Feels donation not fair to other schools
At the last Herricks School Board meeting Trustee-elect Brian Hassan, sitting at the board table but unable to vote as yet, said he had a problem with the Denton Avenue School PTA donating funds in the amount of $17,640 to be used for additional iPads for the Denton students.
He said he felt it was not right that one school should get such a large donation. His complaint was backed by co-president of the PTA Council Marie Bono who said, “It’s not fair that one school gets so much money for donations and Searingtown School does not get those kind of donations from their PTA.
Trustee James Gounaris pointed out that the Denton Avenue PTA holds fundraisers constantly and that is why they have the money to donate back to the students.
However, that did not satisfy Bono and she kept insisting that it wasn’t fair and equitable that Denton should have all those funds to be able to buy so many iPads for their students when the other schools do not.
However, at the end of the very long discussion, the board voted to accept the Denton Avenue PTA gift of $17,640.
Parent Complains About Crowded Classroom
A parent who has a daughter in the second grade complained bitterly that her child’s classroom was overcrowded and on top of that the regular teacher has been out for the better part of the year due to illness. She wanted to know what the board planned to do about the situation.
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Dr. Deirdre Hayes said that both she and the board were aware of the situation. She said that the teacher in place now is a competent teacher and that the board will monitor the situation during the summer.
The parent complained that her child has not received any homework in math or any other subject for almost a month. She said that she understands that teachers can become ill but a qualified teacher should be replace. She said that her child was not being given any homework particularly in math and she fears that she is dropping behind.
Dr. Hayes pointed out that the regular teacher has been in contact with the substitute teacher and has made available her lesson plans and assignments for the students.
Rich Buckley Has Problem With His Vocal Chords
President Christine Turner said she was remiss at not announcing, at the beginning of the meeting, that board Trustee Rich Buckley was absent due to a serious problem with his vocal chords and as of now he is unable to talk.
Are Schools Going To Remain Open In Evenings?
A Scout leader wanted to know if the board was considering closing schools at night because that would have an impact on both Girl Scout and Boy Scout meetings.
He said he was aware that Superintendent Dr. Jack Bierwirth wanted to cut down on services. Dr. Bierwirth told him to contact Director of Facilities Jim Brown to see what plans he has drawn for the individual schools. He asked for patience and cooperation from the public until a plan is in place.
Dr. Bierwirth did point out that the Herricks Community Center would remain open longer in the evenings.
New Music Director Appointed
The board then voted to appoint a new director of music and performing arts, Anissa Arnold, to replace John McNeur who is retiring.
The upcoming high school graduation will be held at 6 p.m. on June 21 at the high school football field.
The next board meeting will be held on June 28 at 7:15 p.m. at the Herricks Community Center, 999 Herricks Road, New Hyde Park.
