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MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting Ð January 11, 2005
Riverhead High School Auditorium
PRESENT: President, Mrs. Lori H. Montefusco; Vice President, Mrs. Nancy Gassert; Mrs. Kathleen Berezny; Mr. Timothy Griffing;
Mrs. Mary Ellen Harkin; Mr. Timothy HubbardÕ and, Mrs. Christine Prete.
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Paul R. Doyle, Mr. Joseph Ogeka, Jr., Mr. Mr. Joseph Singleton and Ms. Nancy Carney.
Mrs. Montefusco opened the meeting at 5:40 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 RCFA negotiations; security personnel; and, Board member roles and responsibilities.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education recessed to executive session at 5:41 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Griffing, seconded by Mr. Hubbard, to return to open session.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:39 p.m.
A brief recess followed.
The meeting resumed at 7:45 p.m.
There were about 225 other people in attendance.
ALSO PRESENT: Mrs. Barbara OÕKula.
The open meeting began with a moment of silence for High School student, Everett Wilson, who was killed in a car accident this past weekend.
The Board of Education recognized the academic and athletic achievements of the following teams who received scholar athlete team awards in accordance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA):
Pledge of Allegiance
Recess to
Executive Session
Return to
Open Session
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January 11, 2005
Page 2
GirlsÕ Volley Team
GirlsÕ Soccer Team
GirlsÕ Tennis Team
Golf Team
GirlsÕ Field Hockey Team
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Riverhead GirlsÕ Volleyball Team qualified to become a Scholar/ Athlete Team in accordance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) criteria, and
WHEREAS, these Riverhead Central School District students maintained a composite grade point average for the Fall 2004 season of 93.094, and
WHEREAS, the students 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 Coach, Karen Braune, on this accomplishment.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Riverhead GirlsÕ Soccer Team qualified to become a Scholar/ Athlete Team in accordance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) criteria, and
WHEREAS, these Riverhead Central School District students maintained a composite grade point average for the Fall 2004 season of 90.121, and
WHEREAS, the students brought credit to themselves, their parents and the Riverhead Central School District, be it
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RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools commends the students and their Coach, Maria Dounelis, on this accomplishment.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mr. Griffing, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Riverhead GirlsÕ Tennis Team qualified to become a Scholar/ Athlete Team in accordance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) criteria, and
WHEREAS, these Riverhead Central School District students maintained a composite grade point average for the Fall 2004 season of 95.922, and
WHEREAS, the students 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 Coach, Jerry Duvall, on this accomplishment.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Riverhead GirlsÕ Golf Team qualified to become a
Scholar/ Athlete Team in accordance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) criteria, and
WHEREAS, these Riverhead Central School District students maintained a composite grade point average for the Fall 2004 season of 92.091, and
WHEREAS, the students brought credit to themselves, their parents and the Riverhead Central School District, be it
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January 11, 2005
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RESOLVED, that the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools commends the students and their Coach, Chad Haverty, on this accomplishment.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mr. Hubbard, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Riverhead GirlsÕ Field Hockey Team qualified to become a Scholar/ Athlete Team in accordance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) criteria, and
WHEREAS, these Riverhead Central School District students maintained a composite grade point average for the Fall 2004 season of 91.625, and
WHEREAS, the students 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 Coach, Cheryl Walsh-Edwards, on this accomplishment.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
The Board of Education extended sincere thanks to this largest number of students and teams that the district has ever recognized.
Seventeen essay contest winners of the Riverhead Central Faculty AssociationÕs essay contest read their compositions on ÒWhy I Love My SchoolÓ. According to Barbara Barosa, union President, the contest is in its third year to first, second and third grade students whom teachers encourage to become good writers and develop writing skills.
A reception for the athlete scholar team members, coaches, essay contest winners and proud parents was held in the cafeteria.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to amend the agenda as follows:
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January 11, 2005
Page 5
Amend Civil Service Recommendations:
Appointments:
Karilynn Horton Ð Substitute Clerk Typist; Substitute School
Teacher Aide, effective 1/12/05-6/24/05.
Diane Hackett Ð Substitute Clerk Typist; Substitute School
Teacher Aide, effective 1/12/05-6/24/05.
Add to Professional Personnel Recommendations:
Peter Huszagh Ð Substitute Teacher, effective 1/12/05-6/24/05.
David Olsen Ð Substitute Teacher, effective 1/12/05-6/24/05.
Add:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the request of Florence Ofrias of BOCES for four (4) hearing impaired/deaf students, herself and a district interpreter to attend the production of The Lion King on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at the New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd Street, New York City. Cost to the district is limited to the use of a school district vehicle; and, transportation is subject to approval pursuant to Board policy.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion to Amend Agenda Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the TreasurerÕs Report for the month of November 2004.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
Mr. Doyle took opportunity to welcome Nancy Carney to the district as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction. He commented on his pleasure to honor all students this evening.
