"You can tell it's a holiday week," quipped Glen Cove Board of Education president Richard Tortorici at the BOE meeting of Monday, Nov. 19, after the board dispensed with a brief agenda in a mere 20 minutes.

Mr. Tortorici reported to the public about ongoing dialogue he, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Larry Aronstein and other school district representatives continue to have twice a month with County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi concerning ways to bring more money to, as well as cut expenses for, Nassau County's school districts. "The county is looking to combine services among districts," Mr. Tortorici said. At the most recent meeting, each district was given a survey to fill out as to what resources they believe could be combined, such as transportation, which would include rising fuel costs. He likened the approach to the county executive's plan to consolidate the sewer systems in the county.

In his Superintendent's Report, Dr. Aronstein expressed high praise for a meeting held last week at the middle school by FAME (Family Awareness Means Everything), a newly formed coalition which presented a panel discussion for the Spanish-speaking community. The meeting was well attended, said the superintendent, and he thanked board member Frank Bouza and his wife, as well as La Fuerza Unida for their involvement in the formation of the coalition.

Dr. Aronstein updated attendees on improvements being made to Connolly and Landing Schools. The long-awaited modular classrooms for Connolly "were delivered, placed on their cement footings and are attached," Dr. Aronstein said. "Preparations are continuing and we expect occupancy by the end of December." The superintendent said he has been told that the car for the elevator at Connolly School should be delivered within a week or so, and the elevator will be going up (and down) within three to four weeks following delivery.

Landing School's modulars are due to arrive within a week or so, continued Dr. Aronstein, and as they need less prep time than Connolly's to be made ready, installation should be done by mid-January.

Questions from the audience focused on one singular item: the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Program to the district, scheduled for the 2009-2010 school year. The subject has been explored and questioned repeatedly by parents and teachers since the board and administration expressed its interest in bringing the program to the district and voted to do so.

The IB program, according to its website, "aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who [will] help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect." The program works with schools to develop challenging and rigorous programs, which teach subjects to a greater depth than regular, Regents or Advanced Placement classes.

Parent Audrey Mazzeo expressed concern that, if instituted, the IB program will work to eliminate the AP program, which, she stated, is working very well. Mr. Tortorici remarked that the board has no plans to eliminate AP, but Ms. Mazzeo countered that students might not realize the difference and if a counselor encourages them to take an IB course by telling them to "try this, it's a little different," the AP classes will "start to dissipate." She expressed her desire to see AP continue.

Mr. Tortorici insisted that since the inception of the implementation of the IB program, the board has stated that it has no plans to stop the AP program. "Students will have both options," he said.

Parent and PTA Council president Zefy Christopoulos said that her utmost concern was with the "sustainability" of the program as well as student preparation for IB, which, she said, should begin at an elementary level.

Teacher Fran Krisch stated, as she has on numerous prior occasions, her position against instituting the IB program in Glen Cove schools and added that if the district can find money, either budgeted or through grants, to implement this new program, it might be better "to use that money to reduce class sizes, which can be 30 or more students" as well as use the money for research programs in science, math and the humanities. "IB is not the answer to the problems our schools have," she said.

Parent Brenda Weck questioned whether the board has voted to implement the IB program. Mr. Tortorici stated that the board did vote in favor of implementation, but due to a clerical error on the resolution (a wrong date), the vote will need to be taken again, to which Ms. Krisch said, "If you have to vote again, I implore the board to reconsider."

Dr. Aronstein announced that the district will host an informational evening, probably in March, at which time the administration and board will "clearly lay out all aspects related to the IB program" to parents, teachers, students and other members of the public who choose to attend. He expressed concern that there is "misinformation and confusion out there" about IB, including "the notion that it is an expensive program" and that at the informational meeting, "We will answer all issues in a straightforward and informative way." The public will be given advance notice of the meeting when the date is set.