99.

LAWRENCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Lawrence Middle School

Lawrence, NY 11559

The Regular meeting of the Lawrence Union Free School District Board of Education was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Asher Mansdorf, President. Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Michael Hatten, the Board immediately entered executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel.

At 9:00 p.m. upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Uri Kaufman, the Board left executive session and immediately reconvened public session.

Pledge Of Allegiance was led by Asher Mansdorf, President.

The following Board members were present: Asher Mansdorf, President (left meeting at 10:00 p.m., David Sussman, Vice President, Murray Forman, Pamela Greenbaum, Michael Hatten, Uri Kaufman and Stanley Kopilow.

Also present were: Dr. John T. Fitzsimons, Superintendent, Mrs. Elsie Friedman, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Dr. Vicki Karant, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Mr. Albert D’Agostino, School Counsel, Mrs. Alice Laino, District Clerk.

Dr. John Fitzsimons discussed the Universal Pre-Kindergarten RFP distribution and responses which were very low. Mrs. Pedersen stated that the length of the school year in private schools does not meet the 180 criteria necessary to qualify for the grant. Only one program responded and they are eligible. Mrs. Ann Pedersen answered questions about the Universal Pre-Kindergarten and the guidelines for the grant. The targeted pre-kindergarten that was previous offered has been removed. Mrs. Pedersen explained that the targeted program has been replaced with the Universal program and it prohibits any income requirement. An advertisement will be placed in the Nassau Herald about the transportation registration for non public pre-kindergarten. Mr. David Yaker and several of the BOND Program students from the high school came to share their experience of ALS Walk for Life. The students walked 7 ½ miles and raised $2,250 for the cause. They walked with Patients with ALS and pushed wheel chairs. They are anxious to take part in the event every year going forward and will bring the plight of ALS to the district every year. Dr. Fitzsimons stated that he met with staff, faculty and students in an exit interview to see what we are doing right or wrong or what we can do better. The students felt concern for the school going forward. They are afraid that great teachers will be leaving because they are not appreciated. Another suggestion from the students was to find a way to have interaction with the private schools and bring the students together. Dr. Karant gave a brief overview of the math scores for grades 3-8. We are above the average with sixth grade scoring 3 and 4. The #5 School and #6 School have been recognized as making adequate yearly progress. We need to create a Math Committee and take action, create curriculum for math and look at the textbooks being used. We will take a pro-active approach to see where we are going wrong and fix it. At the Middle School level the sixth grade will now be teams of three teachers instead of two teachers. This way the teachers will become more specialized in their area of teaching. The math will be supported by programs implemented that analyze information and will help the teacher work with the the students. AIS will also be used to support the students. A board member questioned the reason that Lawrence is always on the bottom of the charts in test scores. He feels the board should see lesson plans every week. John Piccarella spoke about the Three Year Technology Plan required by the state to be presented and adopted every three years. The plan calls for the replacement of a large number of work stations that are outdated, new network servers and a new phone system. We will use the hybrid system recommended to take advantage of the broad band. The telephone consultant did an analysis of the phone system in the district and gave their recommendation based on our needs. The next step is to do the RFP and analyze the responses. They have submitted a contract for the services which is being presented for board approval tonight. They do not sell systems. A board member asked why we would not go to another source for an estimate. We have the Lightpath which means they own the infrastructure throughout the district. We could go out to bid to try to get a lower price. We would go with a consultant because they have nothing to gain. They do not sell or install any of the systems so they have no interest in the outcome except client satisfaction. John Piccarella was asked if, in his opinion, the RFP and management of the system should be done by a consultant or a vender. He replied that the RFP should be done by a consultant and the management should be maintained by the district. The contract is on the agenda to be voted on.

Superintendent Report and Presentations Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program BOND Program ALS Walk Exit Interviews with Students and Staff NYS Math Scores 100. Three Year Technology Plan Telephone System

There was discussion about the guidelines and the children walking to bus stops and getting off buses if no one is a the corner or the central pick up for the child. The eligibility age of the children to ride the bus is four years old. A child can attend school if four by December 1, 2007, can not ride the bus until he/she is four. The deadline for registering for transportation is July 16. There is possibility of the buses doing house stops. The savings on the low CPI rate would reduce the estimated cost and possibly allow for adding house stops.

