In a wierd twist at the Herricks School Board Organizational meeting, just after re-elected board president Paul Ehrbar nominated Christine Turner as his vice-president; after the nominations were closed trustee Turner asked if she could make a statement and since it was after the fact the answer was no. However, there was a chance to open nominations again and when that happened Turner nominated trustee Peter Grisafi for vice-president. Trustee Emilia Sutz said she thought he would not have the time to devote to the office, however he was elected.

On taking office Ehrbar thanked the board for their vote of confidence in him again and he said that he would try to convince Sutz, who was the sole dissenting vote against him, that he does a thorough job.

Trustee Sutz and Keith Dimarco both questioned the reappointment of John Grillo as district architect. The resolution was tabled, but not before it was agreed that whatever project he is currently working on be approved so that the projects could be completed.

The board moved then in quick succession through the other designations but had a lengthy discussion when the topic of the "official" newspaper was placed for a vote. Grisafi said he was not happy with the Williston Times. A long discussion ensued with DiMarco suggesting that perhaps the best course of action would be to place all the legal notices in Newsday. That suggestion was not well-received either and it was finally agreed that the official newspapers would be the Illustrated News; Herald Courier, in place of the Williston Times and Newsday..

Trustee Sutz commented that she would like the purchasing agent, who is Arline Visconti, to be bonded. Mrs. Visconti explained that she is already bonded for $100,000 and any greater amount would cost the district more money.

Trustee Turner was appointed Parliamentarian for the next school year, replacing Peter Grisafi, who is now vice-president.

It was suggested that longtime interested board member Andy Traska be appointed to BOCES Budget Advisory Committee, however, Peter Grisafi was appointed to that position.

After the reorganizational meeting the board then held its regular meeting and it was decided to postpone the Review of the Format of the Meetings. Currently, the meeting is called for 6:15 p.m. At that time the board goes over the first portion of the meeting including the review of the minutes, the warrants, the personnel report, etc. Then the board goes into executive session and returns for the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. At that portion of the meeting there is usually no one from the community in attendance.

Trustee Sutz felt that by breaking up the meeting that way it closed out of a portion of the meeting since the early hour. Trustee DiMarco stressed the fact that something has to be done to keep the meetings from extending into 1 and 2 a.m. and he felt something should be resolved to reconstruct the meetings so that does not continue to happen.

President Ehrbar said the main reason why the meeting was split was to try to make it shorter by going through the board business very fast.

After a discussion the board decided to not vote on the resolution and to try to reconstruct the meeting format to meet everyone's needs. It will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

There will only be one meeting of the Herricks School Board in August and that will be held on Aug. 12 at the Community Center, 999 Herricks Road, New Hyde Park. Please call the administration office for the exact time of that meeting.