board of education half hollow hills central school

BOARD OF EDUCATION
HALF HOLLOW HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
APPROVED AS WRITTEN – OCTOBER 18, 2010 – OFFICIAL COPY
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
CALL TO ORDER:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
OPEN SESSION:
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE:
Anne Marie Sorkin, President
Jeanine Bottenus, Vice President
Carole Catapano
Eric Geringswald
Frank Grimaldi
Jay Marcucci
James Ptucha
None
Sheldon Karnilow, Superintendent
Mike DeStio, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education
Kelly Fallon, Assistant Superintendent for District-wide Administration
Patrick Harrigan, Assistant Superintendent for Research, Assessment,
and Special Services
Victor Manuel, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Facilities
Mary Rettaliata, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education
Florence Frazer, Esq., Board Counsel
Rosanne Marini, District Clerk, and Guests
The meeting, held at High School East, was called to order by
Mrs. Sorkin at 7:00 p.m.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Bottenus, seconded by Mr. Geringswald,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to convene into Executive Session at
7:00 p.m. in order to discuss contractual and personnel issues.
The meeting convened into Open Session at 8:15 p.m.
Mrs. Sorkin commenced the meeting with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Mrs. Sorkin welcomed everyone to the first regular Board Meeting
of the new school year. She stated that we had a phenomenal
opening of school this year.

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE: Dr. Jeff Woodberry, Principal of High School East, welcomed
everyone to High School East. He said it is a pleasure to host the
first school board meeting of the year. This is Dr. Woodberry’s
fourth year as Principal at High School East, and he can see many
changes for the better. The staff is more cohesive and our students
know our expectations. Structurally, we have a new auditorium
sound system and a new lawn sign. Suspensions are at a four year
low. Volunteer efforts are increased and there is more student
involvement in school events. Academically, we are at the top.
We have a 90% passing rate on Regents Tests; 1008 AP Exams
were given with 82% at 3+. Our college acceptances are
exceptional and Newsweek is rating High School East in the top
6% in the Nation. Our Professional Development focuses on 21 st
Century Learning Skills. We are proud to have a Semi Finalist in
the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program, Karishma Sabhnani;
and have finalists in the National Achievement Scholarship
Program, however, those results are still sealed. We also have a
2010 Suffolk County Executive’s Youth Achievement Award
Winner, Rachel Krach and the following High School East
Students will represent us at the NYSSMA All-State Conference:
Jackie Bakewell
Andrew Ballereau
Alexa Goetz
Andrew Grossman
Matthew Jurman
Rachel Karmel
Janet Park
Zachary Zadek
Dr. Woodberry continued saying our sports teams are off to a great
start. High School East’s Homecoming is Saturday, October 2,
2010, Parade at 10:00 a.m. and Kick off at 1:30 p.m. Dr. Woodberry
thanked the Board of Education, Dr. Karnilow, and Central Office
Administration for all of their support.
Mrs. Sorkin recognized Mel Stern, President of the HHH Teachers’
Association, in the audience this evening, along with Gordon
Hodgson, Teachers’ Association High School Trustee. She also
recognized Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern, and Karen Klafter,
Legislative Aide to Legislator Lou D’Amaro and thanked them for
coming. Mrs. Sorkin also recognized Lisa Muhlbauer, PTA Liaison to
the Board of Education.
Dr. Karnilow said we had an extremely smooth opening to the new
school year and thanked everyone who helped to make that happen.
Dr. Karnilow announced that there will be Superintendent podcasts
posted on a regular basis on our website featuring events such as
Superintendent’s Conference Day and High School Graduations.
2

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
Mrs. Rettaliata gave an overview of the District’s Elementary
Summer School Program which ran from July 6 th to 30 th .
Dr. Harrigan gave an overview of the six week Special Education
Summer School Program.
Mr. DeStio gave an overview of the District’s Secondary Summer
School Program.
Dr. Karnilow is delighted to announce that our school attorneys’,
Florence Frazer and Jack Feldman were recently honored by the Long
Island Pulse Magazine for their contributions to the field of education
law. In its September 2010 Edition, both Florence and Jack were
named “Top Legal Eagles” in education law. Additionally, Jack
Feldman was honored this past summer by the Long Island
Association of Special Education Administrators for his long-standing
support of special education initiatives.
Dr. Karnilow announced the start of a Joint Combined Dance Club
at High School East and High School West which will be open to
Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen. The curriculum will be based
on the current LIHSA Program.
Dr. Karnilow announced the designation of our new in-house public
relations person. Christine Geed, Coordinator of Public Relations,
will be responsible for community outreach. Dr. Karnilow said he
looks forward to working with Mrs. Geed in this new position.
STUDENT
RECOGNITION:
Dr. Karnilow, Members of the Board of Education, Legislator Steve
Stern and Karen Klafter, Legislative Aide to Lou D’Amaro presented
the following student awards:
2010 County Executive Youth Achievement Award Winners
‣ Dianna Hu
‣ Rachel Krach
Long Island Scholar Artists
‣ Nicole Altchiler (Dance)
‣ Julia Lerner (Visual Arts)
MINUTES:
A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mrs. Bottenus,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the Minutes of August
30, 2010 as written.
3

