North Shore Schools Long Island new york

North Shore Schools

Board of Education

Minutes

March 1, 2007

The meeting was called to order by President Beyer at 7:30 pm in the High School Alumni Room. Present were Trustees Genovesi, Glassman, Murphy and Pombar. Trustees Vollmer and Webb were absent. Also present were Dr. Melnick, Mr. Chlebicki and Ms. Buatsi.

Executive Session

At 7:30 pm, on motion of Trustee Beyer seconded by Trustee Glassman and all in favor, the Board went into Executive Session in the high school faculty room to consider discussions regarding proposed, pending or current litigation, and matters leading to the suspension of a particular person.

At 8:00 pm, on motion of Trustee Genovesi and seconded by Trustee Murphy and all in favor, the Board moved to come out of Executive Session and resumed the meeting at 8:00 pm in the alumni room. There were approximately 20 people in the audience.

Pledge of Allegiance

President Beyer led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.

Approval of Treasurer's Report

On motion of Trustee Genovesi and seconded by Trustee Pombar and all in favor the treasurer's report of December 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006 was approved.

Report of the SGO Representative and Comments from the Public

SGO Representative, Alex Romano, reported on the events and activities in the high school including the upcoming production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" in April and the recently held Sports Night.

There were no comments from the public.

Report of the Superintendent

Dr. Melnick reported on meetings he attended with Congressperson Carolyn McCarthy and Senator Hillary Clinton's Long Island Liaison as part of the Nassau County Schools Superintendent's Group. He explained that the conversations focused on the upcoming scheduled debate in congress regarding the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind Act. The group gave their recommendations and both the Congressperson and Senator Clinton's Aide asked that they draft key language or elements that ought to be introduced into this debate. Senator Clinton's Aide indicated that the Senator will be setting up a meeting with the group herself. Finally, Dr. Melnick reported that Assemblyman Charles Lavine has informed him that we will be receiving a $5000 legislative grant for the purposes of supporting our staff development program.

Board Oversight of Community Fundraising Efforts

Warren Richmond, the District's attorney, was present to answer questions in regard to fundraising efforts by community groups. Trustee Beyer asked if there is a way for the Board to give direction to community groups as to what items they should fund raise for as it is the Board's ultimate responsibility to accept or reject such donations. She read a statement by Trustee Webb, who was not present at the meeting, in which he suggested the Board provide a list of desirable items year by year.

Mr. Richmond explained that there is no way to direct the parent organizations or community groups in how they raise funds as they are a separate entity. He went on to say there is nothing wrong with working collaboratively with the groups and provide a wish list, however, the Board cannot commit to a future act of pre-approving the acceptance of a gift or donation. There was some concern on the Board that there is equity across the schools when raising funds for items that should be part of the budget. It was expressed that the groups should be enhancing the educational program with their gifts, not providing items that should be provided through the regular budget. There was also concern that some groups are able to raise more funds then other groups and this would add to the inequity across the five schools. There was consensus on the Board that Dr. Melnick will coordinate with the president's of the parents groups, and the principals, to formulate some type of list that aligns with the needs identified in each building.

Time Out Policy

Dr. Melnick explained that he forwarded a sample time out policy drafted by Ingerman Smith which should have been adopted by the Board by January 16, 2007. Mr. Richmond explained that that there is very little variation between the Commissioner's regulation and this policy and reminded the Board the policy is a requirement. The Board asked questions about how and when a time out room would be used. Dr. Melnick explained it is for those students who have it indicated on their IEP, it is not for general use. At the present time Glenwood Landing and the Middle School have these types of rooms available, the other three schools will have rooms ready by next year. There was consensus on the Board to add the adoption of a time out policy to the next agenda.

Comments from the Public

Marianne Russo, Glen Head, spoke about the issue of parent groups and fundraising. She explained that the Glen Head PTO is run like a business and that they take very seriously what they fundraise for. She gave a list of the many items the organization has donated to the Glen Head School and explained this is done in coordination with the Glen Head Principal. She went on to say that the parents feel their role is to enrich the academic program and they are not trying to fund what is in the budget. She also expressed her feeling that these groups are an important part of the community and are an integral part of getting the budget passed. She invited any of the Board members to come to their meetings and ask any questions they may have.

Trustee Beyer responded that the Board is not trying to police the parent organizations and they appreciate the hard work done by all of the groups.

