Transcript of Nassau BOCES Board Meeting - September 23, 2021

Susan Bergtraum:

... September 23, 2021 business meeting of the Nassau BOCES Board of Education. Mr. Weinick, if you would lead us in the pledge please.

All Participants:

Please stand and join me in saluting the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mr. Weinick. Again, let me welcome everybody to this board meeting. We thank the staff for all they do. Hope that they had an easy and gratifying opening and that the school year is progressing well. With that, may I have a motion to accept the minutes of September 2nd?

Fran Langsner:

So moved.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Langsner.

Deborah Coates:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Coates. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All in favor?

All Participants:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstained? Okay, minutes are accepted. So, on this consent agenda is the passage of the district wide safety plan. So, Mrs. Nolan, were there any comments...

Joyce Nolan:

[crosstalk 00:01:41] to me.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, all right, so then with that, may I have a motion on the consent agenda?

Larry Greenstein:

So moved.

Deborah Coates:

So moved.

Fran Langsner:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Any discussion? Anything that needs to be pulled? Seeing none. All in favor?

All Participants:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstained? Consent agenda passes. We'll go on to additional agenda item contract over $2,000 a day. May I have a motion?

Larry Greenstein:

So moved.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Mrs. Nolan, did you get a second? Ms. Coates?

Deborah Coates:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Any discussion? Seeing none. All in favor?

All Participants:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed?

Michael Weinick:

Opposed.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Weinick. Any abstentions? Okay. Additional consent agenda passed. Information items; does anybody have any comments, questions? Anything that needs to be...

Deborah Coates:

I'll just say what I said at the beginning of the meeting so that it's reflected in the minutes, just what a wonderful facilities report Mr. Fierro and his team does and how much we appreciate the fact that they take so many pictures so that we have a visible idea of what's going on and we really appreciated it. It was a great job.

Anthony Fierro:

Thank you, Deb.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Coates, and so noted as will the minutes note that. Okay, moving along. Superintendent's report, Dr. Dillon.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Good evening. Nice to hear everybody. Unfortunately, I couldn't be with you and we can't see you. The wifi is not that strong down here, down in the south. But, I'd just like to say before we go to Pam and Chris, that a big shout-out to our cabinet, extended cabinet and our leadership team for addressing the issues that COVID has now confronted us with.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Back a year ago or so, two years ago March, I talked about this being a war and it's non-stop. We're now confronted with vaccination proof and testing proof and we've been placed in a position as a municipality that there are some serious repercussions if people do not comply and I will tell you that it's been a united effort. It's been with all our team and our labor leaders that we want the best for our kids and for our staff.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

So, there'll probably be more difficult times ahead, but I can guarantee you everyone is working very hard to address the issues, so I'm very pleased with that before we have Chris and Pam. The other issue is transportation. I don't know how Lisa Rice does it but she's working miracles over in our transportation department. As many of you well know, it's been well publicized, there's a shortage of bus drivers at this time and there are different strategies to address the issue. One of the concerns that I've shared with other people is that we don't go out and cannibalize each other by offering signing bonuses and we all have the same labor pool. So, hopefully, we can come together with some better strategies than just cannibalizing each other with it. But again, Lisa Rice has done a magnificent job addressing the transportation issue.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Earlier this week, I had a conversation, Eric and I, about the school calendars and that we didn't print them this year. Well, we didn't print them, and I looked into it... One of them, it's a money issue because everyone's going electronic. But, more importantly, with COVID, many, many of the initial dates provided, we cannot comply with. COVID has changed everything. I had a conversation yesterday with Paul Defendini in Farmingdale and they've reverted to just one a month; each month they put something out, but there's no guarantee that anything's going to happen.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We talk about when we left ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, we went from having them in-house to the drive-bys. Things are changing constantly here so, that's one of the reasons. Now, we can provide, if anybody would like a calendar, we can provide a hard copy of the calendar. But again, we cannot verify that it will be truth throughout the year. So, if you want a calendar, just let me know and we'll get you a hard copy of the calendar.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

And now, I know we have Pam...

Eric Schultz:

I'm sorry, can I just address that very quickly?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah, sure.

Eric Schultz:

We have hard copies of calendars all the time and have events canceled, changed, moved around. I think one of the things that disturbed me was that there was decision made somewhere along the line that we were not going to have hard calendars. That decision never came to the board. It was made, as far as I can tell, by the COVID relief team. I don't even know that it went to third floor administration, and it gets into who makes those kinds of decisions. The administration decisions, yes, but it could reach a board level and we're entitled to know certain things because people love their calendars.

Eric Schultz:

I know plenty of people in local districts, even BOCES, who fill up their calendars. It's on their dining room table or on their refrigerator somewhere. And I was also shocked, not shocked because I knew it for years, but this idea that we would have been charged the same rate as any other district for putting the calendar together is something that, [inaudible 00:07:46] some of my colleagues, shocked everybody. And I think at some point, I'd ask if we can get some kind of explanation, either Dr. Dillon, from you, or maybe from James, as to why that happens because it seems to me to be double-dipping because in our administrative budget, we pay portions of the insurance and all the costs, but those are also passed along in terms of the cost to the local districts or anybody who uses our services.

Eric Schultz:

So, it seems to me we may be double-dipping. We may be paying twice if we use those services. So, at some point, I'd like to talk about that but I think we also need to talk a little bit, maybe at a board retreat or some other time, about what kind of decisions are being made on a granular level as opposed to coming up to the superintendent or the board because to be quite honest, Bob you were as surprised as I was.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

You know, there was some things and again, I think there are many moving parts to this, one the size of our organization. But, I think this COVID has really twisted everything. We have more people weighing in on things because of, I guess, the anxiety of people and we've done a swat analysis and communications is a big thing and I can understand, and I agreed with Eric when we were talking about... Certainly the board should have known, may not be as far as a decision on administratively, but certainly should have been informed and I would agree with that.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We can work on it, and I agree a board retreat would be a perfect place. James and I talked briefly about this. I don't know, James, if you can give a Reader's Digest version of how these budgets are put together.

James Widmer:

Sure so, Mr. Schultz is correct in saying that the administrative operations budget and other internal budgets share in the cost of all of the internal services, including the printing and graphics CoSer in the BOCES weigh-in facilities and so forth. And within that allocation, within the printing and graphic budget, there's a district portion and an internal portion. Within that budget are historical spending and the costs for producing the calendar, for example.

James Widmer:

So, each year, we get a summary of the jobs that were printed for internal departments, whether it's special education with graduation events, or yearbooks, or anything that's done for central office, central administration throughout the agency, and those costs are used to determine what the allocation is in the next budget cycle that we do. So, the money is allocated based on historical usage and there's not a separate, additional charge for printing the calendars. If calendars are not printed one year, that cost would obviously not be included in the jobs that were run for the internal department and thus the allocation in the subsequent year might be a little bit less.

James Widmer:

So, there's not a double-dip going on in the way it's done; there's just an allocation of costs for internal jobs versus the jobs that are billed out to the districts and it covers the expenses for the jobs that are worked on by the printing and graphics staff. That's kind of the quick version.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Reader's Digest. Maybe we can have a dedicated topic on the agenda with this James where we put that on later on.

James Widmer:

Sure.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right so if you want [crosstalk 00:11:31]... I see two people though, Michael and Fran. So Mike if you start, and then Fran when Michael's done.

Michael Weinick:

So, let me ask a question with that. So something like the calendars; do we not put that out to bid or we do it internally to graphics regardless of what the cost is?

James Widmer:

It depends on the type of work. If we have the capacity and the equipment necessary internally to do the jobs, we would do most of the graphic design of the calendars and the printing of the calendars. Like I said, it's dependent upon how many colors, what types of presses are needed, and so forth. So, generally speaking, we do many, many of the internal jobs with the internal staff. There are some jobs that we would have to bid out and use an external vendor for. It depends on the specifications.

Michael Weinick:

Well, how do you decide [crosstalk 00:12:27]...

Speaker 15:

Well, Mike, can I jump in for a second? I'll give you a perfect example. When we had to put together the worksheets for special education when they went remote, there was no way that we could do the volume or in the timeliness of that; we put that out to bid, if I'm correct about that James. Correct me if I'm wrong. I think it was with the Minuteman Press.

James Widmer:

Correct.

Speaker 15:

Okay. Yeah, we couldn't do it. It was a question of capacity and time so that had to go on the street.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

In terms of...

Michael Weinick:

But that's not the question. What Eric was pointing out was that we are being treated really as any other customer in terms of the printing. So my question therefore is, any printing job that BOCES does should in fact be bid with BOCES being one of the bidders. Or would you rather save this for another conversation on the whole topic?

Speaker 15:

Yeah, we could put in an agenda topic because Mike, I didn't understand it and certainly, we should bring it up again. Put it on the agenda. We'll type it on...

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, and if I could suggest so that it doesn't have to go on to a list that if we say it's going on then is there any reason for it not to go on the next agenda?

Speaker 15:

It depends on what else comes up. We're in the middle of a war with COVID but hopefully we can get it on.

Susan Bergtraum:

So, we're going to, unless something overtakes it, it'll be on the next agenda and Joyce, if you will just note it so it doesn't get lost and hopefully, we can cross it out immediately. Mike, Fran is waiting. Is this still...

Michael Weinick:

Well, just [inaudible 00:14:09] with this, is along with that, I haven't seen an items pending list or whatever, hanging chads or whatever word we got...

Joyce Nolan:

Loose ends, [crosstalk 00:14:20] loose ends.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, if you need it... What I asked Joyce to do, because to leave it on, is just if you need it. She's got a list. She'll just...

Michael Weinick:

But I'm saying, shouldn't that list be in the middle of our agenda?

Susan Bergtraum:

I don't think it belongs on... That's our internal list. I don't think it belongs on an agenda.

Michael Weinick:

But who's [crosstalk 00:14:39] then?

Susan Bergtraum:

So, what I could suggest is if the board so wills, when Joyce promulgates the agenda, it could be a separate item that you just get.

Michael Weinick:

That's what I thought was going to [crosstalk 00:14:58].

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, so we'll do it that way because I do not think that... That's an internal, not an external, item. That's easy enough to do internally so that we can do that. Fran?

Fran Langsner:

I just wanted to comment that what Dr. Dillon mentioned is very true, not every printing press is suitable to print every kind of job. The thickness of the paper, the number of colors, the number of pages, the kind of binding; you may not be able to handle that job internally if some of those parameters change. But, my original question was, I would hope that going forward, this is not a permanent decision for the 2022-23 school year. I'd like to be able to know that we're going to revisit this. Hopefully, we won't have the constraints that we have right now and that the printing of a calendar will be considered.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Absolutely. Yeah.

Susan Bergtraum:

Larry?

Larry Greenstein:

I have a question on this. When we're billing ourself, aren't we also paying ourselves? So, isn't that money staying within the agency, just moving from one bucket to another? So, even if it helped if a third party came in at a lower price, the money would be leaving the agency rather than just floating around through the agency, or am I missing something?

James Widmer:

No, that's an accurate statement, Larry. That's correct. The staff that we have that works in the graphics and printing CoSers is really two CoSers as I said. There's the district piece and the internal piece. They have a capacity to do a certain number of jobs during... There were busy times, there were slower times, but they have a certain capacity to do jobs. The jobs like the calendar, if we do the job internally, we are paying ourselves and we're using the staff to the fullest capacity.

James Widmer:

If we bid the job out, as you said, and the money leaves the agency, we have not used the staff for that particular work when maybe, they were available to do that work.

Larry Greenstein:

But we still have to pay them. We have to pay them whether or not they do the work.

James Widmer:

That's correct and that's a good point.

Larry Greenstein:

Thanks.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else? Okay. And just so you know, when Eric emailed that, I had already had it on my list for Joyce to inquire about also. So, it's obviously a broader concern or issue for the board than just one person. So, we will obviously revisit this.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, Bob, are you up to...

Dr. Robert Dillon:

[inaudible 00:18:03] So, right now, we have Chris and Pam to have a conversation about something that was brought up at the last meeting. I believe it was the utilization of our department during the pandemic, so I'll turn it over to Pam and Chris.

Pamela Christensen:

I can't see everyone this evening just because of the way my computer's set up so Chris, do you want to start or would you like for me to?

Chris Reinertsen:

Pam, it's fine if you want to go. It's fine.

Pamela Christensen:

Okay. Good evening again, everyone, and thank you for the opportunity to talk a little bit about this. Mr. Schultz had asked, as I understood the question, about the requests that were made... I'll even use the word demands, that were placed on staff as a result of the pandemic, and related in particular to inquiries and requests that came from districts. So, I'll cover the things that fall into my direct area of responsibility and then I'll let Chris speak, of course, about the things for which he's responsible.

Pamela Christensen:

I have the project management group. That group is regularly in touch with customers. Did the activity pick up around the time of the pandemic and through the remote work period and back into the opening of school in 2020? Absolutely. We were in touch with the customers both proactively and responsively. They were reaching out to us at the same time... Well, not at the same time but similarly to the way in which we were reaching out to them. Their primary inquiries revolved around being coached and guided about what devices might be available, obviously pricing, but more importantly at that point, it was what was available, you'll recall, that the supply chain challenges that continue to now, began very early on in all of this.

Pamela Christensen:

And so their concerns were as much around what was available as around anything else. In addition to that, they were interested in what other districts were using, and ordering, and so forth, which is a fairly common thing to have happen in terms of their inquiries. It's difficult for us to quantify particular projects as being directly related to the pandemic. We don't ask that question when the districts approach us, but I can tell you that we did more projects for mobile devices than we had in the past, prior to that time, that is to say.

Pamela Christensen:

So, that was the primary nature of the project management work around the pandemic. The Bo-TIE work, the connectivity work, was very, very active, as you would expect and then in conjunction with Chris's team, with the technicians, who were also of course in regular touch with our customers about their technical needs. So, the telecom team worked hand in hand with the techs monitoring internet bandwidth, holding planning sessions with the districts and offering guidance on the bandwidth requirements that they might be experiencing based on the remote learning platforms that they were selecting and the applications of choice for handling their remote arrangements.

Pamela Christensen:

We did address district requests for additional internet bandwidth for [crosstalk 00:21:18]... I'm getting feedback from my own voice. We addressed district requests for additional internet bandwidth for 33 districts who increased their bandwidth. In some cases, in most cases, it was Bo-TIE but we also handle, on behalf of the districts, what we refer to as directly deployed services. Those are services that augment their Bo-TIE services and rather than connecting to one of our buildings, they're directly connected to one of the district's buildings and I won't take the time to go into the advantages and disadvantages of that but there are some and so many districts have now elected to augment their bandwidths that way. We handle it from the standpoint of procurement, maintenance, billing, et cetera.

Pamela Christensen:

And so, we handled increases for those services as well and in most cases, these increases of service involved the circuit itself, an increase in the circuit itself, and also equipment upgrades so there was physical work going on. We doubled the Bo-TIE internet capacity at the beginning of the pandemic, in the first four months, from 20 Gig to 40 Gig.

Pamela Christensen:

To give you a little perspective, when we started the Bo-TIE project, when the board was good enough to authorize that project way back in 2011 now... I know. The originals were [crosstalk 00:22:48]. I'm sorry, Eric. The original bandwidth was less than 1 Gig. We're at 40 now. So, the growth has been really exponential.

Pamela Christensen:

One of the other services that we provide on behalf of the districts, in conjunction with Bo-TIE, is referred to as DDoS mitigation. DDoS is a particular type of cyber attack and we maintain software which, with the techs and the telecom team once again, monitors the activity on the internet bandwidth so that we can see certain kinds of cyber attacks and mitigate them promptly. As we increase the bandwidth, we also increased the services that protect that bandwidth so that was being taken care of as well.

Pamela Christensen:

With regard to other productivity options, 500 Verizon hotspots were provisioned for five different districts as part of a statewide RIC initiative that we participated in. The team oversaw and acted as the contact for the uploading of student computer MAC address information. You'll recall our discussions of the Optimum wifi network and the ability to enroll devices to allow connectivity from those mobile devices via the Optimum wifi network. Originally, that was free for the first 60 days as a courtesy from Optimum, then of course they looked to begin to recoup their expenses so we put out a bid for that and were able to obtain pricing that is still saving the districts about 50% of what they would be spending if they were to go for direct procurement.

Pamela Christensen:

There was also a program that you may have read about because it was part of the American CARES Act, referred to as the Emergency Connectivity Fund. It had to do with school districts being able to apply for funding for this upcoming year for remote learning and so forth. We have not had a retrospective window yet. In other words, they're not allowed funding to look back to recoup expenses but this was for going forward. The time tables around that application process were extremely tight so, we did not engage in making applications for the districts but rather coached them in how best to take advantage of the funds and also, negotiated an amendment which, it was good enough to pass to our agreement with our E-Rate consultant because the consultant then was able to help the school districts with those applications.

Pamela Christensen:

Information we have indicates that close to $4 million, about $3.7 million in applications were made by Nassau County districts for that funding. Decisions are pending but that was the application amount. So, we were involved in that as well and then for BOCES itself, we did of course cell phones and connectivity and so forth as well. But, that's a pretty high level view of the types of things that districts... I hope that addressed your question, Eric.

Eric Schultz:

Yeah, it's wonderful to hear. I choked a little on the expansion over 11 years, but what I was looking for is how they look to us for the issues like coaching them and how to get funds dealing with distribution of equipment and hardware and software, and it's good to hear that, that all occurred and that they were able to rely on us.

Pamela Christensen:

And I'm certain that Chris has some things to add as well that I either haven't thought of or are applicable to the work that I do day to day. Chris?

Chris Reinertsen:

Thank you, Pam. Hi, good evening to everybody. This is a two-prong discussion when you're talking about buying hardware and how people are going to use it. And so, if you think 2011 made you feel old, most of the things that we learned about deploying these things and supporting remote work we learned during Sandy and what we learned during Sandy were things that did not work well, in particular what happened when you deprived people, excuse me, of either their traditional work station or their building. Next thing you know, chaos ensued. And, I know a lot of us say, this is sort of a tongue in cheek comment, look back on Sandy fondly to a certain extent because we did a lot of good things for districts, but a lot of things were awkward and went very badly in terms of amount of effort involved and everything else to try to get people to their work.

Chris Reinertsen:

And in the context of an event like the current pandemic, I was a blip. It was about 12 days of really, really hard rowing and breaking rocks and the next thing you know, we had relocated people, we got their services working, we ran payrolls, et cetera. But everything that we've done since then, we learned what went very badly with Sandy and how to make those things better in the event that something like it occurred later. And in as much as it's essential then, to Pam's point, that these people have devices in their hands, if they can't compute, if they don't have access to workflow, they don't have access to the ability to hit payroll and do student information systems, and all those other things, then they're just holding bricks.

Chris Reinertsen:

So, the combination of that effort, the procurement and the internet and everything else, is then dependent on additional purchases that all revolve around software and what we call collaboration suites for lack of a better term. And so for years, districts have used Google for the instructional side and now Microsoft Teams for the administrative side, and those are relative newcomers in terms of their maturity, if you will. When we started wondering what this was going to look like, for example, like in 2012, you could not have told a district that they could teach kids on those platforms and you certainly could not have told people like James and Cliff that we could run people self-taught them as well.

Chris Reinertsen:

So, the problem is two-fold; it's supply chain issues, internet delivery, DDoS and all those other things and then, do you have a platform or a place where the kids can arrive and get instruction? And do you have a platform where we can conduct what we refer to, strictly just context, as business continuity? How are we going to keep people engaged and working and everything else? And that was the dilemma post-Sandy and then for the last eight years or so, we have worked, and when I say we, I mean everybody who has a horse in the race, myself and Sandeep and Cliff and James and Pam, to try and understand what kind of survivability we could engineer into this exercise.

Chris Reinertsen:

So, in addition to being drilled in on how we would do that for the agency, and importantly we had a lot of very capable and patient people working with us from program as well; Jyoti Sood, Ken Kroog and Matt Wittschiebe. These folks were receptive very early on to this notion of us using Teams, for example, to both provide instruction remotely and Teams as well to do our administrative stuff.

Chris Reinertsen:

So, arriving at those conclusions many years ago, made this event something akin to acceleration. So, we had intended to spend a bunch of money to do a bunch of things sort of medium- and long-term. Now, what happened very rapidly is that we knew that if we didn't "pull the trigger" on these things, and make sure that they worked, that we couldn't turn around on some random Tuesday and send everybody home and expect them to be able to work on the Wednesday. And that thing was many years in the making. As I said earlier, when we surveyed the wreckage after Sandy, and understood what these gaps were, we literally couldn't send emails. The dependencies were so complete on premised stuff and traditional work station space. We realized that we had to throw a bunch of things out and hope that the platforms are mature enough to accept the work, if you will.

Chris Reinertsen:

So, we've been doing that then for years and as far as expenses go, right now, we support 30 of the districts directly. That means that the engineering and the stuff that Sandeep and the guys do, we provide for, 30 to 56 come directly to us and for them, the exercise that we went through on behalf of the agency in terms of providing remote instructional platforms and remote business continuity platforms existed there as well so it's essentially doing it 31 times.

Chris Reinertsen:

I got to give then, a special shout-out if you will to Cliff and company, too, because by the time we identified how we might pull this off, we realized that there were other gaps in terms of certain business applications and deployments that didn't fit natively into the scheme, and he turned around with his crew and wrote things that were native in Teams as well that allowed us to do all the work.

Chris Reinertsen:

So, it's interesting because, besides Pam and I kind of chuckled because we've been here so long that we can remember these things and it's like why do we do certain things a certain way? And even the kids, Sandeep and company, have been here long enough too to understand when somebody tells you that you should proceed down a certain path, your experience tells you otherwise and as a result, I think the preparation in particular in this case, was quite good. And of course, we have the benefit of the... We get a lot of support from administration and the board when we say, "Hey, we want to go out and take some risks, spend some money." Typically, I think that we have enough capital with everybody to get support for it and it paid off in this case.

Chris Reinertsen:

I particularly am loath to suggest that this was a good experience because it was not. There was so much about it that was just God awful but at the same time, it shared another one of these moments where we have learned from both the deployment model and everything else that we proposed; that it worked and it worked pretty well. And so, you're going to see more of it. That's the only way to put it at this point. I know people are talking about the next iteration of this as it pertains to real estate and office space and I certainly am not prepared to speak about that because it's not my place but at the same time right now, fortunately I think that the timing for us, for a variety of reasons, allowed us to provide the services. And again, that's not without the help of a bunch of people, both in front of you guys and behind the scenes who have been doing that work for many years. That's my speech.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you, Chris.

Chris Reinertsen:

You're welcome, Bob.

Susan Bergtraum:

Questions? Larry? Mr. Greenstein? You're on mute, Larry.

Larry Greenstein:

Okay, now I'm off mute. This is all great and I realize that everything is moving at warp speed but if I heard you correctly, we have Google and we have Microsoft Teams and we have Zoom. As all of these platforms mature, is it going to be redundancy there or are we going to look to just pick one and just pay one fee or are they all going to be different enough that we're going to have to have multiple platforms?

Chris Reinertsen:

Well, Zoom was picked early on because... And there's a variety reasons for that. It was the first place where you guys gathered as a board. There was a level of comfort with it and again, I wouldn't second-guess it. Right now, the licensing that we pay Microsoft for Teams and for Power BI and for a bunch of other things is heavily discounted. So, as an administrative platform right now, we have selected Teams as the thing we're moving forward on because it allows, I'll say, a much more complex set of, I'll say, business intelligence and business tools than Google does. Google is a different animal. It's more suitable for instruction but we also use Teams for kids and we find it to be quite effective.

Chris Reinertsen:

But, we have a commitment to Microsoft. They have a very steep discount for us and we are fortunate to have all those tools at our disposal when this started.

Larry Greenstein:

Yeah, I know but as we're going forward, we probably will keep all of the tools?

Chris Reinertsen:

Are we... For example, adult ed uses our Google domain. We provision that for them and for reasons that have to do with identity management and security, we gave and managed that Google domain for adult ed primarily because theoretically, those adult ed students don't have identity on our regular domain. So, we use them both.

Larry Greenstein:

Right. Is Zoom only used for the board?

Chris Reinertsen:

Primarily for the board. There's a couple of exceptions.

Larry Greenstein:

So, we don't have a full license on that, or do we?

Chris Reinertsen:

Oh no, we do. Yep. It's not that expensive, the Zoom license.

Larry Greenstein:

Thanks. Yeah, I know but Mike should be chiming in here, "Can we save some money?" Thanks.

Martin Kaye:

Marty here.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mm-hmm (affirmative). I say Marty and then Fran.

Martin Kaye:

I am very impressed in the way that we stepped up to help our districts both through a natural disaster, like Sandy, and a health disaster like COVID, and districts have stepped up their requests for our services. I am still worried about the concept that we may not be as prepared if the districts ask us to help with their security, the cyber security.

Martin Kaye:

We're kind of low down on the list of those institutions that are going to be attacked by cyber ransomware criminals but yet, we do have districts that will succumb to attacks that, can we help them? Are we working towards a network that will be able to assist harmed components and do we get requests before renewal or additional help on fighting these kinds of attacks?

Chris Reinertsen:

The short answer is yes, Marty. So, what happens is that we only go if we're invited. That's the short answer. If we get a request from a district, regardless of what their status may be in the context of their local vendor or something like that. If I get a call from a superintendent or a business official, we go in, and I've said this before and I'll stand by the guys right now that do our security and do our engineering are... They are the best in this space right now that we are aware of. But, it's a delicate political discussion sometimes, this idea that if we hear of somebody in distress, or we're aware of certain things, that what we should do is sort of raise our hands and go in and, I'll say, lobby for ourselves is counted to our experience at this point.

Chris Reinertsen:

We are always happy to, and ready to go in and, help anybody but some of these things happen at different levels. There's a level of comfort that some districts have with certain vendors that is historic and it's, I'll say, not in a regular day for us to go in and disrupt that. If we are asked, we show up all the time and there are examples specifically of districts that suffered from substantial cyber events that called us. We went in and did remediation and we wound up with them as direct customers after the fact. That's happened on more than one occasion. So when called, we answer. Otherwise, we stand down and we're ready if called.

Martin Kaye:

I think we ought to accentuate, Chris though, that it would be disastrous for these districts to be under attack and lose the possibility of having all of this intimate social detail on staff and students out in public where it can be a way that they try ransom your program. It would be disastrous. I think we ought to double down on the importance of security and where we can step in and help a little more.

Chris Reinertsen:

And I agree, Marty. It's something that, as I said, we are always ready to go in to a fault almost but there are very few challenges that we're not willing to undertake. But, at the same time, again, we can't force the door open. It's difficult.

Martin Kaye:

Okay.

Pamela Christensen:

Also, if I may, Chris and his staff are often doing presentations when given the opportunity for purposes of educating the districts. One occurred today in conjunction with the NASTECH meeting, not so much directly about ransomware, but a variety of things of that type are discussed in those forums. In addition to which, as Chris said, we're ready to go in and there are times when we're made aware that an event has occurred in a district and we will even reach out to them and say... Districts have a tendency to try to keep these things under wraps and so we'll reach out and simply say, "We're aware. We want you to know we're here and we are aware. So please, as soon or if you would like us to be involved, let us know."

Pamela Christensen:

So, we do try to proactively do that.

Chris Reinertsen:

And at the same time, not necessarily... Go ahead. I'm sorry.

Martin Kaye:

No, go ahead Chris.

Chris Reinertsen:

I was going to say, at the same time, and they will not necessarily call us back even under those circumstances.

Pamela Christensen:

That's right. That's exactly right.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I'd just like to add, I know we have been involved in at least three or four districts in the last couple of years, where our guys have gone in and cleaned up a mess. But, in addition to that, about four, probably four years ago, I think when the first one hit, we held a regional cyber security meeting. We had the FBI, Homeland Security, the state education department, and we had Lupinskie filled on a morning meeting with that, if I remember correctly.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

So Marty, they are there, as they say, and they're kind of understating their performance because they've gone in, cleaned up and put districts, at least I know of three, right back on the track. And, as they both said, districts really don't like to... "Hey, we were hacked," and things like that. So, they're doing a good job and they're very vigilant though and I'm very proud.

Eric Schultz:

Fran.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes, Fran.

Fran Langsner:

I just wanted to say that it's really awe inspiring, the level of detail and innovation and forethought that you've put into this kind of work. From a board member's perspective, it was seamless. We were in person one day and we were on Zoom the next and even though we didn't love it, it worked great so I just wanted to thank you for making us able to continue to function and I can just imagine how the multiple levels of innovation that you had to overcome to get the districts to be able to present their programs. That's really great. My only question is, Pam, were we eligible for any of that funding?

Pamela Christensen:

No. We may be in the future. The parameters seem to be shifting and changing a bit as it evolves. There was a finite amount of money but the way the application windows are being opened, Fran, they're being kind of redefined as they find out how much money is left over from the last window. So, it's possible that we may be but to date, we have not had the opportunity to take advantage of that.

Pamela Christensen:

We have taken advantage of our E-Rate opportunities but some of this newer funding has not accrued to us.

Fran Langsner:

But thank you for enabling us to continue to do our work. I appreciate it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else? Eric?

Eric Schultz:

Just about it. Thank you. This is, as Fran said, it was wonderful to hear all this stuff. I'm not sure if Sandeep would like to be referred to as one of the kids, but...

Chris Reinertsen:

When you're my age, they're all kids.

Pamela Christensen:

Get used to it. Right [crosstalk 00:43:06]. He's used to it.

Eric Schultz:

It's interesting because I found it very interesting talking about needing to be able to do... the districts being able to do things remotely themselves because I guess you were there. I was standing with Tony [Cafora 00:43:22] when after Sandy, East Rockaway was trying to do their payroll [inaudible 00:43:26] Lupinskie's. And when the first check came, you thought someone had gave birth but it's just wonderful to hear this stuff.

Eric Schultz:

One question, and it's tangentially; Apple had some alerts, the MAC and the iOS system that there was a hole there and asking you to download a patch, which everybody did. Was that something that was sent out to people in the district?

Chris Reinertsen:

Yeah, there was a notification sent out from our help desk. I know that. And that was particularly good because it's what's called zero touch which means nothing had to happen. You could just get hacked. We love things like that.

Eric Schultz:

Thank you.

Chris Reinertsen:

You're welcome.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else? Okay, so with that, thank you for your presentation that I hope you take this as the highest compliment. I'm not surprised at all at how well [crosstalk 00:44:21] you performed and I think the rest of us feel the same way but we do thank you for being ever present and ever vigilant and ever there for both Nassau BOCES and our component districts so thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Chris Reinertsen:

Thanks everybody.

Deborah Coates:

You're welcome. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Bob, do you have anything else?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

No, that's...

Susan Bergtraum:

Dr. Dillon?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

That concludes the superintendent's review.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. All right. Mrs. Nolan, any citizens? Hear of any citizens?

Joyce Nolan:

None at all.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, then we will go on to old business. Are there any board reports? Seeing none. All right, so the next item, Debbie and I had spoken to John Coverdale again and we are ago for October 27th and the question now is, 4:00 to 7:00 or 5:00 to 8:00 and where? So, let's do the probably easier one first, which is time frame. Does anybody have something where they'd say I really need it in one time frame or another? Otherwise, I think he had assumed it would be 4:00 to 7:00 and when Debbie and I kind of said, "What if... " So, he gave us the 5:00 to 8:00. So, is there anybody who cannot do 4:00 to 7:00?

Eric Schultz:

I have to check my calendar.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Please do.

Larry Greenstein:

Is it printed?

Susan Bergtraum:

There you go.

Eric Schultz:

11 x 17. I'm free either one.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So then we're going to say 4:00 to 7:00 on October 27th. And then the final decision we have to make is where we are going to do this. I know we kind of threw it around before but I guess it's whether or not we do it within BOCES or whether we do it offsite and then I guess some of that has to do with what's available, what's affordable, et cetera. So, Bob, I don't mean to put you on the spot. I thought maybe, if I'm recalling correctly, and I could be wrong, that you had said you might look at some things outside. If you haven't, I would... First, let me let you answer.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Well, I haven't and the thing that keeps coming back haunting is COVID and social distancing.

Martin Kaye:

Right.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

So, I'm thinking...

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Personally, I would recommend a place that we know, Lupinskie. We have breakout rooms; we can spread out as far as I know. We'll check again with Steve and Peter but I believe we have enough room there. We have all the technical things we need, all the bells and whistles. We have breakout rooms. If need be, we have the restrooms. We can have someone bring in a bite to eat. We have parking. No one will bother us. Lupinskie to me seems like something that should be considered.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. Okay, so with that as the suggestion, I will simply ask the negative. Is there anybody who is not comfortable, or does not feel Lupinskie is an appropriate place? Because if everybody agrees, then we will settle on October 27th 4:00 to 7:00 at Lupinskie. So, if I hear nothing other, then that's what we will do.

Eric Schultz:

I think you have to make sure you're over the shadow of Bob himself hanging around the...

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, so I've got that as a go and I know I will call Dr. Coverdale and tell him that, that is the decision which I'm sure will please him.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, so with that, is there any... Sorry, Deborah.

Deborah Coates:

Susan, could I just chime in a little bit here? I know that we had discussed agenda items and Eric had some concerns about making sure that everything got on the agenda that we could and you and I had the discussion with Dr. Coverdale and he promises us that he will get an agenda out early enough so that if there's input from any board members, we will all have a stake in it so that we can all feel ownership of the agenda and of the board retreat. So, did...

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah, right, and I think that's it and I think Mrs. Coates and I were pretty... And he was certainly not adverse or feeling anything but I think we were relatively clear that, that was a necessity.

Deborah Coates:

Yes. Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

That the board needed to see it in enough time to have input into it.

Deborah Coates:

Input, yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

And I will actually, when I call him to confirm the time and the place, I will mention to him that vaguely, broadly, what we discussed tonight about how decisions are made and when they come to the board and what our expectations are, et cetera, so I will get that piece to him as well.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, so then new business. Is there any board report that anybody has to offer? If not, we will go on to then Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation. Was there a meeting?

Michael Weinick:

No.

Susan Bergtraum:

Seeing no. Okay. So then we can discuss, and since the calendar was already discussed, I think I do not believe there was any... I'm looking at [inaudible 00:50:48], the committee reports, and I do not think any committee met so our last item for business is the resolutions book and where we stand on each of the resolutions. So, if I am correct and I do not hear anybody telling me that there is anything else then I would suggest we go on to the resolutions book and I guess, and you can certainly correct me if you see another way of doing it, that we just look at each resolution and unless somebody has a comment on them and feels that something else needs to be done, or at least as another perspective, you will just tell me that you agree with the recommendations, the recommended resolutions for adoption and as long as they agree with what is in the resolutions book, I will vote in that way.

Susan Bergtraum:

So, I guess we should just start with resolution number one and I will just... If I see nobody, just yell out. If I see nobody, then it will simply be as it is stated in the resolutions book. So, resolution number one? Resolution number two?

Michael Weinick:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes?

Michael Weinick:

I have a problem with the first dot. I don't really have a problem with the resolution and I know we can't change anything, but if it should come up as discussion at the business meeting, that first item where it says, "Provide access to programs that prepare students to be college and career ready," I would like to see that changed to be college and...

Susan Bergtraum:

And/or.

Michael Weinick:

And/or.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah, I get it and sure. And, you know what, I think even if it doesn't rise to the level of interrupting for it, it's a very easy... And BA is here so we can just have it indicated. I could even just call him. I think that governmental relations, which...

Michael Weinick:

No, but at this point, it's going to have to be changed on the floor. It can't be done outside of the business meeting.

Susan Bergtraum:

You can't change anything on the floor. All everything had to be, all amendments had to be done before.

Michael Weinick:

Why can't it be done on the floor?

Susan Bergtraum:

Because that's not what the directions were because instructionally, they could not do it on the floor so that's why I'm suggesting to you that it can be done...

Michael Weinick:

That's the reason why virtual business meetings are ridiculous but so be it.

Susan Bergtraum:

That's a whole other discussion. I'm just telling you there are no amendments from the floor. Otherwise, of course we could have done that. Okay? But, I hear you and I do think that it... I have heard this discussion more than once about not just an 'and' but an 'or' so I do not think that they are blind to that and as I say, I can just make the comment offline.

Michael Weinick:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

Number three?

Larry Greenstein:

I have something on three. I definitely support the concept. I guess my concern is having been on the other side of it is, can this allow certain districts to not push a student as far as possible saying, "Well, they're developmental age is here. We only have to bring them to here," where actually, they have the ability to go further.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mm-hmm (affirmative).

Larry Greenstein:

I don't know how that gets worded in and certainly, philosophically, I agree with it. It's just that the devil's in the details.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. Right. And again, that's the kind of thing that when it passes, if it passes, that's still an input that you could give or just to feel... Look, they could say to you it doesn't say it, we can't do it because it didn't come up but my sense is that if you were concerned enough and/or if you called them and you really wanted me to say it because they don't feel that way, I have a feeling if you call governmental relations, the way they would state that position would be exactly the way you want it stated.

Susan Bergtraum:

This is... And the reason I can say that with some confidence is because this is a sunsetting resolution and the conversations around it before addressed that. Okay?

Larry Greenstein:

Yep. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

You're welcome. Anybody else? Number four? Okay, I'm just jotting what Larry said down so okay. Five?

Michael Weinick:

[inaudible 00:56:28]

Susan Bergtraum:

Michael?

Michael Weinick:

This is the typical crapola that keeps coming up continuously. Number one, where are you generating new revenue? It's such a ridiculous statement to begin with and I'm surprised from the board of directors. And the second thing is, so what. It's going to be like the lottery where we're supplanting and not supplementing? It's a waste of anybody's time or energy on this resolution so you could do whatever you want. It's completely meaningless and it will never resolve anything.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. And if, just to even... Before at the business meeting, Nassau-Suffolk is having its resolutions dinner virtually. And I will tell you that before that happens, Nassau-Suffolk had a legislative financial meeting where they look at the resolutions and I will tell you, Michael, that I stated it at that meeting. I stated your position. Well, it was my position, but the position that you just said. I said, "This is... You never know that it's not going to just supplant. It's not going to lotto did not supplement the education budget; it supplanted it." And I brought up the exact same thing.

Michael Weinick:

I'm anxious to hear what Lorraine Deller's opinion is on these things so I'll wait for the resolutions dinner.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah. Well, she won't have a voice but you can hear what other people say and you can certainly say that at the resolutions dinner. I don't have to. I've already said it. And, if I really think at the business meeting that, that piece of it is not being addressed, then I will say it. If other people have already made that point then... And again, just so that if and when this passes and governmental relations has to support it, having heard what we said, they could continually support this, saying we need to supplement, not supplant.

Susan Bergtraum:

Not that it will make any difference but at least it will be within the minutes of that meeting. Okay, number six?

Fran Langsner:

That's ours.

Susan Bergtraum:

That's true. I wasn't even looking because I've gone through this so many time I have my own notes. I didn't even... Yes, so I will obviously be speaking to it. Okay, number seven? Okay, number eight? Number nine? Number 10?

Eric Schultz:

By the way, number eight has the longest rationale I've seen.

Deborah Coates:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes, I know. [crosstalk 00:59:49] That probably speaks to how that board, how it affected them. Man, they are crazed over it and therefore, they're going to convince us of it up, down and around. 10?

Eric Schultz:

Same comment.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. 11?

Eric Schultz:

They get you to vote by attrition.

Susan Bergtraum:

12?

Fran Langsner:

I have a question about 12. It's... Number four is asking for an increase in the reimbursement.

Deborah Coates:

Right. Number 12...

Fran Langsner:

Number four asks for an increase of meal reimbursement. Number 12 is asking to support a different funding stream for our school meals, so it's like which one do you advocate for?

Susan Bergtraum:

All right, and then the question becomes can you and do you just advocate for both and hope either you get one or the other?

Fran Langsner:

Well, hopefully one or the other but it just was interesting that they're at different ends of the spectrum.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah. Yeah. Well, and then there were one... And I'm actually, to be honest, as I'm going through them so quickly, there were two resolutions that were almost identical but neither board was willing to allow their resolution proposal to be melded into the others so there were two that are almost identical so that says that.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. 13? 14?

Michael Weinick:

A question on 14.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yep.

Michael Weinick:

What about religious exemption? You're talking about medically appropriate for adults; children have, to my knowledge, a religious exemption. Why shouldn't it be there for...

Fran Langsner:

Not anymore. The religious exemption was removed, I think, a year ago because of the measles outbreak.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah, so the legislature eliminated the religious.

Michael Weinick:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. 16?

Deborah Coates:

15.

Larry Greenstein:

We didn't do 15 yet.

Deborah Coates:

15.

Susan Bergtraum:

I didn't do 15? I just... Oh, 15. Yes, 15 is above 16. I just turned the page. Sorry. Thank you, Deb.

Deborah Coates:

You're welcome.

Michael Weinick:

On top of everything else that we're supposed to do in the school system, we are now responsible for global warming.

Susan Bergtraum:

Not responsible, just acknowledging that maybe we can help in our own small way. 16? 17? Okay. So now, we're on the not recommended and the first one is ours so I will certainly speak to it.

Michael Weinick:

[crosstalk 01:03:12] happens to be moved and discussed and voted upon. I would certainly like this to be moved on the floor.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. And I will find somebody. I will absolutely do that. I have to find somebody to... I moved it. Somebody else has to second it and then I will speak to it. And the only thing I got, but it was too late was, somebody's comment was, "Why did we have the six months?" That bothered them and they felt that, that was not [crosstalk 01:03:43] seeing as how we can't do a thing about it. Doesn't matter.

Michael Weinick:

[inaudible 01:03:44] right now so a lot of this was copied. I need just [inaudible 01:03:49]. That was suggested by Jay [inaudible 01:03:53].

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Well, it is what it is so...

Michael Weinick:

I eliminated with talking with [inaudible 01:04:01] they suggested that we write that crapola in, which is, as I say, I'm not necessarily looking to change that. What I'm looking for is for the membership to decide on whether we have a virtual or in-person and not...

Susan Bergtraum:

I mean, we're not deciding. It would be that the bylaws said that, that's the way it is and we'll see what happens. If this happens, then... Because in my mind, and what I will say is, I don't think we were trying to take control away from the board. We were trying to express, at least, unless you don't want to discuss this way, my point would be, we were trying to make the point that said how important in-person meetings are and that the quality of what you get and the understanding that you get out of an in-person meeting, should be weighed heavily on the decision that they make.

Susan Bergtraum:

And that will be the way I express why we suggested this bylaw. Okay? All right. The next one I think... Are these numbered? Yes, okay, 18. Maybe it was 17. 18?

Deborah Coates:

[crosstalk 01:05:26] I felt that 18 and 19, they were proposed by the same school board and 18 was looking for more thorough checking of tenure and it seemed to be wanting to have more stringent requirements. And then 19, from the same school board is, they want to hire out of state teachers and staff in an easier way. So to me, they were both... I didn't understand why they would be looking for... It's just totally opposite to me.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right.

Deborah Coates:

It seemed a little... I wondered what happened in that school board that they had this.

Fran Langsner:

They couldn't hire teachers.

Deborah Coates:

Exactly. And then they want it to be more...

Susan Bergtraum:

Sorry Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

No, go ahead.

Michael Weinick:

I'm absolutely in favor of 18. I think the background check process right now is not sufficient. It's not thorough and it's lacking, and I think that there have been a number of instances where they haven't been thorough enough so 18, I would be in favor of.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, okay, so let me just... I know that one of the... If you look at the explanation from the resolutions committee, I think... Listen, I wasn't there and of course we don't know everything but part of it was that psychological testing. So now, if somebody made a motion and has already sent in an amendment, which took that out, then maybe they would get more support but I do know that, that was one of the problems that they felt were within this resolution.

Susan Bergtraum:

So, again, I hear what Michael's saying. Is there anybody else that... Am I still going to vote not to support this resolution? If I don't see any other comments, I'm still, from the board's direction, not going to. And unless people sent in amendments where then you would feel more comfortable with my supporting it, then normally you'd give me my head and if I thought that covers anything that might be where we would not have supported it then it will be up to the discussion that's held at the meeting. Mrs. Langsner?

Fran Langsner:

I would have to agree not to support this based on the inclusion of the psychological testing. There's all kinds of psychological testing. It's just hard enough to get teachers. Adding this into the mix is just going to make it that much harder if you're going to be presenting every candidate with a battery of psychological tests, or even one psychological test or even one psychological test so, I would have to agree that the resolution [crosstalk 01:08:56]...

Susan Bergtraum:

And then, if it's taken out and we hear other, then I'll...

Fran Langsner:

Right.

Martin Kaye:

It certainly screwed up my profession. That's for sure.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Eric Schultz:

Perfect example.

Fran Langsner:

Next, it'll be board members that need psychological testing.

Larry Greenstein:

And if we're sane, we can't serve.

Susan Bergtraum:

That's right. [crosstalk 01:09:17] Well, we already know what our testing is so you're right, Larry. That's a given. There you go. All right, 19?

Larry Greenstein:

No, sorry, I'm waiting for 20.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, so 19 again, I am voting not to support it. All right, we're up to 20. Okay.

Larry Greenstein:

20 and 21 sort of go together in my mind and my problem with this is I think that NYSSPA copped out. I think, make a decision. There's lots of evidence that the more healthy students are, the better they do in school. There's lots of evidence that the more healthy families are, the more healthy kids are so if they want to say we don't want to do it for this or that, but say, "Oh, it's not our problem," is a total cop out. It's our problem the same way everything else that affects the kids are our problem and they should have had the guts to just come up with a yes or no on why they really wanted it instead of punting.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else? So, I assume I am voting... And there is nothing in here that would change their mind. It's not that it needs an amendment. It's just the concept to begin with, correct?

Larry Greenstein:

Correct.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right so I don't see anybody else so I'm assuming that I am voting... I'm not supporting it so I'd be voting no but I do take Larry's point. The same way that mental health is such a huge issue now because we know kids can't learn if they're not healthy [crosstalk 01:11:04].

Larry Greenstein:

Right. It's like saying, "Mental health is important. Go find a private psychologist to get with you because we won't."

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah, Larry I do not, not take your point.

Larry Greenstein:

I get it. Yeah. It would be a losing preposition anyway so why put yourself out there.

Susan Bergtraum:

And there are times that has been actually stated at meetings where you almost make the decision where governmental relations will almost say, "You have to pick and choose what you want us to do. This is a losing battle. Do you want us to take time away with this losing battle when we could be advocating more strongly and have more time to?" So, it may be that kind of thing, too; not expressed as well as one might have.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, resolution 22? Resolution 23?

Michael Weinick:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yep?

Michael Weinick:

They've basically... Tenure is totally screwed up and for the explanation to be that tenure process generally works well is an absurd statement. I'm a firm believer in a five-year renewable, with a lot of caveats, but the present system is ridiculous and needs to be changed.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, the only thing is, you don't really look at the rationale. Are you suggesting that we support the resolution?

Michael Weinick:

Yes. Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So, that really is the... And is there anybody else that wants to weigh in and support it as well or not? Sorry, just weigh in. I apologize for the... Mr. Kaye.

Martin Kaye:

I think Michael has a point. The concept of the five-year renewable tenure was one of our main themes back in the early 1990s, we wanted to have that. I think it ought to be discussed thoroughly and I think we ought to support that proposition again.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Greenstein, were you... Yes?

Larry Greenstein:

I guess I have a question for Dr. Dillon. You have a lot more experience with tenured teachers than I do. Do you believe that the tenure system is broken or is it just that longer standing teachers get paid more money and if we have five-year renewable, we can lower our costs?

Martin Kaye:

No.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

You can always lower your costs that way, Larry, but at what expense? I believe there's something to be said for the experienced teacher. It's a balancing act.

Larry Greenstein:

But...

Dr. Robert Dillon:

If you talk to NYSTR and NYSTR turns around and says, "Well, you do have your 30, 28." And I think to a certain extent, they're right that we as administrators often pass through people that maybe should be looked at a little more closely. The other issue is, in smaller districts, where things are close-knit, it's more difficult because that person who you're voting tenure may have other relationships as far as with other people in the district.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

So, there's no one perfect answer to it. Would I like to see a five-year? I'd like to see it as a pilot program. Do it for five years, see what it looks like; see what we have. Now, if you're saying that the measurement is going to be student achievement, well you may have something there. It may not move the needle at all and the conversation earlier was, are we making it more difficult for people to go into teaching? We may be. I don't know there's a perfect answer, Larry.

Larry Greenstein:

Okay, thanks.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

And the resolution doesn't go into what the responsibility of the district will be to help teachers prepare for the renewal of their tenure. So, it's not just... The burden isn't just on the teacher. The burden will on the district as well and there's nothing in here that speaks to that. So, I would be nervous about the way this is praised because it's not complete and it's missing that piece of it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Again, if I heard discussion and whatever happened, but let me just get a sense of the board and how many of you would want me to vote for this? One, two, three. All right, so the majority of the board is still not there but we'll see... And it may be even discussion-wise that through the discussion, this board could come back next year with a better worded resolution that would change the recommendation from the resolutions committee itself so, that's always a possibility. Mrs. Langsner?

Fran Langsner:

I'm not opposed to the concept. I'm just concerned with the way [crosstalk 01:16:37]...

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, that's why I say... Right. And that's why I say, if through conversations where people talk to it and whether they're for or against it, make it clearer and this board or any other board says, "I see and we really are in favor of this," and they craft a better resolution, they may get a different result in whether it's recommended or not.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, 24? Nevermind. Sorry, sorry, there we are. Moving right... And to be honest, I do believe this school board... Well, it probably says it, had this... Something must be going on with this school board [crosstalk 01:17:26]...

Fran Langsner:

It's not the first time.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes, correct. This is not the first time and heaven knows what this is about but, moving right along, 25?

Speaker 15:

Move on quickly please.

Susan Bergtraum:

Excuse me?

Speaker 15:

I said, "Move on quickly."

Susan Bergtraum:

I just moved on. I am on. I am on 25 already. And that is it. And 25 made me smile but you can all smile on your own.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, so I know where I have that... I know what my direction is and understanding what your feelings are through comments. If something were to change through amendment or whatever, I will take what you said under advisement. All right, so with that, I think we are done.

Susan Bergtraum:

There is no executive session so we are accomplished and good for us. Does anybody else have anything before we adjourn? Seeing no one. Okay, may I have a motion to adjourn?

Fran Langsner:

So moved.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. Second?

B.A. Schoen:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, whomever. Mrs. Coates or... I can't remember. I don't know who it was.

Deborah Coates:

It was B.A.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schoen as well. All right, so with that, Michael you all ready?

Michael Weinick:

I want to wave goodbye.

Susan Bergtraum:

All in favor as you wave good-bye? All right, have a good evening everybody. [crosstalk 01:19:11] Be well and we will see you in two weeks.

Transcript of Nassau BOCES Board Meeting - September 2, 2021

Speaker 1:

All right you can place your right hand over your heart. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Angela Marshall:

I welcome you to this meeting, September 2nd, 2021. We are glad all of you here can join us. We are particularly glad to have our member Mike Weinick with us on Zoom but that he is with us is definitely a plus and we are thrilled to see him. So, with that Mr. Weinick, I think you asked for a moment.

Michael Weinick:

Yes I did. I just wanted to take a moment to thank the superintendent, the entire board, everybody on the cabinet and everybody at Boces for all of your good wishes, prayers [inaudible 00:01:03]... [crosstalk 00:01:07].

Angela Marshall:

You froze Mike but we got it. (Silence).

B.A. Schoen:

Thank you Mike.

Speaker 1:

Okay and we also just... The board would like to wish all of you a wonderful start to the new school year, and we certainly appreciate all that you have done in the past and that we know you are going to do in the future. Hopefully it will be... A little better than last year doesn't quite say it so, much better than last year and much more fulfilling, and easy to navigate. With that, may I have a motion to accept the minutes? This is...

B.A. Schoen:

Second.

Speaker 1:

[crosstalk 00:02:08] Mr. Shoen. Any discussion? All in favor?

B.A. Schoen:

Aye. [crosstalk 00:02:18]

Speaker 1:

Opposed? Sustained. [inaudible 00:02:21] May I have a motion on the consent agenda?

Deborah Coates:

[inaudible 00:02:26]

Speaker 1:

Thank you Mrs. Coates, second?

B.A. Schoen:

Second.

Speaker 1:

Thank you Mr. Schoen. Is there any discussion, does anybody want to pull an item? Yes, Mrs. [inaudible 00:02:39]?

Speaker 6:

I had asked Mr. Fierro for a little bit more clarification on the short-term lease item two, item... In agenda eight, facilities, item two, and he sent me an email that said that he would have that information, I guess?

Speaker 1:

Okay, so you're not pulling it...

Speaker 6:

No, I just [crosstalk 00:03:04] I just wanted a little bit more information here.

Speaker 1:

Okay. Mr. Fierro?

Anthony Fierro:

Sure. So Fran, the purpose of the lease would be just for when we're entering into an agreement with a for-profit organization and you were mentioning about like certain, certain groups, like Under Armour that we might be selling a product and we're not permitted to allow that on, on our properties for retails. So we had a conversation with Marianne Sedowsky about that after you posed the question, and I think you're asking if we should have language in this agreement that says that? I don't want to really speak for Marianne, but I think she would probably say that we really... Since we're not allowed to do that, we're only using this agreement for when we do enter an agreement with a for profit organization, and if somebody did approach us that we're selling a product like that, we would be within our rights to actually deny that because of the laws and the zoning laws that don't permit us to actually engage in that activities. In those types of activities.

Anthony Fierro:

So I don't know that I would see a conflict in our regulation and in moving forward with this agreement, but if there's anything you want me to bring back to council, I certainly would do that

Speaker 6:

I just didn't know what the downside of being silent on that type of situation?

Anthony Fierro:

I think that the agreement... Having it in the agreement, I don't think that would be... Personally, I don't think that would be necessary because we're only using this once we do engage into an agreement with the for-profit. So to put it there with a company that we're... Or an entity that we're already going to move forward with, I don't know whether that would be necessary, but if you'd like we could ask Marianne, if she wanted to put something specific in the regulation. She reviewed both of these documents and she actually prepared these documents for us, and we work with her. I can bring the regulation back to her and ask her to pose that question and see what she says, but I don't think she would find it necessary to put it in the actual short-term lease agreement. The primary purpose of this agreement for the most part, it would be used for the dance groups that perform at Lisa. That's really going to be going to be the primary use when this template would be utilized.

Speaker 6:

All right. If you think we're covered then I'm okay with it.

B.A. Schoen:

Marianne does.

Speaker 6:

Yeah, okay. Thank you.

Anthony Fierro:

You're welcome.

Speaker 1:

Any other questions or discussion?I see none, all in favor?

B.A. Schoen:

Aye [crosstalk 00:06:06].

Speaker 1:

Opposed? Okay. I have a motion to approve the additional agenda item consent contracts [inaudible 00:06:17].

B.A. Schoen:

I move.

Speaker 1:

Thank you Mr. Schoen. Second, Mr. Greenstein. Any questions, discussion? I see none. All in favor?

B.A. Schoen:

Aye [crosstalk 00:06:31].

Speaker 1:

Opposed?

Michael Weinick:

Opposed.

Speaker 1:

Extensions? Okay. Thank you. Any questions on information? I see none. Dr. Dillion?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Just a couple of items. The other day, we had an excellent tour of some of the projects that went on and Tony and his people did a great job and all of the people getting the buildings ready, and it looks really good, but last night we had a storm and I was going to ask Tony, if you could just comment on how we weathered all that rain? Tony?

Anthony Fierro:

Sure. Thank you, Dr. Dillon. Yeah, we actually... First of all, we had, Gary Zabelsky our custodial manager who went around prior to the storm to most of our facilities and just met with the head custodians and made sure that they had everything in place for the storm. So that was some of the preparation we did, and we always send out an email to the head custodians beforehand, just outlining some of the things to look for, and some of the things to make sure that they do as kind of, a checklist and checking their buildings and their rooves and anything that is outside that could be problematic.

Anthony Fierro:

So that's what we did the day of the storm. So this morning, actually we sent all of the head custodians out to their buildings early. We worked in our buildings until 11 o'clock last night, so as you know, the storm actually hit well before that, so we actually saw some evidence of a few leaks here and there. So, we got a little heads up in some of the areas that might be problematic, and then this morning our head custodians all came to their buildings early, just to make sure that everything was okay. As far as the buildings themselves, we really had very little problems with rain or any... No real flooding or anything.

Anthony Fierro:

So there were a few locations where we've had some chronic problems that we were prepared for and some flooding in areas in parking lots such as at [Haska 00:08:46] drive where we always know that just happens where there's a drainage issue there off of the easement. Really except for some minor leaks in our buildings and different locations, we really... I think we were pretty lucky. I came in a couple hours early just to see the condition of the roads because it was hard to tell what the conditions were on Long Island.

Anthony Fierro:

When I saw the reports from in New York City and in New Jersey, I was obviously a little bit concerned, but I think that in coming in, I really didn't see any major problems on the roads and I think we're pretty fortunate.

B.A. Schoen:

Thank you Tony. Any questions? Yeah, Larry?

Larry Greenstein:

In the tour you showed us one place where there was chronic leaking, they put in these big drainage pits. Did they work?

Anthony Fierro:

Oh, you're talking about in Carmen road?

Larry Greenstein:

Yeah.

Anthony Fierro:

Yeah, we did not have any issues at Carmen road that were significant. There was one small leak in a hallway by the all-purpose room. That was basically it.

Larry Greenstein:

Oh great. Good. So that was great.

Anthony Fierro:

Yeah and also even in Long island High School of the Arts where we actually know we have a problem with that courtyard that we talked about when we were over there. There was some water that got into that one doorway, but in reality, the storm that we had about a week and a half ago, I think we actually had more leaks during that storm than we did in this one. So again, I think we're very fortunate.

B.A. Schoen:

Okay, great. Thank you, Tony. Just a couple of other items quickly. We're in the process of administering a vaccine survey. In the first couple of days it's been out, it's been very much responded to and we're very happy about that, hope we'll get some more. As you probably have heard, the commissioner of health has put out a mandate for those who are not vaccinated, that weekly testing. We were looking for further guidance on this because we have to talk about what time will the testing occur? Who will pay for the testing? And vaccinations who will pay for them? So we're looking for further guidance on those particular items right now. The other issue that we have is this afternoon, the governor signed an extension for Zoom meetings until January 15th, and my recommendation is that we go back to Zoom meetings with the board.

B.A. Schoen:

I will not be having the cabinet... If the board chooses to meet in person that's fine, but we're not going to have the cabinet come in. We can't risk that because we just have too many people here. So that's a board decision, but my recommendation is we go back to Zoom. January 15th we reconvene and see where we are and see what the state does. I do anticipate in uptick in cases, once the kids come back because our programs have kids from all over the county and Suffolk county. We'll probably see an uptick like we did last year. It happened next year too.

Angela Marshall:

It's permission, not a mandate.

B.A. Schoen:

Yes, correct. It's extended. (Silence).

Speaker 1:

Might as well [inaudible 00:11:59]. Let's just see if...

B.A. Schoen:

I just got tacit agreement. I don't know about you but I just got tacit agreement.

Speaker 1:

[crosstalk 00:12:05] Somehow, I thought somebody wanted to say something.

Speaker 6:

Well, I hate to go backwards. I would, I would like to continue to do in person meetings. I think that we do okay like this, but like we've been saying all along to this last year and a half, the guidance stinks and the recommendations from the people who should know, also. So I don't... I would like to stay in person meetings, but I would certainly go with what the majority of our colleagues feel, and for safety, and everything else. [crosstalk 00:12:47]

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I agree, whoever wants to be in person, be here in person [inaudible 00:12:52]. Mike?

Speaker 1:

But then we have to open up the building... [Crosstalk 00:12:58]

B.A. Schoen:

And then you have to post the meeting where you're at and keep your door open. You might get a guy like Weinick walking in.

Michael Weinick:

Yeah. I agree with Mrs. Coates. So much is lost. I understand why we had to do it for the past year, but things are a little bit different now, and the meetings just lose an awful lot of that in-person dialogue. I certainly would not be in favor of going back to the Zoom meetings. I don't have a problem with the combination of the two. Those staff that are not needed personally at the meeting by all means they can Zoom in but that's it.

Speaker 1:

Everybody feels that we should not go back to Zoom? My feeling is it's still a safety issue. I'm just as in favor of going back to Zoom. To me, it's not a going back, it's a looking at the evidence and saying something's different than when we came back here when we were... And we had to, but even so it was a very different set of circumstances. Mr. Schoen?

B.A. Schoen:

Well, I'm sure we all prefer in person and the cabinet and everything else. It's what we've been used to for our career. In most cases, that's decades. However, I think we have a responsibility of leadership as well. We have to set a good example. We have to bite the bullet a little bit sometimes and accommodate, so that we're not making a big deal of it maybe the rest of the world won't make such a big deal of it, or as big a deal of it. We managed to get through with the Zoom meetings. I think we can continue. We're talking about three more months to re-examine. We've got the permission to do it. I say, let's take advantage of that.

Speaker 6:

This is my [inaudible 00:15:25]. So for all the reasons that everybody has just mentioned, the thought of going back to Zoom meetings is not my favorite idea of how to proceed. However, I agree with Mr. Schoen. The chance that as a result of meeting in person, we expose one person, to this disease, I would just... I don't know if I could live with myself. So I just... I don't think we have much of a choice. And I don't love it, I really don't love it at all.

Speaker 1:

I don't think any of us love it.

Speaker 6:

[crosstalk 00:16:04] know what's going to happen with all these things that we're signing up for?

B.A. Schoen:

They may be canceled. You never know.

Speaker 1:

I do think it [inaudible 00:16:14].

Michael Weinick:

Question?

Speaker 1:

Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

Are we going back to virtual teaching also, or in person teaching?

B.A. Schoen:

Right now, in person teaching. I don't think [crosstalk 00:16:29] as many people over 65 teaching as we do in this room though.

Michael Weinick:

Well my question just simply is, why for one and not for the other?

B.A. Schoen:

[crosstalk 00:16:39] Because...

Michael Weinick:

If it's such a concern?

B.A. Schoen:

There's a difference with that and you know what? That may change. My sense is that if we start seeing the uptick, we may be right back pivoting back to Zoom meetings. [crosstalk 00:16:54] I'm talking about virtual world. I have to change.

Speaker 10:

I felt that the zoom meetings were quite effective. I have an opportunity to see everyone on screen, we have an opportunity to listen with my presentations. They were well done. I also am concerned about the delta variant because I have a scheduled injection in the second week in November. It's going to be extremely difficult, even though you're a senior to get boosted. So I'm happy to leave it as is, continue Zoom meetings, and then re-evaluate in January.

Speaker 1:

And certainly the [inaudible 00:17:44] matter is, if something miraculous happened we could re-evaluate before January. [crosstalk 00:17:48].

Speaker 6:

Right because it's not a mandate.

Speaker 1:

You know, if something happens assuming that we decide that we're going back to Zoom, at any meeting we can certainly change how we meet. So this is... Do I have anybody else... Are you... Are we Zooming in or... Okay. So the majority of the board is feeling that we should go back to Zoom. So that is the consensus.

B.A. Schoen:

That concludes... Except we have... I think Mr. Fierro has a little presentation on some good things happening?

Anthony Fierro:

Yeah, so I just wanted to bring the board up to date on the webinar series that's coming up. So we're excited to continue the webinar series that we started last year, and we're going to continue with another three-part program. And this one we're actually going to... We're actually bringing in some international firms. So it's going to be a United States and international architectural firms to present some of their innovative school designs, and actual case studies from around the world. So I think it's going to be really, it should be really exciting. The first one is on September 29th and we have two firms that evening. One from the United States, that'll be presenting from United States and Israel, and the second firm will be presenting live from France. And the second webinar, which is the 13th of October, will feature two very prominent firms in the United States. Offices all over the United States.

Anthony Fierro:

And the third firm, the third webinar is going to be on October 27th and that's going to feature a firm that will be presenting live from Japan and a firm that'll be presenting from Germany. So it should be really interesting to see the work that they're doing in the school industry and the idea is that all of us can learn from what's going on around the world in education and educational design. So we're really looking forward to it. We're working with the American Institute of Architects, again, the long island chapter and Graziella Correo, which many of you have met now. She's not only the president of that chapter, but she also works for us now. So that's been a tremendous help having her on board and having her help us put this all together.

Anthony Fierro:

We have interpreters lined up and we expect to have an audience from United States and internationally. So I think it'll be really interesting and we're really looking forward to it and just wanted to just let the board know about it and hopefully we'll get a really good participation.

Speaker 1:

Can you just repeat the three dates?

Anthony Fierro:

Sure, September 29... And we're preparing the registration and we'll be sending out information so that everyone on the board will have notice on all three dates. We will have one... An email blast that will go out with all of the dates and all the information on it. September 29th, October 13th and October 27 and the first two will be from 12 to 1:30, the third one on October 27th, we're actually going to start that one at 10 o'clock in the morning because we're dealing with, I think it's like a 13 or 14 hour time difference between here and Japan. So it'll be like midnight in Japan when they're presenting. So we had to move that one up a little bit, but we'll provide the board with all of the information. And then we're really looking forward to it.

Anthony Fierro:

Dr. Dillon will be a part of it. The [inaudible 00:21:57] education has expressed an interest, many other organizations, other chapters in the AIA, the school facilities association. I also sent out an email to all of the deans in the architecture schools in New York state, just to give them a heads up because we really also wanted to get this possibly live streamed into the classroom. In to the college classrooms. So we'll see what happens. It should be really interesting.

B.A. Schoen:

Thank you Tony, great job. Any other questions or comments? That concludes the superintendent.

Speaker 1:

Mrs. Nolan was there any hearing of citizens?

Joyce Nolan:

No.

Speaker 1:

Okay, then we will go on to old business. Is there any reports other than as is mentioned, the tour of the buildings was [inaudible 00:22:54]. [crosstalk 00:22:54] so many progress. We thank Tony and his staff. They are a remarkable staff and they do take pride in what they do. So they do have our thanks and our appreciation. And is there anybody else who has anything to add? Okay, then let's go on. [inaudible 00:23:22] retreat. It's on the old business. I don't know, there. I mean you certainly saw the contract, but Mrs. Nolan?

Joyce Nolan:

[inaudible 00:23:35].

Speaker 1:

Okay, so that's not really... I mean, we will...

B.A. Schoen:

I can fill in a little bit.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

B.A. Schoen:

I had a conversation with Jim [inaudible 00:23:42]. He started out a framework of what is planning. You need some more information from the survey. [crosstalk 00:23:49]

Speaker 1:

I don't know what else he needs. because I... [crosstalk 00:23:54]

B.A. Schoen:

He's starting, he's getting there.

Speaker 1:

You know what? Why don't you ask Mrs. [inaudible 00:23:58]

B.A. Schoen:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

Okay?

B.A. Schoen:

So I'll do that tomorrow.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

B.A. Schoen:

All right, so dates that he put aside, are October 7th, October 13th and October 27th. We're talking from four to seven or five to eight, three hour meeting.

Speaker 1:

So two of those dates are the same day that Tony has his... But I'm assuming if it's during the day,

B.A. Schoen:

This will be at night.

Speaker 1:

Right, that it won't matter.

B.A. Schoen:

Right.

Speaker 6:

I can't do... I can't do the 7th.

B.A. Schoen:

I don't know if Mike could do the 7th either.

Speaker 10:

Will those be in person?

B.A. Schoen:

You would decide.

Speaker 1:

Well, maybe that is something, although things could change, maybe that is something we should...

Michael Weinick:

I'll probably be okay on the 7th. I won't know until I see the surgeon next week. What my restrictions are.

Speaker 1:

[crosstalk 00:24:56].

B.A. Schoen:

Mike, later might be better for you, right?

Speaker 1:

So we're not...

Michael Weinick:

As long as... I'm not allowed to drive so as long as somebody drives me, the 7th should be okay for me.

Speaker 1:

Okay but we're not... [crosstalk 00:25:07]. The 13th and the 27th, people could just check their calendars to see where...

Larry Greenstein:

Those days are okay with me.

Speaker 1:

Okay and they seem to be okay with me. [crosstalk 00:25:25] Say it again?

Speaker 10:

Work wise, the 13th is a problem for me.

B.A. Schoen:

27th better?

Speaker 10:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

So then why don't we [crosstalk 00:25:36].

Joyce Nolan:

Which I think is a [inaudible 00:25:36]

B.A. Schoen:

So then 27th, it looks like for the board.

Speaker 1:

Okay. And then, feelings about meeting in person?

B.A. Schoen:

The location I would recommend probably Lapinski because you can spread out much better at Lapinski and with the little desk... Angela am I correct with that? We still have the setup there with the little desk and the chairs?

Angela Marshall:

They can certainly have it if they don't have it. It's not a problem

B.A. Schoen:

I think it's a better experience.

Speaker 1:

And so give... Mr. Schultz?

Eric Schultz:

I'm worried about having... Who planned on having one session for three hours? That's what [inaudible 00:26:29] says?

Speaker 1:

Yes and certainly if, we felt we wanted another one that is certainly something that we can discuss after we have the first but yes that was...

Eric Schultz:

Okay. We've had them, in the past over two days. The only ones I recall being one day were actually to be one day we would meet in the morning and then we'd have lunch. So, [inaudible 00:27:03] a retreat for two, three hours. I'm not sure what's going to come of it. I don't think, in the back of [inaudible 00:27:15] it would be sufficient.

Speaker 1:

Well, [crosstalk 00:27:17] You could be absolutely right and from that point, make a decision about where we want to go after that. We also talked about, and I am totally in favor of, doing something with the cabinet as well, but we decided that we wanted to do us first, and then from there decide.

Speaker 6:

I think that... Eric I know when we spoke to Dr. [Covadell 00:27:49] Susan and I, the advantage of having the facilitator and him doing all of this preparation and getting all of the results of the self evaluation was that so that he could make it a short... A three hour meeting, a three hour retreat and this way it would be more concise and more precise.

Speaker 6:

We could talk about the items and instead of just thinking about something that we want to discuss, have a set agenda, and then from there, if we want to expand on it, we could do that at a future date, but that was his reasoning to do a three hour first time board retreat.

Speaker 1:

I also put in that I wanted everybody to get that agenda beforehand so that if it did not seem to reflect what the board expected it could be changed before we get to that. It was to be as quick as possible, but nothing's set in stone and we'll make those decisions once we have this first one. And so given the, givens and what we just discussed about Zoom and certainly being able to change our minds, the retreat, I think would be best to have it in person if...