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
CORRESPONDENCE:
BOARD COMMITTEE
REPORTS:
None
Mrs. Bottenus thanked Mr. Manuel, Mr. Fede, and the entire
custodial and grounds staff for the incredible condition of all of our
buildings for the opening of school this year. Mrs. Bottenus said
this was her 7 th walkthrough and by far the best. All of the
buildings looked superb.
Mr. Geringswald commented that the level of respect the students have
for High School East is exceptional. He thanked Dr. Woodberry and
his staff for all of their efforts and everything they do for our kids.
PENDING/UNFINISHED
BUSINESS:
COMMENTS FROM
VISITORS:
ACTION ITEMS:
None
Kesha Woodard asked about the school supply list for 7 th Grade.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Mrs. Sorkin reiterated what she stated at the August 30, 2010 Board
Meeting that years ago we did not take reports in their entirety
resulting in meetings lasting until 11:00 p.m. or 12:00 midnight.
When we began to take reports in their entirety, it left the community
wondering what the reports contained. We will now continue to take
reports in their entirety but highlight items in each report for the
community.
Dr. Karnilow highlighted the retirement of Mr. Michael DeStio,
Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, effective in January
2011. He said Mr. DeStio has been in his position for nine years and
has spent most of his entire educational career in Half Hollow Hills.
He has had a tremendous impact in this District in Science and as an
Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Karnilow thanked Mr. DeStio for the
great job he has done for Half Hollow Hills.
Dr. Karnilow stated that we are fortunate to have Dr. Patrick Harrigan,
Assistant Superintendent for Research, Assessment and Special
Services, who is part of our Central Office Team. Dr. Harrigan has
worked closely with Mr. DeStio and is extremely qualified to assume
the responsibilities of Mr. DeStio. Dr. Karnilow recommended to the
Board of Education that effective January 17, 2011, Dr. Patrick
Harrigan assume the position of Assistant Superintendent for
Secondary Education.
4

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
A Motion was made by Mrs. Bottenus, seconded by Mr. Grimaldi, and
carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the appointment of Dr. Patrick
Harrigan, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education, effective
January 17, 2011.
Dr. Harrigan thanked Dr. Karnilow, the Board of Education and Mike
DeStio. He said these are excellent times in education and he is
thrilled to be part of the Half Hollow Hills School District to work
with principals, assistant principals, children and parents. He said that
Mike DeStio will be missed.
Dr. Karnilow stated there would be a restructuring of Central Office.
The Executive Director of Special Education position will be posted
tomorrow. The Executive Director of Special Education will report to
Mary Rettaliata, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to take the Personnel Report in its
entirety.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mr. Grimaldi, and
carried unanimously (7-0) to accept the Personnel Report as follows:
5

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
A. District-wide Administration Report
a) Retirements
Certificated Personnel
None
Non-Certificated Personnel
1. Albert Falcone, Maintenance Mechanic/Facilities 11/24/10
2. Arlene Flotz, Principal Clerk/District wide Administration 12/24/10
3. Billie Yarusso, Food Service Worker/High School East 08/30/10
b) Resignations
Certificated Personnel
1. Kathryn Grossman, Math/West Hollow Effective 9/1/10
Non-Certificated Personnel
1. Christopher Aguero, Night Custodian/High School East 09/08/10
2. Michele Fisk, Lunchroom Monitor/Otsego 09/01/10
3. Veronica Gonzalez, Monitor/West Hollow 08/27/10
4. Diana Jones, Lunchroom Monitor/Paumanok 09/01/10
5. Katie Loeffler, Paraprofessional/Chestnut Hill 08/31/10
6. Delia Rankin, Bus Driver/Transportation 08/30/10
7. Mary Kate Ritchie, Special Education Para/Otsego 09/03/10
c) Termination
Certificated Personnel
None
Non-Certificated Personnel
None
d) Leaves of Absence
Certificated Personnel
1. Faith Bongino, Physical Ed./Candlewood 10/13/10 – 06/30/11 Child Care
Certificated Family Medical Leaves
1. Matthew DiRusso, Elementary/Chestnut Hill 10/18/10 – 11/26/10 Child Care
2. Melia DiRusso, Elementary/Signal Hill 09/01/10 – 10/15/10 Child Care
3. Richard VonVoight, Phys. Ed./Signal Hill 09/08/10 – 11/12/10 Military Leave
Non-Certificated Personnel
Family Medical Leaves
1. Mary Diolosa, Monitor/High School West Medical 09/07/10-10/29/10
e) Employees Returning to Regular Status
Certificated Personnel
None
Non-Certificated Personnel
None
f) Appointments/Probationary
Administrative Personnel
1. Dr. Patrick Harrigan, DW/Asst. Superintendent for Secondary Education –
(Present Asst. Superintendent Agreement to Remain In Effect) 01/17/11 –
01/16/14
Certificated Personnel
None
Non-Certificated Personnel
None
6

