North Shore Schools
Board of Education
Minutes
The meeting was called to order by President Beyer at
Executive Session
At
At
The regular meeting was resumed at
Pledge of
Allegiance
President Beyer led the audience in the pledge of
allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
The approval of minutes was tabled until the end of the
meeting.
Report of the SGO
Representative
Alex Romano, SGO Representative, reported on events and
activities at the high school.
Regular Business
The Board decided to vote simultaneously on action items A-K
with the exception of
item D.
On motion of Trustee Glassman and seconded by Trustee Murphy
and all in favor, it was:
PERSONNEL
Resignation for Retirement Purposes - Administration
Resolved: To accept the resignation for retirement
purposes of Kathleen Razzetti, Principal, effective
Approval of Leave of Absence for Child-Rearing Purposes - Certified
Resolved: To approve a leave of absence for child-rearing purposes for
Jennifer Perrotta, Special Education, effective January 22, 2007 through June
30, 2007
Change of Status - Certified
Resolved: To approve a change of status for Christine De Alburquerque,
Elementary from full time leave for child-rearing purposes to a .5 leave for
child-rearing purposes and a .5 appointment as lead literacy teacher, district
wide, on Step 7 of the MA salary schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve a change of status for Mia Ramirez, Elementary, from
full time leave for child-rearing purposes to a .5 leave for child-rearing
purposes and a .5 appointment as lead literacy teacher, district wide, on Step
12 of the MA+60 salary schedule, effective January 14, 2007, replacing Linda
Klion
Appointment - Certified
Resolved: To approve a regular
substitute (leave replacement) appointment for
Goldstein, Biology, on Step 30 of the MA+45 schedule, effective
through
Resolved: To approve a regular substitute (leave replacement) appointment
for Therese
L'Abbate, Elementary, on Step 1 of the MA
salary schedule,effective
through
Resolved: To approve the regular substitute (leave replacement) appointment
of Gina
Puma, Elementary, on Step 1 of the
MA salary schedule, effective
Part-time Appointment - Certified
Resolved: To approve the part-time appointment (.1) of
Joseph Bonaventura, Physical Education, on Step 1 of the BA salary schedule and
Recreational Specialist at the Middle School, effective
Approval of Increments for Advanced Study
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Daniel Adams,
Special Education, from Step 1 of the BA salary schedule, to Step 1 of the
BA+15 salary schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Joanne Fawcett,
Guidance from Step 13 of the MA+15 salary schedule, to Step 13 of the MA+45 salary
schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for
Keith Freund, Social Studies, from Step 7 of the MA+15 salary schedule, to Step 7 of the MA+30 salary
schedule, , effective
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Danielle (Girardi)
Goodwin, Speech, from Step 2 of the MA salary schedule, to Step 2 of the MA+15
salary schedule, effective
Resolved: To
approve an increment for advanced study for George Gyarmathy, Guidance,
from Step 5 of the MA salary schedule, to Step 5 of
the MA+15 salary schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study
for MaureenLamberti, Elementary, from Step 3 of the
MA+15 salary schedule, to Step 3 of the MA+30 salary schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study
for Timothy Shea, Guidance, from Step 15 of the MA+45 salary schedule, to Step
15 of the MA+60 salary schedule, effective
Approval of Teacher Overages
Resolved: To approve a change in overage for Jay Emmer, from .24 to .30,
effective
Approval of Additions to the Per Diem Substitute List
Christine Anifantakis Secondary
Julie Baldock Secondary
Laura Barnett Secondary
Elise Cacioppo-Heaton Secondary
Christine Cawley Teacher
Aide
Karen Conway Secondary
Joanna Farren Elementary
Anil Gangji Secondary
Karin Kayserian Secondary
Kristy Lentino Secondary
Kiah Mitchell Secondary
Jennifer Nellis Secondary
Noreen O'Donnell Crayne Elementary
Chris Palladino Physical Education
Edward Parenteau Elementary
Michelle Pirro Secondary
Linda Pascucci Elementary
Nancy Reisert Elementary
Kris Theodorakis Secondary
Konstantina Spaliaras Elementary
Maria-Nicole Strouzas Secondary
Patricia West Secondary
Approval of Revised Contract for
Superintendent
Resolved: To approve the revised Contract for the Superintendent
Approval of Revision to the Facility
Use Policy (#1500)
Resolved: To approve the revised Facility Use Policy (#1500)
Approval of Addendum to the Adopted
Volunteer Firefighters' and Ambulance Workers' Tax Exemption
Resolved: To approve the following resolution for addendum to the Adopted
Volunteer Firefighters' and Ambulance Workers' Tax Exemption:
WHEREAS, in the case of an unmarried
spouse, in addition to any other applicable restrictions set forth herein, he
or she is certified by the authority having jurisdiction for the incorporated
volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance
service, as an unmarried spouse of a deceased enrolled member of such
incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary
ambulance service; and such deceased volunteer had been an enrolled member for
at least twenty (20) years; and such deceased volunteer and un-remarried spouse
were eligible to receive the exemption for such property prior to the death of
such volunteer.
