Special Board Meeting Tuesday, July 15

The ten page agenda for last night's board meeting was devoted almost entirely Personnel items.  The board announced the elimination "of the present committee structure temporarily and replace it with a "committee of the whole" process thus allowing all school directors and the Superintendent to be present to participate and present viewpoints with respect to all issues that need discussion at a committee of the whole meeting."  

What was not explained was how, or if,  the residents would be able to become part of the decision process.  The prior committee structure was to ensure that the residents could become part of the process.  A.P.B. has sent an email requesting clarification of what part, if any, the public will place in the "committee of the whole".  We will update the site once we receive a response.

It was explained that there was no further update on the split dollar policy.  Mr. Lally was sitting in for Mr. Levin and explained that he could make no comment.

We were advised that the board is still working to resolve the issues that surround the $100K technology grant and that an attempt was being made not to utilize our insurance policy.  

There was some discussion about the existence, or lack there of, bylaws for the school board.  Mr. Lally explained that the board does have a manual that serves as the bylaws.  He further stated that the policy manual will be reviewed and revised but that was a large undertaking.

Superintendent Steinhoff's report explained that both the management and the administration had undergone an intensive three day training to ensure they keep their skills sharp.  He explained the thorough nature of the hiring process for our new faculty.  He further explained that the committee of the whole was an effort to be open to the public and promote transparency.

When questioned as to the status of the audit (operational review) Mr. Steffy explained that it could be as long as six months before we heard any results.  It was further explained that the there was no need to wait for the results of this audit before the board undertook the forensic audit.

President Ruggieri explained that all of the board members would receive and review KPMG's contract and that the audit had been budgeted for.  We were advised that the last audit was of the transportation department and it cost approx. $17k.

The Superintendent explained that, as yet, no date has been set for Dr. Mesaro's departure.  He has been working closely with Dr. Steinhoff on the KPMG audit and other issues.

It was further explained that the audit (operational review) was to be conducted on a broad basis including food services, administration, electronic documents, payroll data etc; a truly system wide audit.  The school board reserves the right to review the results and to request inquiry into any of the many areas the review covered.

That is the most that I can remember now.  I will attempt to post the agenda.