North Shore Schools

Board of Education

Minutes

October 12, 2006

  The meeting was called to order by Vice President Webb at 6:45 pm in the High School Alumni Room.  Present were Trustees Genovesi, Glassman, Murphy, Pombar, and Vollmer; Trustee Beyer arrived at 7:05 pm .  Also present were Dr. Melnick, Mr. Chlebicki and Ms. Buatsi.

Executive Session

At 6:45 pm , on motion of Trustee Murphy seconded by Trustee Glassman and all in favor, the Board went into Executive Session in the high school faculty room to discuss matters leading to the employment of a particular person and collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law, the Taylor Law.

At 7:15 pm , on motion of Trustee Genovesi seconded by Trustee Pombar, and all in favor, the Board moved to come out of Executive Session and began the special meeting of the Audit Committee at 7:15 pm in the alumni room. 

            At 8:00 pm , the meeting regular meeting was resumed, there were approximately 50 people in the audience.

Pledge of Allegiance

President Beyer led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Recognition of Students

            Dr. Melnick recognized Elias Berger and Ken Bongort on their nominations as National Merit Semi-Finalists and Eric Cannella, Tyler Convey, Julia Dyer, David Edasery, Jordan Leigh, Kenny Mandel, Michael Nielsen and Joseph Schinco on their status as National Merit Commended Students.

Approval of Minutes

On motion by Trustee Genovesi and seconded by Trustee Vollmer and all in favor, the minutes of September 21, 2006 were approved.

Report of the SGO Representative

            Alex Romano, SGO Representative, reported on events and activities in the high school including, Spirit Week, Homecoming, Hall of Fame and the upcoming Carnival.

Comments from the Public

Debra Dumas, Sea Cliff, asked about a scavenger hunt that was to take place by high school students.  She reminded the Board that Sea Cliff has an ongoing curfew.  Dr. Melnick responded that the scavenger hunt is a senior prank, and when faculty or administrators hear of it they contact the senior parents to alert them.  Ms. Dumas asked that all parents be contacted.  Trustee Murphy clarified that the curfew in Sea Cliff is for Halloween night only.

Report of the Superintendent

            Dr.  Melnick reported on the success of homecoming and the new athletic Hall of Fame.  He also reported that the district has closed on the property for the new bus depot; the groundbreaking is scheduled for October 24.  He also reported on a workshop for the executive Boards of the Parent Associations, Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 8:00 pm ; that the Commissioner of Education released the Grade 3-8 Math Assessment Scores, more information to follow; and he invited the Board and public to visit the district’s new and improved web site.

Elementary Reach and Enrichment Program

            Dr. Melnick referred to the report sent to the Board prior to the meeting and noted that it references the suggestions and issues from the Borland/Wright report.  He explained that the REACH and Enrichment Program is a work in progress and turned it over to Ms. Minicozzi.

            Ms. Minicozzi gave an overview of the program, how it has begun to change and where it has remained the same.  She went over the three tiers of the program and how it supports the Borland/Wright goals from their evaluation.  The Board then discussed the program and asked questions in regard to the clustering of students, the “pull out” and “push in” aspects of the program and how to measure the results of the program.

District Goal I

            The Guidance Department, headed by Toni MacDonald, gave an overview of the current system of ranking.   Guidance Counselor, Tim Shea gave an overview of the current system of grade weighting.  Both presented questions at the end of their presentations on possible changes to the current system.  Dr. Melnick asked the Board to articulate any questions they would like to add to the list.  The Board had a lengthy discussion and agreed that the impact on our students must be included with each question or recommended change to the current policy.  It was suggested to examine the profiles of schools who do not rank or weight averages to see how their students fair in regard to college entrance.

