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MINUTES

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Regular Meeting – August 24, 2004

Riverhead High School Auditorium

 

PRESENT:  President, Mrs. Lori H. Montefusco; Vice President,

Mrs. Nancy G. Gassert; Mrs. Kathleen Berezny; and, Mrs. Christine Prete.

 

ABSSENT: Mr. Timothy Griffing and Mr. Timothy Hubbard.

 

LATE:  Mrs. Mary Ellen Harkin.

 

ALSO PRESENT:  Dr. Joseph Laria, Mr. Joseph Singleton and Christopher Powers, Esq.

 

President, Mrs. Montefusco, opened the meeting at 5:20 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 issues, legal matters and collective bargaining unit negotiations.

 

                                                                        Yes 4   No 0

                                                                        Motion Carried.

 

The Board of Education recessed to executive session at 5:21 p.m.

 

Mrs. Harkin arrived at 6:53 p.m.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to return to open session.

 

                                                                        Yes 5   No 0

                                                                        Motion Carried.

 

The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:40 p.m.

 

A brief recess followed.

 

The meeting resumed at 7:48 p.m.

 

There were about 40 other people in attendance.

 

ALSO PRESENT:  Mrs. Barbara O’Kula.

 

 

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Minutes

Board of Education

August 24, 2004

Page 2

 

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to

approve the minutes of the following meetings:

 

Regular Meeting – May 11, 2004

Special Meeting – May 13, 2004

Election of Board Members & Budget Vote – May 18, 2004

 

                                                                        Yes 5   No 0

                                                                        Motion Carried.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to amend the agenda to include the following resolution:

 

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, appoints Richard Anderson to the position of Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at a per diem rate of $700 effective August 25, 2004.

 

Dr. Joseph Laria reported on the following:

 

-preparations are being made for the opening of school on

 September 7th with administrative staff

-forward action to recommend to the Board of Education

 acceptance of a grant from the District Attorney’s office for

 the Council of Unity project

-recognized newly appointed Assistant Superintendent for

 Business, Mr. Joseph Singleton who brings to the table and strong

 and sound business ethic

-recognized friend and colleague, Mr. Richard Anderson

 (recommended for appointment tonight) who has offered thirteen

 years of service to the community and children in the capacity of

 curriculum and instruction

 

Mrs. Harkin thanked Mrs. Peggie Staib for her tenacity and dedication to the district and extended best wishes to her as she leaves her job for a similar position in another district. 

 

 

 

 

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Minutes

Board of Education

August 24, 2004

Page 3

 

 

Mrs. Berezny commented on her attendance at the Court of Honor at the Riverhead Moose Lodge when former Riverhead graduate, George Schlip was awarded the high honor of Eagle Scout.

 

Mrs. Montefusco announced that executive sessions of the Board of Education are scheduled for August 30, 31 and September 2 at 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of interviewing candidates for a permanent Superintendent of Schools.  Also, that the meetings of  September 14 and 28 – executive session at 5:00 p.m. – open to the public at 7:30 p.m.  She also announced that the district is looking to outside firms to conduct the school district’s audits.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to refuse the bids on the portables and put out RFP’s to ensure that bids are for one item only and not the High School and portables combined. 

 

Comments from the community included:

 

-the Space Planning Committee formulated by Mr. Duffy was never

 formally approved by the Board of Education

-limit members of the Space Planning Committee to residents of

 Riverhead

-is there a stipend for advisor of the Bible Club  (yes); and,

 opinion that taxpayers should not pay for religious clubs (these

 are under the equal access amendment of federal law and

 pose no conflict to pay moderator of this club)

-increase in school budget over $23 million in four years with

 no improvement in children’s grades and dropout rate –

 restructure school administration (i.e., hire a Business Manager

 and utilize members of existing faculty as mentor for curriculum

 and instruction

-payment of $47,586 to architect to which Mrs. Montefusco

 responded that it is the intent of the school Board not to remit

 payment in that amount as no approval was given by the

 Board)

-that the Space Planning Committee should have been recognized

 and approved by the Board of Education in the very beginning

 (Wiedersum has been informed by the Board that the portables

 will be solicited via the bidding process)

   

 

-request to hire a Head of Guidance as many parents are

 concerned and seek to rectify the situation as it exists

 (Mrs. Montefusco stated that the Board will consider the

 request)

 

 

 

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to amend the agenda to include the following resolutions:

 

RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, the Professional Personnel recommendations be approved per Supplemental File Personnel Report and are subject to Board Policy #9310:

 

Appointments

Ellen Baron – Substitute School Psychologist, effective 9/14/04.