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
g) Appointments/Leave of Absence Replacements
Certificated Personnel
1. Heather McBride, Step 3D, Math/West Hollow 09/01/10 – 06/30/11
2. Kristen Ohlenschlaeger, Step 3D, Elem./Forest Park 09/01/10 – 01/28/11
Non-Certificated Personnel
None
h) Appointments/Part-time
Certificated Personnel
None
Non-Certificated Personnel
None
i) Changes
Certificated Personnel
1. Robert D’Agostino, Step 25J, HSE/HSW Change from 1.0 to 1.2
Effective 09/01/10 – 6/30/11 (Additional Class)
2. Kerry Guarriello, Step 11F, HS West Change from 1.0 to 1.2
Effective 09/1/10-6/30/11 (Additional Class)
3. Karen Schnaider, Elem/Chestnut Hill FMLA dates changed from 10/1/10– 12/23/10
to 09/23/10 – 01/28/11 (Prev. Board 8/30/10)
4. Eric Seely, Step 1D, .2 Phys. Ed./HS East Change to 1/200 of Step 1A ($252.06)
Phys.Ed..Signal Hill, Effective Dates 09/08/10 – 11/12/10
Non-Certificated Personnel
None
j) Substitutes
Certificated Personnel
1. Amanda Marley
2. Lisa Mintz
3. Andrea Nesteruk
4. Jennifer Sarro
5. Andrew Tuorto
Substitutes for FMLA
Certificated Personnel
1. Bernadette Cahalane - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
2. Christy DeCicco - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
3. Alex Evangelista - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
4. Claire Goldfarb - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
5. Debra Graff - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
6. Lynne Holland - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
7. Kathie Loeffler - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
8. Meredith Lopez - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
9. Jeanne Rolston - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
10. Aimee Smith - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
11. Michael Terlizzi - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
12. Jennifer Trocchio - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
Non-Certificated Personnel
1. Valerie Chambers, Substitute Lunchroom Monitor/Paumanok 09/21/10
2. Sandra Crescuillo, Substitute Lunchroom Monitor/Vanderbilt 09/21/10
3. Esperanza Garcia, Substitute Monitor/West Hollow 09/21/10
4. Lucille Inglese, Substitute Lunchroom Monitor/Paumanok 09/21/10
5. Kim Legname, Substitute Lunchroom Monitor/Otsego 09/21/10
6. Yolene Miot, Substitute Food Service Worker/District-wide 09/21/10
7. Heather Prodromakis, Substitute Lunchroom Monitor/Paumanok09/21/10
8. Paula Reinoso, Substitute Lunchroom Monitor/Vanderbilt 09/21/10
9. Antonietta Sciara, Substitute Monitor/West Hollow 09/21/10
10. Camile Thomaidis, 7 Substitute Lunchroom Monitor/Vanderbilt 09/21/10

