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MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting – October 11, 2005
Riverhead High School Cafeteria
PRESENT: President, Mrs. Lori H. Montefusco; Vice President, Mrs. Nancy Gassert; Mrs. Kathleen Berezny; Mr. Timothy Griffing; Mrs. Christine Prete; and, Mr. W. Brian Stark.
ABSENT: Mrs. Mary Ellen Harkin.
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Paul R. Doyle, Mr. Joseph Singleton, Mr. Joseph Ogeka and Ms. Nancy Carney.
President, Mrs. Montefusco, opened the meeting at 5:45 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
A motion was made by Mr. Griffing, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to recess to executive session to discuss negotiations (RCFA) and personnel (health insurance).
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education recessed to executive session at 5:46 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Griffing, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to return to open session.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:12 p.m.
At this point, a reception was held for the newly hired faculty members to welcome them to the Riverhead Central School District and community.
The meeting resumed at 7:35 p.m.
There were about 70 other people in attendance.
ALSO PRESENT: Mrs. Barbara O’Kula.
Pledge of Allegiance
Recess to
Executive Session
Return to
Open Session
Reception for
Newly Hired Teachers
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Minutes
Board of Education
October 11, 2005
Page 2
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the minutes of the following meeting:
Regular Meeting – September 27, 2005
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
Mr. Doyle was proud to announce that our school district was one of only five in all of Section XI that received the “Good Sports” Program Award from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. This speaks extremely well to the coaches and team members of all our athletic teams and the honor they bring to the Riverhead Central School District.
Mr. Andrew Setzer, Program Administrator of Student Data Services at Eastern Suffolk BOCES, gave a presentation on the significant changes and data collecting requirements in annual testing at every grade level in grades 3-8 under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Students will be issued a statewide unique student identification number and be used to track enrollment, demographics and other educational information. The requirements are universal to all schools in New York State and will require districts to designate a CIO (Chief Information Officer) to ascertain the information and ensure accountability. For more information, contact asetzer @esboces.org.
Mr. Doyle addressed the residency of students to make sure there are no abuses and that children placed in our district are in fact legitimate. He stated that the number is between 50-0, but probably about 18. Mrs. Montefusco supported the notion as this issue has gone un-addressed for some time. At a cost of approximately $15,000 to educate a child, questionable residency becomes costly to the district for those who do not contribute tax-wise and adds to the already overcrowded conditions. Mr. Doyle will bring a cost proposal for an investigator to the next meeting.
Approval of Minutes
-Sept. 27, 2005
-Approved
Opportunity for
Superintendent
-NYSPHSAA
“Good Sports”
Program Award
-New SED Data
Reporting Plans
-Andrew Setzer
of ESBOCES
-Request for Investigator
for Residency Purposes
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Minutes
Board of Education
October 11, 2005
Page 3
Mr. Singleton clarified a recent newspaper article with regard to Eastport-South Manor setting a tax rate increase of 11% which appeared to be that of Riverhead’s. This does not apply to Riverhead – it applies to the portion of the Eastport-South Manor School District in Riverhead – Riverhead’s tax rate is at or below what was projected in the May 17, 2005 school vote.
Ms. Carney gave a brief overview of the 18-month Emergency Response System Grant recently secured by the district. She and Don Henderson applied for the grant that will allow the district to update the emergency response teams, procedures, radios, security cameras and other miscellaneous equipment. The district will work in partnership with local fire departments, police departments, ambulance services, etc., as well as, focus on professional development to improve our current system.
Mrs. Prete requested a follow-up to her concern on the district’s building usage form with regard to the North Shore Christian Church rental at the Riley Avenue School and if revisions had been made and additional funds received to cover the use of a cafeteria, gym, security, custodial fees and utility costs. Mr. Ogeka stated that the form is currently being revised for approval by the Board of Education. He further stated that the agreement with the church was signed on August 23, 2005 and that the additional monies are being paid for from the initial $5,000 deposit. Mrs. Prete requested to see a copy of that document.
