ENCLOSURE

BOARD OF EDUCATION

LAWRENCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MINUTES

ORGANIZATION MEETING/SPECIAL MEETING

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 8:00 P.M.

Auditorium, Middle School

At 8:00 p.m. Alice Laino, District Clerk, Temporary Chairperson, called the Organization/Special meeting of the Board of Education of the Lawrence Union Free School District to order at 8:00 p.m.

Pledge Of Allegiance was led by Alice Laino.

The following Board members were present: Solomon Blisko, Murray Forman, Michael Hatten, Uri Kaufman, Stanley Kopilow, Nahum Marcus, David Sussman.

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

District Clerk, Alice Laino, stated that newly elected Board Trustee Nahum Marcus took the oath of office on Monday, July 2, 2007.

Newly elected Board Trustees Solomon Blisko and David Sussman were asked to stand to be administered the oath of office.

Elected Board Members

The floor was open for nominations for the position of President of the Board of Education. David Sussman nominated Murray Forman for President. Uri Kaufman seconded the nomination. No other nominations offered, the floor was closed to nominations. Murray Forman was elected by a majority vote 6 Yes,

1 - Abstain - (S. Kopilow.)

Nomination & Vote for President of Board of Education

The floor was open for nominations for the position of Vice President of the Board of Education. Uri Kaufman nominated David Sussman for Vice President. Michael Hatten seconded the nomination. Seeing no other nominations offered, the floor was closed to nominations. David Sussman was elected by a majority vote 5 -Yes, 2 - Abstain ( S. Kopilow, D. Sussman.)

Nomination & Vote for Vice President of Board of Education

The oath of office was administered by Alice Laino, District Clerk to Murray Forman as President and to David Sussman as Vice President of the Board of Education.

Oath of Office administered to President and Vice President Of Board Of Education

The Temporary Chairperson turned over to newly elected President Murray Forman.

Upon proper motions and seconds, unless noted, the vote is unanimous.

The District Clerk as approved at the June 19 meeting is held over until August 1, 2007 and removed from the appointment list.

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Uri Kaufman the Schedule of Appointments (enclosure 1.1.4.) with recommended changes as stated Erlich Fraser and Feldman Legal Counsel for special Education is removed and Minerva and D’Agostino is being presented as both general counsel and counsel for special education. Additionally the other appointments presented stand.

Appointment of Extra Classroom Internal Auditor, Claims Auditor, Independent Auditor, Internal Auditor, Physician, legal Counsel, Bond Counsel, Financial Advisory Service, Purchasing Agent and Alternate, Payroll Certification Officer, Records Management Officer, Record Access Officer, Pesticide Notification Officer and SAVE Officer, LEA Designee, District Treasurer, Homeless Liaison(Enclosure 1.1.4).

Vote: 6 - Yes 1-No (S. Kopilow)

Schedule of Annual Appointments

As the District Clerk is being held over until July 31, 2007, she does not need to be sworn in. The Treasurer, Internal Auditor and Claims Auditor will be administered the Oath of Office on Wednesday or Thursday by the District Clerk.

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Uri Kaufman, the Board of Education approved $100 petty cash funds are to be established in the following locations of the District: each Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Superintendent's Office, Curriculum Office, Human Resources Office, Business Office, Cafeterias. Custodians of the petty cash funds shall be designated by the administrator of each building or office. Such designee shall be submitted by name to the Superintendent of Schools no later than September 15, 2007.

Establishment Of Petty Cash Funds

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Uri Kaufman, the Board of Education authorized the Purchasing Agent, Assistant Superintendent for Business, and Superintendent as alternate to open and publicly read bids.

Authorization to Open Bids

Upon motion by Uri Kaufman and seconded by David Sussman, the Board of Education designates Nassau Herald and/or South Shore Record and/or Newsday as the official newspapers to receive legal notices for publication.

Designation of Newspapers for Legal Notices

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Uri Kaufman, the following resolution was accepted. By a vote 6 Yes and 1-No (S. Kopilow)

Stanley Kopilow asked for a discussion regarding the reason the Signature Bank is not listed as a depository if it is being considered as a bank to receive the money from the sale of the Number One School.

