Ms. Maggiacomo stated that she is excited to see the new murals going up at the High School, as part of the Battle of the Classes competition.

Transcription

1 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, HERRICKS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, HELD AT HERRICKS COMMUNITY CENTER, NEW HYDE PARK, NEW YORK ON THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 12, The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Call to Order Mr. Hassan, President of the Board of Education. Present were Trustees Hassan, Chin, Feinstein, Gounaris, and Zanetti. Also present were Dr. Celano, Ms. Guercin, Ms. Rutkoske and Ms. Maggiacomo. Mr. Hassan moved that the Board recess into Executive Session to discuss matters of specific personnel, contract and litigation. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Chin and passed by unanimous vote. The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education was reconvened at 7:38 p.m. There were approximately 29 visitors present. Also present were 2 student government representatives. Pledge of Allegiance Mr. Hassan opened the public session by welcoming the parents, students, administrators and the public. Mr. Hassan then asked if there were any announcements and correspondence from the Board at this time. Among the items raised were the following: Executive Session Meeting Reconvened Pledge of Allegiance Announcements & Correspondence The student representatives stated that they were proud to be part of the National Blue Ribbon Award ceremony at the High School. It was so nice to see all the students come together and celebrate a prestigious award. The student representatives stated that they are busy preparing for Battle of the Classes next week. Classes at the High School compete against each other in various activities and games. It is a lot of fun. Ms. Maggiacomo stated that she is excited to see the new murals going up at the High School, as part of the Battle of the Classes competition. Ms. Maggiacomo stated that she attended the Girls Varsity softball game and, although it was cold, the girls won by a score of Congratulations on a great game! Ms. Guercin stated that today was the second and final day of the ELA Assessment Tests and added that while the State Education Department changed the three-day test to a two-day test, the test was long. Ms. Guercin added that Herricks Opt-Out percentage was very low, adding that she is hopeful the State is being responsive to the public s recommendations for continued improvements to the assessment. 196

2 Mr. Zanetti stated that it was a privilege to say a few words at the National Blue Ribbon Award Ceremony and be among Assemblyman D Urso, Senator Phillips and Regent Roger Tilles. Mr. Zanetti added that the Ceremony itself was so nice; Dr. Ruck did an amazing job, along with the Dance Theatre Club and the Chamber Choir. Mrs. Feinstein stated that she saw the news video from Fios 1 News about the ceremony and thought it was so nice. Ms. Rutkoske stated that the new asphalt around the Community Center looks fantastic. She then thanked everyone for their patience and especially thanked Mr. Catapano, Head Groundsman and Mr. LaRosa, Head Custodian of the Community Center for overseeing the job. Mrs. Chin stated that she attended the PTSA meeting earlier this week and congratulated the newly elected members. Mrs. Chin encouraged the Community to come out and support the PTAs. Mr. Hassan thanked the facilities team for overseeing the asphalt job. It looks great and was much needed. Mr. Hassan stated that he too attended the National Blue Ribbon Ceremony and explained that Regent Roger Tilles mentioned that this was the first Blue Ribbon Ceremony that he has attended at a high school in 13 years. Mr. Hassan added that this award is truly an outstanding accomplishment for all grades, families, and staff. Congratulations to all! Mr. Hassan stated that the work on the turf field is moving along again and the workers are trying to expedite it as quickly as possible, as long as the weather cooperates. Mr. Hassan informed the public that there will be a lot of trucks entering and leaving the High School due to the construction, and to take caution around the turn off Shelter Rock Road. Dr. Celano stated that the District was able to replace the front and rear parking lots at the Community Center, along with district-wide fencing, new curtains and sound system at the High School from legislative grants received amounting to over $400, Dr. Celano thanked the Legislatures and the Board for their help in obtaining these grants. Dr. Celano congratulated the students, faculty, staff and administration of Herricks High School for receiving the National Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence and added that in 1997, the Herricks Middle School received the same award. Therefore, the District has two National Blue Ribbon Schools. Herricks has a lot to be proud of! Dr. Celano stated that tonight the Board will be appointing our new Middle School Principal, Brian McConaghy, who currently serves as Assistant Principal at Great Neck South Middle School. Mr. McConaghy is a candidate for a Doctor of Education, 197

