North Shore Schools
Board of Education
Minutes
The meeting was called to order by President Beyer at
Executive Session
At
At
Pledge of Allegiance
President Beyer led the audience in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Trustee Pombar and seconded by Trustee Glassman
and all in favor, the minutes of
Report of the SGO
Representative
Alex Romano, SGO Representative,
reported on back-to-school night in the high school, upcoming Spirit week
culminating in Homecoming on October 7th and a meeting to be held
with Mr. Rozakis on the policy of quieter halls.
Comments from the
Public
There were no comments from the
public.
Report of the Superintendent
Dr. Melnick
recognized the accomplishments of the following faculty members; Maria
Saccardi, fourth grade teacher at GWL and Neleema Reddy, English teacher at
Middle School who have been named as participants in the Fulbright Memorial
Fund Teacher Program; Rob Gerver, High School Math teacher has been selected to
speak at the conference of the California Council of Teachers of Mathematics
and at the Long Island Math Association Conference; Len Schiff, High School English
Teacher and Greg Perles, High School Social Studies Teacher co-authored an interview
with Cornel West which appeared in the most recent edition of the Sondheim
Review; and Michael Kershner, High School Choral Music Teacher on the selection
of the Madrigal Singers to present and perform at the Balanced Mind Conference
this November. He also recognized
students
Elias Berger and Kenny Bongort were recently named National
Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists and who will be recognized at a future
meeting.
Dr. Melnick then
reported on the back-to-school nights that have been held so far and noted that
parents agree this has been one of the smoothest and most positive school
openings they can remember. MS Back to
School Night is scheduled for next Wednesday, September 27.
He reported that
Commissioner Mills released the 2005-06 Grade 3-8 ELA results today and our 7th
and 8th graders were among the very top scorers in the state.
Dr. Melnick addressed
some questions in regard to the new focus in the high school to decrease noise
and traffic in the hallways during instruction time. He explained that Mr. Rozakis instituted the
new rules in response to concerns that faculty shared with him through a survey
he conducted. He has met with all of the
students in the high school to explain the new rules and faculty members have
expressed a noticeable difference.
Finally, Dr. Melnick reminded the Board and the audience of
the Viking Foundation Golf Outing, scheduled for September 28th, and
Homecoming on Saturday, October 7th, parade at
Regular
Business
The
Board decided to move the action items up to this part of the meeting.
On
motion by Trustee Murphy and seconded by Trustee Glassman and all in favor,
it was:
Personnel Changes
Tenure Appointment
Resolved: To grant tenure to Wendy Guidotti, Elementary, effective
Salary Adjustments-Administration
Resolved: To approve
a salary increase for Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Robert
Chlebicki and for Assistant Superintendent for Business, Olivia Buatsi,
effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007
Appointment -
Administration
Resolved: To approve the appointment of Carol Smyth,
Director of Science, effective
Change of Status - Certified
Resolved: To approve a change
of status for Lenie Brooke Satin, Special Education, from
a conditional probationary appointment to a probationary appointment,
certification received
Increments for Advanced
Study
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Anne DeDona, Elementary
from Step 19 of the MA+30 salary schedule, to Step 19 of the MA+45 salary
schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an
increment for advanced study for Rachel Donnatin, English, from
Step 11 of the MA+30 salary schedule, to Step 11 of the MA+45 salary schedule,
effective
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Rosea Filone,
English, from Step 11 of the MA+15 salary schedule, to Step 11 of the MA+30
salary schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Sara Millman,
English, from Step 11 of the MA+30 salary schedule, to Step 11 of the MA+45
salary schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Eric