Adoption of Resolution for the State
of
Resolved: To adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLVED, that the
RESOLVED, that the appropriate
officials of the
RESOLVED, that the Administrative
Services Agency is hereby authorized to file copies of these resolutions and
other required documents with the President of the State of New York Civil
Service Commission.
Approval to Dispose of Obsolete
Equipment
Resolved: To declare as obsolete and approve the disposal of the following
inventory items
at the high school:
RP503
Microfilm Machine
Bell
& Howell Microfilm Machine
Scan
Mark 2500 (2)
Approval of Health Services
Resolved: That
the Board of Education enter into a contract for Health Services with the
Acceptance of Teacher Mini-Grants from the Middle
School PTA
Resolved: To
accept a mini grant in the amount of $385 from the Middle School PTA for
Middle School Teachers/Aide Colette Weinberg and
Roselle Barbour to purchase 2 Kodak
Easy Share Cameras w/batteries and 2 Kodak Memory
Cards for a photo journalism project
Resolved: To
accept a mini grant in the amount of $564 from the Middle School PTA for
Middle School Teacher Nathalie Silva to purchase 4
Kodak Digital Cameras and 4 Picture
Cards for a digital storytelling project.
Resolved: To
accept a mini grant in the amount of $169.95 from the Middle School PTA for
Middle School Teacher Rob Hert to purchase 1 Docupen
R700 Scanner for the science
department
Resolved: To
accept a mini grant in the amount of $555.15 from the Middle School PTA for
the Middle School gym to purchase 1 Shure Wireless
handheld sound system and installation
Approval of Budget Transfers
Resolved: To approve budget transfers in the amount of $65,000, effective
Approval of Special Education Services
Resolved: To
approve special education services, per attached tab
Preliminary Budget
Proposal Presentation
Dr. Melnick gave an overview of
the 2007-08 budget proposal. He
explained that the current proposal was designed to maintain class size,
special education services, extra-curricular and interscholastic athletics as
well as the goals set by the Board. The
budget presented will be reviewed line by line by Trustees over the next two
months and the final budget will be adopted on
Dr. Melnick
thanked Assistant Superintendent for Business, Olivia Buatsi, for all of her
work in preparing the budget. He also
noted that the public can access the website for accurate information on the
budget or should call his office directly for answers to any questions they may
have during the budget process.
Trustee Pombar
asked why the $900,000 in Excel Aide listed for 2006-07 was not included in the
anticipated revenue for 2007-08. Dr. Melnick responded there was no indication that the Excel
Aide will be available in the 2007-08 school year and therefore he could not
project it.
Trustee
Beyer reminded the public that this is the first draft of the budget which may
change after each budget review meeting.
She explained that there will be updated copies of the budget available at
each meeting. She then opened up the
Town Meeting.
Grace Rubertone,
Glen Head, asked where the district stands on the issue of Science Research and
why there is a lack of Intel Semi-Finalists from
Dr. Melnick
explained that we do have an Intel Semi-Finalist this year, Kenneth Mandel, and
that we have had several others in the past.
He also commented that the district does have, and supports, a science
research program.
Lynn
Clausen, Glen Head, asked about the amount budgeted for state mandated
calculators. She questioned whether or
not they are used year to year, eliminating this large budget item in
subsequent years.
Dr. Melnick
explained that the calculators are used year to year, however, they eventually
have to be updated or replaced. He went
on to say that students are charged for lost or damaged calculators.
Leslie
Sgaglione, Old Brookville, said she heard the Board is considering adding SmartBoards and would like to hear more formally about the
speed and depth of the program they are considering.
Trustee
Beyer responded that there had been a demonstration at the last Board meeting
and the District is moving in the direction of installing these boards in all
classrooms.
Dr. Melnick
explained further, that this is the 2nd of a 5 year plan to
eventually install SmartBoards in every classroom. He also noted that parent organizations are
planning to hold forums for parents to see a demonstration on the use of this
technology; Glenwood Landing has already held such a forum. He went on to express the excitement of
administrators, teachers and the Board at having the opportunity to utilize this
innovative technology.
Caryn Quinn, Glenwood Landing, asked why the district is
waiting 4 years to fully implement this program if it is so innovative.