3 Administration and Supervision degree from St. John s University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Loyola University, a Master of Science in teaching secondary education from Iona College and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University. We are thrilled to welcome Mr. McConaghy to Herricks! Dr. Celano then welcomed Mr. McConaghy s family and his Great Neck South School family, and thanked Joan Keegan, Middle School Principal; Ms. Gina Horton, Middle School Assistant Principal; and Dr. Ruck, High School Principal for attending tonight s meeting. Dr. Celano announced that tonight we will be recognizing outstanding student achievement. 2 Herricks High School Students were selected to the Honor Orchestra of America Recognition of Outstanding Student Achievement On behalf of the Board and Administration, Dr. Celano congratulated the students, their parents, and teachers for their outstanding accomplishments. Mr. Hassan opened the meeting to questions and comments from the Public. There were none at this time. Mr. Zanetti moved approval of the minutes of the March 22, 2018 meeting, Enclosure #1. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Chin and passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Zanetti moved approval of the Personnel report, Enclosure #2. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Chin and passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Zanetti moved approval of the Report of the Committee on Special Education, Enclosure #3. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Chin and passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Zanetti moved approval of the Transfer Report for , Enclosure #4. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Chin and passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Zanetti moved approval of the Treasurer s Report for January 2018, Enclosure #5. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Chin and passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Zanetti moved for approval of the Warrants, Enclosure #6. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Chin and passed by unanimous vote. Be It Resolved: That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education hereby approves the payment of bills as shown on the following schedules: Questions and Comments from the Public Minutes Personnel Report CSE Report Transfer Report Treasurer s Report Warrants Warrant #127 General Fund $ 491, Warrant #128 General Fund $ 60,

4 Warrant #129 General Fund $ Warrant #130 General Fund $ 43, Warrant #131 General Fund $ 80, Warrant #132 General Fund $ 2,816, Warrant #133 General Fund $ 214, Warrant ---- #134 General Fund $ 30, Warrant ---- # 20 Trust & Agency $ 3,030, Dr. Celano, along with Ms. Rutkoske, presented the final Budget Presentation #4 on the 2018/2019 Proposed Budget. Dr. Celano reviewed the budget process again. The State Budget has been approved, and the 2018/2019 Budget being presented tonight shows the District will be receiving an additional $230,000 in State Aid, along with additional budget changes that are being recommended to the Board. This includes two additional contingent teachers, more funds being put towards technology, and the hiring of an additional Security Guard. More information on tonight s PowerPoint presentation can be found on the Herricks website at: On behalf of the Board, Mr. Hassan thanked Dr. Celano and the Administration staff for their hard work on developing the Budget. Mr. Hassan then asked if there were any questions or concerns from the Board. Among them were the following: 2017/2018 Budget Presentation #4 Questions or Concerns from the Board On behalf of the Board, Mr. Hassan thanked Central Administration for a fair budget and added that it addresses the needs of the District. Mr. Hassan stated he agrees with the recommendations and noted that adding two more contingency teachers to staff will help the District to maintain class size guidelines. Mrs. Feinstein stated that she also agrees with the recommendations from Central Administration. Mrs. Chin asked, if the two additional staff members are not needed will the money go back into the General Fund. Ms. Rutkoske stated, yes. Mr. Hassan asked if there were any questions from the public. Among them were the following: A resident stated that he feels that the District should not spend money on new math textbooks now because the standards will be changing in the year Questions or Concerns from the Public A resident asked if the budget includes the expansion of the Gemini program. Ms. Guercin stated that it doesn t, but that the classroom teachers and Gemini teachers provide enrichment programs to all students. In addition, programs such as PLTW, the new IXL Math support program, and methods of differentiated instruction target all kinds of learners. 199

5 Mrs. Feinstein moved the following resolution. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hassan and passed by unanimous vote. Be It Resolved: that the Board of Education hereby adopts the budget for the school year in the amount of $114,391,671; and Adoption of General Fund Budget Be It Further Resolved: that the following proposition shall be placed on the ballot for the May 15, 2018 budget vote and election in substantially the following form: Resolved, that the Board of Education of the Herricks Union Free School District, is hereby authorized to expend the sum of $114,391,671 in accordance with the budget submitted for the school year and to levy the necessary tax therefore. Mr. Gounaris moved the following resolution. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Chin and passed by unanimous vote. Board of Education hereby approves preliminary review of Tentative Board Meeting Dates for the School Year In order for work to begin on the school calendar, it is necessary for the Board to tentatively set its Board meeting schedule for next year. A draft schedule has been prepared. Only a consensus is needed at this time. The official schedule will be adopted at the Reorganizational Meeting. See Enclosure #7. Mrs. Chin moved the following resolution. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hassan and passed by unanimous vote. Board of Education hereby approves a trip to compete in the International Science & Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, PA, from Saturday, May 12, 2018 and return on Friday, May 18, 2018, at a fee of $2, The student will be missing five days of school. See Enclosure #8. Preliminary Review of Tentative Board Meeting Dates for the 2018/2019 School Year Trip to Compete in the International Science & Engineering Fair Note: The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, is a very prestigious international pre-college science competition. Students showcase their independent research and compete for more than four million dollars in awards. Mrs. Feinstein moved the following resolution. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gounaris and passed by unanimous vote. Board of Education hereby approves an agreement with Textbook Central, a Sole Source Service Provider, for the procurement and distribution of textbooks for Herricks students attending non-public schools during the school year, at fees as follows: Agreement Textbook Central First 1 to 25 students by school Next 26 to 250 students by school $28.10 per student per school $22.25 per student per school 200