Nathalie Woods, Glen Head, also spoke about the success of their parent organization and reiterated their role in enhancing the academic program.

Christine Checca, Glen Head and former PTO president echoed the same sentiments. She explained that the group always starts out the year with a goal for fundraising and the items get approval by the principal first.

Bill Cameron, Glenwood Landing, expressed the views of his parent organization. He explained that they also have a procedure and that their principal works with them to formulate a wish list each year.

District Goal 3

Dr. Melnick and Mr. Chlebicki gave an update and overview of District Goal 3 - Recruitment, Hiring, Supervision and Evaluation. Dr. Melnick shared experiences of Administrators who took place in a shadowing experience. Each Administrator was asked to follow the schedule of a secondary student for one day and turn in a report to Dr. Melnick. He also spoke about the ongoing professional development in the district, although this was not part of the goal. Mr. Chlebicki focused on the supervision and evaluation process throughout the district.

Budget Review

Dr. Melnick explained that the budget stands at a 5.4% increase and the year to year tax levy now stands at approximately 4.4%. He went on to say that most tax payers should see a reduction in their taxes.

The Board reviewed the Technology budget, Co-Curricular/Interscholastic Athletics, Supervision of Instruction, Special Education and Pupil Personnel/Guidance.

Questions raised in the technology budget were about the amount lost during the year on contingency and whether we are catching up; where we are in the long term plan and the level of growth; cost for video conferencing equipment and the total cost of SmartBoards purchase and installation. Questions raised during the Co-Curricular and Interscholastic Athletics budget discussion were the cost of chaperones; supply codes for clubs; cost for uniforms; and the addition of 2 additional track teams at the middle school. Dr. Melnick commended Tom Korb and Barbara Cooper for the phenomenal job they did of preparing their Special Education budget. Questions raised were about the addition of two new special education/reading teachers; the number of teacher aides and BOCES placements. It was noted that IEPS indicate a number of declassifications. Dr. Melnick remarked that our attorney expressed to him her feeling that Mrs. Cooper and Mr. Korb are doing a great job.

Committee and Conference Reports

There were no committee or conference reports.

Regular Business

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

Personnel

Leave of Absence for Child Rearing Purposes

Resolved: To approve a leave of absence for child rearing purposes for Milena Scalzo, Elementary, effective March 9, 2007 through June 30, 2007

Appointments - Certified

Resolved: To approve a regular substitute (leave replacement) appointment for Jennifer

Cottone, Elementary, on Step 1 of the MA salary schedule, effective February 12, 2007 through

March 12, 2007 (this time would not count toward a tenure appointment as she would have

complete a half year)replacing Debbie Minicozzi (FMLA)

Resolved: To approve a regular substitute (leave replacement) appointment for Therese

L'Abbate, Elementary, on Step 1 of the MA salary schedule, effective February 17, 2007

through June 30, 2007 (if moved to a probationary position her anticipated tenure date would be

September 19, 2009), replacing Jennifer Davis (FMLA)

Resolved: To approve a regular substitute (leave replacement) appointment for Joyce

Rodrigues, Elementary, on Step 6 of the MA salary schedule, effective March 9, 2007 through

June 30, 2007, (if Joyce is moved to a probationary position, her anticipated tenure date would

be January 26, 2010), replacing Milena Scalzo (FMLA)

Increments for Advanced Study

Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Joshua Knight, English, from

Step 6 of the BA+15 salary schedule, to Step 6 of the BA+30 salary schedule, effective September 1, 2006

Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Nathalie Perodin-Silva, ESL

from Step 6 of the MA+45 salary schedule, to Step 6 of the MA+60 salary schedule, effective

January 26, 2007

Approval of Teacher Aide

Resolved: To approve the appointment of Stephanie Soteriou, Teacher Aide, Glen Head School,

effective February 26, 2007 (new position)

Approval of New Cleaner/Attendant Position (Rotating)

Resolved: To approve the addition of a new cleaner/attendant position (rotating) effective

March 2, 2007

Approval of Additions to the Per Diem Substitute List

Resolved: To approve the following additions to the per diem substitute list:

Antoinette Megale Dalton Elementary

Carisa Desposito Elementary

Elaine Grecco Clerical

Kathleen Onorato Elementary

Penny Schwartz-Salina District Wide

Approval of Extra Curricular Coach

Resolved: To approve the following as an extra curricular coach, effective March 5, 2007:

