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MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting – October 28, 2003
Riverhead High School Auditorium

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

ALSO PRESENT: Mr. George L. Duffy III, Ms. Carol Perkins, Mrs. Margaret Staib and Christopher Powers, Esq.

President, Mrs. Harkin, opened the meeting at 6:42 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Berezny, to recess to executive session to discuss personnel.

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

The Board of Education recessed to executive session at 6:43 p.m.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Montefusco, to return to open session.

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:38 p.m.
A brief recess followed.

The meeting resumed at 7:43 p.m.There were about 70 other people in attendance.
ALSO PRESENT: Mrs. Barbara O’Kula.

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

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

Pledge of Allegiance

Recess to
Executive Session

Return to
Open Session

Amend Agenda
-Approved

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Minutes
Board of Education
October 28, 2003
Page 2

Emergency 20-Day Conditional Appointment
Megan Ann Zureck – Library Media Specialist, Riley Avenue
School, effective 10/29/03-1/30/04.

Yes 7 No 0

Motion to Amend Agenda Carried.

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Takacs, to amend the following resolution as follows:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the attendance of the students at HUGS weekends on Shelter Island, Camp Quinnipet on the following dates:

-November 7-9, 2003
-December 6-8, 2003
-January 16-18, 2004 (student leader training weekend)
-February 6-8, 2004
-March 5-7, 2004
-April 30-May 2, 2004

The students will be accompanied by chaperone. Five-hundred dollars ($500) will be distributed through the Drug Free Schools Federal Grant in partial payment for the costs of the weekend. There will be a cost to the district to provide one bus for transportation and is subject to approval pursuant to Board policy.

Yes 7 No 0
Motion to Amend Agenda Carried.

The Board of Education was recognized by the community, staff and faculty (Riverhead Administrators Association, Riverhead Central Faculty Association, CSEA and CSEA Aides Units) for their dedicated efforts on behalf of the school district throughout the year. Students from the 2nd grade (Room 14) at Riley Avenue School read their personal letters of appreciation and Supervisor Bob Kozakiewicz read a proclamation adopted by the Town of Riverhead in honor of the Board of Education.

A motion was made by Mr. Hubbard, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to approve the minutes of the following meeting:

Special Presentations:
School Board
Recognition Week

Approval of Minutes
-Sept. 23, 2003(098)

Minutes
Board of Education
October 28, 2003

Page 3Regular Meeting – September 23, 2003

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

A motion was made by Mrs. Gassert, seconded by Mrs. Montefusco, to approve the Treasurer’s Reports for the months of July and August 2003 and the following Schedules of Bills for the months of July and August 2003:

July 2003
Fund Check Numbers Amount
General Fund 7053-7458 $1,283,234.57
Trust & Agency 5751-5803 1,219,497.89
Federal Funds 6817-6832 872,377.56
Extraclassroom 3679-3681 1,539.93
Cafeteria 7127 222.09
Capital Fund None
Capital Expansion None

August 2003
Fund Check Numbers Amount
General Fund 7459-7625 $ 712,015.16
Trust & Agency 5804-5851 533,462.35
Federal Funds 6833-6837 30,061.94
Capital Expansion 2129-2130 20,760.00
Cafeteria 7128-7130 1,074.22
Extraclassroom 3682-3684 391.00
Capital Fund None

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

Mr. Duffy thanked the members of the Board of Education for their continued efforts on behalf of the students of the Riverhead Central School District. He announced that the first educational committee meeting with Senator LaValle regarding funding of education in New York State was attended by both he and Mrs. Montefusco on October 22nd. The next Board of Education meeting will be held on November 18, 2003 and will be the only Board meeting held during that month.

-Approved

Treasurer’s Reports &
Schedules of Bills
-July 2003
-August 2003
-Approved

Opportunity for
Superintendent


(099)Minutes
Board of Education
October 28, 2003
Page 4

Mrs. Montefusco commented on the educational task force committee meeting where Senator LaValle was very receptive to concerns on restructuring and of the disparity in the state funding formula. Of particular concern is the possibility that political pressure to channel funds to New York City schools will overshadow the needs of Long Island suburban schools.Mrs. Berezny commended the Phillips Avenue Story Night committee and their special efforts to organize the reading of stories to children and parents on October 22nd. She also reported on her attendance at a SCOPE School Board Institute on October 17-19th along with twenty other school districts. This was a very informative workshop that discussed future trends in public education, the political aspects, cultural change and proposed models for instruction.

