BOARD OF EDUCATION HALF HOLLOW HILLS CENTRAL ...

BOARD OF EDUCATION
HALF HOLLOW HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEETING OF MARCH 21, 2011
APPROVED AS WRITTEN – APRIL 11, 2011 – 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
James Ptucha
Jay Marcucci
Sheldon Karnilow, Superintendent
Kelly Fallon, Deputy Superintendent
Patrick Harrigan, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education
Victor Manuel, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Facilities
Mary Rettaliata, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education
Jack Feldman, Esq., Board Counsel
Rosanne Marini, District Clerk, and Guests
The meeting, held at Vanderbilt Elementary School, was called to
order by Mrs. Sorkin at 6:00 p.m.
A Motion was made by Mr. Ptucha, seconded by Mr. Geringswald,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to convene into Executive Session
at 6:00 p.m. in order to discuss contractual and personnel issues.
The meeting convened into Open Session at 8:10 p.m.
Mrs. Sorkin commenced the meeting with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
The Board of Education and Administration introduced themselves
to the audience.
Dr. Karnilow welcomed everyone to this evening’s meeting and
introduced Mr. Martin Boettcher, Principal of Vanderbilt
Elementary School.

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – MARCH 21, 2011
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE: Mr. Martin Boettcher, Principal of Vanderbilt Elementary School,
welcomed everyone to Vanderbilt. He said he is very proud of the
accomplishments of Vanderbilt as well as those of the District. We
continually strive to improve instruction and achievement for all
students. Mr. Boettcher expressed his appreciation and respect for the
outstanding faculty and staff at Vanderbilt. He thanked them for
helping to create the environment in the school that enriches the lives
of children in a way that makes them able to achieve and feel nurtured,
loved, and feel like they are an integral part of our school. This
environment and feeling is captured in the class book created by 1 st
grade students in Mrs. Paulsen’s class. Mr. Boettcher shared this class
book through a video presentation and introduced Mrs. Paulsen’s class
who narrated the book. Mr. Boettcher thanked Ms. Haltigan, Assistant
Principal, for her contributions to our children. He also thanked Caryn
Landow, Vanderbilt PTA President, for helping us host this evening’s
meeting.
HALF HOLLOW HILLS
PATCH:
PTA FOUNDERS’ DAY:
Dr. Karnilow recognized Karen Forman, Editor of the Patch. When
the Dix Hills Patch was first formed, there was some concern that the
title did not reflect all of the neighborhoods in Half Hollow Hills.
We spoke with Ms. Forman who went directly to the Patch. As of
today, it is no longer the Dix Hills Patch, but the Half Hollow Hills
Patch.
Dr. Karnilow thanked Marietta Costa, PTA Council President, and
Tina Shek and Suzanne Hausner, PTA Special Events Co-Chairs, for
a successful PTA Founders’ Day last Thursday. This annual event
recognizes outstanding contributions to the welfare of children and
youth through the PTA Lifetime Membership Award and the New
York State PTA’s Golden Oak Award. Congratulations to this
year’s recipients:
Honorary Lifetime Membership Award Recipients
Lucille Kenney * Bonnie Scally
Distinguished Service Award
Corrie Ann Young * Victor Manuel
New York State PTA Golden Oak Recipient
Dr. Sheldon Karnilow, Superintendent of Schools
H.S. WEST BOYS
BASKETBALL TEAM:
Dr. Karnilow congratulated the H.S. West Colts Boys Basketball
Team and Coach Bill Mitaritonna, who traveled to Glens Falls,
New York to compete in the State Championship Games.
2

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – MARCH 21, 2011
Although they did not capture the State Championship, they are
truly winners, taking home the Long Island Championship.
Articles in the Glens Falls local newspapers mentioned the
wonderful sportsmanship they demonstrated and we are extremely
proud of them.
WE THE PEOPLE TEAM
NEW YORK STATE
CHAMPIONS:
NEWSDAY
LONG ISLANDER
OF THE WEEK:
APPLE EXEMPLARY
PROGRAM:
SUPERINTENDENT
STATEMENT:
Dr. Karnilow said he is delighted with the wonderful work done by
the new teacher/advisor who has taken over leadership of the We
The People Team. Mr. David Pitman has done an amazing job and
Dr. Karnilow congratulated him and the members of the We The
People Team who won statewide and are headed to the nationals.
Mr. Pitman and Ms. Lorraine Lupinskie-Huvane, Director of
Social Studies, congratulated the members of the We The People
Team.
Dr. Karnilow congratulated Mr. Joseph Toles, Director of
Guidance at Candlewood Middle School, who was recognized as
Newsday’s Long Islander of the Week, for helping foster children
through the Joseph Toles Foundation. The foundation sends 600
foster children to summer camp each year.
Dr. Karnilow said we are proud to be recognized as an “Apple
Exemplary Program” for our use of “Technology to Support
Learning and Teaching in the 21 st Century.” Mr. Larry Lester and
Mr. Victor Labozzetta, representatives from Apple, presented
Corrine Carriero, Director of Instructional Computing, with the
Apple Exemplary Program Award. The District was one of 39
districts nationwide recognized for this honor.
Dr. Karnilow read the following statement:
After I announced my retirement, a few angry, vindictive people
decided to take the opportunity to try to rile up the community by
spreading mistruths. While I will not sink to their level and engage
in an ongoing dialogue, I did want to take this opportunity to set
the record straight.
My effective date of retirement is September 1, 2011.
My contract does not end on June 30, 2011. It ends on June 30,
2014.
3

