs including, but not limited to the acquisition, design, planning, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, preservation, development, improvement or modernization of school facilities, and
WHEREAS, the capital needs may be financed in whole or part from a Capital Reserve Fund, as authorized under Section 3651 of the Education Law, and
WHEREAS, the expenditures from the Capital Reserve Fund require approval of the residents of the district, and
WHEREAS, a Capital Reserve Fund may be financed from unallocated District funds, State funds designated for capital improvements, donations, or a levy of the taxes on residents of the district, therefore, the following proposition is placed on the ballot for the May 16, 2006 vote of the residents:
“Shall the Board of Education be authorized to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the purposes of acquisition, design, planning, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, preservation, development, improvement or modernization of school facilities, and such fund shall for a period, not to exceed five ( 5 ) years, in an amount not to exceed ten million dollars ( $10,000,000 ) and shall be financed from unallocated district funds, state aid for the purpose of capital improvements, donations, or an annual tax levy, not to exceed one million five hundred thousand ($1,500,000).
NOTE: the Approval of this Resolution will not have an impact on the tax levy for 2006-2007.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
Proposition for
Placement on Ballot
-Capital Reserve Fund
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
April 4, 2006
Page 15
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 adopts the proposed budget as presented for the 2006-07 school year in the total amount of $93,352,740 to be presented to the public at a budget hearing on May 9, 2006; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Property Tax Report Card for the 2006-07 school year be approved.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
Additional comments from the community include:
-comment on Universal Pre-School grant…the purpose of which is to begin to close the gap between disadvantaged and affluent children and request that the Board give transportation to all students (Mr. Doyle stated that administration is conducting a study in this regard)
-comment that a Board member who lobbies on behalf of his own business disqualifies him from lobbying for potential annexation of Little Flower as referenced to his discussion with Assemblyman Alessi (Mrs. Hulse Montefusco stated that this individual has a good rapport with Senator LaValle and his efforts have all been pro bono…it is this Board member’s expertise in negotiations that has proved positive results and Senator LaValle has been very responsive. Additionally, Mr. Griffing stated that everything has been done with full disclosure).
-“thank you” to Mary Ellen Harkin for the work she has done with AQE and CFE in her lobbying efforts and trips to Albany for many years (Board members, Nancy Gassert and Kathy Berezny, as well as, RCFA Union President, Barbara Barosa, were also actively involved in these same lobbying efforts for state aid reform, etc.)
Adoption of 2006-07
Budget
-$93,352,740
-Approved
Community
Comments