(327)
MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting – May 24, 2005
Riverhead High School Auditorium

PRESENT: President, Lori H. Montefusco; Vice President, Mrs. Nancy Gassert; Mrs. Kathleen Berezny; Mr. Timothy Griffing, Mrs. Mary Ellen Harkin; Mr. Timothy Hubbard; and, Mrs. Christine Prete.

ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Paul R. Doyle, Mr. Joseph Ogeka, Mr. Joseph Singleton and Ms. Nancy Carney.

President, Mrs. Montefusco, opened the meeting at 5:36 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
A motion was made by Mr. Griffing, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to recess to executive session to discuss the Superintendent’s evaluation, collective bargaining (RCFA and CSEA), side letter with RCFA and discipline of an employee.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

The Board of Education recessed to executive session at 5:37 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 7:55 p.m.
A brief recess followed.
The meeting resumed at 8:05 p.m.
There were about 55 other people in attendance.
ALSO PRESENT: Mrs. Barbara O’Kula.
A public hearing commenced at 8:07 p.m. with regard to the approval on May 17, 2005 of the following $700,000 projects:
_Riverhead High School – rebuild boiler, renovation of chimneys, new *science lab
_Riverhead Middle School – HVAC modifications for the music and
library areas, renovate gym bleachers

Pledge of AllegianceRecess to
Executive Session

Return to
Open Session

Public Hearing
Approval on May 17,
2005 of $700,000
projects

(328)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 2

_Pulaski Street School – renovation of chimneys
_Phillips Avenue Elementary School – electrical panel upgrades
_District-wide – security systems, upgrading in wiring in computer
labs
*no acid used
There were no comments from the audience. The public hearing closed at 8:09 p.m.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to approve the minutes of the following meetings:
Regular Meeting – January 11, 2005
Regular Meeting – January 25, 2005
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

Michael Skinner, a sixth grade student at Pulaski Street School was awarded a Certificate of Commendation and the Board of Education acted upon the following resolution in recognition of his achievement.
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Michael Skinner, a 6th grade student at the Pulaski Street School, won 1st place in the Brookhaven National Laboratory Elementary School Science Fair for 6th graders, and
WHEREAS, his project titled “What’s Taking So Long” was submitted for judging among all students and schools in Suffolk County, and
WHEREAS, he has brought credit to himself, his parents and the Riverhead Central School District, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools commends Michael Skinner and his teacher, Heather Swinick, on having accomplished such academic achievement and high honor.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

Approval of Minutes
-Approved

Student Recognition
-Michael Skinner
-Approved

(329)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 3

Mr. Doyle introduced Mr. Timothy Kremer, Executive Director of the New York State School Boards Association, who presented a “Leadership in Governance” certificate and pin to Board member, Kathleen Berezny, recognizing her completion of all eight NYSSBA series of intensive courses for board members that demonstrates her commitment to being a good board member.
Additionally, Mr. Kremer complimented Barbara O’Kula, the District Clerk, for the excellent comprehensive manner in which she presents/prepares the minutes on behalf of the Board of Education and for the District.
Mr. Roger Smith of BBS Architects presented a proposed site plan to the Board of Education to place as many as eight portables on the south side of the High School. The portables were approved in a referendum in May of last year to accommodate the rapid increase in enrollment at the High School. Up to 17 parking stalls will be eliminated and the plan also takes into consideration flood areas. The portables will provide eight new classrooms and will not interfere with any permanent expansion of the High School. Mr. Singleton stated that the SED’s approval of the project is anticipated this week and will allow the new classrooms to be in place for September. Mrs. Prete requested the record be noted that this was the first time she had heard of the exact plans.
Mr. Doyle elaborated on the first reading of a Board policy for Cultural Arts Programming that appears on tonight’s agenda. The policy was drafted to ensure that all students are privy to the opportunity to experience cultural arts programs and suggests a $20 per student allocation for further review and discussion by the Board of Education and community. As stated by Mr. Doyle, there is currently no Board authority to return the cultural arts monies to any individual school – that field trips are not tied to cultural arts – and the policy establishes more control and more equity among the schools. Mr. Singleton noted that the spending for cultural arts had exceeded the budgeted amount which reached $150,000 this year versus that of $10,000 five years ago. He suggested the opportunity to present to the Board a full report on cultural arts spending, State law and impact on the budget, as well as, any input to the first draft and first reading of the proposed policy.

Opportunity for
Superintendent

(330)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 4

Mr. Doyle, in concert with Ms. Nancy Carney, gave a presentation that detailed the results of the Fourth Grade English Language Arts tests administered in the winter. He pleasantly noted that the scores had increased and prevented the district from being identified as a “school in need of improvement” by the State. Mr. Doyle offered to make a more detailed presentation in the future.