Dr.
Melnick explained that they wanted to move slowly until the technology was
proven. He also stated that the
technology may be updated each year, and this will enable us to receive the
most updated version. Another
consideration is the cost of implementing this program all in one year and what
impact that would have on the budget.
Ms.
Quinn then asked where the boards are most needed.
Robert
Chlebicki explained there is no one area that has the
greatest need. The boards benefit every
classroom as they aid the teacher to keep the whole focus on learning.
Dr.
Melnick added that each library will be equipped with a SmartBoard
to give all teachers a chance to use them.
Ms.
Quinn asked who manufactured these boards and if there was a chance that the
district could negotiate with the company to use
Dr.
Melnick responded that the manufacturer, called Smart Technologies, invests in
districts that are in lower socio-economic areas.
Karen
Papasergious, Sea Cliff, is in favor of phasing this
program in to give teachers an opportunity to be trained.
Ms.
Quinn asked about a program for Math/Science similar to the Reading/Literacy
program. She wondered if there was a
need for remedial or intervention services similar to those used for
reading/literacy.
Dr.
Melnick explained the focus is on literacy but he did add that classroom
teachers are doing the intervention for those students who need support in math
and science.
Julia
Venturino, Glen Head, asked about negotiating with SmartBoard
to include support or updates to the technology with the purchase of the boards.
Dr.
Melnick explained that we do try to negotiate, but have found the manufacturer
is not willing to do so. We have
submitted grant proposals, however, the criteria includes the need for a large
percentage of district students to be below the poverty level. He went on to say the cost of software
licenses are sometimes negotiated and he asked if anyone in the public had
suggestions in this area to contact Ms. Buatsi or himself. He also stated that although the district is
excited about this new technology, he wanted to assure the public that quality
teaching does not depend on having a SmartBoard in
the classroom.
Alex
Romano asked about the problem installing a SmartBoard
in room A4.
John Hall explained this was an isolated problem and has
been corrected.
As
there were no further questions from the audience, Trustee Beyer thanked the
public for coming, invited them to attend all of the budget review meetings
over the next 2 months and concluded the Town Meeting portion of the meeting.
Committee and Conference Reports
Dr.
Melnick explained that the Board received a written report from the Alternative
Physical Education Committee. Dr.
Melnick's recommendation is that the Board authorize the establishment of a
committee to establish criteria for an alternative program and to address other
issues that this committee raised. Laura
Orticelle was in attendance for questions from the Board.
Trustee
Beyer asked for clarification on the application; who formulates the
application and who approves it.
Dr.
Melnick explained that an application is sent to him for review, he then submits
the application to the State, they decide if it meets the criteria set by the
State and the Commissioner signs off on the application.
The
Board had a brief discussion about the findings of the committee and the
process of developing guidelines as well as the application format to be used.
Dr.
Melnick recommended that the board establish a committee to develop specific
guidelines and an application format to use for those who are eligible for an
alternative physical education program.
He expressed his belief that no one be allowed to serve on the committee
if they have a personal interest. There
was consensus on the Board to move ahead in this direction.
Trustee
Webb reported on the recent Bond Steering Committee Meeting. The Committee discussed the Glen Head field -
the project will be sent to S.E.D. within 2 weeks, the work should begin in
July; Transportation Facility - the underground tank may need to be changed
because of the water table, they also discussed a vapor recovery system and
lifts for the buses; Energy Performance Contract - Honeywell has refused to
work on the comprehensive energy audit unless the District agrees to pay
$44,000 if the project does not proceed.
Ms. Buatsi has indicated to Honeywell that the District will not agree
to this provision, it was not included in the original RFP. Dr. Melnick said he spoke to the Honeywell
representative and assured them that the Board is committed to this project;
High School Chem Lab is set for construction in 2007; the Glen Head Roof
project should be sent to S.E.D in approximately 2 weeks; Middle School Space
Needs - an elevator to provide access to gymnasium is needed to meet code, this
project may be over budget; Sea Cliff Ventilation - construction has
begun. The next meeting is
Trustee
Pombar reported on the Nassau BOCES Budget Advisory Committee meeting he
attended. There were 8 or 9 schools
represented and he reported that BOCES budget is expected to be approximately
$240 million dollars. He will keep the Board posted.
Trustee
Beyer sent her report to Trustees on the NYSSBA conference she attended,
Negotiating Impasse, prior to the meeting.
Approval of Minutes
The
Board had a brief discussion about amending the minutes in regard to the action
item on Property Tax Exemptions. The
Board decided to approve the minutes as stated and amend the action item put
before them.