Middle School Wrestling Craig DeNicola*

*Replaces Joseph Mascarretti

H. eer

Approval of Health Services

Resolved: That the Board of Education enter into a contract for Health Services with the Great Neck UFSD for 1 student residing within the North Shore Schools and attending North Shore Hebrew Academy for the 2006-07 school year at a cost of $752.66 per student, as provided under the Education Law of the State of New York

Acceptance of Donation from Liberty Mutual to the Music Department

Resolved: To accept the donation to the Music Department from Liberty Mutual in the amount of $454 to cover the cost of transportation for students attending a music performance at Carnegie Hall

Acceptance of Donations from the Glen Head PTO

Resolved: To accept the following donations from the Glen Head PTO to the Glen Head School:

3 installed magnetic marker boards - cost $1,070.64

1 portable magnetic marker board - cost $74.00

Digital Keyboard, approximate cost $2,000

Electric Hole Punch for Grade 5 - cost $150

20 Instrumental Chairs - approximate cost $1,400

6 Digital Kodak Easy Share C533 Cameras with Memory Cards and Battery Charges - approximate cost $2,000

Approval of Special Education Services - TAB

Resolved: To approve special education services (IEP) per attached tab

Award of Middle School Alterations and Additions Construction Bids

Resolved: To award the following construction bids to the low bidders of February

27, 2007 for Middle School Alterations and Additions as per recommendation of BBS

Architects and SAVIN Engineers, PC

NRI Construction, Inc. $1,284,582.00

General Construction

ARC Mechanical Corp. $ 302,925.00

Mechanical Construction

Madhue Contracting, Inc. $ 138,431.65

Electrical Construction

Ambrosio & Co., Inc. $ 75,000.00

Plumbing Construction

Establishment of Repair Reserve Fund and Designation of Funds to Reduce the 2007-08 Tax Levy

Prior to moving on a motion for approval to establish a repair reserve fund, the Board discussed the amount it should be funded at. Trustee Pombar felt the action should wait until all seven Trustees were present for the vote. He also questioned the amount being recommended for funding the reserve and expressed his feeling that more of the retroactive funds should be used to reduce the tax levy. There was consensus on the Board to act on the approval as presented, as there was already a majority of Trustees who were ready to vote in favor of approving the resolution.

On motion of Trustee Glassman and seconded by Trustee Murphy with Trustees Beyer, Genovesi, Glassman and Murphy voting for and Trustee Pombar voting against, it was:

Resolved, that the Board establish a repair reserve. That said reserve be funded at a level of

$5 million upon voter approval from funds received as part of the retroactive portion of the LIPA

PILOT. Further that, $1 million of the funds received as part of the retroactive portion of the

LIPA PILOT be designated to reduce the 2007-08 tax levy.

Comments from the Public

There was no public present at this point of the meeting.

Old Business

Trustee Murphy requested an update on the status of making the playing fields handicapped accessible. John Hall responded that at the Glenwood Landing field the gate can be widened to make it handicapped accessible, but at the high school the best case scenario would be a cost of approximately $60,000 for new bleachers and paving up to the location. Even if it is just paving, the cost would be approximately $7,000. Another possibility would be to attach a platform to seating or portable or semi-portable seating. Mr. Hall said he would research these possibilities and report back to the Board.

Trustee Beyer reported that Mr. Vecchio, Internal Claims Auditor, had submitted a written report for the month of January along with written recommendations that he had brought up at the Audit Committee meeting. It was noted that Ms. Buatsi has already instituted the suggested changes.

Trustee Glassman asked if there was follow up to the parental request that the Board look into the article in the Middle School Newspaper The Viking Voice about the contract negotiations with the paraprofessionals. Dr. Melnick explained that he did have a discussion with Marc Ferris who informed him that the student wanted to write something authentic that was happening in the school, it was not used as a manipulation and that the student met with Mr. Ferris prior to writing the article.

New Business

Trustee Genovesi informed the Board that she would be attending the School Law Conference in Albany. She asked the Trustees to let her know if there was anything they would like brought to the attention of the legislators, Rob Walker, Charles Lavine and Craig Johnson,

who she would be meeting with.

Trustee Murphy raised a question about the memo from counsel on the increase in Medicare Part-B Premiums. Dr. Melnick asked the Board to email any questions they have to Ms. Buatsi.

Adjournment

At 10:55 pm on motion of Trustee Genovesi and seconded by Trustee Glassman and all in favor, the meeting was adjourned.

