board of education half hollow hills central school district meeting of ...

BOARD OF EDUCATION
HALF HOLLOW HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 21, 2005
APPROVED AS WRITTEN – DECEMBER 5, 2005 – OFFICIAL COPY
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
CALL TO ORDER:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
OPEN SESSION:
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE:
Steve Noskin, President
Fran Greenspan, Vice President
Jeanine Bottenus
Carole Catapano
Bradley Kessler, M.D.
Jay Marcucci
Anne Marie Sorkin
None
Sheldon Karnilow, Superintendent
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
Gloria Smith, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education
Jack Feldman, Esq., Board Counsel
District Clerk and Guests
The meeting, held at Chestnut Hill Elementary School, was called
to order by Mr. Noskin at 7:00 p.m.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Catapano, seconded by Mrs.
Bottenus, and carried unanimously (7-0) to convene into Executive
Session at 7:00 p.m. in order to discuss personnel and contractual
issues.
The meeting convened into Open Session at 8:10 p.m.
Mr. Noskin commenced the meeting with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Mr. Noskin welcomed everyone to this evening’s meeting.
The Board of Education and Administration introduced themselves
to the audience.

BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – NOVEMBER 21, 2005
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE: Mrs. Linda Rudes, Principal of Chestnut Hill Elementary School,
welcomed Dr. Karnilow, Members of the Board of Education,
Central Office Staff, residents of the Half Hollow Hills community
and Chestnut Hill staff members to Chestnut Hill. We are
committed to educating our community of learners about character.
With programs such as Project Wisdom and the Giraffe Project we
celebrate the qualities that we value in individuals. Mrs. Rudes
spoke of the literacy goals of building the classroom and school
libraries at Chestnut Hill. They partnered with Barnes and Noble
Bookstore and the Cold Stone Creamery in Melville for a day of
fun and literacy. The entire community came together for a
common cause. A percentage of all of the proceeds from
purchases made by Chestnut Hill will be used to purchase new
books for our school library. Children at Chestnut Hill were posed
the question, “What makes your teacher special?”. Mrs. Rudes
shared some of the children’s remarks with the Board. Chestnut
Hill is fortunate to have children, teachers, families and a
community who are passionate about their learning.
CONGRATULATIONS
STUDENT ATHLETES:
Dr. Karnilow stated that this evening, we will start a tradition
wherein we recognize outstanding athletic achievement in attaining
County recognition or beyond. Mr. Joseph Pennacchio, Director of
Athletics, thanked Dr. Karnilow and the Board of Education for the
opportunity to recognize and honor our student athletes. Mr.
Pennacchio, along with Mr. Noskin and Dr. Karnilow called each
student’s name and presented them with a certificate. The Half
Hollow Hills Board of Education is pleased to recognize the
following students:
High School East’s Girls Varsity Tennis Team (All County Champions):
Stephanie Abzug, Melissa Baker, Samantha Elgort, Melissa
Feiner, Lindsey Garyn, Arielle Gladowsky, Samantha Goldberg,
Tara Goldberg, Lauren Johnson, Heather Nelson, Noreen
Shaikh, Kavita Vani, Sara Verma, Carrie Wallick, Ali
Wasserman, Melissa Zornberg
High School West’s Boys Cross Country Qualifier for the New
York State Championship:
Kyle Merber
Half Hollow Hills Girls Swim Team (State Qualifiers):
Kristen DeGrasio, Stephanie Fung, Julie Kochman, Liz Silver
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BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – NOVEMBER 21, 2005
Special thanks to Mr. Tom Depelteau, Varsity Tennis Coach; Mr.
Tom Finn, Varsity Cross Country Coach; and Mr. Jason
Weidersum, Varsity Swim Coach for their efforts with our
outstanding athletic programs.
2004-2005 AUDITOR’S
REPORT:
Dr. Karnilow stated that each year, according to New York State
Law, the District is required to have an external auditor go over the
District’s financial statements.
Mr. Victor Manuel recognized several members of his staff who
are the individuals who make sure all of the controls are in place:
Mrs. Susan Bevington, Mrs. Patricia Berger, and Ms. Michelle
Austin.