Mrs. Montefusco made the following announcements:
∑ A public work session with the Space Planning Committee and architects to discuss building projects on June 15, 2005 at the Middle School Library at 7:00 p.m.
∑ May 27th is a half-day of school
∑ The Riverhead Town Board has indicated a willingness to effectuate transfer of the property at the former Grumman site
∑ “thank you” to the public for supporting the budget
Mrs. Gassert thanked both Mr. Doyle and Mr. Singleton for the presentation of a fiscally responsible budget approved by the voters on May 17, 2005.
Mrs. Berezny commented on her attendance at the National Honor Society dinner held on May 18 at the Vineyard Caterers, as well as, to the Kiwanis Key Club dinner at the High School and congratulated all students on their achievements.

Comments from the community included:
-parental apology to the Roanoke Avenue School and principal for
error in report of an incident
-concern on portables and timeliness of implementation by opening
of schools in September
-clarification of side letter (the Commissioner’s decision states that
if people are serving in a capacity beyond contractual agreement
there must be some allocation on how they are paid – the side
letter will become part of the teachers’ contract for those teaching
above and beyond assigned teaching periods)
-consideration to introduce a 9th period before the end of the
school year and concern that many students go without a lunch
period (Mr. Doyle stated that discussions are being held with staff
on the feasibility to add another period but is not proposed as yet)

Opportunity for
Board Members

Community
Comments

(331)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 5

-segregation of 8th grade and 7th grade testing with respect to the
substance of testing (Mr. Doyle informed her that it is not about
content but an attempt to diagnose children on a wide spectrum of
potential information measured against the spectrum to determine
appropriate placement)
-hiring of an ESL Coordinator (Mr. Doyle stated that a request to fill
the post with a consultant will be discussed with the Board for their
consideration)
-remark that cultural arts is a valuable part of curriculum (Mrs.
Montefusco stated that the Board of Education is not trying to
marginalize cultural arts but aims to have a policy in place and to
involve parents and community in the policy making of this
program)
-configuration to combine 6th grade with 7th and 8th grades (Mrs.
Montefusco stated that no decision about reconfiguration of
grades in the district or any programs requiring grade
configuration has been made)
-cost and services of internal auditors (Mr. Singleton stated that
the external auditors are insured and bonded – the internal auditors
are a second outside firm and are bonded under a combination of services –
due to the Roslyn scandal and intense attention to detail, the cost to school districts has increased)
-concern on any pro-active steps on behalf of the Board to consult
with agencies as to contaminated/non-contaminated sites at
EPCAL
-request for Board’s attention to safety and security within our
schools (Mr. Doyle stated that the district has been pro-active
to install metal detectors and pursue recommendations in changes
to provide security to staff and students)

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to amend the agenda as follows:
Remove:
WHEREAS, bids for the following items were opened on May 20, 2005 and
WHEREAS, bids for such items have been reviewed by the Purchasing Agent and the Interim Plant Facilities Administrator, and

Amend Agenda
-Approved

(332)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 6

WHEREAS, the Purchasing Agent and the Interim Plant Facilities Administrator
have recommended that certain awards be made to the qualified low bidders meeting
specifications, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District awards the following items: (Note: Back-up to follow on May 24, 2005)
1. Plumbing – Cost of Labor for 2005/06
2. Integrated Pest Management for 2005/06
3. HVAC for 2005/06
4. Additional Expansion Tanks
5. Electric Work – Cost of Labor for 2005/06
6. Sanding/Refinishing
Correction in dates – Change in Status
Samantha Hiotakis – School Psychologist, To: Probationary
Appointment, effective 9/1/05-8/31/08, From: 3/5 Teacher.
Jennifer Jones – Guidance Counselor, To: Probationary
Appointment, effective 9/1/05-8/31/08, From: Substitute Teacher.
Add to Professional Personnel Recommendations
Retirement – Agreement of Settlement
John Merone – Principal (High School), effective 6/30/05; and, authorizes the President of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools to sign the Agreement of Settlement.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion to Amend Agenda Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, 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:

Committee on
Special Education
-Approved
-Supplemental File

(333)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 7 C.S.E. MEETING STUDENT NUMBERS
03-08-2005 212022
03-09-2005 209324, 209421, 209643, 210165, 210773
03-10-2005 208013, 208053, 209387, 209424, 209682, 209736, 210058,
210118, 210568, 210726, 211126, 211607, 211650
03-15-2005 204594*, 207472*, 211097, 215497,
217198
03-16-2005 208077, 209019, 209057, 209111, 209126, 209130, 209205,
209459, 209671
03-17-2005 208087, 208139, 208161, 208330, 208482, 209454, 209654,
209659, 209713
03-31-2005 211653, 211653
04-06-2005 203175, 204407, 205001, 205549,
205591, 206383, 206819,
207178, 207189, 208649, 208767
04-07-2005 204201, 204251, 204656, 205532, 206182, 206640, 206722,
207059, 207211
04-11-2005 212043
04-12-2005 207019, 207027, 207104, 207115, 207258, 207274, 207418,
207612, 208476, 208843
04-18-2005 207178
04-21-2005 212043
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves that the following projects will not have a negative impact on the environment according to all New York State regulations and meets all the requirements of a Type II Action (no impact on environment):

Environmental
Impact Resolution
-Approved

(334)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 8_Riverhead High School – rebuild boiler, renovation of chimneys, new *science lab
_Riverhead Middle School – HVAC modifications for the music and
library areas, renovate gym bleachers
_Pulaski Street School – renovation of chimneys
_Phillips Avenue Elementary School – electrical panel upgrades
_District-wide – security systems, upgrading in wiring in computer
labs
Yes 7 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 request of the fourth grade teachers of the Roanoke Avenue Elementary School to escort their students and parent volunteers to the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut on May 31, 2005 at no cost to the district.
Transportation is subject to approval pursuant to Board policy.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Berezny, seconded by Mr. Hubbard, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the request of Louise Wilkinson, HUGS Advisor, to participate in a HUGS Weekend Retreat on June 10-12, 2005 at Camp Quinnipet on Shelter Island for approximately 6-10 students. Cost to the district is for bus transportation and bus driver; and, transportation is subject to approval pursuant to Board policy.

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to approve the following resolution:

Out of StateTrip
-Approved

Overnight Trip
-Approved

Polish Town Civic
Association Request
-Approved
(335)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 9RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District hereby grants permission for the Polish Town Civic Association, 300 Lincoln Street, Riverhead, New York to utilize the northeast corner of the Pulaski Street School site for its show mobile at the Polish Town Fair & Polka Festival on August 20-21, 2005; and, is subject to proper insurance and exits to cover the
District’s liability.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Prete, 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 #6650-R – Internal Claims Auditor Regulation.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District accepts the first reading of Board Policy #4352 – Cultural Arts Programming.
Yes 5
Mrs. Gassert
Mr. Griffing
Mrs. Harkin
Mr. Hubbard
Mrs. Montefusco
No 2
Mrs. Berezny
Mrs. Prete
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to amend and approve the following resolution:

Third and Final Reading
-Board Policy #6650-R
-Internal Claims Auditor
Regulation
-Approved

First Reading of Board
Policy #4352
-Cultural Arts Programming
-Approved

(336)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 10
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the agreement between the Riverhead Central School District and Freudenthal & Elkowitz Consulting Group, Inc. effective May 24, 2005; and, authorizes the President of the Board of Education to sign such agreement.
Yes 5
Mrs. Gassert
Mr. Griffing
Mrs. Harkin
Mr. Hubbard
Mrs. Montefusco
No 2
Mrs. Berezny
Mrs. Prete
Motion Carried as Amended.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to table the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District authorizes the President of the Board of Education to sign the Agreement with the architectural firm of Burton, Behrendt Smith, P.C., 244 East Main Street, Patchogue,
New York 11772, for work on the capital improvement project and the portable classrooms.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion to Table Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign a five-year lease for computer equipment for all of the computer labs of the Riverhead Central School District with Eastern Suffolk BOCES (allocation is within the approved 2005/06 budget
and eligible for BOCES aid).
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

Approval of
Agreement with
Environmental
Consultant
-Freudenthal &
Elkowitz Consulting
Group Inc.
-Approved

Approval of Agreement
With Architectural Firm
-Burton, Behrendt Smith
-Tabled

BOCES Model Schools
Multi-Year Agreement
-Approved

(337)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 11
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to approve the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the Memorandum of Agreement with the Riverhead Central Faculty Association on a sixth period in accordance with the Matter of Swaim; and, authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign such agreement.
Yes 7 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 gratefully accepts the donation of $500 from The Allstate Foundation to the Council for Unity leadership program at the Riverhead High School.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mr. Hubbard, to approve the following resolution as amended:
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
Thomas Payton – Principal, To: 5/8/05-5/27/05, From: 4/18/05-
5/7/05.
Dr. Kevin Stack – Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel Services
and Special Education, To: 5/10/05-5/29/05, From: 4/20/05-
5/9/05.
Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments
Alyson McLeod – Substitute Teacher, effective 5/25/05-6/25/05.
Krista Bily – Substitute Teacher, effective 5/25/05-6/25/05.