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
k) Appointment/Provisional
Certificated Personnel
None
Non-Certificated Personnel
None
l) Appointments/Permanent
Certificated Personnel
None
Non-Certificated Personnel
None
m) Appointment/Reinstatement
Certificated Personnel
None
Non-Certificated Personnel
None
n) Appointments-Monitors/Paraprofessionals, etc.
Non-Certificated Personnel
1. Stefani Angiulo, Step 5/$15.17, Special Education Para/Forest Park 09/21/10
2. Angela DellaVedova, Step 1/$12.29, Special Education Para/Forest Park 09/21/10
3. MaryAnn Eisman, Step 5/$15.17, Special Education Para/High School East 09/21/10
4. Michele Fisk, Step 5/$15.17, Special Education Para/Otsego 09/21/10
5. Megan Gasior, Step 5/$15.17, Special Education Para/High School East 09/21/10
6. Marcos Gonzalez, $16.00, Security Guard/Facilities 09/21/10
7. Dara Greenberg, Step 5/$15.17, Special Education Para/Paumanok 09/21/10
8. Keisha Johnson, Step 4/$13.86, Special Education Para/High School East 09/21/10
9. Diana Jones, Step 5/$15.17, Kindergarten Paraprofessional/Paumanok 09/21/10
10. Keryn Klein, Step 5/$15.17, Special Education Para/Paumanok 09/21/10
11. Kristine Kossman, Step 1/$12.26, Lunchroom Monitor/Otsego 09/21/10
12. Suzanne Lucarelli, Step 1/$12.29, Special Education Para/Sunquam 09/21/10
13. Maria Miller, Step 5/$15.17, Special Education Para/High School East 09/21/10
14. Lynn Moritz, Step 1/$12.26, Lunchroom Monitor/Otsego 09/21/10
15. Frances Myrtil, Step 1/$12.29, Special Education Para/Paumanok 09/21/10
16. Elizabeth Rogan, Step 5/$15.17, Special Education Para/Otsego 09/21/10
17. Eleni Rotziokos, Step 5/$15.17, Special Education Para/Signal Hill 09/21/10
18. Lisa Sarica, Step 5/$15.17, Special Education Para/High School East 09/21/10
19. Mary Anne Smith, $25.00, Extended Day ABA/Pupil Personnel 09/21/10
20. Catherine Taggart, Step 5/$15.17, Special Education Para/Forest Park 09/21/10
Conditional appointment subject to State Education Department fingerprinting clearance
B Additional Compensation (See Attachments a - h )
C. Information Items
a) Tenure Alert
The following staff member is eligible for appointment to tenure on the dates indicated
below. At the October 18, 2010 Board of Education Meeting, the Superintendent of Schools
shall be recommending her appointment.
Staff Member Position Beg. Date Tenure Date
Layla Vita Maynard Science Teacher 09/01/07 10/20/10 *
* Extended for FMLA
8

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
RESOLUTION:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Half
Hollow Hills Central School District hereby adopts the District’s
APPR with modifications developed by the Performance Appraisal
Committee throughout the 2009-2010 school year.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mr. Grimaldi,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the above Resolution.
BUDGET TRANSFERS:
A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mr. Geringswald,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the Budget Transfers.
DISPOSITION OF
OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT: Teacher Desks at Vanderbilt Elementary School
BE IT RESOLVED upon the recommendation of Martin Boettcher,
Principal of Vanderbilt Elementary School, that the list of teacher
desks are in poor condition and of no use to the District. These desks
are hereby declared surplus and are to be disposed of in a manner that
is in the best interest of the Half Hollow Hills Central School District.
A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the above Resolution.
DONATION OF
BABY GRAND PIANO:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education moves to accept the
donation of a Baby Grand Piano to be picked up by a professional
piano moving company and delivered to Candlewood Chorus Room.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Catapano, seconded by Mr. Grimaldi,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the above Resolution.
CLAIMS AUDIT REPORT: The Claims Audit Report for the period ending August 31, 2010,
prepared by Michael Kearns, Claims Auditor, has been forwarded to
the Board.
MONTHLY BUDGET TRANSFERS
INFORMATION REPORT: The Budget Transfers for the month of August has been forwarded to
the Board.
WARRANTS:
RESOLUTION:
Bills pending Claims Auditor approval totaling $2,787,939.88. The
Claims Audit Report of these bills will be provided at the next Board
Meeting.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Half Hollow
Hills Central School District hereby approves the terms and conditions
of the Stipulation of Settlement resolving a certain matter between the
District and the parents of a youngster classified by the District’s CSE
and identified by student number 027698; and
9

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education
authorizes the President of the Board to execute the Stipulation of
Settlement as approved on the Board’s behalf.
A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mr. Marcucci, and
carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the above Resolution.
CSE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
CPSE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
IMPARTIAL HEARING
OFFICER POLICY:
A Motion was made by Mrs. Catapano, seconded by Mrs. Bottenus,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to accept the CSE Recommendations of
September 20, 2010.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Bottenus, seconded by Mr. Marcucci, and
carried unanimously (7-0) to accept the CPSE Recommendations of
September 20, 2010.
Dr. Harrigan offered a “Second Reading” of Policy #2470 Selection,
Appointment, and Compensation of Impartial Hearing Officers. The
Board made one final edit to the policy and will approve it at the
October 18, 2010 Board Meeting.
ATTENDANCE TO
NYSSBA’S 2010
ANNUAL CONVENTION: A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mr. Marcucci, and
carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the attendance of Mrs. Sorkin,
Mrs. Bottenus and Mrs. Catapano to the New York State School
Boards Association’s Annual Convention and Trade Show, October
21-24, 2010 in New York City.
RESOLUTION:
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that upon the recommendation of the
Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Half Hollow
Hills Central School District approves the Stipulation of Settlement
dated September 14, 2010 between the District and the individual
named in Confidential Attachment A; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the
Superintendent to execute said Stipulation of Settlement on behalf of
the District.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mr. Geringswald,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the above Resolution.
10

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
COMMENTS FROM
VISITORS:
ADJOURNMENT:
None
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mr. Geringswald,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rosanne Marini, District Clerk
11