(272)
MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting – February 28, 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.
ABSENT: Mrs. Mary Ellen Harkin.
LATE: Mr. Timothy Griffing.
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Paul R. Doyle, Mr. Joseph Singleton, Mr. Joseph Ogeka, Jr. and Ms. Nancy Carney.
President, Mrs. Hulse-Montefusco, opened the meeting at 5:50 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 personnel (tenure evaluations), negotiations (RCFA, Assistant Superintendent’s contracts, creation of advisor position, acquisition of real property/new high school site) and litigation (Riley Avenue suit).
Yes 5 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education recessed to executive session t 5:51 p.m.
Mr. Griffing arrived at 6:04 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Stark, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to return to open session.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:18 p.m.
A brief recess followed.
The meeting resumed at 7:30 p.m.
(273)
Minutes
Board of Education
February 28, 2006
Page 2
There were about 250 other people in attendance.
ALSO PRESENT: Mrs. Barbara O’Kula.
The meeting commenced with the awarding of Certificates of Commendation to student achievers of the Riverhead Middle School for their winning poems and recognition of all participants in the recent ARISS project’s memorable success, as evidenced in the action on the following resolutions.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, seventh grade students participated in a poetry contest for young poets sponsored by Creative Communications Inc. and,
WHEREAS, the winning poems of the following students will be published in the anthology, A Celebration of Young Poets:
Jordan Barnard…poem entitled Autumn Beauty
Michael Curaba…poem entitled Can You Hear it?
Heather Rause…poem entitled Older Sisters
Macey Reichel…poem entitled What Is Life?
Lauren Welch…poem entitled Will New Beginnings Begin?
Robert Wesson…poem entitled Time
THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools commend these students and their teacher, Mindy Benze, for their creativity and enthusiasm to learn and experience important things that will help them build a rich and rewarding life and for the credit they bring to themselves, the community and the Riverhead Central School District.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
(274)
Minutes
Board of Education
February 28, 2006
Page 3
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Stark, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools commends all outside organizations, administration, staff, the Technology Department and students who put forth their best efforts to bring the ARISS – International Space Station Project to such a height of success which gave the opportunity, honor and outstanding experience to life that will provide an educational memory in the lives of our students forever.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to amend the agenda as follows:
Remove:
Barbara Olsen – Substitute Teacher, effective 3/1/06-6/30/06.
Amend:
James Jones – Leave Replacement Music Teacher, effective
2/17/06-5/12/06.
Add:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the participation of the Boys’ and Girls’ Winter Track teams (5 student athletes qualified) in the State Winter Championships at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York on March 3-4, 2006. All expenses for athletes are paid for by Section XI/NYSPHSAA. Funds for coaches, lodging and transportation were budgeted for and approved in the 2005/06 budget. Transportation is subject to approval pursuant to Board policy.
(275)
Minutes
Board of Education
February 28, 2006
Page 4
WHEREAS, the following projects are part of the $700,000 Proposition approved at the May 2005 Annual Meeting, and
WHEREAS, the projects fall under the Type II Guidelines* for the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the following items are approved for Type II Action:
Project #
Replace bleachers for Middle School 580602040010012
New chimney at H.S. 580602040012015
New chimney at Pulaski St 580602040004012
New boiler for Riverhead H.S 580602040012014
New electrical panels at Phillips Ave. 580602040001009
Heating & ventilation systems at Middle School 580602040010011
THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the District approve the Type II Action for the above projects and the completed applications be submitted to the State Education Department and the State Historical Preservation Office.
* These projects will not have any significant environmental impact according to the requirements of the State.
Mrs. Prete requested the exact amount spent so far out of the $700,000 bond, as well as, assurance that the Type II Action projects be subject to the bid process. Mr. Singleton stated that this is the first step for application to the SED and that when SED approval is received --- the appropriate bids will result, by law, with final award of bids approved by the Board of Education.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion to Amend Agenda Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the minutes of the following meeting:
(276)
Minutes
Board of Education
February 28, 2006
Page 5
Regular Meeting – February 7, 2006
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
Mr. Doyle continued the new tradition of honoring the birthdays of Board members, and…this time, it was to honor the recent birthday of Brian Stark.
