board of education half hollow hills central school

BOARD OF EDUCATION
HALF HOLLOW HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEETING OF JUNE 15, 2009
APPROVED AS WRITTEN – JULY 1, 2009 – OFFICIAL COPY
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
CALL TO ORDER:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
OPEN SESSION:
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE:
Jay Marcucci, Vice President
Jeanine Bottenus
Carole Catapano
Jill Kaufman
James Ptucha
Anne Marie Sorkin
Fran Greenspan, President
Sheldon Karnilow, Superintendent
Michael 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
Jack Feldman, Esq., Board Counsel
Rosanne Marini, District Clerk and Guests
The meeting, held at Candlewood Middle School, was called to
order by Mr. Marcucci at 7:00 p.m.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Bottenus, seconded by Mr. Ptucha,
and carried unanimously (6-0) 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 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Marcucci commenced the meeting with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
The Board of Education and Administration introduced themselves
to the audience.
Dr. Karnilow said it was a pleasure to be at Candlewood Middle
School this evening. He said this is one of his favorite evenings of
the year where we pay tribute to many of our students for their
exemplary performance in academics, athletics and the arts. We
will also honor our outgoing PTA Presidents who have given so
much to the children of our District.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE: Mr. Andrew Greene, Principal of Candlewood Middle School
welcomed everyone to Candlewood. He thanked the Board of
Education and Dr. Karnilow for all of their support for
Candlewood Middle School. Candlewood has been transformed
over the last couple of years through the $95 million bond
approved by the voters in March, 2000. Mr. Greene recognized
Mr. Mel Stern and Mrs. Judy Faber of The Hills Foundation who
awarded a Candlewood teacher a $1,000 mini-grant for books.
Dr. Karnilow mentioned the Juried Art Exhibition which was held
at High School East on Sunday. The broad array of works was
breathtaking. Our students are flourishing as a result of the very
talented art teachers in our District. Congratulations to Sal
Randazzo, Director of Music/Fine Arts, and his entire staff.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR STUDENTS:
Mr. Steve Stern, Suffolk County Legislator, is here this evening to
pay tribute along with Dr. Karnilow and the Board of Education to
our students and staff members.
Ms. Deb Intorica, Principal of High School West, presented David
Sokol with the Art Department Award, Creative Instinct in Video
Alan Blayne, High School West Math Teacher, honored the
Academic Quiz Bowl Team
The High School East Science Olympiads were honored.
High School West DECA State Winners
Dixettes were honored.
Wranglerettes were honored.
Mr. Joe Pennacchio, Director of Athletics, honored the following
teams/athletes:
Half Hollow Hills Combined Team
Boy’s Badminton – Suffolk County Champions
George Blesson – Suffolk County Individual Champion
James Troise and Connor Myers – Suffolk County Doubles Champions
Half Hollow Hills West
Michelle Rosenhouse – State Qualifier Girl’s Golf
Melanie Failbish – State Qualifier Girl’s Golf
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Nolan Gelman and Matthew Stevens – State Qualifiers Boy’s Tennis
Domenick DeMatteo and Jared Squires – News 12 Scholar Athletes
David Di Maria – All American Lacrosse
Sirharold Jamison, Domenick DeMatteo, Nick Sferrazza, Jared Squires
4 x 800 Relay 2009 All State Qualifiers
Justin Ma, Demarr Aultman, Sirharold Jamison, Daniel McCord
4 x 400 Relay 2009 All State Qualifiers
Isaiah Glover – 110 Meter Hurdles 2009 All State Qualifier
Half Hollow Hills East
Maxx Meyer – Honorable Mention All American Lacrosse
Farath Raphael – 1 st Place Pentathlon 2009 All State Qualifier
Mr. Sal Randazzo, Director of Music/Fine Arts, honored the
following students for their NYSSMA All State certificates and
medals:
Jonathan Biederman, High School West – All State Band Alternate
Keith Blechner, High School West – All State Mixed Chorus
Sabrina Caminero, High School West – All State Symphonic Band