Pre-Kindergarten Transportation Guidelines

Our policy and regulation #5140 has to be revised because it required financial information or social need such as sickness in the home. The policy & regulation has to be revised because the state is clear that no financial or social guideline can exist to qualify to be eligible for the UPK Grant.

First Review of Policy & Regulation #5140-Initial Entrance into School

Several members of the audience thanked the out going board members, Asher Mansdorf and Pamela Greenbaum, for their dedication and service to the children of the district and to the community. Dr. Fitzsimons presented them with plaques for their outstanding service. Pamela Greenbaum and Asher Mansdorf made speeches about their tenure and thanked their supporters.

First Community Comment

101.

Upon proper motions and seconds the following resolutions have been approved unanimously, unless properly noted:

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Uri Kaufman, the Board of Education unanimously approved the April 2007 Treasurer’s Report per enclosure IV.A.

Treasurer’s Report

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Uri Kaufman, the Board of Education unanimously approved the Budget Transfers Over $25,000 as presented on enclosure IV.B. From Business, $550,000 to transportation From PPS, $185,000 for OT & PT services. From Curriculum, $40,000 for professional publications.

Budget Transfers Over $25,000

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Uri Kaufman, the Board of Education unanimously approved contracts as presented on enclosure IVC.1.a.-d. 1. Business Contracts a. Triad Group, LLC -Workers’ Compensation coverage 7/1/07 – 6/30/08 b. Manhasset Public Schools, Health & Welfare Services 2006-2007 c. Great Neck UFSD, Health & Welfare Services 2006-2007 d. BOCES CO-SER Agreement Contract - Food management Services Project The BOCES Contract must be reviewed by school counsel and be in a form acceptable to school counsel

Contracts C.1.a-d. (note: (d.) must be in a form acceptable to Counsel)

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Michael Hatten, the Board of Education accepted purchase order over $50,000 as presented on enclosure IV.D. Increase 2006-07 BOCES P.O. #48614 by $66,482 for training and coordination of a Point of Sale System.

Purchase Orders over $50,000

Upon motion by Uri Kaufman and seconded by Michael Hatten, the Board of Education accepted the Bid #13 per enclosure IV.E. Bid# Vendor Purpose Amount Recommendation 13 More Contracting Roof Repair $80/hour Labor Approve $110/hour Overtime $150/hour Holidays Vote: Yes – 5 No- 0 Abstain – 1 (U. Kaufman)

Bids

Upon motion by Uri Kaufman and seconded by Michael Hatten, the Board of Education accepted the required Three Year Technology plan for 2007-2010 as presented on enclosure IV.H.

Three Year Technology Plan

Upon motion by Uri Kaufman and seconded by Michael Hatten, the New York/Island Cooperative Bid was accepted as presented per enclosure IV.F.

NY/Island Cooperative Bid

102.

Upon motion by Uri Kaufman and seconded by Michael Hatten, the Board of Education accepted the following resolution contingent upon school counsel review and approval (per enclosure IV.G.) Upon proper motion and second the Board of Education appoints Fortune Consulting, to assist the district through the development and selection process of the RFPs at a cost not to exceed $8,400. And, upon the implementation of a contract that is deemed acceptable to Fortune Consulting and to the district counsel. If at a later date the Board wishes to secure the services of Fortune Consulting to perform additional duties such as managing and implementing the project, the scope and the fees will be negotiated at that time.

Resolution for Fortune Consulting to Develop RFP and Assist in implementation of Telephone System

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Stanley Kopilow, the Board of Education accepted the resignation of the professional staff per enclosure V.B.1.

Resignations: Professional Staff

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Stanley Kopilow, the Board of Education accepted the Leave of Absence as presented per enclosure V.D.

Leaves of Absences

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Stanley Kopilow, the Board of Education accepted Professional Appointments as presented on enclosure V.F.1.