Mrs. Berezny commented on the following:
-her attendance to the Open House at the High School on Oct. 6
and pleasure to meet the new teachers
-great job done on the Homecoming held on Saturday and
congratulations to the Blue Waves for the game won
-availability of the auditors to speak before the Board
(Mr. Singleton stated that the auditors will be at the first
Board meeting in November – the delay is due to the effect of the
Roslyn scandals and the length of time/involvement they have had to
spend at a number of school districts.)
Opportunity for
Board Members
(146)
Minutes
Board of Education
October 11, 2005
Page 4
Mrs. Berezny, also, requested that the district find funds in the budget to supply review books in Social Studies and Math curriculum at a nominal fee for the education of our students and benefit to the parents. Mr. Doyle agreed and proposed to investigate as a potential budget item for next school year in terms of budget considerations and examine past practice.
Mr. Doyle took opportunity to inform the public that the salary advancements on tonight’s Board agenda are now being done to meet auditors’ compliance and as documentation to substantiate salaries.
Community comments included:
-replacement of discarded instruments on the agenda with
instruments owned by the district (Mr. Doyle stated that
they have been replaced over the years.)
-concern on civil rights of students relative to violation of students’
identification and educational rights in reporting and tracking data
under the No Child Left Behind Act
-enrichment services for special education students to help them
make the grade (Mr. Doyle stated that the district will do whatever
is needed to raise the achievement level and suggested that
concerns be vocalized to Commissioner Mills of the New York
State Education Department.)
-that massive data reporting will require the hiring of additional
people (Mr. Doyle stated that at least one person would be
hired and emphasized that this is another mandate from the State
without monies being provided).
-payments from the North Shore Christian Church inclusive of fees
to cover security guards, etc. (Mr. Ogeka responded in the
affirmative.)
A motion was made by Mrs. Berezny, 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:
Community
Comments
Committee on
Special Education
-Accepted
-Supplemental File
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Minutes
Board of Education
October 11, 2005
Page 5
C.S.E. MEETING STUDENT NUMBERS
09-20-2005 208117, 209015, 210123, 210584
09-21-2005 204002, 205389, 205548, 207023*,
207050, 207564, 207816, 208005, 208662,
208767, 209822, 211003, 211380, 212206
09-23-2005 207418
09-27-2005 210200
6/15/2005 218248, 220199, 220202, 218302, 220198,
218218, 220201, 220200, 218236
7/14/2005 219289, 220186, 218212, 220248, 220232,
220236, 220207, 220240
8/18/2005 220186
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 gratefully acknowledges the donation of a Recumbent Squat System from Biodex for use in the Athletic Department.
Yes 6 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 approves the agreement between United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Suffolk, Inc. and the Riverhead Central School District to provide services for a severely impaired student at Riley Avenue Elementary School for the 2005/06 school year; and, authorizes the President of the Board of Education to sign such Agreement.
Acceptance of Donation
-Approved
Contract with
United Cerebral Palsy
Association
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
October 11, 2005
Page 6
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 hereby accepts the third and final reading of revised policy No. 4352 – Cultural Arts Programming.
In a discussion that followed, questions were raised concerning “co-mingling of funds” and corrected second revision. Mrs. Prete suggested that changes/revisions to policies be underlined or highlighted.
A motion was made by Mrs.Gassert, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to table the resolution.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion to Table 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 hereby accepts the second reading of Board Policy Regulation No. 6600-R – Cash Management Procedures.
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 approves the request of the Riverhead High School Chamber Choir, Varsity Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra for approximately 70 students to participate in “Music in the Parks” in an overnight field trip to Hershey Park, Pennsylvania on May 12 and 13, 2006. Cost per student will be between $175-200 and cost will be offset via fundraising activities; and, transportation is subject to approval pursuant to Board policy.
