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MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting – May 9, 2006
Riverhead High School Auditorium
PRESENT: Acting President, Mr. W. Brian Stark; Mrs. Kathleen Berezny; Mr. Timothy Griffing; and, Mrs. Christine Prete.
ABSENT: Mrs. Nancy G. Gassert and Mrs. Lori Hulse Montefusco.
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Paul R. Doyle, Mr. Joseph Singleton, Mr. Joseph Ogeka, Jr. and Ms. Nancy Carney.
Acting President, Mr. Stark, opened the meeting at 7:35 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
There were about 100 other people in attendance.
ALSO PRESENT: Mrs. Barbara O’Kula.
Mr. Doyle welcomed everyone and explained that the budget being presented for voter approval on May 16, 2006 in the amount of $93,252,740 meets the financial requirements and stability of the school district. The budget maintains class sizes at all levels and provides for a limited number of increases in course offerings required at the secondary level. The largest increases in the budget reflect mandated benefits of Social Security, health insurance and the New York State Teachers’ and Employee Retirement Systems. Mr. Singleton then followed with a presentation on a public hearing as required under New York State Law that must be held 7-14 days prior to the actual vote. The official school budget notice is being sent to all residents in the district in a condensed version of the budget. The proposed budget represents an overall modest spending increase of 6.5% and an estimated average tax rate increase of 3.5% that represents one of the lowest tax increases on Long Island compared to other school districts (pending final State aid figures and the final assessed valuation of each township…it is important to note that that the Town of Southampton is undergoing reassessment of all property and there is no available data at this time). As mandated by New York State Law, should the district go on a contingent budget, approximately $2.2 million would be cut from the proposed budget. Also appearing on the ballot is a
Public Hearing
Proposed Budget
2006-07
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 9, 2006
Page 2
proposition asking for voter approval of a Capital Reserve Fund that will allow the District to plan and finance capital improvements using a multi-year approach and not have a negative impact on the annual budget. The fund will be used only for major renovations to existing schools (i.e, replacement of roofs, boilers, electrical systems, locker rooms, paving, fire alarms and PA systems, interior and exterior masonry work and modifications to buildings as required under the Americans With Disabilities Act). These will be specific projects prepared by the architects, in a priority listing, for approval by the Board of Education prior to any public referendum. In a discussion raised by Mrs. Berezny regarding the hot water heater at Roanoke, Mrs. Prete requested that the record show that it be put back into the budget. Pursuant to state law, the budget is on file in each school building along with the district Report Card and Salary Disclosure Statement that are made part of the Supplement File. Parents and community members are encouraged to vote at the polls on May 16th at the Riverhead High School gymnasium, 6:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
The candidates who are running for the two vacancies on the Board of Education were given approximately three minutes each to make a statement in support of their candidacy. They spoke in the order as their names will appear on the ballot:
Angela M. DeVito
James Senatore
Marie Tooker
Timothy S. Griffing
Mrs. Berezny commented on her attendance at Art in Action last Friday at the High School and the great display of talent on part of the students. She even recommended that that works should be displayed in local banks, the library, etc. She commended the Key Club presentation of new officers on May 8th under the direction of the Kiwanis Club president, Harry Wilkinson and his wife, Louise.
Both she and Mrs. Prete requested that breakdowns by classroom in each building be supplied to all Board members. Making reference to a newspaper article regarding errors in sewer/water billings by the Town of Riverhead, she questioned the District’s
Opportunity for
Candidates
Opportunity for
Board Members
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 9, 2006
Page 3
ability to pay the shortage as stated in the article and lack of any knowledge given to the Board…she would like to see the all Board members apprised of issues like these as they are stewards of the community in addition to more discussion amongst the Board. Mr. Singleton stated that a six-year old bill was received within the last two weeks and that an opinion of legal counsel will be obtained before any payment is made.
Mrs. Berezny cited clarification on the minutes of the Board of Education meeting of April 4th…page 341, to reflect that she voted “no” on the Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointment of Jack Marroun.
