Copiague Union Free School District public meetings in 2020
18 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education met on December 21, 2020, and approved a series of routine personnel actions, policy updates, and administrative items. The most consequential decision was awarding an Energy Performance Contract to ECG Engineering, pending legal and business approval, to support potential energy-saving improvements. The board also adopted an amended Districtwide Emergency Management Plan as mandated by New York State, and approved budget transfers over $10,000.
- Awarded Energy Performance Contract to ECG Engineering, P.C. (pending contract approval)
- Adopted amendment to Districtwide Emergency Management Plan for public health emergencies
- Approved 2020-2021 budget transfers in excess of $10,000
- Approved 26 policy changes including grading, homework, and testing programs
- Accepted donation of toys and winter coats from Copiague Fire Department
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Board of Education met on December 7, 2020, and approved a series of routine personnel actions, including resignations, leaves of absence, appointments, and coaching stipends. The board also approved policy changes related to instructional programs and special education placements. All items were passed unanimously.
- Approved resignation of part-time food service worker Amanda Callaghan, effective 11/17/20
- Approved child care leaves for teachers Lisa Ozelsancak and Yvonne Pino through 6/30/21
- Reappointed Christina Aronowitz as English teacher at $83,915 prorated
- Approved winter coaching stipends totaling over $100,000
- Approved 15 policy changes including programs for English Language Learners and homebound instruction
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Board of Education met on November 23, 2020, and took action on a series of routine items, including approving minutes, personnel appointments, leaves, and policy changes. The board also approved budget transfers over $10,000 for October 2020 and accepted a donation of backpacks from Costco. Several reports were presented for information only.
- Approved 16 special education policy updates (policies 4321 series)
- Approved budget transfers in excess of $10,000 for October 2020
- Approved appointment of Diana Ellefsen as Regular Substitute School Psychologist at $65,871 salary
- Approved donation of backpacks from Costco Wholesale Corporation
- Approved leave of absence for cafeteria aide Lisa Lord (medical, 11/24/20-1/29/21)
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Board of Education is approving routine personnel actions, including resignations, leaves, and appointments. A notable resolution authorizes the superintendent to hire substitutes immediately due to COVID-19, with retroactive board approval. The board also approves special education placement recommendations.
- Resolution authorizing superintendent to hire substitutes due to COVID-19, retroactive approval at next meeting
- Reappointment of Christina Aronowitz as part-time (.75) English teacher at $83,915 prorated
- Appointments of regular substitute teachers (ESL, elementary, health) with salaries up to $66,081
- Extended day appointments for Wilson Reading with hourly stipends from $23.10 to $47.00
- Approval of Committee on Special Education recommendations for student placements
Regular Meeting with an Abbreviated Agenda
The Copiague Board of Education is meeting to vote on several personnel actions, including accepting resignations, approving a principals' agreement, and most significantly, a series of resolutions to abolish numerous teaching and non-instructional positions and terminate staff for the 2020-2021 school year. The board will also consider rescinding some recent substitute appointments and creating a part-time director role.
- Abolish 30+ teaching positions across English, Math, Science, and other subjects, terminating named teachers effective Sept 3, 2020.
- Abolish custodial and security aide positions, terminating 12 named staff members.
- Approve a Memorandum of Agreement with the Copiague Association of Principals.
- Rescind appointments of three regular substitute teachers due to position abolishment.
- Create a part-time (.5) Director of Data & Assessments and appoint Dr. Bonnie Burton.
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Board of Education approved the minutes from August 11 and accepted the resignation of Yasmin Valera. The board voted to approve a series of consent items for the 2020-21 school year, including the appointment of Lynda Doherty as a Special Education Teacher at Copiague Middle School. These actions cover new hires for teachers, teaching assistants, and substitute staff across the district's schools.
- Approved appointment of Lynda Doherty as Special Education Teacher at Copiague Middle School, effective Sept 1, 2020, with a salary of $65,871
- Approved resignation of Yasmin Valera, Office Assistant Spanish Speaking, effective Aug 21, 2020
- Approved annual appointments for 50+ Teaching Assistants across district schools, with hourly rates ranging from $17.08 to $31.70
- Approved per diem substitute teacher appointments at a rate of $140 per day for the 2020-21 school year
- Approved additional per diem hours for nine guidance counselors on Aug 31, 2020, to finalize student schedules
Audit Committee Meeting
The Copiague Union Free School District Audit Committee met on August 11, 2020, to review internal audit findings and financial reports. The agenda included a Treasurer's Report and draft reports on grants administration, health benefits, risk assessment, and periodic duties. No specific decisions or votes were recorded in the provided agenda text.
