Lennon 2012 graduate of Herricks High
At the last Herricks School Board meeting, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Deirdre Hayes, announced that Michael Lennon, a 2012 graduate of Herricks High has been named one of the top 100 swimmers in the nation.
Dr. Hayes also announced that the Summer Recreation Program has ended and it was very successful with everyone in the program learning a lot and having a very good time. Board president Christine Turner said she enjoyed watching the music video program and that it was a very nice touch.
Herricks Superintendent Dr. Jack Bierwirth sadly announced that World Language Chairperson, Dr. Lori Langer de Ramierez, was recruited by the Dalton School, a Manhattan Upper East Side private school. He added, “She will certainly be missed.”
Board Opposes Proposed Legislation
Board Trustee James Gounaris then made a statement of opposition to proposed legislation:
“During the final days of the legislative session, a bill No. A.8921-A/S.5771-A passed the legislature that would grant tenure status seniority rights to non-competitive and labor classes when there are school layoffs as well as when the districts are able to rehire laid-off employees.
“This bill ties the hands of school districts in making appropriate personnel decisions that best meet the educational needs of its students. School districts need flexibility to efficiently manage their operations with limited resources. This legislation undermines the collective bargaining process by uniformly giving unions a significant benefit without school district receiving anything in return that could improve educational programs and services for children.
“This legislation imposes an onerous mandate on school districts in direct contravention of efforts by the Mandate Relief Council to reduce state unfunded mandates on school districts.
Therefore the Herricks Board of Education calls on New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo to veto this onerous and inappropriate legislation.”
It was also noted, by Gournaris, that New York State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel voted against this bill while New York State Senator Jack Martins voted for it.
Tax Levy Set For 2012/2013 School Year
Assistant Superintendent For Business Helen Costigan announced that on the recommendation of the superintendent of schools and the board of education the tax levy for the 2012 and 2013 school year be set at $89, 429, 579 and that the resolution in the form provided by the Board of Assessor of the County of Nassau be adopted and made part of the record.
Setting the tax levy at the above amount will result in a tax increase of 2.88 percent as advertised and is within the New York State Tax Cap.
Herricks Board Transfers Funds to Tax Certiorari For 2012-2013
On the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education allots $346, 891 from the Reserve For Employees Retirement Contribution to the Reserve Fund for Tax Certiorari for 2012/2013.
This reserve is used to pay for prior year judgments and claims in tax certiorari proceedings. Funding must take place after July 1, 2012. Pending the determination of legal action, liability for these claims began on April 1, 2012. Excess funds after the four year limit are returned to the general fund.
Herricks Superintendent Dr. Birwirth added, “Thank goodness Herricks does not have that many commercial properties. Some districts have to pay millions to cover the cost of these certioraris, now that the school districts are responsible for them instead of the county.”
Herricks Board To Finalize Amounts To Be Charged For Fields
The board decided that no amounts would be finalized for the use of fields and for the use of buildings. However, it was discussed briefly that a charge of $30 would probably be what is charged for the use by the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the New Hyde Pak Runners and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra but it will not be decided upon until the next meeting to be held on September 6 at 7:15 p.m. at the Herricks Community Center, 999 Herricks Road, New Hyde Park.