Mrs. Takacs extended personal thanks to the students, staff and administration for recognizing the Board of Education members. She reported on her attendance at the New York State School Boards Association Annual Convention and Educational Trade Show in Rochester where she was the designated voting delegate for the Riverhead Central School District. Work-sessions about the court ordered decision to make funding fair for all New York State schools were conducted. Dr. Howard Koenig, Executive Director of Reform Educational Financing Equities Today (REFIT), was on duty to advocate the correctness in terms of state aid distribution.
The NYSSBA voting results, as well as, a statewide costing-out study on costs to educate children in all school districts throughout the State are forthcoming.

Mrs. Harkin thanked all the children for the outstanding murals they created in celebration of School Board Recognition Week. Congratulations were conveyed to the Varsity football team for the Section XI overturn of the forfeit that now rates them undefeated for the 2003 season. Special thanks were expressed to Marie Tooker who hosted an elementary school fundraiser and graciously offered the use of their farm for the event.

Board members, Timothy Hubbard, Timothy Griffing and Nancy Gassert also thanked the students, faculty and community for their acts of kindness and recognition of the Board.

Opportunity for
Board Members

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Minutes
Board of Education
October 28, 2003
Page 5

All Board members remarked on the outstanding team performance of the Varsity football players and coaching staff par excellence.

Mrs. Harkin announced the regional meeting hosted by the Alliance for Quality Education (AQE) on November 15th at Hofstra University, 8:30 a.m.-noon. She stressed the importance for Riverhead to articulate its needs before the legislature to gain better funding for educational programs and facilities. Interested parties can e-mail her at geohark @ yahoo.com.

Comments expressed by the community included:

-understanding/awareness by the Board of Education of the July
2001 law passed pertaining to safely transporting students to and
from field trips

-appreciation to the Superintendent, High School principal and
Athletic Director for their lobbying efforts to rescind the forfeit
imposed by Section XI

-good practice to provide Riverhead High School graduates the
opportunity to be hired back into the community to teach our
children

-pride in our football team, coaches, community and schools

-inquiry on existence of an independent investigation on part of the
school district in the loss of a student on the Great Adventure field
trip in April 2000. Mr. Duffy stated that the Board of Education
fully participated in the investigation that was conducted regarding
the case.

-status of request to offer grief counseling to students who
attended that particular field trip to Great Adventure. Mr. Duffy
stated that those students have since graduated and no contacts
made have been made.

-basis for suggested psychological evaluation in criminal matter in
the justice court before Judge Ehlers. Mr. Powers stated that
insight can be gained from such evaluations to make a final
determination.

-rationale for individual’s promotion to Assistant Superintendent for
Personnel & Community Services. Mr. Duffy stated that no
comment will be made on any personnel matter or individual.

Community
Comments

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Minutes
Board of Education
October 28, 2003
Page 6

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:

C.S.E. MEETING STUDENT NUMBERS
09/18/03 211506
09/23/03 212645, 213021, 216115
09/24/03 200541, 202359, 204099, 204373,
205051, 205127, 205138, 205543,
205591, 206070
09/25/03 207559, 208710, 214510, 214567, 216010
09/29/03 201512, 203719, 204239, 204447,
205089, 205174, 206219
10/01/03 202624, 204058, 204576, 205536,
205707, 205708, 206043, 207821

C.P.S.E. MEETING STUDENT NUMBERS
08/13/03 218140, 217274, 217180, 217277,
217139, 217033, 217276, 217163
08/14/03 218133, 218185, 218055, 218088,
218186, 219016, 218173, 218169, 21818

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

A motion was made by Mrs. Takacs, seconded by Mrs. Gassert, to approve the following resolutions:RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District declares as surplus certain irreparable/unusable computer equipment in the Technology Department as documented in the corresponding request contained in the Supplemental File; and, authorizes the appropriate disposal of
such.