6 Over 250 students by school Managed Purchase Option Program of textbooks procured $16.55 per student per school, and 16% Admin fee for total expenses Be it further resolved: That the President of the Board of Education be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the Board of Education. See Enclosure #9. Note: The cost per student has not increased in five years. Approximately 263 students are served. Mr. Zanetti moved the following resolution. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Chin and passed by unanimous vote. Board of Education hereby approves the following resolution: Whereas, the Jericho Union Free School District and the Herricks Union Free School District have determined to enter into an agreement pursuant to New York General Municipal Law section for the purpose of maintenance and repair to school buses and district vehicles; and Whereas, the Herricks Union Free School District owns school buses and other school district owned vehicles that require inspections from the New York Department of Transportation, maintenance and repair; and Inter- Municipal Cooperative Agreement with the Jericho UFSD for Maintenance & Repair of Buses and District Vehicles Whereas, the Jericho Union Free School District owns and operates a bus maintenance depot and has the capability to service and repair school buses and other district vehicles; and Whereas, the Jericho Union Free School District is willing to assist the Herricks Union Free School District with those services and both district have determined that it would be in their best financial interest for Jericho Union Free School District to provide those services for the school year Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education authorizes the School District to participate in the Cooperative; and Be It Further Resolved, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Inter- Municipal Cooperative Agreement for Maintenance and Repair of buses and district vehicles attached hereto and authorizes the Board President to execute the Agreement on behalf of the Board of Education. See Enclosure #10. Note: the agreement is for a labor rate of $50 per hour (no change from last year) vs. the current bid with Nesco at $60 per hour. Jericho will also allow our buses and our mechanics to use their lifts in their garage for $30 per hour. 201

7 Mr. Hassan moved the following resolution. The motion was seconded by Mr. Zanetti and passed by unanimous vote. Board of Education hereby approves an extension of the contract with Nesco Bus Maintenance Inc. at current contract prices for maintenance and repair of school district buses and vans for the school year. See Enclosure #11. Note: There has been no increase in the contract price since its inception in Mr. Gounaris moved the following resolution. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Feinstein and passed by unanimous vote. Board of Education hereby approves approves an extension of the agreement for with Edgewater Consulting, LLC to provide additional STAC consultant services at $3, per month for May and June 2018 and authorizes the Board of Education President to execute addendums, if necessary, once prepared. Mr. Hassan asked if there were any questions or concerns from the Public. Among them were the following: A resident thanked Mrs. Guercin for resolving a parent portal concern. Extension of Contract Nesco Bus Maintenance, Inc. Approval to Extend Agreement for Special Ed Related STAC Consultant Services Questions or Comments from the Public A resident stated that he did not get an answer regarding a Physical Education question and asked if he could meet with the Board. Mr. Hassan stated that he should first meet with Dr. Celano and, if he still has concerns, the Board will then meet with him. Dr. Celano stated that he is aware of the resident s question and that the resident was given an open invitation to meet with both Dr. Celano and Mr. Petricca on several occasions. Dr. Celano encouraged the parent set up an appointment to meet with him to discuss his concerns. Mr. Hassan asked if there were any concerns from the Board at this time. There were no concerns from the Board at this time. Board Concerns and Future Agenda Items Mr. Hassan mentioned the following future events: April 17, 2018 Regular and BOCES Hearing May 3, 2018 Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting at the Middle School Library May 15, Budget Vote May 24, 2018 Regular Meeting and Recognition of Retirees and Student Representatives at the High School Cafeteria A 202

8 Future Business -- Meetings are held at 7:30 P.M. unless otherwise noted. Community April 17, 2018 Center Regular & BOCES Hearing May 3, 2018 Middle School Library Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting May 15, 2018 Community Center (Tuesday) Budget Vote May 24, 2018 High School Cafeteria A Regular Meeting Recognition of Retirees and Student Representatives June 13, 2018 Community Center (Wednesday) Regular Meeting Note: While the Board will make every attempt to adhere to the above schedule, it is possible that urgent business, of which the board is not currently aware, could force a postponement of any topic. Agenda items can be confirmed by checking the individual meeting agenda, which is posted in each of our schools and on the Herricks website, or by calling Betty Ann at At 8:30pm, Mr. Hassan made a motion to adjourn the Board of Education Public Meeting and go into Executive Session to discuss matters of specific personnel, contract and litigation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gounaris and passed by unanimous vote. Meeting Adjourned/ Executive Session Respectfully submitted, Lisa Rutkoske, C.P.A. District Clerk 203