Elizabeth A. Ciampi

District Clerk



zone1		North Shore Schools Board of Education Minutes March 1, 2007 The meeting was called to order by President Beyer at 7:30 pm in the High School Alumni Room. Present were Trustees Genovesi, Glassman, Murphy and Pombar. Trustees Vollmer and Webb were absent. Also present were Dr. Melnick, Mr. Chlebicki and Ms. Buatsi. Executive Session At 7:30 pm, on motion of Trustee Beyer seconded by Trustee Glassman and all in favor, the Board went into Executive Session in the high school faculty room to consider discussions regarding proposed, pending or current litigation, and matters leading to the suspension of a particular person. At 8:00 pm, on motion of Trustee Genovesi and seconded by Trustee Murphy and all in favor, the Board moved to come out of Executive Session and resumed the meeting at 8:00 pm in the alumni room. There were approximately 20 people in the audience. Pledge of Allegiance President Beyer led the audience in the pledge of allegiance. Approval of Treasurer's Report On motion of Trustee Genovesi and seconded by Trustee Pombar and all in favor the treasurer's report of December 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006 was approved. Report of the SGO Representative and Comments from the Public SGO Representative, Alex Romano, reported on the events and activities in the high school including the upcoming production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" in April and the recently held Sports Night. There were no comments from the public. Report of the Superintendent Dr. Melnick reported on meetings he attended with Congressperson Carolyn McCarthy and Senator Hillary Clinton's Long Island Liaison as part of the Nassau County Schools Superintendent's Group. He explained that the conversations focused on the upcoming scheduled debate in congress regarding the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind Act. The group gave their recommendations and both the Congressperson and Senator Clinton's Aide asked that they draft key language or elements that ought to be introduced into this debate. Senator Clinton's Aide indicated that the Senator will be setting up a meeting with the group herself. Finally, Dr. Melnick reported that Assemblyman Charles Lavine has informed him that we will be receiving a $5000 legislative grant for the purposes of supporting our staff development program. Board Oversight of Community Fundraising Efforts Warren Richmond, the District's attorney, was present to answer questions in regard to fundraising efforts by community groups. Trustee Beyer asked if there is a way for the Board to give direction to community groups as to what items they should fund raise for as it is the Board's ultimate responsibility to accept or reject such donations. She read a statement by Trustee Webb, who was not present at the meeting, in which he suggested the Board provide a list of desirable items year by year. Mr. Richmond explained that there is no way to direct the parent organizations or community groups in how they raise funds as they are a separate entity. He went on to say there is nothing wrong with working collaboratively with the groups and provide a wish list, however, the Board cannot commit to a future act of pre-approving the acceptance of a gift or donation. There was some concern on the Board that there is equity across the schools when raising funds for items that should be part of the budget. It was expressed that the groups should be enhancing the educational program with their gifts, not providing items that should be provided through the regular budget. There was also concern that some groups are able to raise more funds then other groups and this would add to the inequity across the five schools. There was consensus on the Board that Dr. Melnick will coordinate with the president's of the parents groups, and the principals, to formulate some type of list that aligns with the needs identified in each building. Time Out Policy Dr. Melnick explained that he forwarded a sample time out policy drafted by Ingerman Smith which should have been adopted by the Board by January 16, 2007. Mr. Richmond explained that that there is very little variation between the Commissioner's regulation and this policy and reminded the Board the policy is a requirement. The Board asked questions about how and when a time out room would be used. Dr. Melnick explained it is for those students who have it indicated on their IEP, it is not for general use. At the present time Glenwood Landing and the Middle School have these types of rooms available, the other three schools will have rooms ready by next year. There was consensus on the Board to add the adoption of a time out policy to the next agenda. Comments from the Public Marianne Russo, Glen Head, spoke about the issue of parent groups and fundraising. She explained that the Glen Head PTO is run like a business and that they take very seriously what they fundraise for. She gave a list of the many items the organization has donated to the Glen Head School and explained this is done in coordination with the Glen Head Principal. She went on to say that the parents feel their role is to enrich the academic program and they are