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – MARCH 21, 2011
My retirement date is my personal choice. I chose to retire on
September 1, 2011 in order to give the Board six months notice
once I determined that I would retire. I did so in order to provide
them with ample time to hire my successor. I also felt it was my
responsibility to assist with the transition for a new
Superintendent.
The former Superintendent, Dr. Kevin McGuire, was not here
when I was involved as an applicant for the Superintendency, as he
chose to retire as of March 1, 2001. He was, therefore, not
available to help me with the transition.
I will not be paid $100,000 for July and August, but will receive
my regular salary for those two months.
All members of the professional staff who retired during the
2009/2010 school year or who will retire during the 2010/2011
school year, received or will receive a retirement incentive which
saves the District a significant amount of money. I am not
participating in the retirement incentive.
My decision to retire is not based on a recent article in Newsday,
as my salary information was published long before that in
Newsday, is available on a New York State website and was also
available to anyone in the school community who asked.
Additionally, my decision to retire has nothing to do with the
Governor’s proposed cap on Superintendents’ salaries, because
even if enacted, that cap would not affect me as my contract is in
place until 2014.
PRESENTATION:
An Overview of Mathematics in Half Hollow Hills
Mr. Ian Dunst, Director of Mathematics, presented an overview of
the Mathematics Program in Half Hollow Hills.
Questions related to the Mathematics Presentation:
‣ What grade does enVision Math go up to?
‣ What do you hope to achieve in assessment value?
‣ Are we increasing the amount of students taking calculus?
PRESENTATION:
2011-2012 Budget Presentation
Mr. Victor Manuel, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and
Facilities, presented the 2011-2012 Proposed Budget using a
power point presentation. Copies of the power point presentation
were provided for the audience.
4

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – MARCH 21, 2011
COMMENTS FROM
VISITORS RELATED TO
THE PRESENTATION:
Mrs. Sorkin left the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Sandra Thomas stated that she does not agree with the Governor’s
superintendent salary cap. Mrs. Thomas said she was concerned
about the Board’s consideration of eliminating elementary summer
school from the budget. She feels academic intervention is
extremely important and asked the Board to reconsider cutting the
program. Mrs. Thomas also stated that only two Members of the
Board of Education responded to her email.
Mrs. Rettaliata gave a brief overview of the elementary summer
school program. There are 1300 students invited to participate in
elementary summer school and only approximately 400 students
actually attend. The cost for the program is $266,000. The cost of
the program is high for a very small attendance rate. During these
difficult economic times it is a challenging program to maintain for
the cost. We are in the process of developing materials/activities
to share with students to address their needs without the program.
Jill Kaufman said she agrees with Sandy Thomas regarding
elementary summer school and asked the Board to see if there is
something else that can be cut from the budget.
Marilyn Norman feels that the cost of the elementary summer
school program is money well spent.
Unidentified Speaker spoke in support of keeping elementary
summer school in the budget. She believes summer school brings
consistency to children’s’ education.
Mrs. Bottenus said that the Board will look into the elementary
summer school program.
Jill Kaufman asked about the money being cut from student field
trips.
Dr. Harrigan said we are hoping to not reduce opportunities for
student field trips but to increase their efficiency.
Unidentified Speaker asked if the Board has been lobbying Albany
regarding the MTA Tax.
Patrick Cunningham asked questions related to the budget on
certain courses, the Teachers’ Contract, and unused sick time.
5