Joseph Colantuoni – Substitute School Psychologist, effective

   9/14/04.

Joseph Frascino – Chairperson of Committee on Special

   Education, effective 9/14/04.

 

Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments

Carolyn Colantropo – Kindergarten Teacher, effective

   9/1/04-8/31/07.

Jeanne Schmitt – Reading Teacher, effective 9/1/04-8/31/07.

 

                                                                        Yes 5   No 0

                                                Motion to Amend Agenda Carried.

 

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 approves the Memorandum of Agreement between the Riverhead Central School District and the Urban League Long Island, Inc. (to be funded by a federal grant) to work cooperatively to continue the growth and development of the College Prep

Program; and authorizes the Interim Superintendent of Schools to sign the contract.

 

                                                                        Yes 5   No 0

                                                                        Motion Carried.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the following resolution:

 

 

RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following budget transfer for payment of E-rate services provided by Integra Consulting and in accordance with Board Policy #6150:

 

         From Code                → To Code                       Amount              

         2630-421-99-1000         1310-421-99-1000      $5,500.00

 

                                                                        Yes 5   No 0

                                                                        Motion Carried.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the following resolution:

 

WHEREAS,  two (2) bids for Surplus Property were opened on June 30, 2004, and

 

WHEREAS, bids have been reviewed by the Interim Plant Facilities Administrator and the Purchasing Agent, and

   

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

 

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District awards the Surplus Property bid to the following:

 

Item                                   Bidder                           Amount:

Alto American 8 Floor          Cross Island Floor           $3,000.00

Sander, 60HZ, 230 Volt,      322 Third Avenue

4 hp (3kw)                            Bayport, NY 11705

Serial #YF0657                                                                                                                                                                    

        

Stainless Steel Counter      NO AWARD

10 ft. long, 4 ft. wide, 4 ft.

  high

 

IBM Printer                          NO AWARD

Model #6252-AP8

Serial #01-12606

 

                                                                        Yes 5   No 0

                                                                        Motion Carried.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the following resolution:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESOLVED, that JJ Stanis is appointed as administrator of self-insured Dental Plan for administrators & confidential employees 2004—2005 at a rate of $4.78 per month per employee.  The rates for self-insured Dental Programs shall be as follows:

 

Individual – $41.00, Family – 119.00.

 

In a brief discussion, Mrs. Prete requested confirmation as to the number of employees included in this group to which the answer is

approximately 50 employees.

 

                                                                        Yes 5   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 recognizes a Space Planning Committee and appoints the following persons to serve on the committee:

 

        Mr. David Carrick

        Mrs. Cara Giannillo

        Mr. John Hartill

        Mr. Ray Hughes     

        Mrs. Andrea Lohneiss

        Mr. Andrew Mendelson

        Mrs. Sherry Patterson

        Mr. Eugene Robinson

        Mr. Brian Stark

        Mr. Ken Zahler

 

and, further approves the committee’s mission, charge and operational structure and procedures stated in the document entitled, “Space Planning Committee: Functional Direction from the Board of Education”; and, authorizes the Interim Superintendent

of Schools to convene a meeting of the Space Planning Committee during the month of September 2004.

 

The Board of Education has registered objections of the lack of participating disclosure under which the original formulation of this committee was under scrutiny and criticism, as expressed by Board members, Mrs. Harkin and Mrs. Montefusco.

 

 

 

 

                                                              Yes 5   No 0

                                                              Motion Carried.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to approve the following resolution:

 

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District hereby directs the President of the Board of Education to execute an agreement with a certain district employee named in executive session suspending such employee in accordance with the provisions of a stipulation of agreement.

 

                                                                        Yes 5   No 0

                                                                        Motion Carried.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Prete, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to approve the following resolution:

      

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District authorizes the Board President to execute the Legal Agreement with a certain district employee named in executive session in accordance with the provisions of the stipulation

of settlement.