Mordhorst, Music, from Step 5 of the BA+15 salary schedule, to Step 5 of the MA
salary schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an
increment for advanced study for Gaietrie Parag, Special
Education, from Step 12 of the MA+45 salary schedule, to Step 12 of the
MA+60 salary
schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Evelyn
Pommateau, Foreign Language from Step 6 of the MA+15 salary schedule, to Step 6
of the MA+30 salary schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Carol Ribner,
Elementary, from Step 19 of the MA+45 salary schedule, to Step 19 of the MA+60
salary schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Andrew
Richter, Health, from Step 4 of the BA salary schedule, to Step 4 of the BA+15
salary schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an
increment for advanced study for Darlene Skaee, Elementary,
from Step 2 of the BA+15 salary schedule, to Step 2 of the MA salary schedule, effective
Resolved: To approve an increment for advanced study for Amy Usis,
Elementary, from Step 12 of the MA+15 salary schedule, to Step 12 of the MA+30
salary schedule, effective
Approval
of Teacher Overages
Resolved: To approve the following teacher overages:
Jay Emmer .24
Rich Ryan .20
Appointments - Non Certified
Resolved: To approve the appointment of Gary Ketchum, part-time cleaner, Sea
Cliff
School, effective
Resolved: To approve the appointment of Donna VanAllen, Special Education
Aide,
effective
Approval of Stipend
- Non Certified
Resolved: To
approve a stipend for Anita Demetri, for arranging and coordinating our Home
Instruction Program, District Wide, effective September 1, 2006-June 30, 2007
Approval of Additions to the Per Diem Substitute List
Resolved: To approve the addition of the following substitutes to the
Per Diem Sub List:
Francesca
Algeri Elementary
Christine
Bonfanti Elementary
Meredith
Chessman Music K-12
Richard
DiNonno Elementary
Theodora
Drineas Secondary
Kristen
Foster Elementary
William
Helf Music
K-12
Alana Hite Elementary
Patricia
LoGiudice Elementary
Candice
Mordhorst Music K-12
James
Muller Secondary
Denise
Realmuto Secondary
Toni
Rosabianco Elementary
Physical Education
Erica Rose Elementary Gr. 1-2
Jason
Rubinstein District
Wide Physical Education
Nancy
Smalley District
Wide Art Teacher
Danielle
Viviano Secondary
Robert Vogt Athletics
Approval of Extra-Curricular Activities Clubs and Sponsors/Coaches
Resolved: To approve a second section of the Technology
Club at the Middle School,
effective
Resolved: To approve the
following extra-curricular activities coach for the 2006-07 school
year
High
School
A.F.S. Sarah Brady
F.H.A. Laurie Brown
Dance Andrea Campbell
Cathy Adames
G.S.A. Josh Knight*
Sara Millman*
Director, Play Michael Kleba
Tech Director, Play Melinda Bloom
Director, Musical Michael Kleba
Vocal Music Director Michael Kerschner
Pit Conductor, Musical David Soto
Choreographer Kevin Wallace
Tech Director, Musical Josh Knight) to
co-advisors
Middle School
Grade 6 Advisor Tracy
Chiarello
Damien Chillemi
Grade 7 Advisor Julie Curran
Grade 8 Advisor Keith Freund
Ellen Renaldo
Student Newspaper Nathalie Silva
Jackie Kepke
Student Store Jethro Cardona
Computer
Jazz Band Eric Mordhorst
Marching Band Eric Mordhorst
6th Chamber Orchestra Jessica
Hoffmann
7/8 Chamber Orchestra Steven Uh
Director, Musical Tracy Dryer
Vocal Music Dir. Jason Hill
Kathy Capogrosso
Tech Director, Musical Melinda Bloom
Elementary
Glen Head
Math Olympiads James Magliano
Jogging Kerri Giorgianni*
*changed from step 1 to step 2
Sea Cliff
Sea Cliff Singers Melanie Fishman
Coaches
Middle
School
MS Football Joseph
Mascaretti
Cross Country Thomas
Granieri*
Girls' Soccer (3rd Team) Kelly Ater
*changed from Robert McKee
Supervision
Anthony Cassano
On motion by Trustee Murphy and
seconded by Trustee Pombar and all in favor it was:
Approval of Resolution regarding Purchase
of Property
WHEREAS, closing regarding purchase of premises known as
Nassau County Tax Map Section 21 Block M Lot 133, pursuant to contract executed
on March 10, 2006 and amended on May 8, 2006, has been scheduled for October 6,
2006, now therefore be it,
RESOLVED, that, Amy Beyer, the President of the Board of
Education be and hereby is authorized to execute on behalf of the District any
documents necessary to consummate said transaction.
