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MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting – May 2, 2006
Riley Avenue Elementary School
PRESENT: President, Mrs. Lori Hulse Montefusco; Mrs. Kathleen Berezny; Mr. Timothy Griffing; Mrs. Mary Ellen Harkin; and, Mrs. Christine Prete.
LATE: Mr. W. Brian Stark.
ABSENT: Mrs. Nancy G. Gassert.
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Paul R. Doyle, Mr. Joseph Singleton, Mr. Joseph Ogeka, Jr. and Ms. Nancy Carney.
President, Mrs. Montefusco, opened the meeting at 5:53 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
A motion was made by Mr. Griffing, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to recess to executive session to discuss personnel (Juul Agreement 2006/07 with teacher); negotiations (RCFA, waiver of fees and meeting with auditor, Jill Fichter, CPA); and, acquisition of real property (new High School site).
Yes 5 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education recessed to executive session at 5:54 p.m.
Mr. Stark arrived at 5:55 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Stark, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to return to open session.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:45 p.m.
A brief recess followed.
The meeting resumed at 8:00 p.m.
There were about 200 other people in attendance.
Pledge of Allegiance
Recess to
Executive Session
Return to
Open Session
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 2, 2006
Page 2
ALSO PRESENT: Mrs. Barbara O’Kula.
The meeting commenced with readings of the following resolutions in recognition of students at Roanoke Avenue Elementary School for their participation in The Independent-Traveler Watchman Easter Art Contest and for contributions to the National Garden Clubs 2nd District Hofstra Flower Show.
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, 2 students from the Roanoke Avenue Elementary
School have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to The Independent-Traveler Watchman Easter Art Contest, and
WHEREAS, the following students were awarded:
Grand Prize: Aneisha Scott, 4th Grade
Honorable Mention:Kylie Harris, 3rd Grade
WHEREAS, these students have brought credit to themselves, their parents, and the Riverhead Central School District, be it
RESOLVED, hat the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools, commends the students and their Art teacher, Melissa Haupt, on a job well done for this achievement.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mr. Griffing, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, 14 students from the Roanoke Avenue Elementary School have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the National Garden Clubs 2nd District Hofstra Flower Show, and
WHEREAS, these students named received awards in the Youth Design Competition: Beach Combing entries, and
WHEREAS, the following students were awarded:
-Easter Art
Contest Awards
-Approved
-National Garden
Clubs 2nd District
Hofstra Flower Show
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 2, 2006
Page 3
First place: Tristan Seuling and David Bonilla
Second place: Daren Jefferson and Lisa Norton
Third place: Tiffany James and Nina Schlosberg
Honorable Mention: Merlin Viera, Sydney Gobrick, Olivia Lagun,
Francisco Rosas, Danisha Carter, Derrick Gainey, Savannah
Kurz, Kailah Wyche
WHEREAS, these students have 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 design coaches, Mrs. Lawrence and Mrs. Haupt, and Master Gardner, Kathy Taylor, on a job well done for this achievement.
Mrs. Berezny, gave special thanks to the Riverhead Garden Club for their tutelage in this competition.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the minutes of the following meetings:
Regular Meeting – April 4, 2006
Special District Meeting – April 18, 2006
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Budget Transactions for the month of March 2006.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
Mr. Doyle commended Mr. Greg Wall, Coordinator of the District-wide Science Fair, for his efforts that made the event the success that it was.
-April 4, 2006
-April 18, 2006
-Approved
-May 2006
-Approved
Opportunity for
Superintendent
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 2, 2006
Page 4
Mr. Singleton announced that
the official budget hearing will take place on May 9th. The overall
tax increase will be one of the lowest in Suffolk County (in the neighborhood
of 4% when it all averages out pending all the final assessments from the three
townships of Riverhead, Southampton and Brookhaven and the STAR program
figures). An increase in state aid will account for funds on hand to be
applied against the tax levy. The State has passed a major program for New
York City that will generate $1.2 billion for construction and reconstruction
of buildings. Senator LaValle has procured $1.5 million in Excel funds which
will be used for repairs and renovations of the facilities in a package which
the District will ask the taxpayers to approve to establish a Capital Reserve
Fund (rather than issuing bonds and paying interest) in the amount of $10
million that will allow the District to plan and finance capital improvements
over a period of years and not have a negative impact on the annual budget.
The ballot will include such a proposition that will have no impact on the tax
rate and will not increase taxes.