B.A. Schoen:

Well, the retreat is only us. There's no support staff, there's no consideration of the public coming.

Speaker 1:

So we will say that the retreat is going to be...

B.A. Schoen:

The circumstances stay the same.

Speaker 1:

Unless something really awful happens. Okay so that's the board retreat. New business. Any board member have anything new before we go to the [inaudible 00:30:06] report, if there is one?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

At some point I would like and the other members of the board would like to know, given the pandemic, what additional demands are made by the districts on our tech staff when they go the districts, they look to us to increase the amount of work, especially given the remote nature of everything. I just would be very curious.

B.A. Schoen:

You mean for the past year? Since the pandemic? [inaudible 00:30:52]

Speaker 1:

Is there a condition report?

Michael Weinick:

Yes, there is. [crosstalk 00:31:02]

Michael Weinick:

We had a brief meeting the other day to talk about the gala and unfortunately things are looking very bleak. The costs have gone up tremendously, not only at the Crest Hollow, but every other location. The per person rate has gone up and they were all tacking on a 20 to 25% administrative fee. We have been looking at, as I said, other places out there besides Crest Hollow. It's our intention to have the gala, but it might become financially unfeasible. Added to that is what may or may not be happening with COVID and the Delta variant. People are concerned about going into certain venues for such activities. As most of you know, with the sculpting of last week, attendance was way down. So we're putting everything on hold for another month. Fortunately, we don't have to put any cash down and the decision will be made within the next month or two, whether it will be financially feasible.

Michael Weinick:

In the meanwhile, we are going full steam ahead with the grants. It's on the website so please pass the word to staff in the buildings. The applications are available. We have not yet put down for a cutoff date on when everything is due, but they can certainly get started on the application process, seeking the information that they need and applying for the grants. And the next meeting is on September 28th. Thank you.

Speaker 1:

Anybody else? I am assuming because I didn't see it there were no other committee meetings held that board members were a part of? So those don't... Aren't going to come up. It's just that I don't want to have somebody say, "But I had a meeting," so when I remember [inaudible 00:33:03]. So before we go into executive session, which will be to discuss the medical, financial, credit, or employment history of particular personal corporation, and that is leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person or corporation, we have a birthday to celebrate, and then we will go into executive session. The live stream will be paused and we most probably [inaudible 00:33:39] if anybody wants to join us after that. [crosstalk 00:33:46].

Speaker 1:

Two resolutions with no discussion or anything, but just so that the people on the live stream know that we will be coming back after executive session, that there will be action taken. With that, we're going to celebrate a birthday. Then I will ask for a motion to go into executive session and that is where we are. So with that we have the birthday in September of Angela Marshall. Can I say God bless her very, very heart and soul. We thank her a million and we will go [inaudible 00:34:22] her.

Deborah Coates:

Do we have a cake?

Speaker 1:

No we do not. Angela, we owe you a cake.

Angela Marshall:

We can't have cakes anymore.

Speaker 1:

Oh, Angela.

Deborah Coates:

I did not make that rule but I agree with it. [crosstalk 00:34:45].

B.A. Schoen:

Let them eat bread.

Speaker 1:

If I had a candle, I would stick it in [inaudible 00:34:50] [crosstalk 00:34:50]. All right, so let us sing happy birthday.

Speaker 1:

All right. So with that, may I have a motion to go into executive session?

B.A. Schoen:

Second.

Speaker 1:

Thank you for seconding Mr. Schoen. Discussion? All in favor?

B.A. Schoen:

Aye. [crosstalk 00:02:32]

Speaker 1:

Opposed?

B.A. Schoen:

We good Angela?

Angela Marshall:

You're live now.

B.A. Schoen:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

So we are back live. We have two resolutions to act on so Mrs. Nolan if you would read the first please?

Joyce Nolan:

Certainly. Be it resolved that the board here with authorizes an agreement between board and a civil service known to board. The board has previously reviewed said agreement in executive session. Be it further resolved that the board authorizes the board president and district superintendent to execute the agreement.

Speaker 1:

Do I have a motion? Thank you, Mr. Schoen, thank you Mrs. Langsner. End of discussion. All in favor?

B.A. Schoen:

Aye. [crosstalk 00:36:02].

Speaker 1:

Opposed? Sustained. Okay. We have test that resolution. Mrs. Nolan, if you would read the second resolution.

Joyce Nolan:

The second resolution is, we had resolved that the board here with authorizes the agreement between the board and a certificated employee known to the board. The board has previously reviewed, said agreement at executive session did further resolve that the board authorized the board president and district superintendent to execute the agreement.

Speaker 1:

Thank you, Mr. Schoen. Second Mrs. Coates. Discussion? All in favor?

B.A. Schoen:

Aye. [crosstalk 00:37:13].

Speaker 1:

Opposed? Sustained. Thank you. All right with that adjournment. We are adjourned. Well, I need a motion... We are not adjourned until... Thank you Mr. Schoen. Second? Mrs. Coates. With that I will not call for discussion. I am sure that it means none. All in favor?

Deborah Coates:

Aye [crosstalk 00:37:40].

Speaker 1:

Okay. Safe home everyone.

B.A. Schoen:

Be good Michael.

Michael Weinick:

Thanks.

Transcript of Nassau BOCES Board Meeting - August 12, 2021

Susan:

Let's get started. A quorum being present, I call this meeting to order. Mr. Ellerbe, will you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance?

Audience:

I pledge allegiance to the flag and the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Susan:

Thank you. I'd like to welcome everybody to the August 12, 2021 meeting of the Nassau BOCES Board of Education. We welcome everybody who's on livestream. We are unfortunately not as in person as we would have expected, but we will continue to move forward, and be flexible, and progress. We hope everybody is having a pleasant, regenerative summer, and is looking forward to the beginning of school. With that, Dr. Dillon, did you want to-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I think just before our presentation, do you want to do the minutes first?

Susan:

And then you want to show the-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yup.

Susan:

Okay.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Then we can call this person.

Susan:

Okay. Done, done, done. May I have a motion to set the minutes.

Fran Langsner:

So moved.

Susan:

Thank you, Mrs. Langsner.

Larry Greenstein:

Second.

Susan:

Second, Mr. Greenstein. Any questions? Comments? So done, all in favor?

Audience:

Aye.

Susan:

Opposed? Sustained. The minutes accepted, okay.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Prior to your presentation of the Regents' schools instruction programs, the Communications office has put together a video in an effort to continue our initiatives to put the BOCES name out there in a very favorable light. Angela, do you want to talk about it?

Angela Marshall:

This is actually a video that was created by the Jerusalem Avenue School, to highlight what their children's dreams were during the regional summer class program, their summer school program. The communications office didn't put it together, I just thought it was adorable, and that you would love to see it. I will share it now.

Azaya:

Hi, my name is Azaya, and I'm going to 5th grade at Jerusalem Avenue. This is some of our schools' wishes for the world. I'm going to read some wishes to you guys. Number one, this is mine, "I wish for it to be no more Coronavirus." "My dream is for everyone to be friends forever." This one says, "I wish there was no more sickness in the world." "I wish there was no more racism." "I wish that everyone will be kind." "I have a dream for the world that there's no war." "My dream for the world is to get all the people food." "My dream is for the pandemic to be over." "That all families stay home." "Be happy, kind, and love each other." "To be peaceful." "That all races get along." I enjoyed it because I had fun, and these are so nice. Thank you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Now on our side, I think Carla, I'll turn it over to you.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Good evening, everyone. I want to thank the board and my superintendent for this opportunity to present an analysis of needs for the Department of Regional Schools and Instructional Programs, RSIP. I think we're going to wait for them [inaudible 00:04:49].

                  RSIP offers high school and adult career technical education programs, including six in district programs. Next slide. [inaudible 00:05:13]. Bear with us, technical difficulties.

                  RSIP offers high school and adult career technical education programs, including six in district CTE programs. RSIP also includes 12 twilight alternative education programs, which support districts with Regents, credit recovery, and high school equivalency.

                  I'm going to begin with our in district and twilight programs. These programs are located within the component districts, and have a different supervisory model and fee structure from our other programs. The maximum enrollment for RSIP's in district programs is determined by the district. District fees directly cover the cost of the program. The numbers shown here are very preliminary, and districts will usually not finalize enrollment until late September.

                  Because in district programs are housed in the home district, they can be supported by the regular building staff, so the need for administrative support is not as high as in some of our other programs. One program coordinator serves as a workman's learning coordinator, and oversees all six locations. Only Baldwin has an additional Supervisor II position because the person is also needed to oversee the twilight program at that location.

                  As noted in the previous slide, the number of teaching staff and students are determined by the district, and all program costs are covered by the districts. These numbers will change significantly by late September. RSIP's 12 twilight alternative education programs fulfill a very important need for districts by helping non-traditional high school students catch up or stay on track for graduation. The number of students in each program are based on the students and districts' needs. Like in district, twilight's program costs are covered by the districts. One principal oversees all locations, and each program location is also supported by a program coordinator. Similar to in district programs, because twilight programs are housed in the districts, they can run with fewer support staff, since they have the backup of the regular building staff.

                  Now I'd like to discuss the program needs for our career and technical education programs. These programs serve a much larger population of students, and are located in Nassau BOCES owned or leased buildings. Our projected enrollments for this fall are 1,376 students at Barry Tech, 254 students at GC Tech, and 195 students at the Long Island High School for the Arts. These career technical education programs do not operate with the same structures as a regular high school. The supervisor responsibilities are numerous, and unlike a regular comprehensive high school, there are no deans or department chairs to handle disciplinary or instructional matters.

                  While there is a relatively high student/admin ratio, that number is not as important as the administrative responsibilities each school leader has. RSIP career and technical ed administrators manage arrival, dismissal, and transportation for two half day sessions each day. They coordinate with families and staff from over 38 component districts. They supervise all disciplinary and counseling matters, and they oversee internships, skills USA, and work based learning activities. CTE administrators must also ensure that we are in New York state compliance for CTE technical endorsements, which include a three part technical assessment and a specific number of instructional and work based learning hours. This includes our master classes held at LISA.

                  Go back. Unlike regular high school programs, career and technical ed programs must recruit their students, and administrators manage a complex recruitment, registration, and enrollment process. This year GC Tech offers seven programs, including cosmetology, automotive technology, police science, construction/electricity, emergency medical technician, and HVAC/plumbing.

                  LISA offers six programs, performing arts, visual and media arts, production and managerial arts, sonic arts, paint design, and expressive arts and human development. Within these six programs, there are 14 sub-majors that students can specialize in. Barry Tech currently offers 39 career and technical ed programs, including learning skills programs. Too many to list now, but we do have all of that in our catalogs.

                  CTE administrators, to some extent, must become content experts in the programs they supervise, so that they can manage the infrastructure needs and monitor budgets for supplies and equipment. They oversee clinical rotations for health programs, and supervise all recruitment and marketing activities. They must also oversee a challenging New York state program re-approval process, which happens in five year cycles for the 30 plus programs. This process includes renewing each articulation agreement with the institutions of higher ed. All of this is in addition to the typical responsibilities principals and APs have, such as observation and evaluation of teachers, TAs, and clerical support staff.

                  Finally, I will discuss our adult education programs, which include adult English as a Second Language, high school equivalency, adult basic education, and career training programs. The numbers shown here are from the 2019 school year, the last year we were fully in person. Adult education recruitment runs in cycles throughout the year. We're currently beginning our fall recruitment process. We will have those numbers in late September to early October. Early recruitment looks promising, and we believe that enrollment will reach similar numbers to those of the 2019/2020 school year.

                  These programs are partially funded through adult students who pay for training, but most of our programs are funded through over nine governmental funding streams of up to $4,500,000. Adult programs are managed by one principal and two assistant principals. One for the Barry Tech technical education program for adults, and one for St. Bernard's Levittown or adult learning center. The adult learning center also oversees six satellite locations, and adult ed programs run from daytime into the evening. Administrators work closely with the New York State Department of Education, Office of Children and Family Services, Access ER, and other organizations to manage the funding streams. They also work with industry partners who support career support services and job placement. Like our high school programs, administrators manage all recruitment, open houses, and marketing for their programs.

                  With careful consideration of our programmatic needs, RSIP has developed a timeline for ensuring that our programs have adequate fitting administrative support. For the 2021 to 2022 school year, we recommend moving to a supervisory model for GC Tech and Long Island High School for the Arts, of a principal and an assistant principal. Each of these programs operate autonomously at their current locations. This would require the creation of a principal's position at GC Tech, and an assistant principal's position at Long Island High School for the Arts.

                  At the Adult Learning Center, we need to fill a current vacancy caused by a recent retirement. Our administration will also need to begin planning for updates to the Long Island High School for the Arts infrastructure in anticipation of moving arts programs from Barry Tech to Long Island High School for the Arts.

                  For the 2022 to 2023 school year, we strongly support hiring a central office administrator to oversee financial and budgetary matters. If we see continued growth in enrollment at LISA, we will need to hire a workplace learning coordinator. Also for the 2022/2023 school year, we recommend that we add an assistant principal at Barry Tech, to fill the gap left when the assistant principal was transferred to open GC Tech's location. Moving forward, we'll continue to monitor our program needs, to plan for new programs at Barry Tech, and transition art programs to LISA.

                  This slide shows a summary of the RSIP proposal for supervisory needs. I want to thank you for your consideration, and I will now open up for questions.

Susan:

Mr. Weinick?

Michael Weinick:

Yeah, I'm not sure I understand the budget implication chart. At GC Tech, for instance, you're creating and filling a principal's position, how is it only $56,000?

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

From the cost of an assistant principal who's currently running the program the difference in cost between the assistant principal and principal.

Michael Weinick:

You're creating a principal, and then terminating the assistant principal?

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

We're eliminating the program coordinator position.

Michael Weinick:

Okay.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Then we have an assistant principal and a principal.

Michael Weinick:

Okay, and at LISA, the same question for LISA.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Same thing, we have a program coordinator. We would create an assistant principal position.

Michael Weinick:

Thank you.

Larry Greenstein:

I see we're adding a program at Long Beach. What are we offering there?

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

I'll let Ms. Heinz handle that one.

Ms. Heinz:

We're offering medical assisting as an in district program, and I actually just heard from their assistant superintendent today that the program is ready. They took the Nike Center. Are you familiar with the Nike Center? It's been closed for the past year and a half.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Excuse me, can you talk into the computer? I couldn't hear you.

Ms. Heinz:

I'm sorry. The Nike Center on Vito Boulevard has been closed for the last year and a half because of COVID. They came to us and said, "We'd like to put a program in here." We started about the middle of April, and plans are done, and the room is finished, and it's gorgeous, brand new, state of the art. Everything new, all the equipment. We currently have I think eight students that are enrolled, but we are anticipating that, that will definitely go up once the new semester starts. The superintendent, Jim Gallagher there, really would like to add at least two, if not three more programs over the next few years, and have their own CTE center run through us, so Barry Tech South.

Larry Greenstein:

So the capital investment at the Nike Center is theirs?

Ms. Heinz:

Yes, all theirs.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

The district incurs all their costs.

Larry Greenstein:

Good. Very good. Congratulations.

Ms. Heinz:

Thank you. Also, the new program [inaudible 00:17:04]. That room is also finished, it will be ready for September. The same thing, they took an old ceramics room and made it into a barbering unit, just like they have at Baldwin, and it's going to be the first program that we have that actually allows twilight students to do a CT program in the afternoon, early evening, which is a first for us.

Larry Greenstein:

Very good. Sounds good.

Susan:

Mrs. Langsner?

Fran Langsner:

I wanted to go back to Michael's question. Based on what you said about eliminating the program coordinators, the administrator to staff ratio was being proposed to remain the same?

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

It would be the same, but the program would no longer be linked to the principal at Barry Tech.

Fran Langsner:

Because it looks to me like that ratio is considerably more favorable at GC Tech and at LISA than it is at Barry Tech.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Absolutely.

Fran Langsner:

You're not proposing any-

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

We are proposing to backfill the assistant principal position in the 2022/'23 year.

Fran Langsner:

Okay.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

To fill a position vacated by the AP who was transferred to GC Tech.

Fran Langsner:

Okay. All right. All right, thanks.

Susan:

Mr. Schoen, to you?

Eric Schultz:

How many students do we believe will go from Barry Tech, in terms of the art program, to LISA?

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

This year, we're transitioning one animation program from GC Tech over to LISA, and it's about eight students that are merging together with the other class that already existed at LISA, so we're not really creating a new class, we're just merging the students into the same class. For Barry Tech, we're planning on moving over game design, and audio production, and video production, over the next two years. We would need to do some infrastructure work, and that would be whatever the current enrollment. Currently assigned there are three teachers, one of them is a skills teacher. Audio production, there's one teacher. We would probably phase that in so that students who start a program at Barry Tech would complete a program at Barry Tech.

Eric Schultz:

My only concern is transportation, because LISA does not have a lot of space for buses, so if we're increasing students, we're increasing more traffic. I just want to make sure that-

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

[inaudible 00:19:37] increase in districts because of our new enrollment process this year, so many more districts are now sending and arranging for transportation. The way the bus flow goes around the back and to the front, it's pretty well organized. I don't think they're going to have a problem with space for transportation.

Eric Schultz:

Thank you.

Susan:

Any other questions? Okay, then let me just piggyback on what Mr. Schultz was asking. If these students are coming out of, I'm going to say Barry Tech, because there are far more in Barry Tech, does that leave room for other programs or for increased enrollment in programs that we have? Just a little bit of explanation about what would happen [crosstalk 00:20:24].

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Yeah, absolutely. It's been a number of years that Barry Tech has maxed out all of their physical space. Even if we wanted to open new sections of, for example, construction/electric, HVAC, or programs that we generally turn students away, because many more applicants than seats available. What we would do is form a committee and explore what either potential new programs to open at Barry Tech, once there's space to do so, or expansion of some of the more popular programs, where we aren't able to accept all the students who apply. That would be an exploration over this coming year, and then for the following fall, when we make the move, we would have that space available for new programs to go on.

Susan:

Just one other question, on the twilight program, where it says, for instance, in [inaudible 00:21:18] where it says the number of [inaudible 00:21:19] teachers, and there are 55. Are they because they're not all teaching? Are they expert positions?

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Yes, yes. We have some teachers that teach just two nights a week, and others that teach four. Some teach multiple classes, some of them only teach one, depending on their certification.

Susan:

Right, okay. Therefore it makes sense. Okay, thank you. Any other questions before we ... Thank you so much.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Thank you.

Susan:

Thank you. Informative, clear, thank you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

You got the agenda?

Susan:

Yes, I have the agenda. It lose me, so sorry. Okay. May I have a motion on the [inaudible 00:22:04]?

Michael Weinick:

So moved.

Susan:

Thank you, Mr. Weinick. Second?

Fran Langsner:

Second.

Susan:

Mrs. Langsner, thank you. Is there any discussion? Anybody need to pull an item? Mrs. Langsner?

Fran Langsner:

I don't need to pull anything. There was a consultant for LISA, the National Circus Project. I just want to know when I can go, so I can run away to join the circus? That sounds like an awful lot of fun.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

You've been in the circus about seven years, in my calculations.

Fran Langsner:

It was just great to see that. I'm sure the kids will love it.

Susan:

Mr. Schultz?

Eric Schultz:

Yeah, I stepped in a little late today, I apologize to everybody. I can't find exactly where it was, but somewhere, maybe James you can ... There's a line that says we have consultants who have certified salaries and fringe benefits. I'll go through it again.

James Widmer:

That wasn't the one that you wanted, for 20 Cordell?

Eric Schultz:

Yes.

James Widmer:

That was it?

Eric Schultz:

I spoke to Mr. Fiero.

James Widmer:

Fiero, there you go. Identify yourself, Mr. Fiero. Beam in. Mr. Fiero?

Anthony Fierro:

I'm here, yes. I'm not sure. The question that Eric is asking is about a consultant? I don't know that, that was a facilities consultant.

Eric Schultz:

Thank you, I had a different question to be answered. Also, I've been reading through ... On a different topic, I've been reading through a number of the contracts that we've been ... One of the things obviously that we put in there is having to not only comply with BOCES, our policies, but with the policies and laws regarding students' right to privacy, etc. What kind of mechanism do we have in place when they start to subcontract? Do we review those contracts, to make sure that it's in there? I know that the contracts themselves say, if we have subcontractors, that we will also make sure that they do X, Y, and Z. If they're practicing, and [inaudible 00:24:28] for so long. I know that contractors aren't always the most honorable people. It's sad to say they're not honorable, but they don't think they're governed by the primary.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Tony, you want to address that in facilities?

Anthony Fierro:

Well facilities, when we hire a prime contractor, they are required to provide us with a list of all of their subcontractors, and they're all vetted. We know who's on the job. They can't have any surprises. If there's anyone that's new coming in or any substitute, they have to alert us. We'll have our construction managers and our architects vet them and make sure that they're meeting our requirements.

Eric Schultz:

It also popped up in some of the contracts we have to have been supplied technical services. I think the one I was looking at, I can't pick it out right now, had to do with programs online, where the kids would come in and they'd do creative videos, or whatever it is, but they also subcontract that out.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

It sounds like Laverne, I'm not sure. It is Laverne? Laverne, can you appear? There we are.

Eric Schultz:

This is great. [inaudible 00:25:41] Laverne?

Laverne Mitchell:

I can hear you, can you hear me?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yes.

Laverne Mitchell:

Okay, I'm sorry, the volume was pretty low. Can you repeat that?

Eric Schultz:

We have contracts that we enter into for programs where the teachers and children might use it to do internet projects, read films or videos, etc. The prime contract basically says what we always put into contracts, that they'll comply with BOCES policies, and they'll comply with all the state and federal laws with regard to students' right to privacy. My concern is when they start to subcontract out items, how-

Laverne Mitchell:

Go ahead, I'm sorry. Finish your question.

Eric Schultz:

What do we do to make sure that subcontractors not only have the same language in their subcontracts, but a way to monitor that?

Laverne Mitchell:

Typically, those consultants that we hire for programs for students and professional development don't subcontract, but there is a clause in the consultant contract that has the vendor listing anyone who's associated with that consultant or organization, so that if they're working with others, that we have the names, and that they're vetted. But typically, those consultants do not subcontract out.

Eric Schultz:

But they have the right to in the contract though, right? That's my concern. Maybe we should bring that up with Sodowski.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We can revisit.

Eric Schultz:

Put that down.

Susan:

Any other things?

Eric Schultz:

No.

Susan:

Okay, say none.

Fran Langsner:

I do have a motion.

Susan:

All in favor?

Audience:

Aye.

Susan:

Thank you. Opposed? Sustained. That addresses additional agenda item, the approval of certain contracts over $2,000 a day. May I have the motion?

B.A. Schoen:

So moved.

Susan:

Thank you, Mr. Schoen. Second?

Fran Langsner:

Second.

Susan:

Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. Any comments, discussion? I see none. All in favor?

Audience:

Aye.

Susan:

Opposed?

Larry Greenstein:

Opposed.

Susan:

Sustained, the motion passes. Okay, is there any questions about information that anybody has? Mrs. Langsner?

Fran Langsner:

It's not a question. I was just happy to see how the timeline for state ed approval has diminished, to the point where the third party approvals really weren't ever needed.

Susan:

Right.

Fran Langsner:

That's great.

Anthony Fierro:

Yes, hopefully that will stay constant for a while. That'll be a big help.

Susan:

Okay.

James Widmer:

Tony?

Anthony Fierro:

Yes?

James Widmer:

Is there a reason for that? Did they hire additional people?

Anthony Fierro:

I don't know that they've hired additional people. It was kind of surprising for me, because I guess probably before the summer is when they have a large influx of new projects that are submitted, that districts need to get done over the summer. I would imagine that during the summer might be more of a lesser, more of a quieter time for projects in the middle, because all the districts are actually engaged in getting their projects done. That would be the primary reason that I would say that, that has gone there, but that's quite a bit lower than I've seen in a long time. I was pleasantly surprised to see that. I would expect that it'll go up again, probably in the fall. But we'll try to take advantage of it if we can.

Susan:

Before we continue, we have to announce the district wide safety plan, so let me just ... Pursuant to education law section 2801-A, and 8NYCRR155.17C3, notice is given that a public hearing is being held at the meeting of September 23, 2021 of the Nassau BOCES Board, to solicit comments on the Nassau BOCES district wide safety plan. The plan will be available to the public for comment on the Nassau BOCES website on August 13, 2021 through September 22, 2021. The plan will be adopted at the September 23, 2021 board meeting. If there is anybody who has any comments or wants to read the plan, it is on our website, and the comments that you have, please address them knowing that we will be adopting this plan at the September 23rd board meeting. Okay.

Speaker 16:

What is the procedure with comments? Are we required to acknowledge like when you send in public statements to the legislature, they come up with a report of what comments they get, and whether they accepted them or not? Are we required to do the same thing?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Usually they're submitted to the district clerk. Rarely do we receive them. We may if our employees do believe that there's an issue, they may cite the issue there and it's read by the district, or they'll be here at the meeting.

Speaker 16:

Right. I'm just asking because now with all the mask and vaccine stuff, we might actually be getting some people commenting.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Okay, that's good. I like that.

Susan:

We will make sure that we do what we need to do.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah. I'm glad you brought that up, because in the superintendent's report, Mr. LaDuca's going to be here for us to talk about it with him.

Susan:

Anybody else? Okay, with that being said-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

The superintendent's report. Okay.

Susan:

The superintendent's report, yes.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you very much.

Susan:

You're very welcome.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

The first thing I'd like to do is bring Peter LaDuca in to talk about what we have done, as far as being in compliance with our COVID regulations and what we plan to do. Peter? I know him.

Peter LaDuca:

Thank you, Dr. Dillon. Can you hear me well? My audio has been breaking up. Can you hear me?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We can hear you very well.

James Widmer:

You're okay.

Peter LaDuca:

Okay, good. Thankfully, we're in a very good position. We worked very hard over the last year and a half to put together a really substantial reopening plan, and so as we go into the new school year, the adjustments we have to make to that plan are going to be very minor. It's going to really center around some of the newest things that relate to social distancing, contact tracing, and a handful of other issues.

                  We're in a very, very good place, and I really honestly have to commend really everybody that's been involved in this, which is everybody on this particular Zoom meeting and more. The leadership we've gotten from Dr. Dillon and Dr. France, James Widmer, our executive directors, our principals in the building, has really been outstanding. Above and beyond what they do on a daily basis, they very quickly have had to really become experts in the things that I do every day and have been doing for years. That is one of the reasons why we are in such a good place.

                  Some of the things we're looking at right now to incorporate and make some changes in our reopening plan, I'll start with the instructional buildings. Basically, we're going to follow the same procedures that we have followed last school year. We are going to try to maintain as much as possible six foot distancing in those buildings, where possible, and where we can't do that, we are going to require masking in those buildings. I know that's a very controversial issue out in the school districts. I'm seeing it every day, where parents are pushing back on having their children where masks. But I think as we look across the country, even though states like Florida and Texas, where the Governors are supporting a maskless policy in schools, schools are starting to rebel and say, "We're going to mask anyway." That is the CDC guidance currently, they would like to see both students and staff mask in our buildings. That's the way we plan on going forward.

                  As far as our non-instructional buildings, we've also decided because of the increase in COVID cases across the state, and particularly here in Nassau County, where we're seeing approximately 300 new cases every day, we have decided that everyone in our administrative buildings should continue the six foot social distancing, but in addition be masked in those buildings. That is something else that we're going to include in our plan going forward, and we just had the discussion today, again, based on what we're seeing and the quick rise in cases, especially across the county. By the way, we are in the highest zone of positivity. We are in what's called the red zone. We are a little unique in that particular area, so we are going to decide to go to a hybrid model in our administrative buildings also.

                  In regard to in person events, no buildings, and use utilizations of some of our areas that we typically use for conferences, we are going to limit them to 25 people. We are going to require six foot social distancing, and we are going to encourage that food not be used at those meetings, but if it's absolutely necessary, we are going to require that it's prepackaged and single service. That's the way we'll be going forward there.

                  We have been doing notifications of positive cases. We've been doing that on a regular basis, and I think that's a nice tool that we've made available to our staff, and we're going to continue to go do that going forward. It's not required, but we think it is a good idea, so we will continue to do that.

                  As far as quarantining, there have been some changes, according to CDC, and now we are allowed in the classroom to go to three feet instead of that six feet we were requiring for students. Previously, where we had to maintain in the classroom six foot spacing, we now can go students only in the classroom, to three feet. Teachers in the classrooms still have to be at six feet. Everybody else in the building still has to be at six feet, and everybody has to be masked, okay? There is that option, if we decide we want to go to three feet and students are masked, we can take advantage of that. That is the guidance currently from the CDC.

                  Screening, we have been doing the questionnaire for our staff every morning, and it was our plan to continue to do that. But just today, as a matter of fact, just this evening, some new guidance came out from SED, where they actually are not requiring or recommending that, that screening continue to be done. That's something that I think we'll have to discuss internally, whether we want to continue to do that as an extra measure of protection. In light of what SED came out with today, we'll have some discussion on that.

                  We will obviously continue to encourage, as much as possible, that everybody be vaccinated. However, we will not require individuals to be vaccinated. Visitors to the building, that is something that we will continue to discourage at this juncture. If visitors are coming to the building, they will be required to mask and social distance at six feet.

                  Those are some of the major things that we plan on doing going forward. I'm sure you have some other questions, because there are so many things going on, there's so much different guidance coming out. In the past two days, we just got new guidance from the Nassau County Department of Health, and just tonight we got new guidance from the State Education Department. I'd be glad to answer any questions you might have.

Susan:

Are you ready?

Eric Schultz:

I'm ready.

Susan:

Mr. Schultz and then Mr. Greenstein.

Eric Schultz:

I was watching television during my dinner, and the next thing I know my wife says to me, "Is he on again?" Talking about Dr. Dillon, who was on television. Followed by a woman from Moms For Freedom. I've seen them in at least two districts.

Peter LaDuca:

Yup.

Eric Schultz:

My own district, Plainview, the last time they discussed this, some woman called them Satanic. I don't know if it happens here, but I'm scared of the carryover. My question is at what point do we discuss or review the concept of those who are and aren't vaccinated, as opposed to a blanket policy?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I don't think we can. With HIPAA and everything else going on, I don't think right now, unless an executive order helps, we have to follow the guidance. That would be my interpretation right now.

Peter LaDuca:

Yeah, and I would agree with that. Not to mention that it would be extremely, extremely hard to track those people that are vaccinated or not vaccinated. One of the additional problems, and I was talking to the Nassau County Health Department about this today is when we do our contact tracing, there are certain questions we have to ask, and whether you're vaccinated or not vaccinated will make a difference on whether you need to quarantine or not. We will ask that question, but they're not obligated to tell us. The dilemma for us is that we ask the question, "Are you vaccinated," and inform them that if they're not vaccinated and they've been exposed, they do not have to quarantine, they can come to work, but if they don't want to share that information, it kind of leaves us in a position where we'd have to say, "Well, then our only option here, not knowing that, is for you to quarantine for the next 10 days."

                  That's another thing we really haven't quite worked out. We're in discussion with the Nassau County Department of Health to see how they're going to do their contact tracing, and hopefully we'll have some clearer guidance on that.

Eric Schultz:

I know that our next Governor has come out, in terms of pro-masking, but what's interesting about vaccinations, I was listening to NPR on the way in, there is a black market for COVID cards. If you go into the really dark web, they actually have it with the batch numbers, and CVS or Walgreens kind of stamps on them, from anywhere from $20 to $200. Those are for the college students are getting them, especially those who need to be vaccinated. I'm assuming at some point somebody in the Pentagon's going to do it also, although it's a federal crime, which would make it more difficult to determine whether or not somebody's in fact vaccinated.

Peter LaDuca:

Yeah. You know, Eric, on your issue about the masking, I think that is something that we have to become very conscious of. Without question, and I see it out in the districts every day, there's some very, very strong groups that are pushing for no masks in schools. That's something that we haven't had to contend with yet, but it is something that I think is going to come our way eventually, and that's going to be an interesting battle.

Eric Schultz:

Thank you, Pete. Larry?

Larry Greenstein:

I know a lot of districts are struggling with lunch, are we comfortable with the protocols we have there, in terms of timing and spacing, and everything else?

Peter LaDuca:

Here's the problem, the most recent CDC guidance ... Previously they had said lunch, you have to maintain that six foot distancing. Now in their new guidance they're saying, "Well, you should maintain as great a distance as you can." I don't know what that really means, but this is where the problem comes in. I just said that in the classroom, we're now able to go to three feet, if we're masked.

                  School districts are going to want to do lunch in the classroom, and they think that now they can do that because of the three foot rule. But once the masks come off to actually eat, we're no longer in that three feet, we're back to six feet again, because the masks are off. This is something that a lot of school districts don't understand. They think they've been given the go ahead to eat in the classroom. Again, it's still a controversial issue. The SED guidance that came out today, again, didn't really clarify it, and actually did give more of a sense that maybe you could eat in the classroom. That's another thing that we want to see some clarification on from SED.

                  But right now, and especially what we're going through right now with the increase in cases, particularly here in Nassau County, I think we need to go forward with a more conservative approach, more than loosening up.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Larry, lunch for us is not as challenging as the schools with 25, 20 in class.

Larry Greenstein:

Right, yeah, right.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We have other challenges, other than just the should we mask.

Larry Greenstein:

Right, no, no. I get it, yeah, because you might need three people to help one person eat lunch.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Exactly, exactly. They're not going to be three feet away.

Larry Greenstein:

Are we allowed to separate students who have been vaccinated into a different room than students who haven't been, and different protocols?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

You mean tracking? You mean tracking?

Larry Greenstein:

Yeah, vax tracking.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We try to stay away from it, but right now, our students, again, the age, they're not going to be vaccinated, most of them.

Larry Greenstein:

Right.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

The other ones are coming in for half a day, and so we don't have to feed them. We can't track them. They're all there for the trade, for the trade.

Larry Greenstein:

Right.

Peter LaDuca:

You know, I think you also have to be conscious of vaccination discrimination.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yes, shaming.

Peter LaDuca:

Yup.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yup, I agree.

Susan:

Ms. Langsner?

Fran Langsner:

Peter, do we have any direction, as far as keeping windows in the classrooms open?

Peter LaDuca:

There is some suggestion that you can open the window in the classroom, and combine that with a fan ... One window open, the other window with a fan in it exhausting out. Pulling air in from the outside, but exhausting it out. We don't want a fan in the classroom that's blowing into the classroom. That'll work, depending on weather conditions.

                  But the downside of that is obviously there's potential to pull in other allergens and contaminants into the room that will not be going through any type of filtration system, as it does with our current HVAC systems. There's a plus and minus to that. I'm not an advocate of opening the windows, for that reason, but it is allowable under the guidance.

Fran Langsner:

Thanks.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you, Peter.

Susan:

Thank you, Peter.

Peter LaDuca:

My pleasure.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Stay safe. Stay warm. [crosstalk 00:47:14]. Now Mr. Fiero, you're going to talk about the facilities update and the tour?

Anthony Fierro:

Sure.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Whether we want to decide to keep them or not. Okay, Mr. Fiero.

Anthony Fierro:

Can you hear me?

Susan:

Yes.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I want to see you.

Anthony Fierro:

Yeah, I'm trying to. It says the host is ... Okay, now I can start. Okay.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

There you are.

Anthony Fierro:

Sorry about that. Okay, so we've prepared a draft for a summer building tour for Tuesday, August 31st, as the tentative date. We're including visiting, touring four different locations, the Long Island High School for the Arts, Carmen Road School, then going to the Rosemary Kennedy Center, and Jerusalem Avenue School. We're touring different ... To view different projects that we've been working on all summer, some of the major projects. There's also in the tour program a listing of some of our other significant operational projects that we've been working on in other locations. There's also, for each of the schools we're visiting, there's some building information, and plans, and site plans, and some building data. Also listed is the status of all of the capital projects at that building, and the other projects, operational projects that we're working on.

                  We just wanted to review this with the board. The tour would conclude at Farber, with as of right now on the program, there would be a lunch, a lunch meeting discussion. That's the way it stands right now, unless we decide that, that's not going to happen. That's pretty much the program. We'd meet at LISA between 8:45 and 9:00 in the morning, and we'd conclude at the lunch between 1:00 and 2:00 PM. That's the plan as it stands right now.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you, Tony. Any questions? We'll meet at LISA in the morning? Whatever you want. Again, here, I don't know if people are comfortable driving in groups or by themselves [crosstalk 00:49:29].

Susan:

Right, I think it depends upon what it looks like.

Anthony Fierro:

Yeah, in the past, in past years, as you know, we actually had a bus for those who wanted to go in groups, but we're not recommending that for this year.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you, Tony.

Anthony Fierro:

Okay.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Does that conclude our board meeting?

Susan:

Okay, okay. Mr. Dillon, any citizen's ... We're done? Thank you very much. Okay, so then we have old business. Any board member have any old business to report? I see nobody. New business? Before we get to committee, before we can ... If somebody has to report? Otherwise, we'll move to the education violation, the incident report.

Michael Weinick:

Okay. First, it's very nice to see that we have everything listed like that, so we don't forget. At any rate, we did have a very brief foundation meeting on July 27th, and the meeting focused on awareness of the staff, of what the foundation is all about. For the past year or so, we've had tremendous turnover between administrators and teachers, and there are a lot of people out there who really don't know what the foundation does, who we are, etc., etc. We came up and we brainstormed various things that we could possibly do to get the word out.

                  First, Mr. Fiero is going to be talking to the cabinet, and letting the cabinet know. Tony is on the foundation board, so he's going to talk to the cabinet, to make sure that they're aware. This morning, I made a video. Unfortunately, we're not meeting in person on the welcoming back to the staff, so we had planned on that I would say a few words to the staff, letting them know. That's out, so I did a video this morning, and Andrew is going to fix up all my errors, edit my ums, and etc., etc., and make it into a nice presentation, so that the staff is aware of what the foundation is, the mini grants, and what the staff can do to participate and make the foundation a better organization.

                  Particularly things like [inaudible 00:51:53] funding the foundation, helping us there, being an active participant in the various things that we do, whether it be a ballgame, fishing trips, the golf outings, etc., etc. Also, we're composing a letter that will go into the folders of every teacher, explaining all of this. That was the basis of the meeting. We had a brief discussion on the possibility of a new venue for the gala. The gala is set for this year, but for the future, because Christ Hollow is raising their rates tremendously, unfortunately as you know, there are not too many places in Nassau County that has a facility large enough to accommodate us. That's the major problem, but we are looking at other ways, just so that it's not cost prohibitive. That's the end of it.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you.

Susan:

Okay, if I am correct, the only committee that met, just tell me, is the policy committee.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Correct.

Susan:

Okay, so the policy committee met. Mrs. Langsner, would you like to report on ... Otherwise, I wrote down which policies we went over.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I would love to know what I missed.

Susan:

Okay.

Fran Langsner:

It was a brunch.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Larry, how did it go, Larry? How many comments?

Susan:

There you go, we are pruning our comments.

Larry Greenstein:

But the sushi was really good.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

That's okay, I don't eat sushi.

Susan:

Okay, so the only thing, because I think when the policy committee meets, other than telling you what policies you went over, because eventually they're going to come to the board. To spend time at a board meeting when you will eventually get them in the packet ... We went over, if I am not mistaken, the [inaudible 00:54:08] vaporizing, tobacco use on Nassau BOCES premises, the acceptance of gifts, donations, and requests to Nassau BOCES, and the non-discrimination statement. What we are certainly going to be working on next time is what used to be the dignity, the DASA policy, is now being called ... We're working on it, it's being called Dignity for All, and that will be the main thing that we'll work on at our next meeting. Mr. Widmer?

James Widmer:

Just an editorial comment. One of the good things about briefly discussing what the policy committee did, is I don't think anybody's really aware of how much time we really spend on the policies. This policy, and the policy committee, meets very, very regularly, and it spends many, many hours, not only on homework preparing, but in actual meetings, to go over these policies. I want to thank you all for what you're doing from a distance.

Susan:

And we thank you for what you did. You'll know often we met, because we will at least tell you what policies we've gone over. As I say, if there is a difference of opinion and you want more, letting me talk about-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Brief. Fair enough.

Susan:

We will let you know what policies we've gone over, because you will be seeing them then in the upcoming agendas. With that, I think that, that ends ...

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Michael has a statement.

Susan:

I'm sorry.

Michael Weinick:

No, I just want to add one other thing. As I said, I'm very glad to see that under new business, everything was listed like that. But I also asked at the organization meeting, and I don't know if the board agreed with me or not, I would like to see after, at some point down the line-

Susan:

The loose ends list?

Michael Weinick:

What?

Susan:

The loose ends list?

Michael Weinick:

Correct.

Susan:

We did, and it was stated, and I don't know why it's not here.

Michael Weinick:

But it's on here.

Susan:

But we will do that. I do think that we agreed to it and I do think somehow we-

Michael Weinick:

There should be a loose ends list that we have to put down a loose ends list, otherwise we're going to forget that.

Susan:

Okay. To be honest, just trust me on this one, we don't have to put that down now. It will be on the next-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

The next session.

Susan:

Okay, let me just see. We'll be going into an executive session, there will be no action taken, so once this meeting concludes, and we go into executive session, the livestream will go off, because we will not be coming out to take any action. But before we go into the executive session, we do have a birthday, Mr. Schoen, happy birthday. We will sing, and then we will be going into executive session to discuss the medical and financial credit, or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person or corporation, and there will be some staff recommendations discussed in the exec session. With that, do we have a cake that goes up, or are we just singing? Do we have the cake in the back?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Is there a cake, Donna?

Donna:

We have this cupcake, I was told that we'd have a particular [crosstalk 00:57:54]

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Anybody who's live streaming, if they want a piece of the cupcake-

Susan:

Yes, or they can at least sing to Mr. Schoen.

B.A. Schoen:

They don't have to.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Why did we decide to go cupcake and not cake?

Donna:

I was told ... I had ordered the cake. I had the cake in back, I was told as part of the COVID restrictions, and the individual cake.

Fran Langsner:

They talked about the individual packaging.

Larry Greenstein:

Right.

Michael Weinick:

But the cookies and the other things aren't.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

For every rule, there's an exception.

Donna:

Oh, okay.

Susan:

Well, we will then ... That will be discussed for the future. [crosstalk 00:58:35]

Michael Weinick:

Susan, put it on the loose end thing, that next year Mr. Schoen gets two cakes.

Susan:

Okay, so with that-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

At our age, we shouldn't eat cake.

Susan:

I'm going to bring Mr. Schoen his cupcake.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Let him eat cake. How much longer? How much longer do we ... [crosstalk 00:59:14]. My father put in a shower from Sears, he was 75, he goes, "I got a lifetime guarantee." I said, "What? Are you going to bring it on the hearse with you?" [crosstalk 00:59:20].

Susan:

We are still live.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

[inaudible 00:59:20].

Susan:

Play it. Wait, wait, wait.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

He goes, "You would eat something like that?" I said, "No." [inaudible 00:59:51]. Here we go, happy birthday to you. [crosstalk 00:59:55].

Susan:

No, but it's pretty.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Susan, you have to move away from him. You're too close, you're not three feet socially distanced.

B.A. Schoen:

But she's masked.

Susan:

But I'm masked.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Hey, wait a minute, wait a minute. Does this mean Susan, if you're baking, you can't bake for anybody who's here?

Susan:

I don't know what that means actually.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Well, that's another loose end. Susan, if you just put it in separate containers.

Susan:

Okay, done. Okay.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

She doesn't know if [crosstalk 01:00:24].

B.A. Schoen:

I got it. I'm going to eat it by myself at the table.

Susan:

Okay.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We'll sing, happy birthday to you.

Audience:

Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear B.A., happy birthday to you.

Susan:

And many more.

B.A. Schoen:

Thank you very much.

Michael Weinick:

Now you know why they wanted the cup-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

They wanted the cupcakes.

Susan:

Okay, so with that, may I have a motion to move to executive session?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

So moved.

Susan:

Second?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Good night, everybody.

Susan:

All in favor?

Transcript of Nassau BOCES Board Meeting - July 8, 2021

Susan Bergtraum:

Order. Mrs. Langsyne, if you would lead us in the pledge.

Fran Langsner:

Would everyone please rise for the pledge of allegiance?

All:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Eric Schultz:

[inaudible 00:00:27]

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Nolan.

Joyce Nolan:

Yes. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

It is recommended that you become the temporary chairperson of this meeting.

Joyce Nolan:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Would you please takeover?

Michael Weinick:

[inaudible 00:00:45]

Susan Bergtraum:

I don't think so.

Eric Schultz:

[crosstalk 00:00:53].

Susan Bergtraum:

May I have a motion to have Mrs. Nolan-

Michael Weinick:

So moved.

B.A. Schoen:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you very much. Any discussion? All in favor?

All:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. You are now official, Joyce.

Michael Weinick:

Was it chairperson or temporary?

Multiple:

Temporary chairperson.

Deborah Coates:

[inaudible 00:01:20] did I not say temporary?

Michael Weinick:

You did. You did.

Michael Weinick:

[crosstalk 00:01:22].

Susan Bergtraum:

And it's perfect. I have no pride.

Susan Bergtraum:

[inaudible 00:01:23]

Joyce Nolan:

At this time, I will, as a notary public, issue the oath to office to our new reelected trustees, by the name of President Susan Bertram, trustee Martin R. Kaye and trustee Michael Wei nick. If both of you could please come and stand in front of the flag.

Susan Bergtraum:

[inaudible 00:02:04].

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, we could repeat after you, but it's very embarrassing, right?

Susan Bergtraum:

[crosstalk 00:02:22].

Joyce Nolan:

[inaudible 00:02:27].

Susan Bergtraum:

You could have done that, but this way [inaudible 00:02:32].

Michael Weinick:

Got the clipboard?

Michael Weinick:

[inaudible 00:02:43]

Susan, Martin, & Michael:

I do so solemnly swear [inaudible 00:02:52] the Constitution of the United Sates and the Constitution of the state of New York. That I will faithfully discharge my duties. [inaudible 00:02:59] Trustee, Board of Cooperative Educational Services of Nassau County, according to the best of my ability.

Susan Bergtraum:

[inaudible 00:03:12]. [crosstalk 00:03:20].

Susan Bergtraum:

[inaudible 00:03:56].

Joyce Nolan:

Item C is the election of officers. All of the positions must be nominated and voted upon. President and the Vice-President. May I have a motion please?

Michael Weinick:

I make a move that Susan Bertram be elected as president.

Multiple:

Second.

Joyce Nolan:

All in favor?

Susan Bergtraum:

You have to ask if there are any other nominations.

Joyce Nolan:

Are there any other nominations? There are none. We close the nominations. We'll move to the next.

Susan Bergtraum:

[crosstalk 00:04:51] We need to vote.

Joyce Nolan:

Oh. We need to vote. All in favor?

All:

Aye.

Joyce Nolan:

Opposed? Sustained. Now the nomination of Vice-President.

Fran Langsner:

I would like to nominate Deborah Coates as Vice-President.

Michael Weinick:

Second.

Joyce Nolan:

Second. Are there any other nominations? Okay. That will further. May I have a vote?

Susan Bergtraum:

Aye.

All:

Aye.

Joyce Nolan:

Nay? Sustain. [inaudible 00:05:36].

Speaker 6:

[inaudible 00:05:36].

Susan Bergtraum:

[inaudible 00:05:36] and we need to take the oath of office too.

Speaker 6:

Oh, okay. Sorry.

Joyce Nolan:

We're moving to the administration of the oath-

Eric Schultz:

Could I nominate Mr. Weinick as immediate [inaudible 00:06:08]?

Joyce Nolan:

[crosstalk 00:06:16] Okay. Next, is the administration of oath to the elected, appointed officers and the district superintendent.

Susan, Deborah, and Robert:

I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York and that I will faithfully discharge my duties as [crosstalk 00:06:54] as the Board of Cooperative Educational Services of Nassau County, according to the best of my ability.

Joyce Nolan:

Right now, I turn the board over to the President [inaudible 00:07:21]. [crosstalk 00:07:23].

Susan Bergtraum:

I thank everybody. I do appreciate the support and it is, without a doubt, an honor to serve you all because you are more than [inaudible 00:07:39]. With that being said-

Michael Weinick:

[inaudible 00:07:49].

Susan Bergtraum:

Did somebody ask why [inaudible 00:07:50].

Michael Weinick:

No.

Susan Bergtraum:

Are you?

Michael Weinick:

No, I would just like to make a comment before the vote.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Michael Weinick:

[inaudible 00:08:13] to be included. [crosstalk 00:08:13].

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. I just wanted to make sure-

Speaker 7:

I will second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Is there any discussion?

Michael Weinick:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Michael Weinick:

All right. On item C...

Susan Bergtraum:

I think it's Y.

Michael Weinick:

Excuse me, Y. Which is the [inaudible 00:08:29] membership in the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, I have a brief comment. For many years, the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association was a power of the state with respected leaders that made an impact on education. I always whole-heartedly supported this organization. Over the past several years, it's influence has waned, active members declined, and my respect lost. With the change in leadership, including our very own Larry Green stein, as well as a change in paid leadership, I certainly hope that we can regain all that has been lost.

Michael Weinick:

For this reason, I will vote to continue our membership in Nassau-Suffolk School Boards. We can always review this one year from now if my hopes have not materialized. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Is there any other discussion? Seeing none. All in favor.

All:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Sustained. It carries. May I have a motion on AA through AR?

Speaker 7:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Is there anybody who needs to pull any item? Seeing none. [crosstalk 00:09:55]. I think we did.

Deborah Coates:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

All in favor?

All:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Sustained. That is [inaudible 00:10:01] additional. And the item on the organization.

Speaker 7:

[inaudible 00:10:17] anything does not have [inaudible 00:10:25].

Susan Bergtraum:

No, but that's what we're doing now.

Speaker 7:

Oh, we're doing it now?

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes, that's in the addition. Yes, we're good. So just because this board is capable and valuable, we have over the years kind of said, gee only one person or whatever. I've asked and checked it out. So there are committees where more than one board member, I'm not saying five plus, but you know, like on the district or-

Speaker 1:

Health committee.

Susan Bergtraum:

... the health committee and Suffolk district Health and Safety... If somebody else is interested in going, there is no prohibition from there being two board members. I'm certainly not suggesting that four of us show up, but we can do that. So just in case somebody feels like they're stepping on somebody else's toes, because it was their thing, I just want you to know that is open to everybody. So with that, the first appointment on [inaudible 00:11:40] is the Policy Committee. So I'm going to ask basically for volunteers to sit on the Policy Committee. So I would say that right now I see that I'm going to sit, Fran would like to sit, and Larry would like to sit. Is there anybody else? Okay. So then the appointments to the Policy Committee is, Susan Bertram, Fran Langsyne, and Larry Green stein

Susan Bergtraum:

Next, we need a chairperson for the Audit Committee. I will ask- [crosstalk 00:12:23].

B.A. Schoen:

[inaudible 00:12:23] delegate.

Deborah Coates:

[crosstalk 00:12:23]. The audit committee.

Susan Bergtraum:

Next is the audit committee.

B.A. Schoen:

I got B.

Susan Bergtraum:

B on mine is...

B.A. Schoen:

Audit Committee. [crosstalk 00:12:37].

Speaker 8:

It's additional organizational items.

Speaker 7:

Page 18.

Michael Weinick:

Roman numeral four.

B.A. Schoen:

I'm looking at the older one and-

Susan Bergtraum:

If you look at the very beginning of this agenda.

Speaker 1:

I gave you a new one.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. The very beginning of this agenda and you go to number four under organization. You'll see where I'm going.

B.A. Schoen:

That's what I'm saying. We're working on one back two weeks ago.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah. Okay. All right. [crosstalk 00:13:06]. So I'll give you a minute just to get. [crosstalk 00:13:21].

Speaker 1:

Yeah. In my thing, I don't know if you have pages, it's page eighteen.

B.A. Schoen:

Yeah, it said page eighteen...

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So go to page eighteen. [crosstalk 00:13:45].

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Yes? Eric, are you good?

Speaker 7:

I'm on page eighteen- [crosstalk 00:13:55].

Susan Bergtraum:

Well while you're looking I'll tell you what the next one is [inaudible 00:14:02] committee and then we'll... All right, so do I have a volunteer basically? Martin Kaye as chair of the Audit Committee. Do I get? Let's just get a... just a nod.

Michael Weinick:

Before he says no, Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

That's one way to go. Okay.

B.A. Schoen:

I do, but it leaves a committee with a hole, so...

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes, you're right.

B.A. Schoen:

I won't have to be there.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right, but you are a leader on this. I just need to... The next appointment from the board is for the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation. So I'm looking at the two people who served before, is there anybody else who... Although I think for the educational foundation you're only allowed to have two.

Deborah Coates:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

By their bylaws. So that's one of that we would know can't. So I have Mr. Chosen and Mr. Wei nick. Next, is the appointment of Long Island Association representatives. That one, I think is quite wide open. So B.A. And I have done this over the years is anybody else? Mr. Green stein will join us.

Susan Bergtraum:

So I have the approval of everybody? Just shake. [crosstalk 00:15:18]. Good.

Joyce Nolan:

May I have all the names please?

Susan Bergtraum:

I'm sorry Mrs. Nolan?

Joyce Nolan:

The names.

Susan Bergtraum:

Oh I'm sorry. You didn't hear. So, Long Island Association is Mr. Chosen, myself, and Mr. Green stein. Okay, next we have the appointment to the Health and Safety committee. I believe last year it was Mr. Chosen and Mr. Schultz. Is that? Are we already spoken with them? Is there anybody else who is interested? Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

So the next one is the R.E.F.I.T. delegate. Mr. Chosen. My question might be, if Mr. Chosen could not make a meeting, might we need an alternate? Should we appoint somebody else if Mr. Chosen could not-

Deborah Coates:

I'm [inaudible 00:00:16:12] officiate [inaudible 00:16:12].

Joyce Nolan:

Madame President.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes.

Joyce Nolan:

We can [inaudible 00:16:18] R.E.F.I.T. [inaudible 00:16:16] .

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So Deb, would you be willing to be the, I mean, we only get one vote at R.E.F.I.T.

Deborah Coates:

Right.

Susan Bergtraum:

But you would be willing.

Deborah Coates:

But if B.A. couldn't vote.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So will say Mr. Chosen and-

B.A. Schoen:

Be so happy you're retired. You can do that now.

Deborah Coates:

That's right.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. I have consensus? Nodding heads. Okay. Appointment to the Wellness Committee. I have done that. Do not all clamor at once, but would somebody would like to join me? Okay. I will do it again with great pleasure. The next is the District wide School Safety Plan/District wide School Safety Team. Last year, Mrs. Langsyne did it. Mrs. Langsyne again? [crosstalk 00:17:16]. Is there anybody else? Eric. And I think I will probably... You don't have to write my name down but...

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. Then the next one is the selection of the Official Voting Delegate and alternate was myself and Mr. Schultz. Is there anybody else who would? Good? Yes? Okay. So then. Shaking heads. Okay. Whether or not, we should make shaking bobble heads for all of us that would make you feel stupid. [crosstalk 00:18:01]. Okay.

Speaker 7:

[crosstalk 00:18:01]. What did you say?

Deborah Coates:

You're the voting delegate.

Susan Bergtraum:

And Eric just asked is there an alternate and I thought it was he. So yeah, unless you don't want to, or unless somebody else wants to. Okay. So now I thought they was a National School Boards [inaudible 00:18:22]. Why don't I see it?

Speaker 7:

It's listed under positions.

Susan Bergtraum:

Oh, I see right there.

Speaker 7:

Where it seems to be the same delegate- [crosstalk 00:18:28]

Susan Bergtraum:

Right, but it's not. That's why I am a confused human being. So we just did New York State School Boards Association, the voting delegate. So the National School Board Association's National Connection, it was separate. I remember last year there was a liaison. I think it was you Martin.

Michael Weinick:

I had been doing it for years and I didn't really want to give it up because in the 10 years that I've been doing I've never done anything.

Susan Bergtraum:

Done anything. [crosstalk 00:18:54]. So Mr. Wei nick, would you be willing to do nothing again?

Michael Weinick:

I'd like to continue doing nothing.

Susan Bergtraum:

You got it. [crosstalk 00:19:02].

Susan Bergtraum:

Well we can have two of you do nothing.

Speaker 8:

They pay you what you're worth.

Susan Bergtraum:

And I don't know why it's not clear on this one. So Mrs. Nolan, at some point you'll just see whether there's a better description of that so that I clearer next year. All right. Can we take J, K, and L together? Is that? Does anybody have a question on any of them otherwise I'll quit those three and I'll take a motion for J, K, and L.

Speaker 8:

I've got a question, what is August 12th? No description with it.

Susan Bergtraum:

It's a regular board meeting.

Speaker 8:

Okay. I thought maybe that was a retreat or something.

Susan Bergtraum:

No.

Speaker 8:

My [inaudible 00:19:51].

Susan Bergtraum:

And I'll say from his mouth to God's ears. There is the spectrum of it. [crosstalk 00:20:04] goes with change.

Speaker 8:

So this is changed and this is changed.

Susan Bergtraum:

[crosstalk 00:20:09] we changed it last meeting. [crosstalk 00:20:15]. We'll blame it on [inaudible 00:20:18]. Mr. Wei nick

Michael Weinick:

To the technical question, on L the Establishment of Budget Meeting Schedule, and it says all meetings to begin at 7:00 PM, does that unnecessarily lock us in? And is it needed? If for any reason you'd want to change the time- [crosstalk 00:20:37].

Susan Bergtraum:

I can't imagine we have the ability to do that. To change it. And the meetings are noted, are they not, in the dates for the meeting schedule? Are they not?

Multiple:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

So I dare say, if you would like to...

Michael Weinick:

I'm not such a picky technical person. I just don't want us to be blinded at some point.

Susan Bergtraum:

I would say if you would like to remove those words and we just have the established meeting-

Michael Weinick:

[crosstalk 00:21:06] remove them.

Susan Bergtraum:

... schedule and they are referred to- [crosstalk 00:21:09].

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr.s Nolan, if you would just take that descriptor out. Just, that isn't going to say a certain time the board approved the budget meeting schedule.

Speaker 8:

Do we have [inaudible 00:21:09]?

Deborah Coates:

Yeah, they're just ideas.

Susan Bergtraum:

So I will take a motion, one second. I just want to... and it will reflect that the budget meetings are reflected in the established board meeting schedule. So may I have motion?

Speaker 1:

So granted.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Second Mrs. Langsyne. Is there any other discussion?

Speaker 8:

I just have a question in regard to having one meeting in August. Is that going to be sufficient because we're going to be doing a lot of hiring.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

And we start I think it's August 12th and then right sometime before school starts. We're good.

Speaker 8:

As long as you're comfortable.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah, we are.

Speaker 8:

[inaudible 00:22:01].

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We're good with it, thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

And he's not crazy about it so. Actually I would say Dr. Dillon is crazy about it. He is happy [inaudible 00:22:13] so. So whatever makes Dr. Dillon happy, we're good. All right. So with that-

Michael Weinick:

[inaudible 00:22:21].

Susan Bergtraum:

I'm sorry.

Michael Weinick:

I would like to modify the official board agenda to include two items at the very end. The first, is a specific title of items pending. You know, there were too many times and we asked for information at some future time and we forget about it. And if it's actually an addendum to the agenda with the hanging things that we have to follow up with at some point. The second point is we just approved the appointment of a lot of people to different committees. You don't always get, sometimes we get reports, sometimes we don't, but on the board agenda there's a thing for the Educational Foundation report. Why aren't the other committees listed more or less the same way? If there's nothing to report, there's nothing to report. But once it's down here on paper, again, you don't forget about it. It's there.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. And that's not part of this vote. That's a part of procedure, which we will-

Michael Weinick:

I don't know where it belongs, but since we're doing the organization from here I felt that it was the right place to bring it up.

Susan Bergtraum:

And actually since Mrs. Nolan is here and is listening, under new new business for each meeting, not only will it say new business, which will be whatever, and then there will be a foundation report, a committee report, if any. You know, say if any, because if there was nobody obviously, and probably under information we put all the loose items. The loose items list. If you want it under new business we can put it there.

Michael Weinick:

No, I would like it at the very end after everything.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So then we'll put the loose items after new business.

Michael Weinick:

Just so that it's [inaudible 00:24:13] in there.

B.A. Schoen:

Could Mrs. Nolan put it on the agenda if there is a report.

Susan Bergtraum:

Sure.

B.A. Schoen:

You know what I mean? Like, since all those committees are on the schedule, could she-

Joyce Nolan:

But we do have, under new business, board member reports.

Susan Bergtraum:

What they're asking for and you know what I'm thinking-

B.A. Schoen:

But the same committee doesn't have to be on there every month, but on the months that there was a meeting...

Susan Bergtraum:

I think what you're suggesting is better. I would have just had foundation report, committee reports, if any. But maybe instead of committee reports, if any, if there was a you know... and we can see whether that works and whether committees don't change reports or whatever. So if a committee meets within the timeframe-

PART 1 OF 4 ENDS [00:25:04]

Susan Bergtraum:

If a committee meets within the timeframe from one meeting to the next under new business, you would write "Wellness Committee report... Health Committee report" if they met. Obviously, if there's an agent's account, I wouldn't... I'd just want to make sure that this is not the same. Okay, Mr. Schultz?

Eric Schultz:

I was just going to say... the President of the Board and the Superintendent created the agenda for every meeting. If there's a report from the Wellness Committee or whatever, Dr. Dillon and Dr. France or whoever was replying to that could tell you and just put it on the agenda.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. Well, but unfortunately the President [crosstalk 00:25:44]. Yes, but you're right. All of that is tied to events, the procedure. If one procedure doesn't work, we'll obviously modify it to make sure that it's working for the Board.

Eric Schultz:

All right. Let me ask the question in a reverse rate, why is the Educational Foundation always listed? Why is that treated differently?

Susan Bergtraum:

Because you need [crosstalk 00:26:09].

Eric Schultz:

Not always.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, if you prefer that it's not there...

Eric Schultz:

No... what I'm saying is they should all be treated in the same manner is what I'm saying or suggesting.

Susan Bergtraum:

Only when the President is asking... whoever is President says, "Is there a Foundation?" Which is why then, I would say maybe there should just be Committee reports, if any. Then, the President could ask, "Is there a Committee report?" This is kind of whatever your wish is. Would you rather just have Committee reports, if any? Then, the President would ask, "Is there any...?"

Eric Schultz:

Were you listening to me?

Susan Bergtraum:

No, I'm just asking... [crosstalk 00:26:52]

Eric Schultz:

If every committee listed and the answer is no because it brings to light... people forget, "Oh yes, I did have a recent meeting two weeks ago. Oh yeah, there was an LIA meeting."

Susan Bergtraum:

All right, we can... all right, that's fine...

Eric Schultz:

When it's printed there, you don't forget about it.

Susan Bergtraum:

If I don't get it... if there is none, again, we can try it. If for some reason it takes up too much space and time, whatever. Although, it will just regenerate, so I don't see that as a problem. All right. From now on, under new business we'll be... not only the Foundation, but it will just be every single committee. If somebody has a report to make... and still the President would ask, "Did any committee meet?" That person would note their committee. Mrs. Langsner?

Fran Langsner:

The school Safety Team has two meetings to review. That's what's required by law and that's what we have. You could put it on every agenda, but there's not going to be a report more than twice during a year.

Eric Schultz:

I'm just saying when it's up there, you don't forget.

Fran Langsner:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

That's as good a reminder as any, especially if it happens the first day after we've had a meeting and somebody's already said "Couldn't they have done that?" That will be done. If, for whatever reason, it doesn't look like it works out, we'll change it. But otherwise yes, that's just fine. It'll be before we basically end the organization meeting, which will start right into the next meeting. Is there anything else that the Organization Meeting... that anybody wants to address?

Speaker 9:

We should vote on JK&L team.

Susan Bergtraum:

Did we not? I thought we did.

Speaker 9:

I don't think we did.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, then. I have a motion, though, in a second because we were discussing things about... All right. All in favor of JK&L? Opposed? Stein. Okay, so we are now out of the Organization Meeting and into our regular Business Meeting. May I have a motion on the minutes? Thank you, Mr. Schoen. Seconds? Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. Any discussion?

Speaker 9:

Yes. Are we accepting or approved?

Susan Bergtraum:

I have not gotten... okay, so now I need to make you all laugh just so that you don't think it's just me. When this says "Approval"... when you see in the minutes on the other thing in H2, it says acceptance. On our agenda's it says both "Approval" and "Acceptance". We have not gotten the answer from [inaudible 00:29:50] yet... to be continued.

Speaker 9:

I often wear a belt and suspenders.

Susan Bergtraum:

There you are. It's never too much, whatever... moving right along. Okay. The next is the consent agenda because I know that the presentation has been moved to executive sessions. We are moving right into the consent agenda. May I have a motion?

Speaker 9:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Discussion. Mr.?

Martin Kaye:

Kaye. Reminder of the former explanation of number five and number 14... it's in the agenda in finance.

Susan Bergtraum:

The [inaudible 00:30:41] architects?

Martin Kaye:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

[Crosstalk 00:30:43] And then, 14 is school construction.

Martin Kaye:

Right.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Do you... is Tony there?

Tony:

I'm here.

Susan Bergtraum:

Hi, Tony. Do you have specific questions that you can ask Tony?

Martin Kaye:

Yes. Sure.

Susan Bergtraum:

Let's do that.

Martin Kaye:

Tony, there are two listings there for two different companies doing a tear down and the site restoration had [inaudible 00:31:14]. I'm looking at the possible quotes given that... removing tonight. It seems to me that you've got a lot of oversight that was happening at that location. The bill was running close to $30,000 to remove a building that we talked about... thinking back to 2016, I think. I'm just wondering is this Capitol Project 84, 94... must we act on this now?

Tony:

My own opinion is that we should act on it now because the building has been vacant for such a long period of time that the building is really deteriorating. We've had other issues there with environmental issues... there have been rodent issues there. The building has really deteriorated to a point where it really is not worth renovating it or bringing it back. It really should be taken down at this point. That's the opinion of Facilities, it's the opinion also of Health and Safety. We think that it really needs to come down at this point. Again, it hasn't been used in such a long period of time that it really has deteriorated to a point that it really just wouldn't be a useful building to keep.

Tony:

Now, along with that project, we have an Architectural Firm and the other proposal is for Construction Management Services. We do want eyes and ears there. There would have to be a significant amount of environmental testing... that's what a lot of the reimbursable expenses would be. You do want oversight on a project like that because you want eyes and ears there to make sure that when things are taken down, they're disposed of properly, everything is disconnected properly. We believe it is the right time to do it, and that's what these two proposals reflect for the consultant services.

Martin Kaye:

I appreciate that, Tony. I would say, "Yes, go ahead. That's a Health and Safety issue." But, I also want to bring to the attention to the Board that we really do need a discussion on what is going to happen to [inaudible 00:33:41] when we [inaudible 00:33:44]. This is a tear-down. What is our overall approach to the programs that are there? In the future in some respect, I would like to have a presentation for our Board on overall long range of planning. The location and what we're going to do with it.

Susan Bergtraum:

That would be much like what Michael was just asking... that would be a loose end's item that would go on so that we wouldn't get lost.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Can I suggest a Board member plethora?

Susan Bergtraum:

You can suggest whatever you desire, but I think Dr. Dillon before you suggest that, Dr. Dillon, you might want to speak to this issue.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

It's an outstanding site for immediate past President's residency. I think that's... no, I'm serious, though. Tony, you may remember it and some of the other cabinet members may remember, we took a field trip out there. The idea was to brainstorm, is there anything that we could possibly use? It was in really deplorable condition and I'm sure... this was a few years ago. I know Tracy was on it... we went and Tony [crosstalk 00:34:57] and we took a look at it and it was nothing we could use it for. Trying to salvage it for something... some sort of program or whatever. But I do support Tony's recommendation. We have our other programs there. We have the Road to Confidence course there, and we can't leave things around that are A, unattractive and safety hazards. [crosstalk 00:35:22] Mike, way to go.

Susan Bergtraum:

Is there any other discussion that needs to be met? All right. With seeing none... all in favor? Opposed? Stein.

Cliff Steinberg:

Can I just speak... make an observation. There's an item here I think that's entitled Jerusalem toilet [inaudible 00:35:52], I think we may want to be a little more specific as to what that is because I had a little consternation until I read it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Should I say what I'm thinking? What was that word again that you used? Nevermind. [crosstalk 00:36:10] I'll tell you. Hang on. Being back together does have some giggles, too.

Cliff Steinberg:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, additional agenda item. Hold on, Mr. Dr. Dillon. After this, there was an item that I was asked about, which only got on today because it was the item that John Brooks said to find him.

Cliff Steinberg:

For an attorney.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah. I know that it was all done between yesterday and today, but nobody saw it until today. I might... unless you want me to read it, you might want to inform the Board about what that's for.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Basically, one of the resident's of a district that's challenged a district on placement uniform... our CTE programs. Sorry, [inaudible 00:37:10]. One of our component districts... a student in their district has challenged the district as far as placement in a POS CTE program, and that's Lisa... the CTE program. Somehow... and I don't know what particular leader leads with it, but we were named and we need someone to defend us. [inaudible 00:37:35] Smith cannot do it because they represent many of the component districts that are involved with POS. The other one that they got... [inaudible 00:37:42] can't do it. John was shopping around for people who could do it. He has someone from a firm that is involved with Nicer, I believe. The attorney there is a good attorney... as a resolution, I don't have it in front of me. [crosstalk 00:38:02] That's the reason for it, that's the rationale.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. The little bit that he was being asked is we know how... well I know how quickly because I spoke to John, I think at 7:00 last night. But, having no memo on it led to questions about why do we need an outside counsel? Just so in the future... again, normally it doesn't happen like that, but at least there should have been some explanation so the Board members understood why we needed to hire somebody else. Okay.

 Speaker 2:

Did we just get served with a Notice of Claim? Or is it...

Dr. Robert Dillon:

To tell you the truth, I haven't seen the papers. They came into the office, but we could get a copy to you.

Susan Bergtraum:

May I have a motion on the additional agenda item? Second?

Speaker 10:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Any discussion? All in favor. Aye. Opposed. Same. [crosstalk 00:39:25]

Speaker 11:

How are [inaudible 00:39:29] summer school?

Speaker 10:

You're doing wonderful with summer school. Our enrollments are strong. We're moving right along, things are going really well.

Speaker 11:

Are they keeping the social distancing? Do they have the mask thing in summer school or is it up to the individual?

