The New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District wrapped up its school year at the June 9 Board of Education meeting, receiving encouraging financial news from an internal auditor’s report.
Don Hoffman spoke on behalf of the district’s internal auditors to give their annual assessment. The district has been labeled as “no designation,” which means there are no apparent signs of fiscal stress.
“Our conclusion, and it’s been this way for many years, is that the district has strong financial controls in place for all areas of operation,” Hoffman reports.
Superintendent Robert Katulak gave his monthly report, thanking everyone who helped pass the district’s budget as well as for voting in the Sewanhaka bond referendum. The planned renovations and security upgrades will contribute significant upgrades to the aging New Hyde Park Memorial High School, as well as other Sewanhaka Central High School District buildings.
“As a district, we have weathered a very controversial year due to all the state mandates that have been thrown at us, but our staff and our students are definitely resilient as we move forward to meeting our goal of excellence each and every day,” Katulak said.
Trustee David Del Santo gave thanks for the support the Sewanhaka bond received.
“For those of you who voted in favor of it, I owe you gratitude,” he said. “For those who voted against it, perhaps one day you’ll understand that this was done out of necessity and not because we just wanted to raise taxes.”
Over the next 18 months the impact of the bond money will begin to be seen. In March of next year, construction will commence on the new roofs and security enhancements. By April and May, the athletic fields will be taking shape. The architects now can start drawing up the plans for the building renovations.
Five teachers were approved for tenure at the meeting. Salvatore Giurlanda, Kelly Geddish, Amy Feld, Christina Ambrose, and Stephanie Arcieri all were honored and received commemorative pins. Katulak read aloud the inscription on the pins: “Thank you for your heartfelt effort and the many roles you play.
For the dreams you inspire and encourage every day. We present this pin in honor of all you do; our school district is special thanks to teachers like you.”
President Ernest Gentile also made special note of a donation from VFW Post 8031 for the purchase of new band supplies after the Manor Oaks and Hillside Grade School participated in the Memorial Day Parade.