Mr. Peter Rodrigues and Mr. Steve Lenz of Coughlin Foundotos
Cullen & Danowski, LLP, presented the 2004-2005 Audit Report.
They explained that they express an opinion on the District’s
financial statements and look for checks and balances. They find
the District’s numbers accurate and stable. Coughlin Foundotos
Cullen & Danowski, LLP has given an unqualified opinion to Half
Hollow Hills. As of June 2005 the District is in a good financial
position with good controls. They have made recommendations in
their management letter to the District. When the time comes that
we are audited by the State Comptroller, as all Districts will be, we
will be in a great position. Mr. Rodrigues stated that the
documenting of receipts will be critical. Overall the District is
doing a wonderful job.
COMMENTS FROM
VISITORS:
Peter Nichols asked how much detail the Auditors look for in their
report.
Mr. Rodrigues said they pull samples of payroll and compare them
with contracts and Board approval. Invoices to vendors are looked
at as well as entry transactions.
Jeff Terry asked how many years the Auditors have been working
in Half Hollow Hills, and if they do other business with the
District.
The Auditors have been working in Half Hollow Hills for four
years, and they only audit the District’s financial statements.
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BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – NOVEMBER 21, 2005
The Audit Report is a public document and is available to the
community in the Office of the District Clerk and the Office of the
Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Facilities.
RESOLUTION:
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the
Half Hollow Hills Central School District appoints Fran
Greenspan, Anne Marie Sorkin, and Jeanine Bottenus to serve as
the District’s Audit Advisory Committee, effective January 1,
2006.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Sorkin,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the above Resolution.
RESOLUTION:
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the
Half Hollow Hills Central School District accepts as presented, the
Audit Report, the Federal Grant Compliance Audit OMB Circular
A-133 and the Extraclassroom Activity Fund Audit Report for the
year ending June 30, 2005, as prepared by Coughlin Foundotos
Cullen & Danowski, LLP, Public Accountants, and the Auditor’s
Management Letter dated October 31, 2005, for the year ending
June 30, 2005.
2005/2006 BOARD OF EDUCATION AND
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION GOALS:
A Motion was made by Mrs. Sorkin, seconded by Mr. Marcucci,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to adopt the above Resolution.
Dr. Karnilow displayed a poster of the 2005/2006 Board of
Education and Central Administration Goals.
“We are Privileged to Build Futures – One Child at a Time”
• Maximize the achievement of all students by
strengthening our Districtwide Professional Learning
Community
• Continue to develop, deliver, and implement a budget
that strengthens and maximizes all of our resources
while diminishing the financial impact on taxpayers
• Ensure equitable opportunities and equitable outcomes
for all students
• Continue to review our middle level program to ensure
consonance with the latest research on educational
excellence
• Continue to improve communication between and
among all stakeholders
• Continue to address demographics and space needs to
ensure appropriate learning environments for all
students
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BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – NOVEMBER 21, 2005
• Continue to support the physical and mental health
and well-being of all District students and staff
• Continue to improve and upgrade the appearance,
safety, and functionality of all District buildings and
grounds
Mrs. Sorkin complimented Mrs. Rudes on the format and value of
information in her weekly Chestnut Hill newsletter. This clearly
addresses our goal to “improve communication between and
among all stakeholders.”
RESOLUTION:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Half
Hollow Hills Central School District accepts and approves the
aforementioned goals for the 2005/2006 school year as presented
by Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sheldon Karnilow.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Greenspan, seconded by Mr.
Marcucci, and carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the above
Resolution.
MINUTES:
CORRESPONDENCE:
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Sorkin,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the Minutes of
November 7, 2005 as written.