Mrs. Berezny commented on the following:
-her attendance at the Legislative Forum at Mattituck High School
on April 29 that provided a meaningful exchange between our
legislators and the public regarding Federal and State issues that
affect our schools on the North Fork, as well as, to the Long Island
Science Center buffet brunch at which our dedicated teacher, Bob
Jester, received an honorable award
-announcement of the “Art in Action” program taking place
tomorrow evening in the Riverhead High School from 7-9 p.m., as
well as, the forum of “Meet the Candidates Night” at the Pulaski
Street School
-encouraged Board participation in the OSC teleconference at
Cornell Cooperative Extension in Riverhead on May 24th – a
progress report on Strengthening School Financial Accountability
Mr. Griffing commended Senator LaValle as a credit to our District for his efforts to seek additional aid in PILOT monies (state-owned land within the district). Mrs. Prete requested a description of those properties of which Mr. Singleton will supply.
2006-07 Budget
Review
-State Aid
-Proposition on Ballot
Opportunity for
Board Members
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 2, 2006
Page 5
Mrs. Hulse Montefusco announced the presentation of a Sock Hop by the St. David’s School Relay for Life Team on May 12th at the
Riverhead High School cafeteria, 7-9 p.m. – all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
Comments from the community included:
-question as to proceedings of “change orders”, specifically as they appear on tonight’s agenda (Mr. Singleton stated that many components in raw materials have risen considerably in cost since
the time of the bid opening about a year ago and that these change orders assist to bring the existing portables and fire support systems up to code).
-change in tradition of conducting separate meetings soley for
budget purposes (Mrs. Hulse Montefusco stated that the Board of Education must first adopt a budget prior to taxpayer approval at the budget vote…suggestions and modifications are made at the benefit of constructive criticism from the public. Mrs. Prete commented that the adoption of a draft budget is the process as it exists.)
-a High School Senior made a brief statement in support of the teacher faculty and stated that the faculty had no part in the resulting controversy over the origin of the T-shirts worn by students in support of their teachers
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to amend the following resolution as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the following change orders and authorizes the President of the Board of Education to sign same:
Date: April 25, 2006
Project No.:05-232
SED No.: 58-06-02-04-0-047-001
Contract Date: April 26, 2006
Contract for: Electrical Work
1. Supply new PA components and connect the older, existing Modular
Classrooms to the main High School building’s PA system for the
purpose of code corrections. ($6,048.32)
2. Supply new FA components and connect the older, existing Modular
Classrooms to the main High School building’s PA system for the purpose of Code corrections. ($11,503.61)
Community
Comments
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 2, 2006
Page 6
3. Supply conduit and cable to tie in the Ansul System at the existing kitchen for the purpose of code corrections. ($2,431.04)
Contractor: KND Licensed Electrical Contracting & Services Corp.
This Change Order: $19,982.97
Yes 6 No 0
Motion to Amend Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolution as amended:
Date: April 25, 2006
Project No.:05-232
SED No.: 58-06-02-04-0-047-001
Contract Date: April 26, 2006
Contract for: Electrical Work
4. Supply new PA components and connect the older, existing Modular
Classrooms to the main High School building’s PA system for the
purpose of code corrections. ($6,048.32)
5. Supply new FA components and connect the older, existing Modular
Classrooms to the main High School building’s PA system for the purpose of Code corrections. ($11,503.61)
6. Supply conduit and cable to tie in the Ansul System at the existing kitchen for the purpose of code corrections. ($2,431.04)
Contractor: KND Licensed Electrical Contracting & Services Corp.
This Change Order: $19,982.97
Change Order No.: 3
Date: April 26, 2006
Project No.:05-232
SED No.: 58-06-02-04-0-047-001
Contract Date: April 26, 2006
Contract for: Electrical Work
1. Supply temporary power to the RPZ heater as the modular unites were not yet delivered and in place to draw power from them, as specified in the bid documents. Temporary power had to be drawn from the main High School building. (2,833.80)
2. Escalation of the cost of copper wire and conduit from the time the bids were opened to the point when the materials was ordered. ($6,458.92)
Contractor: KND Licensed Electrical Contracting & Services Corp.