Tammy Chang, High School West – All State String Orchestra
Bryce Garcia, High School West – All State Mixed Chorus
Alexander Gilbert, High School West – All State Band Alternate
Julia Goldberg, High School East – All State Band Alternate
Alyssa Hasbrouck, High School East – All State Instrumental Jazz Alternate
Gary McKenna, High School East – All State Mixed Chorus
Jeremy Sloane, High School West – All State Mixed Chorus
Jonathan Yu, High School West – All State String Orchestra
THANK YOU
OUGOING PTA COUNCIL
OFFICERS & PRESIDENTS: PTA Council - Gina Raio Bitsimis
Forest Park - Vicki Genovese
Otsego - Laurie Mattone
Paumanok - Shari Tiriolo
Signal Hill - Liana Tesoriero
Sunquam - Rudine Lewis
Vanderbilt - Kori Schneider
Candlewood - Stephanie Gurin
West Hollow - Erika Nichols
High School East - Kathy Buckley
Debbie Smolenski
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CONGRATULATIONS
2009 RETIREES: Teachers
Peter Comneck
Stephen Dickson
James Haefele
Frances Hugunine
Ellen Keuling
Linda Kaplan Levine
Merele Milim
Lou Ann Roche
Janet Rogove
Janet Ruggiero
Roberta Scheuerman
Support Staff
Claudette Baggio
Arlene Bottone
Clementine Carnevale
Ellen Connolly
Cecile Cusano
Paula Downie
Diane Falcone
Elaine Grancio
Phyllis Kayser
Michael Neglia
John Newman
Mary Perrott
Robert Perrott
Marilyn Pigott
Michael Prisco
Thelma Richardson
Arlene Slavicek
West Hollow Middle School
High School East
High School East
High School East
West Hollow Middle School
Vanderbilt Elementary
Chestnut Hill Elementary
Forest Park Elementary
Sunquam Elementary
Forest Park Elementary
Chestnut Hill Elementary
High School West
High School West
Candlewood Middle School
Candlewood Middle School
High School East
High School West
Candlewood Middle School
Paumanok Elementary School
High School West
Transportation
Transportation
Central Office
Maintenance
High School West
Grounds
Chestnut Hill Elementary School
High School West
MINUTES:
CORRESPONDENCE:
A Motion was made by Mrs. Bottenus, seconded by Mrs. Sorkin, and
carried unanimously (5-0) to approve the Minutes of June 1, 2009.
Mrs. Kaufman left the meeting.
The District Clerk highlighted the letters received by the Board:
6/10/09 – Letter from a resident Re: Handicap Parking at our buildings.
BOARD COMMITTEE
REPORTS:
Mrs. Bottenus said the Board would be approving the site work for
High School West tonight as well as the Energy Performance
Contract.
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PENDING/UNFINISHED
BUSINESS:
COMMENTS FROM
VISITORS:
ACTION ITEMS:
None
None
PERSONNEL REPORT
A Motion was made by Mrs. Bottenus, seconded by Mrs. Catapano, and
carried unanimously (5-0) to take the Personnel Report in its entirety.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Sorkin, seconded by Mrs. Catapano, and
carried unanimously (5-0) to approve the Personnel Report as follows:
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL
Appointments/Leave of Absence Replacements
1. Matthew Sanzone WH/Interim AP 9/3/09-11/27/09
$500 per diem NYS Perm. SDA/SAS
CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL
Resignations
1. Heather Dalton WH/Music 6/30/09
Leaves of Absences
1. Shari Billotti SUN/Psychologist 9/1/09-1/29/10
2. Carlene Foy CH/Elementary 9/1/09-1/29/10
Family Medical Leaves
1. Vanessa Cappiello HSE/HSW/Business 6/23/09-10/27/09
2. Jeanette Passarello SH/Elementary 6/22/09-11/13/09
3. Nicole Potapchuk PAU/ESL 6/15/09-11/20/09
Appointments/Probationary
1. Richard Abarno 5D WH/Music 9/1/09-10/22/10
NYS Perm. Music
2. Colleen Balsamo 3E VAN/Special Ed. 9/1/09-8/31/10
NYS Initial SWD Gr. 1-6
3. Jennifer Friaglia 5D WH/Health 9/1/09-8/31/12
NYS Initial Health
4. Jacqueline Kouvel 2F WH/Special Ed. 9/1/09-8/31/11
NYS Initial SWD Gr. 1-6
5. Susan LaBonte 3F DW/Deaf/Hear. 9/1/09-8/31/12
NYS Initial Deaf/Hearing
6. Rachel Neway 3D WH/Music 9/1/09-8/31/12
NYS Initial Music
7. Lauren Smath 3D OTS/Special Ed. 9/1/09-8/31/10
NYS Initial SWD Gr. 1-6
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Appointments/Leave of Absence Replacements
1. Deborah Galati 2B OTS/Special Ed. 9/1/09-6/30/10
NYS Initial SWD Birth – 6
2. Justin Lollo 3D SH/Elementary 9/1/09-1/29/10
NYS Perm. Elementary
3. Adam Nixon 3D HSE/Science 9/1/09-6/30/10
NYS Initial Bio/Chem/Gen. Science
4. Melissa Vargas 9D OTS/Special Ed. 9/1/09-6/30/10
NYS Initial Perm. Special Ed.