Third Reading of
Board Policy #4352
-Cultural Arts Programming
-Tabled
Second Reading of
Board Policy Regulation
6600-R
-Cash Management
Procedures
-Approved
Out of State/Overnight
Trip
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
October 11, 2005
Page 7
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District declares as surplus the following unusable and beyond repair instruments:
Conn Tuba Ser. #789121
Conn Tuba Ser. #612827
King Tuba Ser. #11947
Selmer Bundy Trumpet Ser. #542682
Conn Baritone Horn Ser. #701491
Conn Baritone Horn Ser. #530540
Hi Hat cymbal
York Tuba Ser. #113629
Conn Bb French Horn No Ser. #
Ambassador Bb French Horn Ser. #96513
Ambassador Bb French Horn Ser. #96576
Pan American French Horn Ser. #213966
Ambassador Bb French Horn Ser. #96329
Ambassador Bb French Horn No Ser. #
Two (2) Slingerland drums
AND, that the items shall be disposed of in the best financial manner of the school district.
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, 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 the following individuals as volunteers in the Athletic Program:
Surplus Equipment
-Approved
Appointment of
Volunteers
-Approved
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Minutes
Board of Education
October 11, 2005
Page 8
Gregory Meyer – Football
Franklin Robinson – Football
Yes 6 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Griffing, 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:
Salary Advancements Effective 9/1/2005:
Christina Albani - From: Bachelors-Step 3, To: Bachelors+30-Step 3.
Cheryl Alexander - From: Bachelors-Step 3, To: Bachelors+30-Step 3.
Joanne Armstrong - From: Bachelors-Step 6, To: Masters+15-Step 6.
Jennifer Barth - From: Bachelors+30-Step 3, To: Masters+30-Step 3.
Tracee Beroza - From: Masters-Step 3, To: Masters+15-Step 3.
Tara Brondo - From: Masters+45-Step 6, To: Masters+60-Step 6.
Debbie Cantalupo - From: Masters+45-Step 7/8, To: Masters+60-Step 7/8.
Carolyn Colantropo - From: Bachelors-Step 2, To: Masters-Step 2.
Jeffrey Doroski - From: Bachelors-Step 4, To: Masters-Step 4.
Maria Dounelis - From: Masters+15-Step 5, To: Masters+30-Step 5.
Jaimie Draskin - From: Masters+15-Step 4, To: Masters+30-Step 4.
Tinaann Ehrhart - From: Masters-Step 3, To: Masters+15-Step 3.
Kimberly Esteve-Garcia - From: Bachelors-Step 5, To: Masters+15-Step 5.
Steve Failla - From: Masters+45-Step 7, To: Masters+60-Step 7.
Lisa Falco - From: Masters+45-Step 7, To: Masters+60-Step 7.
Cathy Fasanelli - From: Bachelors-Step 3, To: Bachelors+30-Step 3.
Wendy Finter - From: Masters+45-Step 6/7, To: Masters+75-Step 6/7.
Margaret Gaare - From: Masters+15-Step 22, To: Masters+30-Step 22.
Charles Giannone - From: Bachelors+30-Step 4/5, To: Masters-Step 4/5.
Christopher Gatz - From: Bachelors+30-Step 4, To: Masters-Step 4.
Edward Grassman - From: Masters+30-Step 6, To: Masters+45-Step 6.
Nadine May Greenberg - From: Bachelors+30-Step 3, To: Masters+15-Step 3.
Scott Hackal - From: Masters+60-Step 7, To: Masters+75-Step 7.
Marzena Harris - From: Masters+15-Step 5, To: Masters+30-Step 5.
Chad Haverty - From: Masters-Step 6, To: Masters+15-Step 6.
Michael Himmelfarb - From: Masters+30-Step 6, To: Masters+45-Step 6.
Samantha Hiotakis - From: Bachelors+30-Step 2/3, To: Masters+75-Step 2/3.
Paulette Jones - From: Masters+60-Step 25, To: Masters+75-Step 25.
Michael Kanter - From: Masters+15-Step 6, To: Masters+45-Step 6.
Nicholas Kardaras - From: Masters+15-Step 4, To: Masters+30-Step 4.
Gary Karlson - From: Masters+60-Step 5, To: Masters+75-Step 5.
Professional
Personnel
Recommendations
-Approved