not trying to fund what is in the budget. She also expressed her feeling that these groups are an important part of the community and are an integral part of getting the budget passed. She invited any of the Board members to come to their meetings and ask any questions they may have. Trustee Beyer responded that the Board is not trying to police the parent organizations and they appreciate the hard work done by all of the groups. Nathalie Woods, Glen Head, also spoke about the success of their parent organization and reiterated their role in enhancing the academic program. Christine Checca, Glen Head and former PTO president echoed the same sentiments. She explained that the group always starts out the year with a goal for fundraising and the items get approval by the principal first. Bill Cameron, Glenwood Landing, expressed the views of his parent organization. He explained that they also have a procedure and that their principal works with them to formulate a wish list each year. District Goal 3 Dr. Melnick and Mr. Chlebicki gave an update and overview of District Goal 3 - Recruitment, Hiring, Supervision and Evaluation. Dr. Melnick shared experiences of Administrators who took place in a shadowing experience. Each Administrator was asked to follow the schedule of a secondary student for one day and turn in a report to Dr. Melnick. He also spoke about the ongoing professional development in the district, although this was not part of the goal. Mr. Chlebicki focused on the supervision and evaluation process throughout the district. Budget Review Dr. Melnick explained that the budget stands at a 5.4% increase and the year to year tax levy now stands at approximately 4.4%. He went on to say that most tax payers should see a reduction in their taxes. The Board reviewed the Technology budget, Co-Curricular/Interscholastic Athletics, Supervision of Instruction, Special Education and Pupil Personnel/Guidance. Questions raised in the technology budget were about the amount lost during the year on contingency and whether we are catching up; where we are in the long term plan and the level of growth; cost for video conferencing equipment and the total cost of SmartBoards purchase and installation. Questions raised during the Co-Curricular and Interscholastic Athletics budget discussion were the cost of chaperones; supply codes for clubs; cost for uniforms; and the addition of 2 additional track teams at the middle school. Dr. Melnick commended Tom Korb and Barbara Cooper for the phenomenal job they did of preparing their Special Education budget. Questions raised were about the addition of two new special education/reading teachers; the number of teacher aides and BOCES placements. It was noted that IEPS indicate a number of declassifications. Dr. Melnick remarked that our attorney expressed to him her feeling that Mrs. Cooper and Mr. Korb are doing a great job. Committee and Conference Reports There were no committee or conference reports. Regular Business On motion of Trustee Genovesi and seconded by Trustee Murphy and all in favor it was: Personnel Leave of Absence for Child Rearing Purposes Resolved: To approve a leave of absence for child rearing purposes for Milena Scalzo, Elementary, effective March 9, 2007 through June 30, 2007 Appointments - Certified Resolved: To approve a regular substitute (leave replacement) appointment for Jennifer Cottone, Elementary, on Step 1 of the MA salary schedule, effective February 12, 2007 through March 12, 2007 (this time would not count toward a tenure appointment as she would have complete a half year)replacing Debbie Minicozzi (FMLA) Resolved: To approve a regular substitute (leave replacement) appointment for Therese L'Abbate, Elementary, on Step 1 of the MA salary schedule, effective February 17, 2007 through June 30, 2007 (if moved to a probationary position her anticipated tenure date would be September 19, 2009), replacing Jennifer Davis (FMLA) Resolved: To approve a regular substitute (leave replacement) appointment for Joyce Rodrigues, Elementary, on Step 6 of the MA salary schedule, effective March 9, 2007 through June 30, 2007, (if Joyce is moved to a probationary position, her anticipated tenure date would be January 26, 2010), replacing Milena Scalzo (FMLA) Increments for Advanced Study Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Joshua Knight, English, from Step 6 of the BA+15 salary schedule, to Step 6 of the BA+30 salary schedule, effective September 1, 2006 Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Nathalie Perodin-Silva, ESL from Step 6 of the MA+45 salary schedule, to Step 6 of the MA+60 salary schedule, effective January 26, 2007 Approval of Teacher Aide Resolved: To approve the appointment of Stephanie Soteriou, Teacher Aide, Glen Head School, effective February 26, 2007 (new position) Approval of New Cleaner/Attendant Position (Rotating) Resolved: To approve the addition of a new cleaner/attendant position (rotating) effective March 2, 2007 Approval of Additions to the Per Diem Substitute List Resolved: To approve the following additions to the per diem substitute list: Antoinette Megale Dalton Elementary Carisa Desposito Elementary Elaine Grecco Clerical Kathleen Onorato Elementary