The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a partial approval of the August 18 Board of Education (BOE) minutes. Then, approximately 31 residents were present for a resolution to accept a gift of over $74,000 from the Tower Foundation. The gift was divided into four separate parts earmarked for the four different schools and the principal of each school was present, most grateful for their gift from Joe Janik, Tower Foundation president. The middle school received $8,700 to give the school a softer, less secondary school look, by adding framed posters, bulletin boards and hallway improvements. The transition should be completed by the Open House in September. The high school received $23,600 to replace the 40-year-old grand piano which can no longer be repaired. In past attempts to reduce spending, a new piano had never made the cut. All were invited to attend the next musical production and witness for themselves what a great asset it will be in future performances. Shelter Rock received $17,500 for five presentation stations, which are large multi-media cabinets. Munsey Park is slated to receive $25,000 for a classroom within the library as soon as the legal issues are addressed. Tom Maimone, school board president, thanked the Tower Foundation, on behalf of the board and the entire school, for their tremendous generosity.

Next on the agenda was the recognition of the members of the Shared Decision-Making Committees. Robert Feirsen, deputy superintendent, explained how, in each school, anyone involved in the education of children including teachers, parents, administrators, clerical workers and in some cases students, come together for shared decision making on issues of importance. Years ago the state mandated that such a group be formed but in most places it is a mandate that has been more or less forgotten, but in Manhasset it took hold. There is no set agenda, and each year improvements are made as a result of the combined input. For example, in the middle school, Saturday Night Live needs some work and each sector of the group has a different perspective, which makes the tune up more likely to succeed. Also, Richard McMahon, middle school principal, said the committee is evaluating how time spent at recess can be improved. William Stark, high school principal, said that the Shared Decision-Making Committee is evaluating the honors override program, setting new policy on dropping a course, shifting from letter grades to numerical grade point averages in senior year and Mr. Stark said how fortunate he is to have the team to help deal with these issues. Dr. Jean Kendall, principal of Munsey Park, and her committee dealt with safety issues at the school and infringements on instructional time. Shelter Rock Principal Robert Geczik said his team focused on their character education program and its effectiveness. This month the different Shared Decision-Making Committees will meet and discuss what to do -what is important and what is meaningful to the children. Each school recognized their committee members with certificates and Tom Maimone said, "the board recognizes their efforts and it is a great way for parents to get involved. Many ideas begin in this forum." Later someone asked how those committees impact the school budget and was told that they are a source of ideas, that when formulated go through the usual channels.

At this point 20 minutes were allotted for public comment, which occurred after the exodus of most of those involved in the recognition of the Shared Decision-Making Committees. Questions were asked on how dropping courses affects class size and Dr. Feirsen explained that the new initiatives restrict the range of options and shorten the window of opportunity.

Paul Early had questions about the transportation study that had been completed in August 2003. He said that he had difficulty getting answers from the administration and asked the board for clarification. He wanted to know if recommendations made in the study had been followed. He also commented on special education mandates which, he said, seem to cost more in Manhasset than other districts which receive the same services. Tom Maimone answered the transportation issue by saying that the walking distance had been increased when the referendum on the ballot in June narrowly passed. The district is no longer involved with the Herricks School District buses. He said that they discuss transportation issues constantly and that the board had attacked the overtime situation and was making inroads. Currently the board is entertaining bids to completely outsource transportation, which is complicated and cannot be done rashly.

Dr. Feirsen addressed the special education component of the question and said that rates are not pulled out of the air, that other districts pay the same. If a child has significant disabilities, for which the district has no programs, then concessions must be made or face significant legal challenges. Later Dr. Bozzomo added that in the past, parents were able to select their own provider but there is now a list of approved special education providers from which parents must select. It enables the district to better control costs and services.

Other varied issues covered during the meeting were the facility visitation requirement which states that at some point over the course of the year the board visit each facility to have a more in-depth knowledge of each school. The future of Adult Education under an austerity budget was discussed. A study is being conducted as to how other districts handle the program and, in addition, Brenda Damiani, in the Community Services Department, is going to talk specifically to schools operating under austerity. Complicating the issue is the short time line because the Adult Education brochures are distributed in the fall. Drivers' Education is not fully funded so students will be charged a fee for the course. Dr. Bozzomo said that everything from field trips to sports is under the microscope. Those running events, he said, "are committed to stay within their budget."

Robyn Mandor, assistant superintendent for personnel, discussed the contract with Pro-fit, athletic trainers, who work for 20 hours at one price and above 20 hours at a higher rate. Effort will be made to monitor the first 20 hours and a limited number of persons will be permitted to authorize increased hours. Also, among those monitoring the cafeteria, the number of aides has been increased and the number of teachers has been decreased.

Another discussion centered around the payment of warrants, brought on by the fact that the internal auditor was on vacation and in her absence the board is authorized to approve the warrants. Aline Khatchadourian said that it is difficult to approve something you have not seen until the actual board meeting, and asked if items requiring approval could be distributed prior to the meeting. Tom Maimone commented that an overview and review of all financial policies has been undertaken, is ongoing, that they are examining "how we do everything." Ms. Khatchadourian also suggested that it is now time to entertain proposals from other auditors. Mr. Maimone said there is a known universe of accountants specializing in schools and that the current accountant is also invited to submit a bid. Also being negotiated is the requirement that there be a meeting once a year with the purchasing agents.

Continuing with the evening's schedule, when it was time for the SCA representative to speak, Mary Madden alerted the administration, at least those not already aware of the problem, that the traffic tie-up outside the high school the morning of September 2 was horrific. Traffic was backed up to Plandome Road and cars sat in traffic for 30 to 40 minutes; buses were late and anything that could have negatively impacted transportation seemed to be in play, including construction on Bayview Avenue. Munsey Park was also congested but fared a little better than the high school. The problem will be closely monitored. If it proves the congestion is due in some part to the referendum passed in June increasing the walking distance, it was repeated that, under austerity, a separate revote is too costly and will not be permitted until in conjunction with the scheduled, annual school budget vote in May.

Enrollment was also discussed. Lloyd Bishop conducted the demographic study predicting enrollment growth and the district has already "outstripped the high predictions," said Dr. Bozzomo. Enrollment figures were given for each school for 2003/ versus 2004: SR 752/ 785; MP 752/ 806; MS 428/ 443; and HS 779/ 820. Increasing enrollments are a major challenge and to get a better handle on it a second demographer may be engaged to validate Bishop's assumptions ($14,000), Lloyd Bishop will do an update ($700) or both.

Burgeoning enrollment was a driving force behind the proposed bond. The bond is currently in limbo and Dr. Bozzomo said that no more than $25,000 has been paid to the architect and that there is a maximum of $75,000 owed during the design phase of the project.

Dr. Bozzomo explained the cost savings possible with the new phone system and said that only certain lines will permit long distance calls and those only with a pin number. A monthly statement will be generated by pin number; calls must be justified, and personal calls must be reimbursed. "As yet the savings are unknown," he said, "but in my experience they will be 20 percent lower just because we are checking." He added that it will be a "climate and culture where managers and leaders will be looking at costs they are in control of. Eighty percent of the budget is personnel, but the remaining 20 percent of our budget is $13 million."

The meeting ended after midnight and the board members and the administration deserve the community's gratitude for their tireless efforts in steering the district back on course.