Side Letter w/RCFA
-Memorandum of
Agreement
-Approved

Donation
-Approved

Professional
Personnel
Recommendations
-Approved as Amended

(338)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 12Change in Status
Samantha Hiotakis – School Psychologist, To: Probationary
Appointment, effective 9/1/05-8/31/08, From: 3/5 Teacher.
Jennifer Jones – Guidance Counselor, To: Probationary
Appointment, effective 9/1/05-8/31/08, From: Substitute Teacher.
Coaching Appointments-Fall 2005
Kevin Brennan – Cross Country Varsity Head Coach.
Cheryl Mustacchio – Middle School Head Field Hockey Coach.
Steven Failla – Football Varsity Assistant Coach.
Salvatore Loverde – Football Blue Team Head Coach.
John Rosetti – Football Assistant Blue Team Coach.
Jeffrey Doroski – Football White Team Head Coach.
Danielle Altman – Girls’ Soccer Varsity Assistant Coach.
Jerome Duvall – Girls’ Tennis Varsity Head Coach.
Request for Unpaid Leave of Absence
Collene Richardson – Special Education Teacher, effective
5/11,12/2005.
Retirements
Sarajane Giere – Reading Teacher, effective 6/30/05 (resignation
to retire NYSTRS).
Bonnie Kisiel – English Teacher, effective 6/30/05 (resignation to
retire NYSTRS).
John Merone – Principal (High School), effective 6/30/05; and, authorizes the President of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools to sign the Agreement of Settlement.
Resignation
Loren Christie – English Teacher, effective 5/7/05.
Jacqueline Roslak – Special Education Teacher, effective 6/25/05.

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried as Amended.
A motion was made by Mrs. Harkin, seconded by Mr. Griffing, 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:

Civil Service
Personnel
Recommendations
-Approved

(339)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 13Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments
Rosemary Menarchem – Senior Account Clerk Typist, To: 5/30/05-
6/19/05, From: 4/20/05-5/29/05.
Christopher Hand – Chief Custodian, To: 6/7/05-6/27/05, From:
5/18/05-6/6/05.
Change in Status
Jennifer L. Burke – To: Hourly Food Service Worker, From:
Substitute Hourly Food Service Worker, effective 5/2/05-6/24/05.
Doris Griffin – To: Substitute Clerk Typist, From: Clerk Typist,
effective 7/1/05-6/30/06.
Appointments
Jovan Coffey – Substitute Guard, effective 5/25/05-6/30/05.
Robert Singleton – Substitute Guard, effective 5/25/05-6/30/05.
Camal Ouyahia – Summer Custodial Worker I, effective 7/1/05-
8/31/05.
Joann Ramirez – Summer Custodial Worker I, effective 7/1/05-
8/31/05.
Mary Frazier – Summer Custodial Worker I, effective 7/1/05-
8/31/05.
Scott Lambeck – Substitute Custodial Worker I, effective 5/25/05-
6/30/05.
Extension of Medical Leave of Absence/with Medical Coverage
Cheryl Miller – School Bus Driver, effective 4/16/05-8/15/05.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
Jennifer J. Burke – School Monitor, effective 5/1/05-6/1/05.
Darlene Taylor – Food Service Worker, effective 5/16/05-6/24/05.
Retirement
Doris Griffin – Clerk Typist, effective 6/30/05 (resignation to retire
N.Y.S. Employees’ Retirement System).
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
Additional comments from the community are:
-confirmation that the projects presented in the public hearing
tonight and included in the Environmental Impact Resolution
are part of the $700,000 approved by the voters on May 17, 2005
to which Mr. Singleton responded “yes”

Community
Comments

(340)
Minutes
Board of Education
May 24, 2005
Page 14
-bother that the district’s Space Planning Committee should not have been created without input/open invite to the public and is a committee of non-elected members
-at the May 19 PTSO meeting, parents expressed concern about
the addition of a 9th period (Mr. Doyle stated that should a 9th
period be incorporated in the school day, it would allow 18-19%
more classroom utilization; would reduce 500 plus students
missing periods for lunch; and, would segregate the High School
and Middle School students and include separate bus runs
-length of school day (Implementation of a 9th period would
change the hours)
-when will parents be notified of such a change (Mr. Doyle stated
that the concept is still in a study phase and will be brought before
the Board for discussion/decision)
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to adjourn the meeting.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,Barbara O’Kula
District Clerk

Adjournment