Appointments Part-Time
1. Bryan Cloke 1D HSE/CW/.8 Sc. 9/1/09-6/30/10
NYS Initial Bio/Gen. Science
2. Maureen O’Connell 10D DW/.65 Health 9/1/09-6/30/10
NYS Perm. Health
Substitutes
1. Kristen Ging
Substitutes for FMLA/Long Term
1. Christine Aronica $244.72 (1/200 of Step 1A – 09/10 Salary Schedule)
2. Kristyn Florio $237.59 (1/200 of Step 1A – 08/09 Salary Schedule)
3. Nicole Gohari $244.72 (1/200 of Step 1A – 09/10 Salary Schedule)
4. Kelly Simpson $237.59 (1/200 of Step 1A – 08/09 Salary Schedule)
NON-CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL
Retirements
1. Diane Falcone Special Education Para/CW 7/5/09
2. Dennis Kellaher Maintenance/Facilities & Operations 9/1/09
3. Michael Neglia Bus Driver/Transportation 6/29/09
Resignations
1. Lauren Florio Special Education Para/HSE 6/1/09
2. Wendy Gress Paraprofessional/VAN 5/22/09
3. Matthew Quiroz Special Education Para/WH 6/3/09
Changes
1. Phyllis D’Amato Senior Clerk Typist to 6/16/09
Senior Stenographer Step 6/$45,683
2. Joann Lautenschlager Senior Clerk Typist to 7/1/09
Principal Clerk Step 10/$49,987
3. Maryann Paolo Principal Clerk to 7/1/09
Principal Stenographer Step 18/$55,782
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Substitutes
1. Phyllis Kayser Substitute Paraprofessional 9/3/09
Appointments/Permanent
1. Gene Romano Night Head Custodian/WH 6/16/09
Appointments – Monitors/Paraprofessionals/Etc.
1. Deborah Guida Step 1/$11.41 Lunchroom Monitor/CH 6/16/09
2. Yvonne Henn Step 1/$11.41 Lunchroom Monitor/CH 6/16/09
3. Donna Riccobono Step 1/$11.41 Lunchroom Monitor/CH 6/16/09
4. Angela Scotto-Lavino Step 1/$11.41 Lunchroom Monitor/CH 6/16/09
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION
A) AHAP Yearbook
B) ELA & Reading Curriculum
C) Extra Curricular Pay
D) Intramurals (d1 – d3)
E) Longvity Pay
F) PDP
G) Pupil Personnel
H) Scorers/Timers (h1 – h2)
I) Summer School Principals (i1 – i2)
ADDENDUM TO PERSONNEL REPORT
CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL
Leaves of Absences
1. Gonzalo Gonzalez HSE/Foreign Language 9/1/09-6/30/10
Appointments/Leave of Absence Replacements
1. Alison Ferrandez 4D HSE/Foreign Language 9/1/09-6/30/10
NYS Initial Spanish
Mrs. Kaufman returned to the meeting.
RESOLUTION:
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the
Half Hollow Hills Central School District sets the rate of $97.33
per hour for all members of the Half Hollow Hills Administrators
Association who accept positions as instructors in the District’s
Professional Development Program from July 1, 2008 through
June 30, 2012 school years; and
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the
President or Vice President to execute a side letter to be drafted by
the Board’s attorney memorializing this provision.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Catapano, seconded by Mrs. Kaufman,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
RESOLUTION:
WHEREAS, on January 26, 2009, the Board of Education
accepted the resignation for purposes of retirement of Lou Ann
Roche as a teacher in the District effective July 1, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Lou Ann Roche has requested that she be permitted
to withdraw her resignation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of
Education hereby rescinds its Resolution of January 26, 2009.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Kaufman, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
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 approves the expenditure
of $5,300 for a new sign to be placed at the Administration
Building 525 Half Hollow Road, Dix Hills, New York.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Bottenus, seconded by Mrs. Sorkin,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
BUDGET TRANSFERS:
BID AWARDS:
A Motion was made by Mrs. Kaufman, seconded by Mr. Marcucci,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the Budget Transfers.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Kaufman, seconded by Mrs. Sorkin,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the following Bid
Awards:
