Minutes - Shoreham-Wading River Central School District

SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
250B Route 25A, Shoreham, New York 11786 ~ (631-821-8100)
Dr. Harriet Copel, Superintendent of Schools
MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Public Meeting
May 4, 2010
At 6:30 PM, a public meeting of the Board of Education of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District Board of
Education was called to order in the District Office board room by Mr. Ericson.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Mr. William S. Ericson, President
Ms. Lisa Wild, Vice-President
Mr. Robert Alcorn
Mr. Jack Costas (arrived 6:40)
Mr. Michael Fucito
Mr. Leo Greeley (arrived 6:58)
Mr. William McGrath (arrived 6:48)
ALSO PRESENT
Dr. Harriet Copel, Superintendent
Dr. R. Terri McSweeney, Deputy Superintendent
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
At 6:32 PM, a motion to convene to Executive Session to discuss a personnel item and negotiations with a collective
bargaining unit was made by Mr. Fucito and seconded by Ms. Wild. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0.
At 7:46 PM, a motion to end Executive Session and re-convene to the public session in the High School Library was made
by Mr. Fucito and seconded by Ms. Wild. The motion passed by a vote of 7–0.
PUBLIC SESSION
MEMBERS PRESENT
Mr. William S. Ericson, President
Ms. Lisa Wild, Vice-President
Mr. Robert Alcorn
Mr. Jack Costas
Mr. Michael Fucito
Mr. Leo Greeley
Mr. William McGrath
ALSO PRESENT
Dr. Harriet Copel, Superintendent
Dr. R. Terri McSweeney, Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Lisa Mulhall, Director of Instruction
Ms. Faith Caglianone, Business Manager
Dr. William Bushman, Director of Student Services
Mr. Robert Woolsey, Plant Facilities Administrator
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
I
II
III
IV
V
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
At 8:05 PM, the public session of the Board of Education of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District
Board of Education re-convened and was called to order by Mr. Ericson.
Approval of Agenda
At 8:07, a motion was made to accept the agenda as revised (addition of resolution #0910-188 Health and Safety
Improvement Project Plumbing Contractor Bid Award) by Mr. Fucito and seconded by Mr. McGrath. The motion
passed by a vote of 7-0.
Statements from Residents
None
Student/Staff Recognitions
None
Old Business
None
VI
Reports and Reviews
a. Budget Hearing
Minutes of 5.4.10 1

Dr. Copel gave a Power Point presentation beginning with several salient points pertaining to the District. Dr.
Copel reviewed the “Community Conversations” results which were applied to the proposed budget. Dr. Copel
gave an overview of the proposed budget and stressed how the educational programs meet the needs of the
students while at the same time keeping the District competitive.
Dr. Copel reviewed which programs and courses the proposed budget maintains and includes (including an
offset to the reduction in Special Education Extended Year Program, funding for high increases in employees’
retirement and health benefits). Dr. Copel next reviewed the reductions in programs and staffing for the
upcoming year.
Dr. Copel reviewed the revenue proposed budget and reminded residents if a prior years' state aid payment is
received by the District this year, a portion will be used to stabilize the tax rate increase; discussion of prior
years' state aid followed. A contingency budget was also presented, as per law. Dr. Copel advised that even if
the District is on contingency next year, an estimated tax increase of at least 2% will still be in effect due to the
reduction in State Aid; discussion followed of contingency budget.
Discussion followed of a contingency budget. The elimination of 24 teachers will have a dramatic affect on the
education of students in all areas, and class sizes will increase.
Dr. Copel reviewed the line-by-line expenditure budget which reflected the largest increase is employee benefits,
debt service and special education ($2m increased spending, 15% increase). These areas of the budget are
mandated or contractual items, leaving the District no control over the increases.
Dr. Copel stated the final amount of the proposed budget to be $57,967,477 which is a $2,058,092 increase in
expenditures, a 3.68% increase in the budget from this year, which means an estimated 7.08% tax increase - not
including any prior years' state aid payment, a portion of which will be used to stabilize the tax rate.
Mr. Ericson reiterated the use of a portion of prior years' state aid payment, if received this year. Mr. Ericson
explained why the Board cannot yet make a commitment to this because this payment is dependent on the State
budget, which has not yet been passed; discussion followed. The Board estimates if they use approximately
$1m of the prior years' state aid payment (if received), the tax rate increase may be reduced to approximately
3%. The Board warned residents this will probably cause a future tax spike.
VII
Votes and Resolutions
a. Resolutions –
#0910-182 Anderson Center for Autism Tuition Contract:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District hereby approves a
contract between the District and Anderson Center for Autism for tuition for one (1) Shoreham-Wading River
Central School District student to attend Anderson Center for Autism for the period of time from January 19, 2010
through June 30, 2010 at an estimated tuition cost calculated according to the attached Appendix A. The President
of the Board of Education is authorized to execute said contract.
#0910-183 Port Jefferson UFSD Health and Welfare Service Contract:
WHEREAS, the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District has been duly empowered by the provision of
Section 912 of the Education Law to enter into a contract for the purpose of providing health and welfare services
for children residing in the District and attending non-public schools in the Port Jefferson UFSD, and
WHEREAS, these services are provided during the school year of 2009-2010 and the contract ends on June 30,
2010 unless terminated earlier in accordance with terms set forth within the Agreement.
WHEREAS, at the rate of $707.28 per student, the total cost of this Agreement is $2,121.84 for three (3)
student(s), therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Shoreham Wading River Central School District hereby
approves the Health and Welfare Services Agreement between the District and Port Jefferson UFSD, for the 2009-
2010 school year. The Superintendent of Schools, President of the Board of Education are authorized to execute
this contract.
#0910-184 Uniondale UFSD Health and Welfare Service Contract:
WHEREAS, the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District has been duly empowered by the provision of
Section 912 of the Education Law to enter into a contract for the purpose of providing health and welfare services
for children residing in the District and attending non-public schools in the Uniondale UFSD, and
WHEREAS, these services are provided during the school year of 2009-2010 and the contract ends on June 30,
2010 unless terminated earlier in accordance with terms set forth within the Agreement.
Minutes of 5.4.10 2