Mrs. Montefusco announced that together with Mr. Doyle, Joseph Singleton and Space Planning Committee members, Brian Stark and Tim Griffing, they will meet with Senator LaValle this Friday afternoon to further discuss the legislation that will be required for the potential/prospective annexation of Little Flower Union Free School District. She reiterated that there must be a district-wide referendum on the matter and specifics will be discussed.
Mrs. Berezny encouraged attendance to the production of Cinderella Coordinated by 4th grade teacher, Mr. Jim Schaefer, on March 15 at the High School auditorium at 7:00 p.m. She referred to a letter passed on to members of the Board of Education on recommendations made by the Anti-Bias Task Force Committee encouraging the District to incorporate diversity in its curriculum. She, also, mentioned that some retired ladies of the telephone company who form the Pioneers Home Company will give a complimentary dictionary to third graders as a small gift in return for having the opportunity to speak before them. She reported on her attendance to the Regional Legislative Breakfast held at Longwood Middle School on February 11th. It was an open dialogue on legislative actions and views on important issues – making public education a national priority – commitment to fully fund IDEA and other mandates for implementation – and, comprehensive school finance reform and related matters. Mrs. Berezny, also, commented on her attendance, along with Mrs. Chappell, to a workshop presented by the law firm, Ingerman Smith LLP, on the new I.D.E.A. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) regulations that were promulgated in December 2005.
(277)
Minutes
Board of Education
February 28, 2006
Page 6
Mr. Griffing sincerely asked parents to monitor their children when on-line, particularly relative to the myspace.com website which predators visit. He recommended the removal of any photographs or other personal effects as means of identification as a precautionary measure.
Mrs. Prete requested the plans relative to the meeting with Senator LaValle. Mrs. Montefusco stated that the Space Planning Committee members, Brian Stark and Tim Griffing, along with Mr. Doyle and Joseph Singleton, will meet with Senator LaValle this Friday to further discuss potential annexation of Little Flower and proposed legislation, if pursued. Mrs. Prete stated that legislation is needed to do it and the type of legislation should be discussed
as it would have to be rescinded or the laws changed specifically for us. She requested a report at the next Board meeting.
Comments heard from the community included:
-reason for creation of an “advisor position” as indicated on the agenda for Executive Session (Mr. Doyle stated that the District received a grant from the Town of Riverhead for the establishment of a Council for Unity at the Middle School – an advisor is needed and negotiations with the RCFA is necessary to establish that position).
-request that our Board of Education present a resolution that
ensures that a public vote will be held on the potential annexation of Little Flower (Mrs. Montefusco gave her the Board’s support and offered that such a resolution will appear on the agenda for the March 14th meeting).
-who is the Purchasing Agent? (Mr. Doyle stated that the Assistant Superintendent for Business currently holds that title and, in his absence, the Superintendent does).
-inclusion of Board meetings on school calendar (Mrs. Montefusco stated that that Board meeting schedule is done at the annual reorganization meeting and that the Board is committed to the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month).
(278)
Minutes
Board of Education
February 28, 2006
Page 7
-reference to State Historical Preservation Office in the approval of Type II Action for Projects and no mention of the Roanoke Avenue Elementary School (Mr. Singleton explained that in 2001, Albany took the requirement for approval for environmental protection and transferred it from the SED to local school districts – as part of that legislation, all projects must now be submitted to both the SED and the State Historical Preservation Office to make sure there is no abuse of any historical site).
-timeframe of budget discussions (Mrs. Montefusco announced that budget discussions will begin with the March 14th meeting and will be spread over 3-4 meetings thereafter).
-effective date of two positions for Assistant Principal at the High School dated February 15 with a closing date of February 28 and limited circulation of its advertisement (Mr. Doyle stated that the position will be advertised in this coming Sunday’s Newsday – the closing date for receipt of applications was incorrect – and, if the District proceeds with these position, they will become effective July 1, 2006).