This Change Order: $9,292.72)
Approval of
Change Orders
-Change Order #2
-KND
-Change Order #3
-KND
-Approved as Amended
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Board of Education
May 2, 2006
Page 7
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried as Amended.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, 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:
Susan Lushing
Annette Shachter
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the following contracts for health services:
1.) Port Jefferson U.F.S.D. – (6) children in the total amount of $3,359.76 ($559.96 per student) for the 2005-06 school year;
2.) Smithtown C.S.D. (6) children in the total amount of $3,529.74 ($588.29 per student) for the 2005-06 school year; and,
3.) Bridgehampton U.F.S.D. – (2) children in the total amount of $1,161.84 ($580.92 per student) for the 2005-06 school year.`
and, authorizes the President of the Board of Education to sign such contracts.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the following resolutions:
-Approved
-Approved
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 2, 2006
Page 8
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District gratefully accepts the donation of $245.16 from the WaMoola for Schools program, Washington Mutual, in support of our schools and on behalf of the Phillips Avenue Elementary School.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District gratefully accepts the donation of $553.46 from the WaMoola for Schools program, Washington Mutual, in support of our schools and on behalf of the Riverhead High School.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District gratefully accepts the donation of a new outside sign for the Phillips Avenue Elementary School from the Phillips Avenue Parents’ Association (P.A.P.A.) on behalf of the students and staff at the Phillips Avenue Elementary School.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
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:
Jillian Davey
Danielle Goncalves
Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments
Kelly Cerney
Amanda Dangelmaier
Noreen Harrigan
Gordon Scott Kenney
Erika Loeb
Mark F. Lynch
Tara Malanga
Genia Merkel
Nancy Poserina
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 2, 2006
Page 9
Coaching Appointment
Lawrence Horowitz – Spring Intramural/Boys’ Middle School
Baseball, effective 4/26/06-5/26/06.
Request for Paid Leave of Absence
Tammy Hardison – Speech Therapist, effective 4/6/06-5/12/06
Using Accumulated Sick Time; 5/15/06-6/30/06 RCFA Sick Bank.
Carrie Weber – Reading Teacher, effective 5/22/06-6/6/06 Using
Accumulated Sick Time; 6/7/06-6/30/06 FMLA.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the following resolution:
Jack Maroun
Yes 4
Mr. Griffing
Mrs. Harkin
Mrs. Hulse Montefusco
Mr. Stark
No 2
Mrs. Berezny
Mrs. Prete
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, 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:
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 2, 2006
Page 10
Change in Status/Fingerprint Clearance
Carlas Clairborne
Timothy Crump
Denise Naso
Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments
Victoria Beers
Walter Brown
Lorraine Cassidy
Debra Costello
Marianne Lynn
Sean Mackie
Carol McKay
Jennifer Ormandy
Lillian Ramos
Marilyn Ross
Cynthia Saletel
Tiana Wells
Tanya Wigley
Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments
Lynn Jacobs – Substitute School Teacher Aide, effective
5/3/06-6/30/06.
Joyce Holley – Substitute Guard, effective 5/3/06-6/30/06.
Appointments
Willie Austin – Substitute Guard, effective 5/3/06-6/30/06.
Elizabeth Boyle – Substitute Clerk Typist, effective 5/3/06-6/30/06.
Resignation
Christine Peters – 12-month Clerk Typist, effective 4/28/06.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
Additional comments from the community are:
-request for auditor’s report on Cultural Arts (copies are available for the public at their request with no actual presentation to the public) Mr. Doyle further commented that the any looseness in protocol has now been resolved and policies now conform to the auditors’ recommendations.
Community
Comments
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 2, 2006
Page 11
-Peter Takacs, a board member on the Long Island Science Center, expressed appreciation to the Board of Education, faculty, administration and staff for their support and privilege to honor Bob Jester at the Center’s recent gathering. He further expressed the need for volunteers with hands-on creativity to help their organization grow to the next level.
-a teacher spoke on the RCFA’s request for a top-notch retirement package (Mrs. Hulse Montefusco stated that the Board has, in fact, offered to increase the retirement package and anything to the contrary is untrue).
-a member of the RCFA encouraged both parties to accept the fact-finder’s results and bring to the negotiating table a package that is financially feasible to both the teachers and taxpayers
-request for status of Dr. Doctor’s study on Little Flower (Mr. Doyle stated that the information will be provided publicly when finalized)
-wishes for a speedy recovery were extended to Board member, Nancy Gassert
A motion was made by Mr. Griffing, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to adjourn the meeting.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara O’Kula
District Clerk
Adjournment