- Internal Auditors presentation by R.S. Abrams & Co., LLP (Marianne VanDuyne)
- Treasurer's Report presented by Paul LaVigna
- Draft Grants Administration Report for discussion
- Draft Health Benefits Report for discussion
- Draft Risk Assessment Update 2020 for discussion
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education met on August 11, 2020, and approved a series of personnel actions, including resignations, probationary and substitute teaching appointments, and coaching staff for the fall 2020-21 season. The board also approved annual appointments for Dignity Act Coordinators and Universal Pre-K positions, as well as a permanent School Transportation Coordinator.
- Approved probationary appointments for three teachers: Samantha LaRocca ($66,081), Elizabeth Baird ($64,374), and Jenna Giamundo ($64,374), effective September 1, 2020.
- Approved a permanent School Transportation Coordinator appointment for Amy L. Gellineau at a salary of $120,089, effective August 2, 2020.
- Approved resignations of Steven Pesapane (Part Time Courier, retirement) and Rebecca Moosbrugger (Elementary Teacher, personal).
- Approved fall 2020-21 coaching staff with stipends ranging from $5,210 to $7,174, potentially pro-rated due to reduced season.
- Approved Universal Pre-K positions with stipends including $22,022 for UPK Coordinator and $5,000 plus $250 per new teacher for UPK Liaisons.
Reorganization Meeting and Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education held its reorganization and regular meeting, electing officers and making numerous appointments for the 2020/21 school year. All actions were approved unanimously. The board appointed a district clerk, treasurer, claims auditor, and various professional services firms, with specific fees noted.
- Appointed Paul LaVigna as District Treasurer with a $10,000 stipend for 2020/21.
- Appointed Michael Kearns as Claims Auditor at a fee of $19,560.
- Appointed Cullen & Danowski as External Auditors for one year at $49,000.
- Appointed R.S. Abrams & Co. as Internal Auditors at $57,900.
- Authorized Superintendent to approve budget transfers up to $10,000.
Special Meeting via Teleconference Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education met via teleconference and took action on several items, most notably adopting the proposed 2020-2021 school budget of $134,316,244 and the accompanying property tax report card. The board also approved minutes, accepted two teacher resignations, made co-curricular appointments, and approved election workers for the June 9 budget vote.
- Adopted 2020-2021 school budget of $134,316,244
- Adopted property tax report card for 2020-2021 budget
- Accepted resignations of science teacher Minnett Hall and special education teacher Linda Paduano, both retiring effective 6/30/20
- Approved co-curricular appointments including technology coaches at $4,613 stipend each
- Approved election workers for June 9, 2020 trustee/budget vote
Regular Meeting Agenda via Teleconference
The Copiague Board of Education met via teleconference on May 11, 2020, and approved a series of routine personnel actions, including resignations, a leave of absence, tenure for professional staff, appointments, and policy changes. The board also approved resolutions scheduling the annual reorganizational meeting and supporting N-SSBA's proposed budget and slate. The agenda was largely procedural, with no major public hearings or significant financial contracts.
- Approved tenure for 11 professional staff, including James McCabe (Coordinator of Guidance) and Kelly Urraro (Director of Technology), effective July 1 and August 11, 2020.
- Accepted resignations of Philip Smith (Cafeteria Aide), Marisa Katz (Office Assistant), and Jean Marie Fortunato (Special Education Teacher).
- Approved permanent appointment of Amanda Aponte as Office Assistant at $19.59/hr, effective 5/4/20.
- Approved continuation of appointments for 7 non-teaching staff, including Fausto Cornejo (Night Custodian) at $48,182 plus differentials.
- Approved appointment of election workers for the June 9, 2020 Trustee/Budget Vote, with Chief Inspector at $15/hr and Assistant Clerks at $13/hr.
Special Meeting via Teleconference
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education held a special meeting via teleconference on May 6, 2020. The board voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss employment of particular personnel, then returned to open session and adjourned. No other substantive business was conducted.