Approval of Extra-Classroom Activity Fund Treasurer
Resolved: That
Jean McNamara be designated to serve without compensation as Treasurer of the
Middle School Extra-Classroom Account Funds for the 2006-07 school year
(replacing
Diane Knox who was appointed at the
Organizational
Meeting)
Adoption of Board Goals 2006-07
Resolved: To
adopt Board Goals for the 2006-07 school year as per attached tab
Approval of Consultants
Resolved: To
approve an agreement with Judy Rex and Nanci Smith, Consultants for
Professional Learning Communities, for the 2006-07 school year, not to exceed
$20,000
Approval of Budget Transfers 2005-06
Resolved: To
approve budget transfers for 2005-06 in the amount of $96,489.23
Approval of Budget Transfers 2006-07
Resolved: To
approve budget transfers for 2006-07 in the amount of $508,975.39
Approval of Change Order #Electric-2
from LEB Electric, Ltd, for Mechanical/Electrical Upgrades at the Middle School
Resolved: To
approve change order #Electric-2 from LEB Electric for Mechanical/Electrical
Upgrades at the Middle School in the amount of $1,118 (additional)
Approval of Change Order #RFG-1 from GTS
Construction, Corp. for Roof Replacement at the High School
Resolved: To
approve change order #RFG-1 from GTS Construction, Corp. for Roof Replacement
at the High School in the amount of $18,280 (additional)
Approval of Special Education Services
Resolved: To
approve special education services, per attached tab, with the exception of
#363623568
On motion by Trustee Glassman and seconded by Trustee
Vollmer and all in favor it was
Approval of Revised 2006-07 Board Meeting Schedule -
TAB
Resolved:
To approve the change to the 2006-07 Board Meeting Schedule from
Committee and Conference Reports
Trustee
Genovesi gave a report on the Construction Steering Committee. She updated the Board on the status of the
following projects, Bus Depot - Nassau County will be the lead environmental
agency on this project and while problems are not anticipated, JMOA informed
the committee that once the digging begins, problems could arise; the drainage
problem at the Glen Head School field - a second opinion by A.K.R.F confirmed
the findings of BBS. To move forward, a
design plan needs to be drawn up and an RFP completed. There was a lengthy discussion by the Board
about the cost and funding of this project.
Bond counsel has advised that this work is in the scope of the $10 million
dollar bond which included the original work on the Glen Head Field. There was consensus to move forward and have
BBS design the plans to enable an RFP to be sent to contractors; Energy
Performance Contract - most of the proposals received did not address the
specifics in the RFP, more review time is needed to include all future
construction projects; High School Roof - vents will be repaired at a minimal
cost, with no leaks and the opening of air passages.
Establishment and Appointment of
Members for Board Committees
Dr.
Melnick reviewed with the Board a list of committees required by either policy
or by the State. Trustee Murphy
suggested combining some of the committees that seem to overlap in
purpose. Dr. Melnick agreed that the
Health/Wellness/Physical Education/Nutrition Review Committee and the AIDS/HIV
Advisory Council could be combined and Trustees Murphy and Glassman volunteered
serve on the committee. This committee
will be chaired by Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Rob
Chlebicki. Trustee Murphy also
volunteered to serve on the Committee for Alternative Physical Education
Plans. Trustee Genovesi volunteered to
be the Board Member on the District Wide Health/Safety Committee. Trustees Webb and Pombar will remain on The
Long Range Financial Planning Committee and Trustee Beyer will replace Trustee
Vollmer who withdrew from that committee.
Dr. Melnick explained that once parent members are added to these
committees, they will be placed on an agenda for approval.
