August 2010 - The Plainview-Old Bethpage School District

Minutes of School Board Meeting – August 9, 2010 -2-School Climate is about the learning, social, emotional and academic aspects that existin our district. The comfort level in our buildings is important but the bigger picture isproviding our kids with the best possible environment in which to learn and to grow up.Mr. Bettan spoke about the changes in the grades 3 through 8 assessments. The datesof the tests were moved out into April and May. After they were administered, the NewYork State Education Department decided to change the cut scores for both proficiencyand masteryMr. Bettan stated that after many delays, the State has finally passed a budget. It doesnot include a restoration of the lost aid to school districts. He spoke of what Mr.Dempsey and Mr. Ruf did in building the 2010/2011 budget. Our planning was solidand the impact in the current year will be far less than that for other districts that mayhave taken a less conservative approach.Retiree PresentationMr. Arthur Jonas spoke glowingly of Jane Behrens, a retiring macroeconomics teacherat the high school. He spoke of how she touched all the lives of the children she taughtand how she is held in high esteem by her students, colleagues and administrators. Hewished her well in her retirement.Mr. Bettan, on behalf of the Board of Education presented Ms. Behrens with a plaqueand he too wished her much happiness in her retirement.AnnouncementsMrs. Rothman stated that she and other Board Members attended the 16 th AnnualSummer Law Conference. She spoke of some of the issues that were discussed,namely charter schools, competitive bidding, school accountability, teacher andprincipal evaluations and make-up credit for incomplete or failed high school courses.Several major court cases were discussed. Mrs. Rothman spoke of trends in teachercontracts and Medicaid reimbursement.