1. Bid #09-23: Drinking Fountain and Plaza Renovation at H. S.
West – Rebid- rejected
2. Bid #09-31: Interscholastic Athletic Supplies – Fall/Winter
Sports
3. Bid #09-34: Printing of Calendar & Mail Preparation
4. Bid #09-38: Replace Water Cooled System With an Air
Cooled System at Paumanok
Elementary School
5. Bid #09-39: Supply and Install Versalift SST-37 NE or Equal
6. Bid #09-40: Locks, Hardware & Associated Parts
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7. Bid #09-41: District-wide Boiler Cleaning
8. Bid #09-42: Drinking Fountain & Plaza Renovation at High
School West – Rebid
9. Bid #09-43: Supply & Install Security Cameras
10. COOP BID: Audio Visual Supplies
11. COOP BID: Bagels
12. COOP BID: Bread
13. COOP BID: Coffee with/without Equipment
14. COOP BID: Copy Duplicator Supplies
15. COOP BID: Dairy
16. COOP BID: Elementary Science Supplies
17. COOP BID: Family/Consumer Science
18. COOP BID: Fine Art Supplies
19. COOP BID: Frozen Food
20. COOP BID: General Classroom Supplies
21. COOP BID: Grocery
22. COOP BID: Health and Trainer Supplies
23. COOP BID: Ice Cream
24. COOP BID: Library Supplies
25. COOP BID: Lumber
26. COOP BID: Meat
27. COOP BID: Non-Carbonated Drinks with Equipment
28. COOP BID: Non-Carbonated Drinks without Equipment
29. COOP BID: Non-Student Beverages with/without Equipment
30. COOP BID: Office/Computer Supplies
31. COOP BID: Paper/Plastic
32. COOP BID: Photography Supplies
33. COOP BID: Physical Education Supplies
34. COOP BID: Science Supplies
35. COOP BID: Snacks
36. COOP BID: Technology Supplies
RESOLUTION TO
FUND RESERVES:
WHEREAS, by action of the Board of Education, the Half Hollow
Hills Central School District has previously established the following
reserves:
Balance as of 6/30/08
Reserve for Employee Benefit Accrued Liability $12,962,182
Workers’ Compensation Reserve 2,306,408
Reserve for Retirement Contribution 5,087,322
Unemployment Insurance Reserve 283,880
Reserve for Property Loss 474,674
Reserve for Liability 309,971
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RESOLUTION FOR SEQRA
TYPE II ACTION FOR
ENERGY PERFORMANCE
CONTRACT:
NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the
Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Facilities, the Board of
Education of the Half Hollow Hills Central School District authorizes
transferring additional funds into the following reserves up to the
following amounts for the period ending June 30, 2009:
Reserve for Employee Benefit Accrued Liability $738,086*
Workers’ Compensation Reserve 1,518,744*
Reserve for Retirement Contribution 4,716,679*
* Please note that these dollar amounts are the maximum allowable
for each category, and would fully fund each of the reserves. The
actual amounts transferred will be determined after the close of the
2008-2009 fiscal year, and additional resolutions will be provided to
the Board of Education prior to any transfers into reserves are
completed. Interest will be allocated to the reserve accounts at the
close of the fiscal year using applicable interest rates.
As a result of the current economic condition, the Employees
Retirement System has cautioned districts that contribution rates will
increase significantly over the next several years. As a result, we are
anticipating an increase in the funding of the Reserve for Retirement
Contribution.