The District Clerk highlighted the correspondence received by the
Board:
10/18 – Letter from Coughlin, Foundotos, Cullen & Danowski
Re: Their School District Audit
10/24 - E-mail from a resident Re: School feeding patterns
10/30 - E-mail from a parent Re: Her child’s senior year
10/31 - Letter from a parent Re: Her child
11/2 - E-mail from a parent Re: A bus situation
BOARD COMMITTEES:
Mr. Marcucci said he had the privilege of attending the March of
Dimes 2005 Golden Apple Awards Dinner where Mrs. Lucille
Kenney received the Golden Apple Award. Mrs. Kenney is a
teacher of the Gifted in the AHAP Program, has coached the High
School West Dance Team for 23 years, and has directed and
choreographed musical theater productions in the District. The
Board of Education has sent flowers to Mrs. Kenney to
congratulate her.
Mr. Noskin reported that the Facilities Committed met earlier this
evening, and also on November 7 th . They have been discussing
additions at Chestnut Hill, Forest Park and Vanderbilt. A survey
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BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – NOVEMBER 21, 2005
will be done at Forest Park to determine what can be done with the
grounds behind the school.
COMMENTS FROM
VISITORS:
Peter Nichols addressed the Board about the Town of Huntington
Land Use.
Mr. Noskin stated that the Board has developed a letter that it will
adopt this evening addressing our concerns with the Town of
Huntington Master Plan. The letter will be attached to this
evening’s Minutes.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Catapano, seconded by Mrs. Sorkin,
and carried unanimously (7-0) to adopt a letter from the Board of
Education to Supervisor Frank Petrone regarding the Town of
Huntington Master Plan. Mr. Marcucci moved to amend the
Motion that the letter be put up on our website tomorrow morning.
Mrs. Catapano seconded the Motion to amend and it was carried
(7-0) to put the letter on our website tomorrow morning.
Robert LaVigna commended the Board for sending a letter to the
Town of Huntington. He is concerned by the Town of
Huntington’s downzoning in the community. He also advised the
Board that there are children residing in senior homes which get
tax abatements. He asked the Board to take a stand on this issue.
Dr. Karnilow stated he knew of only one incident where a child
was living in senior housing and the District has already addressed
it. He asked Mr. LaVigna to inform the District if he knows
specifically of any others.
Harriett Halstein asked the Board if they would notify the
community through their communications about the Town of
Huntington downzoning.
Mr. Noskin left the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
ACTION ITEMS:
PERSONNEL
TENURE
The following staff members are eligible for appointments to
tenure on the dates indicated. The Superintendent of Schools has
recommended their appointments.
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BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – NOVEMBER 21, 2005
Teaching
Name Position Beg. Date Tenure Date
Wendy Pohlmann Special Ed./FP 9/1/02 11/25/05
Jill Scheriff Elementary/PA 9/1/02 11/25/05
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the Tenure
Appointments written above.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to take the Personnel Report in its
entirety.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the Personnel Report as
follows:
CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL
Appointments/Leave of Absence Replacements
1. Kathryn Benito 2D Foreign Lang./HSW
1/30/06 – 6/30/06 NYS Prov. Spanish
Substitutes
1. Debra Eichenstein
2. Eric Schwartz
NON-CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL
Resignations
1. Deborah Corretti Paraprofessional/HSW 11/16/05
2. Kathleen Fox Lunchroom Monitor/OTS 11/10/05
3. Dawn Rankin Paraprofessional/SUN 11/11/05
Appointments/Probationary
1. Clementine Carnevale $11.43 Food Service Worker/HSW 11/22/05
2. Diana Cherry $11.43 Food Service Worker/HSE 11/22/05
3. Michele Feldman $29,111 Senior Clerk Typist/ 11/22/05
Athletic Office
Changes
1. Susan Cannata $31,962 Senior Clerk Typist/ 11/22/05
Coordinator’s Office
2. Sandy Grech $34,810 Senior Clerk Typist/ 11/22/05
Directors’ Office
3. Jamil Hubbard $11.43 Substitute Food 11/22/05
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BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – NOVEMBER 21, 2005
Service Worker
4. Josephine Lautenschlager $36,237 Senior Clerk Typist/ 11/22/05
Business Office
5. Deborah Lepore $37,664 Senior Clerk Typist/ 11/22/05
West Hollow
6. Jolene Schultz $31,962 Senior Clerk Typist/ 11/22/05
High School East
7. Maria Signorelli $37,664 Senior Clerk Typist/ 11/22/05
Districtwide Admin.