- Motion to enter executive session to discuss employment of particular personnel (passed unanimously)
- Motion to return to open session (passed unanimously)
- Motion to adjourn the meeting (passed unanimously)
Board of Education Meeting via Teleconference
The Copiague Board of Education approved a resolution modifying the school calendar to treat Spring Recess and unused snow days as instruction days with distance learning, childcare, and food service maintained, citing Governor Cuomo's Executive Orders. The board also approved an agreement with SCOPE Educational Services to provide childcare programs for health care workers and first responders. Additionally, the board accepted staff resignations, approved new office assistant appointments, and updated 17 board policies.
- Approved agreement with SCOPE Educational Services for childcare for health care workers and first responders
- Adopted resolution modifying school calendar to convert Spring Recess and snow contingency days to instruction days
- Approved 17 board policy changes including governance, meetings, and litigation procedures
- Accepted resignations from Patricia Bean (Cafeteria Aide), Kim Daley (Substitute Teacher), Effie Sofos (ESL Teacher), and Kathleen Williams (Teaching Assistant)
- Approved probationary appointments for Jackeline Galante ($31,210) and Dianna P. Kost ($20.08/hr) as Spanish-speaking Office Assistants
Board of Education Meeting via Teleconference
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education met via teleconference on March 23, 2020. The board approved minutes from prior meetings and passed a resolution to pay hourly and part-time employees during the COVID-19 school closure from March 13 to April 1, 2020. The meeting was procedural, with no other substantive items on the agenda.
- Approved resolution to pay hourly and part-time staff from March 13 to April 1, 2020, during COVID-19 closure
- Approved minutes of the Audit Committee Meeting of March 9, 2020
- Approved minutes of the Regular Board Meeting and Budget Work Session of March 9, 2020
Audit Committee Meeting
The Copiague Union Free School District Audit Committee is meeting to discuss audit-related matters. The agenda includes a presentation from the external auditors, Cullen & Danowski, LLP, and reports on audit planning and the federal single audit for the year ended June 30, 2019. The meeting is largely informational and procedural, with no decisions or votes listed.
- External auditors Cullen & Danowski, LLP, represented by Christopher Reino, CPA, CITP, will present.
- Audit Planning Meeting handout (872 KB) to be reviewed.
- Federal Single Audit report for year ended June 30, 2019 (FSA 19-070.pdf, 495 KB) to be reviewed.
Regular Meeting Agenda and Budget Work Session
The Copiague Board of Education held a regular meeting and budget work session, taking action on personnel items, a teacher contract, policy updates, and calendar changes. The board also discussed the 2020/21 school budget and reviewed additional policies.
- Approved Memorandum of Agreement with Copiague Teachers Association (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025)
- Granted tenure to Art Teacher Jodie Embleton effective 4/21/20
- Approved 20 revisions to Code of Conduct policies (5300 series) and home school regulation 1741-R
- Approved 2019/20 budget transfer in excess of $10,000
- Approved calendar changes: K-8 Superintendent's Conference Day on 4/3/20, grades 3-5 excused 5/1/20, HS Conference Day 5/22/20
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Board of Education approved the 2020-2021 school calendar and a package of 19 policy changes covering student conduct, parent engagement, and special education. The board also accepted resignations, appointed new staff including a School Transportation Coordinator at $117,000, and approved special education placements. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved 2020-2021 school calendar
- Approved 19 policy changes including Public Conduct on School Property (1520-R) and Parent and Family Engagement (1900)
- Appointed Amy Gellineau as School Transportation Coordinator at $117,000 effective 2/3/20
- Accepted $4,953 donation from Supply House for Island Harvest weekend Backpack Program
- Approved special education identification and placement recommendations for elementary and secondary students
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Board of Education approved routine personnel actions, including resignations, leaves, and new teacher and staff appointments. The board also adopted 21 updated board policies and accepted the 2020-2021 budget goals and development calendar. All motions passed with a unanimous vote of six board members.
- Approved 2020-2021 Budget Goals and adopted the school budget development calendar
- Adopted 21 board policy updates covering public participation, complaints, and facility use
- Appointed regular substitute teachers with salaries ranging from $49,444 to $69,540
- Accepted resignations for a security guard, food service worker, and teaching assistant
- Approved special education identification and placement recommendations for preschool, elementary, and secondary students