August 2010 - The Plainview-Old Bethpage School District

Minutes of School Board Meeting – August 9, 2010 -8-Mr. Dempsey stated that AIS is remedial. We have to look at what preventive stepshave to be taken.Mr. Cepeda said this is a challenge that was noted at the national level. There areimplications that affect new SED laws affecting teacher and principal evaluations. Healso said we need to make our own assessments. We have to put the right staff inplace. It is not only about remediation. We have to look at it long term.Ms. Gierasch noted that meaningful staff development was approved.Mr. Cepeda is in favor of support and he also believes we have to make peopleaccountable.Mr. Bettan expressed his views that we have to raise the academic standards. Flat isn’ta goal. We have to come up with goals that will raise the bar. He stated there are noproblems, only opportunities. We have to make an action plan.BudgetMr. Dempsey stated that the budget was 125 days late. We still have not receivedinformation as to what we will receive in terms of aid.Mr. Ruf gave an overview of the State Budget. The state is going to maintain 80% oftheir support of the summer special education program. He discussed Medicaid cutsthat could dramatically affect school districts. He spoke of federal monies to preventteacher layoffs. He spoke about what we have in the budget and what we will receive.He reviewed last year’s budget. He spoke of our three reserves that will be able to bereplenished.Discussion:Mr. Cepeda noted that we are voting on the tax levy tonight. If there are changes heasked how it will affect us.Mr. Ruf stated that if there is any change from the Governor’s budget it would likely notbe substantial. We could take a look at other areas we could get this sum from.Mr. Bettan complimented Mr. Ruf, Mr. Dempsey and the Business Office for the job theydid with the budget. He discussed the “Keep the Teacher Aid”.