Substitutes
1. Kathleen Buckley Substitute Clerical, Paraprofessional 11/22/05
2. Angela Funk Substitute Clerical, Paraprofessional 11/22/05
Appointments/Permanent
1. Tina Moehring Clerk Typist/MIS 11/22/05
Appointments – Monitors/Paraprofessionals/Etc.
1. Natalie Kuhn $12.83 Paraprofessional/WH 11/22/05
2. Lucille Lisanti $9.92 Lunchroom Monitor/OTS 11/22/05
3. Donna Tavella $9.92 Lunchroom Monitor/SUN 11/22/05
4. Kathleen Verini $9.95 Paraprofessional/SUN 11/22/05
RESOLUTION:
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the
Half Hollow Hills Central School District approves a consultant’s
agreement with Jim McNicholas to provide Theatre Arts Facilitator
Services for the 2005/2006 school year.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
COACHING
APPOINTMENTS:
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
BUDGET TRANSFERS:
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the Recommendations
for Coaching Appointments for Candlewood, West Hollow, High
School East and High School West for Winter 2005/2006. (see
attached)
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Sorkin,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to accept the Approval of Bills for
$2,217,615.58. Checks #62776 and #62835 were voided.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the Budget Transfers.
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BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – NOVEMBER 21, 2005
BID AWARDS:
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve Bid #06-09:
Gymnasium, Library & Main Office Air Conditioning Unit
Replacement at High School West.
BUILDING CONDITION SURVEY AND
FACILITY REPORT CARD: BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Half
Hollow Hills Central School District accepts the reduced proposal
from Wiedersum Associates to prepare the Building Conditions
Survey and the Facilities Report Card in the amount of .015/S.F.
for all the facilities in the District, approximately 1,400,000 square
feet.
A Motion was made by Dr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Marcucci,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
WORKERS COMPENSATION ADMINISTRATORS
AGREEMENT:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education accepts the
Agreement between the Half Hollow Hills Central School District
and Fitzharris Agency, Inc., to provide the administrative and
claims services necessary to implement the comprehensive
workers’ compensation self-insured program, and authorizes the
Board President to sign this agreement.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Bottenus,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
RESOLUTION:
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the
Half Hollow Hills Central School District accepts the gracious
donation from the Sunquam Beautification Committee of the
Sunquam PTA of bricks and brick installation along the existing
walkways in the inner courtyard at Sunquam Elementary School.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
CSE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
CPSE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the CSE
Recommendations for November 21, 2005.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the CPSE
Recommendations for November 21, 2005.
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BOARD OF EDUCATION – REGULAR MEETING – NOVEMBER 21, 2005
IMPARTIAL HEARING
OFFICER:
CONSULTANT
CONTRACT:
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to appoint Mr. Paul Bumbalo to the
rotational list of Impartial Hearing Officers.
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Sorkin,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the contract between
Half Hollow Hills Central School District and Dr. Barry
McNamara for consulting services.
REQUESTS FROM THE
BOARD OF EDUCATION: Mrs. Sorkin mentioned that on September 20, 2005 there was a
spike in noise at Republic Airport. She learned there was an
episode of The Apprentice being filmed and that was the reason for
the increase in noise. It will air in February as the first episode of
the next season.
BOARD COUNSEL:
NEW BUSINESS:
COMMENTS FROM
VISITORS:
Mr. Feldman informed the Board that Ehrlich, Frazer & Feldman
will be presenting at the Annual School Law Conference on
Monday, December 5, 2005.
None
Monte Batchelor addressed the Board regarding procedures for
safety on our athletic fields, and the lack of attention of coaches
when athletes are hurt. He also mentioned that athletes cannot take
showers at High School West.
Dr. Glen Scibilia is an ophthalmologist on the south shore and has
seen five serious eye injuries of student athletes. He stressed the
importance of proper eye protection to prevent serious injury.
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Mr. Marcucci, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rosanne Marini, District Clerk
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