The Resolution was later amended by Stanley Kopilow and seconded by David Sussman and unanimously accepted to amend the list of approved depositories to include the Signature Bank.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the following banks be designated as depositories of the Lawrence Union Free School District:

1. Bank of America 3. North Fork Bank

2.The J.P. Morgan Chase Bank 4. Signature Bank

District Funds Other Than Payroll

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that District funds in said depositories are subject to withdrawal on checks signed by the Treasurer;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the absence or inability of the Treasurer, the Board President is authorized to sign; and

Payroll Account

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that checks on the Payroll Account may be signed manually or by machine by the Treasurer signing alone; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the absence or inability of the Treasurer, the Board President is authorized to sign; and

All Accounts

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all signatures may be signed manually or by machine; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Treasurer, Assistant Superintendent for Business and the accounting office Account Clerk for Business be allowed to utilize available electronic technology to make the following transactions: Transfers between Lawrence Union Free School District accounts within and between approved depositories, the Depository Trust Company, Nassau County

BOCES and the New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal for the purpose of maximizing the management of district cash reserves.

Designation of Banks as depositories,

District Funds, Payroll Account, All Accounts

After discussion with Elsie Friedman about the limit being set with a lower threshold and the explanation offered, the following motion was presented and accepted.

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Uri Kaufman, Be It RESOLVED, the Superintendent of Schools is hereby authorized to make transfers up to a limit of $25,000 within and between unit appropriations as prescribed by regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

Authorization to Transfer Of Funds up to $25,000

Upon motion by Uri Kaufman and seconded by David Sussman, Be It RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools is hereby authorized to make all end-of-year transfers as deemed necessary.

Authorization to make End of Year Transfers

David Sussman stated he felt the Dollar amount for the purchase orders before needing board approval was high and suggested that it should be lowered. Elsie Friedman stated that the amount is reasonable and could create accounting problems if all purchase orders are withheld for board approval. She explained the claims auditor reviews the purchase orders and any claims before the checks are released and the Board receives copies of the warrants if they want an explanation.

Michael Hatten presented a resolution to table the resolution as presented until the board received the recommendation from the internal auditor regarding the appropriate dollar amount of purchase orders that should be presented to the board for approval prior to payment. The resolution was seconded by David Sussman accepted unanimously.

Be It Resolved, that all purchase orders above $50,000 shall be presented to the Board of Education for approval.

Tabled: Board to Approve Purchase Orders Over $50,000

Upon motion by Uri Kaufman and seconded by David Sussman the resolution was accepted unanimously.

Be It Resolved, the reimbursement of mileage expense rate for 2007-2008 will be at the rate set by the Internal Revenue Service.

Reimbursement for In-District Use of Car

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Stanley Kopilow with the understanding that if necessary the amounts specified in the resolution would be increased or decreased based on the information Elsie Friedman obtains from the Bonding source and other districts. The motion was accepted unanimously.

Be It Resolved, that the following be bonded in the amounts shown: Treasurer ($2.2 Million), Assistant Superintendent for Business ($2.2 Million) Claims Auditor $500,000), Internal Auditor ($500,000), Extra-Classroom Activity Advisor ($100,000), Extra Classroom Internal Auditor & Central Treasurer ($100,000).

Bonding of the Following Positions for Amounts Stated

Upon motion by Uri Kaufman and seconded by David Sussman, On enclosure 1.15 the Adult Learning Center rates portion was tabled until information regarding the last salary increase for Adult Learning Center teachers could be researched by Dr. Karant. All other items were accepted per enclosure 1.15.

Vote: 6 Yes 1 No (S. Kopilow)

Tabled: Substitute and Adult Learning Center Rates

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Uri Kaufman, Appointments Pursuant To Part 200 Of The Commissioner’s Regulations And IDEA 2006-2007 are accepted as presented per enclosure1.16.

Appointments Pursuant To Part 200 Of The Commissioner’s Regulations And IDEA

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Uri Kaufman the following resolution was accepted unanimously.

Be it Resolved, that the District Clerk shall use the rotational list of Impartial Hearing Officers as presented and in the order they appear on the State Education Department Website. Impartial Hearing Officers from the State Education Department Website shall be notified immediately of our request for an impartial hearing. Within 24 hours the Impartial Hearing Officer must indicate a willingness to serve as an impartial hearing officer for Lawrence School District matters.

Selection And Notification Of Impartial Hearing Officers

Upon motion by Uri Kaufman and seconded by David Sussman the following resolution was accepted unanimously.

Be It Resolved, the Board of Education of the Lawrence Union Free Schools District hereby authorizes the President of the Board of Education, or in his/her absence the Vice President of the Board of Education, as its designated Board member for the purpose of approving the appointment of an Impartial Hearing Officer from the S.E.D. rotational list provided by the State Education Department.

Authorization to Appoint Impartial Hearing Officers

Upon the completion of the Reorganization portion of the meeting, the Board of Education entered the regular business portion of the meeting still remaining in public session.