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – MARCH 21, 2011
Jill Kaufman asked the Board about the retirement incentive.
MINUTES:
CORRESPONDENCE:
A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mr. Geringswald,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the Minutes of March 7,
2011.
The District Clerk highlighted the letters received by the Board:
3/10/11 – Letter from Congressman Steve Israel inviting the Board to
a Task Force on Education on March 27, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.
3/10/11 – Letters from Peter Wunsch and Jeannette Santos asking the
Board for their support as they seek another three-year term
on the BOCES Board.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
PENDING/UNFINISHED
BUSINESS:
COMMENTS FROM
VISITORS:
Mr. Geringswald reported that the Policy Committee met and
reviewed the first section of policies received from NYSSBA. We
are working collaboratively with NYSSBA to update our policy
manual.
None
Caryl Deiches urged the Board to continue to put education first
for all children and keep elementary summer school in the budget.
Michael Dyckman asked how the perfect blend of AAA is defined.
Mrs. Dyckman feels the District is not encouraging students who
work hard.
Jill Kaufman asked if there was a policy about lowering the flags at
our buildings. She also asked about the policies being online.
ACTION ITEMS:
PERSONNEL REPORT
A Motion was made by Mrs. Catapano, seconded by Mr. Geringswald,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to take the Personnel Report in its
entirety.
A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the Personnel Report as
follows:
6

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – MARCH 21, 2011
A. District-wide Administration Report
a) Retirement
Certificated Personnel
None
b) Resignations
Certificated Personnel
1. Susan Webber, Science/HS East 03/08/11
Non-Certificated Personnel
1. Frances Fascetti, Special Education Para/High School West 03/21/11
c) Termination
Certificated Personnel
None
d) Leaves of Absence
Certificated Personnel FMLA
1. Jessica Avlonitis, Elementary/Vanderbilt 04/07/11 – 06/07/11 Child Care
2. Colleen Balsamo, Spec. Ed./Vanderbilt 05/06/11 – 10/11/11 Child Care
3. Timothy Belz, Phys. Ed./HS East 04/26/11 – 06/30/11 Child Care
4. Jennifer Carusillo, Spec. Ed./HS East 04/29/11 – 06/10/11 Child Care
5. Colleen Donovan, Social Stud./West Hollow 03/28/11 – 06/30/11 Child Care
6. Kelly Guzzo, Elementary/Sunquam 09/01/11 – 06/30/12 Child Care
7. Nicole Jackson, Elementary/Signal Hill 04/11/11 – 09/16/11 Child Care
8. Lisa Manzione, Math/West Hollow 04/11/11 – 06/24/11 Child Care
9. Christine Paulsen, Elementary/Vanderbilt 04/04/11 – 06/03/11 Child Care
10. Alissa Stanco, Spec. Ed./Candlewood 06/03/11 – 11/04/11 Child Care
Non-Certificated Personnel
Family Medical Leaves
1. Shirley Cooke, Special Education Para/Vanderbilt Medical 03/04/11-05/30/11
2. Gina Lorello, Special Education Para/H.S. West Medical 03/14/11-04/29/11
e) Employee Returning to Regular Status
Certificated Personnel
None
Non-Certificated Personnel
1. Ann Marie Valentin, Lunchroom Monitor/Paumanok 03/21/11
f) Appointment/Probationary
Certificated Personnel
1. Diane Schebece, Step1, Nurse/Chestnut Hill 03/22/11
g) Appointment/Leave of Absence Replacements
Certificated Personnel
None
h) Appointment/Part-time
Certificated Personnel
None
7

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – MARCH 21, 2011
i) Changes
Certificated Personnel
1. Faith Bongino, Phys. Ed./Candlewood: Extend 09/01/11 – 01/30/12
Child Care leave
2. Jennifer Hegreness, Elem/VA/SH; went out early 03/04/11 – 06/03/11
on FMLA; dates adjusted.
3. Jennifer Mullen, Spec. Ed./Paumanok: Extend 09/01/11 – 06/30/12
Child Care leave
j) Substitutes
Certificated Personnel
1. Charles Verdolino
Substitutes for FMLA/Long Term Subs
1. Lauren Brady - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
2. Jason Chapman - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
3. Jeff Dimoulas - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
4.Carolyn Dreyer - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
Non-Certificated Personnel
1. Theresa Cole, Substitute Monitor/West Hollow 03/22/11
2. Diane Fay, Substitute Lunchroom Monitor/Vanderbilt 03/22/11
3. Richard Hopps, Substitute Monitor/High School East 03/22/11
4. Janie Lozano, Substitute FSW, Monitor 03/22/11
5. Christina Marsico, Substitute Paraprofessional 03/22/11
6. Regina Petrizzo, Substitute Lunchroom Monitor/Otsego 03/22/11
7. Renee Razzano, Substitute Lunchroom Monitor/Otsego 03/22/11
8. Erin Gambino-Russo, Substitute Lunchroom Monitor/Otsego 03/22/11
k) Appointment/Provisional
Certificated Personnel
None
l) Appointments/Permanent
Certificated Personnel
None
Non-Certificated Personnel
1. Nicholas Nugent, Chief Custodian/Candlewood 03/22/11
2. Margaret Padinha, Lunchroom Monitor/Sunquam 03/22/11
m) Appointment/Reinstatement
Certificated Personnel
None
n) Appointments-Monitors/Paraprofessionals, etc.
Non-Certificated Personnel
1. Nancy Boehm, $25.00 Extended Day ABA/Pupil Personnel 03/22/11
2. Matthew Colicino, Step 5/$15.17, Special Education Para/Sunquam 03/22/11
3. Shannon Rucky, Step 1/$12.29, Special Education Para/Vanderbilt 03/22/11
o) Additional Compensation (see attachments a - g)
8