Deborah Coates:

We lifted the mask rule.

Speaker 11:

There is confusion about the masks issue. Right now, we're holding with... if you're vaccinated and you're in the room, you don't need a mask. But, when you travel in the hallway, you need a mask. We try to do the social distancing, but again, they're not in our buildings so the Districts are trying to do that. There is pressure to remove all the masks right now. I would think there's more to come. I'm on a conference call tomorrow to meet with the S of 7th state. There is basically confusion. You heard today... George Duffy, pre-K child tested positive for COVID. It creates a... what is safe? I know working with Peter and Steve, our people, they take a very conservative approach because once the genie's out of the lamp, you can't get it back in. I would think there'll be more to come, but right now we have a conservative approach and there is some pushback, but there's always pushback. We always deal with that. We live with that. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Is there any question on the information items? Seeing none. Mrs. Nolan, was there any hearing the citizens? No?

Joyce Nolan:

Not today.

Susan Bergtraum:

Dr. Dillon, Superintendents report?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah... before James [crosstalk 00:41:22] ... a couple of things. I'm happy to inform you that we will be the recipient, particularly Common Rose School of subordinate from assemblyman Michael Durso. We're very happy to hear that there's more to come with that, probably in the fall will hear a lot more with that, recognize Michael's efforts. In addition, Mr. Durso is involved heavily with the trades and is asked if we could probably collaborate with the unions on an introduction or infusion of technology into the trades. We have a meeting with them next week with our CTE people and see what he's looking for to see if we can make it work. Again, maybe as a pre-apprentice program, a pre-journeymen type program, but it's something that... it's worth exploring, particularly because of spaces we have at Very Tech in [inaudible 00:42:15] county.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

The other item is... we're also working with the county. This is an interesting proposition. The county was offered 100 million dollars... oh excuse me, 20 million dollars, 20 million for NASA. They would like us to take it all to work for... as the Federal government puts it... COVID testing. We all thought we were out of COVID testing, but there's some money that they're looking to spend. Whoever runs the program did have an administrative charge, I think of 10, 15%, somewhere around there. But, I will tell you that it may cost more than the two million you're going to get... 2-3 million you're going to receive. It's going to cost you... it's going to be like several years ago with Common Core or something like that.

Susan Bergtraum:

Race to the top.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah, race to the top. They're going to give you 50,000, it's going to cost you 150,000. The consensus from our team... our leadership team tomorrow, we will inform the county that we really don't want to be the head or lead agency on this, but we would certainly work in collaboration with the county wherever we can help them at. Those are just a few of the things there. Now, I participated... I don't know, Board leadership, when you want to talk about our Zoom meeting the other day?

Susan Bergtraum:

Oh, I was going to do that later, but we can certainly do it now.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Just been in a meeting with one of the consultants who the Board is considering for a Board retreat. I think we had an excellent meeting with Mr. Coverdale. I really realized "Oh Cloverdale, every time you're on the expressway it says 45 minutes to Cloverdale." With that, I'm going to turn over to Susan and Debbie because they had the questions.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. We did have a meeting with Mr. Coverdale Tuesday? Wednesday. No, it wasn't yesterday. It was Tuesday. Well, although Debbie and I are not doing well, the meeting went very well as far as I'm concerned. He's very personable, very knowledgeable, and we were more than comfortable recommending him to you. We did ask him how much... Deb, do you want to say something before we give them the amount? Do you want to add anything else to it?

Deborah Coates:

Oh, I just wanted to say also that I felt very comfortable with him. He knew [inaudible 00:44:57], he knew our administration, he knew Dr. Dillon pretty well. He is a former school Board member from Bayport-Blue Point and he seemed very knowledgeable and willing to work with us. He asked the right questions of us. I felt very comfortable that he would be able to bring us together as a group. I did like him very much and I have no problem recommending to my colleagues that we try to use Dr. Coverdale.

Speaker 10:

What does he do for a living? Is this what he does?

Deborah Coates:

Well, he's an HR consultant. He's a Mediator, and he's a professor at StonyBrook and he's a Field Rep.

Susan Bergtraum:

What would probably be helpful... if we could just get to the rest of the Board is...

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I think we provided the file.

Susan Bergtraum:

Did we? Oh okay.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

It's only $2,000.

Susan Bergtraum:

Now, that Dr.Dillon has broken the ice, we inquired about cost and he broke it down into two parts. A three hour or so retreat is $1,500, but there's pre-work before the presentation. And so, I will say to you that's [inaudible 00:46:33] because the figure he basically gave us when we asked him, "What would the entire cost be?" He said around $3,000. That's what...

Speaker 10:

That's all in more than one day, right?

Deborah Coates:

Three hours.

Susan Bergtraum:

Three hours. Well, he is...

Speaker 10:

The pre-work is on a different day?

Susan Bergtraum:

It's on a different day. To break it up, yes, then he's under $2,000 a day. That was very confusing. That takes care of that route. Martin, do you want to say...

Martin Kaye:

Oh, I was just going to say the prep time is probably six hours, and that's standard. Usually, for every hour of presentation you have two hours of prep time. [inaudible 00:47:23] Conceptually, what he thinks [inaudible 00:47:31]

Susan Bergtraum:

We did that in not as much depth because if we weren't recommending him to you, so that would be the next conversation. Part of that conversation will be... he's not going to choose the location we would and we have this Board, we didn't...

Deborah Coates:

He's also mixed the retreats with cabinets and they did a new concept [crosstalk 00:48:01]. They've done it in [inaudible 00:48:06] country club. They've done it in different locations.

Susan Bergtraum:

One was at [inaudible 00:48:12], one was at [inaudible 00:48:12] country club, one was here.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

The biggest thing... and we talked about it is the Board Self Evaluation. Once that comes in and you guys go over it and take a look at it, you come to an agreement. I think there'll be topics that probably... you know them today, but what resonates at the top is the results of the negotiation.

Susan Bergtraum:

That is why we didn't. I will tell you right now that I should be getting the report even tomorrow. They're just sending me that compilation, either tomorrow or...

Speaker 10:

Is three hours enough?

Susan Bergtraum:

He was very comfortable with three hours initially. [Crosstalk 00:48:59]. Should I be... let us hope if three hours is not enough, we always have the option of continuing. I would say that... and his sense was that unless you're having a meal, unless you're doing it over three hours is enough because the human being gets worn out after that, so unless we were taking many breaks and having a meal, three hours was what he would recommend as you're off the boat. As I say, if we decide... are you stretching or are you?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Both.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. That would be what he recommended. Deb, and then Dr.Dillon.

Deborah Coates:

I think the purpose of a facilitator will be to bring us in and concise the whole conversation so that we're not getting off track. We're not going in different areas, and that's why he felt that three. He did mention about-

PART 2 OF 4 ENDS [00:50:04]

Speaker 12:

...Why he felt that three, and he did mention that a meal he said maybe four hours if you wanted to have lunch, or if you wanted to have some breaks. I think that was why we decided we wanted to have a facilitator. So, that they could keep us on track and we wouldn't have to go five, six hours like we have in past.

Eric Schultz:

Dr. Dillon.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Eric, it doesn't include the opportunity if the board comes to a remit census at the end. This was really good. We need to work on a few things, ABC or ABCD, then in two months we come back and see where we are. So again, it's up to the board.

Eric Schultz:

I know the name had been thrown out. Did you interview the other person or you were dissatisfied with this one, and you feel that there's no need to look further?

Speaker 13:

Correct because at the end of that conversation somebody had... I don't know how to phrase it, but should I say hesitation? There was a little bit that we thought if anybody just kind of was. Unless, we were not comfortable with [Mr. Covadale 00:51:12], then we might have dug up. We did only [crosstalk 00:51:16].

Eric Schultz:

Okay.

Speaker 13:

Okay.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Last item, Roxanne is a couple of things, could you talk about what's going on right now in [inaudible 00:51:25].

Roxanne:

So, the last time we met, I gave an update on enrollment and our focus across all of our departments, as far as RSIP and special education. That's on the top of our priority list. Additionally, I just want to say that what we're working on feverishly as well, just as much as New Roman is the staffing. So, right now we have about, what approximately 40 positions that we're in need of. Of which of the six of them are from CIT. I would say two are administrators, the others are in the nursing assistants, and things of that nature. We also have some shortages in nursing. So, we do have a nursing agency that we're working with as well.

Roxanne:

When you move over to our RSIP, they have approximately seven openings. That is a pretty intense search because you're looking for someone who has the actual skill, then they partner. HR is the heart of the work that both CIT, RSIP and special ed ability because everything goes to them to process. We have to go with user transit A certification, and it has steps to it. Then when you go over to the special ed program we're about, I think it's about 26 openings and teaching. Of course, teacher aides, we're always looking for teacher aides were working on that. A lot of the story is it's not unique to both sides. This is a national issue, it's a Nassau county issue, we're competing with our Nassau county districts. As well as Suffolk who's also hiring, but the shortages have a lot to do.

Roxanne:

It's a myriad of issues. It has a lot to do with retirements and Dr. D'Aguanno or could speak to the times she wakes up in the morning, and she's getting an email. In the morning saying, "I'm retiring," and she has to then start to fill that position or to find a substitute. Also, resigning, and of course, retirements are reflective a lot of our baby boomers. The resignations are coming also from teachers... Millennials and teachers in whole, due to the pandemic, had to really sit back and reflect and ask themselves is this what I signed up for? So, we're experiencing that as well. Then of course the shortage has a lot to do with just the diversity level. They're not a lot of nurses going into the nursing programs nor individuals going into the teaching programs.

Roxanne:

Then the other layer of that is when we start talking about diversity. So, there's a shortage and then there's not enough diverse candidates even going into the teaching and nursing. So, you can see how there's a trickle up or trickle down effect to what we're experiencing. I feel confident that the collaboration between our human resource department, CIT, special education, RSIP. That we will forge through and we're tapping our partners, our university partners, our CUNY partners. Although CUNY's always a little dicey because they lean more to New York city. We're competing with New York city hires. So overall, it's our priority and we're working on it. They're primarily, like I said, right now with the vacancies, only two administrators. We're talking about the teachers, the people that actually do the services, the administrators are important as well for supervision. Fortunately for us, in this case with these numbers right here, we're primary looking for instructional staff and supports just from teacher aids to support our instructional staff.

Speaker 14:

That's it. [crosstalk 00:55:13]

Fran Langsner:

So, when we get the PA, and the category for resignations most of the time it's due to retirement. Sometimes it's taking a position outside of the literacies. Fortunately, sometimes it's a promotion which is wonderful, but there are times when I see someone who's been with us less than a year. Less than six months, sometimes they haven't even been with us a month, and they're leaving. [crosstalk 00:55:44].

Speaker 13:

Go ahead that's okay.

Fran Langsner:

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. So, I don't know if everybody heard none of that, but I'm just wondering that's what always gives me pause. When people leave and they have been with us on very short period of time. It doesn't happen often, but I was just wondering if there's any followup or any exit interview. Something to give us a little bit more information why people leave after such a short period of time?

Roxanne:

Well, I'm sure Valerie, Dr. D'Aguanno can speak a little bit more, but sometimes from the cases that have come up thus far. The positions, although we create very explicit job descriptions, the interviewing process gives them a very good sense of what the job is. When they get in the job, and they're working they begin to realize, "Whoa," because you have to remember. Our special education programs are more intense than what is normally happening on a school level.

Roxanne:

Supervision of an intense, special ed program is even very different than a district level. Even one of our positions for CIT as a coordinator of health and services. It's not just nursing from us. It's the non-pubs. So, the magnitude sometimes is a bit taken back, and oftentimes we're competing with our fellow districts. In both Nassau and Suffolk and more so Nassau with salaries. So, they'll come on board and everyone knows that, what I can tell you from my previous life. Is that many times the feeling is that staff who started [inaudible 00:57:30] are well trained. So, we lose them because it's like, "Well, you're trained now. We'll take you, and you can be with us in the district." So, it's an interesting scenario, but Valerie, if you wanted to know more in regards to [crosstalk 00:57:49].

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Can you hear me? You did not interview anyone unless they specifically ask or say that they want to talk to us. The resignation form does have a reason on it. We've seen a variety of reasons from anything, from taking another job to relocating. A lot of people have relocated out of state, and also retirements. We do have a population that is aging, and if you look at the recent PHRs. You'll see that a lot of people that are retiring all have 30 years plus, or 25 years plus, and so on. They're just at that age that they're going to go. So, we don't really know unless they want to tell us something. I usually, when I get a resignation will respond to whoever sends me the resignation, and wish them luck. If they want to send something back to me, tell me why that they're leaving or resigning. They're perfectly welcome to do that.

Fran Langsner:

Thank you.

Roxanne:

Thank you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Can we have Mr. Widmer now?

Speaker 15:

Mr. Widmer, before you started because I've already forgotten this once. If I let you go, and I forget it again, I will not be happy to get myself. So, as I seem to do often, after the consent agenda. I have a note to myself that says congratulate somebody. So tonight, I forgot to congratulate Cliff Steinberg on becoming the associate director for financial and information systems. So, our congratulations to Cliff. I'm sorry, I'm sorry I didn't do it [inaudible 00:59:37].

Cliff Steinberg:

Thank you.

Speaker 15:

You're welcome.

Speaker 13:

Mr. Widmer

Speaker 16:

Thank you for allowing me to serve again.

James Widmer:

Certainly thank you. So, tonight we have, as we've done for the past several years included our reserve plan for the 21-22 school year. This is a requirement that the state controller's office has that we'd have to disclose how we're going to fund the plan fund the reserves? How we're planning on spending them? What the purpose of the reserve is, and to provide the board with updated balances.

James Widmer:

So, we do this report twice a year. We give it to you at the beginning of the fiscal year, obviously in July, and then once the books are closed. We'll come back, usually, the board meeting after the order is presented. We'll have an update with the final balances because we made adjustments based on the money that's available at the end of the year. So, I just wanted to point out a couple of quick points here. The first reserve is that unemployment insurance reserve, which the board will remember. I hope from last year, that we had a fairly large balance in that account that we were working well for you to not been funding it with any additional monies to the budget process. We were just using the money and the reserve to pay the quarterly unemployment bills. Obviously, when the pandemic hit, we had the situation where there were a lot of claims for unemployment. We had two very large bills that came in, that we paid partially to the New York state department of labor.

James Widmer:

Through the process, the department of labor ultimately decided that they were going to reimburse all agencies in the state. All employers in the state for their unemployment claims related to the pandemic. So, there was a point in time, March 12th or March 18th, whatever it was in 2020, and it's still ongoing. I believe now with the exploration of the emergency order maybe ending, but we did receive the money back. So, we had made two payments. They sent us a letter saying, "You're going to get back every dollar that you paid," we the money back. So, the balance that's shown is reflective of the refund that we got that back. So, it's a similar balance to what we had in the past. Just a couple of other items. These are the standard reserves that you would see every year. Including benefit and including liability.

James Widmer:

That's also known as the compensated absences. That's the vacation days, other balances that employees are out on separation. That ties right into the exact number that we have on reports that would run employee by employee. So, that number is adjusted each year, based on the number of days. Then we have the retirement contribution reserve, which there are two pieces to this. There's the regular reserve, which was always known as the ERS reserve. Then we added the teacher's retirement system self-fund, which is under the ERS reserve. So, we've been actually using... You remember from the budget meetings when we do the assumptions. Based on what the ERS rate is, I try to take the ERS rate or try to match it to the TRS rate as closely as possible. So, the TRS rates been much lower in the last couple of years.

James Widmer:

It's been anywhere between nine and a half percent and 10 and a half percent. Our ERs rate has been closer to 15 and 16%. It's a little bit less than 15%, but it's been in that range. So, I've been using the ERS reserve over the years to lower that, and it really stabilizes the cost for the agency. So, we've been doing that and if we have funds available at the end of the year in surplus. We can always put money back into the reserve to keep it as at a healthy level. The teacher's retirement system sub-fund.

James Widmer:

We actually haven't used any of the money in there, but the plan would be to protect us in the future against higher rates to get up to the maximum the map, which is approximately 9.6 million. It's 10% of TRS salaries from the preceding year. So, we can put in 9.6 million total, but you're only allowed to put in a certain amount each year. So, we're going to build that up as best we can. As I said, that's really to protect us against the higher rates that we had seen. When the rates are up 17, 18, 19% you would obviously want to use the reserve to hold your expenses in line.

James Widmer:

The other ones are pretty standard. Property lose, not a lot of money in their. The liability preserved, we don't have any normal liabilities at this time, and the career education instructional equipment reserve. Again, the board has been supportive of us using that to help the CTE programs keep current on all of the equipment that they need to meet the current needs. So, that's maximum of 2 million. We'd like to have at least 1 million, and right now we have 1.6 million. This year for 2021, we do have some spending that's going to draw that down a little bit. So, that's the ones that we have. I just wanted to add a note about there was legislation this year for the workers' compensation reserve, which school districts are allowed to have that reserve. As you'll recall, a lot of the conversation in the budget meetings is about the cost for workers' compensation insurance.

James Widmer:

So, that's been sort of a mixed bag. Sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down, but for the most part, we saw very large increases over the past 7, 8, 10 years. Where in the last couple of years, we actually moved from the state insurance funds to Karma. Which gives us a more steady and stable rate, but there are no guarantees. It all depends on the loss experience of the agency, and that rate could also go up for the second year of a two year plan with them. So, we knew exactly what the amount is going to be. Next year, it could be unpredictable. So, if we had a worker's compensation reserve, that would also help us stabilize those amounts and keep the budgets in line. Unfortunately, the legislation got kind of died in committee, like so many other things. So hopefully, they'll resurrect it again. There's been a lot of talk about having this, it's been on the docket several times, but it's never made it through.

James Widmer:

It doesn't seem to have a lot of wide support. The interesting thing in my mind is that when people are asked, "Well, how come it's not available through [inaudible 01:06:45]." They said it was just a legislative oversight. They write the language, they say school districts, and the boards of the cooperative educational services. They just left out the board as a cooperative educational service in that original legislation. So, we unfortunately don't have the ability to have that reserve, but it would be extremely helpful. So, if that comes back to the legislature, that would be positive for us. With that I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Fran Langsner:

I had an email problem. So, my pre-questions didn't get through. So, when you see this one, I just actually successfully gotten through. So, you don't have to answer it then. For the career and reserved, now that Lisa is certified for CTE, does that cover equipment for Lisa?

James Widmer:

Yes, absolutely.

Fran Langsner:

Do we have plans?

James Widmer:

I think, I'd have to look back at the budget materials that's 21, 22. We did include any items that were... You can't get office computers for it, but you can get any technology that's needed to enhance instruction. So, whatever they need, even if they need a group piano or something that would be included. So yes.

Speaker 13:

Anybody else?

Speaker 17:

That's it.

Speaker 13:

Do you have anything else? [crosstalk 01:08:16] Okay. Okay. So all the business. Is there any [inaudible 01:08:35] business? Mr. Schoen.

B.A. Schoen:

Went through a long conference today, an actual in-person meeting of school board members, administrators, and attorneys of about 150 to 200 people. The emotion of being together was very strong in the room. As a long-time attendee to that conference, this was a good one. Everybody was prepared, anxious to enjoy themselves, and they did. So, it was like the sun coming out a little bit. Two weeks ago, I was in Albany for the New York state school boards association meeting, which was also in Ursa.

B.A. Schoen:

I was at a Valley Stream Central High School District board meeting that was in person. That was just before graduation, it's going on. I happened to see the county executive and she was gushing in her praise of her allied resource Dr. Bob Dylan. She said, he'd been very helpful to her throughout the pandemic, and she considers him her go-to guy. So, I wanted the public to hear that as well. Didn't surprise me that she said that. Thank you, Dr. Dillon for representing us so well.

Speaker 13:

Anybody else? Okay. So, is there a [inaudible 01:10:43] report?

Speaker 18:

No, just that March 30th will be the Gallop next year. Put it on your calendar, shine up your shoes, March 30th [inaudible 01:10:56].

Speaker 13:

Actually, you know what, Mrs. Nolan if can put that on the next clipboard. Just because I wrote it down, but I want to make sure that it's in my calendar. So, I'll just make sure that it doesn't get lost.

Speaker 13:

Okay. So, now the next item for new business is Mr. Schoen is running as he must for the board of directors. So, he needs our nomination. So may I have vote?

Eric Schultz:

Well, I was thinking that maybe I will nominate him.

Speaker 13:

Okay. All right. So, I have a motion to nominate Mr. Schoen by Mr. Schultz. May I have a second?

Deborah Coates:

Second.

Speaker 13:

Mrs. Coates. Any discussion? Seeing none. All in favor of all in favor of nominating Mr. Schoen.

Speaker 19:

I.

Speaker 13:

I know you did it, but I needed anyone who opposed. Okay.

Speaker 20:

No, you can go first.

Speaker 13:

Well, somebody once said to me, if you don't vote for yourself, you don't think your supposed to vote yourself [crosstalk 01:12:25]. What?

Speaker 20:

What makes you feel you need to vote for yourself?

Speaker 13:

Anybody who would have voted for him that he didn't want to guess by now. [Crosstalk 01:12:33] Okay. All right. So, the final thing before we go into executive session is cryptic because they didn't know how to explain it to you and it wasn't of any... So, I got the listing that says a component district request. It's interesting what was said at the conference today, but let me just give you the premise. So, I got a call from the president of the [inaudible 01:13:07] school board. Who has been in touch with a few other districts, and they've been trying to communicate and have conversations, et cetera. She asked if we might not be able to facilitate this discussion. Facilitate, and then we can have a discussion about this. What she was really looking for was for us to provide a place, and send out emails that would say to the boards, "A meeting is being set up for September 19th."

Speaker 13:

So, that everybody would know that this was happening because she doesn't have the ability to do this, emails, et cetera, et cetera. [crosstalk 01:14:05] The Nassau county boards, and since we're Nassau's go-to's, she was saying, "You've got the emails. Could we do this?" Just let me sort of finish, and then I probably won't be able to answer half your questions. All I said to her was, I promised her nothing. I said to her, "I will bring it to the board." I called the New York State School Board first to make sure we weren't stepping on toes. She wants meetings much more frequently than the past area director, once every three months type of thing. So, the conversation I had with her was, "I will bring this to my board, but this is something that before we even get involved..." I suggested to her she think...

PART 3 OF 4 ENDS [01:15:04]

Speaker 21:

Involved. I suggested to her, she think about sending out a survey because why would we do this if she gets no interest? She's looking to do this. There were four boards that have been looking into this, which was [Massive, Equal, Locus Valley, Lindbrook, and Island Trees 01:15:16]. They've been trying to informally talk to each other about how are you reopening, what are you doing, et cetera, et cetera. And she just thought that it would be nice if more districts who get involved in more information [crosstalk 01:15:34] could be had.

Speaker 21:

And so I asked her, the questions that I asked her was how often she was saying, I think not being realistic, a couple of times a month, again, this is not, I'm telling you what she's looking for. Now if we have nothing to do with it, other than providing them with a room and the meeting is happening. If this survey that she would have to show enough interest. So this is only if there's enough interest, et cetera, but she looked at us because we are [Nassau BOCES 01:16:20]. We are the agency that gets everybody, has the ability to contact everybody.

Speaker 21:

So I spoke to Bob Schneider to make sure I wasn't stepping on toes, that we wouldn't step on toes because knowing what they've done, and Bob said this is, no, no, this is, they could send somebody down once in a while, but they weren't doing this. And I spoke to Lorraine as well, who was also not feeling so stepped upon. On the other hand, there are also some caveats about, be careful. So with that, now you can take it away. I'm not sure that I will have much more information to give you if you are of a mind, but have a lot of questions. I will take those questions and ask them and then come back to you if we have any interest in doing this. Mr. Weinick?

Michael Weinick:

More questions? This is just one of the most of dumbest things that I've heard of in a very, very long time. She doesn't have access to the emails of the 56 districts in Nassau County. It looks like she wants something, but she doesn't want to do any of the work that's involved. This has absolutely nothing to do with us. She needs a meeting place. Their school district doesn't have any buildings, any rooms to meet? I would say absolutely in no way. She wants to run something, fine. And if anything, let Nassau Suffolk run it. It's ridiculous.

Speaker 21:

Okay. Mr.Kaye?

Martin Kaye:

It's nice to recognized as the hub of the wheel of education in Nassau County. It's the acknowledgement that we have a great program, but there's a directory of public schools that comes out and the addresses and emails as Michael [inaudible 01:18:34] telephone numbers, all the district clerks, all the superintendents, they're right in there. Why doesn't she with a group of four use that together in contacting and dispersing possible interest on those public boards?

Michael Weinick:

[crosstalk 01:18:55] I agree with Martin. If their district clerk doesn't have the email for every district, she can send, please do this to your board president, just like we do, I'm not sure why we had to go find out whether Nassau BOCES is [inaudible 01:19:21] objective, is something that we're doing here? But we're not doing it. Michael [inaudible 01:19:30] over the years, we have tried to get districts to come to some of our events, whether it's the audit committee meetings, whether it's the meetings we've had with the [ATA 01:19:49], whether it's the meetings we've had when our administrators outnumber the representatives of school districts, five to one. So I'm a little skeptical, I would love to see all the boards get together in one big happy family. I think it's a wonderful [inaudible 01:20:13] we started doing it with all the BOCES on Long Island, great.

Michael Weinick:

But I think she needs to flesh it out a little more [crosstalk 01:20:26] because she needs to have an agenda or purpose or whatever, it's just going to be a social thing. We can, then we'll come to [Barry Tech 01:20:37] and we'll open the doors and our culinary arts students will do it. But that's what I don't understand. I think she needs [crosstalk 01:20:45].

Speaker 21:

What her point was... Okay I think to give her a little more and I promised her nothing, I have no [crosstalk 01:20:52] dog in this fight. She asked me, I said, I will bring it to you. It really is to... The first push would be, how will you be opening? What problems are you finding? Did you find a solution to this? We're having but, so it'd be those across the board. That's what thus far those four districts in speaking have spoken about, so there is... Not to be the island unto yourself. That was, if I can paraphrase in what she was trying to get across, it was that working together may be more beneficial being the output she was thinking. That's all.

Speaker 21:

So Mrs. Reinertsen?

Chris Reinertsen:

Did she say whether this was something for what presidents vice presidents or school boards?

Speaker 21:

No, okay. That I can definitely answer you because I asked that question. She, I dare say it would probably end up being for the presidents and vice presidents. What she's said to me was certainly she wasn't looking for full boards because that would be unwieldy and your bet would be that there would be [inaudible 01:22:22].

Speaker 21:

That question I can answer so I did [inaudible 01:22:30].

Chris Reinertsen:

So when I first became a board member at East Meadow all those years ago, those meetings happened all the time. That's a first time I saw Mike and his twin brother at one of those meetings. It was vice presidents and presidents and I just don't remember who facilitated it but I think it was Nassau Suffolk.

Speaker 22:

[crosstalk 01:22:52] there was time, sorry, there was a time and you'll remember, when Iris as the...

Speaker 21:

Area director.

Speaker 22:

Area director every month, every other month, had a meeting on Saturday morning, [crosstalk 01:23:08] where all the presidents...

Speaker 21:

Right, which is why I called New York State's to the board first because I didn't want to present it to you if we were going to then have backlash. My aim was not to put us on a hot seat and say, how dare you do this?

Speaker 22:

And I think Mr. Schoen would be the host for [crosstalk 01:23:27].

Speaker 21:

And the reason Bob was not, and it was not probably even every other month, it was probably every [crosstalk 01:23:33] it was either three or four times a year. That's what it was. And by the time I got there, it was dying because [crosstalk 01:23:42] weren't coming. She was looking for much more, what Bob said, and Bob offered, if we were going to do it and I can still offer it to her, I can still say, call the New York State school boards and whatever. Offered to send somebody down, but he wasn't that [inaudible 01:24:02] every other week. So certainly then it was New York State's school, it was not Nassau Suffolk, this was a New York State school [inaudible 01:24:14]. Yeah, yeah.

Speaker 21:

Mr. Schoen?

B.A. Schoen:

Well like Marty, I think it's nice that their first instinct was to call us. I would have some concerns about what we are allowed to spend public money on. Even it's... We're about, school boards are about governance and we have a mission at New York State school boards about educating the people who do the governing, facilitating that communication. It really does sound to me, it's for an association thing, because they have discretion to send money, spend money. Even if it were to send out a survey, but there are obviously a lot more questions to be answered before we.

Speaker 21:

Before... Thank you Bob, I see you smiling so I know that you're not feeling terribly.

Speaker 21:

Let me just, before I get to you... or you know what Bob? Why don't you [crosstalk 01:25:41] you do it and then I'll...

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah I'd like to be real candid with this. I think this is a slippery slope. I think Nassau BOCES is being used, if you know anything about Massapequa, they've taken a very rogue, off the reservation approach to the state, with the masks where they had to be reprimanded and said cease and desist, because they were going to violate the governor's order. I think they want us because if they would hide behind us, there's no upside for us being involved with this thing. This is rogue group and the topics being something more of a political agenda than an education agenda from my perspective, that would happen when those presidents meetings happened came as a result if I remember correctly, I was in Suffolk county as a result of tax pack and the file [Zout 01:26:29], she ran hardest once a month for the presidents of the superintendents. That was the Genesis of that was to get some support regarding that one issue of tax pack there and it branched off to other things.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

And I would caution the board to stay away from this. Right now we can have no more than 25 in a room. So I don't know what this person wants. I agree with what was said earlier. They have a room, they have a stage, they have constants, let them put on their own damn show. All right? There's no reason for us to need to be, they only want us because we do have a good program. We do have a solid reputation and I don't want, I would not recommend participating because we would jeopardize and possibly soil that reputation and get sucked in to a very, very divisive political environment that would invite that. So that's my two cents. Ask me how I really feel.

Speaker 21:

Yeah. Well, and the reason that, what I was going to say is unless this board is of a mind to even pursue this, I don't have to ask her any more questions. So unless you still have some question, if the sense of the board is we ought not do this, I will simply go back to her and give her the suggestions that I heard so that we are helpful without being involved. So [crosstalk 01:27:50].

Michael Weinick:

I like mentioning what back to Dillon did about our 25 person limit.

Speaker 21:

Uh-huh (affirmative).

Michael Weinick:

And just say, before you got started, we couldn't host more than 25 people. So maybe look some place else.

Speaker 21:

Well, that will be just be [crosstalk 01:28:11].

Chris Reinertsen:

But I think also making those suggestions.

Speaker 23:

Don't call them rogue. Don't call it the most stupid idea you ever heard.

Chris Reinertsen:

No, but I think even in the suggestions about pursuing the [inaudible 01:28:23] in New York State [crosstalk 01:28:25] I think that's effective.

Speaker 21:

Right, yeah.

Chris Reinertsen:

That's my...

Speaker 21:

Yeah.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

A great objective for the new executive director Nassau Suffolk school boards as Bob comes in, step up and take that one right on.

Michael Weinick:

The French christening [inaudible 01:28:44] Oh, you ought to.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Stay away [inaudible 01:28:48] stay away.

Michael Weinick:

I do [crosstalk 01:28:50] I still heard my own, I don't [crosstalk 01:28:52].

Speaker 21:

Right.

Speaker 21:

As I said, I called both organizations to make sure I was not, so I will, as tactfully as possible as you know I will do, try to give her support with that. That was important. Is that what I'm hearing?

Martin Kaye:

Yes.

Chris Reinertsen:

When are you talking to her, run through your mind that this could potentially have a chilling effect on board support cabinet relationships.

Speaker 21:

Well, again, that was. No, that was not where she was going.

Chris Reinertsen:

Okay.

Speaker 21:

Could there have? No, that's not. That was not at all what I got from her. At all.

Fran Langsner:

You know how I think you should put it? I have to wash my hair. A lot of times I would ask a girl out and she would say, I have to wash my hair that night. Three months ahead of time, she knew when she had to wash her hair. We don't [crosstalk 01:30:00].

Speaker 21:

I don't know. I just [crosstalk 01:30:01].

Speaker 24:

To Fran's point, when I first started at Nassau County, a couple of districts started doing that and it became very uncomfortable with the superintendents because they felt they were being set up while two of them played one against the other. And that that happened in 2015-16.

Speaker 21:

I don't need to be... You're not convincing me. I just think [crosstalk 01:30:25] I got the sense I think I've got the sense of the board. I will politely try to redirect her, help her on her own, get this done without involving us because we obviously do not want this. This board and superintendent feel that it is not our mission.

Fran Langsner:

I think maybe should we call Mr. Ellerbe [inaudible 01:30:55]?

Speaker 24:

Really? [inaudible 01:30:59]

Fran Langsner:

What are your peers? [crosstalk 01:31:01] there you go.

Speaker 21:

Okay. Okay. With that, we need to go into executive session [crosstalk 01:31:16] oh I'm sorry, yes?

Fran Langsner:

Bob I had sent you a little email with regard to, Susan, you got it also, with regard to do the law.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Right, the extension.

Fran Langsner:

Right, just asking if, how we would deal with it, in terms of room, in terms of programs, it doesn't have to be done now.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

No, there's a real short answer [crosstalk 01:31:44] short answer [crosstalk 01:31:46] I'm going to start, just a minute. Basically, as I've said before, they're not our kids, they're district kids, so the district would have to have a [CSEV 01:31:57] to determine if it's appropriate. The parent would have to request it. Okay? And then they may not request us. We currently don't have a program. So it would be problematic for that. In addition...

Speaker 21:

[crosstalk 01:32:13] a somewhat [crosstalk 01:32:15].

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We don't [crosstalk 01:32:15].

Speaker 21:

Because you asked the question, but we don't know what the question was.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I'm sorry, you were [crosstalk 01:32:19] at the meeting, this is the new [crosstalk 01:32:23] extension provides that those children who turn 21 years of age last year, or during the COVID basically during the COVID pandemic now can get up to [crosstalk 01:32:34]

Speaker 21:

Okay. So the rest of the board [crosstalk 01:32:35].

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Up to 23 years old can stay with district. Because I know we have some kids were there til 21.

Fran Langsner:

The other issue was that the primary issue for this or the motivating force for this was compensatory services that weren't provided COVID. That was the big issue.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

And I guess I was thinking just in terms about room and space.

Fran Langsner:

I'm going to turn it over to my able executive director. What's your name?

Speaker 25:

[crosstalk 01:32:56] thank you, thank you. But so basically what we're looking at, we don't have large numbers of students that have, we don't have any students at this point that have come from districts, parents that have gone to the CSE to request this. So we've looked across our program. So that's where we are at this point. So we don't have to worry about space at this time, but it really would be individualized pace for each student.

Fran Langsner:

So to paraphrase Dr. Bill and [Senator Braun 01:33:24], bingo.

Speaker 25:

[inaudible 01:33:27] go back to the district.

Speaker 24:

So from what I read about it, if it would seem to say that it was the district option if they felt that it was necessary. And the first thing that went through my mind is you're about big bucks here and how willing are they going to say that the child needs it to spend that kind of money?

Fran Langsner:

Well, I think it's too broad to attack here. The parent would sit down with the CSE and they would hash it out. But the districts are somewhat reluctant [inaudible 01:33:59] but they don't want to go to a hearing if they had to. And basically this is mostly compensatory services.

Speaker 21:

Right.

Fran Langsner:

It's the OTPT, the speech, all those things like that.

Speaker 21:

It's not necessarily running the full [crosstalk 01:34:13] program. So that's what's going to happen at CSE to discuss what we were just talking about in speech. And so if we're already looking at speech, we're looking at a couple of hours, you're not even talking about [inaudible 01:34:22] It's a case by case scenario.

Fran Langsner:

And maybe pushing into the whole. The other thing too, is no one identified where it was paying for. All right?

Speaker 21:

So basically they said there was no extra funding [crosstalk 01:34:36].

Chris Reinertsen:

Right.

Fran Langsner:

That's the point.

Chris Reinertsen:

Right [crosstalk 01:34:37] and it has to go to the committee on special education. I would say it can't be a district's decision, a parent's decision, the whole committee has to meet. And there was no funding, that's what we've been told by the state [crosstalk 01:34:47].

Fran Langsner:

Thank you.

Chris Reinertsen:

Yep.

Speaker 25:

Okay shortly.

Speaker 21:

Just before we[crosstalk 01:34:55] go into executive session. For those people, for them need to get, sign their statements because this is now how they'll notarize it and for officers as well. Let's just get that done. [crosstalk 01:35:14] we'll go into executive session and take a five minute whatever so you can do whatever.

Martin Kaye:

We need a cake?

Michael Weinick:

Do you need a motion [crosstalk 01:35:22]?

Martin Kaye:

We need a cake?

Speaker 21:

I was just told that there is a cake. That we are, Marty and Mike and so [crosstalk 01:35:37] that's true. That's true. So we will have [crosstalk 00:20:42] what we have to do is before we go into during session so [crosstalk 01:35:52] will adjourn for birthday cake and just so the [crosstalk 00:20:56] executive session. But the livestream will be stopped. It will resume if there's any [crosstalk 01:36:08] action though, thank you. [crosstalk 01:36:06] if there's any action, that's my essay to you Rick, [crosstalk 01:36:10] if there's any action, you have to.

PART 4 OF 4 ENDS [01:36:13]

Transcript of Nassau BOCES Board Meeting - June 24, 2021

Joyce Nolan:

Yeah, it's Bob McCartney who is going to the peace manning and all of the tech tonight.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Michael Weinick:

Best behavior everybody.

Susan Bergtraum:

Hmm? Oh.

Michael Weinick:

Best behavior.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Oh, and -

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Good night, Mike.

Joyce Nolan:

Oh, and Mr. Schultz is here.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

Joyce, did you hear from them?

Joyce Nolan:

I did not.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Okie dokie. All right. Just tell me when.

Joyce Nolan:

You're good to go whenever you're ready.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. All right. So then let me welcome everybody to the June 24th, 2021 Nassau BOCES Board of Education meeting. We welcome you all here tonight. Seeing a quorum, I called the meeting to order and I will ask Dr. D'Aguanno to lead us in the pledge.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Thank you very much. Please stand.

Susan Bergtraum:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, for liberty and justice for all.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, before we begin, let me just let everybody know that this will be the last meeting we have virtually. The governor's executive order expires tonight. At this point, all meetings, both ours and every other district in the state, need to be live and in person. We are still alive. In person. We had already decided that we would meet in person, but we will be in person in Farber on July 8th. As the final meeting of this year, I will once again thank staff for the marvelous job they did all year. The graduations have been, as I am sure my colleagues will mention later on in our old business and new business, wonderful. The graduations have been, and we do know that every single department cooperated with every other department.

Susan Bergtraum:

I'm afraid to say one because I'll forget others, but I'm going to say transportation and technology and whatever. The custodians, everybody has been marvelous. We just want you to know that we really do, though. We don't get to tell you personally, we really do know how much everybody has been a part of this successful year and successful end of year ceremonies. With that, may I have a motion?

Susan Bergtraum:

May I have a motion to accept the minutes of May 20th and June 10th, 2021.

Michael Weinick:

I'll move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. I assume Mrs. Langsner moved Mr. Weinick second, if that's okay. Any discussion? If not, all in favor. Aye. Opposed? Abstain? Okay. Mr. Kaye, I will turn the meeting over to you, as the audit committee chair to introduce the audit committee agenda.

Martin Kaye:

Thank you. June 24th, we have a audit committee of the whole, and we will note that we also have a quorum. Will someone move please to approve the previous minutes of February 11th?

Deborah Coates:

I'll move.

Martin Kaye:

Ms. Coates. Second?

Michael Weinick:

Second.

Fran Langsner:

Second.

Martin Kaye:

Ms. Langsner? All those in favor.

Susan Bergtraum:

Aye.

Martin Kaye:

Okay, we'll move that. Let's move now to the discussion of and the submission of the discussion items by our claims auditor Glenn Grossman. What I'd like to do though, is I'd like to move it in chronological order if I may. I'd like to discuss the earlier claims, which was from January 1st through February 28th. Can we do that, Glenn?

Glenn Grossman:

Sure. Are you seeing my report? There are a few issues. Usually, the fit issue is a deal we are always going to get, because there's a boatload of items and sometimes we don't, our clerks don't catch the discrepancies in the bid prices, but it's a minor issue. It's very few and far between. And we had very rare shipping issues. It could be attributed to inexperience of the clerks, because they pay shipping costs when we could have purchased above the bid threshold and not pay shipping costs at all. There was a misunderstanding when we had a furniture return back in May, during the height of the pandemic. Because nobody was around and really coordinated the return. Everything else, there was one issue where there were uncertified document, payroll documents attached to labor invoice, which we need for to see if they're paying the correct prevailing wages. That's about it for that report. Any questions?

Martin Kaye:

The only thing is that obviously that shipping issue was an odd item, Glenn.

Glenn Grossman:

Yes, yes. It's [crosstalk 00:06:36].

Martin Kaye:

Miscommunication I'm thinking.

Glenn Grossman:

Yeah, it's... Shipping issues are very, very rare. Everybody's pretty much in tune to what they have to do. And the people involved were spoken to before it even got to me, so it was addressed.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

So Marty, if I may, Glenn and I spoke yesterday morning, Glenn came right to me. In the five plus years I've been here this is probably the most items that have been cited in a while. We talked about it and it happens from time to time. I called it rather sloppy. I think we can do better than that. We have been better than that. We should be better than that. But it's, I think Glenn hit it well. From time to time these things happen, they have been addressed and the whole thing is, we learn from it and we move forward. Hopefully we'll never have a pandemic again, but if we do, we're prepared for it.

Glenn Grossman:

You have to realize that the scope of what I do is pretty big. I mean, it's no more than two per thousand vouchers that I find minor issues on, and that's really minor issues. You have to take it into consideration how much many do, and it is quite, it's actually impressive, our agency. How well we do.

Martin Kaye:

Questions or comments, members of the board, on this particular, this first report? All right, there being none, let's move to the second [inaudible 00:08:28] report, the one you issued on June 3rd, which covered the period from March 1st to April 30th.

Glenn Grossman:

Yeah. Yeah. Also, some small minor issues. Some mileage, some mileage claims were submitted, but the mileage was from prior fiscal year. That creates some accounting issues, but I mean, it's small, it's a small issue. It's really not prevalent in the agency. Not much, confirming purchase orders and that happens from time to time. Confirming purchase orders or purchases made before a purchase order has been in place, and that's usually due to a misunderstanding. That's really it. There's not that much on this report.

Martin Kaye:

One observation that I picked up on the recommendation, you mentioned that exceedingly late submissions create unnecessary accounting problems. What are we doing? What is past practice been with this? What's the...

Glenn Grossman:

I would refer to James on that one, as far as how we handle that accounting wise.

Glenn Grossman:

James.

James Widmer:

Yeah, usually what we do, Marty, is we rely on materiality and if it's not a material item, but the employee was eligible for reimbursement of the mileage, in those cases, we always encourage them to get the mileage claims in as quickly as possible, on time. Given the circumstances with what's been going on, we've been a little more lenient in reviewing these, but again, with the message that they should be doing them presently, not waiting for a long period of time before they submit them. Based on the dollar amounts we have some flexibility. If it was a material item, certainly Glenn is a hundred percent correct that accounting wise once the books are closed, you're done with that fiscal year. This was a minor amount. So we just-

Glenn Grossman:

Yeah, it was a minor amount.

Michael Weinick:

Very good. Board members, any questions, comments for this second report? Okay. There being none, let's move on to old business, any old business for the audit committee?

Glenn Grossman:

Thank you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

James. Marty, I think James would like to [inaudible 00:11:17] some things.

James Widmer:

Yeah, I'm sorry, Mr. Kaye, if I could just for the discussion items for the internal auditor. Item number four on the agenda, we have Phyllis Lombardi with us this evening, our new internal auditor. I just wanted to re-introduce Phyllis to the board and just comment that in the past, when Barbara would come and do her presentation, there would always be a series of audit reports that she would have prepared for the board's review. She would go over those in detail and even though there were no audit reports being issued by Mrs. Lombardi tonight, she has been extremely busy in the first four months on the job and she is going to be going through with the board, essentially what she's been working on, what she's learned, to give you an update on where she is. I just wanted to do that little re-introduction. I know most of you met her at the interview.

Martin Kaye:

Yes, very good James.

James Widmer:

Thank you.

Martin Kaye:

Thank you. Welcome, Mrs. Lombardi. It's a pleasure to meet you again, and I think July 1st is the official period when you become the internal auditor. Thank you.

Phyllis Lombardi:

Thank you. Yes, I did look at prior June meetings and I do know that there's usually reports. I'm still, the investigations that I'm working on have not come to a report yet. The first thing that I was working on was the unemployment insurance issue. I worked with James and the attorneys. I do have some memos. James, did you get an answer about the memos?

James Widmer:

Yeah, no, we hadn't shared the specific memos that you provided.

Phyllis Lombardi:

Okay.

James Widmer:

As John Gross had been meeting periodically with the board to brief them on what was going on with the situation. So that was the update that the board was receiving.

Phyllis Lombardi:

Okay. So I was, I've been working on that. I am working on an audit of the EPE program and some of the special aid funds. That is coming to an end. I would expect a report on that if not next week, the week after. I've finished my investigation. One of the things I want to discuss with you is, I have looked at all of the audit reports for the last seven years. I am interested in making some changes to the report format, looking for some brevity and more conciseness. Before I made that jump, I just wanted to see if that was something that the board was open to or if there were some concerns you had about maybe having a little bit less information in the report itself, but maybe having some of that investigation part, if you want it, available. So does anybody have any thoughts about that?

Martin Kaye:

Michael?

Michael Weinick:

We can put it into two parts. I, for myself, I don't have the time, the patience, or the energy to read these very, very lengthy reports. I would really like an executive summary and the findings. That's sufficient for me. I know some of my colleagues might want to know more information, so I don't know how they feel, but maybe separating the two parts. But for me, an executive summary and the nitty gritty findings are enough.

Phyllis Lombardi:

Okay.

Michael Weinick:

Thank you.

Martin Kaye:

Debbie?

Deborah Coates:

Yes, Phyllis, I agree with you. I think that maybe having an executive summary available to those who would like to see it is a great idea. I, like Mike, sometimes I can read them in detail, but having an executive summary and then having a brief update or a report and then if I want to look into it further, I have the option to be able to. I think that's an excellent idea. I'm in favor of that as well.

Martin Kaye:

Eric?

Eric Schultz:

Yeah, obviously I'm going to take the opposite route because it's part of what I do, is for profession. I like to read the methodology. Everything that's being done. Because, there've been a number of times these reports have raised questions in the minds of board members. So it's sort of like getting a decision from a judge and just looking at the last page to see whether you won or lost. There's got to be some kind of discussion is to the facts, discussion is to methodology, discussion is to the law, whatever it is. I have found it useful to see exactly how the investigation went, what went into it.

Eric Schultz:

Gives me a sense, not only that it's being done, it's being done correctly and a comfort level that we haven't missed anything. I would prefer the type of reports that are being made to us, that they be full and clear. If you want to put an executive summary at some point, then it's like reading cliff notes. If you want to put that in, then people who don't have the desire to go through it can look at it. That's fine. I personally would prefer to see exactly what it is we looked at, exactly how it was done. There are times where you compare apples to apples within the scope of the report. The prior year's prior actions. That would be my preference.

Phyllis Lombardi:

The only pushback that I would have about that is I've done a lot of research over the last couple of months about audit reports and traditional internal audit reports do not include that level of detail. It's supposed to be that the auditor did their due diligence, they provided, they did their testing, but the every spreadsheet that was run and every data point that was compared is not recommended by the internal auditors or any of the audit reports that I've seen examples of. I think that across the profession, the executive summary with the findings is more the norm for an internal audit report. If there were some questions that you may have had about how I did something, maybe asking me like you guys do with board questions, I don't know. It just seems that I cannot find any template or recommendation to include the level of detail of every step that was taken that was in the prior reports.

Martin Kaye:

Mm-hmm (affirmative). Fran?

Fran Langsner:

I have to admit that when the testing methodology is presented to us, I can't tell one from the other. You could tell me you used this test. You could tell me you use that test. I wouldn't know the difference. When I see all that information, it's really way above my level of comprehension. As far as the data, the actual spreadsheets and the data that we're used to getting. I don't know if you, I know you have it, you'll have to have it in order to complete the report. I don't know if you want to just include a link to that for those who are interested, but I would like to see less of the detail and more of the substance about what we need to know.

Phyllis Lombardi:

Eric, how about for this next report that I do, what about if we try it that way? The information is available and anything you want to know, you just ask me and we'll see how we feel about it and if you hate it, then we'll reassess.

Eric Schultz:

That's fine.

Phyllis Lombardi:

Okay.

Martin Kaye:

Everyone comfortable with that suggestion that Phyllis has given us? I think it's a good one because the executive summaries are read copiously by the board members but the microscopic details in the internal auditor's report is something that is building a case, as Eric has mentioned. So, perhaps we can arrive at a compromise where the information is all available, but administration can find a way to give it to the board where if we don't wish to go into the details, we at least have the full executive summary that is for us to understand and the other material is available. Let's give it a try. What is your next report going to be at the next board meeting?

Phyllis Lombardi:

Well, I think I should have the draft to James by the end of next week so then I'm not, I haven't done it yet. I'm not sure of the process after that. James?

James Widmer:

Yeah. So, normally the audit committee only meets three times a year, every four months. So given the unique circumstances with Phyllis joining us right after Barbara's last audit committee report, we might ask for some flexibility in terms of when we bring the report to your attention if that's possible, because I think it would be good to actually get one of these reports on an agenda and reviewed to see how it goes.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Maybe in our August meeting, James.

James Widmer:

Yes.

Martin Kaye:

Sounds reasonable. Eric?

Eric Schultz:

Can we get an idea of what kind of reports we can expect? What's being, I mean, just the board, what was being looked into, investigated at this point? Because obviously the internal auditor works for us.

Martin Kaye:

Right.

James Widmer:

So I think, Phyllis, you had some information also on the risk assessment.

Phyllis Lombardi:

Yes, I...

Eric Schultz:

Can we do that in executive session? I mean, I don't want...

Phyllis Lombardi:

It's very general what I have to say. I haven't done anything specific with the rest of the assessment. I talked to James about, I feel like it's been the same sort of risk assessment for the last 17 years. A lot of the reports I looked at maybe had really small findings. I don't know if our attention is necessarily focused in the best areas. I did see that some other school districts and some other Boces sometimes have some outside input, maybe for a fresh pair of eyes to look at what's going on. Not every year, but maybe once every five years, once every 10 years, have an outside internal audit company or the internal auditor with just the regular accounting firm give us an idea of maybe something we might be missing that's important to look at.

Phyllis Lombardi:

I am still working off of Barbara's plan. I am working on getting, working on the fixed assets. That seems to be a big issue, and that's going to be my next audit. I have finishing up the Medicaid and the casual employee reports. So that's pretty much what I'm working on right now. I don't know if that's sufficient or if you still want to have executives session. I'm still working my way through figuring out the system and what's the best areas to look at are. In between these extra little investigations that are coming up that are important and more immediate.

Martin Kaye:

Okay. Susan?

Susan Bergtraum:

So just, and it doesn't mean you have to do it the way it was done, but what has happened in the past is we got that draft audit report well enough in advance for us to look at it and digest it so that we weren't doing it with everything else. If that's a possibility, that I think would be helpful.

Phyllis Lombardi:

Well, I think it depends. Looking at it, she normally provided it every four months. Right? You didn't get them in the intermittent ones. So if it's four months from now, yes, that's no problem. But if we're going to try to get it sooner than that, we can get the draft to them sooner. Right, James?

Martin Kaye:

Michael?

Michael Weinick:

Oh, we did get intermittent reports in between the four months. Everything was not safe to the last minute.

Phyllis Lombardi:

Right.

Michael Weinick:

As reports were completed, they came to us but they were not discussed until the next order date.

Phyllis Lombardi:

Okay. I did not know that part. And how did they get to you?

Michael Weinick:

Email.

Phyllis Lombardi:

I mean, was it after James looked at it? Did he send it to you?

Michael Weinick:

Oh, yeah. Yes. You it to James and then when administration was ready, it came to us.

Phyllis Lombardi:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

Maybe I can give you even a-

PART 1 OF 4 ENDS [00:26:04]

Phyllis Lombardi:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

And maybe I can give you even a better timeframe because what would happen is we would get, whatever it was called, the draft audit report. And what happened between when we got it, and when you would present, it was staff, if you had suggestions. What we didn't see initially was staff's response to yours. So if that gives you a timeframe, and I'm sure James can help you with that. And so we would then get that final report with staff comments to it.

James Widmer:

Right.

Phyllis Lombardi:

Okay. Yes. I've seen that where it was before and after, after they commented about the recommendations and what they were going to do. Okay.

Martin Kaye:

Very good. Anyone else?

Martin Kaye:

Thank you very much. Let's move to old business or new business. There was no executive session planned, so I will ask someone, move to German and a second. [inaudible 00:27:24] we are adjourned. Thank you, Madam chairman.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you very much. Sure. Thank you, Marty. All right. So next on the agenda, although it's not an item to be moved as just that for, even though it's not an information that's on organization, you've got the draft of the organization meeting for July 8th. So if you've got any other comments Mrs. Coates?

Deborah Coates:

If [inaudible 00:27:57] our soon to be retirees is still on the organization meeting for next year. So I think you know who I'm talking about, right?

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, it's already been addressed. It has been it just probably hasn't been taken off. Yes. [crosstalk 00:28:19] you are correct. And it will be addressed or it is being addressed. Yes. Thank you for your good eye. Okay. Anybody else? See nobody. May I have a motion on the consent agenda?

Larry Greenstein:

[inaudible 00:28:40].

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mr. Greenstein. Second.

Deborah Coates:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Coats. Does anybody have anything they want to discuss to pull for a separate vote? Any such. Seeing none. All in favor of the consent agenda, please say aye.

Deborah Coates:

Aye.

Larry Greenstein:

Aye.

Martin Kaye:

Aye.

Eric Schultz:

Aye.

Fran Langsner:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Opposed? Abstained. Okay. Consent agenda passes unanimously the additional agenda items, the approval of consultant contracts over $2,000 a day. May I have a motion? [crosstalk 00:29:26]

Susan Bergtraum:

I don't know who that was. Okay. BA a second, Marty. Thank you, Mr. Kaye, is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor.

Deborah Coates:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Aye.

Larry Greenstein:

Aye.

Eric Schultz:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed?

Michael Weinick:

Opposed.

Susan Bergtraum:

Any abstentions? Okay. Moving right along. All right.

Susan Bergtraum:

The information items. I'm just going to make a clarification, which I think I'm correct on. The policies that you see under information where it's first grade, they're not new policies, the policies that have to be reaffirmed annually. So they're not new per se, just in case anybody was wondering how we didn't have a purchasing policy. So these are the annual policies that need to be reviewed and then accepted. And they will be, that will be done at the organization meeting. Is there anything else on here that anybody would like to discuss has a question about? Mrs. Coates, and then Mr. Weinick.

Deborah Coates:

I read over the strategic planning report. It was very comprehensive. I could tell a lot of people put a lot of work into that. I was just wondering if there was going to be a future date where you'll be taking input from the board and then having further discussion on this really excellent report.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yep. Yeah, it's a draft, it's meant to be reviewed at this point. We need, collectively as a board, to really discuss it. I think it provides an excellent foundation for discussion and a possible retreat. We also continue to add to it, I mentioned to some people who were at the event today, we did a thought exchange with almost 70 of our administrators the other day, and gain some insight onto their sense of certain issues with our agency. So there's more to come with that. And we're going to have to put some time [inaudible 00:31:46] really go through this and dive deep into it, so that's our plan.

Deborah Coates:

Thank you. Thank you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Angela, do you want to add anything to it? I know you've been working very hard.

Angela Marshall:

I am on an old computer. No, I just want to thank the committees that are working really hard. It's definitely a group effort and input is valuable and we would love to work with the board on the next steps. Thank you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

The next iteration. Yeah.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

Yeah. I'm not sure I understand in the financial summary what's going on with LISA, is the program solvent, or are we playing, maybe that's the wrong word, or are we doing some technical juggling around now that there are CTE programs and combining it with Barry Tech programs? So what should be a loss is no longer showing as a loss because it's being offset by revenue in another department, and is the program viable?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

All right. So there are a couple of responses I'll try and inverse them. I encourage anybody else who had some insight to this to certainly jump in. It has helped tremendously that we're speaking. Moving down in the future, we could probably smooth some expenditures and revenue, excuse me, more expenditures the cost of the program. Right now, I don't see that happening immediately. I'm very encouraged by the projected numbers for next year's enrollment to the point where it's quite astonishing. I'll throw the number out that's being floated around today that I think we need to confirm and people can jump on and talk to the validity of the number of about say, 180 kids. Well, 180 kids.

Michael Weinick:

That's fantastic.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

And, in brief conversation with some of my colleagues, and I'd rather have Angela speak to this, we spoke briefly today, rather than hear it from me, you can hear from Angela, if you want to share what you found out?

Angela Marshall:

Actually, Carla should be getting the credit for this. So I talked to Erica from the program today and she told me that there are now officially 185 enrolled students. I believe this year there were 116. So if you do the math, that's about a 59% increase, which we're all just sitting here going 'that's phenomenal'. And she put it to, I think, four, attributed it to four things. One was definitely the CTE aspect of changing gave parents leverage to fight, because it was another CTE program. So that school districts didn't have as much, they didn't have as much legs to stand on to not let the kids go. And I see Judy popped up on the screen. So I don't know if she'll want to take this, but I can continue if she doesn't.

Angela Marshall:

Oh, there's Carla. [crosstalk 00:09:26]

Dr. RG France:

If I may, and I know that you were saying one factor, but a lot of it has to do, and I agree with Angela, to the testimony of the administrative, not only central. Carla and her team, Judy, as well as the school team, Chris and Erica, this was not just by happenstance. This was strategically planned by central Carla, Dr. Theodora and Judy Hynes in a full-blown comprehensive marketing strategy on how to address, and it involved many layers, and I'll let Carla speak to, but it was a Homans task. And it also involved not only a marketing plan also included changing the way they went about receiving registration. Erica and Chris really increased their efforts in reaching out to districts that had never sent before and engaging in conversation. It was a well-orchestrated strategic plan and I'm very excited and hopeful, and it's very promising to see their efforts coming to light. Carla. Yeah.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

I'll be brief. I agree with everything you said and that Angela said. There are a lot of layers that contribute to it. Definitely at the ground level with Chris and Erica, the number of phone calls and emails and follow through, even for one student, there may have been 15, 20 hours worth of interaction to follow through, get districts and families all the information they needed. James, his office helped Marsha. We needed prices for busing, districts that were skeptical about sending a kid that they had never sent before wanting to know, 'okay, what would it cost us to transport this kid', but the discount they were going to get. So, we have the discount models that were developed through business office.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

We have an online application about business and information systems and Cliff led the team and we developed a committee process for reviewing applications that exist at more than one location and applications were referred to the best location we felt for that child, which sometimes wasn't always the first choice of the district. And so, the combination of all those things working strategically together, and really having a great outreach team at the building level, I think that all contributed to it. Yeah. And it is 131 incoming students and 54 returning students. It is 185 as of today. Wonderful.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

I don't know if that covered,

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Mike, any other question?

Michael Weinick:

No, That was a fantastic answer. [crosstalk 00:38:06] I'm very, very happy to hear it, and I thank everybody involved with it.

Susan Bergtraum:

[inaudible 00:38:12] I got to speak to this mic, finally. I think Larry had something too.

Larry Greenstein:

Yeah. The question I have is, it's great that we have this many students. Is there a breakdown of whether they come from districts with high need or low need, or are these kids who couldn't afford, who are in districts where they parents generally can't afford to get them private lessons? Or are these kids who are coming from the more affluent districts or do you not have that information?

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Right. Thanks to the new online application system and dashboard, we have access to all the data. We can tell you each district, the number of students that they send, how many they sent last year, three year rolling average for districts. So we there's a lot of information to be had. And I would say general answer because you'd have to look at district by district, we do have more students from the higher needs districts and we had in the past through the help of talking to them about transportation, et cetera. But I think in general, both these programs are the equalizer and that we do get from across Vassar county. So I wouldn't say that. I think that LISA was one of the outliers that had maybe fewer students from less wealthy districts. And I think we're breaking down some of those barriers.

Larry Greenstein:

That's really good to hear.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

[crosstalk 00:39:36] from certain districts, we're moving that needle in the right direction.

Larry Greenstein:

Great, thanks. I appreciate it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner, and then Mr. Schultz.

Fran Langsner:

Oh, do we know what the highest enrollment that LISA ever had was?

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Oh, Angela, you have those numbers, right? I think.

Angela Marshall:

I'll look it up and put it in the chat.

Fran Langsner:

Because I never thought I'd ask this question. Can we accommodate all these kids? [crosstalk 00:40:11]

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

And then someone can accommodate so many more [inaudible 00:40:15]

Michael Weinick:

We used to have a lot of full day now it's only half day.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah. Mr. Schultz.

Eric Schultz:

Larry, I wanted to address your question. One of the beauties of LISA, and we've all seen it over the years is that you have children from different districts who would never have interacted, never had met each other, never had danced with each other, sang with each other, sat and had lunch with each other. You have them from Syosset to Hempstead, to Roosevelt, to Plainview, I mean all over the place. Like it was said, we had less than the low wealth districts just because it was expensive. But I think from what we're talking about it, it's absolutely wonderful.

Eric Schultz:

I mean, I still think back to the night that Dr. Dylan and I sat there and looked at each other when we had about a hundred or more people in the basement of Farber waiting to take our scalps. When I had to read a letter from Billy Joel and still think we owe him and Todd a great debt, but it's, I wouldn't say it's a great equalizer, but when it comes to the arts, when it comes to social interaction, it's a phenomenal place and there are very few places like it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Any other?

Eric Schultz:

Marty.

Phyllis Lombardi:

I'm sorry Marty, I don't know what, Marty [crosstalk 00:41:49].

Martin Kaye:

I just had, I'm wondering from Carla, is there any information on which particular art program has been the one that's received the most interest or growth in this number from the applicants, because we do have dance and music and which one is seen the growth in, which is not seeing any growth.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

I think the visual arts, and the media arts programs are seeing growth. The theater and musical theater programs are seeing growth. And we have a couple of new programs, game design and production and managerial arts. We actually, students that had not received a C in construction trades, electric, and when all the seats filled up at valley and at GC for construction electric, we referred the number to LISA so they can convince the districts that production, managerial arts, might be a good option for them. So the ones that unfortunately have seen a dip on music and dance. So we had fewer dance enrollments this year and fewer straight up music enrollments. Although we do have musical theater, the visual arts, the media arts, anything involving the computer. And we're hoping with the production manager, cause that includes special effects, set, design, et cetera. That's a brand new one. We're hoping that that's really going to take off.

Susan Bergtraum:

Very good. Thank you. Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

I'll also add, one of the [inaudible 00:43:32] We're having this conversation with Roxanne and she was explaining to us how the change in the curriculum and how highly brought in all of the different mediums so that the students take, they don't just take production design or just music, or just, they have a smattering of everything, not everything of course, but as many as they can so that they become a little bit better in their craft. So she was explaining to us how wonderful that part of it has been for the program. So I've wanted to mention that as well.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Thank you. Absolutely. And it's also something that has helped, it's been ingenious, because if you have a class that only has five students in it, and then you have a bunch of other students can then take that class as an elective and fill the seats of the class, you can then offer students something that crosses, overlaps across the different genres and, and really helps us also financially keep classes afloat because we have that interest from other students.

Deborah Coates:

Great. Thank you.

Dr. RG France:

And if I could thank you trustee coats for saying that, but it really gives the graduates when they graduate opportunity to be, as I was sharing with them, in the field, you talk about being a triple threat. And now when you have someone who is, is in music, production design, and they also know visual arts and they don't get the part that they're looking for, they can get a job as production. And if the lead falls out, they also have the ability to sing and take the job. So we're really creating opportunities that they can have a career in the field that they love and be a part of a community that they love. So it's awesome.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schultz.

Eric Schultz:

I may be mistaken, but I really believe thinking back whenever [inaudible 00:45:37] was here, they may have had close to 300 kids in that school when it was still the cultural arts school. Just saying.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I think if you look, we'll put numbers in the chat, I'm going way back. Well, [crosstalk 00:45:56] I went back 20 years from the beginning of the school.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Anything, anybody else? Otherwise, we are, thank you whoever said that moving right along. Superintendent's report.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Okay. Thank you very much. Just a few items that I'd like to discuss. You know, we've all experienced the moving up ceremony. We've seen all the people out in front, but I'd really like to pick an opportunity to thank and recognize the people behind the scenes, our custodians, our cleaners, our security people, especially our new rising star Walter, everyone. And the women noticed that he has the ability to dance a little bit it's been observed. And so Walter has added a different dimension, not only security, but entertainment and camaraderie with everyone there. And again, to Tony and his staff, thank you very much. It's been much appreciated. And we see the people out in front, but you know, this takes a lot of planning preparation. I'm going to thank them for that, but we all know about the governor's executive order. So our in-person meetings has been mentioned.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We're still trying to find out if tomorrow they're going to remove the mass requirement for kids and teachers in school. We'll see where that goes. We're looking for guidelines for September. Will we be in mask or not in that school? We have the open hybrid and no hybrid? So there's more to come with that. And what really impacts us is our ability to do staff development without social distancing. One of our biggest, not only revenue makers, but services that we provide professional development. And if we cannot go to our initial capacities at our rooms at Lapinski and other places that could be problematic. So we're hoping that we get guidance on that because that's very important for our colleagues in the districts, in our component school districts and social distancing in a mask it's going to, it's a big issue.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

And particularly for some of our districts that do not have not, who are, I would say, crowded at this particular point and do social distancing. It makes it very difficult for them. Well, by July 8th we hopefully we'll have our meeting and I don't think we have to do it as we designed it now. But you all have seen on the screen, how it's been designed with a social distancing. I don't think that's going to be a requirement, so that's just a few other things. We're very grateful that tomorrow is the last day of school. Everyone is looking forward to that for us, it's central administration. When the 12 people, it's just another day in the park and you just keep going on and move on. Roxanne. Do you have anything to add?

Dr. RG France:

No, again, I wanted to, one of the beauties of the pandemic, it's really forced the agency to really strengthen our collaboration efforts. And as you heard from LISA, it wasn't just RSIP they had a plan, but they couldn't do the plan alone. And so FIS and the business office with the discounts. I mean, and you mentioned the donation from Billy Joel, James. I mean, trust him with the money, he made that money stretch and everyone, the time program, the time necessary to figure out how it was going to do an uptake. And so it's that collaboration that has really become a major strength in our agility in the time of crises that has been so paramount to our success. And so I'm just very thankful for everything that our administrative teams, both school and central have done as we continue to move forward in this post COVID era.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah. And we also want to mention, again, we've mentioned it before and we don't want to overlook it. The teachers being able to pivot in a heartbeat and switch to the remote and provide the instruction, that happens throughout the year. And it was really personified when we saw the affection and love that our teachers have and our aides have for those, for the kids in our program. It really great.

Susan Bergtraum:

[crosstalk 00:50:25]

Michael Weinick:

Yeah. Quick question. You know, with the changes as of midnight, what is the story with staff that's working remotely? Are they now coming back or is it a case by case thing that they can still work virtually, what's happening?

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So we've had preliminary discussions on that. There are several layers and I'll just mention a couple of them, cause I know were overlooked. One is childcare, and that's primarily, probably for our 10 month people that they have to be prepared to have accommodations for childcare by September 1st. So that gives them a little bit of lead time to do that. As far as medical accommodations, I think we're going to have to take a look at that on a case by case basis. Now, what I'm contemplating, because of some medical issues. And if we have to advance them that, look, remote is here to stay in some shape or form shape way or form. So I am contemplating some sort of pilot program for those people who have, I'll call it a 504, some medical accommodation we have to do. And again, we have to rethink or supervision. We have to rethink our outcomes because it's just more than seek timeline.

Susan Bergtraum:

So again, I think we have to do it by law. If someone can work in a reasonable accommodation, this is where we work very, very closely with HR and Selma on this particular issue. We'll come up with something, we'll do a presentation to the board on that where we think we're going, but I will say this it'll probably be more in view of a pilot program where periodically we would come back and review it, assess the strengths and weaknesses

PART 2 OF 4 ENDS [00:52:04]

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Periodically, we would come back and review it, assess the strengths and weaknesses and then move forward.

Michael Weinick:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else have any... Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

You know, when you read the news and you can't help but seeing that there's a lot of anger in different districts about how all of this was managed. Parents, teachers. The fact that that didn't spill over onto us really says a lot about the way we handled this crisis. And I'm very proud to be part of an organization that was able to rise above the particular difficulties and do everything in the best interest of the kids and the staff.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Great.

Susan Bergtraum:

Great. Thank you Mrs. Langsner. Anybody else before we move on? Seeing nobody, Mrs. Nolan, was there any hearing of citizens?

Joyce Nolan:

There was none.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. All business. We'll start with board member reports if there are any, and then we'll go on to the retreat, et cetera. Mrs. Langsner yes?

Fran Langsner:

I mean, we thank everybody because everyone has made an incredible contribution to the graduation and moving up ceremonies. And today I realized that I could, I asked every location had a beautiful banner that was made, that was specific for that particular program. And it was made in house by a graphics department. So I just wanted to give them a shout out.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. Okay. All right.

Eric Schultz:

Can I just say this? I never knew that this agency had so many traffic cones, every school we went through 500, at least up. It was amazing.

Susan Bergtraum:

Maybe they will lend to us Eric who knows. Okay. Board retreat. We need to, you did get information from Dr. Dylan about facilitator. So let me throw that out to any of you who want to weigh in on whether you think either one of these gentlemen would be appropriate, whether you've got anybody else, whether you want him to look further, which I know he does not want to do. So let's hope we can come to an agreement on one of them. I do know that there was also a question. So I do know that some of you may be a little hesitant. You would like to know the cost of. So other than that, does anybody have any reactions, responses? Anything you want to say about?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Susan I don't have an exact figure on cost.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

But John Cloverdale did a cabinet retreat two years ago before the pandemic. So I believe he was reasonable and being at East Meadow, we kept things pretty close to the vest and we had a very frugal board president. And so we had to watch it. So I know Jeff Olufsen also would be reasonable.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So if we can put the money then aside and it can always be changed if something happens and we are not pleased, does anybody have any leanings, one or the other? So that Bob knows the direction to go in? Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

Oh, I don't know the other one. I know Jeff, we're allowed to mention names. I just know that he did a fine job. We used him a few years. I thought he did great with our retreats and he was excellent with all of us. When he needed to be tough. He was tough but when he didn't have to be wasn't. I did enjoy being a part of his process and his retreats. I don't know the other one though.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schultz.