Dr. Vicki Karant gave a brief overview of the Administrative Retreat that took place at the Inwood Firehouse for two days and the third day in room 249 of the Middle School. The principals and assistant principals, directors, psychologists and counselors were all present. One day a speaker, Philip Smith was present to discuss difficult behavior in students. The presentation was comprehensive and engaging and the feedback was extremely positive. Recognition goes to ALA as they graciously paid for lunch each of the days.

A math consultant is being sought as new curriculum for pre albergia is being developed over the summer by a committee of highly qualified math teachers and a new textbook has been selected for math. There was discussion about the process being used to select the consultant.

Superintendent’s Report

A consent agenda was used to vote on the following resolutions. Upon motion by Uri Kaufman and seconded by David Sussman the following resolutions were offered and accepted unanimously unless noted otherwise.

The Board of Education accepted the May 2007 Treasurer’s Report as presented on enclosure III.A.

Treasurer’s Report

The Board of Education accepted the budget transfers presented on enclosure II.B.

Business, $350,342.65 to adjust payroll allocations.

Budget Transfers over $25,000

The Board of Education accepted the contracts presented on enclosure III.C.

Business Related Contracts – Enclosures

a. West Hempstead UFSD, Health & Welfare Services 2006-2007

b. Uniondale UFSD, Health & Welfare Services 2006-2007

c. Westbury UFSD, Health & Welfare Services 2006-2007

d. The Omni Group, Administrative and IRS tax-compliant remitting services for the District’s elective and non-elective 403(b) tax-deferred investment program, July 1, 2007- June 30, 2008.

e. Coughlin, Foundotos, Cullen & Danowski, Independent Auditor for year ended June 30, 2008 (listed on Appointment sheet)

Contracts: Business Related

The Board of Education approved the purchase orders as presented on enclosure III.D.

Vendor Purpose Amount

Coughlin Foundotos 2007-08 External Auditor $52,400.00

Dell Marketing, P.P. computers for HS $66,200.00

Purchase Orders Over $50,000.

The Board of Education approved the Bids as presented on enclosure III.E.

Bid# Vendor Purpose Amount Rec. Action

1 Various Musical Supplies Various Approve

2 Gil Breines Repair of String Instruments Various Approve

Lewis Music Repair of Brass/Wood.Instr. Various Approve

3 Universal Sheet Music 26.6% disc. Approve

4 Jade Music Rental of Musical Instr. Various Approve

5 Young Equip. Auditorium Seating Repairs $12,488. Approve

6 Chartwells Food Service Management Per Enclosed Approve

Bids Approved

6.

The Board of Education adopted the Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the school year July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008, as established by the Federal Government and presented on enclosure III.F.

Income Eligibility Guidelines For Free and Reduced Price Meals 2007-2008

Upon Motion by David Sussman and seconded by Uri Kaufman,

The Board of Education of the Lawrence Union Free School District tabled the Recommendations of the Committees on Pre-School & Special Education regarding the provision of special education services as presented on enclosure III.A. as Nahum Marcus stated that there are errors to the services of all the children. The Board will go into executive session after the remainder of the agenda is acted on. (approved at end of meeting)

TABLED:Committee On Special Education Recommendations

A consent agenda was used to vote on the following Personnel resolutions. Upon motion by Uri Kaufman and seconded by David Sussman the following resolutions were offered and accepted unanimously.

The Board of Education accepted the Professional Staff Resignations as presented on enclosure V. B.1.

Resignations: Professional Staff

The Board of Education accepted the Civil Service Staff Resignations as presented on enclosures V.B.2.

Resignations: Civil Service Staff

The Board of Education accepted the professional appointments as presented on enclosure V.F.1.

Appointments: Professional Staff

The Board of Education accepted the change of employment status per enclosure F.1.a.

Change of Employment Status

The Board of Education accepted civil service appointments as presented on enclosure V.F.2.

Appointments: Civil Service Staff

The Board of Education approved Summer School Appointments as presented on enclosure V.G.

Extra Compensation

The Board of Education approved contract as presented on enclosure V.H.

Substitute Service Contract

The Board of Education accepted the civil service summer school appointments per enclosure V.I.

Summer School Appointments

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Uri Kaufman the following resolution was accepted unanimously.

It Is Hereby Resolved that the Board President is hereby authorized to attend the closing of title with respect to the sale of the Number One School and is further authorized to make, execute and deliver a deed to the subject premises, together with such other and further documentation as may be required in accordance with the contract of sale ratified and approved by the voters on August 7, 2006 and the stipulation of settlement in the matter of New Central Realty, LLC v. Lawrence UFSD (Supreme Court, Nassau County - Index Number 6300/07), which stipulation was “so ordered” by the Court. VI.A.

