2025-12-09 Regular Meeting Minutes

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 4:32 p.m. by President Amy Wood

MEMBERS PRESENT

B. Chenault, L. Kaufman, J. Phelan, K. Skelly-Kurka, A. Wood

MEMBERS ABSENT

L. Nowachek, M. Wyckoff

OTHERS PRESENT

T. Davey, Superintendent

J. Lizza, Assistant Superintendent for Business & Operations

T. Murphy, District Clerk

R. Swierkowski, Treasurer

B. Emigholz, School Attorney

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes of the following meeting was accepted as read:

·       Regular Meeting/Work Session of November 18, 2025

(K. Skelly-Kurka, L. Kaufman; 5-0)

TREASURER’S REPORT

The following reports for the month of November 2025, were accepted as read:

·       Treasurer’s Report

·       Cash Balance Report

·       Trial Balance Report

·       Appropriation Status Report

·       Revenue Status Report

·       Cash Disbursement Reports (General & Payroll)

(K. Skelly-Kurka, L. Kaufman; 5-0)

VOIDED CHECK REPORT

The Board accepts the Voided Check report for November 2025 as presented.

 (J. Phelan, K. Skelly-Kurka; 5-0)

CLAIMS AUDITOR REPORT

The Board accepts the Claims Audit Report dated December 3, 2025, as presented.

(L. Kaufman, J. Phelan; 5-0)

WARRANT

The Board hereby approves the Check Warrant in the amount of $100,792.01 as presented.

(K. Skelly-Kurka, L. Kaufman; 5-0)

CASH TRANSFER

The Board approves a cash transfer in the amount of $425,000.00 as presented. 

(L.Kaufman, J. Phelan; 5-0)

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT/DISCUSSION

Mr. Davey reported on the following:

·       We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Board of Education for their continued support of our students and staff, and wish the entire Fire Island community a joyful and peaceful holiday season.

·       Parent/Teacher Conferences are set for December 11 & 12, 2025.  Students will be dismissed at 11:30 those days.

·       The Winter program is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026.  Tickets will be issued based on family RSVP’s.

·       The PTA will hold a Cookie Decorating & Holiday Potluck  is scheduled for Monday, December 15^th.  We are looking forward to a fun night!

·       Strategic Plan Phase 2 Refresh: We are preparing for a refresh of our Strategic Plan.  A ThoughtExchange survey will be distributed to our community to identify our strengths and where we can make improvements. Community Planning Day is scheduled for January 20, 2026, at the  Windswept building in Ocean Beach.

·       Increase of 9% in our Health Insurance rates starting January 2026.

·       Slight increase to tuition rates for the 2026-2027 school year based on the Consumer Price Index.

·       Capital Project Update: Our architect firm, Campbell and Cassetta have put a notice to bidders together for window & door relacements and have a timeline set up for the next stages of the project, including the soundproof fencing of the outdoor court area.

·       Our budget process is underway and a first run will be provided at the January 27^th, 2026 BOE meeting.

·       Our projected BOCES aid that was received this year is expected to increase by approximately $20,000.00. The biggest impact of the increase was from purchasing our computers and technology through BOCES.

·       2026-27 anticipated increase in BOCES cost:

3% increase for  BOCES Administration; 5% increase for tuition to BOCES programs.

·       New school bus is currently being fitted with 4WD.

·       There are some leads in hiring new bus drivers.

·       Financial Transparency Report has been submitted to SED.

·       New automatic deposit check machine is now being used in the business office reducing trips to the bank for deposits.

·       Clarification regarding tax exemptions for employees working 40 hours per week and overtime pay: The IRS has established specific rules, limitations, and regulations that will affect the exemptions individuals may be eligible for in the 2026 tax year.

CORRESPONDENCE

There was no correspondence.

CSE RECOMMENDATIONS

On the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board hereby approves the recommendations of the Committee on Special Education as presented.

(J. Phelan, K. Skelly-Kurka; 5-0)

APPROVAL – 2025-2026 MATERNITY LEAVE REQUEST
 

On the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board hereby approves a request from the employee listed as “Confidential” for a Maternity Leave for school year 2025-2026.

(L. Kaufman, K. Skelly-Kurka; 5-0)

APPROVAL –

ADULT EDUCATION

WINTER 2026 AGREEMENTS

On the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board hereby approves the following Adult Education Agreements:

·       Civics Refresher – A. Lippman

·       Trivia - Based Microlearning – A. Niland

·       Mah Jongg – P. Danziger

·       Pickleball Host – A. Kahler

·       Substitute Adult Education Coordinator (Desk Coverage Only) – S. Cafuoco

(K. Skelly-Kurka, L. Kaufman; 5-0)

APPROVAL –

2026-2027 NON-RESIDENT TUITION RATES

On the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves the following Non-Resident Tuition Rates for the 2026-2027 school year:

·       Prekindergarten – Kindergarten: $3,287.15

·       Grade 1 – Grade 6: $3,823.57

(K. Skelly-Kurka, L. Kaufman; 5-0)

PUBLIC HEARING/2^nd READING AND ADOPTION OF POLICY REVISIONS

A Public Hearing, 2nd Reading and Adoption of policy revisions was held of policy:

·       #5681 – School Safety Plans

(L. Kaufman, J. Phelan; 5-0)

EXECUTIVE SESSION

A motion was made for the Board to enter Executive Session at 5:05 p.m. to discuss and receive legal advice regarding the employment of a particular person/s.

(K. Skelly-Kurka, L. Kaufman; 5-0)

ADJOURNMENT

The regular meeting resumed at 6:07 p.m. and immediately adjourned.

(K. Skelly-Kurka, J. Phelan; 5-0)