            Marc Ferris and Rich Rozakis then gave an overview of the current system of tracking, including the self selection process.  Again, Dr. Melnick asked the Board to add any questions they would like to see investigated in regard to tracking.  It was suggested that one area to look at is the omission of an honors section where only a Regents or AP course is offered.  Dr. Melnick said the Board needs to have a discussion as to how to move ahead, and we need to know what the community’s role is.

Change of Town Meeting

            The Board decided to change the date of the Town Meeting from October 26, 2006 to November 2, 2006 due to the attendance of several Board Members at the Annual NYSSBA Convention on the 26^th.

Comments from the Public

            Jay Emmer, President NSSFE, asked the Board and administration to decide what a “Life Long Learner” looks like before making changes to the existing program. He also stated that grading is a motivation for students and that students are measured in many different ways.

Tax Exemption for Volunteer Firefighter & Ambulance Workers

            Tim O’Donnell, Chief of the Sea Cliff Fire Department spoke on behalf of his membership and that of the Glenwood Fire Company in regard to the tax exemption for volunteer firefighter and ambulance workers that is currently available with Board approval.  He gave an overview of the services that they provide to the community and the school district and asked that the Board support the adoption of this exemption.

            The Board expressed their appreciation for the dedication of the volunteers and agreed to place the resolution on the next agenda for approval.

Special Education Evaluation for High School Seniors

            Dr. Melnick explained that parents of special education seniors have been requesting additional evaluations for students who are not eligible for a triennial evaluation in their senior year.  Some colleges are requesting this testing for student placement once a student has been accepted, and parents are currently having them completed privately.  The Board discussed the additional cost of adding these evaluations and considered if it would be of benefit to the student.  There was consensus on the Board not to offer the additional evaluations, as there seemed to be no benefit to the students.

Committee/Conference Reports

            Dr. Melnick reported on his conference at the NCCOSS Conference in Saratoga .  He reported that North Shore is already doing many of the initiatives that were discussed.  He also reported that the Commissioner received a letter from the Nassau County Superintendent’s Group expressing their dissatisfaction with his presentation at the Conference and for not engaging in discussion with the Superintendents.

            The District Wide Health and Safety Committee has met once and are in need of parent members to the committee – Dr. Melnick will ask for volunteers at the next meeting of the parent organization presidents.

            The Long Range Financial Planning Committee met and are reviewing some options for potential savings and revenues by coordinating our issues with surrounding districts through groups like Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Assn. and NYSSBA.

            Trustee Genovesi asked for the Board’s recommendations on voting at the NYSSBA Convention scheduled for October 26-29. 

NYSSBA Policy Update

            Dr. Melnick explained that NYSSBA is offering a service of updating our new policy manual.  The cost is $700 and it includes updates on policies that change due to Commissioner Regulations or State mandates.  Dr. Melnick does not recommend taking this service because of the poor service they provided in the process of completing the policy manual.  There was consensus on the Board not to accept this update service and it was suggested that a letter be written to NYSSBA explaining why we are declining the service.

Regular Business

            On motion of Trustee Pombar and seconded by Trustee Murphy and all in favor it was

Personnel    

Leave of Absence for Child Rearing Purposes - Certified

Resolved:  To approve a leave of absence for child rearing leave for Robyn Geigle, Speech, Glenwood Landing, effective January 29, 2007 through June 30, 2007

Resolved:  To approve a leave of absence for child rearing purposes for Sandra Maciel, Speech, effective November 27, 2006 through January 26, 2007

Appointment – Certified

Resolved:  To approve a regular substitute (leave replacement) appointment for Harvey Goldstein, on Step 30 of the MA+45 schedule, effective September 1, 2006 through December 20, 2006 , replacing Janice Chen (FMLA)

Part-time Appointment – Certified

Resolved:  To approve a part-time (.1) appointment for David Dowling, Physical Education, on Step 1 of the MA salary schedule effective September 15, 2006

Increments for Advanced Study

Resolved:        To approve an increment for advance study for Jessica Berner, Elementary from Step 5 of the MA salary schedule, to Step 5 of the MA+15 salary schedule, effective September 1, 2006