             

                                                                        Yes 4

                                                                        Mrs. Gassert

                                                                        Mrs. Harkin

                                                                        Mrs. Montefusco

                                                                        Mrs. Prete

 

                                                                        Abstention 1

                                                                        Mrs. Berezny

 

Mrs. Berezny stated that her abstention is due to the fact that it effects someone in the family related.

 

                                                                        Motion Carried.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the following resolution:

 

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby prefers charges pursuant to Civil Service Law Section 75 against an employee of the District as set forth in written charges filed with the District Clerk, and it is further resolved, that Joseph Wooley, Esq. is hereby designated as Hearing Officer to hear such charges and to make proposed findings of fact and a recommendation with respect to measure of discipline, if guilt be found, in accordance with the provisions of Civil Service Law, and it is further resolved that said employee shall be suspended without pay for thirty (30) days pending determination of the charges.

 

                                                                        Yes 5   No 0

                                                                        Motion Carried.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the following resolution as amended:

 

RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, the Professional Personnel recommendations be approved per Supplemental File Personnel

Report and are subject to Board Policy #9310:

 

Change in Status/Fingerprint Clearance

Linda Dowd – Science Teacher, effective 9/1/04-8/31/07.

 

Extension of 20-day Conditional Appointment

Christina Albani – Music Teacher, To: 9/8/04-9/28/04.

Vanessa Amodemo – Elementary Teacher, To: 8/21/04-9/10/04.

Marisa D’Ambrosio – Mathematics Teacher, To: 9/8/04-9/28/04.

Nadine May Egbert – Music Teacher, To: 9/8/04-9/28/04.

Meghan Montpetit – Elementary Teacher, To: 8/21/04-9/10/04.

Elizabeth Prebish – School Nurse, To: 8/29/04-9/18/04.

Katherine Schaum – Spanish K-12, To: 9/5/04-9/25/04.

Daniel Vallance – ESL Teacher, To: 9/8/04-9/28/04.

 

Advisor Appointments – High School

Mary McKenna – Photography Club, effective 8/25/04.

Louise Wilkinson – Key Club, effective 8/25/04.

Louise Wilkinson – HUGS, effective 8/25/04.

Theresa Drozd – SADD, effective 8/25/04.

Theresa Drozd – Student Council, effective 8/25/04.

Theresa Drozd – Youth Leadership, effective 8/25/04.

 

Cancellation of Advisor Appointment – High School

Robert Brandi – Photography Club, effective 8/25/04.

 

Change in Coaching Appointment

John Donoghue – To: Middle School Head Coach-Boys’ Soccer,

   effective 8/25/04.

 

 

 

 

 

Coaching Appointments

Jerome Duvall – Varsity Head Coach, effective 8/25/04.

David Huey – Boys’ Soccer, effective 8/25/04.

James Janecek – Field Hockey, effective 8/25/04.

Timothy Page – Girls’ Soccer, effective 8/25/04.

 

Appointments

Hayley Burns – Substitute Teacher, effective 8/25/04.

Garrett Moore – Substitute Teacher, effective 8/25/04.

Ellen Baron – Substitute School Psychologist, effective 9/14/04.

Joseph Colantuoni – Substitute School Psychologist, effective

   9/14/04.

Joseph Frascino – Chairperson of Committee on Special

   Education, effective 9/14/04.

 

Resignation

Matteo DeVincenzo – High School Assistant Principal, effective

   9/12/04.

 

Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointments

Carolyn Colantropo – Kindergarten Teacher, effective

   9/1/04-8/31/07.

Jeanne Schmitt – Reading Teacher, effective 9/1/04-8/31/07.

 

                                                                        Yes 5   No 0

                                                Motion Carried as Amended.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Harkin, to approve the following resolution:

 

RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, the Civil Service Personnel recommendations be approved per Supplemental File Personnel

Report and are subject to Board Policy #9310:

 

Appointment

William Porras – Hourly Food Service Worker, effective 8/25/04.

 

                                                                        Yes 5   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, upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, appoints Richard Anderson to the position of Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at a per diem rate of $700 effective August 25, 2004.

 

 

 

                                                            Yes 5   No 0

                                                                        Motion Carried.

 

Additional comments heard by community members includes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Prete, to adjourn the meeting.

 

                                                                        Yes 5   No 0

                                                                        Motion Carried.

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Barbara O’Kula

District Clerk