After a very long, and a very thorough discussion, allowing everyone present to express a view, the Herricks School Board voted to continue the open school policy that allows high school juniors and seniors to leave the campus. However, there is one change.

Now, in order to leave the campus junior and senior high students must bring in a permission slip, signed by both the parents and the student, stating that they are aware that their son or daughter has permission to leave the grounds either at lunchtime or for a free period. Dr. Bierwirth explained that until now only those parents who did not wish to have their children leave the grounds had to write a note. Now, however, all parents must send a note to the school stating, in writing, that they allow their children to leave the campus or if they wish them to remain on campus. He stressed, over and over again, that the note must also be signed by the student so that there is no misunderstanding.

Plus, it was stressed that upper classmen are not permitted to transport any students in their cars who are not juniors or seniors and if they do so, and if they are caught, they will lose the privilege of an open campus.

If lower classmen disobey the rules and leave the campus with an upperclassman they will be severely punished as well and could possibly lose their right to an open campus when they come of age.

At the outset Dr. Bierwirth was questioned as to how he was going to enforce the rules. He said that since October the administration has been pretty strict with checking the identification cards of the students who are leaving. However, Dr. Bierwirth said he hoped that the students themselves would follow a "code of honor" and that the possibility of getting caught and being reprimanded will deter such actions. Dr. Bierwirth said, "I assume students will do what they are supposed to do and I assume they will abide by the rules. I can't see running the high school as a prison and I have no evidence that the vast majority of the students at the high school are not responsible. Let's assume they will do what they are supposed to do. If not they will experience severe penalties."

School board president Emilia Sutz asked Dr. Bierwirth if he thought the letters could be sent home and received back in time to enact the new policy in this semester.

Dr. Bierwirth said that in talking with other high school superintendents they commented that letters were never received back at such a rapid rate as the ones signed by the parents allowing their students to leave the campus. Dr. Bierwirth said, "I have no doubt in my mind that these letters will be returned very quickly. If they are not then the student will not be able to avail themselves of the privilege."

Many of the parents in the audience felt that the board should close the campus and not let any of the students leave.

Dr. Bierwirth pointed out that this could be done by stating in the letter that your child does not have permission to leave the campus. He said, "I believe, however, that part of what we should be doing in the school district is allowing students an increasing amount of responsibility. They are moving from being children to being adults and they need to take some responsibility for their own lives. I think it should be the parent's decision as to whether they feel their child should have that privilege. Who knows better than a parent if their child can make that decision in a rational way. I believe it makes sense to close the campus for freshmen and sophomores and have this open only for juniors and seniors."

Dr. Bierwirth said that he closed a campus because the school was located on an urban busy street and was too dangerous for students to leave. Another reason was complaints from food merchants in the area where the students were being disruptive to businesses during the lunch hour. Dr. Bierwirth added, "I have had no complaints from any such merchants since I have arrived. In fact, I can tell you I often buy my lunch in the same places as the students and I see them being very respectful and most of them have no idea who I am. I am very proud of the way they behave."

Many of the parents in the audience said that the time for lunch, approximately 45 minutes, was not long enough for students to leave and come back and many referred to the recent fatal accident. But many of the students in the audience said that time was not a factor in that accident. Some of the students said that even though they drive to school they sometimes do not leave for lunch because they want to take that time to study.

One mother said that she knows of students who are driving to and from school without valid driver's licenses but with just junior licenses and Dr. Bierwith said, "That is just plain stupid and assured her he would look into the allegation."

Possibly the most profound statement was made by Herricks School Board student representative, Katherine Healy, a senior, who said that her parents do not wish her to get in a car with anyone else and therefore have not signed permission for her to leave the campus. She said, "If a parent does not feel comfortable with students leaving the campus, or if they would worry too much, then it is their right to sign the letter refusing to give their student permission to avail themselves of an open campus situation. The decision is totally in the hands of the parents."

The board then, based on the fact that each parent has the right to make the decision for themselves whether or not to allow their student to leave the campus, voted to retain the "open campus" policy with the change as stated.

The school board introduced newly appointed John Marino as Interim Superintendent for Business. He will take the place of F. Ken Stubbolo who stepped in to "bridge the gap" between former Assistant Superintendent for Business Stephen Golas' resignation and the appointment of John Marino.

During the open portion of the board a resident wanted to know the status of hiring someone to head the Herricks Community Center.

Superintendent Dr. Bierwirth explained that former Assistant Superintendent for Business Stephen Golas was in charge of that project and since he is no longer with the district it will be necessary to start all over again with the search project. Dr. Bierwirth also said that a civil service list has just been received and the resident wanted to know if the position was a civil service one. Dr. Bierwirth said, "Every position in the district is a civil service position." He was questioned by the resident because the last person to hold the position was not a civil service employee.

Assistant Superintendent for Personnel, Dr. Ronald Barnes explained, "The last person in charge held a different position, a professional position, but it was in line with a lot of other things, but now the position to be filled must be done from a civil service list."

Dr. Bierwirth said that as soon as he has time he will sit down with newly appointed Interim Superintendent for Business John Marino and go over the situation with him. He will then help move the process along.

A new resident wanted to know the status of an all-day kindergarten. Board President Sutz explained that the district is in the process of adding 62 classrooms in the district at the various schools and when that project is completed it would be physically possible to have an all-day kindergarten, but that would depend on the upcoming school budget. She urged the resident to attend the upcoming budget hearings to fully understand the problems facing the district. She said that the district will "eventually" move to an all-day kindergarten, but that she did not know when that would be. She also added that the district consists of 70 percent of taxpayers who do not have children in the district. She said it was the responsibility of the board to balance and not overtax the people in the district.

She explained that the bond referendum passed by the residents for $24 million will start to show up on the tax bill. Further, the county is in the process of re-assessment and no one knows what impact that will have on taxes, coupled with the fact that Nassau County finances are in disrepair, no one is sure what impact that will have on taxes. Therefore, President Sutz urged all in attendance to make sure they attend the budget meetings so they will be informed of the finances in the school district.

A student in the audience was upset because a new rule has been enacted for the wind/ensemble and the chamber orchestra. Apparently now auditions are required, every year, to be able to play in the two groups. He said that it wasn't a requirement for either the Show Choir or for STAC and he said it was an insult. He said he didn't understand why auditions are now required for these two programs and not for the others. Dr. Bierwirth said he would look into it.

In next week's issue of the Illustrated News we will cover the Evaluation of the Gemini Program, the results of the Terra Nova Tests and the Complaints about School Personnel Policy.

The next board meeting will be held on Jan. 24 at the Herricks Community Center. A meeting with HAAS will be held at 6:30 p.m. and the regular meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. The agenda at the meeting will include: Construction update, International Baccalaureate Program, Student Representatives-review by high school and the possibility of a Middle School representative, Policy Review, Senior Year, Status of the Website and Budget Format.