Eric Schultz:

Yeah, let me just ask you a question on what form did his facilitating take? I mean, did you all meet in one place? Did he do any pre-

Deborah Coates:

Absolutely. He did questionnaires. He collated them. He took care of everything. He knew what the board was looking for. He set an agenda beforehand. If we didn't agree with the agenda, we could change it or we could expand on it. And then we did actually a whole day with him. And then we went out to dinner as a board afterwards.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

And where do we do those retreats Mrs. Coates?

Deborah Coates:

We did the retreats in our administrative offices.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

And where was one of them held?

Deborah Coates:

Where?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

You did a road trip?

Deborah Coates:

I don't know.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

You don't remember coming to Orange County?

Eric Schultz:

People try to repress that.

Deborah Coates:

Yes. I tried-

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, that will be the next piece of the discussion. I don't think where we have it will depend upon who the facilitator is. So if we can come to some consensus on the facilitator, then we can discuss the where. And then the when, when hopefully everybody gets there, I can do it on this date comes in, we'll collate that and find a date. Also, if you can let Joyce know whether or not you want it during the day, at night, whether you are good on weekends and or weekdays. So that needs to be fleshed out. So when you get her that information, and then I will try to find the most efficient and acceptable day to everybody. Or dates because I know people can have something that comes up. So if I see that there are seven dates that everybody can make, we'll throw those seven dates out and you can then all decide which of those dates are, and then maybe I'll have to do it the way New York City did their mayoral candidate voting 0 for 5. Thank you for laughing, Fran.

Fran Langsner:

I will know next year, what the date is.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schultz and then Mr. Kaye.

Eric Schultz:

With regard to the self-assessment that we're also doing, is that going to be redundant at all with regard to his questionnaire? I don't know what his questionnaire includes. Then there was also the issue that my understanding is that from what you wrote Susan, it will be going to state and Darcy will be-

Susan Bergtraum:

That was only information of what was possible to be done. That does not, I can just get that chart if nobody wants me to, certainly we know we're not using New York State School Boards as the facilitator. So that piece of the information that came back, that was just everything that we could get from them if we wanted it for free. Okay? So that piece of it, I could still sit with Darcy just to see what she was thinking, but the piece about the retreat itself, and what might be I would, we know that we're not going in that direction. So, that was just everything they could do for us, not what I had planned to do with her. Does that answer your question?

Eric Schultz:

Yeah.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Mr. Kaye.

Martin Kaye:

I'm very open to having Mr. Cloverdale be an old mentor for us. I've had two experiences in West Hempstead with Jekyll some, and then it goes back as far as 1991. I can't use that as a guidepost, but I think we need, or like to have a fresh set of eyes look at our agenda and what we intend to try to discuss. Rather than going with a template approach, to being a mentor for us. Because I think in the position that we are as of every board, I'd like to bring in some fresh ideas or hope he brings in some fresh ideas on how we're going to move the discussion along and the plans that we wish to discuss. So I'm just throwing that out to you. I'd be very open to Mr. Cloverdale.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else, because we are going to need to come to some conclusion sooner rather than later. Otherwise I can pick a name out of a hat. Anybody else? Yes. Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

Well, since it seems like Marty has had some negative feelings about, who I was speaking about, maybe we should try with Mr. Cloverdale. And then if that doesn't work out, go with Jeff. If no one else has any opinions on it, does that suit everybody? Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

I have to say that from the information that we've got, they're only going to send you information that paints them in a positive light. I really couldn't, I have no experience with either one of them. I couldn't make an informed decision one way or the other based on what we saw. They both looked like they would serve us well.

Susan Bergtraum:

Eric, did I see your hand waving or no? No. All right. So I'm going to make an assumption that what I'm hearing is that Bob should contact Dr. Cloverdale Bob?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Get some more information from him. And if it seems to us that he would be a viable candidate, we'll go with Mr. Cloverdale. Does that, do I have an agreement? Would that just shaking heads?

Eric Schultz:

May I suggest we get prices from both of them? Just to see.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Eric Schultz:

Because if somebody is totally out of line, we could ask them to reduce his fee a little bit.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. But at this point, at least Bob will find out prices from both of them. And assuming that they are equivalent, that he will have more conversation with Dr. Cloverdale. Yes, Michael.

Michael Weinick:

Well, the only thing I want to add is also, you don't even know whether either one of them are going to be available when we want them. We don't have that rate.

Susan Bergtraum:

That's true.

Michael Weinick:

So you might not have a choice.

Susan Bergtraum:

That's true too, but at least we'll, we have to move this process along and you're absolutely right, Michael. And that's where our flexibility will come in. We'll have to be flexible as well. That's why I'm saying if I can find more than one date, it will also give us more opportunity to find a facilitator who's free. So yes.

Michael Weinick:

I would go with the John Gross. Oh, I didn't see him sitting there.

Susan Bergtraum:

I know you didn't, but he's very pleased to know that that's the way you feel about it.

Michael Weinick:

You're on mute. John.

Susan Bergtraum:

It's still on mute John.

John Gross:

For what it's worth. I knew I've worked with John before, not in a retreat setting, but he was a nice rep and subsequently took over one of the Stony Brook programs. I believe he always has been very impressive to me. Just a really dedicated professional.

Michael Weinick:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. All right. So we know the direction we're going in there. All right. Let's now talk about location. I think I'll phrase this in the negative of. Is there anybody who feels strongly that we need to go outside of our, whether it's Farber or wherever, somewhere within the both Cw system. I know there are people who sometimes feel that they need to be refreshed and they want something a little different. So let's start there. Yeah. I heard a voice.

Eric Schultz:

Susan?

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah.

Eric Schultz:

Yeah. I always like to be away from the district. Over the years, the retreats that I've enjoyed the most, the retreats that I think have lent themselves to real discussion, relaxed, back and forth between board members have been away from the district. Someplace not connected. That being said, I don't know what his MO is. Is it just going to be sitting around and talking, is it just going to be looking at charts? Are we playing games? When I say games, I mean the standard everybody get up and write something on a blackboard kind of stuff that they do at most of the conventions. So I'm not sure what his methodology is and whether it would lend itself to being locked up in a Farber or Lapinski, or we could be on stage at the Lisa or whether it's something that we would like to find retreat group. Whatever it is, maybe go through Nassau County, one of the parks, I don't...

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. And that's why I phrased it the way I did. Is there anybody else who, yes, Michael?

Michael Weinick:

Well I'm sitting here on the beach in Tahiti and it's very relaxing and very conducive, for free dialogue. So I don't know if everybody wants to travel that far, but it's just a nice setting.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Either that, or we all much less expensive, Michael, we could all get the same screenshot.

Michael Weinick:

That too, that works.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Eric Schultz:

Well, you look like you were on the beach in Tahiti, where Rosemary Kennedy lived.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Jones Beach has a new conference center and they've been advertising it. I don't know the capacity of it, but it's supposed to be a great spot. I know there were some meetings there and we can look into that. Brand new.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. So maybe the cost factor as well. So if you can look into that and see whether we think that it's worth spending the money then, okay. Is there anybody else?

Eric Schultz:

Susan we could fly the banner over Joe's beach while we're there.

Susan Bergtraum:

This is true. We could. That would make Dr. Dillon very happy. But is there anybody else that has a strong feeling about either being in BOCES? I mean, I will just tell you, I couldn't care less. I can do my token no matter where, but if there are other people who really do feel that it serves a retreat well the other way, then let's do it. Mr. Weinick?

Michael Weinick:

On a serious note. If we're doing it Monday through Friday, it should not be on BOCES property because of possible interruptions and things that are going to interrupt us. If it's Saturday and Sunday, a possibility. But I think a neutral site is best.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Eric Schultz:

Are we talking about a day? A half a day?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Due to the fact that the Survey Monkey is not due until July sixth, my speculation is that we would have this retreat in the fall.

Susan Bergtraum:

I'm going to push for the summer as hard as I can. If it doesn't work Dr. Dillon, it doesn't work. I'm just saying that we will try to do it as soon as possible. That's all. And as soon as possible may very well be the fall. We'll, see. Okay. So we're sort of done with retreat, unless anybody has anything that I did not touch on. Okay. So the next thing on our old business agenda is Michael, are you ready with the proposed resolution or do you need, do you want to do that? I know we have one more meeting where you could, we could get it in, but yeah.

Michael Weinick:

I'm fine with that. I had it, was emailed to everybody.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right.

Michael Weinick:

Everybody should have the hard copy of it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right.

Michael Weinick:

And basically that's what I'm going with. If the board isn't approval fine. If they're not an approval, it dies tonight. So I just won't have [crosstalk 01:11:06].

Susan Bergtraum:

Anything you wanted to add that's all.

Michael Weinick:

No.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Michael Weinick:

I think everything was spelled out in the memorandum that I wrote to everybody.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So let me then throw it out to the board. You saw the resolution that was written, and I will just ask does anybody have any comments about it? Do you have any discussion otherwise, Michael we'll call for the consensus, which will give Michael either the yes and we'll get it in or not. So is there any discussion about it?

Fran Langsner:

I don't have a discussion about Michael's. I guess now we would have two-

Susan Bergtraum:

So we'd have two resolutions going on.

Fran Langsner:

What happens next? How does it get submitted?

Susan Bergtraum:

Oh, there is the form that [inaudible 01:12:02] . You submit it to them.

Fran Langsner:

So does the-

Susan Bergtraum:

I say this without any, the absentee ballot one has not yet been submitted.

Fran Langsner:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

I don't think.

Fran Langsner:

Is it my responsibility?

Susan Bergtraum:

It does not have to be. It could be if you're willing to take it on, we'll talk about it. But the answer is it hasn't been submitted yet. We'll, take care of that. Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

Talking about Fran's, I would suggest that it gets submitted as quickly as possible.

Susan Bergtraum:

Correct.

Michael Weinick:

And the reason for that is that it's discussed and the resolutions committee and on the floor in the order that they're received.

Susan Bergtraum:

Correct.

Michael Weinick:

You don't want it at the very end. These people are tired and they want to get out of there. So we already approved Fran's. So that should have gone out.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes, but we're not going to, I thought it was- [crosstalk 01:13:02]

Michael Weinick:

There's a special form that has to be filled out and signed by either the board president, the district clerk somebody.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. And then it's sent up to the state. Yes. So we'll-

Fran Langsner:

We'll talk about the process.

Michael Weinick:

I wouldn't wait. I would do it as quickly as possible.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well I understand. If we agree to the one that you suggested, we'll start to work on them both tomorrow.

Michael Weinick:

Fine. But they're two separate things. It's not that they're putting, they're not on the same paper.

Susan Bergtraum:

No, no. We understand that they will be submitted in the same way as two separate resolutions. Correct. Mr. Schultz?

Eric Schultz:

I'd like to make a motion that we as the board support and ask that the resolution drafted by Mr. Weinick be submitted on behalf of Nassau BOCES.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Do I have a second? Not that we really need it because this is a more informal. Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. So I will ask again, does anybody have any discussion about it?

Fran Langsner:

B.A.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Susan B.A has a hand raised.

Susan Bergtraum:

I don't see him.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

No it's on the bottom you have to read it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, I didn't see... okay. B.A.? I can't see him.

B.A. Schoen:

What Mr. Weinick is proposing is a bylaw change, not a resolution.

Michael Weinick:

That's correct. And that's what it said in my memorandum. It's a bylaw change.

Susan Bergtraum:

And it will be submitted as such. Right. Okay. And if we agree to do it, it will be submitted as such. Okay.

Eric Schultz:

I oppose making a bylaw change.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Eric Schultz:

Susan, I think if it's going to be submitted on behalf of the board, we should have a formal vote to make sure that it reflected our minutes. Because it'd be submitted by Nassau BOCES.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Well, we're going to vote on it anyway. So, you're going to see the hands anyway. So that's fine. All right. So anybody else have any comments, Mr. Greenstein?

Larry Greenstein:

Thanks. If we submit this resolution or this bylaws change, is it implied that we are supporting it as an organization? Or are we just supporting the right of people to vote on it?

Michael Weinick:

Correct.

Larry Greenstein:

How is it perceived by the larger community? In other words if Nassau BOCES puts this up, is it deemed to be that Nassau BOCES supports this resolution or they support the right to have a resolution?

Michael Weinick:

It will be supported, I'm sure as exactly what you state, but Nassau BOCES can decide on it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. I'm going to answer. Does anybody else want to answer Larry before I jump in? Larry, I would say to you that if Nassau BOCES submits a bylaw change a resolution, it means that we support that. We want to see this passed, that we are in support of what we have submitted. It's not a do with it what you want. We would certainly speak to it and talk about why it's believed that this should be yes. So it would be supported by Nassau BOCES. Does anybody have anything else to add?

Eric Schultz:

No, I think you're right. A board submits a resolution it's done because the board supports the resolution.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right.

Eric Schultz:

And they're supposed to, unless there's an issue that needs to be discussed. If it's going to be discussed, the sponsoring board is asked first to speak.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. Right. And of course, if anything ever changes, sometimes laws change. Sometimes things change. You can always draw your resolution, which is not what I'm suggesting here. But that's, for instance, if the law changed and absentee ballots were allowed, we would withdraw the resolution or it simply wouldn't be seconded or whatever. So there is that as well. So seeing nobody else, all in favor of submitting this bylaw change to the association. Okay. Opposed? Well, they have to talk cause I can't see okay. And everybody else is in favor. Okay. All right. So then we will start that process tomorrow.

Eric Schultz:

I believe Larry was opposed to it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Oh.

PART 3 OF 4 ENDS [01:18:04]

Susan Bergtraum:

It's tomorrow.

Eric Schultz:

I believe Larry. I believe Larry was opposed.

Susan Bergtraum:

Oh. Larry, I can't hear you.

Fran Langsner:

You're on mute, Larry.

Larry Greenstein:

Yeah. I was opposed too.

Susan Bergtraum:

I'm sorry. I do not know why, I didn't see the... Okay. It still passes. We know that two people were not comfortable with it, but as a Board, we have passed it. Okay. Next, we said we were going to discuss membership in Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association. I put that on the table. If there's anybody that- Mr. Weinick?

Michael Weinick:

I would just like somebody to give me an explanation, at this time in history, why we should continue to be a member of this organization? For many, many years, I very much supported Nassau-Suffolk. I thought they were a great organization, doing wonderful things. Over the past several years, I've seen it deteriorate to the point where there's very few people attending any of their meetings. There's no consensus, in terms of resolutions at the school board. We are not a block. We're doing little to no information with our congressional people, and whatever. The few things that are done, can be done, and are being done, by other organizations. Other than a nice fraternal organization of meeting for dinner for twice a year, I want to know what they do, and why we should continue to support them.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, anybody want to jump in? I can speak to it. I don't want to put anybody on the spot, because I do not see this organization the way you do at all.

Michael Weinick:

That's what I'm trying to understand.

Susan Bergtraum:

I don't see any difference in what it does now, then what it has done over the past. There are still always communications with representatives. There are meetings set up through Nassau-Suffolk with representatives. I'm not sure what you don't see. I don't know what you see about attendance at whatever...

Michael Weinick:

How many School Board members attend any of their meetings? How many school districts are represented at the resolutions meeting? The June meeting? What do they do?

Susan Bergtraum:

Again? I'm not sure... I don't see any [crosstalk 01:21:05]

Michael Weinick:

No, you're not answering. Forgetting about the past Susan, [crosstalk 01:21:09].

Susan Bergtraum:

No, what I'm saying is I don't see [crosstalk 01:21:11].

Michael Weinick:

What do they do today?

Susan Bergtraum:

As opposed to what they did, years ago?

Michael Weinick:

No, no, no, no. Not opposed to anything. What does the organization do, period?

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. It is in constant contact with legislators. It holds resolution, the resolutions dinner. It meets every month with an Executive Committee that show...

Michael Weinick:

It should be a clear-cut answer. I don't understand why it's not.

Susan Bergtraum:

What? I'm losing the words. It meets and discusses the issues that are significant, and have impact on the island. It represents a hundred and, don't quote me, I think it's 104 of the 124 districts on Long Island. For those districts, it is still meaningful. It is meaningful to me. When I am at those meetings as an ex officio, the conversation that goes on at those meetings is meaningful. It's meaningful. What they have tried to do is not overburden Boards. When they have the resolutions dinner, sometimes it depends on what Boards... It's the Boards that may decide they don't want to discuss a resolution, but the opportunity is there. They are giving you that opportunity. I don't need to be the person that wants to defend them. I believe this organization is worthy, and I would, without question, continue to be a member, , you know, I, I don't know

Michael Weinick:

How many boards attend the resolution dinner? Do you know?

Susan Bergtraum:

I don't know, but it's something we could ask.

Michael Weinick:

I'm just curious.

Susan Bergtraum:

I don't know.

Deborah Coates:

Marty's been [crosstalk 01:23:26].

Larry Greenstein:

The room is pretty full.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Kaye, and then [crosstalk 01:23:29].

Larry Greenstein:

How many Boards? How many Boards [crosstalk 01:23:29].

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Kaye?

Martin Kaye:

Whether or not the component Boards participate in these activities, is completely up to them. It's their decision. However, Nassau BOCES has had a long history of involvement with not only the group, but in the Executive Committee, and with our alumnus, who go back and are there to represent a BOCES perspective in terms of what we're doing. We're also getting a new leadership change in that organization that will begin. By not joining in, we undermine the possible success of that leadership change. I want to be there to support that leadership change, and see where it carries us for the next year. Withdrawing the money, or withdrawing our membership at this time, is absolutely the wrong thing to do. When there are changes going on, you're going to have a new Executive Director. You and me as a BOCES, have an opportunity to have greater input, in terms of what strategies are going to be employed. If new strategies are needed, as you see them, Michael. I'm against the defunding them. I think we want to be very, very supportive of their initiative, and the new leadership.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Madam President?

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes, Mr. Schoen?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

When the press is looking for a quote, Nassau-Suffolk School Boards is the first place they're going to. They will continue to go to them, whether we are a member or not. I think it's very important that we stay members.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else? Mrs. Coates?

Deborah Coates:

I agree wholeheartedly with Marty. I think having a seat at the table, especially for an organization such as ours, it's important for us to be there. Needless to say, I support Larry. He's going to be an Officer in the organization. It's nice. He's a new member of our team. I think it's important we continue to have a seat at that table, and be active participants in the organization. I believe we should stay involved with Nassau-Suffolk.

Eric Schultz:

Susan?

Fran Langsner:

Mr. Schultz, and then Mr. Greenstein.

Eric Schultz:

Who is the new Executive Director?

Deborah Coates:

Bob Vecchio.

Susan Bergtraum:

Robert Vecchio.

Eric Schultz:

Okay. Larry, how much is he getting paid?

Larry Greenstein:

I believe his salary is 140 a year. It will be prorated this year. That's from memory, but I'm pretty sure it's in that ballpark.

Eric Schultz:

$145,000?

Larry Greenstein:

About 140, something like that, yeah.

Eric Schultz:

I don't know what to tell ya. I just feel that we've been hoodwinked somehow, because that's the number in the proposed budget. We were told that number was to compensate [inaudible 01:26:59] Executive Director. We're starting this person out at $20,000 over what the prior Executive Director, who has impeccable credentials and has been a wonderful representative for us many years, which she was getting. I'm not sure why we're starting this person out at $20,000 more, but I just can't help, and forgive me for being cynical about this, I just can't help looking at the budget, and saying, "Oh, we were going to give a one-shot increase to a current Executive Director, to compensate her for the things that she would have to do with the loss of her Associate Director. But that's really was factored into what our new Executive Director is getting. I mean, I just don't feel comfortable with that whole thing.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else? Mrs. Langsner, and then Mr. Greenstein.

Fran Langsner:

Larry had his hand up before me.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, Mr. Greenstein, and then Mrs. Langsner.

Eric Schultz:

What I was going to say is Eastern Suffolk BOCES will be represented at Nassau-Suffolk. Western Suffolk BOCES will be represented at Nassau-Suffolk. If we aren't there, it means Nassau County just gets a little bit less use into discussion. A little bit less of our issues are on the table and looked at from our perspective. Although all of the BOCES have a lot in common, but they are all different entities, and they all do have different constituencies. I think we want to keep our constituency represented.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner?

Fran Langsner:

Yeah. You know, the point about how many districts attend the Nassau-Suffolk events. I don't honestly think that's relevant. There are, what? 700 school districts in New York State? How many send people to convention? There are a lot of different factors that govern a district's participation. Plus, I don't know how many of the 56 Nassau districts are members of Nassau-Suffolk, but we interact with all of them. We are the global presence for school boards in Nassau County, as far as touching every single one of these other Boards. A component board only has to concern itself with what's going on in their community, and on their Board. We touch all of them. For us to have this global perspective and to be part of this organization, I think is a mistake.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I have my hand up.

Susan Bergtraum:

B.A.?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah. As far as the compensation, I think you're looking at a budget line, which in all budgets, does not represent the salary of the person.

Eric Schultz:

It says salary.

Susan Bergtraum:

We can always find that. That's an easy [crosstalk 01:30:39]

Eric Schultz:

No, it says, "Salary." That's what I had asked, way before this, "Is that the salary?" Because there's a 403(b), your expenses or other things. This is salary.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I think you're interrupting me.

Eric Schultz:

Nope. Go ahead.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Are you done interrupting me?

Susan Bergtraum:

B.A. don't [crosstalk 01:31:02].

Eric Schultz:

Probably not, but go ahead.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

No, that's all right. I've had enough.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Anybody else? All right. So then, although this does not have to be an official vote, because if we vote, this will be part of the organization meeting. Okay? But, unless somebody wants it to be an official vote, which we can certainly do, I will ask for a consensus. How many people, and just raise your hands, we'll see whether it's a majority or not. How many people want to continue to be part of Nassau-Suffolk? Okay, so I have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, I think. One, two... Seven. How many people do not? Eight, nine.

Eric Schultz:

No, I'm just [crosstalk 01:31:55]

Susan Bergtraum:

I don't see your hands. I didn't see. I was just asking you.

Eric Schultz:

I'm abstaining from the vote.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. I have seven 'yes', one 'no', one abstention. Okay. All right. When it appears with all the other organizations, we will be joining. It will not be a separate vote.

Eric Schultz:

No. No, Susan. I would still like it a separate vote.

Susan Bergtraum:

Then you will ask it to be pulled.

Eric Schultz:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

That's all. I was just saying, otherwise I would've had to pull it. It would have had to stand on its own, without it being asked to be pulled. That's all. When it comes to it, you'll just ask for it to be pulled, and that will be done. Okay. We're on to new business. Board member reports? Anybody got any new business? I see nobody other than... Was there a foundation meeting?

Michael Weinick:

Yes. We did have [crosstalk 01:33:07]

Susan Bergtraum:

The [inaudible 01:33:08] report?

Michael Weinick:

Yeah. We did have a meeting last week. It was a very good year, in terms of what the foundation did for Nassau BOCES. In terms of the pandemic, the number of Chromebooks we bought, the number of gift cards for food, and other things we took care of. But because of the tremendous amount of money that was paid out on behalf of the Nassau BOCES Children, finances are a little bit tight. Interest rates are very low. Obviously, we are looking, to build up on the funds. The golf outing was canceled for last year. The other thing that we're very concerned about, is that there has been a tremendous number of changes in administration in the schools. With principals, assistant principals, with many people, possibly not knowing what the foundation does. We really want to get the word out to all of the principals, on what the grant process is, grant money that's available. Dues checkoff, in terms of supporting the foundation, joining the foundation board.

Michael Weinick:

We're going to talk to Dr. Dillon, possibly at the end of the summer, on the back to school meetings, and talking with the administrators, with the principals and with the staff. Letting them know exactly what we do, what we offer, how they can help us. We're also looking for new members on the Foundation Board, as well as, John, Jen, Jimmy has been there a while. He's moving further East. We have to come up with a succession plan for the leadership of the Foundation. That's about it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Thank you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Mike?

Michael Weinick:

Yes?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Do they plan on giving the grants in the Fall as they did pre-pan- [crosstalk 01:35:06].

Michael Weinick:

Yes. Yes.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Oh, that's great news. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Is there any- Mrs. Coates?

Michael Weinick:

You're on mute.

Susan Bergtraum:

You're on mute, Deb.

Deborah Coates:

It's very late in the agenda, but you forgot, and I forgot, about recognizing two people?

Susan Bergtraum:

Oh God. Thank you, Mrs. Coates. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. My apologies, but we did want to simply acknowledge the retirement of Mr. Patrick Silvestri, who has been a part of Nassau BOCES for a very long time. We had the privilege of reading Dr. Theodorou's letter of retirement for him. It's spelled out chapter and verse of how important he was, and is, to this agency. I hope it makes him smile when he reads it. We thank him, thank him, thank him for his service to us, and wish him more than well.

Susan Bergtraum:

Congratulations to Mrs. Heather Soffer. She is leaving as the Assistant Principal of the Willet Avenue School, to become the Principal of Robert Williams School. We wanted to acknowledge her promotion, and we don't have to wish her well. We know that she will do more than well. We are thrilled to have her in that position. Mr. Weinick?

Michael Weinick:

Yeah. I'd also like to congratulate Mrs. Coates on her retirement. Her last day at work was yesterday. And she has vowed to spend more time in the superintendent's office, overseeing exactly what he does, and giving him as much as assistance and expertise as she can offer him.

Deborah Coates:

Yes, okay. That's a good one.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Been there, done that, Mike. That's an old movie.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Coates for the reminder.

Deborah Coates:

You're welcome.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. Is there any other old business? Otherwise, we are due to go into Executive Session. We will be going into Executive Session to discuss with canceled Collective Bargaining Negotiations, pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law, to discuss the medical, financial credit, or employment history, of a particular personal corporation on matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal, of a particular person or corporation, and to discuss the medical, financial... The exact same thing. There are two separate people involved in this, and I'm not going to read that again.

Susan Bergtraum:

There is a possibility we will be coming out of Executive Session, to have a final resolution and vote. With that, so if anybody wants to stick around, the live stream will most probably be back on. With that, may I have a motion to go into Executive Session?

Deborah Coates:

So moved.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. Second?

Michael Weinick:

With a five minute break?

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Is that a second, with a five minute break?

Michael Weinick:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Yes, we will give you the five minute break. Is there any discussion? If not, all in favor of moving into Executive Session? Aye. Opposed? Okay. Abstained? Not. Okay. All right.

Angela Marshall:

Yes, Madam President, I will. Whereas, Angela Marshall, Senior Manager, and a member of the Nassau BOCES Technical Administrators Association, had 13 unused vacation days, standing to her credit, as of June 30th, 2020. And whereas, Angela Marshall works at the immediate direction of, and in support of, the successful completion of the duties of the District Superintendent. And whereas, the District Superintendent informed the Board that since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, assistance provided by Angela Marshall to the District Superintendent, in support of the performance of his duties as Chief Executive Officer of Nassau BOCES, was critically important to the operations of Nassau BOCES. Whereas out of necessity of District Superintendent, directed Angela Marshall during the Spring and early Summer to refrain from using said-unused 13, 2019 to 2020 work year vacation leave days before 30th, 2020. And whereas, Council to the Board has opined that the Board action directed here under, is permissible, under the General Municipal Law, Section 92, subject to the consent of the Nassau BOCES Technical Administrators Association.

Angela Marshall:

And whereas, consent of the Nassau BOCES Technical Administrators Association, effectuate compensation for the subject 13 unused vacation days, was received through an email from Marion Fine, President to the Nassau BOCES Technical Administrators Association, to the District Superintendent on July 9th, 2020. Therefore be it resolved, that based upon equitable considerations, including that the inability of Angela Marshall to use the [inaudible 01:41:05] described vacation days, was a result of the direction of the District Superintendent, that she refrained from using said-days at any time during the late Spring, and June, of the 2019 to 2020 school year.

Angela Marshall:

Together with her inability to accumulate said-unused 13 vacation days, the Board herewith authorizes that any previous removal of the subject 2019 to 2020, 13 unused vacation days, will be reversed, and Angela Marshall, we paid the monetary value of the subject 2019 to 2020, 13 unused vacation days. Be it further resolved, that the District Superintendent is authorized to take any action necessary to effectuate this resolution. Be it further resolved, that this authorization is limited to the payment of the monetary value of the subject 13, 2019 to 2020, unused vacation days therein before identified. That concludes the reading, Madam president.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. May I have a motion?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Don't move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schoen, thank you. Second?

Fran Langsner:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. Any discussion? Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Abstained? Okay. Motion carries, unanimously. Okay. May I have a motion to adjourn?

Fran Langsner:

Don't move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. Second? Mrs. Coates. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Abstained. Okay, we are-

PART 4 OF 4 ENDS [01:42:57]

Susan Bergtraum:

... we are, when we're ready. We're all here, correct? Nobody got lost. Okay. Good evening, everybody. Welcome to the June 10th meeting of the national BOCES board of education. Seeing a quorum, I call the meeting to order and Ms. Theodorou, if you would be so kind as to lead us in the pledge.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Absolutely. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. If I could have a motion to approve the minutes.

Fran Langsner:

A move.

B.A. Schoen:

A move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Okay. Well, Michael and Fran second?

Fran Langsner:

Oh, I do.

Michael Weinick:

No.

Susan Bergtraum:

No. Oh, you have a question?

Michael Weinick:

I would like to table the minutes until the next meeting. We first got it maybe an hour ago. I have not had a chance to read it and I would like that opportunity.

Susan Bergtraum:

That's perfect, and I did suggest that. The minute that you say that, I had spoken to Mrs. Nolan and said, "Put them on and if somebody has a problem we will table them." That is perfectly acceptable. Mr. Schoen.

B.A. Schoen:

Well, I move them, Fran seconds them, and then Michael moves to table.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, because I actually didn't ask. Yeah. Well, then there's a discussion. Michael's discussion was we can't have the discussion until, so Michael is suggesting that we table them until the next meeting.

Eric Schultz:

We need a motion to table.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes. So that is my next, may I have a motion to table?

B.A. Schoen:

So moved.

Susan Bergtraum:

Second.

Deborah Coates:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Coates. Any more discussion? Okay. All in favor?

Group:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstained? Okay. We will do the minutes. There will be two sets of minutes for next time, but I am assuming that you will be able to read these so that you will not be overburdened with minutes next time and you'll just have the minutes of tonight's meeting. Okay. Presentations. Dr. Dillon, if you would like to-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yes, I'm happy to introduce a Cliff Steinberg and Dr. Barnett to provide some information regarding business services and the financial information system. I turn it over. I don't know who's going first. I will let them fight it out.

Cliff Steinberg:

Can everyone see my screen?

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes. Thank you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you, Cliff.

Cliff Steinberg:

Thank you. Thank you, Marsha and I are presenting together this evening. We'd like to take an opportunity to thank you for taking the time to listen to us about some interesting things that we've been doing to support the agency through the pandemic. Starting when we sent everyone home in March of 2020. It's been quite an effort and quite an experience as you've heard from the other departments during their presentations to see the agency's way through this challenging time. It wouldn't be right for us not to start the presentation with, really, a "thank you" to all the other programs and services and our partners throughout the rest of the agency, because it's really, in a time of a crisis, a full team effort in a collaboration, not only between business services and financial and information systems, but also with all the other programs and services and staff throughout the agency that help inform us on what they need and what we can do to assist them in continuing the daily operations of Nassau BOCES as a whole. Marsha?

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

As we're aware that the business services and financial information systems, we're considered the backbone of the agency operations. As Cliff mentioned, the presentation, we'll discuss the processing of invoice and our response to the pandemic. This also caused us to take a look at our overall department and our goals. On a daily basis we provide support to the success of the various departments from accounting to transportation while speaking cost-effective, innovative products and services. We continue to collaborate with the departments, providing assistance, and exchanging information and ideas.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Great, and financial information systems, our role in that is to support not only business services, but all of the underlying technology that run the operations in the business side of Nassau BOCES on a daily basis, whether or not that be PeopleSoft, our large ERP that manages financials and human resources operations, but also providing data and actionable insights to business services, the agency leadership and the various programs throughout the agency to help them drive their operations on a regular basis. Marsha.

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

During the height of the pandemic, and relying so heavily on paper, we would travel to what was a site for the mail to bury tech, to both retrieve paper, to retrieve documents, and also to distribute the paper or documents that we had for the various departments or for mailing. Pam and her team provided designated dates and times. It was to reduce traffic going in and out of the building and also to limit the number of personnel in the building at the same time. That was great. We were able to still go in, but this also brought to light the dependence we have on actual paper too, for the business services and for the processing of both incoming and outgoing mail.

Eric Schultz:

I always wondered what that lunch room was really used for.

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

Well, this one's in Farber, but yes. We also have to move there also, so it was great.

Cliff Steinberg:

You can imagine an agency as large as ours in all the various paper-based processes that we continue to have, but also we've been mitigating over the course of the last a few years in trying to eliminate our dependency on it. Moving a physical piece of paper back and forth for various programs and services and buildings takes time, it takes effort, it takes tracking. It reduces the visibility of business process as things move through. Although we've been taking opportunistic times to modernize some of our processes, the application that you're going to hear a little bit about tonight was something that we hadn't approached and hadn't addressed when, again, we sent everyone home in March of 2020, as an example of just some of the work that we've done starting prior to, again, sending everyone home in the beginning of the pandemic, but also through the pandemic on the screen in front of you, are just some of the applications and processes that we worked on, again, to help see the agency through as, essentially, the engine room of the daily operations of the agency.

                Again, all the programs manage their own daily operations in their own business, but the glue that holds the agency together and the hub of the operations are really business services and financial information systems working very closely with the various programs and services. Some of the things, FMLA tracking, budget adjustments, RFP process, all of those processes now have an application, sets of data, and an entire business process wrapped behind it to, again, eliminate the need for paper, but it also does a lot of other things along the way, such as increasing actionable insights, data dashboards, increasing visibility across processes, et cetera. A lot of times, I can remember years ago when we used to have to move budget adjustments via paper and budget adjustments a lot of times, you need to move the money before you can get the purchase order out the door.

                Because of that was a paper-based process, it would have to go from the department, the various levels of approval on paper, and then over to Farber, again, on paper and go to various people's desks. You can imagine the amount of time that it would take to move that business process along so that you can get the money in the proper places so that you can get your purchase orders, et cetera, out the door. That, in some cases, just as an example of a process that we've automated, could take upwards of a week or two for it to actually get posted to the lines. With the application in place, the budget adjustment application, we've now reduced that down to, if people are paying attention to it, less than a day. Again, the actionable nature of what we've done is really improved operations across the board in a number of different cases and these are just some of the examples in front of you. Marsha.

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

As you're aware, cashflow management is an essential function in business services. During the pandemic, there was an uncertainty of revenue from districts because one, we were closed, but it was also receiving these paper checks, we also receiving interoffice invoices from the departments in the agency. We needed those. We had to ensure that we billed for the services and the effort to maintain the inflow of cash. On the other side, the delay of mailing during the pandemic, there were certain number of invoices from the vendors that required payment. We weren't certain as to what invoices were sitting there waiting for us to retrieve, and make the payments. During normal times, relying on paper can sometimes cause an issue. However, the pandemic really provided more insight to our dependency on paper.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Challenge accepted from the financial and information services team, right? What do we need to do when we hear from various areas that we are having such a hard time moving the paper, we can only go and pick these documents up once or twice a week at a scheduled time and we need to get things paid. We need to manage the cash flow much better. We look at ways that we can automate that process. We were fortunate, again, prior to pandemic, that we started to feel our way through some more agile technologies that allowed us to move more rapidly in terms of development and doing things in a much more agile fashion. We had to understand the process, we had to understand the data, we had to bring visibility, but all of this being done with the eye on sustainability and growth.

                We don't want to do things just for the moment. We want to do things that are going to last and persist into the future so that we're making the agency overall more resilient in terms of what we're able to do and respond in a much more timely fashion. What we've done is built out an entire application now that will sustain and evolve and grow as the agency moves forward pandemic or no pandemic, crisis or no crisis. The application that we built to respond to this immediate need will live on in the agency into the future. The normal cycle for application development in FIS is really sitting down and having a comprehensive understanding of what the need is. Defining the need with the program, with the requester, and understanding what it looks like from their perspective. A lot of times that programs and departments understand what happens within their own area but once that business process leaves their area, there really isn't a full, comprehensive understanding of what happens once it leaves.

                We need to understand from all the stakeholders within the process, what exactly happens, and that normally takes a good amount of time. We need to map it out, we need documentation, we need evidence and artifacts of what exists throughout the process. We then review the actual business process itself. What does it look like? What does the workflow look like? We do some analysis and planning. We match it against the technology that we feel is most appropriate. We develop it, we test it, and then we deploy and support it. Normally getting through that development process, I would estimate between 95 and 98% of the way to full completion with the understanding that we're always going to have to circle back and revisit it. However, pandemic comes and it becomes a need it, develop it, deploy it scenario with always circling back and around to the needs and revisiting the various stakeholders and saying, "How is it working? What do we need to change? What do we need to adapt?"

                The good example of that is when we were approached at the end of March, it became apparent, and I'll be nice to my friend, Chris Reinertsen here and say, he's the one that came to us and said, "We can't move this paper. We have so much of this going through it's really getting in the way of what we're trying to do. We need a way to move our invoices from the department to accounts payable." The scenario was just that. We need to move this document electronically from here to here, because the Farber mail room, the Barry tech mail room at one point, back to the Farber mail room, mitigating that was a big concern and a big issue, especially with the cash flow management that we were trying to do as an organization.

                That's the way it started. Very simply. Move it from point A to point B. What we very quickly come to understood is that that doesn't represent the process as a whole. The process is a very complex one, and there are many reasons why there are various pit stops along the way for checking and balancing, making sure that things are accurate and things like that. The regular processes, we discover as we go through now, sitting not only with CIT and the clerks and Chris McGrath and the people that manage their invoicing and their purchasing process there, but now we start to have conversations with the accounts payable. Now they're starting to define their need on their side of the house and we very quickly understand that this gets pretty complex and pretty detailed. A lot of workflow elements, a lot of sending back and forth.

                How do we manage that? Because now it's not just about moving from point A to point B. Now we're talking about really comprehensive workflow with tracking, data aggregation, visibility, all of those other things that would be included in, again, going back to what we would normally do, now we're into a full fledged application. The normal process would be when an invoice is received from a vendor, it's now received in PeopleSoft. You get a receipt number, typically, as we go through this and as we outline this process for you, picture in your head all of this happening on paper, because that's what this process really represents. Taking from the paper form into an electronic form. Normally an invoice would be signed off on in a department. It would get signatures or initials saying this is accurate, receipt numbers, and it moves through the department and then it moves over to accounts payable.

                Once it's received in PeopleSoft, you'll see on the right-hand side of the screen, just some screenshots of the application as it's been built at this particular point in time, the invoice in the associated data now, instead of being signed off on in the department, it moves into an application. Within that application there are queues, and it routes electronically with email notifications to either department reviewers or department approvers who review the information for accuracy. If they find something's not accurate, now we move that document back into the clerk's workflow and back into their queue, indicating that it needs a correction. Again, email notification, this invoice has been marked needing correction. There are comments associated with it. All of that comes along with the email notification and exists as an artifact within the system now. Once the approvals are attained and it moves forward from there, it gets routed to accounts payable, and Marsha's going to pick it up from here.

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

Once received in the application, the accounts payable supervisors, she distributes the invoices to the account payable clerks for processing. I just would like to mention the steps involved in internal controls for accounts payable, before they approve the invoice for payment, they ensure that the vendor's name is correct, the remittance address is correct, the amount and the items purchased match the items on the purchase order. Before this has even moved they've made sure everything on this invoice is correct. It then moves along the approval process, including to the claims auditor. Once approved the claims auditor has the ability to move it forward, send it back to the user ... Right, sorry, the claims order.

                Then once it's approved, it's back to accounts payable for further processing. During this process, they start to do what is called a pre-check. The team uses a report to match the actual invoices by vendor name and the invoice amount to ensure, again, that the check is accurate. In the application, during the pre-check, they're able to filter, update and change the date of the check run. Then from there, Cliff?

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Now we're at a point where the invoices now move through various verification steps, it's been approved for payment, and payment is made. The check goes out the door either electronically or in paper, most of it's electronic at this point, as you can imagine, but we're not quite done. Again, you would think, "Okay, the vendor's been paid, we're done, that's it." But we're not quite done yet. What we do now is we need to get this payment record and the associated invoice into file bound, which is our archival system for retention purposes, but as well as used by the external auditors when they come in and review our information. Again, trying to see this through where this is normally done on paper, the invoices come over, either electronically or on paper, and then they're put in stacks, they're scanned, someone sits there, they scan them in, they make sure the indexing is right and then they approve, then they go into file bound.

                We needed to care for that fully electronically as well. What we do now is we take the data that's been entered within the application itself, we take a data extract from PeopleSoft that now has the check number, because we haven't had that at this point. On the right-hand side of the screen, again, in that little window, you'll see just a visual model of what that workflow looks like and all the various steps that happen from a data validation perspective, extracting, matching, and mashing the data together. Now we have electronic copy of all the various indexing data that we need, as well as an electronic copy of the invoice. All of that is matched. It's thrown into a dashboard for review, making sure, again, validity, verification, everything looks good.

                We can view it. We can analyze it. Visibility is there. We could see where everything is at any given point in time. Then we merge that with the electronic file of the invoice and we put it into file bound electronically. From soup to nuts, again, if you take that and in your mind, envision a piece of paper going through this process and having to be physically moved from place to place to place, from desk to desk to desk, we've now automated that entire process from the initial receipt all the way through the various approvals, payment, and landing in the archival system. All of that now happens in a fully automated fashion. Marsha.

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

I'd like to think that all these paper invoices that used to come through the mail have now been funneled through this application, which is easy to determine where it is in the approval process. You can take a look to see if it's at the pre-check state, if the payment has been made, and what's even more interesting is that it's now, the retention, the retrieval's right there at your hands. You can take a look and it's easy. It's available for review. As Cliff mentioned, it's saved in one location. It's generally quicker too, it's up to date so you can take a look and make sure that all of the check runs and the copies of check have been archived based on the information that's available. It's great.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Many folks don't realize, what's a couple of invoices between friends, right? Just move this stuff along, get it through the system and get the vendors paid. Not a big deal. We don't do too much of that, right? Without an exaggeration, this is actual data, as you'll see here, and I just want to draw your attention to the bottom right in the chart, April of 2020 is when we started. Again, rapid and agile development and need services. We sent everyone home mid March, and by April, we have a base application developed to start this process. Now, it didn't fully represent what you saw on that fairly complicated slide, but we continued to evolve in that process and continue the development to make sure that it was meeting everyone's need.

                What's a few invoices? Well, what's almost 11,000 invoices to the tune of over almost $94 million worth of payments? That's what's been processed now through this application. It's quite substantial. Again, it mitigates the dependence on paper. It's brings some resiliency to the agency so that the pandemic goes away, another crisis happens perhaps, we're now better positioned as an organization to continue to move forward without these bumps in the road that we've experienced. Again, it goes back to the further development in all the other work that's been done. This is just one example of that. As far as our response has been within the pandemic. Looking forward, Marsha.

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

Right now, we're working with Harris School Solutions on the wind cap upgrade to their current system. The system is currently, I would say, a little outdated. This upgrade will provide an enhancement to the process of the data and wind cap and state reporting. We're looking forward to that. We think it'd be a great upgrade and it would be very helpful in processing all of our information.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Yeah. In a very geeky way, we're very excited about the work that we're doing. We talk about things like electronic time sheets. When we mentioned that even in various thought exchanges that have gone on throughout the agency run by Angela Marshall and trying to get solicit feedback on what have we done well, what can we do differently, electronic time sheets actually have come up quite a bit. It's interesting to note that we were looking into the electronic time sheets prior to the pandemic and actually put it on pause as we went into the crisis. We are actually with board approval back in January, we're moving forward with that project. We're just getting through the discovery phase with the vendor. We're actually going into the build and test phase, and we're continuing to move that forward, but we're also continuing to modernize all the other processes that we come about through the agency.

                Working with, again, we view the service areas and the various programs as our partners. We're here to meet their needs. As they experience their challenges, it's nice to see that they feel now that they can come to us, business services and FIS, for either guidance or an actual solution to help them get through their immediate needs and the long-term needs of the agency. We're going to continue to develop applications, we're going to continue to modernize our business processes, make things more electronic, more fluid, more agile, and we're going to work on bringing it all together in a unified fashion. Marsha.

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

Lastly, I would love to thank the entire financial information systems and business services teams for their hard work, their knowledge, and their dedication to the agency. Thank you.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

And that is all.

Susan Bergtraum:

Dr. Dillon.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I'm sorry, I thought I'd said, just an outstanding presentation, outstanding work. Just an example of what's been done during this pandemic, and I thank both departments. You have done an outstanding job and continue to do an outstanding job. We'll take questions.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner, then Mr. Schulz, and then Mr. Schoen.

Fran Langsner:

Oh, this is obviously our version of operation warp speed. Amazing how much you got accomplished in such a short period of time. I do understand the value of leaving a paper-based environment and moving in the direction that you're moving, but paper doesn't crash, it has its own risks, but paper doesn't crash and it can't be hacked. My question actually is, at every part of this process, especially when it gets into file bound, are we migrating this to our offsite iCloud storage facility?

Cliff Steinberg:

Well, actually, ask, maybe Chris Reinertsen. I'm not sure what DR and business continuity places are behind the file bound application. It's not something that I particularly manage. It's one of the applications we've leveraged within the process.

Chris Reinertsen:

Well, it, like everything else that we have, is backed up in multiple locations. The thing that happens too, is that you can't hack paper that's true, but paper finds its way to other places, so there's risk associated with any of it. Strategically at least, what we're doing now is, we're yet in the middle of another migration into a different backup strategy for the whole joint that will involve it living in the cloud in multiple regions within the United States. It's all in practice and as you mentioned, Fran, it's like, yes, everything's at warp speed. We're planning, I'll say, as diligently as we can and reacting every day at the same time. It's been pretty crazy.

Cliff Steinberg:

Yeah, and it's pretty interesting that, again, I can quickly jump in and, again, the partners within the organization, right? I mentioned that a couple of times in the presentation we work very closely with Chris's IT group, et cetera, making sure that we're applying security and policy appropriately as we develop the technology. Everything is in line with what they're trying to do as well on the IT security perspective and making sure that we're managing things in an inappropriate way, leveraging the technology that they provision for us, make available for us. Then of course we have our own IT type team that develops the application to make sure we're applying security and policy and procedure in an appropriate way.

Fran Langsner:

Terrific. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schulz.

Eric Schultz:

Guys, thank you for the presentation. The graphics were wonderful also, but there was something in the development roadmaps said, "UI UX." Can you tell me what that means?

Cliff Steinberg:

It's a user interface and user experience.

Eric Schultz:

Oh.

Cliff Steinberg:

We spend actually a good amount of time ... If you go to McDonald's and you see the fancy menu on the board, right? That's the consumer vision, right? Over the course of time, when ERPs were developed, right? The user experience was never really that good. It's really truly a backend system. When you think about a backend system, you think about this really text-based not very user-friendly environment. We spend a good amount of time now, in our application development, making sure that the user experience is one that the users will, lack of a better word, enjoy, but be comfortable and familiar with.

                We spend a really good amount of time in terms of developing queuing systems and button placement and visibility in a way that the users enjoy and make the most value out of immediately when they look at the screen. Nothing really that you can't figure out. We provide trainings, but a lot of our applications are fairly straightforward and people can find their way through. Again, that that experience is very important to us. You tend to get beat over the head when you put something out there and people just can't figure out how to use it.

Eric Schultz:

Well, it's sort of like when you you're on the phone and they say, "Would you like to take a short survey before you hang up?" The other thing, and this comes out of left field, just because of some of the experiences I've had lately, do any of our vendors pay by credit card?

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

Not that I recall.

PART 1 OF 4 ENDS [00:28:04]

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

We haven't, not that I can recall. For the most part, we're paying the vendors, but do you mean some of the districts paying off?

Eric Schultz:

Yeah. Anybody who we deal with?

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

Right. The districts are starting to now look at sending electronic fund transfers.

Eric Schultz:

Mm-hmm (affirmative).

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

They wouldn't pay, with a credit card. I think the credit card, similar to what we have, is only used for a conference or, something that required a prepayment. They are looking to start sending electronic fund transfers as opposed to checks.

Eric Schultz:

The only reason I ask is, I was in the courthouse today, filing something. They said, "If you give us a check, it's $50. If you give us credit card, it's $50 plus 2.99%. I'm hoping that as a policy, that we tell them anybody who pays by credit card, that we can't absorb that.

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

Right now, they're not. They're looking to do electronic funds transfers as a payment, as opposed to sending a check. I think that's the direction they're going in, not the cards.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Eric, after Roslyn, most districts put their credit cards in the safe. Only a couple people have them. It's only used very sparingly. Maybe a district uses it to pay registration fee, or airline tickets, or something like that, or put a deposit down. For the most part, the use of credit cards, after Roslyn has been really, really minimized.

Eric Schultz:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

B.A.

B.A. Schoen:

I have to say that was a beautiful, visually beautiful, animated, presentation. I think it was very effective as well. Reassure me, all of those bills that you were talking about, were not payroll. Am I right?

Cliff Steinberg:

That's correct.

B.A. Schoen:

That's a different system?

Cliff Steinberg:

The payroll system is in PeopleSoft, HR. This is handling, vendor payments, and invoicing.

B.A. Schoen:

Another question is, "Could this have implications for our real estate needs?" As they say, some places won't come back to work 100% anyway. Is it possible that in the future, we might have people working remotely and not need as much office space as we have now? [crosstalk 00:30:52]

Cliff Steinberg:

Bob would probably want to comment on that. What I can say is that the work we're doing, and the work that you see represented tonight, again, I'm going to use word 'resilient'. It makes us more resilient and positions the agency better, whether or not in an emergency, on a long-term basis. To be able to move to electronic workflow, and be able to, again, mitigate the dependence on paper, and having people into physical space. Bob I'll turn it over to you to further [crosstalk 00:31:15].

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah. One of the things the pandemic, and a reaction to it, is one of the committees we're studying is the feasibility of working remotely. To do agency work, and to provide services to our clients and customers. It's a very complex question. We have an excellent committee headed by Pam Christensen. Regarding the issue, it's very complex, because we have multiple bargaining units. We have people with different titles under the same bargaining unit. There's some of our work does not lend itself to remote.

                Right now I haven't figured out a way a custodian can work remotely. Maybe someday we can, but right now we can't. We're looking at it. It's something that will evolve. We hope to have reports from our various committees, probably in the early Fall. This is not lighthearted work. Again, when you take a look at what's going on in VA. You mentioned some companies may never come back. There may be a lot of real estate for sale around. Conferences. We have conference space. Is that going to be used? It may take a while for it to come back.

                There are so many unanswered questions, but I can tell you that we have a committee looking at it. We're looking at things just mentioned, the next crisis. Well, we want to be prepared for it. How do you lead in a crisis? We're taking a look at several things, in addition to social justice issues.

                We have give [inaudible 00:32:54] our staff, our people, our leadership team, a tremendous kudos for what they're doing. The time and work they're putting in, in order to anticipate or futurize what might happen. It's a long answer to a short question, but we're looking at it, B.A.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else?

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

I do want to mention one thing to Eric. I was thinking about the credit cards. We do accept it for the adult education. They take it for the workshops. For the workshops on paying a teacher, paying for a workshop, but not directly from a district. It would be an individual paying for a class or workshop.

Eric Schultz:

Yeah.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Okay. To sum up and reflect what everybody else said, it was a marvelous presentation. We thank you for your diligence, for your flexibility, for your creativity. You are remarkable, and you are so appreciated. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Cliff Steinberg:

Thank you very much.

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes. With that before I continue, I need to send regrets from Mr. Ellerbe and Mr. Kaye, who could not make it tonight. They're with us in spirit. So with that, may I have a motion? Oh. And before I start, well, I'll take the motion appropriately, and then I'll ask the question. May I have a motion on the consent agenda?

Dr. Marsha Barnett:

No move. Thank you, Mr. Schoen. Second, Mr. Greenstein. With apologies because somehow there's this question of mine got lost in my translation. On the par I noticed that there were a rather significant number of speech people retiring. I don't need an answer now, but I wondered if there was a reason? Whether we are able to replace them? It was a fair number of people. Seemed to me more than the norm. That's my question. Does anybody else have any, unless Val, can you answer me or not?

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

We just have a lot of people that have been with the agency a long time. They're coming up on that age where they're retiring. We have a lot of retirements this year. We are advertising. We advertised last week on the fund, Saturday, the sixth, I believe it is... Sunday, the sixth. We're also advertising this week, in the papers. We will fill those positions. We have more, obviously on this PAR, there'll be a few more on the next one. We knew these were coming, because people have been asking questions about retirement, and asking for paperwork. So we knew all of these were coming up.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So there was nothing specifically related to speech teachers. It just happens that on this one, that they happen to be more than.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, fine, fine, fine. Does anybody else have a question? Okay. If not [crosstalk 00:36:14] Oh, sorry Larry.

Larry Greenstein:

I have a quick question. Do we end up in better financial shape when we have retirements? Do the people coming in make significantly less than the people going out?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I think it's no different than a district. There will be some breakage.

Larry Greenstein:

Okay. Not that that's why we want them to retire, but it's a at least we get a little something out of losing their experience.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah but... Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

Moving right along. Okay. With that, I had a motion to second, all in favor of the consent agenda, say, "Aye"

Fran Langsner:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Aye. Opposed? Stained. Okay, motion passes. All right. The additional consent agenda items. I'm going to take them all together unless somebody has a reason for me not to?

Eric Schultz:

Does somebody have a clock ticking in the background somewhere?

Susan Bergtraum:

You know what it is? Okay. If it's annoying you, I have a fan on is that is off-kilter and I can't on kilter it. So my apologies if it bothers you, I'll turn the fan off.

Eric Schultz:

No, no. I would prefer that my President is comfortable.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you so much. Okay. Michael?

Michael Weinick:

Separate vote on A.

Susan Bergtraum:

On A? Okay. Okey doke. All right. Then may I have a motion on additional agenda item A, approval of consultant contracts over $2,000 a day. I have a motion.

Fran Langsner:

No move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. Second?

Deborah Coates:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schoen, thank you. I'm sorry, Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

That's okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

I know I... Is there any discussion? All in favor? Aye.

B.A. Schoen:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Aye. Opposed?

Michael Weinick:

Opposed.

Susan Bergtraum:

Sustained. Okay. I will then take items B and C under the additional agenda items together. May I have a motion, Mrs. Coates?

Deborah Coates:

Opposed.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Second?

B.A. Schoen:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schoen, thank you. Is there any discussion? All in favor?

Michael Weinick:

Aye.

Deborah Coates:

Aye.

Larry Greenstein:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Aye. Opposed? Abstained. Okay. Motions carried. Does anybody have any questions on the information items? All right. If you noticed, and I'm sure you've seen them, and certainly didn't have time to look at the draft for the organization meeting, but you should have it. We have some time if there's anything there that needs to be looked at, we will do that.

                As a matter of fact, I'm going to give you food for thought, or we can discuss it now. I will find out which committees might allow this. We usually just appoint one person per committee, but every now and again, somebody is interested. If we could have two board members on. I'll give you the example of the Wellness Committee. I will check out and see which committees might be able to accommodate more than one, usually two, other than the Policy Committee Board members, if it was their want. I just give that to you as a suggestion. I will, at the next meeting, let you know which committees might handle two people. I'm not suggesting that it need be, but if it were that more than one person wanted it to be on a committee. I'll let you know which ones they are. Okay. Dr. Dillon, you're on. Additional information?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

You're talking about the superintendent's report, right?

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes.

Eric Schultz:

Yeah, you know [crosstalk 00:40:13].

Susan Bergtraum:

Sorry, superintendent's report additions. Yes, absolutely

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Nothing really earth-shattering today. Just as we heard an outstanding presentation, I'd like to shout-outs and kudos to our Instructional Support staff in the buildings have done an excellent job with the moving up ceremonies. Again, with same enthusiasm and professionalism you witnessed tonight with Marsha and Cliff. We see that in the ceremonies that we've witnessed, and commitment our staff has to the kids. It's been outstanding. In addition to that, we had a great retirement recognition for the people who were driving by the other day. Our Board was out there again. It indicates what this whole organization is about; family.

                I see Eric has his... I left my whistle in the car [crosstalk 00:41:07]

Susan Bergtraum:

Oh please, cover your ears.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Again, I want to thank everybody for that. The only other thing is Regent's met this week, Regent Finn from the Sullivan County, Catskill area, was elected as the Vice Chancellor. There are other things we're still waiting for from FCD. We're waiting for guidance for the opening of school. They're trying to get through the mask mess. That's been created by the people in [inaudible 00:41:34]. You can figure out who has done that. That's all I have to report. We look forward to some more great ceremonies tomorrow. [inaudible 00:41:41] Tech and Career Prep, and finishing up the year [inaudible 00:41:44]. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Mrs. Langsner?

Fran Langsner:

Yeah. I of course echo everything Dr. Dillon said about the moving up ceremonies, and the instructional staff, the staff in the buildings. At Friday's ceremony at CCA, we learned from Chris Korolczuk that... Even Lisa Rice, transportation, and certainly facilities also. These are drive-throughs. We have students whose families didn't have cars, and transportation arranged for buses, so those kids could participate in the same way as everybody else. It just speaks to who we are. It speaks to what we're about, and how as a county educational agency, we make it possible for every child to have the same opportunity in their programs, and even in their celebration. I just wanted to say that.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yep. Thank you, Mrs. Langsner, that was... It speaks to the appreciation that everybody in this agency has for one another. It was very heartwarming to hear. He was very appreciative. Thank you for bringing that up. Anybody else before we move on to hearing of... Actually, if there's nothing else until we get to all the new business, I'll move on to Hearing of Citizens. Mrs. Nolan, I believe we do have something on Hearing of Citizens. Is there anything else other than that one item?

Joyce Nolan:

No. Nothing else. [crosstalk 00:43:34].

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So if you would please communicate that item.

Joyce Nolan:

Okay. Will do Madam President. We received a letter from NABCOT, which most of you have gotten a copy of. It reads as such,

                "Dear Mrs. Bergtraum, Board members, Dr. Dillon, and Cabinet members. NABCOT would like to thank you for all of your support, the PPE you provided to us, and inviting us to share our perspective with you this year. This past year was very difficult for all of us, but by allowing us to be a part of the solution, we not only got through it, we all became stronger. We were not identified as teacher, union members, supervisor, executive director, et cetera. We were all just Nassau BOCES. Now that the tide is turning and things are looking brighter, we look forward to a new beginning. We look forward to seeing you in person at board meetings, and thank you again for the open communication and for your support. Sincerely, Lori Gross, NABCOT president."

                That concludes the reading.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, and we do thank her. Once again this goes back to saying that we appreciate one another. That was a lovely gesture, and we do thank her. Did anybody else want to say something? I'm sorry if I... Okay. Okay. Old business? Are there any Board Members reports? Okay. Other than I will say, because I know so many of us have been at the graduations, they are as ever... You can see the effort that staff, from custodial to transportation, to aides and teachers, and administration, what goes into these graduations. How thoughtful they are, and how much people appreciate what's been going on, both the kids and their parents.

                We shall continue, since we have many more to go. We look forward to them. With that, I'm going to... I hope you all saw in the packet, the resolution for this business meeting. We had discussed before, about the absentee ballot. I'm going to turn this over to Fran, who did the yeoman's work and the heavy lifting. I stood behind, I had her back. I stood back and held her up. I will let Fran take it away.

Fran Langsner:

Thank you. As I mentioned the last time we discussed this, the impetus for this was the fact that this year, the same day voting for school budgets, was scheduled on a religious holiday. While there is an option for districts to avail themselves of having that date move back a week, not all districts have the need to do that. They don't have a significant population that would be impacted by the scheduling. It's not even on their radar screen that this is an issue. However, it can affect a minority of their constituents, of their voters. Those voters, as Mr. Schoen said when I first mentioned this, have to choose between their right to vote, and their right to practice their religion. With Susan's assistance, I crafted a resolution. We went back and forth on it.

                We also ran it by Jay Worona at NYSSBA. He agreed this was something that was important, and should be presented as a resolution if we agree. There is the possibility this may become moot, if the state moves to no excuse absentee balloting, but that hasn't happened yet. The truth is, I don't even know when this situation will occur again. Still, I don't think a voter should have to choose. This is the resolution that we're hoping to present. I welcome anybody's input.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Weinick?

Michael Weinick:

I certainly have absolutely no problem with it. I think it's a good resolution. The only question that I have is in it, it says, "Which coincides with the religious holiday for such [inaudible 00:48:37]. I'm just a little concerned about it being so open-ended on who decides what a religious holiday is. Are we better off putting something in like the state list of DROs, or some other type thing?

Fran Langsner:

That's interesting. That's what I had in the original version of this. There is a New York State Civil Service list of recognized holidays. Jay felt that it shouldn't matter. I'm open to changing it. That is the way I originally wrote it. It's the will of the Board. How do we want to present this?

Michael Weinick:

I just don't want to leave something so wide open, possibly, for district. That's the only reason I mentioned it, but I don't have strong feelings to change it. [crosstalk 00:49:29] I just foresee a problem.

Fran Langsner:

Right. Anybody else is welcome to weigh in. [crosstalk 00:49:37].

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schultz.

Eric Schultz:

I'm sorry, Fran. Last time you and I talked, I got the feeling that we were going to hold off because of the legislation, otherwise I would have given you the comments I had [crosstalk 00:49:50]

Fran Langsner:

But the legislation hasn't gone anywhere.

Eric Schultz:

Okay. Well then I absolutely support this.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schoen.

B.A. Schoen:

They did pass some voting legislation today. I was listening to the radio this afternoon, but I didn't hear specifically about the absentee bout. There is a change in absentee ballots. You're going to be able to start counting them sooner.

Fran Langsner:

Right.

B.A. Schoen:

I hope it's moot. If it's not moot, I'm glad we're in the process of getting on there as one of our proposed policies.

Fran Langsner:

Yeah. I saw that report about what happened legislatively today. The no excuse absentee ballot was not part of that legislation.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

There is a bill.

Fran Langsner:

Yes, but...

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah, no.

Fran Langsner:

I would like to get a sense of whether you want me to re-add what I had written originally about the recognized designated religious observance dates.

Susan Bergtraum:

I just have, I'm really wondering though, if somebody just... It's a holiday. We're not asking them to change their date. If I'm a Michael Weinick devotee, and I am a recognized religion. If I'm the only one in my district who happens to [crosstalk 00:51:31].

Michael Weinick:

If you're a Michael Weinick devotee, you are the only one.

Susan Bergtraum:

But then, it is still my religion. After I had spoken to Michael, I thought maybe that's not necessary. If I am practicing a religion, and that's a day where I can't do other things, maybe it should be left open. I might leave it the way it is now, although I did absolutely understand Michael's point. My second question is, "If legislation passes about voting in general elections, there is separate voting rules for School Districts.

Fran Langsner:

That's true.

Susan Bergtraum:

We have to make sure that it covers School District elections. Again, I think we should move it forward. The worst that can happen is it becomes moot, and yay for everybody.

Fran Langsner:

Right?

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Anybody? Larry, Mr. Greenstein.

Larry Greenstein:

The problem with limiting the religions is, you're opening people up to a potential lawsuit when the Weinickies say, "How come everybody else got to do it after the ballot, and I didn't?" That's Step One. The other thing is the closer we can backdoor this into no excuse absentee ballots, the better. They don't have to pass it out [inaudible 00:52:58] and de-ballot everybody. Just check out the religion box and be done with it. In that way, it's probably getting us closer to what we want to be anyway.

Fran Langsner:

Of course, this is a resolution. That doesn't mean anything is going to be acted upon, because NYSSBA passes this resolution.

Larry Greenstein:

Right. Yeah. If the history is anything, it probably means nothing will happen with it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Coates, do you, or did somebody finish your thought?

Deborah Coates:

Everybody has said my thoughts, thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, because I saw the hand, and then I didn't see the hand anymore.

Deborah Coates:

No.

Eric Schultz:

I wanted to let you know, I just Googled it. The one at the Weinicites are right there with the Luciferians.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Fran Langsner:

I just want to say one other thing. This year, for those districts that did request a change of date, they only were limited to the week before. That date impacted another religion, which didn't have a prohibition against this kind of activity, but you just never know. You don't want to be in a situation where you are looking like you're favoring one religion over another.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Seeing nobody else, all we need is that informal vote that says that we will submit this resolution to New York State School Boards. The Resolutions Committee will have its say about it. All in favor of submitting this resolution?

Fran Langsner:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Aye. Opposed? Abstained. Okay. We will submit that resolution. All right. The next thing on the agenda is the retreat discussion. I have not gotten quite everybody's thoughts. Everybody is at this point, from what I can tell, in favor of having a retreat. We'll start in there. Communication is the thing I've heard the most, but there are a couple of other things that are... Dovetail it. We will make sure we don't overwhelm a retreat so that nothing of substance gets done because we're too scattered.

                I am waiting for another couple of people, then I will try to be a little more specific about what the majority of people were concerned about. Not even concerned; wanted to discuss. This is not necessarily a concern or anything else. However, with that said... Oh, did I hear somebody? I'm sorry. Okay. With that said, we still have to decide, unless you want to hear-

PART 2 OF 4 ENDS [00:56:04]

Susan Bergtraum:

We still have to decide, unless you want to hear the issues first, but let me bring it up and then you can, you can say hold off on it, whether we would like to have a facilitator, that would be the first thing, a date would be the second thing, and the place in any order that you so desire would be the third thing. So I opened it up. If you have any thoughts about a facilitator now or you want to hold off that discussion until we are more settled on the issues.

                Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

I still feel strongly about a facilitator, I think that's something that we really want to consider. I don't necessarily think there has to be anything more than the board and maybe some key players in administration, Dr. Dillon and whoever else he decides. I think dates are going to be a little bit more difficult now that we're getting into the summer, but I would like to see us try to get something together. And I was just curious about the board self evaluation form.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, that was my next topic. It's on there. So I will get to that. I know that I went out of order, but I will get to that next. Thank you Mrs. Coates. Unless you want to start the discussion, but I'd like to kind of finish this before we-

Deborah Coates:

[crosstalk 00:57:28] The self evaluation may group-

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes, absolutely. Correct. Absolutely. So is there anybody who is, I'm going to say diametrically opposed to having a facilitator who feels that we should not.

Eric Schultz:

I think we need to be very careful in that choice because we have run the gamut over the years. I remember one facilitator we had, if we met [inaudible 00:58:04], we met at Steve Witt's house and the person came in and some of us spent the entire evening at the crafts table, so to speak, which was just total waste of time. So-

Susan Bergtraum:

Let me give you the one person that I thought of that might, and if not, I am not wed to this. I have not discussed it with anybody. I haven't discussed it with him. W would be Jay Morona and I won't even ask you now to necessarily tell me, but think about that as... Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

I don't think that's a good idea as much as I respect Jay. And I think he's wonderful. Not that he has personal relationships, but he's not coming in with a totally open mind of either [inaudible 00:59:00] as individuals. And I think we are better off with more of a neutral person, and we also have our feelings. [crosstalk 00:59:10] He's a wonderful individual. He's fantastic.

Susan Bergtraum:

I hear you.

Michael Weinick:

I don't think he's right for this.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right.

                And the only reason that I even brought that up is because I don't know how to access that neutral person. So if we can... If anybody has a bit, a thought process to, to help us get to that-

Michael Weinick:

I'm sure Dr. Dillon has a whole list of people,

Susan Bergtraum:

You know? So-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I think we have to be careful. Again, I think we should have someone whose familiar with service organizations and, or both seats in the state. We're a member of AESA. They may have someone who can talk to us, but I think it's critical, absolutely critical that we do the self evaluation.

                From the self evaluation, topics would probably emerge from that and that you can provide to someone, a prospective facilitator, so he or she has something to work with. And we talking to these organizations, they may be able to provide some guidance. Again, [inaudible 01:00:17] maybe it will provide guidance with someone they know who's dealt with both seats. I think the important thing is that someone who's familiar with both seats and, or a service organization and the fact that they have... They've got a need, something to chew on. And what they're going to chew on is the responses in that self evaluation.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, let me go into that. So I've already set the table. Joyce, would we be ready to go with that? Are you ready to establish that? You're on mute Joyce.

Deborah Coates:

You're on mute Joyce.

Joyce Nolan:

I'm taking it off. It's off. The reading of the resolution?

Susan Bergtraum:

No, no, no, you didn't. No, no, no. We're talking about the-

Joyce Nolan:

Board retreat.

Susan Bergtraum:

No, the board self-evaluation [crosstalk 01:01:09]. So I had contacted New York state school boards. They told me then what to do. Are you ready to get that self evaluation out to board members?

Joyce Nolan:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So that can be done... No, it can't be done tomorrow. Cause Joyce has got a vacation day. So that's not being done tomorrow, but on Monday, Joyce, if you can get that out to the board, that would be great. And it will be done because that I had set up already as well as, and so then let me ask you the second part of this, totally up to you. We're also ready to go with the superintendent's evaluation. Do you want her to send you both? Or the way to access the superintendent's evaluation, I spoke to Bob and he is ready to use New York state's superintendent's evaluation that has to do specifically with the both seats. So that was the instrument that he agreed to use. So my question is, do you want them both or do you want to finish with the self evaluation first and then we'll get the information to you for the superintendents evaluation, just so that it doesn't get lost?

                Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

So going back to the presentation that we had earlier this evening, do we know if these documents are interactive PDFs or are they paper based and need to be printed out and completed?

Susan Bergtraum:

No, they don't have to be printed out. They can be, but they don't have to be. Okay. Now look, who's talking to you. I know that the self-evaluation is on SurveyMonkey.

Fran Langsner:

Okay. So then I think if we could get the link for both of them, I don't see why there is, we need to waste any time with that.

Susan Bergtraum:

Is there anybody who does not agree with that? Seeing nobody; then Joyce, if you can get both of those things out to the board after the weekend, that would be a beautiful thing.

Larry Greenstein:

Is the deadline driven person. Can we have sort of a date we're supposed to get it done by?

Susan Bergtraum:

How about, and Joyce will let me know, once I know that you've gotten them... Well, let me ask you the question in reverse, is a week, enough time? Do you need two weeks? It's much more up to you and then I will collate the information in whatever way it needs to be collated.

                Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

We still have a number of graduations to go to in the next week and a half. I would like a little bit more than a week.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, yeah. Which is exactly why I'm... So what's your... I'm trying to think of today [inaudible 01:04:13] You want to say by... I don't even know what day of the week July 1st is, but somewhere in that-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thursday, it's a Thursday.

Susan Bergtraum:

And given that nobody, I'm not shooting anybody if they don't get it to me until July 2nd, but do you want to say July 1st as a second as a cutoff kind of thing

Fran Langsner:

That works for me? I don't know better.

Susan Bergtraum:

If I don't hear anybody else's negative, then we'll do it by, I'm going to say July 1st, just because it's July personnel will probably stick in, in mine's better than, than not

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Susan. We may want to give Larry a pass. He's only been only with us for a couple of weeks, and to put them under that pressure, to complete a self evaluation of the board, that his own evaluation himself and the superintendent's, he hasn't been around too much. I mean, more than welcome, but it's just, it puts pressure on him, I think.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, and you know what, I will leave it to Larry to do. And if you feel you can only fill out certain pieces, just fill out certain parts of it that you feel that you have enough information on.

Larry Greenstein:

Okay. That's reasonable.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Deborah Coates:

Larry has been here for more than a few weeks Bob.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah. That's true. [crosstalk 01:05:41].

Susan Bergtraum:

He's been with us for a year. Let's just... It just hasn't been a normal year, but he has been on this board for a year.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

That's right, I apologize for that. I think you've... Wait a minute, how long have you been here? A year?

Susan Bergtraum:

A year.

Larry Greenstein:

A year. But it hasn't been a normal year.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right, but we will-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We already filled the whole damn thing out. Put it in there Larry.

Fran Langsner:

Time flies when you're having fun.

Susan Bergtraum:

[crosstalk 01:06:08] All right. So the final piece of this would be a date for the retreat, and you know what, I'm going to ask you to do it backwards. If everybody could get to Joyce, dates that you're not available. Okay. That you know, you're away. Yes, Bob.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I think until you have that self evaluation and go through that, then, because if you start picking dates out, you don't even have the idea of a facility, I mean, you may want to think about when you get the information there, but I think it's very presumptuous to move forward without that information. So you have an idea of what you're talking about. You can pick dates out, but again, to try to get a facilitator-

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, so here's my thought, if we don't do this now, it's one more piece we don't have. We could come up with... Once I have where we know where people can't meet, then we have that... We're not picking a date. I'm asking for dates when people are not available. So they going have that... Fran.

Fran Langsner:

Are we talking weekdays or weekends?

Susan Bergtraum:

Again, if somebody said I can't do any weekday, then I would know what we were talking about. But I'm hoping that we can be a little more flexible and somebody could say, I would prefer, but if I have to, I can meet on a Wednesday night or whatever because I have this feeling that for some people weekdays are harder, but for other people's weekends are harder. So I'm going to ask us to be flexible, but to give me those hard dates of "I'm going on vacation here" or "I know that I have a grandchild's birthday here." And then, and I know that once we try to do this, it'll get more and more complicated, but at least it's a place to start,

Eric Schultz:

Susan, how far out are you going? We talking about this summer and September.

Susan Bergtraum:

No, well, I'm talking About through this summer. The sooner we can do it, the better off we are. And the more that we will know, whether we have to do other things as well. I mean, we had talked about also wanting to meet with the cabinet. I'm not going there yet. I want us to have that first piece so that we know what we're doing, but I know that some of us thought that that was a really worthy idea. I would like to keep that as a possibility as well. So the sooner, and nothing says, this will be soon, but the sooner we have our retreat, then we can move forward and know whether we've done what we need to do, or we need to do a little more. And then we'll move on to those other things that people expressed an interest in and thought perhaps were important.

                So what I would ask you to do is just get me those dates that you know you can't do it. And the sooner I get everybody's self evaluation... And Joyce, if you could just let Ron and Marty know that, that it will be coming out and that like July 1st is the quotes cut off. That would be helpful too. So I give you that as that. All right.

                I think then that we can move on to new business. So are there any new, well... I have under new business, unless it's like stuff that the board has done, there are other things that are, that I have on the list further. So unless we're talking about graduations, which you've already done, or somebody had, I mean, Fran and I had the Advocacy Institute at which Fran, if you would like to say something about it, otherwise, I mean, there was some really helpful points.

                You know, there was some things that I think we knew, but I think it will get us, when we get the slides and the talking points, then we will get it out to all of you, so that if, and when we're talking to legislators, et cetera, you will have more facts if you needed them to talk to legislators. I do think that over the summer scheduled meetings will be held, and so people who are going there, or if you're making an appointment with your own legislator, or what happened to see one on the street and this information is helpful to you certainly you can use it. Why are you smiling, Dr. Dillon? [crosstalk 01:11:04]

Dr. Robert Dillon:

It's a great way to work though.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you.

Fran Langsner:

So it seems like the people that we heard from, especially the Congress people-

Susan Bergtraum:

That is today.

Fran Langsner:

Right, there seemed to be more momentum for fully funding, IDEA, but we've also heard that before from different people so I don't know where if that ever is going to be a reality. There was one interesting thing that I heard today when there was a discussion about the infusion of federal money that's coming to schools. There were two mentions of the fact that there's going to have to be accountability on how on performance with this new infusion of money. If the results don't show improvement over past results, there's concern that we'll never see money like this again. [inaudible 01:12:10] I asked if they expect to use the same criteria we've been using since the last reauthorization and the hope was the answer was that hopefully there will in the new reauthorization, there will be new criteria, but right now it's ESSA and that's what we're stuck with. And however, your state implements that.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schoen

B.A. Schoen:

I also attended the Advocacy Institute through MSBA. We saw Trisha Yearwood who's all in favor of music education, but also yesterday morning, Tom Suozzi was the guest of the Long Island Education Coalition. And we talked about [salt 01:13:08], which he thinks is going to be a big stretch. And he also... We dialogued quite a bit on unaccompanied minors. When you talk about that in fusion coming in, there will be money, but in some districts, if they get students who are completely compromised with PTSD, lack of English, lack of English speakers at home, and no access to internet and everything like that, it would be very hard to maintain the academic achievement that the district had prior to the pandemic and prior to the arrival of a significant number of students. And so we have to advocate for some understanding of the challenges that districts are going to face.

                Mike Flynn, the executive director of Western Suffolk BOCES, is kind of the point person on Long Island about the unaccompanied minors. I'm sure all of us remember how Hempstead School District got beat up about five years ago, because school opened, they had 1200 students and they didn't have a schedule for them. Well, they didn't know they had those 1200 students. So you know, there's a lot of things... Money would be great if that, if each child came with 20, $30,000, that they're going to cost, that would be a wonderful thing. But if there was some advanced notice of the students coming, that would be a good thing. If there was some amelioration of their conditions, that would be a good thing. If some understanding of what their academic achievement is reasonably expected to be, that would also be a good thing, and we have to advocate for all of those things. So that's my report on those two,

Dr. Robert Dillon:

You know, the BI just like the supplement report, Nassau BOCES was the leader that put all these meetings together with the legislators. It was Nassau BOCES that brought the issues to the forefront. Mike was invited in because he had some... [inaudible 01:15:43] and previous experience would happen 10 years ago. But one of the things that I've had on the table is that we create a transition program because when these kids come into a district, they impact the cohort group for that particular year. So what we put on a table to consider is a transition program run by BOCES that would have an opportunity to introduce these unaccompanied minors to the American system of education, to American life, and as they acquire skills, and how you focus on it's what I did with special ed kids, kids from special act districts who were older kids who had very limited credentials, as far as, or academic credits and our goal, there was write literacy. So they could function and provide some trade training so that they could obtain a job. So that's, what's on the table.

                Now we're working, as you all know, Bill Johnson is the lead educator in Hempstead. And we're working closely with Bill and Regent Tilles. I'm putting something together sooner rather than later. In the meetings that I convened with, Nassau BOCES, convene with the legislators, we said, we're already behind April because of the thousand students show up in Hempstead. You need a building. We don't have time to do a building. So there has to be some relief and flexibility in the state education department on your building codes, because Hempstead, last time I wasn't around then other than reading about it, had a building, but it didn't comply at that time with SEB, we can't get hung up with strict compliance issues.

                If we have a building that sound and can be occupied, that's great. I think we have to move forward. So there's a lot more to come with that. Again, they should be acting sooner rather than later. And the numbers that I've heard of between five and 10,000 kids, know the Catholic charities in the Diocese Rockville Centre, it's working with the churches that probably the biggest distributor of young kids. So there's more to come with that, but just to let you guys know, we've been on top of this and we initiated the conversation, we initiated the meetings and conducted the meetings in board in the other BOCES.

                You're on mute Susan.

Fran Langsner:

You're on mute.

Joyce Nolan:

On the bottom.

Larry Greenstein:

Susan, I think you can hold down the space bar.

Joyce Nolan:

On mine, I can, but I can't do it here.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So sorry, my apologies. All right. So are we good for old business? And we're fairly... So I'm going to move to new business first board, if there were any board member reports other than then... We're going to go to foundation report and then we'll do Nassau-Suffolk stuff and then Michael has proposals just so that you know, that I'm not forgetting anything, but that's the order that we'll do it in. Is there a foundation report?

B.A. Schoen:

[inaudible 01:19:13].

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, All right. So then, the first order of business, and I'm going to take the two items separately, we'll vote on this for Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association. We have to vote on the slate of officers and vote on the budget. We will vote on a slate of officers first. I'm going to read the resolution, and then we will proceed from there.

                Be it resolved that the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association proposed 2021-22 slate of offices and members of the executive committee as presented by this nominating committee be, and hereby is approved or not approved. So all in favor of approving the slate of officers that was proffered by Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association. May I have... I need a motion, a second. We can have discussion. I apologize. So can I move for the approval of the slate of officers?

B.A. Schoen:

[inaudible 01:20:28].

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Second. Thank you, Michael. So it was Mr. Schoen moved, Mr. Weinick seconded. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor?

B.A. Schoen:

Aye. [crosstalk 01:20:45]

Susan Bergtraum:

Aye. Opposed? Abstained. Okay. So the first resolution on the slate of officers was just approved. The second motion is: be it resolved that the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association proposed budget for the 2021-22 school year as accepted by Nunez executive committee. Be here by is, I'm going to say approved because obviously if we don't vote for it, it will be disapproved, so is hereby approved. I need a motion and a second, and then we can have discussion. May I have a motion? [crosstalk 01:21:19].

                Mr. Schoen.

Fran Langsner:

Second.

Larry Greenstein:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner. All right. Is there any discussion?

                Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

Just very briefly I will be voting no because I think the budget was terrible and it was compounded by the fact that we did not have a meeting whether in person or virtually to discuss it and get the answers that we thought. So I will be voting no on the budget.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Is there anybody else who... Mr. Schultz?

Eric Schultz:

Well, I agree with Michael, but I also think that the answers we got from Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association were insulting. They were not illuminating at all with regard to what they did, but like my I'll point to one, $150,000 budget transfer from reserves for anticipated. They still haven't explained to me or anybody else, and maybe Larry if you can elucidate, what that $150,000 can be spent on. It was in prior budgets, but it didn't show up in this budget as having been budgeted last year. I went back and I'm not sure I could find it. The issues with regard to salary increases, they still don't make sense to me. Without naming names, I'm just talking about positions. If an executive director is going to get additional funds for doing work because he or she doesn't have an assistant, but yet you're going to hire an assistant and the current assistant is going to come in and assist her. What is the executive director doing? So it's just all out of whack. I mean, if we were to present a budget like that to a community, they run us out of town.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else?

                Okay. So with that, all in favor of passing the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association 2021-22 budget, say, "Aye," raise your hands. Okay. Just keep hands up so that I can... One, two, three, four, five. Okay. So five, five yeses. Opposed? Okay. Two noes. All right. So.

PART 3 OF 4 ENDS [01:24:04]

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed?

Michael Weinick:

Opposed.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, two no's. All right. So the budget proposition passed as well. So Joyce, if you will just send that information to Nassau-Suffolk. Oh, well, I can't say tomorrow, but can you make sure somebody does because I, [crosstalk 01:24:22].

Joyce Nolan:

It's due on Monday. June, 14th.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So either ask somebody else in the office to do it or you'll do it on Monday.

Joyce Nolan:

I can actually do it tonight.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Oh, that would be wonder... Okay. Fine. Good, good, good. All right. Before I go to, oh, there's one other item that we need to decide before I go to Michael's. Whether you want to discuss it tonight or not. There had been some discussion about rejoining Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association. I don't want it to get lost so that we're at the annual meeting, the organizational meeting, and we're all of a sudden discussing it. So I give you, do you want to discuss it tonight? Do you want to hold that off until the next meeting? What's your pleasure?

Eric Schultz:

Let's do it at the next meeting.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. All right. So Joyce, if you will put on for old business membership and that sort of stuff at the school board association, I will tell you that Bob [crosstalk 01:25:24]

Larry Greenstein:

Is our next meeting the reorg?

Susan Bergtraum:

No, no, no. [crosstalk 01:25:30] I would not. Otherwise I might've insisted on doing it now. Just not to- No, we've got a meeting in between.. June 24th. [inaudible 01:25:39] Yes. June- Okay. And just with information, I don't remember whether it was mentioned or not, but Bob Vecchio is going to be the new executive director in a year, but that was part of what they were talking about for Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association. So he will be resigning his board seat and he will be leaving his job. So, cause Lorraine is staying for another year, so that she can mentor him. He is planning to slowly the divest himself of his other responsibilities, so that he will be the person who's taking over. Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

I want to thank you for that. I just wish I knew earlier because it puts a lot of the questions that I had on the budget into perspective.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. Okay. But to be honest, I didn't, [crosstalk 01:26:35].

Michael Weinick:

Eric understands what I'm talking about.

Susan Bergtraum:

Excuse me?

Michael Weinick:

I said, "Eric understands what I'm talking about."

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Mrs. Langsner now.

Fran Langsner:

So I know we weren't going to discuss this now, I just have a question. If we do not renew our membership, does that impact Larry's ability to be on their board?

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes. Yes. Mr. Greenstein.

Larry Greenstein:

Just a quick thing. The reason that Bob was not mentioned earlier is that he needed to square things away with his employer before his name was released, so other than that, it would have been told, it wasn't deliberately being hidden. It's just that it was confidential until he was able to work things out with his employer.

Susan Bergtraum:

If you recall back to when Tom Rogers was coming to us, that was the same kind of thing. So, it happens. Whatever it is, it happens.

Eric Schultz:

It wasn't the same kind of thing, because there was no, nevermind.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right, don't even. [crosstalk 01:27:42] But this is not so unusual. All right.

B.A. Schoen:

Well, in light of the fact that the person that we just voted for to be an officer of Nassau and Suffolk, would not be an officer of Nassau and Suffolk if we were not members. I don't think we have to discuss it. Please, let's not discuss it.

Eric Schultz:

Why not?

B.A. Schoen:

As I said, because one of our colleagues on this board, that we just voted for to be an officer of Nassau and Suffolk, would not be an officer of Nassau and Suffolk if we were not members.

Eric Schultz:

I think there are people who want to discuss it. So why are we just precluding discussion?

Fran Langsner:

But we're not going to discuss it now, I guess [crosstalk 00:01:28:37]

B.A. Schoen:

I don't want to discuss, not supporting one of our members for a position that he's worked at.

Eric Schultz:

Can you please put it on the agenda?

Susan Bergtraum:

It's on the agenda. Okay. I think the last thing then, and we will get to it tonight, so that's, that's a good thing. Michael, do you want to take [crosstalk 01:29:15]

Michael Weinick:

Yeah, thank you. Basically I'll be very brief because I put in writing to all the board members, what my proposed resolution was, I backed it up with all of my reasonings and most of my rationales. So I'm certainly not going to go through it. The only thing that I would like to say is that it was pointed out to me that the decision was heavily influenced by a poll of the members. First of all, if we take a look over the past five years, there have been at least a half dozen resolutions that were presented by the NASPA board of directors, based upon the polls that went down at the convention, for one reason or the other. But just because somebody says yes on a poll, doesn't mean that they were in favor of that idea. Those polls, in order to get a correct answer you need a correct question.

                And I've said over the years, those polls are not completely valid. And if we do want to take a look at that poll, 26.1% of the membership said that we should have a virtual business meeting. 25% said it should be an in-person business meeting. 26% versus 25% is certainly, in my book, not an overwhelming direction on where to go. And after that 45.2% said, forget about a business meeting. Just send us the resolutions and we'll vote upon it at a week or two time period. Now is anyone suggesting that we do away with a business meeting and simply vote on resolutions without hearing what our colleagues across the state have to say? So we can't go by 26% versus 25%. This resolution, let it go to the membership to decide. That membership says no, it goes down. Nothing lost, we're not hurting anyone or anything. All I'm proposing is that we put it up for a vote. Do we want either virtual or, I put in there, hybrid? Let it be both. That's all.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schoen.

B.A. Schoen:

Could I have the share screen Joyce?

Joyce Nolan:

I don't, Angela. Angela, are you listening? Jessica? Can you do it? [crosstalk 01:31:55]

B.A. Schoen:

Okay. I want to share a PowerPoint. This PowerPoint was presented to the executive board of Nassau, of New York State school boards, about the recommendation to conduct the 2021 annual business meeting. There it is. Okay. So you can read along. You'll see that the NYSSBA bylaws require membership be informed of the date/location of the annual business meeting six months prior to the meeting. So it would require a change in the bylaws, not just a resolution to change that.

                Here's what argues against a hybrid meeting. If you recall, a couple of years ago, we had the clickers, which gave us an instant count. They cost about $3,500 years ago. So a hybrid has its issues. I got to expand this, I'm sorry. If you can read this, if you want, you can have it emailed to you, but this is not something that was just pulled out of the air. Everybody would prefer to be in, I can't say everybody, but I personally would prefer to be in person. I think the ability to make amendments and to hear arguments, one way or the other, are much better when we're live and in person. But I have to say that I think we're trying to micromanage, when we propose a bylaw amendment that might be moot. Hopefully it would be moot next year anyway. That's all I have to say. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

First of all, by proposing a bylaw or amendment, we're not micromanaging. Over the years, there've been any number of bylaw amendments, including very recently in terms of who's going to be on the executive board. But I think the confusion here, I'm not talking about this convention coming up this October, that's set. This resolution is going to be at the October 2021 business meeting for 2022 for the following year. I understand it's too late now. I'm not looking to change anything that has been set now. What I'm looking for is the future, assuming the pandemic is over, and that's why I put those words in like that. That I don't want it staying as a virtual. But I'm not talking about four months from now.

B.A. Schoen:

I didn't think you were .

Michael Weinick:

Well, but you're talking about a bylaw thing. So what is six months of a notification have to do with anything? If we pass this in October, you have a year notification.

B.A. Schoen:

Well, the date still has to be set.

Eric Schultz:

[crosstalk 01:36:26] Who put together that PowerPoint?

B.A. Schoen:

That was the staff of NYSSBA that presented it to the board of directors of NYSSBA.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. So let's start with the easiest question. Assuming it's easy. You all have read Michael's resolution.

                Oh, and because I spoke to Michael this morning. So I did call Brian, Michael, and didn't get the answer that I was hoping for, which was, yes, we'll be in person in 2022. They have not considered it yet, but it may be moot is all I'm saying.

                But that being said, the same way with the other resolution that we're putting in that might be moot before it gets to a convention. Is there anybody else that wants to weigh in? Otherwise, I'm just going to take a vote that says, do we want Michael to work on this resolution? With the rationale, et cetera. I will tell you that he thought that doing a hybrid would be really hard and might not be doable. So it would then be one way or the other, but that you can work on, and/or you can submit it to them and let them massage it to make it the most likely to be recommended. Is there anybody else that wants to speak about this? Otherwise, I'm just going to take a quick consensus of how many people want- Deb, do you want to say something?

Deborah Coates:

Yes. I just want to say we've had the discussion. I told Mike that I did not support making this a bylaw change like B.A. said, because, and I said it this morning that this decision was made months and months ago, that we had to do something then, and it had to stay in effect for October. I don't believe that, and I trust the people that we have appointed to be and elected to be our representatives, that they will understand and be able to bring that message back to them, that moving forward, we want to have in-person business meetings. But six months before the convention, if something happens again, they may have to make a decision that we will have to adhere to. I'm not in favor of making a bylaw amendment. And I told Mike that already.

Susan Bergtraum:

That has nothing to do with Mike's resolution. [crosstalk 01:39:25]

Deborah Coates:

They said that Mike's proposal is a change in the bylaw. It's an amendment to the bylaws. It's not a resolution, right? Right B.A.?

Susan Bergtraum:

[crosstalk 01:39:34] Mike read your resolution so that it's clear. Because maybe I'm misunderstood and I don't want to-

Michael Weinick:

[crosstalk 01:39:51] Is there a bylaw now that says when and how the convention is held? It says you have to have an annual meeting. That's all it says, the resolution, as I have it now, resolved that the annual business meeting of the New York State School Board Association be held in-person or hybrid form, unless the health and welfare of the participants is in jeopardy. The only bylaw that there is now to my knowledge is that we have an annual meeting. So there's nothing that has to be changed there.

B.A. Schoen:

And the time and date be announced six months early.

Michael Weinick:

Well, I'm not changing it. That can still be announced six months early. I'm not changing that.

B.A. Schoen:

When you spoke with Brian Fessler a couple of times about this, he didn't tell you it required a bylaw change?

Michael Weinick:

Number one, I did not talk to him a couple of times. I sent one email to him and he returned one email to me, and he said nothing about a bylaw. And as I say, I'm not an expert on the bylaws of New York state school boards, but to me, the only bylaw that there is, is that you have an annual meeting. I'm not changing that. And I'm not changing the notification time. All I'm talking about is the form that the meeting be held in.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. When did the resolutions have to be in? I don't have that date in my head.

Fran Langsner:

July 16th, something like that.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. So here's a suggestion, because we can still do this, even if we hold it off. And I'm not trying to push you off, but you may want, Mike, this may make it clearer for other people. If you want to speak to Brian tomorrow, read him your imperfect, not yet resolution. Ask him if that would require a bylaw change, which may have other people reconsider how they might feel about this, and get as much information as you can from him and then come back. Whatever information you get, if you can get it to us before, so there may be more clarity by the next meeting, and we can move more quickly on this. Larry, I see you, I'll get you in one second. That's a suggestion, because if it doesn't require a bylaw change, that may make it a little smoother for some of us.

                Larry.

Larry Greenstein:

If you want this to be a little clearer, you can say in it, business meetings starting as of October 22nd, 2022, so there is no confusion about what you're talking about. And then there's no six month notification thing, just as a way to make it clearer. There'll still be people who are in favor and people who are against, but at least I think will people understand better what it is you're trying to do.

Michael Weinick:

Larry, this is a resolution that's going to be at the next business meeting. [crosstalk 01:42:52] I'm saying there is no confusion, but coming back to Susan to your suggestion, the truth of the matter is I really don't want to call Brian. I don't want to call anybody. What I'm asking from this board is either you agree with the concept or you don't agree with the concept. I don't care whether it's a bylaw change. I don't care what it is. Either we're in agreement with the overall concept, and then I will do the work on the nitty gritty. If you're not in agreement with the concept of having an in-person meeting, as opposed to a virtual meeting, then there's no point in going any place. And what I'm hearing is that this board is not in agreement, so let's end it here. I'm not going crazy on this.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right, anybody else, if there is no other input. Fran.

Fran Langsner:

There are many resolutions that get presented, don't get supported. Some don't. I understand Michael's point. He's not trying to make a change for this upcoming convention and business meeting. He's looking to the future. What he's asking, from what I understand, is that when things are back to normal, there's no health risk to anybody, that there is no consideration that a virtual meeting replace the in-person meeting. Is my interpretation correct, Michael?

Michael Weinick:

Yes, that's correct. And you know, the only other thing that I want to add, Fran, is part of their rationale was that if people go to the business meeting, they can't go to the various sessions. So let's have the business meeting at a separate time. You're going to have people from across the state coming on a separate date. That's why I'm concerned that this virtual thing is going to be there forever. Because if it's not tied in with the convention, you can't even get a quorum now. And how you're going to get it when it's a one day thing, just for the business meeting? [crosstalk 01:45:11] Susan, why don't you just take, take a vote on the concept?

Eric Schultz:

[crosstalk 01:45:16] One other thing. There are plenty of people who sit in the back of the business meeting and watch it and comment, and it's a public meeting. To now do it virtually, is everybody in the organization going to have access to it?

Susan Bergtraum:

[crosstalk 01:45:38] Yes.

Michael Weinick:

That that's yes. You saw I was not a voting delegate and I did watch it on the computer.

Fran Langsner:

A lot of things have changed because of this pandemic. There's no question about that. There are things that we will retain going forward. There are things that we can't wait to go back to the way they were. I think what Michael is most concerned about is that this is one of the things that will permanently change, and it's not, in his opinion, the way that this should be organized. He doesn't feel that it's fair to the membership, that it really gives everybody a chance to weigh in on the proposed resolutions. I mean, I understand what he's asking for. I think that I would like to see that resolution.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, and again, the hesitations that I'm hearing in several places are because we may not have enough information. So I could ask how many are in favor of it, and if they knew that other things are in place, he might get the support. But he's just asking for it now. So I will simply ask how many people want Michael to present work on this resolution because they're in support of it the way they're understanding it now. That's the most I can do. You know?

Fran Langsner:

And unfortunately we have two board members who aren't here tonight.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right? [crosstalk 01:47:32] Well, you know, again, we can wait till the next meeting if you want to, but [crosstalk 01:47:39]

                Michael is the one that asked for the vote. That is why I'm asking for the vote now, but I saw Eric, did you want to say something?

Eric Schultz:

I would ask if Michael would just do the groundwork as best he can, so everything is there the next meeting for us to make that determination. Because I also think, having gone through this for almost 30 years, it's important that we meet our colleagues face-to-face to have discussions. There are always people making points that, on a virtual basis, when you're sitting by yourself in an office somewhere, or on a computer screen, then it doesn't have the same effect. I go to all sorts of meetings with, with different organizations that I'm involved with and with clients, and it's not the same. Not the same as being able to look somebody in the eye and saying, this is how I feel. This is what I'm talking about.

Fran Langsner:

Even our meeting is not the same!

Eric Schultz:

There you go.

Fran Langsner:

Right? I mean, it's just not the same. And what Michael, I think, is asking that this doesn't become the standard operating procedure.

Eric Schultz:

Yeah, I agree.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

I see that. I think that if you can get some more background information, I think it's something that we may want to discuss at another meeting. I would be in favor of that.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. But the only caveat that I would say then is, there are things that people need to hear to make them comfortable to support this. You know, coming back with the same thing is not necessarily going to have a different outcome. So if we want to see that, then we have to [crosstalk 01:49:30] have some of those questions answered.

Deborah Coates:

Well, there's the whole thing. Is it a resolution or is it a bylaw or change? There's number one. [crosstalk 01:49:40]

Susan Bergtraum:

Well his would be a resolution, but it could engender a bylaw. That's why I said to him, he could find out if it would engender a bylaw change. Yeah.

Deborah Coates:

Okay. Are you willing to do that Mike?

Michael Weinick:

Sure.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. I think if those kinds of things are addressed, there will be far less consternation about why this is being presented, and what it's effect will be. Because I don't see this at all as a criticism of New York State School Board. At all. [crosstalk 01:50:27].

                And I would not want it to be, and I wouldn't vote for it if that's the way it was presented, if it is simply we want to know whether people value in person over not in person. But there are things that need to be understood before we feel we can go forward. So if you're willing to do that, Michael, then, Joyce, if you will put this on old business also for the next meeting, then we will take it up then because there is enough time to submit it.

                With that being said, is there any other business that needs to be discussed? Otherwise, we have no executive sessions, so we will adjourn the meeting. So let me just give you a chance. I see no hands, so with that I will ask for a motion to adjourn, Mr. Schoen, second, Mrs. Langsner, is there any discussion about that? Seeing none. All in favor. [crosstalk 01:51:45] Goodnight. Everybody have a really good weekend. [crosstalk 01:51:49]

PART 4 OF 4 ENDS [01:51:50]

Transcript of Nassau BOCES Board Meeting May 6, 2021

Susan Bergtraum:

Evening. Welcome to the May 6th, 2021 Board of Education meeting of Nassau BOCES. We welcome you all. We thank you all for joining us and we will get started by asking Mr. Fierro to lead us in the pledge. Mr. Fierro.

Anthony Fierro:

Good evening everyone. Will everyone please rise and join me as we pledge allegiance to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, for liberty and justice for all. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Once again, welcome. May I have... Oh, before I begin, Mr. Greenstein will not be available to join us tonight. He sends his regrets. He's got Meet the Candidate Night for his Port Washington Board, so he is not available. May I have a motion on the approval of the minutes? [crosstalk 00:01:09] Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. Second? Mr. Schoen. Thank you. Is there any discussion?

Eric Schultz:

Let me read them for a second, hold on.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Go for it. All in favor? [crosstalk 00:01:24] Aye. Okay. Opposed. Abstained. Thank you. I will now turn the meeting over to Dr. Dillon to introduce the presentation.

Bob Dillon:

Okay, this evening we have our presenter is Mr. Fierro from Department of Facilities. Tony, it's all yours.

Anthony Fierro:

Thank you, Dr. Dillon. Good evening, everyone. Angela. Okay. Okay, perfect. Okay, so in preparing this year's presentation, I realized it's actually been two years since the last Facility Services annual report to the Board. Our last report last May was canceled due to the pandemic. So tonight I'd like to focus on how Facility Services has adapted to the challenges of COVID-19 and highlight our efforts to help and to do our part in leading the agency through the pandemic. Next slide, Angela. Okay.

Anthony Fierro:

At Facility Services, we'd previously developed our own mission and vision to compliment the agency's values. This helps us to define our role, which has become more important than ever during the pandemic. So to summarize, our primary goal is to maintain a clean, safe environment and provide the highest quality service. Our vision is to be the premier facilities management leader and promote cost-saving and revenue producing initiatives that reduce our operational costs. So the blue text highlights some of the areas that have become critical in our pandemic response. A clean, safe, comfortable environment, communication, high quality cost-effective services, academic excellence, premier facilities management leader, excellence and professionalism, efficient high quality services, cost saving initiatives, and reducing internal overhead costs. Next slide, Angela, thank you.

Anthony Fierro:

Our primary responsibility is to oversee the operation and maintenance of the facilities, grounds and physical environment at Nassau BOCES. Services cover over a million square feet of space and over a hundred acres of property. We provide support for 37 owned buildings, 5 lease buildings, not including storage in vacant buildings, at 15 locations across Nassau County. And that spans approximately 450 square miles of area. We also support eight satellite programs located within our component school district buildings. Our current workflow for this fiscal year, we project completing over 3000 work orders. Our operational expenses are projected at just under $19 million and our capital project expenses are projected at nearly $7.7 million. Okay, next. Okay.

Anthony Fierro:

This graphic demonstrates... As it demonstrates, we're a department with many moving parts. We're a 24/7 operation, 365 days a year. For some reason, our buildings don't seem to recognize weekends, holidays, or the school calendar. So communication and teamwork at all levels of department are really essential for us to be successful. And it's imperative for us to coordinate our work with all of these areas that are outlined in this illustration. Next.

Anthony Fierro:

I've included our organizational chart to highlight the changes in personnel over the past two years. As I'm sure other departments have experienced, Facilities Services has faced a significant turnover in workforce, primarily due to retirements, resignations, and the particular over the course of the pandemic. So in this chart, the darker blue boxes indicate specific individuals that hold positions which have changed. And the light blue boxes indicate groups of employees, which have had some significant changes, such as maintenance, custodial, and security staff. But to summarize, we have a staff of 140 employees. We've experienced a turnover rate of over 25% during the past two fiscal years. And approximately 10% of our positions currently remain vacant. So some of the challenges that we're facing in filling these positions are outdated civil service lists and postponement of civil service tests during the pandemic, which has led to an increase in provisional appointments. Next slide.

Anthony Fierro:

So the next series of slides will focus on our Facility Services response through the COVID-19 pandemic for each of the areas in our department. Okay, next. Okay. First, our Central Office. We're fortunate to have a very professional Central Office staff with many years of experience. The group includes Project Management staff comprised of licensed architects and engineers, custodial maintenance and security supervisors, and we have a clerical staff which perform much more than clerical duties. They provide highly skilled support to our administrative and support staff. This group has played a significant role through the pandemic, particularly while we were working through the spring and summer of 2020. And the blue text outlines some of their accomplishments, which I'll go over briefly. They managed a detailed daily schedule to coordinate program access to all of our agency buildings, they coordinated emergency capital and operational work that continued through the remote period, they coordinated desk guard installations at all of our public entrances and designated work areas, purchased and distributed PPE to each department agency-wide. And together we prepared a comprehensive Facility Services reopening plan with the help of our Health and Safety team. And we also assisted each department in preparing their own reopening plans to ensure that they were consistent throughout the agency. Next.

Anthony Fierro:

Okay, Custodial Department. So this group is responsible to maintain a safe, clean and sanitary environment for all staff, students, and visitors. It's by far the largest group in the department, it accounts for about 60% of the Facilities Services workforce. The staff cleans over a million square feet of space each night. The services are provided over two shifts, from 7:00 in the morning to 11:00 at night. And our custodial staff also assist in program moves and snow removal.

Anthony Fierro:

So this group has played a very important and critical role in our pandemic response. They've really been on the front lines through the COVID-19 from day one. They were responsible initially for reorganizing classrooms to maintain social distancing. They performed, and continue to perform, thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols every day, particularly for all the spaces affected by our positive cases. They've addressed over 150 cases to date. They assist central maintenance in performing increased filter changes. And they've created a COVID-19 response team that consists over 20 custodial staff members, and they address the departments after hours, COVID-19 response efforts. Next.

Anthony Fierro:

Okay, Grounds and Warehousing. So these are both small groups, but with very important responsibilities. The grounds crew is responsible for the groundskeeping and property maintenance throughout the agency, including snow removal. Through the pandemic, in addition to maintaining our properties while we work remote, they also assisted the custodial staff in accomplishing classroom internal program moves. Our warehousing crew is responsible for centralized inventory control and deliveries of custodial supplies to all of our buildings. They assist in snow removal and on occasion they fill in to perform custodial duties as well. Through the pandemic they also assisted the custodial staff in program internal moves, and the warehouse crew played a very important role in coordinating our inventory and delivery of PPE to all of our building programs, as well as our component school districts. Next.

Anthony Fierro:

Okay, Central Maintenance. Okay, their services are provided also in two shifts from 7:30 in the morning until 11:00 at night. And they're responsible for corrective repairs and maintenance, but their services really go well beyond maintenance. They're a very skilled and experienced construction crew. They complete and assistant in many operational and capital projects, system upgrades, programming requests, snow removal, and safety inspections. They account for the completion of well over 60% of the department's work order submissions. Through the pandemic central maintenance completed emergency maintenance activities to ensure that all of our building systems remained operational while the agency worked remote. They installed desk guards agency-wide prior to the reopening of in-person instruction in September, and that continued during the school year. This crew has done a great job of ensuring that our HVAC systems are optimized and operate safely. They've increased the frequency of our filter replacements, service exhaust fans, as well as other building systems and equipment. And they've also coordinated extensive duct cleaning services throughout our buildings. Next.

Anthony Fierro:

Health, Safety, and Security. Our security force consists of 28 in-house and contracted security guards, so they're actually the second largest part of the department. This group also manages camera surveillance and card access, and works closely with our Health and Safety Team. Our security force has also played a very critical role in our pandemic response. When we first went remote back in March, we quickly established an emergency Security Operations Center at the Lupinskie Center to monitor our buildings while they were vacant. The Center continued to operate in Farber following a return to in-person instruction this past September, and continues right now. The security force also coordinated building access while the buildings were unoccupied, They oversee card access for contact tracing as well as alarm monitoring. They assisted the school building staff in traffic and busing control. They've established a new radio platform to enhance communication within all of our school buildings, and this system also has the capability to communicate between all of our buildings during an emergency. The group implemented regularly scheduled security meetings with school principals and program staff to ensure that all of our safety and security protocols were being addressed. And they assist in many annual inspections, which are listed here at the bottom of this slide. Next, please.

Anthony Fierro:

Okay, Contracted Maintenance. So these are services that are managed by our Facilities administrators in the Central Office. As you can see, there's an extensive list of contracted services. Accounts for about $1.5 million in this fiscal year of work. Again, the areas in blue represent some of the tasks that needed to continue through the remote work period last spring and summer. Next please.

Anthony Fierro:

Capital Project Management. So the primary areas of responsibility I listed on the left side of the slide here, but during the COVID-19 closure period, per an executive order, only emergency projects could proceed. So for Nassau BOCES, only one project, which was a structural masonry repair project at the Lupinskie Center, actually fell into this category. So the remaining projects were placed on hold until that executive order had been lifted. So although we did lose some time, but we've been working very hard since then to make that time up.

Anthony Fierro:

Currently we have 38 capital projects in various stages of completion. Our total Facility Services project budget is nearly $54 million and the projected capital expenditures for this fiscal year are nearly $7.7 million, so that's a quite a bit of work in a year's period of time. Our challenges with our Capital Project program. First, as we've spoken many times before, the SED backlog, at this point, it seems to be fairly manageable. It's about a three to four month period, but we monitor this very closely each month. Another challenge that we face is since most of our programs operate year round, many of our projects require extensive phasing and coordination for after-hours work. So that has changed how we do many of our capital projects now. Next slide, please.

Anthony Fierro:

Financial summary. So as a service department, it's important for us to keep our costs as low as possible while providing a highest quality service. So I've included two financial dashboards here to demonstrate our fiscal management. The first dashboard on the left illustrates the impact of the Facility Services budget on the overall agency or school district budget by percentage. So the yellow bar represents the Nassau BOCES Facilities department, which accounts for just over 5% of the overall Nassau BOCES budget. The blue bar represents the Facilities department at Eastern Suffolk BOCES, which accounts for approximately 5.5% of their agency's overall budget. And the green bar on top represents all the other Facilities departments across Nassau County. We reach out and get that information from their websites, and that accounts for about 6.25% of the overall Nassau County school district budgets. So we try to keep the impact of our costs as low as possible for the agency. The second dashboard compares the cumulative annual budget increases by percentage for Nassau BOCES and Facility Services over the past 10 fiscal years. And the orange bar represents Facility Services. Whoops, if you can go back Angela. Back to the last slide.

Anthony Fierro:

Okay. Thank you. The red bar... So the orange bar is Facility Services. The red bar represents Nassau BOCES. So the Facility Services budget increased by just over 20% over the last 10 years, compared to the agency which increased by approximately 31% during that same period. Next slide please.

Anthony Fierro:

Okay, Energy Conservation. This dashboard illustrates our annual energy costs over the past 10 fiscal years. And for the most part, our costs have remained fairly constant over this period. You'll notice that last year of fiscal year 2019/20, our utility costs reflect a decrease in consumption. This was clearly a result of the building vacancies during our pandemic remote period. Currently, utility costs for this fiscal year are projected to be about $2.37 million, which translates into a cost of $2.22 cents per square foot of building space. For this fiscal year, our utility costs are projected to be about 12% of the overall facility services budget.

Anthony Fierro:

This is down from 14% 10 years ago. These costs have been as high as 21% of the facility's budget in past years, so we're headed in the right direction in that regard. So many of our ongoing initiatives are contributing to these energy conservation efforts. We have an in-house energy manager, LED lighting replacements are ongoing in many of our buildings, lighting conservation measures, such as installation of light sensors, are being installed where appropriate. We use building management systems to program and control our energy usage in most of our buildings, thermostat setbacks when the buildings are unoccupied or-

Ron Ellerbe:

Hello?

Anthony Fierro:

I'm sorry?

Ron Ellerbe:

I'm at a BOCES board-

Anthony Fierro:

Our Energy Curtailment Program, where we reduce building temperatures down to 45 to 55 degrees over holiday recesses, and we use high energy efficient equipment, particularly on our capital construction program for items such as boilers and HVAC replacements.

Eric Schultz:

Tony, can I ask you this? I'm sorry, Susan. Why the anomaly in 2015/16?

Anthony Fierro:

Yeah, that's you know... I'd say it could be because... I don't have an exact answer for you, I can only speculate. But what this chart tells you is it's just a reflection of our actual costs. It doesn't reflect things like degree days, the temperature during the winter months, there could've been some temperature variance there that changed those numbers. I'm really not 100% sure at this point. But I'm glad you asked that question because one of our projects which we're looking into right now, is to purchase benchmarking equipment for all of our buildings so that when we implement any of these energy conservation measures, we'll be able to measure them taking into account degree days and other factors that could influence these numbers, and they'll give us a really good idea of what our actual savings are. So I don't know if that gives you a partial answer to your question, Eric.

Eric Schultz:

No, yeah. I appreciate it. And I'm sure the savings will be [inaudible 00:20:15] part of the cost of the benchmarking equipment.

Anthony Fierro:

It's mainly... They've gone down and it's a lot of, mostly like software programs.

Eric Schultz:

Yeah.

Anthony Fierro:

We're obviously looking into the costs, we're looking to PSE&G, they have a system, I think, that we might be able to utilize. So we do have capital funds that are allocated for that purpose. So, you know, hopefully we'll be able to find something soon. And then when we do that, this chart will be a little bit different.

Eric Schultz:

Great.

Susan Bergtraum:

Fran? Fran?

Fran Langsner:

While we're on this slide, Tony-

Anthony Fierro:

Mm-hmm (affirmative).

Fran Langsner:

For the 2021 fiscal year it looks to me, and I could just be misinterpreting the graph, but it looks to me like there's been a little bit of an increase in our water consumption, and we've been hearing for a long time that water is the new oil. And I was just wondering if you knew if that was related to the increase in the amount of cleaning we have to do because of COVID. [crosstalk 00:21:21] have that answer.

Anthony Fierro:

It might have a factor. I think another factor is just that with American Water, we have been back and forth with them on certain bills that we didn't feel we should be paying or that should be reduced. And that had been going back and forth for a while, and I think we just settled on the amount from past years due there. So I think that might have a little bit of an impact on the water.

Fran Langsner:

Okay. Us and everybody else with American Water.

Anthony Fierro:

Yeah, exactly.

Fran Langsner:

Okay, thanks.

Anthony Fierro:

You're welcome. Okay, any other questions on this slide? I'll move on if not. Okay, next slide, Angela. Okay. I'd like to review the status of our school district and community use initiatives and focus on the impact that the pandemic has had on these programs. So they include a public use of Nassau BOCES facilities, our Work Order Management System Services, outside leases, Facility Services Staffing CoSer, and several consulting RFPs, and a number of maintenance contracts are included in the Purchasings Cooperative Bidding program. So our public use of Nassau BOCES Facilities Program, as well as most of our outside leases, with the exception of [inaudible 00:22:38], remain on hold for the time being. However, revenue for our Work Order Management System Services have remained constant over the last three years, and we currently have 37 participating districts in that program. And that's been around the same number that we've had during that period of time.

Anthony Fierro:

Revenue for our Staffing CoSer has decreased, and certainly I think a contributing factor, more than likely, is limited building access by school districts as a result of the pandemic. They're not asking for us to come into their buildings, and quite frankly, I think that a lot of our people probably wouldn't want us to even go into too many of the other buildings in the district, especially during the height of the pandemic. Our Purchasing Department reports that revenue for our Cooperative Bidding Program associated with Facility Services contracts, that has remained fairly constant. So, next slide please.

Anthony Fierro:

Okay, so I'll conclude with one of our more exciting initiatives. As many of you may recall, we conducted a school planning and webinar series for COVID-19 this past fall. The webinar series was a joint effort, it was coordinated by Nassau BOCES and the Long Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the AIA. The original format was a live, in-person conference scheduled for last May. The five goals of the program are listed on the left side of the slide. But to summarize, the overall purpose was to provide design professionals and the educational community with an opportunity to collectively examine current issues facing our schools on Long Island, explore emerging trends in school design, and develop short and long-term solutions to enhance our educational facilities.

Anthony Fierro:

Needless to say, we were all disappointed initially when the original conference had to be canceled, but we regrouped and we reformatted the event, and I think we turned it into a successful webinar series. The series concentrated on the same overall program goals, but with a focus on COVID-19. The new format actually expanded our reach far beyond Long Island and enabled us to partner with the New York State Education Department, AIA Northern Virginia, the New York State School Facilities Association, and many local colleges. We also had participants

PART 1 OF 4 ENDS [00:25:04]

Anthony Fierro:

....there's association in many local colleges. We also had participation from several of the states as well as Israel. So we're excited to continue the webinar series. We're going to bring it back again in the fall of 2021. The next series will feature case studies of cutting edge and innovative school design projects located in the U.S and around the world. And they'll be presented by several high-profile national and international architectural firms. So more to come on this initiative. Next slide please. Okay. So this is the last slide and the photo there is a pre-pandemic, pre-mask picture, taken during one of our holiday night staff celebrations several years ago. And hopefully we can get back to these types of gatherings soon in the near future. But I'd like to just take a moment right now to thank the entire Facility Services staff for the outstanding job that they do day in and day out and particularly for the extraordinary efforts through this pandemic.

Anthony Fierro:

I want to thank Central Administration, Dr. Dillon, Dr. France and James Widmer. The entire Cabinet and extended Cabinet, our health and safety team, as well as all of the departments and even the Bargaining Units and the Bargaining representatives. This has been and it continues to be a truly collaborative effort, and we've all worked very closely together to keep the agency safe through this pandemic. As Dr. Dillon has stated many times, there's no script for this, and that is so true. We've had to take each day as it comes and react quickly to circumstances that none of us could have ever anticipated. So finally, I would just like to thank the board because none of our efforts would be possible without your guidance and without your strong support. And that concludes my report. So thank you very much for your time. And I'll open up to any other questions that you might have.

Susan Bergtraum:

Michael?

Michael Weinick:

Yeah I have two questions. The first of which I wrote and expect an answer for, but on slide number seven, there was this phenomenal leaded glass panel outside of your office. I was just wondering where that thing came from because it was so beautiful.

Anthony Fierro:

That was put in there. I'll just tell you that it was put in there purposely. And as soon as I recall where it came from, I will let you know.

Michael Weinick:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

But somehow I think we ought to let, since we have people who are live streaming this and are not in on the joke. So Mr. Fierro, why do you not tell those people what this lovely panel is all about?

Anthony Fierro:

Lovely panel was created by Mr. Michael Weinick. And it actually, let me go back to the slide. If you come by our facilities office and look at it, you'll see in there, in that leaded glass, there are many maintenance type items in there that you have to look closely to really pick them out. But it was very creative and we very much appreciate it.

Michael Weinick:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Any other questions?

Michael Weinick:

Yeah. The real question.

Susan Bergtraum:

Oh, I am sorry. [crosstalk 00:28:16]

Michael Weinick:

First of all, let me preface it by saying, I think what you guys do a phenomenal, is a tremendous amount of work. You have many talented people there. And I think the highest of the Facilities people, but having said that, and considering that you do have a vacancy rate of 10%. Have you ever looked at farming everything out? Many districts farm the total maintenance out, whether the building facilities, to the architectural engineering firms, the maintenance to other firms. Simply in the terms of cost effectiveness. I'm not talking about quality of the job, because the quality of the job your people are top notch, whether it be snow storms or anything else. I can never say enough good things about them. But if we simply wanted to look at dollars and cents, have we ever looked at a cost comparison of just closing the department and farming it all out?

Anthony Fierro:

I really can't say that we've done anything that extensive, Michael, I do believe that when you go outside, you do lose some control. I do also believe that the people that we have tremendous pride in their work, and I know you're not talking about quality, but I think that really does matter. And in times like these through a pandemic, I truly believe that if we didn't have the people that we have and the dedicated work that they've done 24 seven, as I indicated, I don't know how we could have gotten through this. When you farm things out after hours, you don't know what you're going to get, and then your costs are going up once you start talking about after hours. And I think there's also a lot of HR issues involved in that as well, a lot of hurdles there. But I'm proud of the people that we have. I'm fortunate that we have all of them. I'm very pleased at the work output that everyone puts into their jobs here.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Kaye.

Martin Kaye:

Tony, this was wonderful. Is there any way to actively share this report and the whole display, which is excellent, with the directors of buildings and grounds of the other 56 component districts, so they can learn something from this. And also look at that one graph that showed that proportionate to the overall budget, we're doing quite well compared to the component districts, and obviously have a higher costs for some of the work of that they do. Because I think this is very enlightening and I think they can run with this and perhaps come to us and ask us, what are we doing? And how are we doing some of these things?

Anthony Fierro:

Yes, I could certainly bring that up, when we meet on a monthly basis with my colleagues. We do talk quite frequently, we do have Listservs. We have a listserv with the Nassau County Chapter, I'm in a listserv through the whole state. A lot of information gets shared and we all help each other out. I can tell you that nobody's really acting in a vacuum here, especially during this past year. There has been a tremendous amount of sharing. I don't even think a day has gone by where when I open my inbox, that there's a number of emails from either the local Chapter or the New York state Chapter with directors, sharing information with each other. So that's actually been very helpful on all sides, for our benefit to them and their benefit to us.

Martin Kaye:

I'm hoping this could send generate more COSA participation on things that would be meaningful to them.

Eric Schultz:

Just no sure to eastern [inaudible 00:32:15]

Susan Bergtraum:

Are there any other questions Mr. Schoen?

B.A. Schoen:

Tony, I really want to compliment you on the presentation, not just the information, which contains so many successes. But the graphics and the layout of it. Just a really pleasing, easy to understand. I enjoyed it. Thank you very much.

Anthony Fierro:

You're welcome. Thank you. And like I said, it's been two years since I did one. So it had a little bit of time to work on it.

B.A. Schoen:

But you haven't had much practice.

Anthony Fierro:

Thank you. B.A.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner?

Fran Langsner:

I just wanted to say how daunting it is to consider the essential and integral part that Facility's played in our ability to reopen and to stay open, to remain open. I can't imagine what it would have been like if we didn't have this kind of dedication to maintaining our facilities the way the department does. I don't even want to think about it, but it's really amazing.

Anthony Fierro:

Thank you, Fran. But I have to say that we meet constantly, we have at least two meetings a week with Cabinet and even the Bargaining Units, as I mentioned, we all have worked very hard, very closely together, every department working with each other. So we've all helped each other. And that's really what has made a tremendous difference.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Weinick?

Michael Weinick:

I also want to say, it's a very positive thing that the time factor for approvals by the state has come down tremendously. A couple of years ago, there was such an overriding factor on how long that it took, and whether it be the private engineering firms that got the okay. I'm not sure what caused it, but there's a big difference and it's very positive and it's very helpful to the districts. We're not wasting all this time on paperwork sitting up there.

Anthony Fierro:

Yeah. Well, as I said, we did lose some time when we were shut down, but that certainly does help. But we were as high as waiting a year for a project approval. So that really makes it extremely difficult and almost impossible to plan our projects efficiently. So now it's definitely looking a little bit better. Hopefully it stays that way.

Michael Weinick:

Good job, Mr. Fierro, keep it up.

Michael Weinick:

Thank you, Mr. Weinick.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So before, before Tony gets off the stage. I had written something at the end of this presentation and people kind of started to talk about it, but I think I'm going to wrap it up and say, aside from this presentation being extraordinary and your presentations are always clear and thoughtful and informative.

Susan Bergtraum:

I think the thing that most impresses me, with many, with all of our departments, I'll say. But Facilities to me, always seems like it could just look at buildings as these structures that need to be maintained. And you always bring in how your department affects our staff, our children, the education. And there is something to having somebody at the helm, who thinks about his job in those terms, as opposed to just the bricks and mortar, which are certainly important because if the buildings fall down, it doesn't help anybody. But that you always have your eye on how your department is an integral part of how we educate our children. So I just wanted to make that statement since I've thought it over the years and never said it. I have never said it.

Anthony Fierro:

Thank you very much.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you.

Anthony Fierro:

That's one of the reasons why we created that mission. Our own mission statement and our vision is exactly for that reason, because we're all part of the same agency in the same organization. And we need to be there for each other.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. If there is nothing else. May I have a motion on the Consent Agenda?

Deborah Coates:

I'll move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Coates. Second?

Fran Langsner:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. On this Consent Agenda. Consent Agenda, Finance Item, Number 16, the [inaudible 00:37:06] only contracts has been pulled and it will appear probably on the next agenda. There were just some issues that needed to be clarified. But there's no rush on it, so it will be done on the next agenda item. Is there any other discussion?

Deborah Coates:

No.

Susan Bergtraum:

Seeing none. All in favor?

Multiple speakers:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstain? Okay. She passes. Additional Consent Agenda, Item, Approval of Consultant Contracts, C.I.T Arts and Education, over $2,000 a day. May I have a motion? Thank you, Mr. Schoen. Mr. Schoen. Second?

Fran Langsner:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner. Thank you very much. Any discussion? All in favor?

Multiple speakers:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed?

Michael Weinick:

Opposed.

Susan Bergtraum:

Abstain? Okay. Motion passes. Is there any questions about the information items that we received? Seeing non. Superintendents Report, Dr. Dillon.

Bob Dillon:

We just have a few things. Right now where we're looking and discussing finalizing the Moving Up ceremonies to drive by. We're also focusing on the reopening. We're a little bit different. We have, not only an instructional, but we have a strong support staff that we have to look at. We're waiting for guidance from SED and the Department of Health. And finally, we continue to work with our legislators during the end of this season, that is it. Thank you very much.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Alrighty.

Michael Weinick:

Question.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yep. Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

Are we looking at School Board meetings being real?

Bob Dillon:

As soon as we get guidance. Right now, we just did a survey on vaccinations and we have many more people vaccinated. We have many people who aren't vaccinated. And how comfortable people feel being in a room with people who aren't vaccinated. Now, we will socially distance. And one of the challenges we discussed as recently as today, we have a meeting and it doesn't look like our board meeting and we have to work with Steve Jacobs with this. That our current board room will not be able to do this six foot social distancing. And certainly we wouldn't be able fit the Cabinet in there. So we're looking at alternative sites such as the lower level at Farber. We're also looking at Lupinskie.

Eric Schultz:

What about Barry Tech?

Bob Dillon:

We could look at Barry Tech, sure. And there's nothing off limits as far as our buildings go, but those are the two we looked at now. And we'll we'll work with Steve Jacob, and put together a plan with them.

Michael Weinick:

Thank you.

Bob Dillon:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else? Okay. Mrs. Nolan, was there any citizen that wanting to be heard?

Joyce Nolan:

Non at all.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Thank you. Is there any old business? Okay. Seeing none.

Fran Langsner:

Susan?

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes.

Fran Langsner:

Oh, sorry. I assume it's old business, cause it was on our information at another, a past meeting. I don't know if anybody else attended the LIA Energy and Environment webinar last week, but it was very interesting. The topic was their Offshore Wind Program. And I believe either Mr. Schoen or Mr. Schultz had mentioned something about this last year or the year before, but they're really in the process through NYSERDA of getting this going. And there's a training institute, there's an Offshore Wind Program Training Institute. That's being formulated in conjunction with SUNY Farmingdale and Stony Brook. And I asked if the curriculum was in place and they said, they're in the process of developing that. And I was just wondering if there was a pathway for us to be part of the development in terms of our students going into that workforce.

Fran Langsner:

I don't know if anybody has...

Bob Dillon:

We continue before the pandemic, there're conversations about these, the windmills. We were at the table, now we turned to the table with the workforce development and all the BOCES are there for that. So I think when that conversation gets a little richer, we will be right there with them.

Fran Langsner:

Good cause it sounds like a great opportunity.

Bob Dillon:

Yeah. Fran, what you have to look up it's when those turbines, when they get old, how they dispose of them. It's an interesting thing.

Fran Langsner:

Really?

Bob Dillon:

Kind of like nuclear waste. Yeah. Read up on it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Mr. Schoen.

B.A. Schoen:

That was the question that I posted that was not asked at that meeting. What the expected life cycle of the generators was and disposable plans. And that seems to be one of the dark side of the public question. It seems there's a lot of noise about the aesthetics, but like a Dutch Windmill is supposed to be very attractive to look at. And somehow these are terribly offensive. I think from a School Board point of view, we should be aware of the real property value that is created by the electrical cables, distribution centers and other infrastructure. That's going to be created as a part of this.

B.A. Schoen:

And we see it's a problematic issue. Almost monthly, there's some sort of court decision or proposed settlement about the LEPA assessment issues, et cetera. We remember, at least I remember, and some of my colleagues of my age who still have their wits about them, remember the Shoreham Settlement. And the great disruption, that the tremendous infusion of money had in the district where it was located. And the great disruption that happened when they closed it down or had to give the money back, or at least they gave the assessment back. So I think from a School Board point of view, this is something that we should always be aware of.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else? Okay. New business. Is there anybody who has? Mr. Schultz. If it's Nassau-Suffolk, that will be the end. Okay. So let's just get anybody who has a report, and then we'll go to the Foundation and then we'll do cause Nassau Suffolk is on the agenda. So Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

Yeah. I have a question for Mr. Schoen. And it's really on the New York State School Board Convention, why the business meeting is being held at virtually and not at the convention itself? I don't understand that. And that some kind of explanation please.

B.A. Schoen:

Well, in the past, pre pandemic, we sometimes had an issue with maintaining a quorum at the business meeting. We found that last fall, we did not have that problem at all. The convention is in New York City, which is well attended, but the number of School Board members attending is high, but the number of districts that attend is not necessarily high because it's one end of the from another. And the idea was that this will not be canceled if there was a third surge. For example, we have a requirement to hold the annual business meeting. So it was decided for next fall to do it virtually.

Michael Weinick:

I know my opinion really doesn't matter what I'll say to anyway. For someone who's attended many business meetings, in-person when people get up in a microphone and you have an honest, meaningful dialogue, you have a real discussion and it's a really wonderful thing. Last year when it was virtual, and I understand the need for it last year, it was a pathetic, horrible thing. And if your concern is that you can't maintain a quorum, then number one, that should be addressed. There're 600 school districts in New York or whatever the number is. If you can't maintain a quorum, something is wrong someplace, and that has to be addressed.

Michael Weinick:

But if anything, have a real meeting at the convention and do it virtual at the same time, why can't it be both places? People can't attend for whatever their reason is, then they can do it on the computer. But I for one, I just think it's a horrible thing. It takes a tremendous amount, half of the entire process is no real meaningful dialogue. And it's a waste of time. That's all. I just hope as the Area Representative you'll pass my personal views on to the powers to be. That's all. Thank you. I don't know how anybody else feels like.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Anybody else for new business? Okay. Then let's do the Foundation report if there is one.

Michael Weinick:

No.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. There's no report. All right. So then we will move on to the discussion of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association budget and slate and slate of officers. So I opened up the discussion. Mr. Schultz.

Eric Schultz:

I have said through many emails to all the members of the board expressing my concerns, which our colleague, Larry Greenstein, who is the treasurer in Nassau-Suffolk, got back to me and I believe sent the copy of that email response to everybody. You should have gotten my response to Larry in which I was extremely upset and disconcerted about number one, how the budget was presented. If we presented this budget, if our administrators have presented this budget to us, we would have given it to them and set them out with their tail between their legs and say redo it. It says absolutely nothing. There are a lot of increases here that are just simply set for the reasons in a footnote and it's, "Following changes are due to staff transitions." I don't know what that means. Obviously the biggest portion of this seems to be the fact that Vivian Molitor and Lorraine Deller are retiring, but it still doesn't make sense to me.

PART 2 OF 4 ENDS [00:50:04]

Eric Schultz:

But, it still doesn't make sense to me. I just want to start from the top. The executive director's salary on paper is going up $22,000. In response to that, Larry said to me, or to us, that her salary is going up. And, I don't want to say her. I'm not talking personally about Lorraine, but the executive director's salary is going up 2%, but they're offering her a $20,000... What was his word? Bonus. I basically told him that since the Nassau Suffolk School Boards Association is funded with taxpayer dollars, that I didn't think it was appropriate to give anybody a bonus. I believed that it was a... Similar to us, it would be a gift of public money, which is essentially what it would be. And, that I didn't understand why somebody was getting a bonus. The explanation was that there's going to be a period in the summer in which Vivian will have retired on June 30th, and her replacement not starting until September, which means that the executive director would have to pick up what euphemistically told me on telephone call were additional duties.

Eric Schultz:

And, essentially what that would mean is there are clerical issues. Okay. Answering the phone, sending [inaudible 00:51:53]. I don't know what it is. You can get a temp to do that for $18 an hour, okay, part-time. Because it's also my understanding that they tend to take days off during the summer. And, one picks up the responsibilities of the other. We're not asking a lot. Now, for this transition period, they have budgeted apparently $31,500. They've called it a management consultant study, which is outrageous. From what Larry told me, it's not a... First of all, a management consultant salary, management consultants don't get salaries as consultants. That's number one. Number two, if it is for Vivian to come in for a couple of days, or to train her successor, even if she were to be there two months, she makes $6,000 a month. That's $12,000. Why are we budgeting $31,500?

Eric Schultz:

There is $150,000 reserve. Now I didn't know we had $150,000 in reserve. There are some school districts in the state who don't have $150,000 in reserve. And, it was explained to me... Although if you look at the 2021 budget, it's a zero. When this got into the budget, I don't know. It's never been disclosed. I don't know if anybody here, and Ron was the president of the board, and Debbie was on the board, whether you guys knew there was a $75,000 over two specific years, that was for $150,000. And, it was explained that this was in anticipation of this new management change, which is also ridiculous. What are they going to spend that money on?

Eric Schultz:

And, I'm really sorry that that Larry isn't here, because he and I had a sort of an animated discussion, where if you have this $150,000, what are you going to spend it on? He seemed to intimate to me that it would be so the current executive director can also work at the same time as this new executive director, and sort of fill them in, this and that. I said, "I will never permit this organization to have two executive directors working at same time. It's absurd." If you... And this is what I said to Larry. "If this organization can't attract somebody who is a proven manager, who wants the job, who could hit the ground running in terms of management, and maybe have newly the executive manager come in for a month, and say, "Here's where all the players are, here's where all the policies are. Here's what we do." And, within four weeks, bring them up to speed. Then they have no business running an organization. There were plenty of people. I said, "I'll take the job for $150,000, $100,000, I'll save them $20,000." Okay.

Eric Schultz:

But, it just makes no sense. This budget is out of whack. The budget is untenable. There's no explanations. My suggestion is that we do a letter from the board, not from a particular board member, from the board, raising these issues, and send it to the esteemed president of the Nassau Suffolk School Boards Association, and make sure he knows that it's Nassau BOCES who's raising these issues. I mean, he seems to feel somehow or other that we're sort of just troublemakers. And, as I said to Larry, and some of the members of the board who called me, without this board, the current board and previous boards, the Nassau Suffolk School Boards Association would never have survived in the position that it's in. We have had from this board, at least three Everett Dwyer award winners who've served as president of the board. We've had number of people who've been president. I think... We've had at least Ron, and Joe Barry, and Steve Witt. There may be another one.

Eric Schultz:

I mean, it's ridiculous. And, I think we have an obligation to make sure the house is in order here. Otherwise, I'm not sure what they do. There needs to be a little more accountability at this point. I've looked through their budgets every year. I was a member of the executive committee for a number of years. And, you often question little expenditures here and there, that's not this. These are big transfers of money, for reasons that if they are as explained to me, they're outrageous. And, in the words of our wonderful late colleague, George Farber, it's obscene. It's ridiculous. It's outrageous. Those were his three favorite words. In George's memory, of nothing else, I think we ought to at least put a letter together rather quickly, send it out to the president of Nassau Suffolk, with copies to every school board, Nassau and Suffolk, so that they know we're raising these concerns.

Eric Schultz:

Because, as Michael said, and as others have intimated, without an annual meeting, we can't stand, and discuss things with each other, and raise issues that may put questions into other people's minds. I'm extraordinarily disturbed that we're not having a meeting, even via Zoom. But, that may be someone here's fault. At this point, that's my recommendation to the board. If you'd like, I'll draft it, and go on from there.

Susan Bergtraum:

Absolutely not. Michael.

Michael Weinick:

I agree 100% with Eric. He was very eloquent, and he stated it very clearly. This budget is a total embarrassment, not only the amount of taxpayer money that's being given to certain individuals for absolutely no reason. Let's go back a step. I've been involved in school boards for well over 30 years. Nassau Suffolk, when I started was a tremendous organization. As Eric stated, particularly from Nassau BOCES, we were the backbone of this organization. We had tremendous people. Just look at the people sitting at this table right now, who are involved in it. Nassau Suffolk was a board to be reckoned with.

Michael Weinick:

When we went to the state convention, when Nassau Suffolk spoke, the rest of the state listened. Where are we today? We are an impotent organization, doing absolutely nothing. Whatever lobbying is being done, it's being done by other organizations. To pay an executive director such an exorbitant salary, to go to conventions, to go here, there, or elsewhere, and do nothing. This organization is a wonderful social organization, where we meet our compatriots from other districts two or three times a year. But, in terms of any effectual input into state education rules is no longer the case. And, this is why a couple of weeks ago, I suggested that we look at why we are now members of this organization. And, I know it would be very hard to drop out of Nassau Suffolk, but let's take a look at what the organization does for us as a school district, as a school agency.

Michael Weinick:

And, this budget is only another example of a waste of public money. And, I strongly support Eric's suggestion that we contact the other school districts in Nassau and Suffolk, let them know of our concerns, let them raise similar questions, see if they have the same feelings that we do. But, this is an unattainable situation, and we have to do something, and take the lead, as we've always done in the past.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else? B.A.

B.A. Schoen:

When did it become appropriate to talk about individuals by name? And when did it become appropriate to use words like ridiculous, and other words that I heard that I don't usually hear in school board discussions?

Eric Schultz:

Can I address that? Susan?

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes.

Eric Schultz:

If you notice, B.A., the only reason I mentioned Lorraine's name was to say that she is retiring. I tried to make it very clear that I was not talking about her as a person, but the position, the executive director. I'm very fond of Lorraine. I think she's done a wonderful job. The only reason I referenced them is so that we are, sort of familiate it, because we all say, "Vivian's retiring, Lorraine's retiring." What's that?

B.A. Schoen:

That's another name that you mentioned, where you could have mentioned the position. And, I'm just asking why it had to be done in this case?

Eric Schultz:

Because there was a familiarity I felt that I could just say, instead of the executive director of this. I don't think it's any secret that they're retiring. It's not as if we were talking about, as we would in a discussion under employees that they have the right to defend themselves. This is not their doing. Nobody's criticizing them. And, please don't be that sensitive about it. And, with regard to my language, as I said, that's the language that the man that the building we have for our administration used to use. Okay? Those were his words. And, I don't think they're too far fetched.

Eric Schultz:

I think this budget is a slap in the face. And, the way it was explained to me, and I think everybody got Larry's response, and my response to him. I still don't think it makes sense. This is not a personal issue. As I said, I know Lorraine, and Vivian for decades. Okay? And, they're two wonderful people. I mentioned their names simply out of convenience that we all knew when this one's leaving, and this one's leaving. This was not a secret. It wasn't a criticism. It was simply a, where it's, and nevermind. I'll leave it there.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

I know, I'm only going by what I read in this budget as well. I'm not going by anything personal, or anything to do with the organization, or the people. It's a wonderful organization. I've always respected it. But, I am in agreement about the budget. I think that it is a little bit... I think we need some answers to the questions, and there are even something as simple as the parking going up 50%. I mean, there's nowhere here for me to ask my questions, and get answers to. I'm in agreement that we need to get answers, because I don't want to make a decision just based on a feeling, or whatever. I want to know the reasons why. That's why I think we really need to ask these questions, and have the answers sent to us. I just wanted just to let you know how I felt. Nothing personal, wonderful organization, and I hope that somehow we can get past this, and we'll all come into agreement But, I need answers.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

When we present our A/O budget to our component districts, Mr. Widmer, and his department do a wonderful job of providing an accompanying narrative for each item. Now, certainly this budget doesn't approach ours in any regard monetarily. And, I know that Mr. Greenstein gave some more depth to what we see here in this two or three page budget. But, we didn't get that initially. Had we not asked, we never would have seen that. I do agree that we are entitled to see a broader discussion of what this represents, and how they arrived at these figures. They expect the same from us.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. What I would suggest in the most objective... I'm so sorry, Mr. Kaye.

Martin Kaye:

Just a quick thought. This memo that came from Nassau Suffolk School Board Association with the president's name, was it heard, or moved by the executive committee as a whole, in a vote, or was this simply the proposition that was handed to them by the committee that's assigned to look at the subcommittee that's assigned to the budget and compensation analysis? I was a chairperson of that committee for two years when I did serve on Nassau Suffolk. And, we had information on each of the lines that we discussed. And, we did come up with a presentation for the entire executive committee to move it as a whole. Part of the informational packet we got included comparable plans and wages for the other large associations countywide in New York state, particularly Westchester.

Martin Kaye:

And, when we decided on a change for the executive director and the assistant, it was factored in that we looked at Westchester in particular I remember. And, the compensation package there was extremely close. And, I think we being Nassau Suffolk, are probably the largest of the associations in New York state. I would like to know if this was moved by the executive committee, because that's where the robust conversation should come. And, some of Eric's comments would have been aired through one of the members there, so they could have that conversation. Because, this is not necessarily a done deal. I'm assuming that if it hasn't been moved by the whole committee, these numbers could be changed or reviewed.

Michael Weinick:

Marty, we've been asked to vote on this. This has been approved by whatever [inaudible 01:08:31] for each district to vote on.

Ron Ellerbe:

Then we're entitled, I think, as Eric has mentioned, to a little more information on how that decision was reached, or what was the conversation on some of the points that Eric brings up that we, as a Nassau BOCES component, we want to know?

Susan Bergtraum:

Is your hand up there, Eric?

Eric Schultz:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

It was not in my screen.

Eric Schultz:

I'm sorry. Just a couple of observations. You have to remember one thing. The Nassau Suffolk School Boards Association is incorporated to the New York State Department of Education. Somewhere along the line, there's got to be some kind of correlation between the rules and regulations from state. Number two, if you look at the budget, all the districts are trying to have a 2% cap. If you take the $150,000, which apparently is in cash reserve, you're talking about a $50,000 increase. The 2% cap increase would be $7,000. It's just an observation, whether they are legitimate, additional expenditures, that's fine. But, the board really needs to do a better job.

Susan Bergtraum:

B.A.