Resolved:        To approve an increment for advanced study for Daniel Chemnitz, Elementary, from Step 3 of the BA+15 salary schedule, to Step 3 of the BA+30 salary schedule, effective September 1, 2006

Resolved:        To approve an increment for advanced study for Kevin Mercier, Physical Education, from Step 9 of the MA+30 salary schedule, to Step 9 of the MA+45 salary schedule, effective September 1, 2006

Resolved:        To approve an increment for advanced study for Milena Scalzo, Elementary, from Step 7 of the MA+30 salary schedule, to Step 7 of the MA+45 salary schedule, effective September 1, 2006

Change in Stipend – Part-time Staff Developer

Resolved: To approve a change in stipend for Nancy Letts, part-time staff developer, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007

Conditional Appointment – Non-Certified

Resolved: To approve the conditional appointment of Theresa Fusco, Sr. Typist Clerk, on Step 13 of the Sr. Typist Clerk schedule effective October 20, 2006 , pending fingerprint clearance

Teacher Aide and Monitor Appointments

Resolved: To approve the appointment of Sean Austin, High School Monitor, effective

October 3, 2006

Resolved: To approve the appointment of Tara Campione, Monitor, Sea Cliff School , effective September 20, 2006

Resolved: To approve the appointment of Patricia Deegan, Teacher Aide at Glenwood Landing School , effective September 28, 2006

Resolved: To approve the appointment of David Dowling, Recreation Specialist, Middle School, effective September 15, 2006

Resolved: To approve the appointment of Wendy Rosow, Teacher Aide, Middle School, effective October 3, 2006

Approval of Additions to the Per Diem Substitute List

Resolved:        To approve the addition of the following substitutes to the Per Diem Sub List:

                                    Aris Antonopoulos                   Physical Education

                                    Grace DeCurtis                       Teacher Aide

                                    Tina Miller-Silverman              Clerical

Approval of Extra-Curricular Activities Clubs and Sponsors

Resolved:        To approve a Peer Mediation Club at the Middle School, effective September 1, 2006

Resolved: To approve the following extra-curricular activities sponsors for the 2006-07 school year

                                                                  High School

                    Amnesty International           Linda Lohrius 

                    Art Club                                 Eileen Walk                

                                                                  Elissa Theiss             

                    Speech & Debate                 Frank Galati                

    Middle School

                    Scrabble                               Flavia Finning

                    Video Film Making                 Andrew Richter          

Elementary

                    GH Spirit Club                       Lauren Chiappa         

                    GWL Scrabble Club             Darlene Skaee           

Compensation for Supervisors at Athletic Contests

Resolved: To approve the compensation rate for supervisors at Athletic Contests at $35 per hour  (2.5 hours per high school contest and 2 hours per middle school contest) to be added to the teachers’ contract as Appendix 8      

Establishment of The Judith Pascucci Memorial Scholarship

Resolved: To establish the Judith Pascucci Memorial Scholarship

Acceptance of Donations from the SCA to the Glenwood Landing School

Resolved: To accept the following donations from the SCA to the Glenwood Landing

School

                                             $300 for the Chess Club

                                             $320 for the Library Lunch Discussion Group

                                             $4,500 Student’s Circus

Approval of Consultants

Resolved:  To approve Mary Kolkhorst as a consultant for Curriculum Development for the

REACH Program, not to exceed $3,000

Adoption of Policies

Resolved: To adopt policies #2160 (School District Officer and Employee Code of Ethics); 2160-E (Board Member Code of Ethics Exhibit); #4532 (School Volunteers); #4730 (Homework); #4810 (Teaching about Controversial Issues); #6660 (Independent/External Audits) and #6690 (Audit Committee), effective October 12, 2006

Acceptance of bid for Ventilation Upgrades and Library Air Conditioning at Sea Cliff School