Mrs. Montefusco congratulated all students and parents on their honors received on behalf of the Board of Education. She also sated that the District has received RFPÕs for independent auditors to replace the firm of Miller Lilly & Pearce and the Board will be prepared to adopt a resolution at the next Board meeting. The state auditors findings and report will be shared with the Board in the near future. The Riverhead Town Government has met with the Board of Education and covered topics of a comprehensive master plan and its impact upon school facilities; the
-Approved
-November 2004
-Approved
Opportunity for
Superintendent
Opportunity for
Board Members
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January 11, 2005
Page 6
consideration of construction of 2-3 schools in the next 10-year period to accommodate an estimated increase in student population of 2,000 children; follow-up on the transfer of a portion of the Calverton (Grumman) property to the Riverhead Central School District; and, the BoardÕs interest to get more information on the Broadwater Energy project to propose a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal nine miles offshore of Riverhead that would offer the District the potential of $10-12 million per year of incoming PILOT payments.
Mrs. Prete requested to be included as a member of the Town Government Committee of the Board of Education.
A motion was made by Mrs. Berezny, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to amend the agenda and approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the appointment of the following:
Christine Prete
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried as Amended.
Mrs. Berezny commented on the High School Music Concert held on December 16th as a great experience. She commended Eileen Gorman (Advisor) and the Pulaski Street Technology Team for their recycling program of ink cartridges and cell phones that earns them points for new technology items (i.e., ink, printers, scanners, etc.). She also congratulated the athletes honored this evening for their achievements in athletics and academics and the essay contest winners stating Òreaders are leaders.Ó
Mrs. Prete congratulated Mrs. Berezny for being recognized as Civil Person of the year and welcomed Ms. Carney to the district. She further suggested that the Board of Education consider amending board policies to set the rate of expenditure approval to $1,500 versus the current $10,000 and over in light of the negative publicity received when an office at the Phillips Avenue Elementary School was renovated without the BoardÕs authority. Mrs. Prete also asked that the Board discuss the Zarb CommissionÕs (Governor PatakiÕs Commission on Education Reform) suggestion that school districts eliminate tenure for administrators with renewable annual contracts
-Addition to
Town Government
Committee
-Christine Prete
-Approved
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January 11, 2005
Page 7
Mrs. Montefusco requested Mrs. Prete to provide a copy of policies and requested amendments, in writing, to all Board members for review.
Mr. Doyle referred to existing state law that states that any construction work being considered for $10,000 or more is subject to the bidding practice to qualifying bidders.
Comments from the community included:
-need for projected students from the Towns of Brookhaven and Southampton (projection of 2,000 additional students includes all three townships)
-request that asterisk (*) be removed from the Committee on Special Education as high cost students
-request to postpone tenure appointment of Middle School Principal until further discussion
-questionable renovations at the district office (Mrs. Montefusco stated that these renovations were done to rectify security concerns)
-delay in installation of security cameras at the High School originally planned at start of the school year (Mr. Singleton stated that the cameras are a priority and plans for approval were being submitted to Albany-anticipated installation date of September 2005)
-dropout rate since beginning of school year (High School principal cited five students)
-request to schedule award ceremonies at a better time prior to the business/public portion of board meetings
-lack of more Board member attendance on January 4th when two construction management firms presented their plans for building a new school (Mrs. Montefusco stated that the Space Planning Committee had already reviewed them and made recommendations to the Board)
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to accept 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
-Accepted
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Board of Education
January 11, 2005
Page 8
C.S.E. MEETING STUDENT NUMBERS
10/21/04 209454, 209659
10/26/04 205116, 205598, 206041, 206607,
206769, 207211, 207221, 207290,
207518, 207828, 208070, 210020,
213481, 213586, 214083, 214159,
214602, 215274, 215470, 215513,
216165
10/28/04 203624, 205180, 205309, 206301,
206707, 206811, 207174, 207614,
207627, 207837, 207848, 212041,
212692, 213516, 213637, 216059,
216386, 216513, 217018, 217188,
217231, 217505
10/29/04 206276*
11/03/04 206383, 206803, 207185, 207287,
207472, 207612, 207816, 208710
11/04/04 206083*, 206086*, 208107, 208834,
209136, 209321, 209437, 209686,
209820, 209822, 210760
11/09/04 210025, 210026, 210444, 210753,
211144, 211693, 211697, 212691,
213437, 216178
11/10/04 214614, 215105, 215156, 216159
11/15/04 204015, 205072, 205081, 205583,
205656, 206064, 207018, 207062,
207473
11/17/04 204340, 205059, 205274, 205536,
206089, 206675, 207070, 207403,
207438, 207649, 208842, 208843
11/18/04 203003, 203204, 204023, 204308,
205330, 205513, 206068, 206423,
206794, 212045, 212481. 212585,
212592, 213002, 213464, 214110,
214127, 208339, 209065, 209126,
209130, 209138, 206105*
11/22/04 204376, 206096, 206703, 207844
11/30/04 209438, 212689, 213649, 216150,
217101, 217127, 217277, 217389,
217510
12/02/04 208341, 208622, 209138, 209141,
209770, 209832, 210715
12/08/04 213586, 214017, 214023, 214560,
215564
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January 11, 2005
Page 9
C.P.S.E. MEETING STUDENT NUMBERS
12/07/04 219237, 219220, 219240, 219238,
218271, 218282, 219239, 218265
*High Cost Student
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Berezny, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, bids for Frankfurters & Deli Meat were opened on December 15, 2004, and
WHEREAS, bids for such items have been reviewed by the School Lunch Director and the Purchasing Agent, and
WHEREAS, the School Lunch Director and the Purchasing Agent 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 to the vendor indicated for Frankfurters & Deli Meat for the 2004-05 school year:
Items 1-7
To: George L. Donneson, Inc.
