School Board Meeting: New York State Budget Hindering Sachem's Plans

At Wednesday's Sachem Central School District board of education meeting (a work session), there was one clear issue mentioned: New York State and its budget crisis are holding up Sachem and every other school district on Long Island.

From not knowing how much to budget for to worrying about not being given the $13.3 million the state owes the school district in aide that was supposed to be paid in late March (it is supposedly being paid in June), there are multiple issues that have the budget process in a precarious situation.

Bruce Singer, Sachem's assistant superintendent for business, also said Empire Health Choice may instill a 13-17 percent increase in health insurance on the district, meaning at least a $1.1 million increase that the district did not budget for. And, with no state aide on the line yet, that makes things hairy. 

The board and district members are fixed on the 2.4 percent increase in the budget ... more to come on that in the next couple of weeks on Sachem Patch.

During the discussion part of the meeting, Matt DeMeo, the director of data processing at Sachem, said the district's student management system could be open for parents to view and use the application in the fall of 2010. Though not a definite, it would allow parents to view their children's grades, attendance issues and transcripts. The teachers and administrators use the system called NexGen internally. 

Notable approved action items:

-The board approved an agreement between the district and CBIZ Valuation Group, LLC, which will provide, "professional property valuation services, including reports that will assist with capital asset and property insurance reporting requirements," according to the district's meeting agenda. The cost is to be paid by NYSIR.

-The board approved an agreement between the district and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation so that a 15-foot air monitoring trailer will be put at Sagamore Middle School for the purpose of air chemistry and air quality measurements. This will be paid for through state grants.

-The board approved the energy performance contract bond counsel between the district and Hawkins Delafield & Wood, LLP for $18,000. The contract will allow Hawkins Delafield to review the performance contract between the school district and Johnson Controls, Inc.

Appointments:

-Noel Figueroa was appointed assistant principal of remedial summer school.

-Kerry Berard was appointed assistant supervisor of remedial summer school.

-Eugene Bennett was appointed marching band instructor.

-Robert Normandeau was appointed marching band instructor.

-Perry Russell was appointed to the board of education's budget advisory committee.

Other tidbits:

-The Sachem High School East and North cheerleaders were honored at the board meeting for their performances at the UCA National Championship in February (see pictures to the right).

-Thomas Schulz, an Eagle Scout, was granted approval to stencil and then paint a U.S. map on a 26x40 area of blacktop in the courtyard at Tamarac Elementary School.

Next up:

-The next regular board meeting will be held April 21 at 7:30 p.m. and there will be a public hearing for the 2010-11 school budget at the May 5 meeting, also held at 7:30 p.m. All meetings are held at the board room at Samoset Middle School.

Follow Sachem Patch for an in-depth look at the Sachem Central School District budget and its entire process over the next month. Remember ...  Sachem Patch: where your hometown is our hometown!