B.A. Schoen:

Well, I don't want anybody to vote for something positive or negative that they don't understand. I suggest that we table this until the board, and the individuals understand it better. As you know, I'm a liaison to that executive committee, as President Bergtraum. But, I'm not comfortable speaking for them. And, it's just unfortunate that tonight when we're discussing this, their treasurer is not with us. I suggest we table this.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

Unfortunately, we can't necessarily table it, because Nassau Suffolk has... I don't remember the timetable, but Nassau Suffolk has asked all of Nassau and Suffolk school boards to vote upon this. And, unless we do as Eric says to send out a letter immediately, holding up the process until all of us get the answers. Just for us to simply table it for another month, everybody else is going to be voting on it, and not asking the same questions. Our tabling it does nothing other than a no vote by us. What but we're really asking is every single district in Nassau Suffolk to take a close look, because B.A., and I don't want to say anything disparaging about any of my colleagues across Long Island, but I'm not sure how many people actually take the time to look at the budget, look at the numbers, and see what the story is other than saying, "Hey, Nassau Suffolk is a great organization, which it has been for many, many years," and simply check off the yes box. It's a little bit more complicated in my mind than simply tabling it until next month.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. So here is... Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

I just wanted to say, looking at our agenda, this is under new business. I don't think this is an action item for us tonight.

Susan Bergtraum:

It isn't. No, it's not.

Michael Weinick:

When is our voting? What is the timetable for voting?

Fran Langsner:

It says in the memo that we have to vote by June 10th.

Deborah Coates:

June 10th.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes, we have two meetings before that.

Michael Weinick:

Well, that's not a heck of a lot of time, because other districts are going to be meeting before then.

Deborah Coates:

Well, we'll do the best we can.

Susan Bergtraum:

Here, let me see if I can just make some progress here. My suggestion is, because there is no way that I want to, there's been enough confrontation as far as I'm concerned. And, I want to make this as nonconfrontational as possible. I think that we should send Nassau Suffolk our questions. And, you will get the questions to me, and I will state them in. We need explanations for this, for this, for this, for this. Let them send back the explanation so that it's clear. Larry hopefully will be with us in the next meeting. And, if we need more, he will probably be able to clarify, if we need more clarification. And, if we get the answer back fast enough, and it's still not clear, we can ask a question again. With the suggestion that if they think that the explanations will help everybody, they'll send out those explanations to everybody.

Susan Bergtraum:

What I'm going to say is, we'll state the questions as objectively. Please explain the $150,000, what it's going to be used for, how it got there. Please explain, because the one thing that I will say, that I do know, when you use a word like bonus, I will tell you, we've given stipends. This was a stipend. Whether or not you believe the stipend is virtuous is totally different. You ask why, how you got to this stipend, what this money is going to be used for. And, we can get the answers back. And, then if we have more questions, we can ask some more questions. But, that way we are going to get the information you need. And, excuse me, we can then make a decision with information. Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

That's not acceptable to me, because of the time factor. Yes, on one hand, let's do that. But, I think Eric's suggestion of writing to the [Hunginton Tenant 01:14:56] Long Island school districts is vital to-

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, then I need a consensus of this board to do that.

PART 3 OF 4 ENDS [01:15:04]

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, then I need a consensus of this board to do that.

Michael Weinick:

Our position and for them to ask their own questions.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, I need a consensus on whether to do that or not.

Michael Weinick:

I understand that.

Susan Bergtraum:

So the first part of it would be to do that. And either we are doing it directly to Nassau Suffolk, and they can, if they feel so needed, they will do it or we will. So I need a consensus of this board on whether we're sending our questions to everybody or whether we're sending our questions to Nassau Suffolk.

Michael Weinick:

Phrase the question and ask for a vote.

Eric Schultz:

If we were having an annual meeting, the question would be asked in front of everybody in that room.

Michael Weinick:

Exactly.

Eric Schultz:

Then we have to do it ourselves.

Susan Bergtraum:

Therein lies... All I'm asking for this board is that is your opinion. I need to know what other people's opinion is. That is the question. So I'm also going to try to phrase this... Mrs. Coates, do you have...

Deborah Coates:

Well, I wanted to give you my opinion. I agree.

Susan Bergtraum:

We are going to take it... Okay. So either I can get each person's opinion or I can phrase it and we can take a vote. So Mrs. Coats, if you want to give your opinion.

Deborah Coates:

I'm agreement. I think that these are quite... I don't believe... I don't agree with Mike, that other people have probably raised these questions as well. I think it is important for us as an agency for the entire Nassau county, that our questions are sent out to everyone so that they know that we have concerns. That's all. I think it is important. I think maybe send the original letter to Nassau Suffolk and copying all of the,.... send it out to the district clerk. That's not going to hurt, it's an email.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Mr. Schoen.

B.A. Schoen:

I don't remember getting a lot of those letters from other districts, other boards of education, about any questions like that. In effect, it seems to me, pretty insulting to the other districts. As if you're saying, are you doing your due diligence? It sounds like talk radio to me, frankly. I agree with asking for explanations from Nassau Suffolk School Boards Association. I don't agree with telling other districts that we think they should do a better job at their due diligence.

Eric Schultz:

I don't understand that. I'm starting to get very curious because everybody seems there's... Some people seem to want to treat Nassau Suffolk with kid gloves.

Eric Schultz:

I don't know if you remember the tone of the letter they sent us, with regard to Michael. They attacked this organization. We didn't attack them. They attacked us. And we just sort of let it go. I'm not attacking this... Nassau Suffolk. I'm telling you that when I raised questions, what I thought were legitimate questions, I got a response from their treasurer that only raised other questions. And if I were, and this board were to go to an annual meeting, we would raise those questions in front of everybody else. We're not telling them that they didn't do due diligence. We are telling them that we found X, Y, and Z. We think there is a problem that needs to be answered. And we are sharing that with the other members of the organization. It's not surreptitious. It's not insulting. We get that all the time. The state school boards association, people do the same thing. People do the same thing. They raise questions on the floor.

Eric Schultz:

It's one of those things where we're entitled to do that. We are not impugning the ability of any other district, not at all. We are probably responsible, as members of the organization, to raise the questions and let them know what our questions are. Maybe they will say, Hmm, that's a good question. If they don't think it's a worthwhile question, they will ignore it. But we have the right to raise the questions and probably the responsibility to tell the other, our colleagues, what our concerns are. This is not a criticism and it shouldn't be couched in a criticism of the executive committee or anybody else. But it's my, and I am getting the sense from other members of our board, opinion that the budget doesn't make sense in a lot of areas. And we want some answers.

Eric Schultz:

I wasn't the one who raised the issue of a bonus. This was their treasurer's words to us. 2% plus a bonus. You want to use the word stipend, gives you a different picture. Certainly we give stipends to people for doing extra work...we give stipends to people doing extra work for months and months, and months and months. Theresa and some of the other administrative staff, when we gave them stipends is because they did an enormous amount of work on a project over a period of time. I don't know what this stipend is for. It's a very large stipend. It's more than 2% of the budget increase. At this point, I don't need to approach them with kid gloves. We're all big boys and girls. And if somebody doesn't want to play in the big leagues, they can go back to PTA because this isn't PTA. No offense to PTA.

Eric Schultz:

I say that to PTA members who all of a sudden become board members, welcome to the real world. We make decisions that matter. We don't sit in the audience and raise questions. We are the ones who were responsible. As members of an organization, we are responsible for bringing to the attention of the organization things we either don't understand or don't agree with. So to say that we shouldn't let anybody else know our concerns is, I think, somewhat shortsighted. If a member of Eastern Suffolk or a member of Comsewogue, thought it was important enough to raise certain issues with regard to this budget, I would welcome their letter. And say, okay, I see what you're talking about. What's the answer? I think we have an obligation to do that. I don't even think there's a question. Especially when the budget's presented like this. And if we went to a meeting, we would inform everybody there what our concerns were. Let's do it upfront.

Susan Bergtraum:

It's here either. I need to hear from everybody else individually, or I can ask for a vote and you don't have to ... Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

I believe I definitely want a letter sent to the organization. For sure. I believe that if we frame a letter to the member districts, that indicates that we are doing this in lieu of the public meeting that we would have had, not a public meeting, but the meeting that we would have had, and this is our opportunity for the rest of the membership to hear our concerns. I would be in favor of that letter. As long as it's framed in that way.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

The only thing I want to add, which I'm not sure everybody's aware of... When I was having some individual issues with Nassau Suffolk, I wasn't sure whether the executive committee was aware of everything that was going on. I personally wrote to every member of the executive committee to let them know. And that's what I see here is that the same type of thing. We have to write to Nassau Suffolk for answers to our questions. Absolutely. They should have the right and the ability to respond to our concerns. But similarly, I think every member district should also know what our concerns are and see if they have similar ones. Whether they agree with us or they don't agree with this, that's their right as a board.

Fran Langsner:

And like Eric said, there are going to be any number of districts who are just going to ignore the letter, because they don't participate to begin with. We're not going to raise the consciousness of all of the member districts of the organization.

Eric Schultz:

And by the way, let me just make another observation, the executive committee meetings of the Nassau Suffolk School Boards Association are open to every school board member in Nassau Suffolk County to be gone to as observers. So they don't do things... There's not like secret world. Although it's like our meetings, nobody shows up. But they have to do things above board as well. To a large extent, a majority extent, they do and they do a great job. They've had great leadership. I have a problem with one thing that was dumped in our lap. And it's the year admittedly, it's an anomaly, the year is going to be a weird year. Doesn't mean that we shirk our responsibilities.

Fran Langsner:

And one other thing. I want to separate this issue from the issue of our membership in the organization. I think they are totally separate and I don't want one to influence the other.

Deborah Coates:

Absolutely.

Eric Schultz:

You are absolutely right.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. Is there anybody else who wants to weigh in because I still need... I hear four people...

Michael Weinick:

Susan, I think you need a specific statement and a vote.

Susan Bergtraum:

That's what I was about to do and, and it was stopped. So I will now try to separate and we can do it either way. The first thing though I'm going to do, is we're going to vote on sending the letter first, at least to Nassau Suffolk to get the answers. What I would suggest doing is picking out the lines that we have problems with and say, we need an explanation of these lines. If we need to give them specifics so that they are clear as to what we're asking fine. So we can ask about one line A , 2B whatever. So that is the first thing. The first question would be how many people believe that a letter should go at least to Nassau Suffolk, asking for clarification of the questions that this board has.

Susan Bergtraum:

So one, two, three, four, five, six. Okay. So we are sending a letter for clarification. That's done.

Susan Bergtraum:

The second question is, does this letter go to all the other districts or to Nassau Suffolk only? If it only goes to Nassau Suffolk, I would still suggest, when they give us the answers that the thought could be, that other districts might have those questions. And instead of getting the questions in, they will send out the explanations that they gave us. So the next question is, do you want to send this letter, that's going to Nassau Suffolk? And before we leave, you'll give me the numbers of the budget that you have questions about. So I can be very specific and say, we need explanations about, and if you've got very specific questions, you'll tell me. So the next question is, do you want to send this letter to all the districts? Okay. One, two, three, four, five. Okay. So we're already, it doesn't matter. We're already... The letter that we construct it's constructed to go to Nassau Suffolk will also go to the districts.

Michael Weinick:

If I may make a suggestion, Susan. I am not sure it should be the exact same letter. The wording has to be a little bit different. And Eric might have to put in [crosstalk 01:29:24]

Susan Bergtraum:

The president will do that.

Eric Schultz:

My suggestion is that we send them a copy of a letter that we send to Nassau Suffolk. And I think you started to say this before Susan. With a brief cover letter said in lieu of the fact that we are not having an annual meeting, we are sharing with you questions and concerns we had on the budget. And here's a copy of the letter that we've sent to let them know very simply that, ladies and gentlemen were not having an annual meeting, we raised some questions and we think that you're entitled to hear our questions.

Michael Weinick:

That's what I'm suggesting. Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, that's certainly... Mr. Schoen.

B.A. Schoen:

Can we agree on how many times we're going to use incendiary language in these letters. Not too many this is a ridiculous, outrageous...

Eric Schultz:

It's not going to go in the letter. [crosstalk 01:30:28]

Susan Bergtraum:

I will compose the letter and I will send it out to you so that everybody is comfortable.

Martin Kaye:

It's information...

Michael Weinick:

Susan, time is of the essence...

Susan Bergtraum:

It's not going to be a long letter. Michael, you're going to give me the items...

Michael Weinick:

We can't send it out in June. It has got to go out fast.

Eric Schultz:

Susan. Michael. Susan. A lot of them was spelled out in my original letter. I'll sort of categorize if for you.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. And if anybody else has anything else that they had, just give me, give me the number and letter of the item on the budget. Give me the questions that you have, if it's specific, other than just, could you please explain this expenditure or this... That will be an easy letter to send out and with a cover letter, which simply says this board had these questions and in lieu of an annual meeting, we hope that the explanations that are given are informative to you. All right. So Eric, do you want to stay on this? Do you want to just get it to me tomorrow?

Eric Schultz:

I'll get in touch with you tomorrow.

Susan Bergtraum:

That's fine. That's perfect. Is there any other new business that we have to make? Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

Fran brought up a very valid point. And that was yes, the budget is a whole separate issue from our membership in Nassau Suffolk. Are we going to be discussing our membership in Nassau Suffolk before the organization meeting or are we going to discuss it at the organization meeting.

Susan Bergtraum:

We will discuss it before.

Michael Weinick:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Absolutely, that was without question. We will discuss it before and probably, just let me look at what the agenda looks like for the next meeting and it will probably go on to the next meeting. Is there any other business before... Oh, there is as a matter of fact. But before I close, is there any other new business or anything else anyone wants to discuss?

Bob Dillon:

Can we figure out how many angels sit on a head of a pin?

Susan Bergtraum:

Sure. I'm giving you that committee. Have fun. Okay. Before we go into executive session and Dr. Dillon... we are coming out after executive ?

Bob Dillon:

That is correct.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So just so that the audience knows we're going into exec after we do a birthday cake. We will be going into executive session coming out and we'll have a vote that we need to take. So before we go into executive session, before I call for that vote, can we have our birthday cake for Pam Christensen, whose birthday is today and for Susan McNulty, whose birthday is May 19th. So with that, we are about to sing and you do want to join me because you do not want to hear me alone. (singing).

Susan Bergtraum:

Happy birthday. Think of the calories we're saving, ladies. That's all I can say to you, other than... That's the only good thing that I can think of about this. So with that, may I have a motion to go into executive session or ...

B.A. Schoen:

A four minute break?

Bob Dillon:

Angela, do we have a separate Zoom for this?

Angela Marshal:

I put you in a breakout room? [crosstalk 01:35:00]

Susan Bergtraum:

We'll go and thank you, Mr. Weinick. We are going to executive session to discuss a settlement to section the section 30.28 disciplinary hearing regarding attendance issues. May I have a motion?

Deborah Coates:

I'll move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Coates. Second.

Fran Langsner:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Second, Mrs. Langsner. Any discussion all in favor, opposed abstained. Okay. We will be put into our breakout room and we will reconvene after.

Joyce Nolan:

Yes. Be it resolved that the board herewith authorizes an agreement between the board and a certified employee known to the board. The board has previously viewed said agreement in executive session. Be it further resolved that the board authorizes the board president and district superintendent to execute the agreement. That concludes the reading of the resolution.

Susan Bergtraum:

May I have a motion?

Michael Weinick:

I'll move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mr. Weinick. Second?

Ron Ellerbe:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Ellerbe. Any discussion all in favor. Opposed? That is not your hand, correct Mr. Schultz ?

Bob Dillon:

He's got a bug on his screen.

Susan Bergtraum:

Abstained. All right, so passed unanimously. Thank you all. Have a good evening.

Michael Weinick:

Just a quick question of clarification on where we are headed now. You and Mr. Schultz will be composing a letter within the next day or two on the issue we discussed earlier, and you'll be sending a copy to the board and then sending it out, et cetera.

Susan Bergtraum:

Correct.

Michael Weinick:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

You're welcome. Okay. I moved and seconded to adjourn. Okay. All in favor.

Michael Weinick:

Happy Mother's Day all.

PART 4 OF 4 ENDS [01:37:11]

Transcript of Nassau BOCES Board Meeting - April 22, 2021

Angella Marshall:

We're ready whenever you are.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Okay. Welcome to the April 22nd, 2021 Nassau BOCES Board of Education meeting. Mr. Widmer, if you would lead us in the pledge.

James Widmer:

Certainly. Will everybody please rise and join me in the pledge? I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America [crosstalk 00:00:29].

Susan Bergtraum:

[inaudible 00:00:43], welcome again. Before I begin, I would like to congratulate all the employees that received their five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 year pins for service to this agency. It was lovely although it was a little bit nippy out there. This morning at [inaudible 00:01:11] it was much more comfortable, I will say. But nevertheless it was lovely with much thanks to the human resources department, Val and Peter and their gang and communications, who was great support, Val said, Angela, Teresa and their gang. So with that, once again thanks to staff with other adjectives because I thought about words that we haven't used, which was that you are flexible and showed initiative and creativity. So with those kinds of things we hope will continue in the future and we thank you. And so with that, may I have a motion on the minutes?

Fran Langsner:

I move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Second.

Deborah Coates:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Coates. Any discussion? All in favor?

Deborah Coates:

Aye.

Michael Weinick:

Aye.

B.A. Schoen:

Aye.

Fran Langsner:

Aye.

Larry Greenstein:

Aye.

Eric Schultz:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstained? Minutes are accepted. Dr. Dillon, I will turn it over to you for presentations and discussions and steps and progress reports.

Martin Kaye:

You're on mute.

Susan Bergtraum:

You're on mute, Bob.

Bob Dillon:

Yeah. You sound better on mute. Okay. So tonight's presentation on future Pre-K, many of you probably recall that Lucinda Hurley had taken the Pre-K initiative under her wings and really believe that the Nassau BOCES could be a great help and force behind the Pre-K initiative that would give it some strong recognition and panache. And the BOCES' board agreed to and we have done that and it's moved right along with the Pre-K Regional Technical Advisory Center, RTAC, I think it is. And so there has been some money put in, there's other things going on and Carla is here to talk about what the future Pre-K looks like in our involvement with it. So, Carla, it's all yours.

Carla Theodorou:

All right. Good evening everyone. Give me a second so I can share my screen. Can everybody see that?

Fran Langsner:

Not yet.

Bob Dillon:

Not yet.

Susan Bergtraum:

Not yet.

Carla Theodorou:

Not yet. Well, this is open. The story of my life. Okay share. Can you see it now?

Bob Dillon:

It's like [crosstalk 00:03:55] put something on there it'll work.

Fran Langsner:

[inaudible 00:03:58].

Bob Dillon:

[crosstalk 00:03:58].

Fran Langsner:

[inaudible 00:04:00].

Carla Theodorou:

Wonderful. And I will... Okay. So good evening everyone. The Department of Regional Schools and Instructional Programs is excited to present this update to the board of Nassau BOCES's support of Pre-K and early childhood education on Long Island. As you know Nassau BOCES has been advocating for Pre-K since 2014. Nassau and Suffolk counties are the most underserved regions of New York state with only 10% of four year olds having access to full day Pre-K programs. We believe Pre-K and early childhood education are an important regional economic development matter. We began Nassau BOCES' Pre-K with the Long Island Pre-K initiative, which built the foundation for the development of the Long Island Pre-K Regional Technical Assistance Center or RTAC. Nassau BOCES is recognized as an influential leader for Pre-K and advocates for the Long Island region for Pre-K. The Pre-K initiative supports the publication of all Long Island Pre-K communications including the Pre-K newsletter. Now the Long Island Pre-K Regional Technical Assistance Center, RTAC, has become the umbrella for all of our Pre-K work.

Carla Theodorou:

Engaging in partnership with other childcare advocates we handle operations, budget and grant management for the RTAC. Hold two advisory council informational meetings a year. We have bi-monthly RTAC leadership team meetings and support six subcommittees. The subcommittees are professional development, advocacy, workforce development, higher education, communications and diversity, equity and inclusion. Sorry. Department of RSIP is recommending that Nassau BOCES continue the support for the Long Island Pre-K RTAC. We believe that we have existing budget to support it and our recent annual costs have been approximately 64,000 a year. Most of that covers the expenses of consultants who support technical assistance and operations. We have recognition and reputation statewide to maintain. The RTAC has served as an invaluable communication hub during the pandemic and continue to provide services even when they weren't that much in terms of funding available for districts. We are needed now more than ever as we hear new funding is coming down to [inaudible 00:06:40] in support of Pre-K programs.

Speaker 2:

[inaudible 00:06:45].

Carla Theodorou:

We do have additional funding that we're expecting but there are a lot of unknowns about how that will come to us in what entity, what agency, but we expect upwards of 250. But we have remaining funds from previous grants. We do have money coming from a Long Island Pre-K initiative. We used to gather funds through our conference fees et cetera. So we believe that, well, pending further funding we are able to at least for the coming year support through existing funds that we already have. So how will we get the work done? This is a lot of work that needs to be supported. The RTAC is supported by long serving consultants Barbara Behrens, Adrienne Robb Fund, Sheryl Haimovich and now Betty Holcomb. This team will have Nassau BOCES' email where questions come in through our Technical [inaudible 00:07:51] Center. Sorry. [TAC 00:07:54] was Technical Assistance Center and we forward them to our support team so that they can make sure that the questions and the support are directed to the right people who can support whoever's asking the question. Whether it's coming from a district or community based organization or other entity that's interested in Pre-K work.

Carla Theodorou:

We'll continue to hold RTAC leadership meetings and provide support and direction for the subcommittees, which meets six times. The full membership will meet six times a year. And that includes childcare councils of Nassau and Suffolk, [inaudible 00:08:28] Nassau, Eastern Suffolk and Western Suffolk BOCES, City University of New York, which supervises Long Island Regional Leadership Initiative and the Professional Development Institute as well as the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute. Choice for All is also one of our partners. It's a community organization supporting education, health and income equality. And now I'd like to review the work of our subcommittees one by one. Our first committee Professional Development is overseen by Judy Hynes and with the coordination of Adrian Robb Fund, Sheryl Haimovich and Barbara Behrens. We will be organizing Professional Development Summer Institute and a best practices conference that usually is held on November election day in addition to other workshops as needed and as indicated by the people that are reaching out to us for support.

Carla Theodorou:

Our cost historically for professional development has been covered through the Pre-K budget but we're now working with CIT to make sure that we can provide quality professional development and charge a nominal fee to cover the cost of that professional development. The next subcommittee, advocacy, had been supported for many years by retiree Lucinda Hurley. Tirelessly she's been fighting for Pre-K in Long Island. I will be overseeing the committee and we're going to need to continue to advocate for Pre-K. Even though we've heard funds are coming down, we don't know whether that will be renewable. We don't know... Again, there are many unanswered questions about the funding and how we're going to support Pre-K for the region. We will need to be attending meetings across the region that are interested in supporting early childhood ed. We'll need to meet with opinion leaders and we'll need to participate in statewide advocacy activities whenever we possibly can.

Carla Theodorou:

Our next subcommittee is higher education, which is coordinated by Cristina Medellin, who is an employee of City University of New York, the Regional Leadership and Professional Development Institutes. The committee's work is two-fold. One, to develop leadership for early childhood education. There is a shortage of leadership in this area and there aren't many programs to support it. So working with higher education in the region. And the second part of the work is developing career pathways for early childhood educators. And that would be in partnership with our childcare counselors. The salary range for childcare workers is very low and in order to promote having enough labor we really need to create a pathway that helps people move upward within the field of Early Childhood Education. Our next subcommittee, workforce development, is co-chaired by Cristina Medellin and Claudine Campanelli who is also a member of the Governor's Early Childhood Advisory Council. The committee will focus on addressing labor shortages, developing jobs within Early Childhood Education, supporting better pay for Early Childhood Education staff and developing career pathways.

Carla Theodorou:

And as you can see the committee work overlaps. Communication subcommittee is our most active committee coordinated by Barbara Behrens from Resource Plus, one of our consultants. There's a bi-weekly newsletter. It supports social media, Twitter and all of the communications, flyers et cetera that come out of the Long Island Regional Technical Assistance Center. Finally, our diversity, equity and inclusion subcommittee. The coordinator is Joy Connolly, executive director of Childcare Council of Nassau. This committee informs all other committees on the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion. And they work not only on diversity within the childcare community but within our membership. We need to constantly make sure that we're on the top of our game and embedding this into the work that we do. So what's coming up? When we started this presentation and started preparing to give updates to the board, we had no idea that there was a storm of change coming to us. And it looks like New York state funding is going to be about $32 million in support of Pre-K.

Carla Theodorou:

Again, many unanswered questions about how the funds will come. The RFP isn't out yet for districts to apply for those funds. Money will be allocated between 64 districts to fund 5,200 full-time Pre-K seats. So our Regional Technical Assistance Center will be holding a press conference on April 29th at the Harbor Child Care Center at 2:00 PM. Local legislators, assembly woman [inaudible 00:13:41], Senator Kevin Thomas will be there. And we'll talk about as much as we know as the information comes out. We know that there'll be a lot of questions. We know that the districts will be looking for support. So we're planning a series of round table events to discuss developments as they emerge and other questions from the constituents who are going to be receiving these funds and need support in their childcare programs. And so we basically are going to continue our subcommittee work, monitor developments for district funding, sponsor the round table discussions, provide continued technical support for those who want to support childcare and Pre-K. And finally, we want to continue monitoring New York state and federal developments to see what else is coming down the road for Pre-K. I'm going to stop my share. [inaudible 00:14:39]. And open it up for questions.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Coates. And then Mrs. Langsner.

Deborah Coates:

I've been writing [inaudible 00:14:50] because I have so many questions. But some of them really were answered during the presentation. I know that some districts already have Pre-K, full time Pre-K. Like 5,200 full-time seats that you talked about in the 64 districts, are they for districts that don't already have Pre-K? And how do you see this being available to all students and families on Long Island who would like to avail themselves at full time Pre-K?

Carla Theodorou:

This is a tough question and again we don't know everything about how this money will roll down. The money will fund all the districts. Funding will come to districts that already have Pre-K and to districts that do not have Pre-K. And our emphasis is going to be on the full day programs because we know that that's really what most families need to re-engage in the workforce. One of the big fears and why we really have to push for advocacy is that if it becomes complicated or it looks like the money isn't going to be renewable, many districts may leave that funding sitting if they feel that they're not able to launch a Pre-K program. And our job as the RTAC is to make sure that as many districts can avail themselves and increase the number of Pre-K seats on Long Island.

Carla Theodorou:

I don't think we're anywhere near the end of the battle for Pre-K for everyone but at least we have a light there that we can look to and hopefully with the support that we can provide encourage the districts to promote Pre-K as much as they can. And it's a challenge. There are a lot of challenges in terms of space. The funding may not be enough for the costs that they are going to have to bear to do this. And many of them will need support. We're going to try to bring those people who have been successful to the round table discussions to talk about what they did or how they got their Pre-K programs in place and share expertise around the region with our childcare councils, with the districts who have been able to successfully open Pre-K.

Deborah Coates:

Great. Thank you, Carla.

Susan Bergtraum:

Fran.

Fran Langsner:

Oh okay. Yeah, I just wanted to say I get the regular update, the email from the Pre-K initiative and it's all very interesting. Sometimes I forward it to my own kids who have children that age and they enjoy receiving it. Now these are my questions, I'm assuming that we're talking about Pre-K not 3-K like in New York City. This is only for four year olds.

Carla Theodorou:

Right now it's Pre-K. That's why I'm saying we're really at the beginning of the journey. The funding and again, a lot of unknowns. I may stand corrected [inaudible 00:17:37] RFP comes out but from what we've heard it's for full day Pre-Kindergarten four year olds-

Fran Langsner:

[crosstalk 00:17:44].

Carla Theodorou:

We would love it if more funding came down for 3-K and if it was more universally available for [crosstalk 00:17:51]. Because Long Island it's shocking actually how behind this region is in terms of getting support for Pre-K.

Fran Langsner:

Right. And as far as some of the unknowns, yes, we've heard that there's funding going to be coming now but we don't know that that will be sustained. And so for districts that are thinking about this possibility, they may be saying to themselves, "Well, what do I tell my community if I initiate this and then two years from now there is no funding?" You can't put the toothpaste back in the tube, so what do you do for those families or for your community? Because those kids will be out but still, like you said, there are so many unknowns.

Carla Theodorou:

We're hoping that when the information is released that we'll get a little bit better sense that this is something that can be sustainable. That's the hope and we have to keep pushing for that moving forward.

Fran Langsner:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Kaye, Mr. Schultz, as I saw and then Mr. Greenstein.

Martin Kaye:

Carla, about 10 years ago our agency had a early childhood program and it went by the wayside because of... It was an instructional program we lost enrollment. But the reason we lost enrollment was primarily due to the lack of adequate funding. The formulas were against us. It was a losing proposition. But this approach that you're talking about a decade later, I'm understanding is more focused towards assisting, advising, counseling, helping those districts that wish to get into a Pre-K program. And they're the ones now that have to monitor and watch Albany and Washington in terms of getting the allotments they need to continue with successful early childhood program. What do you think? Do you think... I know you can't be a genie and look at it but without a flush of money how are we going to continue effectively work with districts helping them in professional development, advertising, public relations? How are we going to effectively help them if we look at the program as being tottering and not viable?

Carla Theodorou:

Well, we do hope for more funding but even during the time, over this past decade when there wasn't much funding, the RTAC existed as a really important communications hub. Over the pandemic there was a lot of support. They were frontline workers that had childcare provided the partnership and the knowledge base of all of these organizations that are collaborating together. We're just the custodians, so to speak. It doesn't belong to us. We have the childcare councils, we have the other BOCES, we have other CBOs there and each one of them has a vast amount of knowledge in their area. And so what happens is when a question comes in, maybe it's a question that the childcare councils can help with or maybe it's a question that another district that has expertise can help with, we serve as that communications hub. And have been able to provide support, maybe not in successfully getting Pre-K programs open but keeping the advocacy, the channels of communication, keeping that seed alive to keep pushing. And we want to develop even further to keep this region unified in the pursuit of Pre-K.

Martin Kaye:

Last question, when will we get a sense of which districts are going to be opening programs in September one?

Carla Theodorou:

I think we're going to work through the round table discussions and through the questions that come in through the Pre-K RTAC email. We're going to get a better idea of what questions the districts have or what they need. And then we're going to have to just tackle what we can do best to get them connected to the right resources that will help them do that. But again, many unknown questions about this funding and what the restrictions and parameters and even the source. Is it going to be LIHSA funding? Is it going to be LCFS funding? We don't know any of that yet. So I think the round table discussions are going to be us trying to gather up what people need to know and then keep our ear to the ground as the information comes out of the state.

Martin Kaye:

Thank you, Carla.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schultz.

Eric Schultz:

Yeah. Marty took one of my questions because great minds think alike. The 32 million that's for all of Long Island, correct?

Carla Theodorou:

I believe it's for the state, [crosstalk 00:22:47] be wrong.

Eric Schultz:

The entire state.

Carla Theodorou:

Yeah.

Eric Schultz:

But we don't know what portion we're going to get. Does this include, BOCES programs included?

Carla Theodorou:

This is two districts. So the listing that I've seen is a specific monetary amount that was allocated to each district. And I believe that that's not the end of it. This is just what we're first hearing. I believe that there'll be more funding and more information about how it's directed. But right now it's directed to districts who maybe need help because they may not have the space. They may not feel that that's enough. They may need to partner with the CBR as they did in the city. A lot of those Pre-K programs ended up being located outside of the city school buildings and at other places. So again, we don't know all the answers. I wish I could answer everything but we're hoping there's more to come and in terms of funding as well.

Eric Schultz:

From your lips to God's ears. You talked a little bit about some positions you were trying to fill. You talked about childcare workers as an entry level position. What specifically is that job title? What are you looking for?

Carla Theodorou:

We know through the newsletter because we asked childcare providers can post when they have vacancies and we work with the childcare counselors. And what we know is that many of these people are making minimum wage and have very limited benefits. And so the idea is that if we can help advocate for better salaries and perhaps micro-credentials where people can move upward in the childcare field. And we talked about a lack of leadership even at the top for people who are... Those ones that were going to be the innovators to supervise and manage a program. There isn't a lot of support in the region. There aren't even a lot of higher ed programs for Early Childhood Education on Long Island. That's what the higher ed committee is looking into. So if we want to have Pre-K it's not just about having the money, we actually have to have the people who can deliver the services. And right now it's not like everybody's running to become a childcare provider or Pre-K. Even the teaching profession has taken a big hit.

Eric Schultz:

So these entry level positions are really just the low level assistance.

Carla Theodorou:

[crosstalk 00:25:16]. Mm-hmm (affirmative)-

Eric Schultz:

[crosstalk 00:25:17]-

Carla Theodorou:

... we're talking about childcare and Pre-K but there's a shortage and a lot of people who have the right credentials to work are working in the city right now when they expanded universal Pre-K. So we're going to have a labor shortage. Even if we have money for Pre-K we have to understand that we need the workers as well.

Eric Schultz:

Okay. Thank you.

Bob Dillon:

If I can add, our role in this is advocacy. We don't educate the children but the fact that if Nassau BOCES is involved and they would need a press conference, people will come to the press conference. If we need legislators to get behind it and Nassau BOCES is behind it, legislators will come and support it. That's our role with this. Again, we don't have programs for it. The money doesn't come to BOCES. But we've come to learn in service agencies it's a benevolent program. We provide this service as a benevolent program where people can benefit from it. And we have some indirect benefit because we're out there, our name is out there and it's something that's very positive and needs the support, if it's going to advance. And that's primarily what we do.

Carla Theodorou:

Mm-hmm (affirmative).

Susan Bergtraum:

Larry.

Bob Dillon:

Thank you, Carla.

Larry Greenstein:

Thank you. I certainly understand the labor shortage and everything else regionally. It's really hard to live on Long Island and work in one of those jobs because there's only one way in here. We don't have a lot of other areas to draw on. So certainly to have a sustainable program we need enough funding to actually pay people a living wage. But my question is, how do we deal with all the private pre-schools? Are they part of this or are they totally separate? When you say 10% of the people are in Pre-K, does that include the people who go to the private Pre-Ks or are they a different group?

Carla Theodorou:

Again, we're not delivering those services, we're trying to support the entities that do. And it includes all forms of Pre-K because what ends up happening is like the place where we're having our press conferences in Mineola and it's a childcare center. So the districts will collaborate with other private entities or CBOs to deliver services. And yes, the numbers that I said include all Pre-K seats.

Larry Greenstein:

Well, thanks.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

The Harbor Daycare that you mentioned is that the one where [inaudible 00:27:56].

Carla Theodorou:

I actually do not know and I would have to defer to either-

Michael Weinick:

I was just curious, that's [inaudible 00:28:04].

Carla Theodorou:

Actually Angela has been helping us out with setting up the communications for that press conference. She may actually know who's running it but I don't.

Angella Marshall:

It's the Harbor Child Care on the Mineola School District Campus. I believe it's on Jackson Avenue. And Florence Barbour is the executive director. I don't know who the director of that specific center is. We're dealing with Florence.

Michael Weinick:

Thank you.

Angella Marshall:

Mm-hmm (affirmative).

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

So in terms of the staffing issue, how does our CTE early childhood program for students at Barry Tech, our own students, how do they fit into this picture?

Carla Theodorou:

That's exactly the point is programs like that are the ones that create the interest and the career pathway. So they may start with us. They may go into a college afterwards and continue to pursue Early Childhood Education as a profession. And as I said, we have to help promote that interest. So it is potentially our students could feed into these programs eventually once they get further education.

Fran Langsner:

I would think so. And I would think that they would be very valuable because of the kind of training they get from us.

Carla Theodorou:

Mm-hmm (affirmative). Yeah.

Susan Bergtraum:

Any other questions? If not, the presentation was thoughtful and informative and-

Carla Theodorou:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

... [inaudible 00:29:45] and my final would be and good luck because [inaudible 00:29:50]. Or let me rephrase that. I want to say make sure that everybody keeps their fingers crossed. How's that for...

Carla Theodorou:

Yeah.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. Right. So thank you so much. Dr. Dillon.

Bob Dillon:

I think we're moving on to the agenda now.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Okay. May I have a motion for the consent agenda?

Fran Langsner:

I move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Second.

Deborah Coates:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Coates. Is there any discussion, anything that you want pulled, discussed? Seeing nobody. All in favor?

Deborah Coates:

Aye.

Martin Kaye:

Aye.

Larry Greenstein:

Aye.

B.A. Schoen:

Aye.

Fran Langsner:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstained? Okay. Motion passes. Additional agenda items, approval of consultant contract over $2,000 a day. May I have a motion?

B.A. Schoen:

I'll move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mr. Schoen. Second?

Deborah Coates:

Second.

Larry Greenstein:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Coates. Any discussion? All in favor?

Martin Kaye:

Aye.

Fran Langsner:

Aye.

Deborah Coates:

Aye.

B.A. Schoen:

Aye.

Larry Greenstein:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed?

Michael Weinick:

Opposed.

Susan Bergtraum:

Abstentions? Thank you. May I have a motion on the approval of consultant contract special aid funds over $2,000 a day?

Deborah Coates:

[inaudible 00:31:16].

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Coates.

B.A. Schoen:

[crosstalk 00:31:19].

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mr. Schoen. Any discussion? All in favor?

Fran Langsner:

Aye.

Deborah Coates:

Aye.

B.A. Schoen:

Aye.

Larry Greenstein:

Aye.

Michael Weinick:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Okay. Is there any-

Eric Schultz:

Susan.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes.

Eric Schultz:

I don't know if anybody else [inaudible 00:31:36] under information further, I was unable to access the monthly enrollment or the bi-annual board report.

Susan Bergtraum:

Really?

Eric Schultz:

Am I the only one?

Martin Kaye:

No it's...

Michael Weinick:

I opened it.

Fran Langsner:

[crosstalk 00:31:49].

Deborah Coates:

I have it.

Eric Schultz:

Really? I'll try again.

Martin Kaye:

[crosstalk 00:31:53].

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. All right. Are there any other questions on the information items? Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

Can I just ask Tony on your facilities update, I always enjoy reading it. Now that they've decided that students can be three feet apart, is that posing any issue for you guys? I haven't really seen a classroom. We tried to look in where we were all presenting awards, but is that an issue for you guys?

Anthony Fierro:

No, we haven't had any issue as at this point. We'll work with the programs and whatever assistance that the programs need in making their classrooms work we'll help them out just like we did when we had to keep everyone six feet apart. So we'll certainly work with the programs and whatever they need we're there to help them out. So I don't see that being an issue.

Deborah Coates:

Right. Everybody's been doing such a great job. Everything looked great. And then we were just over at a couple of buildings doing the [inaudible 00:33:00] awards and just got to see some of it a little bit and everything looked great. Guys [crosstalk 00:33:07], everybody.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else? Okay. With that we will move on to the superintendent's report. Dr. Dillon.

Bob Dillon:

Just a couple of items. It looks we have the unofficial tally from the budget vote and [inaudible 00:33:26]. Congratulations to the three trustees. It appears they unanimously elected the budget, unanimously passing. We're just waiting for a couple more districts to come in. So we're very thankful about that. We thank our component districts for that. Just a couple of other items. At the federal level, you were all aware of the unaccompanied minors that are on the border or in Texas at the moment. You probably remember what happened years ago. Many of those children were placed in our area. As a result of the act we're trying to pick some proactive action in starting a conversation with a couple of our congress people, Garbarino and Tom Suozzi in the next week or so. And the districts who had been affected in the past have been invited to have a conversation with our congress people and hopefully say, "Hey look, let's not get caught [inaudible 00:34:21] before and have the proper resources when these children are placed in our area.

Bob Dillon:

So that's coming down the road. And another one that's just happened today, for those of you who've been on the board for many years, we know that at BOCES sometimes we are hamstrung by boards or administrations not letting kids come into our program. Well, I'm happy to announce that today we received a copy of a bill introduced by Dave McDonough, the idea that would let kids when they apply at least go through the process to get into BOCES. So I'm very happy about that. For those who've been around a while, this is a long time incoming. We do have a sponsor, a verbal commitment from John Brooks in the Senate. So we have the senate from the education committee sponsoring it. David McDonough is on the education committee also. So the good news is we have this. It's a major start for us. The bad news is we have, as [inaudible 00:35:27] said, "Miles to go before we sleep. Miles to go before we sleep." And now the work begins.

Bob Dillon:

And so we're going to put a tremendous amount of our energy into painting the necessary support from the various groups. This will not be an easy fight. There are some groups within our educational family that may not be supportive of this. But it's our job to make them see the error of their ways. And hopefully we can wrap this up. We only have six to eight weeks to get this done before the session ends. So I'm confident that with our resources that we have at Nassau BOCES, with the board's networking among their colleagues and the networking among the ministry and other stakeholder groups, we can put this together. So there'll be more to come with that but it's a very promising initiative, Mike.

Michael Weinick:

In case anybody missed it, Senator Brooks and some [inaudible 00:36:23] they both represent the Merrick area. So I just want to point that out.

Bob Dillon:

Yeah. Mike, I know you're friends with John Brooks. So I figured [inaudible 00:36:34] liaison.

Michael Weinick:

It happens to be both of them, happens to be very good friends of education. And every time I talk to them they're really on our side. They love BOCES-

Fran Langsner:

That's good.

Michael Weinick:

... and they really work well for us.

Bob Dillon:

And that's true. John and Dave, both very supportive of our program. [crosstalk 00:36:54]. Go ahead.

Eric Schultz:

[inaudible 00:36:56]. With regard to the meeting on the unaccompanied minors, is the state going to be involved in that? Because the state put [inaudible 00:37:07] in a horrible position last year. It was disgusting what they did to them.

Bob Dillon:

Yeah. I agree with you, Eric. And there has been some initial conversation with some state people and there's going to be follow up with state legislators also. But when you go to the state legislators today they go, "It's the feds that didn't do anything." So we're going to try to get them all in one room.

Eric Schultz:

But just somebody from SED, to be down there.

Bob Dillon:

Well, they claimed that they have no power. What can I tell you?

Eric Schultz:

They can at least be in on the conversation.

Bob Dillon:

I understand they tried to initiate a conversation, didn't get anywhere. I think we have gotten further than they have but I know Monday and Tuesday I have a district superintendents meeting and this will be a topic will be [inaudible 00:37:53] because it's not only here it's in other parts of the state also.

Eric Schultz:

[inaudible 00:37:56]. Thank you.

Bob Dillon:

Thank you that-

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Well, Bob, can I make a suggestion? When these bills are promoted, a good partner might be the PTAs because-

Bob Dillon:

[crosstalk 00:38:12] we've already got them on our list. We have [crosstalk 00:38:15]. We have Nassau and we have the state. [crosstalk 00:38:18] and other people. This is going to be a full press as far as all the stakeholder groups.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right PTA is representing the parents. It is to their benefit for this to happen.

Bob Dillon:

[crosstalk 00:38:35] education coalition [inaudible 00:38:37] association, everybody that we've been associated with in the last five years.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okie dokie. Good. Good. Good.

Bob Dillon:

[crosstalk 00:38:48].

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Okay-

Fran Langsner:

[crosstalk 00:38:52] hand up [inaudible 00:38:53].

Susan Bergtraum:

[inaudible 00:38:53]. B.A. Mr. Schoen.

B.A. Schoen:

Dr. Dillon had mentioned that it's going to be at other parts of the state. I think you should contact Jay Worona, the chief counsel for the New York State School Boards Association. He seems to be developing a pretty good working relationship with SED and he might be able to explain to them that they do have some authority.

Bob Dillon:

Yeah.

B.A. Schoen:

And it's not something... We have had directors check-ins recently and this is not a topic that has come up. So I'm going to try the School Boards Association to this and I'd appreciate it if you would as well.

Bob Dillon:

Okay. B.A, can I ask you a favor now?

B.A. Schoen:

Sure.

Bob Dillon:

I've had discussions with other groups like school board and superintendents group. And to a person they support it as an organization they're not that really bondable. And the basic reason if they look at their membership and they say, "Well, my membership supports it." And remember this is something to make [inaudible 00:40:08] district some money. They may not be happy about it. Individually they may say, "Hey, it's a great idea but not for my district." And I'm [inaudible 00:40:16] which is up until today, the primary stumbling block was to try to gather support from stakeholder groups. You know what I'm doing? I'm going into their kitchen. I don't want other people in my kitchen. They don't want me in their kitchen. They don't want me to spending their money. Okay. And we're going to look at this as an equity issue. We're going to look at this as an opportunity issue. We're looking at it because BOCES doesn't... Isn't ruled by Zip Code. Everyone who comes to BOCES gets a fair shot. We're looking at this for opportunities for kids who may not have opportunities. That's the role we're going to play and try to overcome that.

Bob Dillon:

But I know what you're saying B.A. I've had conversations with people from school boards couple of years ago and it's like, "Yeah, Bob, it's an idea that hasn't come yet." I think we will get to them. But going back to Susan's point, I happen to believe our strongest advocates will be the PTA membership. And if we can bring PTA membership then I think we have a better opportunity or a greater likelihood that I can get groups like school boards and council superintendents and other groups, other stakeholder groups to support it. But right now I tread slowly. Because one of the things in talking to a friend of mine who happens to be very savvy in political lobbying, one may say one of these groups will submarine it. So we're moving within our family here at Nassau BOCES. We'll work within our strongest supporting group, which I happen to believe, as Susan said, it's PTA. And then we'll work with other groups that like the Long Island Association and other groups that support and advocate for opportunity for kids. That's what I would say today.

Susan Bergtraum:

Michael. Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

Would you like me to contact [inaudible 00:42:20] or Nassau [inaudible 00:42:21] school boards?

Bob Dillon:

[inaudible 00:42:23] that call for me.

Michael Weinick:

[inaudible 00:42:25] number.

Bob Dillon:

You'd make that call, right? You guys if you want coffee tomorrow, won't you?

Michael Weinick:

[inaudible 00:42:31].

Eric Schultz:

Let's move on.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mr. Schultz.

Bob Dillon:

[inaudible 00:42:36].

Susan Bergtraum:

Moving right along. Mrs. Nolan, are there any citizen that wants to be heard?

Joyce Nolan:

No. No, ma'am.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Then I will move on to old business. Is there any old business? Yes, Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

Not really sure if this is old business but the virtual gala that Theresa Schaefer and Angela and the communications department put together, everybody did a fabulous job. I watched it. It was a great job. And the other part was going to... I only was able to get to two of the [inaudible 00:43:24] award winners but also a wonderful program put together by the communications department and Theresa Schaefer. And I wanted to thank them for all of that.

Susan Bergtraum:

And I think the rest of us who have done that would echo your appreciation. Mr. Schoen.

B.A. Schoen:

Well, to add on to what Mrs. Coates said, it was an opportunity for us to be reminded of the breadth of the services that we provide. I was fortunate enough to make several of those presentations and it's always an honor to do it. And it's a nice pat on the back to see how appreciative people are of the agency and the services that we provide. Sometimes we lose focus about how diverse our mission is and the two things that Debbie was talking about, the gala and the [inaudible 00:44:36] awards, didn't go into our back office and some of our buildings functions that the public, again, doesn't realize we're doing. But they make a big part of our effort. So I enjoy the exercise myself.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

Yeah. Not only kudos to the staff [inaudible 00:45:02] from [inaudible 00:45:02] communications office that did such a phenomenal job setting both of these events up, but I'd also like to take a moment to particularly name some of our staff that received the awards at the gala, virtually as opposed to in person. But we certainly want to send out very best to Chris Korolczuk, Patrick Silvestri, James Widmer and of course, Eric Schultz for being honored on this occasion.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mr. Weinick. And congratulations Mr. Schultz. Well deserved.

Eric Schultz:

And Mr. Widmer.

Deborah Coates:

Mr. Widmer.

Susan Bergtraum:

And Mr... Nothing like stepping in. Just thank you, Mr. Schultz for... Yes. Okay. Any other old business? Seeing none let's move on to-

B.A. Schoen:

[crosstalk 00:45:55].

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes. Sure-

B.A. Schoen:

[crosstalk 00:45:58].

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes, Mr. Schoen.

B.A. Schoen:

Mr. Schultz managed to last another year. His birthday.

Bob Dillon:

[inaudible 00:46:09].

Eric Schultz:

[crosstalk 00:46:10].

Bob Dillon:

[crosstalk 00:46:12] his brother.

Eric Schultz:

It was yesterday but thank you B.A. Yeah that's true.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes. Let us not retrace those steps-

Fran Langsner:

[inaudible 00:46:23] birthday is the 21st?

Eric Schultz:

Yeah and so Thank you B.A. for your [crosstalk 00:46:29]-

Fran Langsner:

So is my younger son. My younger son's birthday is the 21st.

Eric Schultz:

So is Queen Elizabeth but she's unavailable.

Deborah Coates:

My grandson is the 21st also.

Fran Langsner:

Okay.

B.A. Schoen:

[inaudible 00:46:43].

Bob Dillon:

Susan, before we leave we should acknowledge Theresa Schaefer who was instrumental on these events with the [inaudible 00:46:54] awards and the [inaudible 00:46:55] awards, did the filming-

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes. I was going to do that a new but okay.

Bob Dillon:

... [crosstalk 00:46:58].

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes, absolutely. A job more than well done and I think nobody, even if you've seen her working, really knows how much work goes into it and how much time it takes. And yes, maybe we should send her a thank you. It really has been an extraordinary effort on her part, especially because of the numeral places she's had to go. It's hard enough when we're all in one spot and it's being done but traveling from one location to the other-

Deborah Coates:

And she had COVID in the middle of everything.

Susan Bergtraum:

I know. That's right. Don't even... So yes. Yes. Okay. New business. Before we go into what was actually on agenda let's do other new business before. So Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

Okay. So this is not our issue but it does impact a number of our component districts. In the late 80s or early 90s the law was changed so that there would be same day voting for school board elections. And with that legislation, there was the recognition that if the date coincided with a religious holiday those districts that felt they would be impacted could petition the state to have the date changed. And that happened sporadically. And this year it did happen that there is a major religious holiday that coincides with the polls on March 18. And some districts have petitioned the state for that change and they've received it. But there are any number of districts who don't have a significant enough population that really would be impacted to consider that petition.

Fran Langsner:

And it turns out that religious observance is not reason to obtain an absentee ballot. So it occurred to me that perhaps that's something that would be worthy of a resolution from NYSSBA because it doesn't happen that often but for people who live in a district where that petition is never going to take place they're essentially disenfranchised. And I just thought that this is something that needs to change. And I know one district in particular didn't realize that there was a date by which they had to petition and they missed it but they were granted an extension and they did get their date changed. But it's a hardship, I think, for districts to have to go through that process when an absentee ballot would do the same thing much easier. I just was bringing that up and I didn't know if anybody wanted to comment or had any other experience with it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schoen.

B.A. Schoen:

Well, I think you make a good point, Fran. And the resolutions kit just came out from NYSSBA. [inaudible 00:50:24] from [inaudible 00:50:24] is the area 11 representative on that committee. And I absolutely agree with you. I think the whole idea of absentee ballot availability for school board elections is one that really should be addressed. But this one in particular people shouldn't have to choose between which right they have. We have the right of religious observance and we have the right to vote. They should never be in conflict with each other. So if you don't... I'll email you the packet if you want. And I'll give you a [crosstalk 00:51:07]. What's that Mike?

Michael Weinick:

No, I just said it was sent to all school board members-

B.A. Schoen:

Everybody get it?

Michael Weinick:

Yes, I got it.

Fran Langsner:

But I have another follow-up to it. Since it really doesn't impact BOCES directly, would the resolution be better off coming from a component district or do you think that we could present it?

Michael Weinick:

Yeah, we can present it and just get support from other districts and have them sign on it. You can have other districts sign onto it but we can certainly... We see a problem and we're addressing it-

Fran Langsner:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. And if this board is willing to do it then why don't we do it sooner rather than later. So that then it's always more impressive if you've got districts who are supporting it. And if we can get districts that all they have to do is support it.

Fran Langsner:

Yeah [inaudible 00:52:02].

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah. All right. So then-

B.A. Schoen:

Yes. We can submit the resolution.

Fran Langsner:

Okay.

B.A. Schoen:

And we can also make Nassau and Suffolk school boards aware of the issue. And I would also contact [inaudible 00:52:23] so that she can advocate for it so that she understands what it is so that she's on that committee and she can advocate for our resolution and hopefully get it to be a resolution recommended for adoption.

Fran Langsner:

Right-

B.A. Schoen:

And there's those overwhelming [crosstalk 00:52:44] adopted.

Fran Langsner:

And what's interesting is that the new date that the districts who applied for the change, the election was pushed back a week. So that falls on another religious holiday.

Susan Bergtraum:

Totally from a different religion.

Fran Langsner:

From a different religion.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. So here would be, I think my suggestion is that we, and Fran if you want to... I'm going to tell you I will help you. If anybody else wants to help write this, just let us know. And then sometimes the best thing to do after we have whatever draft of it we have, Jay Worona always says, if we pass it by them, they can help if they think there's something about it that is either problematic or whatever, they'll help refine it. So the sooner we do that the better. So anybody who's interested will just get in touch with Fran or me and we will hop on it.

Fran Langsner:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay?

Fran Langsner:

[crosstalk 00:53:52].

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. The foundation report.

Michael Weinick:

Yeah, a brief one. First of all, the gala video will be up for several months or possibly even a year. So I strongly suggest to get the word out if anybody hasn't viewed it, you got to take your time and look at that. We did have a meeting the other day, the golf outing over the summer is in doubt. And the problem with it is that the golf places are asking for $40 to $50 more per person, possibly making it cost prohibitive. And on top of that the pandemic is still with us and we are very concerned that there might be quite a few people that are uncomfortable not only playing off but being in for a luncheon, a dinner, things of that sort. And we stand to lose quite a bit of money if we go ahead with it and then cancel a week or two weeks before that. So we're still investigating it. They're looking at prices. They're seeing what kind of deals that they can get so it's not a done deal yet.

Michael Weinick:

The next thing that was discussed briefly was foundation people will be talking to building principals, executive directors and other people in terms of the dues checkoff that we instituted a year or two ago to get the staff at BOCES to support the foundation in any way. So that'll be in the works as another means of raising money which we did go through. The foundation went through quite a bit of money this year with the pandemic between the Chromebooks, food courts, internet and various other things that children needed in order to get by. And the next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 25th.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Mr. Greenstein.

Larry Greenstein:

Yeah. Mike, I don't know how this all operates but have you looked at any of the publicly owned courses which may be more agreeable to giving us a discount?

Michael Weinick:

Yes and we liked.

Larry Greenstein:

Okay [crosstalk 00:56:06] decided to bring it up.

Michael Weinick:

Yeah. Including Stoneridge which we've used for a number of years already. Golf has become a very big thing because it's outdoors and the number of people that are using the courses. So they're not interested in giving anything away-

Larry Greenstein:

Right. You've tried [inaudible 00:56:27]?

Michael Weinick:

I haven't myself. I don't know who they've been going to. But they've gone to a good half dozen and they're still looking at some others, including public ones.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else? Okay. So the final item for new business, which we had discussed at the last meeting and we said we would put on the agenda is a board retreat that we had as a group said that we thought would be a good idea. And now it's refining what kinds of issues we want to speak to, whether it's only with the board, whether it's part of the time only with the board and part of the time with cabinet. So those are the kinds of things that we should discuss now. What I'm not sure, Bob, did everybody get... I know you wrote to New York State School Boards, correct?

Bob Dillon:

No, they wrote to me.

Susan Bergtraum:

They wrote to you. All right. So we haven't reached out to them?

Bob Dillon:

No.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. All right. So then it's not quite as... Obviously New York State School Boards if we wanted to use a facilitator, that is one place to go. But I think even before we get there I do recall Marty had issues that he wanted to bring up. And so I think now because there is more time we ought to just brainstorm what kinds of things we want to discuss. And then we can decide the forum and when and how long. Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

I know it sounds crazy but the biggest problem with that half is coming up with a date. So I'd almost suggest that we try and choose a date and then go backwards on what the change is going to be and exactly where it's going to be. But the date is going to be very [crosstalk 00:58:32].

Susan Bergtraum:

And you're absolutely right. All right. Before we tend to that, Mrs. Coates is this on that kind of...

Deborah Coates:

Yes. [crosstalk 00:58:44] I wanted to say that I read over the New York State School Boards pamphlet and I thought it was great. And one of the things that I feel very strongly about is that we have a facilitator. I don't know if everyone agrees with that but I thought that that was an important thing to do.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. And again, that was one of the things and I'm seeing heads nodding yes. So if there's somebody who, without putting anybody on the spot but then you could change everybody's mind, if there's somebody that doesn't want to have... There have been times when we said we didn't want a facilitator. And there are times when you don't need one and there are times that certainly it helps. So if in fact everybody's in agreement or however you want to put it because, again, I'm seeing yes to having a facilitator so if there's somebody that would like even just to be a devil's advocate to say no. I don't think we need one. Let's have that discussion. Mr. Kaye was your hand up for that?

Martin Kaye:

I have no problem with the facilitator. However, I do like the idea of having some kinds of four or five points set agenda of topics that we need to discuss that are policymaking that are futuristic in terms of what we are planning as an agency. That perhaps a facilitator can help move us through together as the correct strategy for a board this experienced to handle something like that vis-a-vis the superintendent sitting with us at the meeting. [crosstalk 01:00:35].

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So you just took us to the next step-

Martin Kaye:

[crosstalk 01:00:38] come up Susan with five points with five agenda items and I can flash them out and if we want to look at them and we can decide that maybe the next meeting [crosstalk 01:00:53].

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. Okay. So again, if we are in agreement to get a facilitator and then the next step would be are we comfortable and in agreement that New York State School Boards would be a place to go for one and we don't have to go looking anywhere else. They will for sure... Look, they have... For a board that says we need a retreat and we don't know, they can come up with ideas. I don't think that... We will tell them what our needs are. And they will then take our lead and work with us on what we say we want to work on as opposed to board governance or whatever, which is not the kinds of things that I know last time we were not looking at. So let me just... And I'm going back to what Michael said, we need to set a date. So we'll go right back to that. Michael, do you want to interrupt before?

Michael Weinick:

Well, I just wanted to say that I saw the thing from New York State School Boards and it really sounded very nice but I'm not prepared at this point to say I want to go in that direction. There are other people out there. Defer to the superintendent and maybe other board members who know of facilitators. There could be other people as long as it's not Dr. Jorgensen. As I said, school boards are good, they're fine, but I don't want to commit to them unless we know of other things-

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. So then what I would ask [crosstalk 01:02:38] Eric, just one thing so that we don't cut something else. All right so we know that one of the places to go is New York State School boards. If anybody else has any other suggestions of somebody or some other organization that might have a facilitator then let us know and then we can discuss that. If nobody comes up with anything, then we know where we're going. Mr. Schultz.

Eric Schultz:

Yeah. Michael touched on it a little bit.

B.A. Schoen:

[inaudible 01:03:07].

Eric Schultz:

And over the years all of us have been through numerous board retreats. Retreat is not a word I like because it's... I think we need to establish, and Marty hit on it also, what is our objective. Because board member retreats a lot of times talks about governance and how the board deals with each other. That you may have fractured boards. You may have boards that don't know... Have too many new members need to do operational things. I don't think we need that. And it's going to be tough to get someone just to come in, a facilitator, and talk about conceptually what it is we as a board want to accomplish with our administrators. A number of years ago, we had what I thought was one of the best retreats we ever had. And I think maybe Tony Fierro, Tony you may be the only one who was there, maybe not and maybe John was still here. We had our administrators there. We had a cabinet there and the superintendents. And there was an interaction between the parties in which we got to know them a little better, they got to know us a little better.

Eric Schultz:

And out of that flowed some ideas as to what we needed, what kind of direction we wanted to go through. And I found that to be enormously beneficial not only to the board but to administration so that they understood how we operated. They see us once a month or twice a month. Some of them see us... Well, they used to see us at events, not anymore. But it was a great tool, even if it's only for half the day but it was a great tool to allow us to get ideas from staff, get ideas from our directors as to where they see issues. Now, of course, all that needs to eventually filter up through to the superintendent. In my mind I'm not certain what kind of facilitator I would want. School boards always reminds me of the basic introductory courses as to how a board operates. I don't know that I've ever really seen anything more in depth than that. But I will recommend to my colleagues that we consider having at least maybe a morning session with members of the cabinet and Bob can lead that in terms of how we do that, what kind of discussions. There was one portion of that in which a cabinet member and a board member had to go for a walk. I don't know if anybody was there who remembers it-

Deborah Coates:

[crosstalk 01:06:20].

Susan Bergtraum:

We were there.

Eric Schultz:

It was marvelous because I went for a walk with, I won't name people but two people who I'd never really spoken to outside of the district, outside of a meeting [inaudible 01:06:33]. And it was wonderful to get more of appreciation as to what they did, where they came from and what their ideas were.

Bob Dillon:

Who was the facilitator for that?

Susan Bergtraum:

Was it Bob Jorgenson?

Eric Schultz:

It was. Yeah. Yeah it was.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah. Well that's why I said at the very beginning, what kind of retreat... And forget what we're calling it. We know what we need and what we want. So I'm calling it a retreat and you called it a retreat Eric, even though. So we know what we or we will know...

Eric Schultz:

I mean I look at a retreat and I think of a spa and [crosstalk 01:07:08].

Susan Bergtraum:

So then we'll call it... I'm calling it a retreat because I can't think of a better word. Come up with a better word, fine. But that's why I said at the beginning to talk about whether or not we wanted staff to be involved in. And yes, I would agree with you. I think there are enough new staff members or there are more new staff members now than long term, not calling anybody old, who we have not had that ability to interact with at the same level. I think only because... Well, we'll see how time goes. We have several directions. I'm going back to Michael's suggestion about the date so that we don't forget it. And then our homework will be to come up with issues that we want to discuss, come up with a consensus on whether we want a full day. I don't even mean a full day. Or just board because, again, I haven't heard from everybody. Maybe there are people who feel they really just need it to be the board right now. Or those of us who feel... Yes, Bob.

Bob Dillon:

Before we get way ahead of ourselves, there are a couple of things I think we have to look at. Right now we can't meet in a large group. We'd have to find a facility where we could all be spread out. And particularly if you want the cabinet there I can't envision a room big enough that we have to find a spot that we'd have to rent out for that. So I think we should look to see when this COVID thing becomes manageable. In the interim, there are numerous self-evaluation tools out there, generic tools that we could have for school boards that maybe we could share and the board fills it out. Then it may narrow down the areas that you'd like to go into. But right now to say, "Pick a date." Well, I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know when...

Bob Dillon:

This COVID thing has been a moving target the whole time. So I think you can do it. You can't guarantee anything because everything changes. So my suggestion is I like the idea, hold off on it until COVID changes. But in the interim let's get a self-evaluation for board members, a couple of them, pick out what you like, work it with... Among yourselves and then come up with... Maybe it will narrow down four or five things you want to really discuss and then find out someone who has an expertise in that area. And maybe you can [inaudible 01:09:56].

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

I just wanted to say no matter how you define or interpret the word retreat it's well understood as a term that's sanctioned for boards to meet not in public. So I think using the word retreat, no matter what we think of it, is a good word for us to use because the legality of having a board retreat is set in place where we wouldn't have to call it something else that someone could say, "Well, why are you meeting all of you and not in public?" The other thing, I was wondering if will our old Brookfield property be a place that we could meet outdoors and [crosstalk 01:10:53]-

Bob Dillon:

Well, you'll be outdoors. Tony, right? You'll be outdoors if you made it Brookville, right?

Fran Langsner:

Oh yeah.

Eric Schultz:

What's the name of the park?-

Anthony Fierro:

[crosstalk 01:11:00]. Caumsett.

Eric Schultz:

Caumsett. That's where-

Anthony Fierro:

[crosstalk 01:11:06] we met before.

Martin Kaye:

Yes.

Anthony Fierro:

But we were in these summer cottage at that time which we don't have that facility anymore-

B.A. Schoen:

But we still have all those canoes.

Anthony Fierro:

Yeah.

Susan Bergtraum:

This is [crosstalk 01:11:20].

Deborah Coates:

I believe that in that information sent to us from NYSSBA that they have self-evaluation form. And I agree, I think that's where we have to start in order to get ideas on where everyone wants and sees this going. And it looked like it was available to boards to do, whether you hire them or not to do your retreat. So it might be a start, just a suggestion.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. So again, only because we've tried to do this for so many years and never quite get it off the ground and I don't want it to linger. So I'm going to modify what Dr. Dillon said and suggest that, if you're all of a mind to do self-evaluation but usually self-evaluations do talk about governance, unless this one doesn't, they talk about governance. Which doesn't mean we can't do it. Even if we don't know. So Michael, there goes your date. But if we have in hand issues that we want to discuss, the format that we might like it to take and if we had to modify it we would modify it, we would be three steps ahead of where we are now. So I'm going to go back to saying, first of all, if everybody is of the mind to take the self-evaluation that we can do immediately, not a problem. Is there anybody who would like to speak as the devil's advocate for it? Not that you're speaking against it necessarily.

Susan Bergtraum:

Seeing no one then we will start that process. And then I would still suggest that you get the issues that you would like to discuss and they might be modified, they might be changed. They might be something else but at least we will have a core of issues that we can start with. And if we decide to go with the facilitator we can hand them some of the issues that seem appropriate to us. They might look at them and through other things suggest other things but at least we will be three steps ahead of where we are right now. So unless somebody, again, does not think that in this discussion that's a good way to go we can do both things at the same time. We can do the board self-evaluation or three things decide. And it sounded like, but I am not sure, that you're all in agreement that we want or need a facilitator. You'll weigh in on both whether you want a partial board and then with staff, whether some of you don't believe we need cabinet. And I just need to know what your thoughts are and what issues you want discussed.

Susan Bergtraum:

So with that, that's your homework assignment. And if I don't hear from you I'll just take the people who get to me and [inaudible 01:14:48] bad information, bring it back out. And then, again, if somebody has some sense that it's not the way they see it going we can then have the discussion again. But at least this way we will at least start to coalesce this idea and get it going. Anybody else? Otherwise we can definitely move on to our executive session. So if I see nobody else, I am going to announce that we are going into executive session. And I do believe there will be no action taken after this. Am I correct?

Joyce Nolan:

You're correct.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So that we will stop the live stream because we will not be coming back out. So nobody has to, if they were of the mind, wait around for us because there will be no action taken. So we will be going... I need a motion to go into executive session to discuss with the council negotiations with several bargaining units and to discuss the possibility of proposing a proposed pending or current litigation. So-

Michael Weinick:

[crosstalk 01:16:04] if we get a five minute break.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, let me just take the vote and then we can get a five minute break and we'll come back in five minutes and we will say goodnight to everybody else and thank them for being with us tonight. May I have a motion to enter executive session? Thank you, Mr. Schoen. Second?

Michael Weinick:

Second.

Fran Langsner:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. Any discussion? All in favor?

Fran Langsner:

Aye.

Larry Greenstein:

Aye.

Martin Kaye:

Aye.

B.A. Schoen:

Aye.

Michael Weinick:

Do we have to do anything?

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Well, opposed? Nobody. Okay. Let's figure out how we're getting in there then. Okay.

Angella Marshall:

Do you have anyone from cabinet that you would like to join you?

Susan Bergtraum:

I know that Mrs. [inaudible 01:16:52] has to be there. Anybody else Bob?

Bob Dillon:

Roxanne and Jane.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Angella Marshall:

Yeah, they're normal. Okay.

Transcript of Nassau BOCES Board Meeting - April 8 2021

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, all right. Well, with that then I'm seeing a quorum present, I call this meeting to order, April 8, 2021, I welcome everybody to both our regular business meeting, and before we start our business meeting, we will conduct our annual meeting. And so with that, let me welcome everybody. Thank everybody for being here, thank our staff as well, and I will ask Mrs. Coates to lead us in the Pledge.

Deborah Coates:

Yes, everyone, please rise and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Panel:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, so to begin the annual meeting, which will include a letter from the Commissioner, and a presentation of our budget. The commissioner every year sends a letter to the BOCES, which we are to read, which I will do right now. And it says, "Dear members of the Co-operative Boards of New York State, I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for all the work you do for the students, parents, teachers, and administrators in New York State. Your leadership in the ongoing efforts during these very challenging times has been critical to our ability to continue to provide high quality education and support to our students and teachers throughout the state. I can think of no better time than your annual meeting, to express our sincere gratitude and thanks for your extraordinary efforts during this pandemic. This past year, we have seen a transition in department leadership, and your continued support and guidance is particularly valuable, as we move forward in implementing the region's agenda.

Susan Bergtraum:

Of particular note has been your work and supporting the department's efforts to develop guidance for reopening plans, which require critical input from the field. I believe our ongoing work as we continue to face other challenges, is essential to our mutual goals and objectives to ensure the health and safety of all of our schools. I am excited to be a part of this work, and I know that with your individual and collective support, we will have another successful year. Sincerely Betty A. Rosa, New York State Commissioner of Education."

Susan Bergtraum:

So with that, I am going to introduce our board members. I am Susan Bergtraum, president to the board, Ms. Deborah Coates, vice-president to the Board, Ron Ellerbe, who I do not think has joined us yet, as a trustee, Lawrence Greenstein, trustee, Martin Kaye, trustee, B.A. Schoen, trustee, Eric Schultz, trustee, and Michael, Weinick, trustee. I thank my fellow board members for all of their support. I am-

Fran Langsner:

Good afternoon.

Susan Bergtraum:

Now I'm going to list the members of our Budget Review Committee. We have had-

B.A. Schoen:

You forgot Mrs. Langsner.

Deborah Coates:

Probably she forgot Fran.

Susan Bergtraum:

Hi Fran. Well, no wonder she was doing that to me. Ho! Fran, my apologies.

Fran Langsner:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

I'm so sorry. And I couldn't figure out why everybody else was kind of motioning me. Look at the support I need. Did I not thank you for your support? This just shows why. Sorry, Fran. All right, let's see if I can not forget a member of the Budget Review Committee. Let's see if I can get through that. With much thanks to them, we always have really good attendance at our budget meetings. And as well, the members of this committee from our districts are supportive and helpful, and have given us really worthy input.