Resolution: Sale of Number One School

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Uri Kaufman the following resolution was accepted unanimously.

It Is Hereby Resolved that the board president and board counsel are authorized to arrange for the payment of the brokerage commission to the Greiner-Maltz Company of Long Island, Inc. in accordance with the agreement between Greiner-Maltz and the district authorized by the board of education by resolution adopted on November 15, 2005, said brokerage commission to be in the amount of $900,000.00. VI.B.

Resolution: Payment to Real Estate Broker

Stanley Kopilow asked why the recommendation for tax reduction reserve fund was being made for five years when the law allows for spreading it over ten years. He wanted to know if he had spoken with board members and who they were because no on had spoke to him.

Stanley made a motion to have the tax reduction reserve fund extended from five years to ten years. There was no second. The motion did not carry.

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Uri Kaufman the following resolution was accepted by a majority of the vote.

It Is Hereby Resolved that the Board of Education hereby establishes a reserve for tax reduction pursuant to Education Law Section 1709(37) and further directs that the full proceeds of the sale of the Number One School, net the brokerage commission, be and the same shall be deposited in such reserve for tax reduction, and it is further Resolved that such reserve funds shall be invested and reinvested pursuant to the provisions of Education Law Section 1723(a) and, further, that the funds contained therein shall be so utilized to reduce real property school taxes in the district over a period not to exceed five (5) years.

Yes – 6 No- 1(S.Kopilow)

Resolution: Establish a Reserve for Tax Reduction

Dr. Fitzsimons said that he supports a tax reserve fund as a device to hold the funds until a capital repair fund and or a capital projects reserve fund is established. He feels strongly that the terms should be expended to the ten years. There is nothing that would preclude them from using it before hand.

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Uri Kaufman the following resolution was accepted unanimously.

It Is hereby Resolved that the board of education hereby establishes an account in connection with the reserve for tax reduction pursuant to Education Law Section 1709(37) with the North Fork Bank, located at 275 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, NY 11747 and further directs that the full proceeds of the sale of the Number One School, net of brokerage commission, be and the same shall be deposited in such account labeled “Reserve for Tax Reduction”; and it is further

RESOLVED that such reserve funds shall be invested and reinvested pursuant to the provisions of Education Law Section 1723(a) and, further, that the funds contained therein shall be so utilized to reduce Funds to reduce real property school taxes in the district over a period not to exceed five (5) years.

Resolution: Establish an Account in Connection with Reserve for Tax Reduction

On motion of David Sussman, seconded by Uri Kaufman, it is hereby resolved that the board president is herby authorized to execute, acknowledge and deliver the “rant of Easement” to the Board of Trustees of the peninsula Public Library, annexed to and made a part of the contract of sale as “Schedule “B”, with respect to the sale of the Number 1 school, and is further authorized to make, execute and deliver such other and further documentation as may be required in accordance with the contract of sale ratified and approved by the voters on August 7, 2006 and the stipulation of settlement in the matter of New Central Realty LLC v. Lawrence UFSD (Supreme Court, Nassau County (Index Number 8300/07), which stipulation was “so ordered” by the court.

Yes – 6 No – 1 (S. Kopilow)

Library Easement

UriKaufman left the meeting at 9:10 p.m.

Several residents asked about the capital repairs needed and the fact that the operating budget had no money in it for repairs; the technology plan is not up to speed; the need move forward with the building repairs now with the sale of Number One School completed. The board are reminded they must uphold their oaths of office.

Public Comment

The following informational items were presented to the Board of Education; no action was required.

Warrant #22, #12MR, #23

Budget Summary by Function-May 2007

Revenue Status Report – May 2007

Informational Items:

Budget Summary By Function, Revenue

Status Report, Extra Classroom Activity Funds

At 9:30 p.m., upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Stanley Kopilow the Board entered executive session to discuss CSE services. Murray Forman stated that the board would not vote on anything after the executive session, except the CSE placements if there is an acceptable resolve in the executive session.

10:10 p.m. Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Stanley Kopilow the board reconvened public session.

Upon motion by David Sussman and seconded by Michael Hatten, it was resolved letters to the schools stating that the services would start the first day of school, along with a letter to the parents stating that if it is not possible for the school to accommodate the district with a place to administer the students service the district is not held responsible. This motion carried with a unanimous vote (6 yes).

At 10:12 p.m. upon motion to by David Sussman seconded by Stanley Kopilow, the meeting adjourned.

Executive Session

Into Public Session

Approved the CSE Placements with the stated changes

Adjourn

Respectfully submitted,

Alice Laino

District Clerk