Penny Schwartz-Salina District Wide Approval of Extra Curricular Coach Resolved: To approve the following as an extra curricular coach, effective March 5, 2007: Middle School Wrestling Craig DeNicola* Replaces Joseph Mascarretti H. eer Approval of Health Services Resolved: That the Board of Education enter into a contract for Health Services with the Great Neck UFSD for 1 student residing within the North Shore Schools and attending North Shore Hebrew Academy for the 2006-07 school year at a cost of $752.66 per student, as provided under the Education Law of the State of New York Acceptance of Donation from Liberty Mutual to the Music Department Resolved: To accept the donation to the Music Department from Liberty Mutual in the amount of $454 to cover the cost of transportation for students attending a music performance at Carnegie Hall Acceptance of Donations from the Glen Head PTO Resolved: To accept the following donations from the Glen Head PTO to the Glen Head School: 3 installed magnetic marker boards - cost $1,070.64 1 portable magnetic marker board - cost $74.00 Digital Keyboard, approximate cost $2,000 Electric Hole Punch for Grade 5 - cost $150 20 Instrumental Chairs - approximate cost $1,400 6 Digital Kodak Easy Share C533 Cameras with Memory Cards and Battery Charges - approximate cost $2,000 Approval of Special Education Services - TAB Resolved: To approve special education services (IEP) per attached tab Award of Middle School Alterations and Additions Construction Bids Resolved: To award the following construction bids to the low bidders of February 27, 2007 for Middle School Alterations and Additions as per recommendation of BBS Architects and SAVIN Engineers, PC NRI Construction, Inc. $1,284,582.00 General Construction ARC Mechanical Corp. $ 302,925.00 Mechanical Construction Madhue Contracting, Inc. $ 138,431.65 Electrical Construction Ambrosio & Co., Inc. $ 75,000.00 Plumbing Construction Establishment of Repair Reserve Fund and Designation of Funds to Reduce the 2007-08 Tax Levy Prior to moving on a motion for approval to establish a repair reserve fund, the Board discussed the amount it should be funded at. Trustee Pombar felt the action should wait until all seven Trustees were present for the vote. He also questioned the amount being recommended for funding the reserve and expressed his feeling that more of the retroactive funds should be used to reduce the tax levy. There was consensus on the Board to act on the approval as presented, as there was already a majority of Trustees who were ready to vote in favor of approving the resolution. On motion of Trustee Glassman and seconded by Trustee Murphy with Trustees Beyer, Genovesi, Glassman and Murphy voting for and Trustee Pombar voting against, it was: Resolved, that the Board establish a repair reserve. That said reserve be funded at a level of $5 million upon voter approval from funds received as part of the retroactive portion of the LIPA PILOT. Further that, $1 million of the funds received as part of the retroactive portion of the LIPA PILOT be designated to reduce the 2007-08 tax levy. Comments from the Public* There was no public present at this point of the meeting. Old Business Trustee Murphy requested an update on the status of making the playing fields handicapped accessible. John Hall responded that at the Glenwood Landing field the gate can be widened to make it handicapped accessible, but at the high school the best case scenario would be a cost of approximately $60,000 for new bleachers and paving up to the location. Even if it is just paving, the cost would be approximately $7,000. Another possibility would be to attach a platform to seating or portable or semi-portable seating. Mr. Hall said he would research these possibilities and report back to the Board. Trustee Beyer reported that Mr. Vecchio, Internal Claims Auditor, had submitted a written report for the month of January along with written recommendations that he had brought up at the Audit Committee meeting. It was noted that Ms. Buatsi has already instituted the suggested changes. Trustee Glassman asked if there was follow up to the parental request that the Board look into the article in the Middle School Newspaper The Viking Voice about the contract negotiations with the paraprofessionals. Dr. Melnick explained that he did have a discussion with Marc Ferris who informed him that the student wanted to write something authentic that was happening in the school, it was not used as a manipulation and that the student met with Mr. Ferris prior to writing the article. New Business Trustee Genovesi informed the Board that she would be attending the School Law Conference in Albany. She asked the Trustees to let her know if there was anything they would like brought to the attention of the legislators, Rob Walker, Charles Lavine and Craig Johnson, who she would be meeting with. Trustee Murphy raised a question about the memo from counsel on the increase in Medicare Part-B Premiums. Dr. Melnick asked the Board to email any questions they have to Ms. Buatsi. Adjournment At 10:55 pm on motion of Trustee Genovesi and seconded by Trustee Glassman and all in favor, the meeting was adjourned. Elizabeth A. Ciampi District Clerk