Susan Bergtraum:

So with that, Dave Keefe, from East Willesden, Michael Goldberg, whom I know is here, from Farmingdale, [inaudible 00:04:59] Marion Espinosa from Farmingdale, Anthony Giordano from Farmingdale, two of those people were alternates, Robert Pascoe of Lynbrook, Darren Gerbosi from Oyster Bay, East Norwich, Todd Cronin, East Bay, East Norwich, Jac Wolfner from Plainview-Old Bethpage, Williams Stress, Valley Stream 13, Jennifer Albury, Valley Stream 13, and she is a resident as is Jac, Carl Printzone, Manhasset, Elisa Baru, East Meadow, Carol Chang, Syosset, Anna Libertine, Syosset, James Moran, Levittown, William Litter, Franklin Square, Tom Smith, Baldwin, William Litter also who is representing Sewanhaka Central High School District, and Mitchell Gerbil, [inaudible 00:05:57]

Susan Bergtraum:

We again, thank them all for their support and help and input. With that, I'm going to turn the meeting over to Mr. Widmer, I don't think Dr. Dillon, you don't need to say anything, do you? Before I turn the meeting over to Mr. Widmer? You're okay.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah, just extend my thanks and appreciation for all the work that was done by James and his staff, and of course, the Budget Advisory Committee.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, Mr. Widmer, the floor is yours.

James Widmer:

Thank you Mrs. Bergtraum. I also would like to echo thanks to the board and to the Budget Review Committee for their work on the budget. Back in January, we presented two batches of budgets to the board and the Budget Review Committee. Total budget of $399 million in the general fund, of which $23,000,234 is administrative operations, the rest are spread out amongst the various programs, special education, regional schools and instructional programs, CIT, et cetera, and I just wanted to point out a couple of items of note; The administrative operations charge per student in the county. Nassau BOCES is amongst the 37 BOCES. The third least expensive per students of the 37 BOCES at $147 per student. So the money that goes into the administrative operations budget is spent very prudently by the Board and the agency, and I just wanted to point out that we've actually been moving lower on that chart as the years have gone on. So I think we've done a very good job of keeping our costs under control.

James Widmer:

Some highlights of the administrative operations budget, which is the budget that the component district will be voting on in April. I'd like to point out that the administrative operations, the operational portion of the budget, is increasing only 0.9% this year. The retiree health insurance, which is included in our administrative operations budget, is increasing by 2.9%, for an overall increase of 1.9%. Being that that's the primary budget of concern to the school districts, and that we spent two full meetings reviewing the budget material,. I would at this time entertain any questions on any part of the budget, but I won't go into another detailed review of all the programs at this time. So any questions for the board or the Review Committee, or anybody in attendance?

Susan Bergtraum:

I don't see any hands raised. All right, I'm assuming not, if anybody does have a question and I don't see you, if you would, please just unmute your mic and ask it. Identify yourself. Hearing nobody, I am assuming that... Right. Okay I'm assuming then that we can basically close the annual meeting and continue on with our regular business meeting.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

And we'd like to welcome Ellerbe, who just joined us.

Susan Bergtraum:

Ah, Mr. Ellerbe.

Ronald Ellerbe:

Hello there everybody.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Okay, with that, then may I have a motion to approve the minutes of March 25? Thank you, Mr. Schoen, second, Mr. Weinick. Any corrections, discussion? Seeing none, all in favor?

Panel:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstained. Okay. Next, let me turn the meeting over to Dr. Dillon, who will introduce the presentation for tonight.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Okay, thank you very much. It's my pleasure to introduce Dr. D'Aguanno and her staff, she will introduce each of them, to give an update and report on our HR department. Valerie?

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Thank you, thank you very much, Dr. Dillon. I need to restart to share the screen with me, or make me host so that I can share my screen.

Theresa Schaefer-Bell:

You're good, you're co-host, you should be able to share.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Oh, okay. Hang on one second, let me just close this out. Okay, so again, thank you for allowing us to have the time to tell you about the human resources department, and what we've been up to for the past couple of months. With me tonight, I have Dr. Peter Nicolino, the Assistant Director of Human Resources, Selma Stoddard, the attorney for employee relations, Kathy Reilley, the senior manager, Mary Guerrero, our regional certification officer, and our newest member of the team, Tom Dulovic, who is the program coordinator. Is my audio okay? I just want to check.

Ronald Ellerbe:

It's all good.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Okay, thank you very much. All right, so as everybody is aware, on March 16 2020, we went remote. HR went remote, and that was kind of scaring to us. So a little bit over a year ago, HR was humming along, before we were remote, were fine, and then all of a sudden COVID hit, and we had to put functions in place that would allow us to function actually remotely, in a remote environment. So I'm going to let the staff tell you what we actually did that allowed us to function in a remote environment. Peter?

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

Thank you, Dr. D'Aguanno. As Dr. Dillon so eloquently said, this is not in the books. We have never had to prepare for something as a pandemic like this. So when human resources went home, prior to COVID, we used to have people complete all of their paperwork via a paper packet that we would send them. We would email them, or we would send it through the mail, and that packet contains about 100 pages. And that packet was usually either mailed back to us, or that person came in person, and we sat with them during an orientation time, and that orientation was a process of reviewing that paperwork one by one, making sure they've watched their compliance videos and make sure that they're up to date on any of their bargaining unit information.

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

And we usually did that in a group of four to eight, maybe even five to 10. We would have a large group in that orientation. And then bam! We got hit with COVID. So the pandemic made us have to think real quickly on how we can offer the orientation to our new employees without really having a hiccup in the system. It all starts with us, and that paperwork has to come in, and we have to shuffle it along. So one of the things we did first, to make sure that we were all organized was use a master spreadsheet through Excel, keeping track of those participants, and making sure that we had a date for them for an orientation. We had all of our hiring packets made into digital packets, which we can then email, and have the new employee fill them out online. They were online fillable forms, which was then uploaded to a mailbox that we created, so it was secure and any personal identifiable information was kept secure and safe from anyone, and accuracy and so on.

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

And so like I said, we had 12 Digital packets set up for orientation. We had to date, over 101 Zoom meetings for orientation with our new staff, and we've processed at least over 200 hires or more, when it comes to the new hire. So we have tried to adapt to the changes, and we try to make sure that we stay focused on the task at hand, which is, again, HR functioning. Next up, I believe, is Mr. Gilovic?

Tom Dulovic:

If that's me,

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

There you go.

Tom Dulovic:

Good evening here, everybody. Another challenge our agency had to address was COVID-19, and monitoring the daily health status of our students and employees as we return to our buildings. In order to address this concern, our departments had to work together to answer the following essential questions; How do we know who was well enough to enter the building? If an employee was experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, how could supervisors be immediately notified? And, how can we track the daily health status of all students and employees prior to building entry on a common platform? The answers to these questions and solutions were developed through the collaboration of multiple departments throughout the agency. I would like to thank the Health and Safety Department, FIS, CIT, any the Office of Communications for working together to explore potential solutions that could be applied to all schools and buildings.

Tom Dulovic:

In the first phase of development over the summer, there was no product or vendor who supported daily health screening tool. Therefore, an internal Power Apps application was developed that required employee user authentication using Nassau BOCES' credentials. The employee would log into the app, and complete the health screening survey. Results were then sent to supervisors at the respective buildings. But, in order to create a common platform that could be accessed by employees, students and families, we decided as an agency, to use the take action daily screening application through IMVA medical. This tool uses a three-step approach for all members of Nassau BOCES received an email to complete the health survey. If there was no response, there was a follow-up text message, and eventually a phone call. This application also supports multiple languages and provides administrators with dashboards to track the daily health screening responses. We are currently using this model for the foreseeable future, and we will continue to use this model until eventually COVID will hopefully end. So thank you, and I will now turn it over to Selma Stoddard.

Selma Stoddard:

Good evening everyone, thank you for having us here tonight. When COVID hit in March of last year, and we immediately were thrust into a remote environment, we tried in the first few couple of weeks I think, we were just trying to figure out how to do everything in this new world. And before we could really settle in to any state of normalcy, the federal government and New York State both issued legal leave options for employees who were suffering from COVID or COVID symptoms. What that led to was a lot of chaos in the entire world of employment law, because employers everywhere have to decipher the meaning of the statutory language, it was obviously first impression, there was nothing to compare it to, so all of the agencies were handing down guidance to the Department of Labor, or the EEOC, and everyone is trying to make sense of the new statute and the new language and how to get their staff and their processes in place to address that.

Selma Stoddard:

So, for our staffing, what we did was we put together immediately a team of employees, referred now, after a year, as the COVID Leave Team were well known in the agency, everyone has that email address memorized. And when employees screen out using that screen out app that Tom was just speaking about, they are referred to the COVID Leave Team. If an employee was having symptoms, they're referred to the COVID Leave Team. Right now if they're going to get vaccinated, they go to the COVID Leaf Team. So that team comprised of about six employees in human resources, gracefully accepted the new challenge and the new additional duties that came with COVID, that we didn't really bargain for. And immediately we created forms to give employees a mechanism for applying and to tell us their story of what was happening. But what was interesting about the statutes that came out is that the leave was not available if the employee could telework. And if they could do that successfully, we tried to make sure that that is the option that was exercised.

Selma Stoddard:

So the HR team worked, I don't want to say, around the clock, but we were responding to email requests at 11:00 pm, 2:00 am, whenever they came in. So that employees could work remotely the next day, when their day started. And to date we have processed more than 1,200 telework requests that were due to either positive case, or a quarantine requirement, that was precautionary. That means that's 1,200 people who did not have to go out, or 1,200 events when we didn't have to lose an employee for a 14-day period due to a COVID situation. So the leave was not used. That really decreased the number of leave incidents that we had to pay out for employees. Employees such as bus drivers and cleaners, obviously, if they had a telework request, you would have to give them the leave, because their job really couldn't be performed remotely. But for the most part, we were able to give people that option, and employees were very good about giving back to the agency during the pandemic in terms of, even if they were having symptoms, they said, "I want to contribute, I want to work, and if I get very very sick, then I will take the leave.

Selma Stoddard:

So we've seen really positive attitude from our employees throughout the pandemic on this. I think Kathy Riley is up next.

Kathy:

I am, thank you, Selma. So before COVID, HR was paper-based. Correspondence to Nassau BOCES' employees regarding benefit changes prior to COVID, were mailed to employees. While working remotely during COVID, Human Resources had to find a way to notify our employees of benefit change options, health waiver bonus participation, as well as eligibility for the COVID vaccine, without printing and mailing multiple-page documents for each employee. By converting this process from a paper mailing to an email notification, human resources was able to eliminate the mailing of approximately 2,500 health open transfer letters, 600 health waiver bonus agreements, and approximately 3,500 COVID vaccination eligibility notices.

Kathy:

How was our technology used to streamline HR processes during COVID? We were able to create links for employees to securely upload HR forms and documents using the OneDrive request File option. Health open transfer notices vaccination eligibility notices, and SOCE/LE letters with specific information related to each employee, were sent using the email merge option in Microsoft Word. This option allowed us to customize the information sent to each employee. As an example, for the health open transfer emails, we had the ability to add links that redirected the employee to the Nassau BOCES' website where they would be able to find benefit plans and premiums, based on their current employee contribution rates, as well as additional information and forms available to them, if they needed to make changes to their current coverage. A link to the request files option to securely upload forms was also provided in the email.

Kathy:

Human Resources with the help of the communications office also created a COVID-19 employee leave help center on the Nassau BOCES' website. When an employee sends a message to the COVID-19 leave email, they receive an auto response that directs them to the COVID-19 employee leave help center. The help center provides a list of six scenarios related to different types of COVID leave. An employee could select an option, and get guidance on what to do for each type of scenario. For example, if an employee tested positive for COVID-19, they would be provided with quarantine and return to work guidelines, information regarding telework, and access to, download the COVID leave request form. In the future, HR will continue to incorporate this technology when sending communications to our employees. And back to Valerie.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Sorry, I had to figure out how to unmute myself when I hit everything. So as everybody is aware vaccines became available in December of 2020. And then the rollout became more widespread as weeks went on. In mid March of 2021, which actually was last month, because this is April, Governor Cuomo signed another piece of legislation that granted public and private employees with time off to get the vaccination. And this was New York State's paid leave for the COVID vaccinations. So what HR had to do was, we had to create a vaccination leave request form, and this form was disseminated to employees. We again used our communications department to make sure that we got the word out to employees that they could request this if they were getting a vaccination.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

We set up a secure file, so that they could send information to us securely, you heard Kathy speak about the secure files, and Dr. Nicolino spoke about that also. And then we had to work with payroll so that we could make adjustments in the accrued time for eligible employees, so that they could get this leave and not use their sick time to get the COVID vaccine. So throughout this whole COVID process, we have had problems thrown at us, and we've had to come up with solutions very quickly. We've had meetings, we've tried to come up with solutions that would work for everyone, and I think we have basically done that. Are there any questions?

Susan Bergtraum:

Well, we can't see any... Aha! Now we can see,[crosstalk 00:26:55] okay, Mrs. Langsner. I was going to say just yell.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

You have to give me a minute.

Susan Bergtraum:

Fran, you're on mute. Fra, you're on mute.

Fran Langsner:

It's not really a question, but we've all heard the expression, necessity is the mother of invention, and you have been very inventive in creating processes that let us move forward under these extremely strange and weird circumstances. And everybody has more or less said that these methods are probably going to remain in place going forward. I can't imagine that we would now turn around once this is ended, and say, "No, we're going back to the way things were." So correct me if I'm wrong.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

No, that's entirely true, Fran. A lot of the things that we put into place such as emailing employees, with their benefits information and their benefits selection, we used to do that by stuffing envelopes, and having to make different arrangements of envelopes, depending upon what medical benefits the employee had, or was going to select, and it was very time consuming. Now we can easily do that by an email mail merge. And it's a lot more efficient, and we're going to keep up doing that. And it costs a lot less to do it. You don't have the postage, you don't have the paper, you don't have the time, the time it takes to do all that. So we are moving forward. So a lot of the things we learned in these past 13 months, we're going to keep moving forward with, in terms of technology.

Fran Langsner:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

And, Mr. Kaye.

Martin Kaye:

Valerie, the NC is an excellent job in allowing all the employees to know paths that needs to be followed to keep up. Do we have a scorecard as a page to assess how we're doing in terms of number of people who have been successfully inoculated? And what is the program to try to encourage and move those few people that remain, into getting their vaccination?

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Well, I think in March, the Governor tried to put out something where they wanted school districts to do a weekly report. And that quickly, they were going to have the Department of Health involved in that, and that quickly boomeranged back, and it was never done. So we're not really keeping any sort of-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Val, if I may, we did conduct a survey, and there is a great number have... Communications did it, and we've tried to take a look at it as an internal document. I think we have more than half of our people vaccinated. Some people refuse, they said they just don't want to be vaccinated. So I think we're moving in the right direction, I think the four hours of leave time helped tremendously, and we'll probably put the dipstick in, probably in a week or so to see where we're at as far as that goes. But we got about 50, if memory serves me correctly, about 50%.

Martin Kaye:

Mm-hmm (affirmative) okay. Mr. Schultz.

Eric Schultz:

Thank you for the update. I just went online and I put in a paid sick leave request form, I'm not sure whether board members are available to... I'm wait to get back.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

I don't know that I'm going to approve that.

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

Denied.

Eric Schultz:

See what happens when you get tenure?

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Well, I don't have a young one.

Eric Schultz:

I there an appeals right? Is there an appeals process?

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

Talking to Selma.

Eric Schultz:

What's that?

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

I'm talking to Selma.

Eric Schultz:

I find it incredible, that with all the firms trying to sell us goods and services, that nowhere around was there a program that enabled us to perform health analysis for people when they went into buildings, or whatever it was. How long did it take us to create something? And if there's nothing out there, is that something, I'm going to make [Marty 00:31:40] proud, is that something we can sell?

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Well, Cliff could answer this better, and maybe Tom should step into this also. We actually created the first Power Apps version, and that was really used for our administrative buildings our Lipinski building, and our Farber building. But when it came time to open up in September, when we needed all the teachers and so on to be able to use this system, we needed something a little bit more robust. Tom, do you want to add to that?

Tom Dulovic:

Yes. So I was speaking to Cliff about this, when the Power Apps application was developed, there was nothing out there yet, and then IMBA Medical development that prior to the school year starting, but actually other school districts adopted the same model, the same logic of the Power Apps application and used it in their own schools. [crosstalk 00:32:31] Yep, Cliff, do you want to chime in?

Cliff Steinberg:

So actually, Eric, so we did the development on the app probably very quickly. Actually because the platform lends itself to rapid development. We actually gave away the application to many of our local school districts in the beginning of the pandemic, as well as some colleges and universities, as well as the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center as well. So we delivered the package application to them, helped them set it up, and allowed them to use it at no cost.

Eric Schultz:

Okay, great. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Any other questions? If not, thank you as ever for the monumental job that you do. I hope you know that we know. And sometimes we're even overwhelmed by what you do, but we have infinite faith in you and know that whatever is thrown at you, and we will hope not much is thrown at you for quite a while, that you rise to the occasion. We really do know how efficient and effective a department you are. And Michael was clapping. So I think with that, we thank you, and we shall continue with the consent agenda. May I have a motion on the consent agenda? Thank you, Mrs. Langsner, second? Mr. Greenstein. Any comments, discussion, Mr. Weinick?

Michael Weinick:

Just a brief editorial comment, which I always have to give. And basically, it's all on the consultants which I will be approving, but I respectfully ask that if administration examine salaries paid to retired staff coming back as consultants. I certainly understand and appreciate their vast knowledge, but the job descriptions are certainly different, and I questioned the paying of the previous daily rate, as opposed to a training rate. There is no longer the pressure that they were under the responsibility or the workload that they once had. So I certainly want to give what's a fair salary to the individual coming back, want what also what's a fair salary for the new position that you're in, which is totally different. And maybe at some future time, the administration looks at that when the dust settles. Obviously this is not a high priority item. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, anybody else? Okay, seeing no one, all in favor of the consent agenda?

Fran Langsner:

Aye.

Panel:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstained? Okay, thank you. Any questions, excuse me, on information? Seeing nobody, Dr. Dillon.

Michael Weinick:

No, I have one brief question if you don't mind. On the drive by, our ceremony here would be perfect. That's on the same night as a board meeting?

Susan Bergtraum:

Correct.

Michael Weinick:

Now, we're going to go on home right after that, or we have an in-person meeting that night? What's going to be the physical setup, if I may ask?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Mike, I don't really know, again, we're having Zoom meetings. So it may not, if we'll we further discuss it, and the practicality of it may start to erode when we really dive down to it, because as you said, the drive by... Peter, you have something to it?

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

If I may, Dr. Dillon, I'm sorry. Let me see if I can provide a little clarity here. We're trying to do the employee recognition, and as you know, we certainly want our employees to feel recognized and proud for working for Nassau BOCES. And in the past, we used to have it in person, I know you all know this, with the food and everything else, and it was a great a little get together. We're trying to model the retirement honoree drive through, already that they had earlier in the year. Now this is going to be from 3:30 to 5:30, and quite honestly, we had to cut it back a little bit because we can't honor all of the years, we're honoring the 15 through 40 years, the five-year and 10-year recipients are going to be honored at their buildings. The 15 through 40-year, they're going to RSVP, and they're going to do it a little drive by at Farber, we're going to try and have them drive through what we're calling the Canyon of Heroes in the front of the building, and we'll honor them, we'll have some goodies for them as they pass through, and we're trying to stay socially distant, we're trying to keep everybody happy.

Michael Weinick:

Well, I understand that, I appreciate it. But my question really is, is that, since it's the same night as a board meeting, if this is over at 5:30, and it's going to take me 20 minutes or a half an hour to go home, I would like to unwind a little bit, have dinner before the meeting starts now that it's on the same night. To have a virtual board meeting, and to do the drive by, have it on two separate days if you're doing it that way. So I'm not suggesting that we make a board meeting in person, but rather just me personally have some little bit of time in between.

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

The thinking the thinking behind it was that we possibly could be back in person, which is why we kind of tagged it along with the board meeting night. So, again, [crosstalk 00:38:22] I apologize...

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We're going to go back to the drawing board on this one, because I don't think we're going to be back in person.

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

That's correct.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah. So we'll take a look at it, and because people have to travel, it would be probably more accommodating if we could have two different nights for it, and not put people under the gun.

Eric Schultz:

Or maybe we should just have it at Farber, be socially distanced, and we all get on our laptop.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I don't think we have the room to be socially distancing from Farber.

Susan Bergtraum:

And there are board members who wouldn't be comfortable with that. So, I think, Fran... Okay Fran, and then I'll answer.

Fran Langsner:

I think, Angela once said that once we have an in-person board meeting, it has to be open to the public. So it won't just be us that needs to be socially distant, it will be anybody who wants to attend, and that could be a space issue.

Eric Schultz:

They could attend online as well, if it's broadcast.

Fran Langsner:

Right, but they have the option of coming in person if we are in person.

Susan Bergtraum:

And I'm not sure, and if some are around, I thought in one of our policy committee meetings, she said once we start in person, we can't go back?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

No, because if there's an outbreak you've got to go back.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, but just we should check that out too. But I do know, Dr. Dillon, that there was another one of these scheduled for a board meeting night, I think May 6, but I'm not positive-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We'll take a look at it.

Susan Bergtraum:

... so if we're going to change, let's just make sure we do both.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We'll change this-

Susan Bergtraum:

[crosstalk 00:40:10] So we're not confusing people.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Good idea. Thank you, Michael.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, all right. So we're through inflammation? Okay, Dr. Dillon?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

It's just a couple of things. The budget was passed this week, although we don't receive any state aid money, there were plenty of money going around to our component districts with the attachment of program. And I think that's where we come in. I think I'll be meeting with our administrative team, and certainly with Laverne, and to come up with programs that can meet the needs of the districts, and work with the districts, and have them extend their money with BOCES aid. So I think there's a great opportunity for us to create program for the people out there.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

There was one other item which I can't remember at the moment, I'll probably remember later. But that's the biggest one right now. The devil is in the details, but there is a lot of money going around, and it's still being sorted out right now. But I'm pretty sure that we can play a role in providing service and program for our component districts. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

If I see nobody having a comment, the only thing I would say is, we had been worried a little bit about what our financial status would be, and if districts do have more money, then it will... I think that's what Bob was saying, it will enter to our benefit as well. Okay, Mrs. Nolan, was there anybody who wanted to be heard, and the hearing [inaudible 00:41:52]?

Joyce Nolan:

No one.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, thank you. So old business? New Business, other than the foundation report, if there is one, let's do. Mrs. Langsner?

Fran Langsner:

So, just before the meeting began, I got an email that the federal government has denied the state's request for the waiver with regard to standardized testing. So I was just wondering, what do you think about that, how that's going to affect us?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Well, not too much for us. I mean, we have a few high school kids that may have some regions to take, we have some kids that may be able to sit for the exams, but remember, the way it's going to be set up, the exams are going to be administered for one period a day. And basically, they're only being administered for compliance with the fed. They have actually no statistical relevance to the performance of the kids, or can be used for [APPR 00:42:55]. So it's just an exercise in compliance with the federal government.

Fran Langsner:

Okay. And from what I understand, anybody who chose to be educated completely remotely, doesn't participate, doesn't have to participate.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Doesn't have to, but they have the option of bringing their child in to sit for the exam.

Fran Langsner:

Okay. Thank you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Sure. Anybody else? Okay, is there a foundation report? No foundation report. Okay, so then with that, before we go to our birthdays, I just want to let people who are watching know, we are going into executive session after we sing happy birthday to Eric and Chris Reinertsen. But is there any more business that we will be conducting after the executive session?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

No, for the record, my singing is going for Eric's brother, not ever.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, fine. Eric's brother thanks you. [crosstalk 00:43:58] Mrs. Nolan?

Joyce Nolan:

Yes, I believe we'll have to adopt resolution after.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, all right. So then at least for those who might want to wait, the live stream will be paused, and if you are of the mind, we will probably be coming out to adopt a resolution. So if you choose to stay around, the live stream will be turned back on. Okay with that, who is supplying our virtual cake which, the only thing good about a virtual cake, it's gorgeous, and kind of like it, it is calorie-free. So feel free to partake in as much of it as you would like, okay? Here we go. I was start and you can all flee the room. (singing).

Panel:

(singing).

Susan Bergtraum:

And many more.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Have very happy birthday guys, wish you a wonderful year, yes and clapping. Hi, Chris?

Chris Reinertsen:

Thank you so much.

Susan Bergtraum:

You're welcome.

Eric Schultz:

This is better because a lot of times my birthday falls out on Passover and it's [crosstalk 00:45:28].

Susan Bergtraum:

Right. So right, right. There you go, [crosstalk 00:45:30]. Okay, so with that, I need a motion to go into executive session to discuss with counsel the possibility of reinstating a title to a classified employee, to discuss with counsel the possibility preferring charges on a classified employee, and to discuss with council negotiations with several bargaining units. May I have [crosstalk 00:46:00]. Excuse me? Oh, thank you. You're motioning, B.A?

B.A. Schoen:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you so much. Ahead of me as always, Mr. Schoen moved, Mrs. Coates second, any discussion? If not, all in favor?

Panel:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstained? Right, thank you. All right. So can we stay, are we going out and coming back in, or are we just being put into exec?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Joyce, are you sending us to another room?

Theresa Schaefer-Bell:

Yeah, you're going to go to another room.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. So I'm hitting leave. Right?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Before that, Theresa make sure Mike [McGalvin 00:46:45] has the new link.

Theresa Schaefer-Bell:

Okay.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

He just came in to this one. He's got-

Susan Bergtraum:

Oh, he's here?

Theresa Schaefer-Bell:

Yeah, okay I-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I think we have to send him a link. Because we're all leaving this room, and there's another link, correct, Theresa?

Theresa Schaefer-Bell:

I'm we have.

Joyce Nolan:

[crosstalk 00:46:59] I he's just coming up to join the breakout room. I don't think we have to.

Eric Schultz:

We're going to break out? [crosstalk 00:47:03]

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. So do I have to hit leave though?

Panel:

No.

Susan Bergtraum:

No? Well then, nevermind. Okay. And who do you need to stay with us? [crosstalk 00:47:15].

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah, great, there's 14 people. Everyone on the screen is here, that's it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Well.

Eric Schultz:

Good.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

There'll be no royalties tonight.

Theresa Schaefer-Bell:

Yep, you're doing it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. All right, Joyce.

Joyce Nolan:

Whereas on January 14 2021, the board or the Nassau Board of Co-operative Educational Services accepted a disciplinary statement of charges pursuant to Section 75 of the New York State Civil Service Law against an employer known to the Board of Education, and whereas the board appointed Stephen O'Brian to act as the hearing officer in the matter of the disciplinary proceeding against the said employee, and the board further stated that the hearing was to be conducted in accordance with section 75 of the New York State Civil Service Law, at which hearing Mr. O'Brian was the cause a record transcript to be made of the hearing, which was to be referred to the board along with his recommendations for review and decision by the board, and whereas the disciplinary hearing was held before Mr. O'Brian on February 11 2021, and following that hearing, Mr. O'Brian transmitted to the board a recorded transcript of those proceedings [inaudible 00:48:39] and recommendation dated March 31 2021.

Joyce Nolan:

And whereas the board has reviewed and considered the record and transcript of the proceeding along with Mr. O'Brien's report and recommendation, and be it resolved, that upon the review and consideration of the record, the transcript, and Mr. O'Brien's report and recommendation, the board hereby adopts in whole the recommendations of Mr. O'Brian in that the aforementioned employee is guilty of the preferred disciplinary charges, and that the employee's employment with the Nassau BOCES shall be terminated. That concludes the reading.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, my I have a motion?

Fran Langsner:

I'll move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner, a second? Mr. Schoen. Any discussion? All in favor?

Panel:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstained? Okay, motion carries. And that concludes the meeting. Joyce, if you would just let Ron know that we've done it, et cetera. Okay, so with that, may I have a motion to adjourn.

Deborah Coates:

I'll move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Coates. Second? Mr. Schoen. All in favor?

Panel:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstained? Okay guys.

Transcript of March 25, 2021, Board Meeting

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. All right. So I welcome everybody, as I said, to this meeting, March 25, 2021. Thanking all of you who have joined us. Hoping you are all safe and well. And with that, I will ask for a motion to approve the minutes.

Michael Weinick:

All moved.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Okay, Mr. Weinick's second?

Joyce Nolan:

Okay.

Fran Langsner:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah, Mrs. Langsner. Any discussion about the minutes? If not, all in favor?

Board:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstained? Motion carries. Okay, we're up to presentations. Dr. Dillon?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yes. We'd like to reverse the order and go first with Item B, which is RSIP, and Dr. Theodorou and her colleagues. So Carla, I'll turn it over to you.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Thank you to the board. Good evening. The Department of Regional Schools Instructional Programs is proud to focus on our wonderful career and technical education programs at the Gerald R. Claps Technical Education Center, otherwise known as GC Tech, located in Levittown. I'd like to introduce our principal, Pete Dalton.

Peter Dalton:

Good evening, everyone. It's good to see everyone.

Deborah Coates:

[inaudible 00:01:54].

Peter Dalton:

... time, I would like to turn it over to really a great admin team at GC. Dr. Dunphy has done a tremendous job of creating and building a culture of excellence, and in a safe learning environment, along with Ms. Caitriona O'Neill. Together they have really done a fantastic job in moving GC Tech in the direction that we would like to see them move. And with that, I will turn it over to Dr. Dunphy.

Patrick Dunphy:

Thank you, Pete. And thanks everyone for giving us a few minutes tonight to speak to you about a place that we love, called Nassau BOCES GC Tech.

Eric Schultz:

Who told you it was limited to two minutes?

Patrick Dunphy:

Listen, as much time as you can give us, we'll take it.

Eric Schultz:

Go ahead.

Patrick Dunphy:

And I mean it. Let me share my screen here. If you'll indulge me for a minute, I'll share my sounds. I know Caitriona was probably on the edge of her seat to make sure I did that right, but I think I did it right.

Patrick Dunphy:

So first, again, just thank you so much for giving us a few minutes to talk to you tonight. We want to speak on specifically four different items that mean so much to our students, our teachers, and the community at large, around and part of Nassau BOCES GC Tech.

Patrick Dunphy:

So those four items are our social/emotional skills, that are such a big part of what we do each day for our students at GC, professional development for our teachers, expanding programs in our building, and building relationships within our community. Specifically, we'd like to talk about our sending districts, which you can see here. We really have to ... We'd be remiss if we didn't take a second just to acknowledge the partnership with Levittown and their support and how gracious of hosts that they've been for us. The custodial staff there, and really everything in between, it's really been a great partnership.

Patrick Dunphy:

We have 11 sending districts in total. Two of them are noted here, Bellmore-Merrick and Great Neck are new to us this year in our second year at GC. We attribute that specifically to initial pitch we made last year to really have a Renaissance around EMT, Emergency Medical Technician, and that program. Specifically, new students from those districts are actually enrolled in our Police Science EMT program. So we've correlated that strongly, and it's only given us that much more determination to see a robust program in EMT, see that through into the future.

Patrick Dunphy:

So all of our programs are right here. Automotive Technology, Computer Animation, Construction Electricity, Cosmetology is noted, Police Science and EMT, Medical Assisting. And we expect anticipated growth for next year in Plumbing and HVAC, and a new home for that program at GC after the work done at Barry Tech has been so successful and made that program as popular as it is.

Patrick Dunphy:

We also want to note that, as I noted before, when it comes to EMT, we are looking to certify that program as a New York State approved CTE course. And as a course, what that will provide for our students is important career requisites in that industry, a tech endorsement, and of course, a pathway to graduation.

Patrick Dunphy:

So this year we've hosted six virtual open houses. As recently as this week, students have had an opportunity to meet with staff, interact with teachers about their programs. They've asked some great questions. We've come to understand a lot about potential new districts, and of course our current sending districts, through that, and the needs that they have and what we can do to meet those needs.

Patrick Dunphy:

Seven district high schools are showing new interest. Uniondale, Hempstead, Rockville Center, East Meadow, Glen Cove, Syosset, Roosevelt, Oyster Bay, in either completely new enrollment or over what the current enrollment is, which is very exciting. We look forward to continuing to build those relationships and the existing ones that we have.

Patrick Dunphy:

So one of the things that we celebrated our virtual open houses is our commitment to social/emotional learning. It's something that's very important. It's one of our principle values at GC, and you can feel it from end to end in that building. So one of our mantras here, if you'll indulge me again, is we believe in the importance of understanding ourselves and each other as a precursor to successful learning outcomes and student achievement.

Patrick Dunphy:

We've seen this make a tremendous difference, particularly at a time when there's a lot of challenges from the outside that can potentially [inaudible 00:07:02] some of the experiences that might exist there. We devote time and space to this on a regular basis. Our staff and students embrace being self-aware, having that balance and understanding its importance as a part of the success. And of course, this is encouraged by all 28 staff members and all students in the building.

Patrick Dunphy:

With that, I would like to pass it over to GC Tech's Program Coordinator, Ms. Caitriona O'Neill.

Caitriona O'Neill:

Thank you, Dr. Dunphy. So at Nassau BOCES GC Tech we really strive to understand both ourselves and each other. We've implemented initiatives like Mindful Monday, Regular Wednesday SEL activities, and a SEL monthly check-in. These have become installments that are important ways for our students to reflect, self-regulate and self-advocate. This has become very central to our values and culture at GC Tech because it's translated into building school harmony.

Caitriona O'Neill:

One such organization and club that we brought to our school this year, and we're striving to be a no place for hate school, is No Place for Hate. This is an anti-defamation league education program where all stakeholders, from students, teachers, staff members, and administration really take the lead on improving and maintaining school climate. We have our students, they pledge against hate in our school and they continue to ask others to join them.

Caitriona O'Neill:

So what I'd like to do is invite everyone to listen to the pledge that our students took to promote harmony in our school.

Dillon Weinman:

My name's Dillon Weinman. I'm a member of No Place for Hate. I take Medical Assisting here at GC Tech.

Isabella Trama:

Hi, my name is Isabella Trama. I am a Computer Animation student here at GC Tech and a member of No Place for Hate.

Michael Gonzalez:

I'm Michael Gonzalez, and I'm a student here at GC Tech. I currently take Automotive, pursuing my career, and I'm also a part of No Place for Hate.

Ashley Keane:

Hi, my name is Ashley Keane. I'm part of the Cosmetology Program here at GC Tech, and I'm also a member of No Place for Hate.

Anthony Battaglia:

I'm Anthony Battaglia. I'm part of the Automotive Program at GC Tech, and I'm a part of No Place for Hate.

Brian DeRoia:

My name is Brian DeRoia. I'm part of the Police Science Program, and I'm also part of No Place for Hate.

Dillon Weinman:

Join us in pledging against hate at GC Tech.

Isabella Trama:

I will seek out to gain understanding of those who are different from myself.

Michael Gonzalez:

I will speak out against prejudice and discrimination.

Ashley Keane:

I will reach out to support those who are targets of hate.

Anthony Battaglia:

I will promote respect for people and help foster a prejudice-free school.

Brian DeRoia:

I believe that one person can make a difference. No one is an innocent bystander when it comes to a opposing hate.

Dillon Weinman:

I recognize that respecting individual dignity and promoting inter-group harmony are the responsibilities of all students.

Isabella Trama:

Join us.

Michael Gonzalez:

Join us.

Ashley Keane:

Join us.

Anthony Battaglia:

Join us.

Brian DeRoia:

Join us.

Dillon Weinman:

Join us.

Students:

Join us.

Caitriona O'Neill:

So our students not only took this pledge, but they promote this promise by planning and participating in No Place for Hate learning activities. Two activities we ran this year was when our students partnered with Long Island Cares and they brought awareness to food insecurity on Long Island. A second activity was a focus on using inclusive language and highlighting the importance of referring to each other the way we all personally want to. Students had some really deep conversations, specific to the LGBTQ community and some of the challenges they face in this area.

Caitriona O'Neill:

So next, I just want to focus on looking back at September, as we transitioned back into the classroom. There was a lot of nervousness, uneasiness, that many of our students were feeling this past September. So when we came back into the building, we really wanted to ensure that we had an accurate pulse of the building, especially in these uncertain times. We decided that each month we would provide students with a formal opportunity to put self-reflection into practice in the form of what we call a check-in.

Caitriona O'Neill:

So the goal of this check-in was to help us identify any barriers to student success and to let us know where they, where students, might need additional support, and where we can make adjustments in providing that. So if you notice back in October, there was quite a bit of nervousness amongst our students, but as time went on we noticed fewer calls for support. These monthly check-ins really allowed us to make those adjustments and to pull students in to have conversations, and to give them that additional support.

Caitriona O'Neill:

So we say that we devote time, but we also devote space. So this slide here is just showing you what our Zen Den looks like. This slide, it really showcases this beautiful space that students seek out whenever they need a time for self-reflection or a place to self-regulate. Sometimes students, they may not be ready to talk or to take the first steps in confronting something that they're battling with, so we welcome our students to turn to this space for self-reflection until they're ready to turn to a staff member. The Zen Den has been a vital tool as we work to always deescalate situations to ensure successful learning outcomes for our students.

Caitriona O'Neill:

These themes, the themes of our SEL goals, they're not meant to regulate, but rather to empower students to seek support and have personal ownership over their success. Looking back on last year, by the end of February 2020, there were 12 incidences at GC Tech that resulted in a suspension. As of March 2021 this year, there are two similar instances. So this student empowerment, it's allowed us not only to succeed in the classroom, but even in the times where we've had to shift to remote.

Caitriona O'Neill:

So on that note, I'm going to pass it back to Dr. Dunphy, where he can highlight some of our experiences as we've had, in time we'd had to shift to remote learning. Thank you.

Patrick Dunphy:

Thank you, Ms. O'Neill. So yes, on the very rare occasions, thankfully when we have had to pivot to remote learning, when students have been quarantined, which has happened more frequently we know for everyone, GC Tech teachers across our building have risen to the occasion. The whole team. And students, absolutely.

Patrick Dunphy:

Teachers have live streamed their instruction synchronously, and whether we've been remote or not, we've had incredible return on some of the platforms that we've been using on a regular basis. So 94% of our students are using Microsoft Teams each day, whether remote or in person. So this has become a part of what we do, regardless. Close to 90% of our students are using Remind as a way to connect with us, even when they're not there, or for other items that might happen as a result of instruction and things like that.

Patrick Dunphy:

So all teachers recently also were set up with Nearpod accounts. Nearpod can do a lot of different things, but really two things come to mind at GC Tech that really sort of caught our eye and caught our attention as a team at GC, which is the use of it for formative assessment. Again, it's a powerful tool remotely in that way, when we're not right there and are able to look at where a student is, the extent of a student's understanding is with a certain assignment or activity. It allows us to do that, but also to build community and feel like you're there, feel like you're a part of the team, when we desperately want to make that happen when it's not available to us because of something out in the world that might be happening.

Patrick Dunphy:

So Tech Tuesday is a professional development series that we've put into practice this year. Each week teachers meet, we go over certain items that might've come up. Call it Tech Tuesday because generally the theme of these meetings is around technology and some new platforms, such as Nearpod or whatever it might be. The shift right now, the focus, has really been around Nearpod. And of course, in response to any type of new platform, software, whatever it might be, some new tool, we want to respond, and we know we need to with support for our teachers.

Patrick Dunphy:

So when adding any new platform, any new item, we've always ensured alignment with our instructional focus. And over the past year and a half or so, more than that I suppose now, we've been working to establish such an instructional focus. So at a recent faculty meeting, we challenged ourselves to look at and describe what learning looks like in our classrooms. I want to highlight, among a lot of good responses that we got, Lauralee Kelly, our fantastic special education teacher at GC said, "Sometimes the student will not grasp a concept right away, but there is value in the pursuit."

Patrick Dunphy:

The idea is, well, what's the pursuit? So we've recognized that there's a genuine challenge to learning and that this is not only okay, but perhaps should be encouraged, and of course, supported. So once this became common language, we started to see it be increasingly visible in our building, and we started to do a lot of work around authentic audience, which is a part of authentic learning, and is so, so visible and so important in a career in tech ed environment.

Patrick Dunphy:

So to put it simply, authentic audience is when a student shares their learning with someone new. And specifically, when a student shares the choices they make, the decisions they made around the work they're doing, a project, an assignment, and they're proud of that. Maybe they're going to be questioned to a degree they weren't ready for, and that's okay too. We're going to support them in doing that and coach them to a point where they can handle the next thing and they're excited about it. That's what we're trying to get them to do. GC Tech, as a team, has made that visible, and we'll continue to visualize that as we work towards the next leg of that journey.

Patrick Dunphy:

So we love showcasing that work. One way we've done that is through social media. We make very good use of our Facebook, our Instagram accounts, our website. Of course, these are always a work in progress, as they should be. We love to highlight the fact that, our Instagram in particular, since we've been Nassau BOCES GC Tech, is up around 600% in terms of the amount of followers that we had since we, again, became Nassau BOCES GC Tech.

Patrick Dunphy:

One of the things we noticed is in looking at, after we had posted things, and likes and comments and things like that, was that most of, or that our alumni seemed to be the first to routinely like and comment. So we started scratching our heads and we're thinking about all this type of stuff. And then our SITE-based team, we had been looking at the creation of an alumni association anyway, and we said, "Well, we have a really powerful group here. Let's find out just how many alumni there are here in the community already."

Patrick Dunphy:

One specific anecdote that I'll share, is that Caitriona and I were out at dismissal at one point, and we saw parents there to pick up their child, and we engage them in a little conversation, and we learned that both parents actually went to GC Tech in different years. They didn't meet there, but they were ... It was very exciting to speak to both of them about their experiences and the history of GC Tech and how proud they were of the community and the building, and how happy they were with their son's experience in auto technology.

Patrick Dunphy:

So we started to do some cultivation of data around that, and we learned that 37 current GT Tech students have a family member who graduated from GT Tech. Bottom line is we know how important it is to build relationships with the alumni, in this case, with our industry partners, with districts, and what it means to really, as a way to provide insight and opportunity to our current students, and how powerful that can be to our programs and what it does for them. So we're in the process, through our SITE-based team, of gathering testimonials from our alumni, find out what they're doing now and how GC Tech might've been a part of that.

Patrick Dunphy:

So bottom line is this. Whether it's our alumni, whether it's the 28 staff members that we ... I know I speak for Caitriona too when I say we are so proud to be part of the team at GC Tech, and all of our students being part of that extended family, and all of you, of course. We work with full confidence in each other each day. We're proud of each other. We believe in each other's success. And that's really what makes our students and our team successful each day. That's what we wanted to share with you tonight, so again, we really appreciate the opportunity to have a few minutes to speak on this.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Are there any questions, comments from the board? Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

So Dr. Dunphy, it's wonderful to see how much the program at GC Tech has expanded. You guys have done a wonderful job just promoting the program and the enrollment of students. Do you feel ... Maybe Caitriona would be better at answering this. Do you feel that this, what we've lived through over the last year, this pandemic, has affected the children because they're at a tough age, those teenage years, have affected them with the mental issues? And have they used the Zen Den more? Do you feel that maybe the drop in suspensions is because there either is more tolerance for each other or are they just not really participating in the program other than remotely? But I just was curious about that.

Patrick Dunphy:

Yeah, well I'll start, and Caitriona, feel free to jump in. But I think I can't say enough about the resilience of our students. We've seen ... I think it might make a difference to speak to a specific ... We had a planned week remote, right after Thanksgiving, and we went around, Caitriona and I, we went around to each class and we wanted to prepare them for that week. There's so much that you can prepare for. We come to work and there's a COVID case, and we weren't expecting it, but unfortunately, we've gotten used to it a little bit. But I think the feeling that I got, and Caitriona can share as well, that when we went around to each classroom, more and more students were getting used to it, but I think that they felt a certain calmness. I think there was a certain blood pressure that went down a little bit in us preparing for it, then when it is abrupt that way.

Patrick Dunphy:

We've noticed that the engagement and just the attendance is better remotely, when there was a planned event like that. Now, that's a challenge in and of itself, and it's not easy to plan for any of this right now. But I can speak to that as a great example. I also point to our school social worker and our school psychologist, of tremendous value, of a tremendous assets to this particular part of what you're asking about. Because I don't know that if not for them and the outreach they do on a regular basis, and being proactive about students, and with specifically students with special needs who might be more prone to the anxiety around being remote, I think that's made all the difference. But it's certainly there has been those challenges.

Caitriona O'Neill:

Also to add to that is, the students learning at home, especially with the CTE setting, it's not meant to be ... What we do in the classroom is hands-on. I think in the rare cases, when they've had to shift to remote, or a positive case here, or you've been identified as a close contact here, the students want to be back in the classroom. I think that these situations in this past year has really opened-

PART 1 OF 4 ENDS [00:24:04]

Caitriona O'Neill:

Actions in this past year has really opened their eyes, their hearts, their minds, up to what it means to really value being in school and learning with the teacher. And it's incredible how they strive to just get right back into the classroom. And there's a lot that's gone into making sure that once they're there, they're comfortable, they're safe, and that they know that they have the support staff that they need.

Deborah Coates:

That's great to know. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner and then Mr. Greenstein.

Fran Langsner:

So, I love the idea of the alumni association. One thing that I always thought would be a valuable resource for the world, but it certainly for Nassau County residents, is to know where our students have landed and where are they practicing their trades? Where do they work? So that we could know that if we need that particular work done for us, whatever it might be, that we could reach out with confidence, knowing that someone has been trained by Nassau BOCES. So, if in that directory, there was any way of identifying if people were willing to share where they're working now, I would love to see that because I would love to hire those people individually, if I could.

Patrick Dunphy:

Yeah, we're after the same goal. And we're excited about sharing what we find this year. It's almost ready to go live with a survey that will capture that information, and that's only a part of the mission. What you're describing is the more valuable part, right? What we're doing now with that information, and we're excited about it. We shouldn't just be stumbling upon these parents who went there in the parking lot. We want to know that they're there and go say, "Hi, what are you doing right now?" So, I know we both agree that.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Greenstein.

Larry Greenstein:

This is really fascinating. It's great to know that there are at least some students who get out of school knowing how to do something. Two questions; a quick one is how many students do you have at GC Tech?

Patrick Dunphy:

It's 228 students as of today.

Larry Greenstein:

Well, that's great. The other thing is when you're talking about the suspensions, I have a little different question than Mrs. Coates had. As you as adults are doing the work to move this along, is some of this the result of the way you interact with the students, not letting things escalate as much? Is it sort of coming from both sides? The students are behaving better, but also their interactions with the staff as the staff becomes better attuned to them that there's a little less of that also?

Patrick Dunphy:

Well, listen, are there different variables? Absolutely. I think that's absolutely the case. I think that we have a team that is already very tolerance and proactive and have a knowledge of each of our students. The main office at GC Tech is such that you can really feel the heartbeat of that building. So, if there's something that just doesn't... Caitriona and I greet every student each morning and then for our PM session as well. You can get a sense with that volume of students, especially what kind of day some of these kids are having. And we're able to follow up immediately with that. So, I wouldn't discount that part of it. I think you're absolutely right. I think we have a certain attention to these things. We try to be as proactive as possible. And we also know each other's strengths very well. We know if a certain student comes in, they may have a certain rapport or relationship with a certain staff member, and that's how we're approaching that.

Patrick Dunphy:

We try to take each student under our wing in a different way. It's not necessarily going to be a traditional path to the social worker necessarily. If we happen to know that this student has a better relationship with the guidance counselor and vice versa, of course, all of those things appropriately will find its way to its rightful place. But ultimately, every case is a team effort. We all know what's happening at every moment. It's really a pretty special thing. But, of course, there's other variables, but we feel the most notable and the most important is the work we've done around SEL and being proactive.

Patrick Dunphy:

Also, Mindful Mondays is a school-wide and Wednesday Check-ins are a school-wide initiatives. I've worked in four different schools in my almost 16 years. I've never been part of something like that where every staff member buys in, students buy in. And over the PA, we are starting our day on Monday, starting our week with the student's ability to clear their space and clear their mind and get ready for their learning. That means something. And in deed, I'm trying to paint that picture of that environment, because that, I think, is what translates the most into those numbers.

Larry Greenstein:

Right. No, I appreciate that. Yeah. I mean, basically, what you're doing is you're building relationships and relationships are two way. It does work at each other and whatever you're doing, it's great. I mean, it's working. I was just curious as to the interaction, but you've pretty much explained the other way very well, so thank you.

Patrick Dunphy:

You're always welcome. Just wear a mask. That's all.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schultz, and then Mr. Kaye.

Eric Schultz:

No, I'm fine. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Mr. Kaye.

Martin Kaye:

Yes. Just as a general observation, the Long Island workforce has always looked upon the Barry Tech programs at Nassau BOCES as being very, very good in terms of preparation. And getting GC Tech online as we have, I think is a real feather in the cap to our agency, as well as our superintendent who initiated at least the contact that started the ball rolling. In the automotive program, which is a very fine program, I know we've enhanced the diesel component now that's being studied at GC Tech, is that correct?

Patrick Dunphy:

Well, I think that there's some work that's been done at Barry Tech, but will say [crosstalk 00:31:07]. I will say that we just brought on a new teacher at GC Tech who has a background in diesel. And that is something that we are looking to explore because he has that skill set that's... And you're right, that is very important.

Martin Kaye:

But just as an observation, Patrick, diesel is important as a second component, but also a crying need on Long Island is knowledge of the diverse fuels and the biotechnology involved in alternate sources of energy for cars. Stations and dealerships are really crying out for people, young people, who come into their station and they have a knowledge of that particular component, it is so important. So, if you have a unit or some kind of approach to perhaps even exploring that as a little bit of a side study, I think it would be important as part of the automotive training that we give our students.

Patrick Dunphy:

Yeah. No, you're absolutely right. Absolutely, I think the world is calling for it. I think you're absolutely right. Our community is calling for it, and it's worth more frequent looks at what we can do to enhance it, of course.

Martin Kaye:

Thank you.

Patrick Dunphy:

Thank you

Susan Bergtraum:

Any other comments? If not, other than from my perspective, you have done a monumental job in a very short period of time. So we are so appreciative and your enthusiasm is catching. It's oozing out of your pores. So, we do thank you bringing this program along. It really is quite amazing [crosstalk 00:32:59] and appreciated. So, with that, Dr. Dillon.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Well, I just want to echo, great job. As you said, Susan, in such a short period of time, they developed a cohesive team that is really, really moving forward. Unfortunately, we had the pandemic, and they still have been able to rise above it during the pandemic. And we look for some great things in the future and continued success. Thank both of you and thank your staffs for all their dedication and hard work.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Okay. Now, we have... You may want to get a beverage, a cup of coffee or something because the next one is an outstanding group effort by many, many of our agency's employees in the strategic planning. And they've all done outstanding work through several committees and you'll have a chance to hear from them. They too are very passionate. You're doing some very important work. And I will say, part of this work came out of the crisis that we've been in. And as they said, never waste a crisis. We've looked at it not as a crisis but as a challenge. And having said that, I'd like to turn it over to Angela to talk about the strategic planning. Angela.

Angela Marshall:

Thank you. And he's right. Settling, we've been busy. Earlier this year, we shared this year's sixth major initiatives with the board. Since that time, we've created a subcommittee for each of those major initiatives. We felt they were so important that we had to put a group together to really just focus on them. So the subcommittees are made up from staff throughout the agency. There are different levels of staff involved. Some of the groups are much larger than others based on the complexity of the initiative that they're working on. And a representative from each of the six original subcommittees are going to briefly share their progress and where they're putting their focus going forward this evening.

Angela Marshall:

Based on the research, our Exploring the Future of Remote Work subcommittee, we've determined the need for another committee to focus specifically on building capacity through digital training. And that committee will be led by Matt DiMenna, who has joined us on the screen. His work will start in April and we've already recruited the members for his committee. So Matt won't be presenting tonight, but he did join us in solidarity for the other six presenters. The subcommittee leading through a time of crisis is going to go first. That committee is chaired by Dr. France, but tonight's presentation will be made by Tony Fierro. Tony, take it away.

Anthony Fierro:

Thank you, and good evening. Our committee is titled Leading Through a Time of Crisis. And I'd like to first recognize our committee members. Our Committee Chair is Dr. RG France. Along with myself, our committee members include James Widmer, Joanna Melament, Meador Pratt, Dawn Bauman, Vincent LaRusso, Tom Roccanova. Also, we have Judy Hynes, Ken Krueger, and Cliff Steinberg.

Anthony Fierro:

So one of the initial objectives for our committee was to create a mission statement. So I'll start by sharing our mission. The Leading Through a Time of Crisis Committee mission is to support the Nassau BOCES strategic plan's goal of investing in our employees with a focus on our leaders. We strive to create leadership opportunities to strengthen our interdependent culture, which comprises collective beliefs, practices, patterns, and behaviors through and beyond times of crisis. So our committee strongly believes that it's important not only to develop leadership strategies addressing the current pandemic, but to also be prepared to effectively lead should another crisis present itself.

Anthony Fierro:

So I'd like to be briefly focus on several specific objectives that the committee has been working on. First, we've been examining three types of organizational leadership cultures. And they are: a dependent culture, an independent culture, and interdependent culture. So dependent culture operates with the belief that people in authority are responsible for leadership. This is more of a top down approach and a compliance type of a culture. An independent culture operates with the belief that leadership emerges out of individual expertise. And this culture speaks more to a point person who could be working within a group setting. An interdependent culture operates with the belief that leadership is a collective activity to benefit the organization as a whole. And this is a culture that we're looking to for our agency leaders. The next, I'll review four strategies that we've developed to move the work of the committee forward within the agency. The first three strategies are already in place.

Anthony Fierro:

So strategy one is to meet on a monthly basis to develop and monitor annual measurable strategies, focusing on strengthening Nassau BOCES leaders and leadership practices. In our meetings, we've been discussing our core values, which are integrity, respect, and excellence. And we're also incorporating five key leadership traits and best practices. And they are collaboration, which includes building relationships, creating a vision to solve problems and handling conflict. Communication, which involves presenting two target audiences, listening, conversing, and providing and feedback. Compassion, which includes encouraging employees to talk about their problems, being sensitive and supportive. Customer service, which includes providing professional support, learning resources and workshops for our customers, our educators, and our staff. And finally, core business, which incorporates developing specific department services and systems that enable the agency to conduct our business through the crisis.

Anthony Fierro:

The strategy two is to disseminate weekly Leading Through a Time of Crisis tips through our office of information that offer practical, research-based advice to strengthen our Nassau BOCES leaders and our leadership practices.

Anthony Fierro:

Our strategy three is to facilitate several thought exchange forums. And these forms are designed to identify the agency's current leadership culture, identify elements of the leadership culture that are working, identify ways to foster more interdependent culture of leadership, and finally, identify obstacles preventing Nassau BOCES from achieving an interdependent culture.

Anthony Fierro:

Our strategy four is currently in the planning stages. And that is to conduct monthly networking forums where agency leaders with different positions, skills, and perspectives can gather to develop collective leadership practices that we can use to nurture an interdependent culture.

Anthony Fierro:

So that's a summary of our committee's efforts to date. We believe that in many respects, the work of this committee directly impacts and is interrelated to the work of all of the committees presenting tonight. And we're looking forward to working to further developing and expanding these leadership opportunities and strategies throughout the agency. So, I thank you for the opportunity to present the work of our committee. Thank you very much.

Bob Dillon:

[crosstalk 00:40:20] I'm sorry. So ahead, Susan.

Susan Bergtraum:

And I was going to say the same thing. Any questions from the board? Seeing none. Dr. Dillon.

Bob Dillon:

Okay. Angela, you had something to add to that?

Angela Marshall:

So, just to let you know that after we're... We will have a print version of what they're telling you tonight available at some point soon. The next presenter is Pam Christensen with the Future of Remote Work Subcommittee.

Pam Christensen:

Hello, everyone. And thank you for the time to speak about the committee exploring the future of remote work here at Nassau BOCES. The objective of this committee is to explore the feasibility parameters and implications of having some or all of our employees work remotely. We've met regularly since the inception of the committee with two subcommittees established for the first few months. One of those subcommittees was to address matters we identified that are specific to instructional remote work success. The other was to address matters specific to administrative remote work success.

Pam Christensen:

Meetings were held weekly with full meetings alternating weeks with subcommittee meetings. We've since come back together to work weekly as a full committee. In addition to productive and healthy discussion, the committee has reviewed subject related materials from multiple sources outside of our agency. The committee members have a strong commitment to this work and I'm very grateful for their enthusiastic participation.

Pam Christensen:

To date, we've arrived at a set of conclusions, some of which I will share with you tonight. First, the balance of committee time for the current year will be devoted to developing recommendations for remote work for the instructional and administrative groups to be used for emergency scenarios. For this purpose, emergency is defined as an agency-wide or building-wide event, which prompts the need for employees to work remotely. These recommendations will include such topics as communication approaches, meeting platforms, instructional platforms, necessary equipment and connectivity, training elements, et cetera, et cetera.

Pam Christensen:

Secondly, we've concluded that except in an emergency scenario, a full-time remote work model for all employees isn't a viable solution for either our instructional or administrative departments.

Pam Christensen:

And finally, we've determined that in a non-emergency environment, there are two remaining potential remote work models where they have future detailed exploration. The first is a flexible as needed remote work model, which may be advantageous for some employees of both administrative and instructional programs. Under this flexible structure, an employee would spend most of the time in the office, but be permitted to apply to work remotely on a specific approved day or set of days.

Pam Christensen:

The other is a fixed hybrid or split session remote work model that may be advantageous for some employees of the administrative programs. In this scenario, one group of employees would spend a specific set of two to three days in the office, alternating with another group in the office on the other two to three days. Seat space would be shared by two to three employees on alternating days, thus reducing the total amount of physical space required in the agency. The committee is thoughtfully considering the requirements for success, as well as the pros and cons for each of these approaches. In the interest of time, I won't go through those items tonight. But certainly, that information will be included in conjunction with any future recommendations on this topic.

Pam Christensen:

There are some key items of particular concern to the committee members, which I'd like to mention in closing. This is certainly not a complete list of considerations, but an indication of the current primary ones. First, what are the benefits to the agency, districts, and students of any approach we're evaluating? Secondly, how will our customers perceive a move toward remote work? Our taxpayers, our internal departments, and of course our component districts. We need to make a differentiation between what can be done remotely and what should be done remotely. Just because it can be done remotely, doesn't necessarily mean it should be. And if we do go forward with some version of remote work, there's a need for highly effective communication methodologies and expectations. A clear, well-defined decision-making structure for determining what employees qualify for remote work must be established. It's a complicated task to decide who may work remotely and who may not. And all parties must understand the elements of that decision-making. This is a dense and complex undertaking for which we will continue our exploration and look forward to preparing structured recommendations.

Pam Christensen:

In closing, I'd like to thank the committee members once again, including Dr. Dillon, Chris Reinertsen, Susan McNulty, Marsha Barnett, Cliff Steinberg, Selma Stoddard, [Matt Wichebi 00:45:25], Jean Gribbins, MaryAnn Sidoti, Kelly Piazza, Sandeep Dhillon, Angela Marshall, Lori Gross, TJ Michon, Monica Savino, Marion Fine, and Sue Cohen. And contrary to what that list might suggest, there are some other very fine people on the other committees. But in any case, thank you very much for your time.

Bob Dillon:

Thank you, Pam.

Susan Bergtraum:

And Mrs. Coates, question or a comment? Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

Yeah, probably. So, Pam, when you said complicated task, I can't imagine how that must be for you to try to figure out how you would see the come up with a hybrid model of remote working or... I just commend your committee, thinking that you guys probably have a really tough task ahead of you, trying to figure out what this is going to entail. Because I know from family and friends who are now working remotely, how that feels, and yet we all know that having a cup of coffee in the coffee room with your fellow coworkers is always a great way of exchanging ideas and things like that. But I appreciate that Nassau BOCES is taking this on and is working on this topic as a [inaudible 00:46:58] and along with all of the others, of course.

Pam Christensen:

Thank you. You're quite right. The number of elements that have to be considered as we're looking at how to approach this is quite remarkable. But it's fascinating work. It really is.

Deborah Coates:

Sure. Okay.

Speaker 1:

[inaudible 00:47:20] Seeing no one else. Angela.

Angela Marshall:

Thank you. Next is Dr. Theodorou with our leveling the playing field for all students' subgroup.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Good evening. I would like to thank the board for the opportunity to share our committee's work on leveling the playing field, and to thank our committee members: Kathleen Bulfin-Rella, Peter Dalton, Dr. Patrick Dunphy, Thomas Roccanova, Dr. Christine Rogutsky, Theresa Schaefer-Bell, and Don Brosnan. Our committee members met several times over the fall and winter since we began this process and we discussed a wide range of topics. We were all over the place with many idea.

PART 2 OF 4 ENDS [00:48:04]

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

... Ex, we were all over the place with many ideas about how to level the playing field for our students. We were able to identify three key challenges to leveling the playing field that we felt were the most important and warranted further research. The first key challenge we discussed is supporting digital equity and making sure that both Nassau BOCES students have all equitable access to technology, bandwidth, and access to quality remote instruction, and especially now in the time of COVID-19. Many families do not have adequate bandwidth, not all families have the technical skills to support their students at home, some of our most vulnerable students are non-verbal or unable to use technology. How do we support their needs? How do we help the kids catch up if they suffer from digital inequity and fall behind. Many big questions for us to further study.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Our second challenge that we focused on was breaking down language barriers for our students and improving access to translators and program materials for parents and teachers in Spanish and other prevalent languages in our community. Many of these challenges are more prevalent in our full day special education programs, but they also impact CTE and adult education to some degree. While BOCES has good translation services, great, available, funding for that is not unlimited for all the schools and all the districts. We do not have enough interpreters for family communication and many times students serve as interpreters for their own families.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Many special education children cannot translate for their parents in cases where parents need an interpreter. Many children with language barriers sit through classes taught in English which they don't fully understand, and then listen to an interpreter. It's almost like taking a second translate class. We also believe that the barriers to access are not limited to the classroom. We frequently have callers to our central offices who don't speak English as a first language and need a translator and our agency doesn't have a large number of bilingual staff. Again, lots of big challenges to focus on.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Our third challenge was making sure that our programs and teachers are prepared to serve students of different cultural backgrounds, different learning styles and abilities. It's important that our teachers and staff receive training to support students' social-emotional learning and academic needs. As we heard from many committees and from earlier presentation for GC Tech, mental health support is more important than ever and we need to focus on our students as well as our staff. Not all staff think they need to know more about cultural diversity and that's something that we should focus on. Nassau BOCES has also has many professional learning opportunities through CIT and My Learning Plan, but a big challenge for our program leaders is finding the time in the busy day and week and year to have that professional learning opportunity available to their staff.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

We believe that the need for cultural literacy extends to all of our staff and not just our teachers. These were all big ideas and we realize we need to do a lot more research and consider this year almost a needs assessment year. But in conclusion, as we listened to our other committees, we saw that there were many parallels to the work of our committee to those committees. And we want to continue to explore the topics, hopefully to develop very specific and concrete goals for the agency to address these key areas that we've discussed. Thank you for the opportunity and have a good evening.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you Carla.

Susan Bergtraum:

Any comments?

Martin Kaye:

I guess my question was a little bit, Carla you just sort of touched on it at the end, that what happens, who's watching out and when do you start to determine when these responsibilities to committee start to bleed into one another? And at some point, is it going to be an interim kind of report to the board and the superintendent or final report at some point? Do you have a schedule at this point?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Eric, I'm thinking you have to be able to schedule. Again, these are works in progress and as a result of what happened during the pandemic, they were bleeding to each other, I don't think there's anything. Personally, I'm not a fan of silos and I think there's interconnectivity with these particular challenges. And I see us, again, I don't see if there's any finality to it, I think they will grow and expand but I think we have to adjust according to what the environment is. So I think we're probably keeping periodic updates of where we are on certain situations, I think that's probably, my opinion, the best way to go. We have a lot of human capital investment. Excuse me, thank you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We have a tremendous amount of capital from the agency invested in these discussions. It has a wide sweep of the entire agency, including our labor leaders who have joined us in again, taking a look at the agency and doing some reflection on where we are and what we're doing. And so again, I think these should be, in my opinion, ongoing.

Martin Kaye:

Well, I understand that. But what you just said there's a need to come back to at least myself, and I'm sure all the members of the board would like to see something tangible in where you are, what kind of issues you've, I don't want to use the word uncover, what kind of issues presented themselves, what kind of solutions you're dealing with? [crosstalk 00:54:11] I'm not happy with just periodic updates. I want to sell uptake [crosstalk 00:54:16].

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I think what we're looking for measured-

Martin Kaye:

[crosstalk 00:54:19] capital we have.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

What you're looking for, in my opinion, is our measurable objectives. And I think Carla said it, in my opinion, the best. This is first like a needs assessment of where we are. And I said, as a result of that, we're going to have to come up with some objectives. Each of the committees will come up with some measurable objectives. And then over time we come back and say, "Have we met these objectives? Were they easily met or can we challenge ourselves?" This whole exercise here has been a challenge. No, I can't think of ever before, I know in the five years I've been here, that we've stretched ourselves in this capacity.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

[inaudible 00:54:57].

Martin Kaye:

Let me just say, one second Carla, I understand that. And I think as you go along, the board would appreciate sort of putting myself out there on behalf of my colleagues, at least written kind of updates. When you see needs, what are the needs assessments? Then what are your goals? We need to be involved.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Measurable objectives, I agree with you.

Angela Marshall:

[crosstalk 00:55:19].

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I'm sorry Angela.

Angela Marshall:

It's okay. There'll be a report very soon with what we're sharing with you tonight, a written document that we'll share with you very soon. For me, I had to get to this point where all the groups were sort of past this point where they've done a lot of needs assessment already. So now they know better where they're going. So we'll get that to you very soon and we'll update you as we go along. One thing that I didn't mention during the intro is, so these individual groups are meeting by themselves, but then once a month, we all come together to meet as one big group. And two of the groups at each of those meetings present their findings and get feedback from the larger group.

Angela Marshall:

And so that's how as we present and we get this additional information from each other, that's where we're seeing these ties, that all the groups are tied together in some way, shape or form. So there is a lot of synergy happening with these groups that I think we'll be able to eliminate any overlap as we go along. So, Carla, did you have anything you wanted to add?

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

I didn't want people to think that when we talk about this year being a needs assessment year, that a lot of work didn't happen. What happened in our communities was that we had a range of people from different departments working together, having conversations about many issues. And as we talked, we actually had built several action items. So we shared information between CIT and special education. We've had principals' meetings in both special education and RSIP to spread information for our principals about language translation services. Don Bosnian wasn't an original member of our committee.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

As we spoke about the different issues we realized, let's tap into some of the resources we have here at Nassau BOCES. We invited him to be part of the committee and started coming up with smaller action items that all of us as program leaders, executive directors and principals could do. So the work has begun. It's not that we're just talking in theory about things and we're not doing anything. What we're thinking is that these are bigger picture items. We can only down level some small parts of it, but as an agency I think it's important for us to do the bigger needs assessment, to think about ways that the entire agency can address the problem. So I agree with you, Mr. Shultz, that we have to come up with something tangible and concrete. But I'm also saying that some of that work is already starting at the ground level through BOCES.

Martin Kaye:

I appreciate that, and I know that it's been started we just heard, but we have no idea what it is, what you're finding. It's the old saying that people have solutions to problems and then they try to find out whether there's a problem. That's endemic in just about every organization I've seen. So I think, at least I want to see something that says, "Here's where we're going, here's what we're doing." I think that's the least that we're entitled to as board.

Dr. Carla Theodorou:

Absolutely [inaudible 00:58:29].

Susan Bergtraum:

Any other.

Angela Marshall:

Thank you Shultz.

Susan Bergtraum:

You can take it away, Angela, since it doesn't look like there's anybody else. So, continue please.

Angela Marshall:

Great. Now I have to introduce Dr. D'Aguanno to speak about the subcommittee, improving hiring outcomes. Dr. D'Aguanno.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Good evening, thank you very much for the opportunity to discuss our committee's work. We could be like the odd duck committee. Our committee consisted of Dr. Roxanne France, Yvette Allen-Campbell, Barbara Longo, Charlie Corello, Kyle [Uman 00:59:08], Kelly Piazza and Liz Calabrese. The hiring process committee had a dual objective. First, we spent a lot of time carefully evaluating the hiring processes of both certified and classified staff.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

The human resource department is caught between two very major bureaucracies; that of civil service and the state education department. However, we determined that we can make progress and move forward by working closely with civil service to affect change where possible, and working with all departments to make sure we're hiring the right talent and titles.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

Moving forward, we're looking at four hiring outcomes. These include jobs, and within the jobs we're looking at job analysis criteria and groups that we will be looking at. The selection tools we're going to look at assessment, fit and interviews. Outcomes, we want to take a look at turnover, diversity, which may overlap on the other committee slightly and performance, and then data, and take a look at ratings. We look forward to bringing you information about our future progress in the hiring outcome area. Thank you very much.

Susan Bergtraum:

Fran.

Fran Langsner:

I was just wondering, do you think that the possibility of embracing a hybrid model of work would expand the catchment area from which we can hire? My there be people out there who live further out than would typically want to come to work in person every day at a location in Nassau County, but the option of not having to be there every day might make it possible to hire people who live geographically further away.

Dr. Valerie D'Aguanno:

That's a possibility, but when we're looking at classified staff, we are still restricted because of civil service they still have to live in Nassau County. So unless they're on the outskirts, unless they're in Valley Stream and they're in Saiosi, and they're like in the corners of Nassau County, we still have to hire within Nassau County. So we're still restricted in that area. And as for certified staff, those would be either our administrators or our teachers. So if our students are in-person, we want our teachers to be in-person. And we can not hire somebody who's certified. So that's where I said, we're stuck between the state education department, where we have the office of teaching initiatives which says you have to have somebody certified in the classroom. Right.

Fran Langsner:

Okay.

Pam Christensen:

If I may, I think Dr. D'Aguanno's points are very well taken, but I also think Mrs. Langsner you're on to something because there's an element of not only proximity, but a very good likelihood that in order for us to remain competitive for certain kinds of talent, if the work world goes the way it looks like it's going to, with a significant percentage working remotely even after this is over, please let that be soon. Then in order to be competitive, it is likely that we will have to at least give strong consideration to the risk benefit of a remote work arrangement.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Yeah, and Fran I'd also like to add, we're hoping that civil service enters the 21st pretty soon with an understanding that there should be the capacity to have no borders anymore. With technology, and right now we have restrictions, but I know state aid we've discussed it at district superintendents meetings that you can have a much richer curriculum by bringing in the brightest thing best from anywhere in the world to provide instruction. But we're limited right now by some education law, by some restrictions, and New York is a very litigious state and we're very unionized. But somewhere along the line, that has to be a meeting of the minds. I think it will come, hopefully sooner rather than later

Fran Langsner:

We shall see.