Committee on
Special Education
-Approved
-Supplemental FileSurplus Equipment
-Approved

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Minutes
Board of Education
October 28, 2003
Page 7

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District declares as surplus one (1) Savin copier, Model #7015 as no longer operable at the Pulaski Street School and authorizes the appropriate disposal of same.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District declares as surplus certain irreparable/unusable/outdated materials at the District Office as documented in the corresponding list contained in the
Supplemental File; and authorizes the appropriate disposal of such.

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District approves the attendance of students at HUGS weekends on Shelter Island, Camp Quinnipet on the following dates:

-November 7-9, 2003
-December 6-8, 2003
-January 16-18, 2004 (student leader training weekend)
-February 6-8, 2004
-March 5-7, 2004
-April 30-May 2, 2004

The students will be accompanied by chaperone. Five-hundred dollars ($500) will be distributed through the Drug Free Schools Federal Grant in partial payment for the costs of the weekend. There will be a cost to the district to provide one bus for transportation and is subject to approval pursuant to Board policy.

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

A motion was made by Mr. Hubbard, seconded by Mrs. Takacs, to approve the following resolution:

Overnight Field Trips
-Approved as Amended

Donation
-Approved

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Minutes
Board of Education
October 28, 2003
Page 8

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District gratefully accepts the donations from the Class of 2003 of a refrigerator with ice-maker installed in the nurse’s office and installation of a sprinkler system in the courtyard of the Riverhead High School utilizing funds in the class account.

Yes 7 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 appoints the following members of the Committee for the 2003/04 school year to develop a District Wide Safety Plan:

Administration: Bonnie Campbell
Dave Densieski
Teachers: Barbara Barosa
Joe Sferlazza
School Security: Elwood Lamb
Justine Trent
Parent Organization: Cara Giannillo
Louise Wilkinson
CSEA Teacher Aides: Kathleen DeCabia
CSEA: Kathleen Hamilton
Paul Noonan
District Administrator: Carol Perkins
K-12 Violence
Prevention Specialist: Theresa Drozd
Students: Tara Matuszewski
Kelly Wooten
Caitlin Saxtein
P.J. Beierle

Mr. Duffy stated that as required by the State, the District Wide Safety Plan committee must be amended annually.

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

Appointment of
District-Wide
Safety Plan Committee
-Approved

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Minutes
Board of Education
October 28, 2003
Page 9


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 authorizes the increase in per diem pay for permanent substitute teachers from $75 to $100.

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

A motion was made by Mrs. Montefusco, 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:

Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointment
Sharon Rosenfeld – Speech Pathologist, Roanoke Avenue School,
effective 11/10/03-1/30/04.
Marzena Harris – ESL Teacher, Phillips Avenue/Aquebogue
Schools, effective 12/1/03-11/30/06.
Kristin Merone – Applied Behavior Analysis, Riley Avenue School,
effective 10/29/03.
David Leone – Science Teacher, High School, effective 10/29/03-
1/30/04.
Megan Ann Zureck – Library Media Specialist,
Riley Avenue School, effective 10/29/03-1/30/04.

Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointment
Steven Euler – Applied Behavior Analysis, Riley Avenue School,
effective 11/4/03-11/24/03.

Extension of Tenure Appointment
Juliet Carlson – Elementary Teacher, Roanoke Avenue School,
effective 11/14/03-4/1/04.

Middle School Advisors
Jennifer Frankel – 8th Grade Co-advisor, effective 10/29/03.
Claire Yannacone – 8th Grade Co-advisor, effective 10/29/03.

Increase in
Permanent Substitute
Per Diem Pay
-Approved

Professional
Personnel
Recommendations
-Approved as Amended

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Minutes
Board of Education
October 28, 2003
Page 10


