MINUTES OF MEETING
Meeting was called to order at 8:15 P.M.
All were welcomed, including Dr. Shine, superintendent.
President, Pam Fogel, thanked everyone for coming so soon after our 11/19/03 meeting.
The minutes from the November 19, 2003 meeting were approved. Marge Fitoussi gave the Treasurer’s Report stating that the only change from the last meeting was a deposit of $1145 to the checking account.
Next, there was a discussion concerning UPTC dues. There has not been a dues increase for more than ten years. As UPTC expenses have increased, this has created a problem for the organization. Currently, dues stand at $.50 for each student enrolled as of the beginning of September. While it was generally agreed that an increase was needed, there was also concern from the various PTA’s. The proposed increase to $1.00 per student might pose a financial strain on some of the PTA’s. An increase of $.75 was suggested as was a suggestion from Pam Fogel that there be increase of $1.00 with a waiver if requested by an individual PTA. This last proposal will be voted on at the next meeting.
The Superintendent’s report was delivered by Dr.Shine. At the next Board of Education meeting the Policy on Private Tutoring By School District Teachers will be discussed. So far, Dr. Shine heard a wide range of opinions on this policy. Many are from Elementary School parents. As a result there will be representation of the Elementary Schools at the next Board of Education meeting. The annual reminder to parents of the Holiday Gift Policy has not indicated that this issue is a concern. The gift issue causing some concern is the donation of large gifts to the school district, usually in the form of money for a specific use. Dr. Shine sees this as a major issue for the future. In other affluent school districts such as Palo Alto and Beverly Hills, large donations have been made. The issue of equal spending per pupil, has caused some school districts to resort to large scale fund raising to allow school districts to continue providing their students with the educational resources that they consider necessary. Manhasset is an example of a local school district that has established a foundation to help finance their programs.
The issue of equity between Great Neck North and Great Neck South was raised. Dr. Shine explained that there was equality in funding, but that each school may choose to use their funds differently.
Another issue discussed was teaching a second language at an earlier age and why the Great Neck School District has not done this. There is a concern that teaching a second language in the early grades could impede reading skills and cause difficulties for students with reading problems.
Committee Reports
Budget Committee There has been a first meeting this year. Voting for the School District will be held at the Baker Hill School this year. In addition, the issue of improvements which are needed at Weil House at Phipps were discussed.
Children’s Entertainment and Cultural Arts-There have not been any meeting yet this year, but one will be held in January.
Computer and Technology-No one from the committee was present.
Gifted and Talented-Pulling out students from major academic classes is causing some problems. Karen Lewkowitz also discussed the CHIP- children identification program. Dr. Shine said that the Health and Safety Committee should recommend it.
Legislative Committee – No report yet.
Safety and Transportation-There are safety problems leaving the South High School parking lot to get onto the Service Road. In addition the lighting on Lakeville Road is insufficient and there have been several accidents. LIPA will be providing flood lighting. Pam Fogel raised a safety issue from the house at 13 Nirvana Avenue. There are a lot of young adults coming from the house and strange behavior by occupants has been noticed.
Shared Decision Making-The issue of bullying has been discussed concerning how the School District has been addressing this problem.
Health Education Committee-No meeting until January 7, 2004.
Total Community Involvement-A meeting was held with Empty Nesters. Kindergarten parents are meeting with Empty Nesters to learn more about the school district.
School District Website-No one present to give report.
Recreation-A meeting was held to discuss several issues including recreational needs for the summer.
Meeting adjourned. The nest UPTC meeting will take place on January 20, 2004.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Smith