Appointments: Professional

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Stanley Kopilow, the Board of Education accepted the change of employment for Professional Staff as presented on enclosure V.F.1.a.

Change of Employment Status

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Stanley Kopilow, the Board of Education accepted the Civil Service Appointments as presented per enclosure V.F.2.

Appointments: Certificated Staff

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Stanley Kopilow the Board of Education accepted the resolution for compensation of District Clerk if held over in position for month of July per enclosure V.F.2.a.

Hold Over of District Clerk to the Position until July 31, 2007

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Stanley Kopilow, the Board of Education accepts the recommendation that Alice Laino’s Leave of Absence from the former Stenographer position be extended through July 31, 2007.

Extension of Leave of Absences

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Stanley Kopilow, the Board of Education accepted the Extra Compensation appointments as presented per enclosure V.G.

Extra Compensation

103

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Stanley Kopilow, the Board of Education accepted the Summer School Appointments as presented per enclosure V.H.

Extra Compensation Summer School

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Stanley Kopilow, the Board of Education accepted Civil Service Summer School Appointments as presented per enclosure V.I.

Civil Service Summer School

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Uri Kaufman, the Board of Education accepted the 2009-2010 School Calendar as presented per enclosure V.J.

School Calendar 2009-2010

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Uri Kaufman, the Board of Education of the Lawrence Union Free School District accepted the Recommendations of the Committees on Pre-School & Special Education regarding the provision of special education services as presented on enclosure VI.A.

Special Education Recommendation

Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Uri Kaufman, the Board of Education accepted the minutes as presented for May 29, 2007, June 5, 2007, June 11, 2007.

Minutes

Upon motion by Uri Kaufman and seconded by Pamela Greenbaum, the Board of Education accepted the revised Board of Education meeting dates for 2007-2008 as presented on enclosure VII.B.

Adoption of Revised 2007-2008 Board of Education Meeting Dates

The Board of Education defeated a resolution by Stanley Kopilow and seconded by Pamela Greenbaum, to accept the Draft Guidelines for the Pre-Kindergarten Bussing as presented. The resolution was defeated by a majority vote. Vote: Yes – 2 No- 4 (D.Sussman, U. Kaufman, M. Hatten, M. Forman)

Defeated Guidelines for Pre-Kindergarten Bussing

Stanley Kopilow motioned to table the Guidelines for Pre-Kindergarten Bussing until all the matters could be addressed and firmer numbers for kids and costs could be established. Pamela Greenbaum, seconded the motion to table. Vote: Yes – 2 No-4(D.Sussman, U. Kaufman, M. Hatten, M. Forman)

Defeated Motion to Table Guidelines for Pre-Kindergarten Bussing

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Murray Forman, the Board of Education accepted the Guidelines for Pre-Kindergarten Bussing with revisions to the fifth bullet to be changed from “corner stops and central pick up” to now read “house stops” for all pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children with no matrons. Vote: Yes - 4 No-2 (P. Greenbaum & S. Kopilow) Pamela Greenbaum asked that the minutes reflect that the costs of house stops and corner and central pick ups were discussed prior to the May vote and that house stops were cost prohibitive and therefore not included in the budget or proposition.

Accepted Revised Guidelines for Pre-Kindergarten Bussing

The board acknowledged receipt of the following items: Warrant Report # 21 Budget Summary by Function –April 2007 Revenue Status Report – April 2007

Informational: Warrants Budget Summary by Function Revenue Status Report

104.

The floor was opened to the public for second comment. Parents and community members extended more good wishes and thanks to Asher Mansdorf and Pamela Greenbaum and to the outgoing District Clerk. Members of the community reminded the Board that they have a responsibility to the public school children and public school issues. A parent expressed concern that middle school programs and student involvement needs to be looked at. Pat Pizzarelli spoke about end of the year sports events and thanked the Board for continually supporting the athletic programs of the district.

Public Comment

The meeting adjourned at 11:40p.m. Upon motion by Pamela Greenbaum and seconded by Stanley Kopilow and unanimously accepted.

Adjourn

Respectfully Submitted,

Alice Laino

District Clerk