WHEREAS, at the rate of $646.10 per student, the total cost of this Agreement is $646.10 for one (1) student,
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Shoreham Wading River Central School District hereby
approves the Health and Welfare Services Agreement between the District and Uniondale UFSD, for the 2009-
2010 school year. The Superintendent of Schools, President of the Board of Education are authorized to execute
this contract.
#0910-185 Revised Contract for Bobbi Ann De Pierro for Adult Education Course:
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District adopted Resolution No.
0910-074 which approved a contract between the District and Bobbi Ann De Pierro for Zumba Adult Education
classes;
WHEREAS, the class size has increased, which requires the maximum amount stated in the contract to be
increased from $1,800.00 to $3,850.00;
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District hereby approves a
revised contract between the District and Bobbi Ann De Pierro for Zumba Adult Education classes for the 2009-
2010 school year.
#0910-186 Revision of Resolution #0910-178:
WHEREAS, on April 27, 2010, the Board of Education of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District
approved Resolution no. 0910-178 which awarded the Health and Safety Improvement Project General Contractor
bid award to Excel Builders Group, Inc., Commack, New York, in the amount of $633,000;
WHEREAS, because of the low pricing associated with alternates # 1 – 5 (additional work projects), BBS
Architects has since recommended that it is cost effective, therefore in the District’s best interest, to add the
additional cost of alternates # 1 – 5 (additional work projects) at an increased cost of $55,300;
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District hereby approves
the Health and Safety Improvement Project bid award to Excel Builders Group, Inc., Commack, New York, in the
amount of $688,300.
#0910-187 Revision of Resolution #0910-181:
WHEREAS, on April 27, 2010, the Board of Education of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District
approved Resolution no. 0910-181 which awarded the Health and Safety Improvement Project installation of
lockers bid award to Nickerson Furniture, Equipment and Design Service, Bay Shore, New York in the amount of
$43,340;
WHEREAS, the bid award price should be $59,734;
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District hereby approves
the Health and Safety Improvement Project bid award to Nickerson Furniture, Equipment and Design Service, Bay
Shore, New York in the amount of $59,734.
#0910-188 Health and Safety Improvement Project Plumbing Contractor Bid Award:
WHEREAS, bids were advertised for a Plumbing Contractor for the Health and Safety Improvement Project to the
Middle School and Briarcliff Elementary School in our two (2) official newspapers and opened on April 6, 2010, at
3:00 PM and,
WHEREAS, bids were received from ten (10) vendors and,
WHEREAS, such bids have been reviewed by the District’s architect, BBS Architects and Engineers, LLC and the
Plant Facilities Administrator;
WHEREAS, BBS Architects and Engineers, LLC has recommended award to the lowest responsible bidder
meeting the specifications;
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education directs the school attorney to prepare appropriate contract
documentation for such award.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District
awards the bid for Plumbing Contractor to the following vendor at a total cost of $81,500:
Hirsch and Company, LLC
West Babylon, New York
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this bid award is subject to review of the District’s legal counsel and insurance
review for final approval by the District’s liability carrier, NYSIR.
Minutes of 5.4.10 3

