Residents at the last New Hyde Park/Garden City Park School Board meeting voiced dissatisfaction with the board of education's agenda. They pointed out that the agenda did not have any explanation whatsoever regarding the items listed.

The residents were quiet throughout the recommended actions until the board opened comments to the public. One resident complained to the board that the names of substitute teachers were left off the agenda. And also that the teachers who resigned weren't listed either. Board President Louis Zacarese said that Samantha Fineman and Francine Frank were the teachers who submitted resignations to the board effective Aug. 2.

Newly appointed Superintendent Dr. Regina Cohn explained that when she first took office many teachers and staff members apprised her of a problem caused during the year due to the lack of substitute teachers. Therefore, she ran an ad in Newsday and for one solid day she conducted interviews and now has accrued a substantial list of substitute teachers to draw on during the year including those who wish to return from last year.

Residents wanted to know the amount of money involved in the item listed as "music rental bid." Assistant Superintendent Bonnie Palker informed them that the bids are basically for the fourth-graders at a cost of approximately $6,150, which is a self-sustaining, budgeted item.

Residents also wanted to know what the item listed as, "Additional compensation for administrators during the summer," entailed. Dr. Cohn explained that the State Education Department of New York now requires that school report cards be developed during the summer. This means that all the test results have to be reviewed by the school staff in order to verify that the information is correct. In order to accomplish that goal, Dr. Cohn had to call in principals and department heads to work on the project which is due in Albany in a few weeks.

Another resident wanted to know if this project would now be put into the budget. Zacarese said from now on it would and then commented, "This is just another example of an unfunded mandate."

At the request of yet another resident, Cohn went into great depth explaining the curriculum item on the agenda listed as, "Curriculum Writing" and "Adoption of Curriculum Mapping Modules." She said that the adoption of curriculum mapping modules is the result of an updated New York State math standard, grade-by-grade. Cohn said, "We will begin on Sept. 6 working with teachers in grades three, four, five and six. This is part of the 'No Child Left Behind' mandate issued by the federal government."

At the outset of the meeting Michael Peck, of School Construction, gave an update on the projects his crew has been working on during the summer that are covered under the original reconstruction bond. At Garden City Park, Hillside Grade, Manor Oaks and New Hyde Park Road Schools they are all getting masonry restoration. When that is completed the crew will do a power wash of the schools followed by water proofing. Then he outlined the work being done in each individual school.

At the New Hyde Park Road School the bus loop has been completely enlarged to make it easier for the buses and the curbs and sidewalks around it have been replaced. Further, the auditorium has had some minor renovation as well. The wallpaper has been removed and the walls painted. A new stage curtain is being installed as well as new window curtains. The stage area has been painted and a viewing handicapped area has been constructed in the gym. Plus, dry wells are being installed in the grassy areas in front of the school.

At the Garden City Park School all the fields are being renovated, complete with sprinkler systems, drainage and sod. The fields will then be fenced off until they can be used again. Plus, new cubbies will be installed in the school.

At the Hillside Grade School new drop ceilings and lights are being installed as well as exterior lighting.

The Manor Oaks School will have entry doors replaced. Hopefully they will be delivered and installed before the beginning of school. If not, the crew will install them when school is not in session. Peck concluded, "We are on schedule and on budget with everything that is being done."

Dr. Cohn introduced a new Special Education teacher Amaris Price, who she said has extensive experience with children with special needs.

A resident inquired as to the disposition of the school board seat vacated by Lawrence Montreuil. Zacarese said that the board has not made a decision yet, but will announce what they plan to do at the next meeting. The options are to leave the seat open, appoint a trustee or to hold a special election.

Another resident asked who maintains the grounds at the Garden City Park School and if it is in the budget. Zacarese replied that they have a district groundskeeper who is responsible for the grounds of all the schools. The resident was upset because he said that the grounds at GCP were not being maintained. Zacarese said he would follow 0p on the complaint.

The board approved the recommendation for the After School Program now to be administered by the Glen Cove YMCA.

Other approved items included the donation of fans by the Hillside Grade School PTA, a request to hold a fund-raiser and the approval to join the Nassau/Suffolk School Board Association. The board also voted to revise Administrative Rules and Regulations for the Use of School Premises.

School is set to open on Sept. 7. Grades 1-6 will be in session from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For further information, please call the school administration office at 352-6257, extension No. 221.

The board adjourned the meeting and went into executive session. The next regular school board meeting will be held on Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. at the Manor Oaks School, Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park.