Huntington School Board Notes
During their meeting this past Monday night, Huntington School Board members approved Huntington High School teacher aide Marilyn Strickland's request to retire, effective May 4.
Trustees also approved a leave of absence for Southdown School classroom teacher Tiffanie Kelly (May 20-June 30) and the return from a leave of absence of Washington School art teacher Karen Morea, effective April 1.
Four long-term substitute teacher appointments were made, including Dana Francis (high school science through June 24), Lauren Amendola (J. Taylor Finley Middle School English through approximately June 13), Laura Lipow (Woodhull School classroom through approximately May 27) and Robert Viera (high school art through approximately June 24).
Trustees approved the district's participation in the Educational Data Services cooperative bid for furniture, repair of musical instruments, athletic equipment reconditioning and time and materials skilled trade services.
"This is a cooperative bid of more than 30 school districts in the metropolitan area," said David H. Grackin, assistant superintendent for finance and management services. "EDS goes out to bid on our collective behalf on a variety of items, both services and materials and supplies."
Trustees also took the following actions:
• Approved a business associate agreement with Fitzharris & Company, the district's broker for dental and life insurance.
• Authorized the district's participation in an inter-municipal agreement with Suffolk County for the procurement of natural gas.
• Approved a memorandum of agreement with the district's security guard unit on a contract that covers the period July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011. The first year of the agreement includes a two percent wage increase. The second year includes a one percent increase.
• Approved a side letter of agreement with the district's registered nurses.
• Authorized Robert Polizzo to work as a supervisor at athletic events at a rate of $31.70 per hour.
• Appointed Carlos Pumar and Jamie Capasso as instructors in the district's adult education program. They will be paid $25 per hour.
• Appointed Denise D'Attolico an election clerk/inspector for the district election on May 17. She will be paid $10.50 per hour.
• Approved post-season pay for varsity assistant boys' swimming and diving coach Margaret McConnell.
• Approved the addition of Laura Lipow, Tirsa Oliva, Valerie Townsend, Roneldy Batista, Robert Viera and Nicholas Cabella to the district's substitute teacher list. They will be paid $90 per diem when they work.
• Authorized foreign language department curriculum writing in the areas of Grammar-7, Grammar-8 and Latin Honors.
• Approved the disposal of two SMART Boards at J. Taylor Finley Middle School.
• Authorized the addition of Greenlawn United/Suffolk Men's Soccer League Over 30 to the list of users who are approved to use district facilities. The group will use the Huntington High School athletic field. Its purpose is "to maintain [a] healthy and fit life while fostering team building and competitive spirit through sport."
• Approved a budget transfer from one account code to another in the amount of $1,000 to cover the cost of Huntington High School library supplies.