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Half Hollow Hills Central
School District desires to embark upon capital improvements at each
of the District’s facilities in connection with an energy performance
project (the “project”); and
WHEREAS, said improvements are subject to classification under
the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA); and
WHEREAS, the replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a
structure or facility, in kind, on the same site, including upgrading
buildings to meet building or fire codes is classified as a Type II
action under the current Department of Environmental Conservation
SEQR Regulations (Section 6 N.Y.C.R.R. 617.5(c)(2)); and
WHEREAS, the SEQR Regulations declare Type II Actions to be
actions that have no significant impact on the environment and
require no further review under SEQR; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education, as the only involved agency,
has examined all information related to the project and has
determined, based upon the recommendation from ECG Engineering,
10

L.L.C., in connection with its review and examination of the project,
that the energy performance project is classified as a Type II action
pursuant to Section 617.5 (c) (2) of the SEQR Regulations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Education hereby declares itself as the lead agency in connection with
the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby
declares that the energy performance project is a Type II Action,
which requires no further review under SEQR; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby
shall forward an official copy of this Resolution to the New York
State Education Department together with a copy of the
correspondence from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation in connection with its request for approval
of the project from the New York State Education Department.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Sorkin, seconded by Mrs. Catapano, and
carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
RESOLUTION FOR
ENERGY PERFORMANCE
CONTRACT –
AWARD TO JCI:
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has determined that it is in the
best interests of Half Hollow Hills Central School District and its
residents and taxpayers that efforts be made to increase the energy
efficiency of district facilities through an energy performance
contract, as authorized by the laws of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, the District issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for
an energy performance contract in accordance with the District’s
procurement policies and procedures for the procurement of services
not subject to competitive bidding; and
WHEREAS, the District has determined that the proposal submitted
by Johnson Controls, Inc. (“JCI”) best meets the RFP’s specifications
and requirements for an energy performance contract to increase the
district’s energy efficiency, and would best serve the district’s
interests; and
WHEREAS, JCI has completed the energy audit and issued a
Detailed Energy Audit Report and Draft Energy Performance
Contract, which includes a guarantee of energy savings;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby determined that the District
shall negotiate and finalize the terms of the Energy Performance
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Contract between the District and JCI, including the price, scope,
and guarantee, and that the President of the Board of Education is
authorized and directed to execute the final, negotiated Energy
Performance Contract on behalf of the Board of Education of the Half
Hollow Hills CSD.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Bottenus, seconded by Mrs. Sorkin,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
Mrs. Sorkin thanked Mr. Manuel for all of his work on the Energy
Performance Contract.
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT PLAN:
BE IT RESOLVED, in accordance with State law and the
requirements of Project SAVE, the Board of Education of the Half
Hollow Hills Central School District has reviewed the Emergency
Management Plan and its revisions, and upon the recommendation of
the district-wide and building-level school safety teams, the Board of
Education hereby adopts the Emergency Management Plan for the
2009/2010 school year. A copy of the Plan is available in the Office
of the District Clerk.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Sorkin, seconded by Mrs. Catapano, and
carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS AND
OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT: EQUIPMENT AT HIGH SCHOOL EAST WEIGHT ROOM
BE IT RESOLVED, upon recommendation of Patrick Murphy, Jr.,
Director of Health & Physical Education, that the equipment listed
on his memorandum be declared obsolete due to safety issues, and
is hereby declared surplus and 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 Mrs. Sorkin, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the above Resolution.
MONTHLY BUDGET TRANSFERS
INFORMATION REPORT: A Report of Budget Transfers for the month of May 2009 has been
forwarded to the Board.
CLAIMS AUDIT REPORT: The Claims Audit Report for the period ending May 31, 2009,
prepared by Michael Kearns, Claims Auditor, has been forwarded
to the Board.
REVENUE BUDGET
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STATUS REPORT: The Revenue Budget Status Report for the 2008-2009 year as of
May 31, 2009 was provided to the Board in a mailing of June 12,
2009.
WARRANTS: Bills pending Claims Auditor approval totaling $3,627,937.17.
The Claims Audit Report of these bills will be provided at the next
board meeting.
CSE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
CPSE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
CONSULTANT
CONTRACTS:
A Motion was made by Mrs. Sorkin, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the June 15, 2009 CSE
Recommendations.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Sorkin, seconded by Mrs. Catapano,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the June 15, 2009 CPSE
Recommendations.
A Motion was made by Mrs. Sorkin, seconded by Mrs. Kaufman,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to approve the following Consultant
Contracts:
Anderson Center for Autism
Farmingdale Public Schools
ROTATIONAL SELECTION
LIST OF IMPARTIAL
HEARING OFFICERS: The State Education Department has informed us that Mr. Robin
Kent has been removed from the District-Specific Rotational
Selection List of Impartial Hearing Officers. A Motion was made
by Mrs. Sorkin, seconded by Mrs. Bottenus, and carried
unanimously (6-0) to approve the above change.
COMMENTS FROM
VISITORS:
None
Mr. Mel Stern, President, HHH Teachers’ Association, thanked the
Board of Education for what they have done all year long with
regard to the budget. Not one of our teachers or any staff members
have lost their jobs. This Board of Education is a very caring,
considerate group of individuals and they are very much
appreciated.
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Mrs. Sorkin, seconded by Mrs. Bottenus,
and carried unanimously (6-0) to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Rosanne Marini, District Clerk
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