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – MARCH 21, 2011
INFORMATION ITEMS
a) Tenure Alert
The following staff member is eligible for appointment to tenure on the date indicated
below.
Staff Member Position Beg. Date Tenure Date
1. Kristin Mechwart Special Education 09/01/07 04/29/11*
Extended for FMLA
ADDENDUM TO PERSONNEL REPORT
CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL
Substitutes for FMLA/Long Term
1. Melissa Cappy - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
2. Lyndsay Kahen - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
3. Maureen Mott - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
4. Sayward Robinson - $252.06 (1/200 of Step 1A)
9

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – MARCH 21, 2011
BUDGET TRANSFERS:
HEALTH SERVICES:
A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mr. Geringswald,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the Budget Transfers.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Catapano, seconded by Mr. Grimaldi,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the following Health
Services:
No. of Students Name of District Contract Price
10 Hicksville Public Schools $5,507.80
11 Smithtown CSD $8,186.53
10 Uniondale UFSD $6,163.10
DONATION TO OTSEGO
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FIELD:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education moves to accept the
donation from the Half Hollow Hills Little League for 2 dugouts and 4
player benches for the Otsego Elementary School Field.
A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
DONATION FROM
CABLEVISION SYSTEMS –
MSG VARSITY: WHEREAS, the Board of Education has accepted a donation from
Cablevision of $6,000.00;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes $4,000 of
these funds to be added to the current 2010-2011 budget by increasing
the appropriation as detailed below:
Appropriation
A2850 130 61 Co-Curr. Activities – Personnel Services $1,000.00
A2850 130 62 Co-Curr. Activities – Personnel Services $1,000.00
A2630 200 00 Computer Equipment $2,000.00
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the
Half Hollow Hills Central School District hereby establishes a
Cablevision MSG Varsity Scholarship Fund for $2,000 of these funds
to be awarded in June 2011 to high school seniors who have
participated in this program and have contributed exemplary work.
A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
10

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – MARCH 21, 2011
RESOLUTION:
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the
Half Hollow Hills Central School District authorizes the expenditure
of up to $3,000 for advertising costs related to the superintendent
search.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Catapano, seconded by Mr. Grimaldi,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
FEDERAL SINGLE
AUDIT REPORT:
The Federal Single Audit Report dated June 30, 2010 was sent home
to the Board on March 15, 2011.
CASH FLOW SCHEDULE: The Cash Flow Schedule for the period ending January 2011 has been
forwarded to the Board.
TREASURER’S REPORT: The Treasurer’s Report for the period ending January 2011 has been
forwarded to the Board.
WARRANTS:
CSE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
CPSE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
CONSULTANT
CONTRACTS:
Bills pending Claims Auditor approval totaling $2,284,707.31. The
Claims Audit Report of these bills will be provided at the next Board
Meeting.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Catapano, seconded by Mr. Grimaldi,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the CSE Recommendations
of March 21, 2011.
A Motion was made by Mr. Geringswald, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the CPSE Recommendations
of March 21, 2011.
A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the Consultant Contract for
Garden City Union Free School District – District of Location – 2010-
2011 school year.
A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mr. Geringswald,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the Consultant Contract for
New York Therapy.
BOARD COUNSEL:
Mr. Feldman informed the Board that he will be presenting a
workshop at the NYSSBA Spring Law Conference on What is New in
Special Education being held on May 5, 2011 at the Long Island
Marriott.
11

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – MARCH 21, 2011
COMMENTS FROM
VISITORS:
ADJOURNMENT:
None
A Motion was made by Mr. Grimaldi, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rosanne Marini, District Clerk
12