On
motion of Trustee Webb and seconded by Trustee Glassman, and all in favor the
minutes of
Approval of Resolutions for Property Tax Exemption
There
was a discussion by the Board in regard to the two property tax exemptions on
the agenda for approval. The discussion
that took place at the previous meeting of January 4, 2007 resulted in the item
being placed on the agenda with a provision to include only unreimbursed
medical expenses. The Board discussed
adding a second provision, one that would allow for veteran's disability
compensation to be excluded from income.
It was then decided to vote on the resolution as it appeared on the
agenda.
On
motion of Trustee Vollmer and seconded by Trustee Genovesi with Trustees Beyer,
Genovesi, Glassman, Murphy and Vollmer in favor and Trustees Pombar and Webb
opposed, it was:
Adoption of Resolutions for Property Tax Exemptions
RESOLUTION - Senior Citizen's
Exemption
RESOLVED, to adopt for school tax
exemption purposes, the Senior Citizen Tax Exemption based on the most recent
sliding income scale used by the Nassau County Department of Assessment and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to authorize
the Nassau County Department of Assessment to
apply the maximum benefits available
to qualified taxpayers including the provision to exclude from income
unreimbursed medical expenses.
RESOLUTION - Persons with
Disabilities and Limited Income Exemption
RESOLVED, to adopt the specifics of
the New York Real Property Tax Law regarding "Persons with Disabilities and
Limited Income" in accordance with the most recent sliding
income scale used by the Nassau
County Department of Assessment and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to authorize
the Nassau County Department of Assessment to
apply the maximum benefits available
to qualified taxpayers including the provision to
exclude from income unreimbursed
medical expenses.
The Board then decided to amend the
adoption as follows:
On motion of Trustee Vollmer and
seconded by Trustee Genovesi with Trustees Beyer,
Genovesi, Glassman, Murphy and
Vollmer in favor and Trustee Pombar and Webb opposed it
was decided to amend the adoption of
the Senior Citizen's Exemption and Persons with
Disabilities and Limited Income
Exemption and approve the resolutions as follows:
Resolved: To approve the following resolution for addendum to the Senior
Citizen Property Tax Exemption:
RESOLVED, to adopt for school tax
exemption purposes, the Senior Citizen Tax Exemption based on the most recent
sliding income scale used by the Nassau County Department of Assessment and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to authorize
the Nassau County Department of Assessment to
apply the maximum benefits available
to qualified taxpayers including the provision to exclude from income
unreimbursed medical expenses and Veteran's Disability Compensation.
Resolved: To approve the following resolution for addendum to the Persons with
Disabilities and Limited Income Property Tax Exemption:
RESOLVED, to adopt the specifics of
the New York Real Property Tax Law regarding "Persons with Disabilities and
Limited Income" in accordance with the most recent sliding
income scale used by the Nassau
County Department of Assessment and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to authorize
the Nassau County Department of Assessment to
apply the maximum benefits available
to qualified taxpayers including the provision to
exclude from income unreimbursed
medical expenses and Veteran's Disability Compensation.
Old Business
Dr.
Melnick responded to a question put forth by Trustee Genovesi in regard to
increments for advanced study and the resulting impact these increments have on
the budget. Dr. Melnick explained that
increments are different than step advances.
Increments are changes in lane when a teacher has completed credits
making them eligible for a change in their placement. A step increase is afforded each year. Dr. Melnick offered to supply the Board with
a five year expense report of increments.
The Board then discussed options for changing automatic step increases.
Trustee
Pombar asked for a discussion on the process of deciding on
settlement/stipulation agreements. Dr.
Melnick will invite Susan Gibson, the District's attorney, to be present at a
future meeting to discuss this issue.
Trustee
Genovesi has drafted a letter to Timothy Kremer of NYSSBA in regard to the
issue of tax relief being discussed with Governor Spitzer's Education
Transition Policy Committee.
Trustee
Webb asked for a review of the Fund Raising Policy. Dr. Melnick said he would ask Warren Richmond
to attend a meeting to discuss this policy.
Trustee Webb also asked that the Health and Safety Committee review the
starting time of the high school and middle school. He is in favor of a later starting time for
these schools. Trustee Webb asked for a
discussion item on the evaluation of initiatives. There was no consensus of the Board to add
this as a discussion item. Trustee Webb
responded that he would make a proposal in writing as to why he feels this
needs to be discussed.
Trustee
Glassman did not receive the post card sent to residents in regard to the
upcoming budget meetings. She also
requested that the district look into motion sensors in all classrooms. Ms. Buatsi responded that this will be part
of the energy audit.
Adjournment
At
Elizabeth
Ciampi
District
Clerk