Resolved: To accept the low bid from Herricks Mechanical Corp., for the ventilation upgrades and library air conditioning at Sea Cliff School, in the amount of $132,000 as per the Resolvedations of BBS, Architects and JMOA, Construction Management

Approval of Change Order #HVAC #3 from HVAC, Inc. for Mechanical Reconstruction at the

Middle School

Resolved: To approve change order #HVAC #3 from HVAC, Inc. for Mechanical

Reconstruction at the Middle School in the amount of $5,334.17 (additional)

Approval of Parent Member Additions to CSE/CPSE

Resolved: To approve the addition of the following parent members to CSE/CPSE:

         Lisa Vizza

         Laura Cortale

         Douglas Bobley

Approval of Special Education Consultants/  Service Providers

Resolved: To approve an agreement with Allied Speech, Speech-Language Therapy, effective October 16, 2006 through June 30, 2007

Resolved: To approve an agreement with Robin Calderon, Speech Language Pathologist, effective October 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007

Resolved: To approve an agreement with Positive Behavior Support Consulting for Behavioral Consultation, effective September 6, 2006 through June 30, 2007

Resolved: To approve an agreement with School for Language and Communication Development, for Speech Therapy effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007

Resolved: To approve a rate increase for Lawrence Sheff, MD for psychiatric evaluations, effective September 1, 2006

Resolved: To approve an agreement with Team Therapy for OT, PT, Speech, Evaluations and ABA Services, effective September 1, 2006 through August 31, 2007

Resolved: To approve an agreement with TheraCare for Parent Training, ABA, OT and PT services and Evaluations, effective September 6, 2006 through June 30, 2007

Approval of Special Education Tuition Agreements

Resolved: To approve a tuition agreement with The Summit School for a Special Education student, in the amount of $26,141 (to be updated when final rate is approved by the

Commissioner of Education), effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007

Resolved: To approve a tuition agreement with Variety Child Learning Center for a Special Education student, in the amount of $34,564, effective September 6, 2006 through

June 22, 2007

Approval of Special Education Services

Resolved: To approve special education services, per attached tab

Comments from the Public

            There were no comments from the public.

Old Business

            Dr. Melnick reported that the 9/11 commemorative rocks at each of the buildings were obtained with the date 9/11/2002 , marking the first anniversary.  The estimated cost of replacing/correcting these rocks at each of the buildings is approximately $800 per building, or $4000. 

Trustees Murphy and Beyer reported on the meeting with the LIPA representatives.  LIPA has offered the district $700,000; there was discussion to use the money to offset the cost of the boilers that need replacing.  Fred Seeba of BBS will check with the State Education Department to see if it is acceptable to use this gift as part of the energy management plan.

            Trustee Beyer reported that the Suozzi group will be meeting on October 17^th if anyone was interested in attending to see where the group is heading.  She also reminded the Board that presentations on the energy management plan would be taking place on October 17 at 10:00 am during the construction steering committee meeting.

New Business

            Trustee Glassman asked about the worker who fell at the high school.  Ms. Buatsi reported that she has tried to contact the individual with no success, but that all the liability insurance forms were on file and in order.

            Trustee Pombar requested a report of pending cases of worker’s compensation claims.

            Trustee Glassman asked about the use of illegal immigrants by the construction companies that work in the district.  Ms. Buatsi responded that bid specifications will include a statement that the company must comply with New York State Department of Labor Relations, that all workers are legal immigrants and that they pay the department of labor rates and prevailing wages.

            Trustee Pombar asked about building use for local civic groups and the possibility of waiving the fee for these groups.  Dr. Melnick responded that if the Board wishes to review this policy he would check with the attorneys to see if it is legal to exempt some groups but stressed that the District must be consistent.

Adjournment

            At 11:25 pm of motion of Trustee Webb and seconded by Trustee Murphy and all in favor, the meeting was adjourned.