-the President of the RCFA pointed out the fact that the Riverhead Central School District ranked 20th out of 24 MESTRACT grants awarded and that these figures are above the median which bodes well for the voluntary efforts of teachers – application for grants should not be expected but should be appreciated (Mrs. Montefusco stated that the issue is the fact that teachers failed to even apply which resulted in a tremendous drop-off from previous years. The Board’s concern is that it will have an effect on the students and their education and that RCFA negotiations should not impact upon that, inasmuch as, the Board of Education has put forth a very attractive offer).
-a parent spoke on behalf of her grandson and his recent medical attention by the school nurse at the High School and questioned his non-release/clearance to return to the wrestling team vs. another student with a medical condition who was allowed to return to school (Mrs. Montefusco stated that the Board was not equipped to answer her concern as they have no knowledge of the incident but felt certain that a protocol/process is in place as a medical release by the school physician is necessary for any student to return to school; however, the incident will be reviewed with Mr. Ogeka)
(279)
Minutes
Board of Education
February 28, 2006
Page 8
-a teacher revisited the MESTRACT grant awards and expressed her hope that such recognition will become an annual event as it is a teacher’s choice to take the time to write and submit them (Mrs. Montefusco stated that it was Mr. Doyle who suggested the recognition of the efforts put forth by the teachers and subsequent grant awards to the District).
-Mrs. Gassert took opportunity to express her support of the quality, professional teachers of our school district and their full worth but, also, stated that as a Board member, there is a fiduciary responsibility to make sure a budget presented is passed to avoid an austerity budget and cuts in teaching staff).
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
01-03-2006 207042, 208341, 208341
01-04-2006 204320, 204656, 207782, 209654,
209736
01/05-2006 212668, 214445, 215164, 215402,
206570
01-11-2006 205023, 205728, 206301, 208872
12-19-2005 210008
01-12-2006 206111, 206219, 206628, 207238,
208465, 208710, 209088, 209604,
209833, 209852, 210041, 210607,
210726, 211003, 211673
01-13-2006 206385
01-17-2006 213114, 214347, 215601, 214166,
217534, 217538
01-18-2006 213001, 213679, 214083, 214390, 214643, 215156, 216129, 217293, 217516
(280)
Minutes
Board of Education
February 28, 2006
Page 9
01-24-2006 208834, 209026, 209861, 210538,
210724, 210799
01-25-2006 212018, 212059, 213005, 213683
01-26-2006 215036, 215512, 216010, 21616
01-31-2006 206105, 216686, 207023, 212110,
213646, 214610, 215595
02-06-2006 214006, 214110, 217143, 215036
01/11/2006 219069, 219276, 221132, 221133,
219116, 222012, 219162, 220202,
220013, 219082, 219068, 220170
01/19/2006 219287, 219311, 219218, 220186,
219313, 219110, 220248, 219042,
219310, 219312
02/08/2006 220009, 219147, 219139, 219088,
219004
Yes 6 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 adopts the attached school district calendar for the 2006-07 school year.
Yes 6 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 approves the third and final reading of Board Policy #1222 – Relations with Booster Organizations.
(281)
Minutes
Board of Education
February 28, 2006
Page 10
Yes 6 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 approves the health services contract with West Islip Public Schools for one (1) student in the amount of $499.69 for the 2005-06 school year; and, authorizes the President of the Board of Education to sign such contract.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, it would be in the interest of the Riverhead Central School District to participate in cooperative bids with the following districts:
Babylon Lynbrook
Bethpage Malverne
Center Moriches Manhasset
Central Islip Massapequa
East Hampton Merrick
East Williston Middle Country
Elmont Miller Place
Farmingdale Mineola
Franklin Square Mt. Sinai
Freeport North Merrick
Garden City North Shore
Glen Cove Oyster Bay-East Norwich
Half Hollow Hills Patchogue-Medford
Hampton Bays Plainedge
Hicksville Plainview-Old Bethpage
Huntington &nbs