Board Reports 2006-07
Dr. Melnick reviewed the topics
for the 2006-07 Board Meetings and asked the Board to let him know if there are
other topics they would like added.
Trustee Beyer pointed out that although October 26 is scheduled to be a
Town Meeting, two items have been listed in case there is time to have a brief
meeting after the town meeting portion.
Comments
from the Public
Jay
Emmer, president NSSFE, brought a suggestion from his unit that the Board
research a Life Skills Program for high school students.
Claire
DeMeo, Glen Head, addressed the traffic situation at the Middle School,
specifically on
Dr.
Melnick responded that the 6th precinct has been conducting a
traffic survey at
Review
of Pulled Policies
The
Board reviewed several policies that had been pulled from the manual at the
adoption of the new policy book. There
were minor changes made to policies #2160, 2160E, and 4532. These will be put on the October 12 agenda
for adoption, along with policy #6690 which had no changes. There was a lengthy discussion in regard to the
homework policy #4730. The Board
discussed some of the changes they would like to see in the homework policy, in
particular, what is the philosophy of homework, the policy of grading homework,
homework over holidays and the length of homework each night.
Dr.
Melnick said he would bring these concerns to the faculty for discussion. With
minor changes to language, policy #4730 will be put on the October 12 agenda
for adoption.
Comments From The Public
There were no comments from the
public.
Old Business
Dr. Melnick
gave a follow up report to the Board on old business. He reviewed the
process for the collection of rents
and fees for building use and gave an update of fees that are due and those
paid. Trustee Pombar asked why it takes
so long to bill these organizations for building use. Ms. Buatsi said she would look into it.
Next he updated the Board on the LIPA
situation. Walter Hoefer of LIPA called asking us to resume our discussions
regarding the additional gift of up to $700,000 in projects beyond the PILOT
agreement. Carl Laske informed him that there
is an agreement in principal, that LIPA had signed off on and returned today, and
that he was giving it a final review before the County signed off. Dr. Melnick will speak to Mr. Laske on Monday
after he has had a chance to review the agreement. He suggested that we resume
our conversation with Mr. Hoefer and felt that such a discussion would be to
our advantage.
The Sea Cliff library ceiling was inspected by our architect. The remaining portions have been certified as safe and the contractor is scheduled to replace the fallen ceiling tiles this weekend. We will be reimbursed for the repair by our insurance company.
Trustee
Pombar asked for clarification on the money to be spent repairing the Glen Head
field. Ms. Buatsi explained that the
$500,000 needed will come from the $9 million already borrowed and there will
not be a need to borrow an additional amount.
Trustee
Vollmer asked for an update on recycling on school grounds. Ms. Buatsi responded there has been approval
to buy the recycle containers.
New Business
Trustee
Vollmer asked about the policy on replacing old textbooks and who is
responsible for monitoring this policy.
Dr. Melnick responded there is a 5 year textbook replacement policy and
that the curriculum associates monitor the condition of textbooks for
replacement.
Trustee
Genovesi asked the Board to make recommendations to her for voting at the
NYSSBA Convention.
Dr.
Melnick responded to an email from a resident about a new Cheerleading
Coach. He explained that the former
coach had given only 3 hours notice before resigning, but that a new coach is
in place.
Trustee
Beyer reported that the Board has been contacted by the firefighters in regard
to a possible tax exemption offered to volunteers. Information is being gathered and once the
Board is better informed, there will be a meeting with the firefighters.
Trustee
Beyer also reported that the Town of
There
was a brief discussion on the ground-breaking ceremony for the new
transportation facility. Dr. Melnick
asked the Board to let him know who they would like invited, but asked to keep
it to a minimum. He suggested inviting
former Board members who were involved with this project.
It
was decided to hold the first meeting of the Audit Committee prior to the next
Board meeting, October 12. The Board
will have an anticipated executive session at
The
Board requested the following be included as discussion items on future
agendas: district wide security, formally recognizing the parent organization
boards and re-evaluation of annual reviews for special education seniors
applying to college.
Adjournment
At