Susan Bergtraum:

Any other comments? Okay, Angela.

Angela Marshall:

Great, next I'd like to introduce Dr. Nicolino, who is going to speak about the work of our subcommittee on leading with a social conscience.

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

Good evening and thank you for the opportunity to share with you the great work of the social conscious group. We are a small but mighty group consisting of Mrs. Judy Heinz, Ms. Shaundrika Langley-Grey and myself. Our goal is to establish an open and welcoming culture that can identify and eliminate a systemic bias that may exist within Nassau BOCES and to operationalize our learning, to provide leadership and learning on culturally and socially relevant professional development courses, policies, and practices. It is our objective to have Nassau BOCES staff participate in thought exchanges and webinars that focus on working well with diverse individuals and to encourage a greater understanding and acceptance of the views and perspectives of all stakeholders within the agency. The committee has taken steps to educate themselves through available webinars and courses, such as the Adelphi University certificate program on diversity, equity and inclusion. We've also conducted two thought exchanges and have begun working on a four-year plan on diversity equity inclusion or the agency.

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

Our latest thought exchange yielded some great information. We asked our employees, what are some of the topics around diversity, equity and inclusion that you would like to see in group webinar sessions and why? 231 employees participated, 128 thoughts were shared, close to 3000 ratings were given on those thoughts. We asked how our employees would rate their own knowledge and comfort with diversity equity and inclusion. 42% feel very competent and comfortable, while 31% have a good understanding. That's a majority of our staff. 15% have gaps in their knowledge and 12% of the respondents believe this is all new to them as an employee. We then asked, "Do you have any stories you would be willing to share?" 16% said yes, 43% said no and 41% are unsure.

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

What emerged from the thought exchange were three themes that our employees want to know more about. Socio economic issues for poverty stricken students and families was number one, benefits of diversity was second, understanding different cultures was third. We look forward to sharing more of these results with you in the future, and thank you again for the opportunity to present our work to you. Any questions?

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Questions? Thoughts? Okay, Angela.

Dr. Peter Nicolino:

Great, we have one final subcommittee to report. It's the subcommittee committed to keeping mental health at the forefront. The chair of that committee is Laverne Mitchell. Tonight, you will be hearing from Audre Midura. Audra.

Deborah Coates:

Good evening. The mental health and wellness sub committee was charged with keeping mental health in the forefront. Committee members include; Laverne Mitchell our chair, Ken Krug, Beverly Forgash, Kelly Fendley, Christine Fleming, Jeffrey Debold, Lyndon Mans before she retired and myself Audre Midura. Our key objectives were to provide tools and resources for Nassau BOCES' staff to provide professional development and other resources to districts, connect students and parents with resources to promote wellness, and raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health. Our action plan was to find ways to communicate as many mental health and wellness resources to staff, parents, and students as possible and stress how important mental health and wellbeing is to all of us.

Deborah Coates:

Our committee has been meeting weekly. At first, our work was centered around planning for the reopening of school and we created a presentation for superintendent's conference day in September that mostly focused on stress management, grief and loss, the need for self care and the importance of socialization and ideas of how to be social while still being distant. We also asked the agency staff to participate in a thought exchange. We asked, "What are some types of activities that you would like to see in order to support self care over the 2021 school year?"

Deborah Coates:

Some of the responses were increased use of outside spaces, taking fresh air breaks, availability of applications like Calm or Headspace, the desire for relaxation spaces, Zen dens or chill out chambers, time in the day designated for mindfulness and relaxation practices. Then in order to set the foundation for the importance of mental health and how to cope with the stress of leading through a crisis, we engaged two of our PD partners, David Hymowitz and Eric Cousin from #SameHere, to present to the administrative cabinet. Their presentation covered the importance of executive leadership to keep mental health at the forefront and offered strategies to support staff, stressing that everyone has experienced some level of stress and trauma over the past year.

Deborah Coates:

Through individual conversations with agency executive leadership, we found that the facility staff may not have had the opportunity to participate in the initial thought exchange, and that their mental health and wellness needs were not collected. We created another thought exchange and organized a self care and wellness workshop presented by the educator assistance program. These opportunities to meet with departments have provided us with different perspectives, needs, strengths, and challenges that each department may have. It has also made clear the importance of having periodic check-ins, and to have very departmental representation on our committee to ensure that the mental health and wellness supports we offer are being communicated to the entire agency.

Deborah Coates:

We have offered many programs and supports to districts and Nassau BOCES staff through partnerships with organizations and community resources. One such newly formed partnership with Calm, allowed staff to receive a holiday gift of a self care and mental fitness resource packet. We also formed collegial circles for student support staff. Like social worker, counselor, and psychologist circles that meet regularly and are well attended by both district and Nassau BOCES staff members. Numerous presentations on a variety of mental health issues such as trauma and stress management have been offered and attended by district staff and Nassau BOCES as well. These programs have been offered to parents in our special education program with great attendance. It seems the virtual environment is a great way to reach more families.

Deborah Coates:

We have connected districts and Nassau BOCES departments to resources for their needs, including social-emotional learning plans and instructional materials, recorded workshops and other resources. The Nassau BOCES programs have started the integration of restorative practice and restorative justice setting the foundation for more effective and positive adult student interactions and relationships. And finally, we're excited to be working with Dr. Steven Dewey, who is moderating a group of outstanding teachers, administrators, and support personnel from across Long Island to create an introduction...

PART 3 OF 4 ENDS [01:12:04]

Deborah Coates:

And support personnel from across Long Island to create an introduction to neuroscience course for high school students. The goal of this course is to create an interest in high school aged kids to learn about brain and behavioral sciences, perhaps creating a new generation of neuroscientists, psychiatrists and behaviorists. With funding, budgeting and spending projected to increase in the areas of mental and behavioral health and realizing that the COVID crisis has exponentially increased the need for a variety of mental health and substance abuse supports, our committee understands that our work will continue. The need is a parent, as well as the interest in brain and behavioral health. It seems that the pandemic has removed some of the stigma around mental health. There is an increased desire for self care and overall health and mental fitness, as well as an acknowledgement that social-emotional learning is just as important as academic skill mastery. And so our work continues. Thank you for the opportunity to share our committee's work with you tonight.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Any questions? Ms. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

It's not really a question. It's more a comment. I know that mental health and behavioral health has been so difficult. And again, you guys, all of the committees, you have monumental tests front of you. You know, one of the things that we have personally seen is the increase in, unfortunately in suicides and overdose. You know, my husband recently went to three in one week, a few wakes of young people who have overdosed or whatever. So I just, I'm glad to see that this is a part of what you guys have decided to take on because like you said, it is, I read it there. The need is apparent. And, and I believe that the pandemic has removed the stigma and hopefully we'll be heading towards a better place. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Any other comments, if not, we thank you all for your work. And we look forward to...

Susan Bergtraum:

Ms. Langsner. You're on mute, Fran.

Fran Langsner:

You know, when Dr. Dillion said, "You never let a good crisis go to waste," he was absolutely correct. I mean, this is the kind of work that we had been moving towards, all of it. You know, over time, but certainly living in COVID world has shown us the need to accelerate this process for all of these different committees, so that not only for our own agency, but as a model for all of our districts, because we don't know when the next crisis is going to arrive. I heard the other day that another pandemic is not something that is going to be in our imaginations. It could be very real because of the way we interact in the world today. So having moving forward with this kind of work and having these models in place to meet any challenges that come our way, it's amazing. So I thank all of you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you. You're most welcome.

Susan Bergtraum:

And just before I think I'm going to follow up maybe in a different way, then Mr. Schultz expressed it, but that we do want to continue to hear about this so that we feel like we're in the loop. And that we don't question that we are assured. There are no quick... That we are assured that as an agency we are doing and you are doing what we would hope would be done. And it's just that kind of making sure that we know where we are as an agency. So I do thank everybody who's working on this and Angela for being Angela and bravo to you all. So with that, Angela, do you have anything else that you would like to contribute? You're you're good?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I'd like to thank Angela and the entire staff. I mean, this has been quite an undertaking during the pandemic, so we've been moving right along with any. This is the point in time where we had an opportunity and some information to share our work in progress with the board.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Dr. Dillion.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, moving on. May I have a motion for the consent agenda? Thank you, Ms. Coates. Second, Ms. Langsner. Is there any discussion? I think somebody wanted a separate-

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

I would like page 9 of the PAR report pulled for a separate vote.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Okay, so may I have-

Fran Langsner:

I just have a question, not that specific... It's specific, but not... I don't need an urgent answer, but on the consent agenda, other the Touro agreement, it's a clinic that has to do with a student teaching when we have cooperating teachers who accept student teachers, and I'm not clear because we've had others. What benefit accrues to BOCES? It doesn't seem to have in the contracts. Do some of our teachers get stipends depending on the university that's sending students? I don't know if any of our teachers get credits at the universities that send teachers. I'd like to just have, in general, a clarification of what the relationship is between the sending institution and the BOCES when it comes to student teaching.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Can you respond to that, Ken?

Ken Kroog:

I sure can. Yeah, the Touro agreement. Touro is one of the colleges that doesn't offer those fantastic perks to the cooperating teacher or the cooperating administrator, which we really appreciate when they do such as the college course for no credit or in some rare cases, a stipend for the teacher. That's not something they do, but we found that our department engaging in these partnerships, so to speak, does provide benefits for our department overall in the area of recruiting. We get to see some new teachers in the field, especially in high need areas, bilingual idols, math and science teachers. It also affords us the opportunity to bring new educators into the field with the training, the best practices that we can impart on them.

Ken Kroog:

For Touro, this was actually brought about by an ENL teacher who I reached out to our principal at CCA and the one other point that I want to make is that it is a voluntary and optional arrangement. So no teacher would be compelled to be a cooperating teacher. We found that a lot of teachers will step up because they want the opportunity to mentor or they're interested in leadership in some way. So they benefit in that, in that type of realm.

Fran Langsner:

Because sometimes the motivation is to get that course credit, but obviously there are benefits beyond that kind of arrangement.

Ken Kroog:

Yeah, of course credit is fantastic when that's part of the policy and a lot of colleges do that. We engage in some agreements with them quickly.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So with that, I now need a motion to accept the consented gender, except for page nine on the PAR. So I'm going to go back and ask for that motion.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Second? Mr. Schoen, thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Any other discussion? If not, all in favor? Opposed? Abstained? Okay. Motion carries.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right, so now I need a motion for page nine on the PAR. Thank you, Ms. Coates. Second, Mr. Schoen, thank you. Any discussion?

Michael Weinick:

Yes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Weiner?

Michael Weinick:

I think the world of our policy staff, they are wonderful individuals, dedicated workers doing a fantastic job, but, and there's a very big but. We have to understand the economic times of the day. Until the dust settles, we see what the state budget is and understand the economic situation of our component districts. I can't endorse any salary increases at this time. Nassau BOCES does not operate in a vacuum. We have to be cognizant of the world real world around us. So therefore we'd be staying on this [inaudible 01:22:16].

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Any other comments?

Susan Bergtraum:

Would that all in favor of PAR page nine. Opposed? Abstained? Mr. Weinick. Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

So Joyce, you have the A zero one. Okay. All right.

Susan Bergtraum:

Next, can I have a motion on additional agenda items? May I have a motion? Thank you, Mrs. Coates. Second? Thank you, Mr. Schoen. Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

Any discussion?

Susan Bergtraum:

All in favor?

Michael Weinick:

Wait one second. I have to double check something on the minutes.

Michael Weinick:

Okay, go ahead.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

All in favor. Opposed? Abstained? Okay. Item passes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Moving on to information. Does anybody have any comments, questions on information items? And there is no virtual clipboard tonight, just in case anybody was looking for it.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay....

Larry Greenstein:

At some point when we're back in person, I'd like to actually sit down with some people and go over the report card just to understand what every item means. I sort of got the gist of it, but I'd like a little more specificity when we can do it easily.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So noted. Dr. Dillion, are you going to say yes...

Dr. Robert Dillon:

You know, Larry, we can, if your schedule permits, we can have so many executive directors sit down and it's basically a promotional type of situation where, as I understand it, the BOCES got together and had one collective data gathering thing that can be used. For example, when we are in BOCES lobby day. But if you just call the office, call Jessica up and we'll schedule something, so we can do a Zoom meeting and answer any questions you have with it or anybody else for that matter.

Larry Greenstein:

It'll be after April 15th. But yeah, I'll do that. Thanks.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Dr. Dillion's superintendents report.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Okay, yeah. Just very briefly. Angela is going to present. We did a survey of vaccinations for any agency for our employees. And I'd like to give you guys an update where we are with vaccinations of our employees. Angela.

Angela Marshall:

Sure. So we sent out a survey to roughly 4,000 email addresses. So some of those email addresses are not people, but just for purposes of understanding of the survey, I assume around 4,000 employees and we heard back from 819 of them. So that's roughly a 20% response rate, which is pretty good to give us a grounding of where we are with our vaccinations. Of those...

Angela Marshall:

Sorry, a piece of paper is on the computer, so I had to find it again. About 512 are either fully or partially vaccinated with plans to be vaccinated. So 62% of the people who responded are partially or fully vaccinated and another 87 at that time had an appointment scheduled and another 115 had planned to be vaccinated. Now this data is as of March 18th, several people told me that their vaccination status changed between the time they first answered the survey and when we closed it, because people were getting appointments and they were going and getting vaccinated the next day or that weekend. So the numbers have only improved since then.

Angela Marshall:

Of note, we have of the 819 who participated 89 are not planning to be vaccinated, so that's about 11% of those who responded. So we will need to do a bit of a campaign highlighting the benefits of the vaccination. We do not att this point, there are no legal requirements for anyone to be vaccinated, but we will be making sure that everyone knows the benefits. Any questions?

Deborah Coates:

What about the board, Mrs. Angela? I know you did. I did hear back from six of our nine board members. Five are fully vaccinated and one will be fully vaccinated as of April 2nd. So majority of the board is vaccinated. I see Mr. Kaye.

Martin Kaye:

Angela, I will have my second shot on Monday and then Barbara wants me to take a distemper shot as well.

Susan Bergtraum:

And you do have me in that list, right? Angela?

Angela Marshall:

I do.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. I just want to make sure that.

Ronald Ellerbe:

Angela?

Angela Marshall:

Yeah.

Ronald Ellerbe:

As of the 31st, I'll have my second vaccine.

Angela Marshall:

Perfect. Thank you.

Eric Schultz:

Angela, I don't know if you have me. I'm done.

Angela Marshall:

You're done? Great.

Angela Marshall:

Oh, so we're as of... I don't know what the... I think the second, it might be our last shot and then the whole board is fully vaccinated two weeks after that.

Angela Marshall:

[crosstalk 01:28:25]

Deborah Coates:

Michael.

Michael Weinick:

I'm the last one, April 2nd.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

No comment.

Michael Weinick:

Angela, thank you very much.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

And that concludes the report, Susan.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

Joyce, was there any citizen who wanted to be heard?

Joyce Nolan:

Not at all.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Then moving right along.

Susan Bergtraum:

Old business. Is there any old business that anybody wants to comment on?

Susan Bergtraum:

Seeing nobody. Any new business before we go to, if there was a foundation. Mr. Weinick.

Michael Weinick:

At some point before the organizational meeting in July, I'd like a discussion or the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association. Reevaluating and assessing our membership and what the organization does at this point, other than being a fraternal order of camaraderie, I would like to know what we get for our dues and whether we should continue being a member of that organization.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. We'll put that on as an agenda and I'll go on. I'll just...

Michael Weinick:

Just put it on between now and July.

Susan Bergtraum:

Right.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

And it's really not a board business, but it's about work on board colleagues. I'd like to congratulate Mr. Ellerbe on his reelection.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Right.

Ronald Ellerbe:

Well, thank you. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

I think he has now breathed a sigh of relief. This is... You know... And Freeport has shown what a bright community they are.

B.A. Schoen:

Congratulations or condolences.

Susan Bergtraum:

Whichever, but at least the community is bright. We don't know about you, Ron, if we're sending you our condolences, but the community at least is bright enough.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Schultz.

Eric Schultz:

Can we get an update on candidates for the board?

Susan Bergtraum:

There are no other candidates other than the three seated board members running.

Eric Schultz:

And is the last day past?

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes. March 22nd was the last day.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. That being said, Joyce, from now on, just put that next year's list of making sure the whole board is updated. My apologies for not realizing that you had all not been informed, why you should have been. I did it, but we'll, we'll make sure that in the coming years that just on the daily update of just saying whether or not anybody else has applied for, or been nominated for a seat on the board.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay, is there a foundation report? Has there been a meeting?

B.A. Schoen:

No.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. So there is no foundation report. All right, then with that, I'm going to ask for a motion to go into executive session to discuss with council acquisition sale, at least a real property, or the proposed acquisition of securities, the sale or exchange of securities held by such public body, but only when publicity would substantially affect the value thereof.

Susan Bergtraum:

And with that, before I say, there is no intended vote when we come out of executive session. So there would be no reason for anybody who's viewing us through Zoom to stay because they will be no other... [crosstalk 01:32:34] before us.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes. So would that... Larry, did you have anything or were you moving?

Larry Greenstein:

No, I was just moving.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

So motion to go into executive session by Mr. Greenstein. Second? Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. Any other discussion? If not all in favor. Opposed. Abstained.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. We will be moving into executive session and I totally forgot to congratulate Mea Culpa, Joanna [inaudible 01:33:11] on her promotion. So I'm doing it now. On her promotion to a cabinet position of assistant director of special ed, on the promotions of Steve Jacobs, Vincent LaRusso and Lee Thomas [inaudible 01:33:25]. They have been promoted. And our thanks to Anne Marie Watrous on her retirement. She was in the business office and was... You know, when you say not irreplaceable, but irreplaceable, and she's working with her replacement. So many thanks to her for her years of service to us. And with that, we will now go into executive session. And for the rest of you have a wonderful evening.

PART 4 OF 4 ENDS [01:33:55]

 

Transcript of March 11, 2021, Board meeting

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Nolan. I welcome everybody to the March 11, 2021 meeting for all of you who are watching us on Zoom. Welcome, and thank you for your service and just know, everybody who is attached to this agency that this board does keep up with what is affecting you and Dr. Dillon reports to us on how we're trying to help with vaccinations or staff and how you're feeling and what the climate is. So with that, we thank you again. And may I have a motion to approve the minutes of February 11th?

Deborah Coates:

So moved.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Coates. Second, Mrs. Langsner. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor?

Audience:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstain? Thank you minutes are approved or accepted. Dr. Dillon, presentations.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We have two presentations this evening, but before I introduce the first presentation for those who haven't met Jessica Santos, Jessica is with us this evening. Jessica is the replacement-

Susan Bergtraum:

Wave Jessica.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

... with Theresa, otherwise known-

Jessica Santos:

Hi, everyone.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

... as Lydia's twin sister. You know what I'm saying? For those who remember. Having said that we welcome Jessica.

Eric Schultz:

Those who remember?

Susan Bergtraum:

How quickly we forget.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

And you are? That's right. The immediate pass, I've forgot for a moment, immediate pass.

Eric Schultz:

[Baabu 00:02:06].

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Baabu, right. First presentation is from special ed. Susan McNulty has some of her colleagues with us. Now let Susan take over. Susan.

Susan McNulty:

Thank you. Good evening, everyone. I'm going to ask Ken to start. He's going to share our presentation. Fantastic. All right, everyone can see our presentation. Great. So this evening, our team is very excited to share with you, how our programs have been meeting our students' social and emotional needs, teaching SEL skills through a multi-disciplinary approach.

Susan McNulty:

In the fall, we shared a focus presentation on the social emotional strategies our programs had been and were planning to use with our students. Tonight, Ms. Shaundrika Langley-Grey and Mr. Matthews Zegers, the principles of the Jerusalem Avenue School and the Rosemary Kennedy School, will show how their staff have been teaching SEL skills to their students.

Ken Kroog:

Social emotional learning is a component of our learning plan and one that we take pride in. Social emotional learning has the power to improve outcomes for our students in a number of areas, including academic achievement, positive social relationships, the reduction of stress and anxiety. The skills that students gain from social emotional learning in the areas of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. These support the students whether in school also when they eventually leave us through graduation or go back to district for their future lives.

Ken Kroog:

So in our department we have been expanding our social emotional learning curriculum to ensure that we're meeting the needs of our students, especially in this very complex and difficult time with the current pandemic. Over this past summer, we convened a multidisciplinary curriculum team with teachers and psychologists, administrators from across our departments.

Ken Kroog:

And the objective of the team was to review a pilot [crosstalk 00:04:25] eventually adopt social emotional curriculum and programming for our programs to enhance our programs and to refine our practices already in place in this particular area. Some of the criteria that we utilize in this committee were the ability to deliver the content remotely.

Ken Kroog:

So using technology, the integration of technology to serve students who were on a remote accommodation and in person in our schools. Also the alignment to standards, New York State standards and the CASEL standards for social emotional learning were critical elements in the decision-making process.

Ken Kroog:

Quaver SEL is a social emotional learning curriculum that our committee eventually selected and adopted for a number of our programs on the elementary and then our upper elementary, and middle school classes. So this particular product really met our criteria for social emotional learning products, because it's interactive, it's highly motivating and very engaging to the students. It includes music, movement activities, videos. It's also sequenced so that teachers can follow along in the sequence of steps, content units, or it's flexible that they could pick and choose what's needed for their class.

Ken Kroog:

Another important element is this remote element, this technology integration piece, where it could be utilized in the classroom but also at home for the remote students and for parents to incorporate it into their families. Either while students are on remote, or for homework. Just a regular daily kind of cycle. So these are some of the reasons that we went with this program and we included it in our repertoire of social emotional learning curriculum.

Susan McNulty:

Now Ms. Langley-Grey will share how her program has been implementing SEL into the classrooms at Jerusalem Avenue.

Shaundrika Langley-Grey:

Thank you, Susan. Good evening, everyone. I am delighted to represent our school at tonight's board meeting. At our very first Jerusalem Avenue reopening team meeting over the summer that consisted of parents, teachers, related service providers and administrators. We opened with reading Daniel Santat's book, after the fall. Everyone knows story of Humpty Dumpty and how he had a great fall, but this tale follows what happens afterwards. Essentially, it brings light to how Humpty Dumpty could no longer do many of the things he loved to do most. So the biggest question that we had for that book is, how would Humpty Dumpty summon the courage to face his fears?

Shaundrika Langley-Grey:

It was a massive [inaudible 00:07:21] book that reminded us that life begins when you get back up again. This nursery rhyme began our team's journey. What would we grip there and trauma of returning to school and what we needed to support our students, families and staff? Well, I keep disappearing. Families and staff as they return to our building, to help build a sense of belonging.

Shaundrika Langley-Grey:

Quaver is the tool we use to leverage our SEL work. We know the benefits of connection, relationship, and routines that aid us in our work with students. These daily morning meetings, for both our in-person and our remote students reinforce each student's connection to themselves, fellow students and the classroom team. It also helps us to set a tone for the day, the lessons from Quaver embed opportunities to promote social emotional lessons into the fabric of our school day. It also helps our teams support students in building skills seamlessly across the content area, from the classroom to the therapist's office, within the context of a positive learning environment.

Shaundrika Langley-Grey:

Each Quaver lesson, as Ken said, has a varying degree of activities for each lesson. The time can range from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the skill that's being covered. And this flexible lesson pacing allows for activities to be sequenced or divided into shorter activities.

Shaundrika Langley-Grey:

Establishing and maintaining these connections are critical. As our school attempts to reach every student, particularly those who may be our most vulnerable due to trauma or disengagement. Quaver is our multidisciplinary approach at Jerusalem Avenue. You are about to witness a video. And in the video, you will see a snapshot of the collective and collaborative work done during our morning SEL periods.

Shaundrika Langley-Grey:

Our classroom and out of classroom teachers, guidance counselors, school psychologists, our school social worker and building administrative team collectively work together to build and support these skills. We want our students to become the next generation of leaders. So today we develop these skills to help their self in social awareness, relationship building and thoughtful decision-making that supports their growth in today's increasingly global and digital society. Please enjoy the video.

Camilla:

It says I believe in you.

Speaker 30:

[inaudible 00:10:07].

Camilla:

Awesome. Good guess Camilla. [crosstalk 00:10:11].

Speaker 31:

Just to think about it one more time. Before we reflect, let's take a moment to get a body still and our voices quiet. Sometimes I might...

Speaker 32:

[inaudible 00:10:22] What do you need to do? Three things we're working on, following.

Speaker 33:

Following direction.

Speaker 32:

Safe.

Speaker 33:

Safe and-

Speaker 32:

Is he kind?

Speaker 33:

Use the kind words.

Speaker 32:

Good job.

Speaker 34:

[inaudible 00:10:38]. Awesome. Good, is the phrase correct now?

Speaker 35:

Yes.

Speaker 34:

Then what's it say?

Speaker 35:

Could we do it better?

Speaker 34:

Awesome.

Speaker 32:

So we are working on having a growth and a fixed mindset so I told the students whenever they use a growth mindset statement that they're brain is growing, their brain is getting stronger and stronger and they're going to earn 20...

Speaker 34:

Awesome. The phrase of the day is?

Speaker 35:

[inaudible 00:11:03].

Speaker 36:

All right so today we're talking about solving conflict, who knows what conflict is? What is another word for conflict?

Dina:

A fight.

Speaker 36:

A fight. Yes Dina, argument, fight, that's excellent. So a conflict is not seeing eye to eye, having an issue...

Susan McNulty:

Thank you, Shaundrika and Jerusalem Avenue Students' parents and staff. Now Mr. Zegers will show us how SEL has been implemented across the Rosemary Kennedy school program.

Matt Zegers:

Good evening, It is a privilege to share our program with you. The social emotional needs of the Rosemary Kennedy's School students are extensive. In order to get our students accessible to instruction, we must first teach them how to regulate their emotional state. The goals of our social emotional curriculum address self-advocacy, self-determination and facilitate the construction of a positive mindset. All of these terms encompass the goal of self-improvement. This is in alignment with the Rosemary Kennedy school's mission statement, developing and promoting lifelong learners.

Matt Zegers:

Now as lifelong learners in education, take a moment and reflect on how developing our social emotional needs would impact our own lives. How much better our own lives would be if we made considered efforts to be kind and practice greater confidence?

Matt Zegers:

To address our students needs, we've structured opportunities for exposure to content and experiences for enrichment. Classrooms have embedded Quaver into their daily classroom schedules. Now this is regardless of whether they're in-person or remote. Teachers are dedicating 20 to 30-minute periods, a minimum of three times per week. The topics are broken down into units. Each unit is about two weeks long.

Matt Zegers:

Since all of our students have social emotional needs, this is a program wide initiative. It is transdisciplinary. Most of members of our PPS department collaborating with all of the staff from each discipline, modify each two-week lesson unit to meet our students' needs.

Matt Zegers:

The Quaver curriculum offers interactive lessons. However, to further than meet the needs of our students, the out of classroom teachers with PPS members work to make the content meaningful and accessible. The objectives of each Quaver lesson are aided by supplemental materials such as social stories, crafts, worksheets, cooking activities, and other hands-on activities. There are many great examples of Quaver in practice. For instance, during the unit I am confident, bracelets such as these, which we will gladly distribute to all of our board members, made by the students have positive affirmations that are proudly worn on our RKS confidence day.

Matt Zegers:

In music class, songs such as Brave by Sara Bareilles. That song that always get stuck in your head are played and sung as an expression of confidence. Currently, the phys ed department is setting fitness step goals in each class, charting their progress on a bulletin board. So this way everybody can highlight the growth they are making towards their physical fitness goals.

Matt Zegers:

Common language is used throughout the building by all adults to support the lesson concepts. This is in coordination with the core vocabulary school-wide practices already in place. One third of our students use augmentative communication systems or picture systems to communicate. We all pair our verbal statements with the students picture system to improve communication. To do this, the words of the month and Quaver statements are posted all in our classrooms, offices and everywhere in the building.

Matt Zegers:

So for example, I have a core board right here. I am confident and this is proud in all my students. It makes me happy that they are working together. We would do this to help facilitate our students and this way they can promote their own expression. Now most importantly, we need to promote parent involvement. Rosemary Kennedy enjoy showcasing our students on our Facebook page. So at school website and our parent portal on Microsoft teams, thanks to the office of information for that help.

Matt Zegers:

As the students develop an understanding of how to be kind, we presented a motivating challenge, the I care to be kind challenge. Every class within the program was presented with the opportunity to submit their best examples of how to exemplify kindness in the building. The results were great. They were submitted to the RKS studios.

Matt Zegers:

Now during our daily morning show these video productions highlighting these examples were put on display. I am proud to be able to show you one of these examples coming up. Now our mantra is, working together although we are apart. And please take this opportunity to see these students hard at work in this next video clip.

Matt Zegers:

(singing)

Speaker 38:

Have a great day everyone.

Speaker 39:

Have a good day.

Susan McNulty:

We would like to say thank you to Matt and the Rosemary Kennedy students, parents, and staff. We are so proud of the work our staff have been doing to prepare our students with the social and emotional skills they need to face the future. We thank you all for this opportunity to share our students and staff in action. Thank you so much.

Susan Bergtraum:

Bob you're muted. Bob you're muted.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I know I'm killing myself [crosstalk 00:18:10].

Susan Bergtraum:

I'm sorry.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I said such nice things about Susan, Matt and Shaundrika and I'll say them again, you guys did a great job, we're very proud of you, thank you. Are there any questions Susan, from the board?

Susan Bergtraum:

Deb.

Deborah Coates:

I don't have a question, but I just wanted to also commend everyone. It just seems like such an uplifting and a wonderful program especially during this time. So great to see how everyone is working together and do they do this for adults too?

Dr. Robert Dillon:

We will later, there's going to be a conflict one later.

Deborah Coates:

Thank you. It was very excellent to see.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

So I certainly agree with Debbie and you know that prior to the pandemic, these kinds of activities might been among the ones that we actually got to witness in person.

Deborah Coates:

Me too.

Fran Langsner:

Miss that. I do have a question that I don't know if there's an answer to. Again prior to the pandemic, one of the things that we used to hear that affects children's mental wellness is being over programmed after school. And it may not have been our kids, but maybe siblings in their families who really never had any time to catch their breath because they had so many things that were part of their lives. Now they've been certainly under programmed. And I wonder if you've noticed if that has had any kind of positive effect on our students and their ability to take these lessons and internalize them.

Susan McNulty:

I'll put that to Shaundrika and Matt, do you have any examples of that?

Matt Zegers:

Sure. Within my students lives, I see that parent involvement is very much different especially since a lot of people are working from home and getting a lot more time together. It's been positive in that sense and we've been getting that parent involvement. And as I was stating before, we're providing as many opportunities for our parents to work on these exercises, through the websites, seeing them on Facebook and through our parent portal. So at this way, they can help promote these things and it has been positive and we're getting a lot more participation in that sense.

Fran Langsner:

What a glimmer out of all this, that we've suffered through.

Matt Zegers:

A little more showing.

Shaundrika Langley-Grey:

Interesting is I can echo watching or coming into some of the remote classrooms and seeing parents right there along, working alongside their kids, helping them do work, passing them worksheets, participating. So I definitely have seen that positivity come in into play, especially in our remote classrooms.

Fran Langsner:

That's great, thank you.

Shaundrika Langley-Grey:

You're welcome, Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Kaye and then Mr Schultz.

Martin Kaye:

You've answered half of my questions and I thank you for it. It seems like there's a great program in this Quaver. And it works for multiple grade levels in different ways. And it effectively engages the student. You talked about trying to make a connection, what have we done to make a connection between the families, the parents at home and the students who may be missing as a result of this irregular school schedule we've had for over a year? Are we bringing them up to date? Are they in on the strategies and achievements that their kids are doing in school? And if they're home for a week or two, how do we manage this interruption through a program like this, with the connection of the family and the home?

Susan McNulty:

So I would say that a lot of that is happening through the communication and Matt and Shaundrika can talk to that as well, as I know that they communicate with the parents through newsletters, through emails, they're sending projects home and following up with parents on how to engage and interact with the students. So the parents are able to do that at home, follow up on what we're doing in the schools and in the classrooms.

Matt Zegers:

Absolutely. And first thing is empathy, knowing that they're going through a lot in this complete transition and change. So to offer as much support as we can, we offer parent training sessions. Again, please like us on Facebook and come check it out on our parent portal. Anybody can join it and see all of the activities we have to promote. It's growing every day, we're getting more and more participation. Again, always being responsive to the parents and promoting questions and having them work directly with the staff. And so this way they feel supported. And again, that mantra of working together, even though we're apart as best we can.

Martin Kaye:

We can't have a back to school night or day, the way that... And traditionally we used to. How are we letting parents know how their students are doing on a one-to-one basis through counseling or whatever we need to do?

Shaundrika Langley-Grey:

So Mr. Kaye [inaudible 00:23:45] we've had our virtual back to school nights. So in this past February, we actually had parent-teacher conferences virtually as well. And so parents were given opportunities to make appointments. We reached out as well, and I would say that it was enriching for both parents and for staff. And we all met together as a team around the computer to talk about how well their students were doing, if there were challenges, how we could support their students. So those are things that we are still trying to do, but we're doing it in this virtual environment.

Shaundrika Langley-Grey:

And to Ms. Langsner, we're going to be doing our... You came to our school shows. You and a couple of the board members and we are still doing those things, but we're doing it virtually. And we're also including our virtual students in our school shows. Our music teacher and the rest of the team are working really hard to make sure that we incorporate all of this and that they don't lose anything by not being in the building as well.

Fran Langsner:

So is it possible for us to get those links?

Shaundrika Langley-Grey:

Absolutely.

Fran Langsner:

That would be great.

Shaundrika Langley-Grey:

Absolutely.

Martin Kaye:

Thank you team, great.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

And also, I'm sorry.

Eric Schultz:

Go ahead Bob.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

No, I was just saying we're also in the process, given what we know today are doing graduations and moving up ceremony the same way we did last year. So be ready, get your lunch here ready. I'll get the horns ready and we're ready to go.

Eric Schultz:

Just give Susan the horn, the rest of us don't need horns. Once again, I'd like to see if we can get a copy of the presentation, the hard copy of the presentation. Matt, forgive me, I haven't seen you a long time. What's with the beard? I don't know. It looks great.

Matt Zegers:

Thanks.

Eric Schultz:

You referenced the Facebook page, what was it?

Matt Zegers:

The Facebook page is originally designed because we had-

Eric Schultz:

No, I know what a Facebook page is. What's the group to join.

Matt Zegers:

It's just the Rosemary Kennedy school. Look that up and that's where we are.

Eric Schultz:

And I don't know whether there's a follow-up on Fran's question, but a lot of these programs since we're funding them, we never really get a chance to see in action. Is there a way that we can be able to log into that program so that we can play around on our own and promise not to break the system?

Susan McNulty:

Sure we can do that for you.

Eric Schultz:

Great. Thank you. Great presentation. It's obviously been a worry for all of us on the board, since we're sort of removed from the process at this point to be able to understand how the services are being delivered. We are inundated at the conventions and online with advertisements and propositions from all the different vendors. Obviously relying upon our professionals to figure out which is the most appropriate. I've heard of it, but it's nice to have seen it in action. Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Anybody else? Okay then I'll end by saying, first of all I think this is probably... Even if we weren't in a pandemic, one of the most important things we can do for human beings, whether they're children or adults. So I thank you for including it or integrating it into the program. And when I watch us watch those things on the smile meter, you got a 10 plus. So with that, thank you for the presentation. This one is so uplifting, so thank you, thank you, thank you.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

So before we have our next presentation, I just want to put a little bit in context. It was a year ago, last night, that a few of us were at Farber and at Farber were [inaudible 00:27:51] in Dr. Eisenstein. And we were there because it was a gym teacher [inaudible 00:27:58] playing golf as Paige who had this thing called COVID. And he'd been at several schools. On the third floor, It was Lorna Lewis and Greg Garcia. And Angela had set up a press conference because at that time we believed that we were going to announce that schools were going to be closed and that's what happened.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

But then we got a call from the governor's office that no one moves until the governor makes the move the next day. But it was a year ago yesterday that it all started to change. It changed to the point of where we're meeting with our kids now virtually. And you don't have the opportunity to visit. None of us have the opportunity to visit. We're not to have visitors anywhere. So it was a year ago, last night that it all started for me and for a lot of people. And with that, I'd like to turn over to Angela.

Eric Schultz:

I just point out that your friend Lorna Lewis closed the Plainview schools before the governor did.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Well, the only way she could is with an executive order, because she wouldn't get state aid. And that Greg Garcia was all over that one.

Larry Greenstein:

You could do it if you had snow days left. In my local district, we took two snow days before the government shut us down.

Eric Schultz:

You really think Lorna was going to listen and wait for Greg.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

For the first time, maybe who knows?

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. Angela.

Angela Marshall:

So thank you for the opportunity to share a brief video with you. It was a labor of love and really gives you a look into what this agency, all the people, the staff, the parents, the families went through over the last year and endured. [inaudible 00:29:45]

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Great job. Thank you, Angela. Very well done. And it certainly shows the dedication resiliency of everyone associated with Nassau BOCES. And we thank them and thank you for putting it together, Susan, that concludes.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thanks, Bob. And that is another piece that when we thank our staff, that's a concrete example of what everybody in the agency has done. And so when we thank you, we have also documented, what you've done and we hope that you are very proud of your contributions and how you've comported yourselves through this entire year. So with that I will ask for a motion on the consent agenda. Thank you, Mr. Schoen, moved, second?

Fran Langsner:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, Mrs. Langsner. Is there anybody who wants to have a discussion on an item, remove an item, any? Seeing none, all in favor.

Audience:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed? Abstained? Motion carries.

Eric Schultz:

Susan could I just-

Susan Bergtraum:

Sure.

Eric Schultz:

This is for Tony, we had a lot of the change orders and questions were raised with regard to extensions of time due to COVID for certain projects. Do you have an idea if there are any more coming down the line in that regard that we should be looking out for?

Anthony Fierro:

I would just say that, our construction projects are starting to move along. We have some projects that are out to bid right now. And we're doing actually virtual bid openings now. So we're hoping that we'll see some of these projects getting started. As far as extensions of time goes, there's one issue that I've noticed is that sometimes just getting materials, that having materials shipped that come from other states or possibly even other countries, have slowed projects down. And I think that, it'll be on a project by project basis, but that's something I think we'll need to look at moving forward, just to try to keep on top of those timeframes and see if there are other maybe substitutions or other things we can do to kind of to avoid that happening. But that's one thing I could see happening, Eric.

Eric Schultz:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Coates.

Deborah Coates:

That was actually highlighted on the news today about the container ships. There were 30 of them out in the Pacific gap by Los Angeles. So it is a big problem for everyone.

Anthony Fierro:

And it's very hard to anticipate how it will affect each individual project. You might think that something that we took for granted before may turn out to be something that could hold up a project. So we really have to keep on top of it and that's going to be an additional... A closer look by our construction managers to kind of monitor that and look at that even in the design phase to see if there's any anticipated materials that could possibly pose a problem with delivery.

Susan Bergtraum:

Then moving along, may I have a motion on the additional agenda items, contracts over 2000 a day. Mrs. Coates, thank you. Second.

Larry Greenstein:

Second.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mr. Greenstein, thank you. Is there any discussion? All in favor?

Audience:

Aye.

Susan Bergtraum:

Opposed?

Michael Weinick:

Oppose.

Susan Bergtraum:

Abstentions? Thank you. [inaudible 00:39:57].

Eric Schultz:

Michael are you talking for yourself or for the board?

Susan Bergtraum:

Moving right along.

Michael Weinick:

Don't get me started sir.

Susan Bergtraum:

Moving right along. The information items if you can just look at the virtual clipboard and let Joyce know if you have not already, about the items that are on it, is there any-

Michael Weinick:

Did we get a link for tomorrow for the refit?

Deborah Coates:

I didn't get one.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yeah we did, didn't we? What?

Michael Weinick:

I didn't.

Fran Langsner:

I didn't.

Deborah Coates:

I didn't.

Susan Bergtraum:

Joyce you're on mute.

Joyce Nolan:

I can forward it all to you if I have one, I have to check on the calendar. I may not have one yet, but I'll get one.

Susan Bergtraum:

I swear, I got one.

Joyce Nolan:

Okay. [crosstalk 00:40:51] directly to you, but I'll check, I will check. And I can send it tonight if I have it.

Fran Langsner:

Thanks, because it's at 8:30 tomorrow morning.

Joyce Nolan:

I know. I know [inaudible 00:41:05].

Susan Bergtraum:

When we go into exec session and take that five-minute break, maybe I'm wrong, but I'll go to

Joyce Nolan:

Ill take a [crosstalk 00:41:11].

Susan Bergtraum:

... my phone and see who I got it from or what.

Joyce Nolan:

[inaudible 00:41:16].

Susan Bergtraum:

So we'll take care of that. Dr. Dillon.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Eric, can you explain to Mrs. Coates, the woes of being an immediate past president.

Susan Bergtraum:

Moving right along again, is there any other information items that anybody needs to discuss? Seeing none. Moving on, Dr. Dillon the superintendent's report.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Just a couple of words about the Biden bailout that was just signed. And I understand there's $9 billion coming to New York state for education. Part of that is allocated for the digital divide and there's another part specific percentage allocated for the pandemic slide, the learning loss of children. BOCES is not in line for any of the month because we're not a school district. The school district will follow the children to their school district.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

However, there is, I believe a great opportunity emerging because in the area of digital divide, that's something that we can step up and work with the district. I think that's something we talked a little bit about at cabinet today. In addition, the professional development and curriculum areas, we can also be a major player in. Although there's no direct funding coming to BOCES, we can look to provide services that our component districts will need to close the digital divide and shore up that learning slide that has happened over the last year.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

So I just want to inform people that it's no direct money, but other opportunities coming. So having said that I'd like to now to turn it over to our CIT people and I don't know who's leading. Is Laverne the lead person or Pam?

Susan Bergtraum:

Pam is going to begin.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

All right, Pam, it's all yours.

Pam Christensen:

I am. Good evening, everyone. First of all, before I even begin, I want to offer kudos to our colleagues in special education and also to Angela for those presentations, makes it a hard act to follow, but I think they were wonderful. So thank you very much. And I thank you for the opportunity to speak with you this evening as well, and share our departmental report with you. I'll speak for a few minutes, and then I'll give the floor over to my fellow CIT associate directors for them to share some information with you as well.

Pam Christensen:

Nearly a year ago, Chris Reinertsen, Laverne Mitchell and I were given the opportunity to lead CIT collaboratively. I think I speak for all of us when I thank you for that opportunity. Two overarching challenges have infused and influenced our leadership of the department in the past year. One was the departure of our executive director, Tony Flora and the other of course was the pandemic.

Pam Christensen:

Tony was a force of nature and his retirement was certainly felt throughout the department. In addition to that, the decision to replace a single executive director with three associate directors, each responsible for discreet areas, but committed to the department as a whole was a radical change albeit one that the three of us welcomed.

Pam Christensen:

I'm happy to report tonight that CIT is thriving in this three-legged stool approach. Chris, Laverne and I meet regularly to encourage one another, challenge one another and collaborate with one another as we work to assure the continued health and growth of the department. Our personalities are as varied as our skills and talents, but this reality lends itself well to the support of the diversity and breadth of the department itself. The arrangement has also had a positive financial effect at a time when we see fiscal challenges all around us, the pandemic brought its own vast and significant trials of which we are all acutely aware in which we continue to live through together.

Pam Christensen:

The bifurcated workforce created by having some employees remote and some in-person has compelled us all to develop expanded management and communication approaches with an eye to cohesiveness and productivity. But these are opportunities too. The circumstances propel us toward growth, expanded views and new ways of thinking. This is new and exciting work. And with the help of able managers, supervisors and dedicated employees, we're doing it. I will give you some brief updates on the groups that I have responsibility for. And then as I promised, I will turn this over to Laverne and Chris.

Pam Christensen:

In customer care, there's been a chart change in the nature and the volume of the calls that come in this new environment that includes both remote work and instruction. We continue to assess and adjust the way we handle the workflow to best meet the changing requirements. And we're also considering what training of our personnel we need to do to properly support the customers in this new world.

Pam Christensen:

In project management, the flow of project business and revenue from the districts is steady, consistent. We're entering one of our busy seasons as districts set up new projects. The customer projects continue to have an emphasis on laptops or other mobile devices as you can imagine, security projects, cabling, copy machines and repairs of existing equipment. There are unique challenges and are not being able to meet face to face with our customers to do the planning we typically do with our districts. And we continue to develop new methods of promoting relationships and addressing the needs that we identify.

Pam Christensen:

In telecommunications, we see to the flow of business and revenue to be steady and consistent. There's been a predictable focus on increased internet bandwidth demands, and we've seen an uptick in requests for support to districts and Nassau BOCES in providing internet connectivity for remote learning, hotspots, the enrollment in WiFi, licensing of mobile devices, et cetera.

Pam Christensen:

This is the irate season, applications for next year must be submitted soon. As the service complexity has increased so is the complexity of the applications. And several school districts are embarking on the installation of new telephone systems as well. In graphics and printing with Kelly Maze retirement, we reassessed our approach to the oversight in that area. We've incorporated the three-legged stool approach as I referenced to it, which has proven successful in the management of CIT overall.

Pam Christensen:

Three employees there lead their respective areas and I provide of course management support as needed. Printing business has definitely been negatively impacted by the pandemic, but we're actively soliciting new business. And we've already had positive responses to some marketing materials that our own personnel designed and sent out to our school districts.

Pam Christensen:

The school public relations business continues to grow as you see from the amendments that we bring before you for approval. And finally, the mail room personnel continue to move the mail in packages throughout the agency. In fact, this year we returned the mail room to its prior home at Farber. As I hand this off to Laverne, I just want to note something that you all have graciously said over and over again, the work of our employees has been truly commendable in what have been extraordinarily trying circumstances. So I thank you for your time this evening, and I yield the floor to Laverne.

Laverne Mitchell:

Thank you so much, Pam. Good evening, everyone. As I watched the video that Angela presented tonight, I recall vividly that it was March 12th of last year that we presented our CIT report in the district superintendent's office in the conference room. And that was our last in-person board meeting. So what a year this has been. Let me echo Pam by saying thank you to our staff. I am so very proud to work with a group of individuals that have demonstrated and continue to demonstrate courage, creativity, and sheer resilience. It has taken so much, but they continue to exercise professionalism and work so extremely hard throughout this difficult year.

Laverne Mitchell:

Albert Einstein said, "In the middle of every difficulty, lies opportunity." And we certainly found some amazing opportunities to provide new services to our districts this year. Let me just name a few. So curriculum and instruction created the parent EDU to provide professional development and resources to parents. We now have 15 districts subscribed, and we are now offering our spring catalog of courses.

Laverne Mitchell:

The data warehouse team developed third party assessment reports to assist districts with evaluating instruction in the absence of New York state assessment data. Health and allied services provided PPE and continue to support schools and interpret constantly updated guidance. Outdoor education created videos to encourage outdoor explorations and the center for online learning developed a virtual academy that we hope will be a solution for districts in the coming year.

Laverne Mitchell:

Tonight though, I want to take a moment to talk about an opportunity that we've had to support two major initiatives that I think will be in focus for districts post pandemic. And ironically, special ed Susan and her team talked about mental health and wellness. And I cannot give an update without talking about mental health and wellness. As you've heard me say so many times before, and I'll reiterate tonight, we do not yet know the level of impact that this pandemic will have on our children. Current data shows that one in five children suffer from mental health issues and suicide is the second leading cause of death in children and young people ages 10 to 24.

Laverne Mitchell:

This year we have the opportunity to expand our support to districts in this area of mental health. Our mental health consortium became a service instead of just a series of professional development opportunities. We had the opportunity to work with districts, to assist them in developing their own mental health teams. We offered guidance to them on setting long-term goals. We disseminated a variety of resources including mental health and SEL curriculum. We even participated in district meetings to help assess the needs and make suggestions about partnerships with community organizations.

Laverne Mitchell:

The number of districts subscribing to our mental health curriculum increased from 28 last year to 43 this year. Apart from the consortium, we've offered over 120 workshops that all districts can participate in. We provide a forum where districts mental health liaisons could share resources and best practices. Incredibly, we have a liaison from all 56 districts attend each meeting every month, and that's an incredible feat.

Laverne Mitchell:

Our partnership with Northwell has opened the door for over 73,000 children to have access to mental health services. Currently in Southeast Nassau, there are 10 school districts that have a partnership with Northwell's South Oaks hospital. Additionally, eight Southwestern Nassau County school districts participate in a community behavioral health clinic located in Rockville Center. In response to an overwhelming need, Northwell Health is expanding their mental health services and their supports to schools. And we'll be opening a North shore behavioral health clinic in Mineola very soon.

Laverne Mitchell:

We've also expanded our partnership with central Nassau guidance and counseling. So we think this is a big initiative that will continue. The second major initiative that we had an opportunity to support this year is culturally responsive education. Culturally responsive education is one of the priorities of the board of regents. The framework was adopted in the 2018, 2019 school year. But I think the challenge for districts and for schools have been how to embed this framework in all of their curricula. This is very difficult work, but it's very necessary work.

Laverne Mitchell:

Year to year we see the changing demographics on Long Island, it is therefore imperative that all school personnel, not just teachers, not just administrators, but all school personnel have the cultural proficiency that's required to ensure that equitable opportunities are provided for all students. So this year we offered an array of professional developments on this topic.

Laverne Mitchell:

Recently, we were awarded the Rethink Grants of over $120,000 to provide professional development to public and non-public school teachers on teaching in a remote learning environment. One of the strands of that TRLE grant was to provide professional development on culturally responsive education. We also received an advanced course access grant, which was the award of $500,000 annually for two years, to assist districts with providing online advanced placement coursework to students who would normally not have access to those courses.

Laverne Mitchell:

So we're working with the college board to provide not only the coursework, but also professional development for teachers. We've partnered with Adelphi to offer a certificate program on diversity and inclusivity. I am certainly encouraged and I'm excited about the work that we're doing and the services that we're providing to our districts. We will continue to move forward and the lessons that we've learned we'll take with us, but we will continue to keep our eyes open for new opportunities. So I thank you for this opportunity and for your continued support. Thank you, Now I turn it over to Chris Reinertsen.

Chris Reinertsen:

Can you hear me?

Martin Kaye:

Yes.

Chris Reinertsen:

Thank you Laverne, I appreciate that. If I may too taking a page from both Pam and Laverne thank everybody who I'll say participated in this experiment that we've undertaken over the last year. We go back now approximately 13 months and it was a very quick conversation that I had with James Widmer in Sandeep, as we watched this develop, the whole I'll say pandemic approach. And the question was should we rapidly accelerate our ability to put people in places other than the building to effectively try to get this remote exercise, if you will established very rapidly with massive amounts of acceleration.

Chris Reinertsen:

Try to get workloads that have been done in buildings for 20 and 25 years into people's houses, literally overnight. So as I watched the demos and the presentations from special ed and listen to these things, it's fascinating how quickly I'll say the behaviors have become somewhat embedded. People work routinely now from home. They do instruction in ways that 13 months ago you would never have imagined that we could do that. And the question is how do we kind of pull it off?

Chris Reinertsen:

And we were fortunate, we've been having a conversation internally for the last week or so about what this conversation would look like publicly. And you have to be very careful I guess because the extent to which we've enjoyed a measure of technical success is balanced against all these other awful things that have been going on. We're resisting the temptation to have any kind of joy over this, if you will. But at the same time, there's been a massive movement of work that has been done historically and only in buildings and overnight literally as Bob suggested earlier. We were told that we were all going home and we had to figure out how to do that.

Chris Reinertsen:

And much of that goes back to support from the board and central office that goes all the way back to Sandy. What we realized pretty rapidly after that, was that there were these huge gaps if you will and the inability of this work to be portable. You couldn't teach kids unless they were in a classroom. And I don't know how many people remember the SARS scare if you will. That goes back to 2003, when the CDC had advised schools that they should start to develop these remote instruction, I'll say guidelines and guidance, all of which at the time were complete fantasy. We had no way to pull any of that off.

Chris Reinertsen:

So if you look right now at the typical workday of our employees and the really great work that's going on in the instructional programs, these things happened in the sort of massively accelerated way. And none of it would've happened unless we had really, really strong support from central and the board. And some really, and I mean this sincerely, talented techs who sit back at the ranch and try to figure out how to do this.

Chris Reinertsen:

Strategically, we've been looking at this now hard, as I said since Sandy, and in the last 36 months or so have really tried to push to make sure that if for whatever reason we didn't have access to a building that the work could continue. And some of those choices were, I'll say things that we did very quietly. We've had quiet conversations about what might work, how we could do these things? And I think by and large, at least the technical merits have paid off pretty nicely.

Chris Reinertsen:

So while this was going on, we were trying to do the same thing in 28 other districts that we support directly. So the amount of work... We sort of chuckle a lot because when people say, "How's it going?" everybody goes, "It's going great. Everything's going fine." But the work has been round the clock, seven days a week now for a year. And I have to give a lot of credit to Sandeep and all the guys back there, Cliff, people who have made workflow possible, things that we could not have imagined 15 months ago.

Chris Reinertsen:

And none of it happens unless there are dozens of people all rowing in the same direction. So as Pam had suggested earlier, I think that this exercise such as it is in taking over the department, how we want to say that has been an unqualified success based on the amount of stress we put this thing under and how well it's performed. I think that's a testament to a lot of people doing a lot of hard work and making some good decisions.

Chris Reinertsen:

So again, I'd like to thank all the techs out there in all the districts that we support. There are almost 200 of them, the guys who man the ranch back there and everybody else who's participated in this. It's been a remarkable transformation in both habits and workflow. And I would suggest that, from a technical perspective, at least it's all gone pretty well. So thanks to the board, as usual yo guys when we come to you and we have these sort of Harebrained Schemes, you guys pretty much say, "Okay, we trust you. So go forward." And to the extent that, that at least has been a success under these circumstances. I think we're grateful. And thank you, Pam and Laverne for tolerating my general insanity on a daily basis. Thank you.

Pam Christensen:

It's our pleasure, Chris.

Chris Reinertsen:

Sure, it is. You say that now, that's something you say privately. [crosstalk 01:00:47]. Thank you very much.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you very much Chris. Thank you Laverne. Thank you Pam. Are there questions for Chris?

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Coates and then Mr. Schultz.

Deborah Coates:

Thank you again.

Chris Reinertsen:

You're welcome. It's my pleasure.

Deborah Coates:

Great. So in this world of technology, which we know that, that's what it's coming to. We have in the past always discussed security and you didn't mention it tonight, but I'm going to hope that you didn't mention it because we've been doing well in that area. They've had problems and so I just was curious.

Chris Reinertsen:

So a really good question. So if you recall, and I'm sure you guys did, we spent a lot of money on an external consultant trying to understand how we were going to prepare ourselves properly for what has become this horribly predatory environment that we live in on a daily basis. The recommendations that we got from Garnet River and that exercise, we pretty rapidly put policies in play through software that allowed us to hit most of those marks. So James had inquired a few weeks ago about how we were treating certain data and certain information on the network.

Chris Reinertsen:

And it turns out that the guys, once again, in the back who have leveraged a lot of Microsoft features and policies can see this data in real time and we can put a stop to things, we can shut things down before they can become large events. And the other thing that's unfortunate is that we have a lot of experience now on remediation. And I'll say correcting these things after the fact, it turns out that the first day that schools were reopened, we had a full blown ransomware attack in one of our districts, but we recovered in two days, because the guys are really quite good at that at this point.

Chris Reinertsen:

So security has been a number one focus, but what we've tried to do is not try to hire people to watch the data, you can't do that. These things happen so rapidly that they must be done in software. So we've been creating all these policies in the background, and again try to mitigate these things before they become substantial events and fairly successfully right now, a work in progress.

Deborah Coates:

Thank you Chris.

Chris Reinertsen:

You're welcome.

Susan Bergtraum:

Eric? You're on mute.

Eric Schultz:

A lot of people appreciate that I was muted. First of all, congratulations, I think I speak for my colleagues when I say that it amazes us, well it doesn't amaze us. We're very proud of the people that we've helped put into place who have the ability to do this quickly. I think we understood what needed to be done, but the quickness of the turnaround was just incredible. I remember I told the story once in a while about when Superstorm Sandy hit and I happened to pass by Lupinskie and there were cars there and I walked in downstairs and it was everybody sitting around, trying to get each Rockaway's payroll going. I don't know if Chris or anybody-

Chris Reinertsen:

I remember.

Pam Christensen:

I remember too.

Eric Schultz:

When the first check came out, it was like somebody gave birth. It was celebration all around. And that's when I learned that techies will devour pizza, because I brought six pies in and they were gone within 15 minutes. You could always feed them, right? My question among others, but are limited to, in terms of bandwidth, you talked about the districts wanting more bandwidth. How do we deal with that? Do we have more bandwidth? It's a technical kind of question that sort of fades into the background, when I think about it.

Pam Christensen:

Well, to answer your question Eric, we do have a finite amount of bandwidth available to the school districts for Bow Tie. However, we monitor it on a regular basis and increase it as it is necessary to increase it. When we saw the pandemic developing, as Chris said coming at us like a tidal wave a year ago now it was very clear that we were going to have to increase the bandwidth. And in fact, in the last year the available bandwidth to our school districts has doubled and we watched it be then consumed by their subscription to it little by little by little to a point where we're now looking at it yet again.

Pam Christensen:

But that's a constant process of evaluation in terms of what their needs are because our commitments are in years, not in weeks or months. And so then, so are the commitments of the school districts to Nassau BOCES for those services for obvious reasons. So we're very careful about how we coach them, how we... And Chris's tech's are always a part of those conversations with the school districts about how to more efficiently use their bandwidth also. So that those things are happening in tandem, a proper understanding of how to cut back the need, but then our availability to give them what they do in fact need.

Eric Schultz:

When you say there's a finite amount of bandwidth for people like me it means... I don't know if you can see me?

Pam Christensen:

I can.

Eric Schultz:

But if this is even a bandwidth, and we need this amount, where do we get it? Or can we provide the service to them within the boundaries of the bandwidth we have now? And is there going to come a time now as remote learning will probably be with us for a while where we may have to look or they may have to look to other sources?

Pam Christensen:

Well, I hope they won't look to other sources. We may have to be more creative in the solutions that we offer. But I hope they won't look to other sources. And to answer your question, yes, it's truly finite. So if you think about pipe, it can only hold so much, but we can add a pipe or we can swap out the size of the pipe and that's actually what happens. We always have more bandwidth than the total amount to which the districts are subscribing. So that there's always room for growth. That tight rope is not to overdo that. And therefore be incurring costs that are justifiable. That's the challenge, but we always have more than they currently need. Then as they get closer and closer to the total width of the pipe, if you will, then we begin to assess whether or not we need to add additional.

Eric Schultz:

Thank you.

Pam Christensen:

That addressed your question?

Eric Schultz:

Yeah, one day we'll have to have remote lunch and you could explain it all to me.

Chris Reinertsen:

You have to bring pizza.

Pam Christensen:

I'll be delighted.

Eric Schultz:

What's that?

Chris Reinertsen:

You have to bring pizza. Come on.

Laverne Mitchell:

Bring pizza.

Pam Christensen:

Just bring pizza by the office. That'll do nicely.

Susan Bergtraum:

Mrs. Langsner.

Fran Langsner:

Thank you. So I just want to echo what everybody else has said about how much we appreciate the tremendous effort that you and your whole departments have undertaken to make this work. So here's my question. I think that people will never again... Everybody says that they want to return to the way things were, but I don't think that this is really ever going away. The fear of something like this pandemic will always be with us, because it's a virus that will mutate and we'll be able to manage it, but we probably won't be able to escape it totally. So with that in the back of my mind, when it comes to all that it takes to do remote learning and all the hardware and software that's involved. Do you think that when this becomes manageable, that there will be regression that people will say, that districts will say, "We don't have to do this anymore. Let's not move forward with this kind of process."

Chris Reinertsen:

It's interesting we have this conversation continuously about things that seem to work well under the circumstances and may not go away. This notion of traditional office work and the extent to which it's become resident in the cloud that means accessible from anywhere. But I won't speak for... I was watching the stuff that Susan's folks were putting up earlier. And a lot, at least the anecdotal stuff that we hear about the instructional side is totally different. They do not understand that they need to unravel this to get kids back in classrooms and I'm not even qualified anymore. So if I were to guess, I'd suggest that, the remote administrative stuff is here to stay in some way, shape or form, because it should be.

Chris Reinertsen:

The problem that we've introduced into this. And there's a couple of people who are on this call who are guilty of this. They now work 16 hours a day, seven days a week because their stuff is always there. And that's something we have to address, there are people here who don't know when to put it down. And I used to be awful with that, I'm a little better now, but there are others who... And so that's the other side of this coin is that we're now at least culturally on these people who have seven-day, 16-hour jobs-

Fran Langsner:

Sorry.

Chris Reinertsen:

That's okay. See, I rest my case as your phone goes off. And I don't know what anybody else thinks, but to me right now, the clear cut answer is that some of it must unravel for the kids benefit. But the rest of it, the administrative stuff is going to be here somehow. But fortunately that's for HR and the lawyers to sort out.

Susan Bergtraum:

You're on mute Fran. Fran, you're on mute.

Fran Langsner:

It was my six-year-old grandson who just learned how to use the phone.

Chris Reinertsen:

See technology, it's intruding already.

Eric Schultz:

There you go.

Pam Christensen:

There you go.

Fran Langsner:

But no, because I'd even heard, when we talk about the remote snow days, which I don't know where that's going to end up next year... Not again. Not again.

Eric Schultz:

Well, I don't know. When my grandchildren were three they knew how to use the phone.

Fran Langsner:

No, But on his own he's been calling me.

Eric Schultz:

[inaudible 01:11:25] happen to be logged in.

Fran Langsner:

So I had a conversation with someone in a district and I said, "Well, this is going to be the way that we're going to have to think about operating snow days may or may not take place in the future." And the response was, "What are you talking about? We're going to go back to regular snow days." And I just was puzzled that, that was something that, that would even be a possibility.

Chris Reinertsen:

I... Go ahead.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

I'm sorry. Right now the districts that are probably averaging 30% of their kids on virtual, expecting if we go back to opening up in September that at least 15% will remain on virtual. And the governor had said that we have to conclude it as an option right now. So you can figure anywhere between 10% and 15% of your eight through 12 population will be on remote.

Fran Langsner:

So it will be in our future. We're not going back to the way things were.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

No, I think the genie's out of the bottle. We put several committees together when this thing started and Pam heads the one on the future of remote work, because we've done well with remote work. I have people saying, "Well, I want to work remotely all the time." I don't think we're there today for that. But I think down the road, we have to have a conversation about that, do we need certain facilities? Do we need a Farber? Do we need a Lupinskie? We may need a smaller version, we may not need any of it. But we have a committee working on that and what it may look like. And hopefully we'll have a report to the board soon in there.

Susan Bergtraum:

Eric.

Eric Schultz:

I was just going to say, in terms of snow days. When you're on a component board, it becomes more evident that a lot of that's going to be driven by parents, when their kids come in, having snow days that's going to be driven by parents. They don't want their kids home anymore. I shouldn't say that, some of them do. But the parents I speak to, and I'm sure the rest of the staff, that's sitting here speak to parents. They don't want to be home with their kids anymore. They want their kids in school.

Eric Schultz:

So remote learning as we start to talk about it, I think is one of the things that Fran may have said, the edges are going to start getting a little shriveled there. But a lot of it's going to be driven by the taxpayers, they're going to vote and say, "Listen, you don't want to do remote learning?" "We don't want to do remote learning." It's people in the classroom, otherwise we'll get a new board.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

But you have government. You have the governor saying it must be an option. As long as we have an executive order, it's going to be tough to fight. We'll get a new governor.

Eric Schultz:

We may not have to worry about that in a while.

Laverne Mitchell:

Can I also add, let me interject. I think there will be a cadre of parents, Eric that will choose to keep their children in a remote environment. If you go back and think about the parents who decided, "I'm going to homeschool my kids." I think they're always that handful of parents that say, "This is the option. If I have the option, I'm going to take that option for my student." And so if the governor says that this has to be an option, I think there will be some parents who move in that direction.

Eric Schultz:

Forgive me, Susan, but I think a lot of the discussions I've had with parents, who've chosen to... I hate air quotes, homeschool their kids, because they didn't believe that remote instruction was going to work. I think a lot of them are now, have to take a look at the way services are being delivered. Susan and her staff were talking about. So like I said, the discussions that I've had with parents in my district and in others especially when it's first hit, they were all going to homeschool their kids, especially when it came to regent courses. They didn't think that this remote system is going to prepare the kids for regents. Now they may not be regents, now they're going to have to rethink the whole thing all over again.

Susan Bergtraum:

Larry.

Larry Greenstein:

I think the genie is out of the bottle and once people have a choice, I think it's almost impossible to take away that choice. So some sort of remote option will always be on the table for the foreseeable future. How to make it as effective as possible and how to make it as... How to meet everybody's needs is always what we're about. We develop programs that meet the needs of every learner. If they're going to be learners who are remote learners, well, we may have to adapt and come up with ways to decide to meet them. But I don't think it's possible to say, "You had this option for a year, now you're back in school or you're truant."

Larry Greenstein:

I'm not sure we're going to get there. But the other thing I wanted to say is I've been thinking about the past year, and I know that the first people to really jump into this were the tech people and were the maintenance people who really had to get their feet on the ground because everything was... Setting it up for everybody else to be able to take over.

Larry Greenstein:

And I'm just wondering if we can just do a little something for them to let them know that they're appreciated like a Starbucks card or maybe have Eric bring in pizzas again or something. Just a little thing that they know that we appreciate them in a more than just telling them sense.

Chris Reinertsen:

I don't know if to feed them it's a mistake. They eat a lot.

Pam Christensen:

It's a very nice thought. And thank you for that.

Larry Greenstein:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

All right. So Bob, only because I have such a different feeling, can you just let us know... Right now it's an executive order, I'm wondering whether in three years the remote learning piece will continue. So just to keep us abreast as you hear things coming down the pipe and the line to let us know what the future thinking is. I'm not talking about six months, we know that, that's going to be... It's much more in the next two, three years. And I will also thank Pam and Laverne and Chris and say that this board is very bright for having realized that you were the people to do it. So thank you, thank you, thank you [crosstalk 01:18:18].

Pam Christensen:

Thank you very much.

Chris Reinertsen:

Thank you very much.

Susan Bergtraum:

And consider yourselves fed.

Pam Christensen:

Very good, thank you all.

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Thank you.

Chris Reinertsen:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Joyce, do we have hearing of any citizens?

Joyce Nolan:

None whatsoever, I just-

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, all right. Then we will move on to old business. Is there any old business that anybody wants to bring up? Seeing none, new business? Before we go into the... If there was a foundation report. Is there any other new business? No, and I see Michael shaking his head, so I am assuming there was no foundation report.

B.A. Schoen:

There's a court foundation.

Susan Bergtraum:

Hmm?

B.A. Schoen:

There was a foundation meeting.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay. Well then.

Eric Schultz:

Somebody give a report.

Michael Weinick:

Give the report. I don't remember. Was that the four-minute meeting, which we had nothing to discuss?

B.A. Schoen:

I'll wait, I'm not going anywhere [inaudible 01:19:27] foundation report.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes, that's what we're up to because there was no other new business.

B.A. Schoen:

Yes, the foundation board met and discussed the possibility of maybe having a golf outing. They were going to... Obviously this was all based on the situation, the executive orders, the laws, the advice, and the foundation has no interest in writing their own rules. But they were told that the Oyster Bay school district is having a outing late in the summer. That means that some golf clubs are putting them out, to be continued. Also... What do you want to say, Deb?

Deborah Coates:

I just wanted to let you know that my Kiwanis club actually held their golf outing last year, that's August. So many of the courses are allowing outings.

B.A. Schoen:

So that's only half of the equation. The other is would people want to come? And would there be enough people coming to make it worthwhile? But they are discussing it. The other thing that was discussed is the videos for the presentations that are being made to make a video. So we have the virtual gala next month, and I left the meeting early to go to East Rockaway and make one of those presentations. I think we have two left, Susan and I are to do one of them tomorrow. And then a student, I believe in Lindenhurst is the last one.

Susan Bergtraum:

No, I did Cassidy. Is that who you're thinking of? Cassidy Reader?

B.A. Schoen:

I don't know. [crosstalk 01:21:46].

Susan Bergtraum:

She in Lindenhurst so I think-

B.A. Schoen:

No names were mentioned.

Susan Bergtraum:

She was done.

B.A. Schoen:

Including the one that we're going to tomorrow morning.

Susan Bergtraum:

She was done.

B.A. Schoen:

All right, anyway-

Dr. Robert Dillon:

Angela, do you know?

Angela Marshall:

Tomorrow is the last one.

Susan Bergtraum:

Yes.

Angela Marshall:

That's the last one.

B.A. Schoen:

The very good news is that a letter was sent to all the people who purchased tickets for the gala that was supposed to be held at Crest Hollow last May, we're offering to return their money to them. And some people got notified twice, so far a very small amount of money has been returned. So financially last year's gala, which we're going to have next month was very successful. And as I say I left the meeting before they were done. I don't think I missed too much more, but that's the status.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you, B.A, all right. Before we go into executive session, we have birthdays to celebrate. So if we can have a cake. And the birthdays are Larry Greenstein, whose birthday is today. [crosstalk 01:23:17] And James Widmer, Tony Fierro and Jessica Santos. So with that, everybody

Susan Bergtraum:

(singing)

Dr. Robert Dillon:

[inaudible 01:23:42] cake.

Susan Bergtraum:

Pretend to blow out your candles, happy, happy birthday.

Anthony Fierro:

Thank you all.

James Widmer:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

And we owe you cake.

Anthony Fierro:

Thank you very much.

Jessica Santos:

Thank you.

Susan Bergtraum:

Okay so with that the board is now going to go into executive session. The live stream will be stopped. The board does not expect to have to come out to take any action. So for those participating, you do not have to wait around unless you would like to see us adjourn. And then for sure, stay on the live stream and we will be coming out of executive session to adjourn the meeting. So with that may I have the motion to adjourn into executive session?

Fran Langsner:

Don't move.

Susan Bergtraum:

Thank you. Second.

Michael Weinick:

Five-minute break.

Susan Bergtraum:

Sure, five-minute break.