Mrs. Prete requested to meet with school officials to develop athletic programs for students who don’t make the teams and recommended an intramural program on available athletic fields that would, also, incorporate nutrition for implementation by September 2006. She called for a roundtable discussion with building principals, Athletic Director, School Lunch Director and administration. She, also, recommended further discussion on the fairness of the selective classification policy on the allowance of 7th and 8th grade students to play on varsity and junior varsity teams.
Comments from the community included:
-request to return to past format to hold separate budget development work sessions to include the presence of the building principals to advocate for the buildings and present better understanding for the public
-request for breakdown of spending by classroom (Mr. Singleton stated that the Freedom of Information Law does not require the district to generate customized reports based on inquiries).
-preparedness for field days (Mr. Doyle stated that tents have been purchased, water supply is under control and reservations have been made with the EMT’s)
-due diligence for Board members to attend seminars, courses, conventions, etc.
Community
Comments
(380)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 9, 2006
Page 4
-update of Site Planning Committee (currently working with property owners and examining environmental issues)
-inquiry as to putting aside the Calverton property @ Epcal as a potential school site (Mr. Stark stated that the district would not put a school in any hazardous zone).
-the President of the RCFA commented on working toward cohesiveness and settlement of a fair and equitable contract
-request that the Board explore the expenses of sports and transportation (Mr. Doyle stated that the District provides basic protective equipment for all athletes).
-question as to how the freshman Board member became Acting
President for tonight’s meeting (Mr. Doyle stated his assumption that the current President of the Board made the decision…both Mrs. Berezny and Mrs. Prete expressed their opinion that Mrs. Harkin should have undertaken the seat).
-request to improve the present conditions of the tennis courts and the baseball field at Phillips Avenue
-support for our teachers as a life-source of our schools and request to settle the RCFA contract
-intent of Capital Reserve Fund (Mr. Doyle stated that the creation of this fund is clearly to repair the infrastructure of our buildings and meet compliance issues and will allow the District to accomplish some long-range planning…the proposition is to seek permission to establish the fund only).
-the Senior Class Advisor requested the status of invoice/payment for caps and gowns dating back to last year (Mr. Singleton thanked the individual for bringing this to his attention and requested that any like problems be addressed to him directly and immediately)
A motion was made by Mr. Griffing, 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:
-Approved
-Supplemental File
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 9, 2006
Page 5
C.S.E. MEETING STUDENT NUMBERS
02/28/06 213005
03/01/06 207258, 210004, 210288, 210444,
210607, 210681, 211081, 211102,
211191, 211212, 211360, 211463,
211607
03/02/06 209779, 210110, 210476, 210701,
211011, 211495, 211529, 211653
03/07/06 209111, 209205, 209324, 209421,
209490, 209653, 210094, 210165,
210348
03/08/06 215583, 216164, 217107, 217125,
217548, 207161, 217232, 218331,
209138, 209459, 210802
03/08/06 215583, 216164, 217107, 217125,
217548, 207161, 217232, 218331,
209138, 209459, 210802
03/09/06 205728, 207115, 208341, 208500,
206744, 206842, 207518, 209000,
210092
03/30/06 212711
C.P.S.E. MEETING STUDENT NUMBERS
03/15/06 220093, 220009, 220013, 220130,
220207, 219263, 220198
03/23/06 220235, 219028, 220209, 219068,
220242, 220186, 219163, 219183,
220258, 220215
Yes 5 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, four (4) bids for Cafeteria Equipment were opened on April 10, 2006, and
-Cafeteria Equipment
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 9, 2006
Page 6
WHEREAS, bids have been reviewed by the School Lunch Director and Assistant Superintendent for Business, and
WHEREAS, the School Lunch Director and the Assistant Superintendent for Business have recommended that awards be made to the qualified lowest bidders meeting specifications, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District awards the Cafeteria Equipment bid to the following:
Item: Company: Price:
Garland Range- BRC Commercial Kitchens $5,563.00
(High School) 200 Market Street
P.O. Box 409
Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
Milk Cooler - Stainless Steel
(Pulaski) Sam Tell and Son, Inc $1,801.33
58-51 Maspeth Ave.
