January 2016 Board Notes
In an effort to increase board/public communications, after each board of education meeting an email will be sent to parents, staff, and anyone who requested to receive district email communications, highlighting board discussions.
The following was discussed at the January 21, 2016, meeting:
*Robert Seaman Elementary School hosted this month’s meeting after a successful curriculum fair. Also, to a standing ovation of a packed house at Seaman, the Board of Education approved the recommendation for Principal Ivy Sherman to receive tenure. Bill Ferro, Board President, complimented Ivy’s enthusiasm and motivation at Seaman and praised the job that she has done during her time there.
*The Board recognized Intel finalist Jessica Huang, and five Intel semifinalists, Rishi Shah, Brian Oh, Michael Carrion, Uma Kanth, and Jyein Kim at the meeting. Brian Cummings, Curriculum Associate for Science and Technology Education, and Dr. Serena McCalla, Science Research Coordinator at Jericho High School, presented the students with certificates and each student explained their research projects.
*Ken Pollitt, Curriculum Associate for Performing and Fine Arts, and High School AP Photography teacher Louise Millman recognized two students. First was Lindsay Silverman for receiving first place in the NYIT School of Architecture and Design Art Competition. Next was Perri Sheftel for her photograph receiving first place in the College Board Tote Bag competition.
*Middle School and High School students updated those in attendance about school happenings during the Student Council reports. Jill Citron, PTA Council president, announced that PTA Council is hosting an Open Council meeting on Monday, January 25 at 9:30 a.m. at Cantiague Elementary School’s cafeteria. Literacy Consultant JoEllen McCarthy will lead an interactive, fun and educational session, focusing on spreading book love and a joy for learning. Come explore new “must-have” titles and resources that connect home and school learning lives: with parents as PARTners on this learning journey. Participants will explore ways to ignite a passion for reading. Get titles for your child’s TBR (to-be-read), explore digital tools that support all readers, writers and thinkers. Come for collaboration, communication and celebration of literacy and learning. All are encouraged to attend.
*LIPA Update - The Nassau County Department of Assessment unilaterally removed all LIPA properties from the tax rolls this past fall. As such, the Nassau County Department of Assessment reduced the amount of taxes to be paid to the Jericho School District by $2.4 million, and stated they will be treating the taxes due by LIPA as a Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT). Nassau County has also indicated that these payments will not be guaranteed. The Jericho School District has yet to receive the first half of taxes due totaling $1.2 million. Accordingly, the Jericho School District will be moving forward with litigation.
*Victor Manuel presented his first budget workshop, which included information on the $16.3 million Capital Facilities Plan, and he addressed questions from the Board and the community. The full presentation is available on the Business and Finance page.
*The board took action on a number of items, including the approval schedules and donations. All information, including the full agenda and minutes, is available on the Board of Education page.
*The next Budget Workshop is scheduled for February 4 at 7:15 p.m. The next meeting of the board of education is scheduled for February 25, 2016, at 7:15 p.m. both in the middle school library.
- Bill Ferro, Board President
Sent on behalf of the Jericho Board of Education