RSS 2.0 FeedDecember 2, 2010, Bellmore Life
Community thanks North Bellmore board members
Board members acknowledged and donations gratefully accepted.
To celebrate the dedicated members of the North Bellmore Board of Education, North Bellmore’s children attended the November board meeting with gifts of thanks, poetry, artwork and music.
Superintendent Arnold Goldstein said that November was an apt time to express gratitude to the trustees who volunteer their time and efforts to benefit the students in the district.
Though some districts bestow gifts upon members of the school board, Mr. Goldstein said that a few years ago the trustees requested that no gifts be given. Instead, the members asked that donations be given to the district’s children.
Various groups donated books to the libraries, food cards to a needy family in each school, Franklin talking dictionaries for special education classrooms, instruments to enhance music instruction and a donation to Autism Speaks.
The service of the board members was extolled by Mr. Goldstein, saying they share a “genuine and deep concern for the welfare of each child.”
Board President Rosemarie Corless thanked all the students and school community members for their expressions of gratitude, saying, “You really make it worthwhile.”
External audit report
Michael Nawrocki, of the accounting firm Nawrocki Smith LLP, attended the November meeting of the board to present his firm’s findings on the annual audit of the district.
Mr. Nawrocki thanked the committee and the district for their excellent cooperation. The firm has filed its report with the state according to state guidelines, and commended the district on its practices and procedures.
Copies of the audit are on file in the business office of the North Bellmore schools for public review.
Other reports
Toni Cincotta, assistant superintendent for business, reported that the upcoming budget process had begun. A report will be delivered to the public at the December meeting.
Frank Russo, director of facilities, said the district is gearing up for the winter season by checking on all the burners. The maintenance crew has been raking and mulching all the grounds.
Marilyn Johnson, assistant superintendent, said that a series of 30 workshops would be held this week for staff development. The success of the Fundations program has led to training building facilitators to continue providing support for teachers.
In her report on special education, Deputy Superintendent Carol Eskew said articulation has begun for transitioning kindergarten students. In the near future, a transitioning process will kick in for sixth-graders.
Donations
The Lions Club of the Bellmores donated $2,000 to be used for fencing and other costs related to the Going Green Park Avenue Community Garden and Outdoor Classroom.
Teaching supplies were donated by Deborah Martorana for the Jacob Gunther Elementary School.
The Gunther PTA donated eight folding chairs for the reading lounge.
A gift of $175 was donated by the North Bellmore school administrators for the purchase of musical instruments in honor of the school board members.
The trustees gratefully accepted all of the donations.
Resolutions
Board members approved a number of contracts for the 2010-2011 school year. A sample of the contracts included Nassau BOCES, Brookville Center for Children’s Services, Kids First Evaluation Advocacy Center, Metro Therapy Inc., The Hagedorn Little Village School and Wilson Language Training Corp.
Some change orders were approved involving monies geared for projects under the bond issue. The changes involved reductions in money being spent. Ms. Cincotta explained that the money saved can only be used on other bond issues and for no other purpose.
Trustees approved the date for the 2011-2012 budget vote for Tuesday, May 17.
An agreement was approved between Nassau County and the district for purposes of repaving the hockey rink and installing bleachers and fences, at a cost of $12,500.
A 1988 bus was declared obsolete and will be donated to the fire department for use in training.
The next meeting of the board is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14, at the Martin Avenue School at 8 p.m.