Maspeth, NY 11378
Double Convection Oven
(Pulaski) Sam Tell and Son, Inc $9,896.99
58-51 Maspeth Ave.
Maspeth, NY 11378
Yes 5 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the appointment of Dr. Lori Volpe, Clinical Psychologist, to provide consultation services to perform a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) at a fee of $500.
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 9, 2006
Page 7
Mrs. Prete requested clarification of this appointment to which Mr. Doyle stated that it is a one-time only situation for the purpose of an IEP.
Yes 5 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Berezny, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District appoints the following persons for the annual School District Budget Vote and Election of Board members on May 16, 2006:
Chairperson: Edward Doherty
Alternate Chairperson: Barbara O’Kula
Inspectors of Election: Adele Abrahamson, Rosemary Colavito,
Victoria Farruggia, Deborah Goroleski, Gail Kappenberg, Katherine Konkel, Deborah Masterson, Barbara Reichel, John Reichel, Josephine Sideratos, Maryann Soika and Gail Yeager (Chief Inspector of Election).
Poll Clerks: Justyna Breitenbach, Jane Brown, Anita Conforti, Holly Chew, Dorothy Exum, Mary Hatcher, Dorothy Haupt, Barbara Jehle, Alice Kubacki, Irene Lachick, Frances Mapes, Dennis Mueller, Linda Mueller, Patricia Raynor, Mary Skiba and Toni Vodola.
Yes 5 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made b Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the following resolution:
Appointment of
-Approved
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 9, 2006
Page 8
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:
Kelly Cerney
Tara Malanga
Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointment
Amanda Dangelmaier
Noreen Harrigan
Gordon Scortt Kenney
Erika Loeb
Mark F. Lynch
Genia Merkel
Nancy Poserina
Appointment
Stephanie Cordeiro – Substitute Teacher, effective 5/10/06-
6/30/06.
Continuation of Leave Replacement
James Jones – Leave Replacement/Music Teacher, effective
5/15/06-6/6/06.
Request for Maternity/Child Care Leave of Absence
JoAnne Armstrong – Elementary Teacher – FMLA 9/5/06-12/5/06.
Yes 5 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to amend the agenda to include the following Civil Service
Personnel recommendation:
Add:
Maureen Madigan – School Bus Driver, from the period of 1/3/06-
1/2/07 to the period of 1/3/06-5/19/06.
-Add: Request for
Unpaid Leave of
Absence
-Approved to Amend
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 9, 2006
Page 9
Yes 5 No 0
Motion to Amend Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolution as amended:
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
Marianne Lynn
Victoria Beers
Walter Brown
Lorraine Cassidy
Debra Costello
Joyce Holley
Lynn Jacobs
Sean Mackie
Carol McKay
Jennifer Ormandy
Lillian Ramos
Marilyn Ross
Cynthia Saletel
Tiana Wells
Tanya Wigley
Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointment
Doreen Hallock – Substitute Hourly Food Service Worker, effective
5/10/06-6/30/06.
Raymond Burwell III – Substitute Custodial Worker I, effective
5/10/06-6/30/06.
-Approved as
Amended
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Minutes
Board of Education
May 9, 2006
Page 10
Debra Cato – To: 12-month Principal Clerk, From: 12-month Clerk
Typist, effective 5/22/06.
Judith Coacci – To: Substitute Bus Driver, From: School Bus
Driver, effective 5/15/06.
Susan Eaton – School Bus Driver, To: 8 hours per day, From 7.5
hours per day, effective 5/1/06.
Tiffany Goff – Substitute School Bus Monitor, effective 4/27/06.
Maureen Madigan – School Bus Driver, from the period of 1/3/06-
1/2/07 to the period of 1/3/06-5/19/06.
Yes 5 No 0
Motion Carried as Amended.
Additional community comments are:
-request that when the President of the Board of Education is speaks to the media (i.e., WRIV) on behalf of the Board, that there be a discussion/decision amongst the Board as to which individuals, if any, will speak and/or accompany that person
A motion was made by Mr. Griffing, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to adjourn the meeting.
Yes 5 No 0
Motion Carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara O’Kula
District Clerk
Community
Comments
Adjournment