115 Aspatuck Road
Westhampton Beach, New York 11978
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Griffing, to approve the following resolutions:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the attendance of Dali Rastello and Theresa Drozd, at the Small Schools Planning Institute, January 12-14, 2005 in St. Pete Beach, Florida at no cost to the district. Funding is provided under the Smaller Learning Communities Planning Grant; and, transportation is subject to approval pursuant
to Board policy.
2004-05
-Frankfurters &
Deli Meat
-Approved
-Approved
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RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the participation of the Varsity Softball Team at Spring training to Cocoa Beach Florida on March 19-24, 2005 at a cost to the district not to exceed $2,730.70 (lodging and transportation); and, transportation is subject to approval pursuant to Board policy.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the attendance of Frances Lembo and Kerriann Otano as selected members of the MENC All-Eastern Chorus at the All-Eastern Festival and Conference at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland from Thursday,
March 3, 2005 through Sunday, March 6, 2005 at a cost not to exceed $1,515 exclusive of gas cost for district station wagon (funds available in district budget). Transportation is subject to approval pursuant to Board policy.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
Mr. Doyle congratulated Frances Lembo and Kerriann Otano on their major accomplishments that also makes a positive statement about our music program.
A motion was made by Mrs. Berezny, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves membership in R.E.F.I.T. (Reform Educational Financing Inequities Today) for the period September 2004 to August 2005 and authorizes payment of the annual dues in the amount of $600.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
-Approved
Membership/R.E.F.I.T.
-Approved
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January 11, 2005
Page 11
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the attendance of six (6) Riverhead High School students to the Interact-ing Retreat to Lake George/Lake Placid on February 4-6, 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. Gassert, 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 the Riverhead High School Key Club to attend the New York District Convention at KutsherÕs Country Club in Monticello, New York on March 18-20, 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. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Berezny,
to approve the following resolutions:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District gratefully accepts the donation of $400 from Dr. and Mrs. Henry A. Johnsen, and; authorizes administration to apply for the matching grant from the General Mills Foundation based on that donation.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District gratefully accepts the donation of $500 on behalf of the Phillips Avenue Parent Association for the playground fund from the Southampton P.B.A., President Charles McArdle.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District gratefully accepts the donation of an easel and twelve cork strips from Mr. Pierro for use by the children and staff at the Phillips Avenue Elementary School.
-Approved
-Approved
-Approved
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Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to table the following resolutions:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District declares as surplus the following pieces of weight room equipment that is outdated and/or in need of major reconditioning; and, authorizes the donation of these items to the Timothy Hill ChildrenÕs Ranch:
yellow leg press sled
blue squat rack
yellow lateral row machine
blue preacher curl machine
white bench
tan glute/ham machine
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District declares as surplus certain outdated/unusable computer equipment at the Riverhead High School as documented in the corresponding request contained in the Supplemental File; and, authorizes the appropriate disposal of such.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District declares as surplus the following outdated/non-compatable printers in the Guidance Department at the Riverhead High School; and, authorizes the appropriate disposal of such:
IBM 6400
Two (2) Texas Instrument Omni 800
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District declares as surplus certain outdated/unusable computer equipment at the Roanoke Avenue Elementary School as documented in the corresponding request contained in the Supplemental File; and, authorizes the appropriate disposal of such.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion to Table Carried.
-Tabled
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January 11, 2005
Page 13
A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the appointment of Nancy Carney as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction to the Professional Development Plan Committee.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mr. Hubbard, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves Richard H. Gill, III as Volunteer to support the BoysÕ Basketball Program.
Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.
A mo