Mr. Fucito asked if the increase in the amount of Resolution No. 0910-185 is reflected by an increase in revenue
due to enrollment; Dr. Copel answered yes.
A motion was made to accept Resolution Nos. 0910-182 through 188 by Mr. Fucito and seconded by Mr.
Greeley. The motion passed by a vote of 7-0.
VIII Personnel - May 4, 2010
(1) Instructional & Instructional Support Personnel (Certificated)
Appointment:
(1a) Rebecca R. Kunz Leave Replacement Special Education Teacher
Assignment
Miller Avenue
Type of Appointment
Regular Substitute
Effective Date April 22, 2010
End Date End of business on June 25, 2010
Certification
Students with Disabilities (Grades 5-9), Generalist in Middle
Education (Grades 5-9), Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6),
Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
Salary $100 per day and SWRTA, BA Step 1 $46,476 after completion of 40
work days in a 42 consecutive work day period (on the 41st day, and
retroactive to the 20th day)
Reason
N. Avignone Maternity Leave
Salary Revision:
(1b) Angela J. Costa Substitute
Assignment
Middle School
Type of Appointment
Regular Substitute
Effective Date December 2, 2009
End Date End of Business June 25, 2010
Certification Social Studies 7-12
Reason Temporary personnel policy ($100 per day and SWRTA, BA Step 1
($46,476) after completion of 40 work days in a 42 consecutive work
day period (on the 41st day, and retroactive to the 20th day)
(2) Support Staff Personnel (Civil Service & Non-Certificated)
Change of Status:
(2a) June A. Fusco Cook
Assignment
District-run school lunch program
Type of Appointment
Permanent
Effective Date May 19, 2010
Reason
completion of probation period and positive recommendation
(3) Other (Tenure Appointment, Co-Curricular, Salary Changes, Substitute Personnel, Community Programs,
School-Aged Child Care, etc.)
2009-2010 Per Diem Substitute Teachers ($100 per day)
(3a) Brooke E. Hunter- Certification: Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
(3b) Kathleen Schirmer- Certification: Pre Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Grades 1-6
Re-appointment for 2009-2010 School Year
(3c) Stephen R. Unger- Certification: Physical Education
July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010 Substitute Support Staff
Teaching Assistant/Aide; Monitor; Custodial/Maintenance, Grounds, Clerical/Switchboard
Teaching Assistant-$15.36/hour; Special Ed. Aide-$12.00/hour; Monitor-$10.18/hour; Custodian-$12.80/hour;
Clerical-$12.19/hour
(3d) Patricia A. Hauser- Substitute Support Staff: Clerical at Wading River Elementary
(3e) Kelly L. Rose- Substitute Support Staff: Lunch Monitor at Miller Avenue Elementary
2009-2010 SPRING COACH
(3f) Kevin B. O'Handley Spring Nautilis
Assignment
High School
Type of Appointment
Supervision
Effective Date May 5, 2010
End Date End of Business 6/25/2010
Reason
R. Feise vacancy
Salary to be pro-rated based on $4,536
B. Personnel Recommendations May 4, 2010-AMENDED
Minutes of 5.4.10 4

(2) Support Staff Personnel (Civil Service & Non-Certificated)
Resignation:
(2b) Ryan J. Longo Custodial Worker I
Assignment
High School
Effective Date end of business on May 4, 2010
2009-2010 HIGH SCHOOL SPRING CO-CURRICULAR
Appointment Correction:
(3f) Kevin B. O'Handley Spring Nautilus
Assignment
High School
Type of Appointment
Supervision
Effective Date May 5, 2010
End Date End of business June 25, 2010
Salary $1,512 (Pro-rated: $1,044.)
Reason
R. Feise vacancy
(3g) Robert M. Feise Spring Nautilus
Assignment
High School
Type of Appointment
Supervision
Effective Date March 1, 2010
End Date April 5, 2010
Salary $1,512 (Pro-rated: $468.)
A motion was made to approve the personnel recommendations with the amendment by Mr. Greeley and
seconded by Mr. Fucito. The motion passed by a vote of 7-0.
IX
X
XI
Communications
None
Discussion
None
Additional Comments from Residents
Ms. Linda Jutting, a Middle School teacher, asked if the proposed budget eliminated all field trips, even if there was
no cost to the District. The Board advised yes, however the Board can accept a donation from a PTO/PTA
targeted specifically for a field trip. Ms. Jutting suggested a simple bulleted list of facts, savings incurred, etc. be
sent to all residents; Mr. Ericson thought maybe this could be included in the Budget Newsletter due to be sent to
residents this week.
Mr. Bob Loumartin stated that in such a bad economy, if teachers are eliminated, administrators should also be
eliminated. Mr. Ericson responded by explaining how the District has significantly reduced the number of
administrators over the years. Mr. Ericson recognizes the financial problems of the District, and explained the
State Aid issues the District faces.
Mr. Rich Pluschau asked for an explanation of the revisions to the two (2) Health and Safety Improvement Project
resolutions; Dr. Copel explained. Since the District may have to borrow money by the summer, Mr. Pluschau
suggested restructuring summer expenses to prevent the District from borrowing; the Board explained the summer
expenses are payroll, which cannot be restructured. Mr. Pluschau suggested the District consider reviewing their
insurance policies with the possibility of canceling certain ones. Dr. Copel was unsure if insurance policies were a
mandated item, but will investigate.
Ms. Alisa McMorris agreed with Ms. Jutting that a bulleted list of facts, savings incurred, etc. should be sent to
residents and suggested adding the information pertaining to the reduction in administrators over the years. Ms.
McMorris asked about future State Aid; the Board was not aware of any new information pertaining to State Aid.
At 9:33 PM, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Mr. Greeley and second by Ms. Wild. The motion passed by a
vote of 7-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Date
Janice M. Seus, District Clerk
Minutes of 5.4.10 5