Coaching Appointments: Effective Winter 2003/04
Gerald Wiesmann – Boys’ Basketball/Varsity Head Coach.
John Rossetti – Boys’ Basketball/JV Head Coach.
Patrick Burke – Boys’ Basketball/JV9 Head Coach.
Edward Kneski – Boys’ Basketball/MS A-Team Head Coach.
Robert Mills – Boys’ Basketball/MS B-Team Head Coach.
Steven Mercorella – Girls’ Basketball/JV Head Coach.
Cheryl Walsh-Edwards – Girls’ Basketball/MS A-Team Head
Coach.
Robert Mills – Girls’ Basketball/MS B-Team Head Coach.
Scott Hackal – Bowling/Varsity Head Coach.
Susan Ries – Cheerleading/Varsity Head Coach.
Joanne Armstrong – Cheerleading/JV Head Coach.
Mandy Schulz – Cheerleading/MS A-Team Head Coach.
Salvatore Loverde – Boys’ Winter Track/Varsity Head Coach.
John Donoghue – Boys’ Winter Track/Varsity Ass’t. Coach.
Stephen Gevinski – Girls’ Winter Track/Varsity Head Coach.
Maria Dounelis – Girls’ Winter Track/Varsity Ass’t. Coach.
Wade Davey – Wrestling/Varsity Head Coach.
William Hedges – Wrestling/MS Head Coach.

Appointments
Brian Bartalomy – Substitute Teacher, effective 10/29/03.
Kristin Beyer – Substitute Teacher, effective 10/29/03.
Dawn Christ – Substitute Teacher, effective 10/29/03.
Kathleen Long – Substitute Teacher, effective 10/29/03.
Alex Kamp – Home Instructor, effective 10/29/03.

Request for Maternity/Child Care Leave of Absence
Wendy Finter – Elementary Teacher, Roanoke Avenue School,
effective 11/10/03-approximately 1/30/04.

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

A motion was made by Mrs. Berezny, seconded by Mrs. Montefusco, to approve the following resolution:

Civil Service
Personnel
Recommendations
-Approved


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Minutes
Board of Education
October 28, 2003
Page 11


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:

Extension of Emergency 20-day Conditional Appointment
Cynthia Reiter – Sign Language Interpreter, Riley Avenue School,
effective 11/4/03-11/24/03.

Recall from Excess List
Barbara Salmiery – School Nurse, effective 11/20/03.

Change in Hours
Debra Beierle – School Teacher Aide, Riley Avenue School,
To: 3 hrs. per day, effective 10/20/03.
Barbara Grathwohl – Special Education Aide, Phillips Avenue
School, To: 6 hrs. per day, effective 10/20/03.
Diane Graziano – School Teacher Aide, Phillips Avenue School,
To: 6 hrs. per day, effective 10/15/03.
Claire Mielnicki – School Teacher Aide, Pulaski Street School,
To: 7 hrs. per day, effective 9/3/03.
Suzanne Norbury – School Teacher Aide, Pulaski Street School,
To: 7 hrs. per day, effective 9/3/03.
Patrick Wellbrock – Special Education Aide, Middle School,
To: 7.25 hrs. per day, effective 10/20/03.

Change in Status
Michael Tracy – To: Custodial Worker I, effective 11/3/03.

Appointments
Lori Riley – Substitute School Teacher Aide, effective 10/29/03.
Rosanne Ponzo – Substitute School Teacher Aide, effective
10/29/03.
John Kaastra – Substitute Custodial Worker I, effective 10/29/03.
Billy Tolliver – Substitute Guard, effective 10/29/03.

Request for Extension of Unpaid Medical Leave of Absence
Vicky Albin – School Bus Driver, effective 10/21/03-4/16/04.
Sheryl McCormick – School Bus Driver, effective 10/20/03-4/14/04.


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Minutes
Board of Education
October 28, 2003
Page 12

Request for Unpaid Leave of Absence
Laurie Koplinka – Hourly Food Service Worker, effective 10/23/03-
12/19/03.Retirement
Lynne Proios – School Nurse, effective 11/20/03.

Termination
James Stokely – Substitute School Bus Driver, effective 10/7/03.

Yes 7 No 0
Motion Carried.

Additional comments from the community are:

-definition of Applied Behavior Analysis (hired on an hourly/as
needed basis for autistic students)
-confirmation of promotional titles established (i.e., Assistant
Superintendent for Personnel & Community Services). No raise
involved – title change conforms with duties and responsibilities)
-terms of Superintendent’s extended contract. Mrs. Harkin stated
that he is under contract but not required to stay for the term
indicated.
--timely notification to the Board of Education of serious incidents
within our schools

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 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara J. O’Kula
District Clerk