School Notebook: Contract Negotiations and More

Contract Negotiations
At the Jan. 10 Board of Ed meeting, Board President Stephen Waldenburg gave an update on the contract negotiations with the United Teachers of Northport. According to Waldenburg, the Board has had 16 meetings with the UTN. Both the district and the union have agreed to declare an impasse so that a mediator can be brought in to help resolve the situation.

Physical Education Overview and Student Achievement Award
Drew Cronin, Director of Physical Education and Athletics K-12, introduced senior Michael D’Accordo, the Physical Education Student for the Month, D’Accordo, a senior who has been on the honor roll every quarter of his high school career, was selected for the All-Academic team as a member of the varsity volleyball squad and earned the scholar athlete team award in his junior year for both volleyball and baseball.

After the presentation, Cronin gave an overview of the physical education program for the 2010-2011 school year, which includes establishing baseline neurological function for all athletes involved in contact sports called the Impact Program. Trustee Lori McCue asked for more clarification and Cronin explained that when a head injury occurs, the athlete’s post-concussion testing will be based on their pre-concussion condition. The complete presentation is attached to this article.

Cronin also said he was interested in forming a committee made up of coaches and other professionals in the district to go over athletic policies and procedures and offer opportunities for communication between himself, the Board of Ed, the professionals, and the public.

 Play (More) Ball!
Baseball was a big topic of discussion. Brian Herrmann, a seventh grader at Northport Middle School, read a letter to the Board requesting that a second baseball team be added.  Noting that roughly 25 students make the cut, Herrmann wrote “Northport Middle School just spent a lot of money refurbishing a new baseball field. In this case I think more than twenty five athletes should be able to enjoy it.” A copy of the letter is attached to this article.

Cronin admitted that a large number of students try out for the baseball team, but that it might be difficult to have an “A” and “B” team at each school because of the skill set needed to compete equally against each other. He also cited the extra costs involved, including uniforms, equipment, and transportation.

Jean Barron, President of United Taxpayers of Northport-East Northport, suggested that the district use some of the $9 million currently being held in reserves.  Waldenburg thanked her for her suggestion.

Trustee McNaughton asked Cronin how quickly a plan could be put into place for an A and B team if he could find the resources. Cronin said he would get back to the Board.

Health Education Department
High school teacher Tracey Braun gave an overview of the department, which is attached to this article. Braun highlighted the success of the Sports Medicine program, noting that 120 students are currently enrolled in Sports Medicine 1, with another 120 signed up for Sports Medicine 2.

McNaughton asked how the puberty program was being delivered to fifth graders now that health is no longer taught at the elementary school level. Braun said that a middle school teacher will deliver 4-5 lessons to students beginning at the end of January.  A meeting for parents is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 18 so they can meet the teacher and hear about the program.

Trustee Jennifer Thompson asked how lessons on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, and personal hygiene. Cronin said that phys ed teachers have been playing a role, along with classroom teachers.  Lessons on “stranger danger” are taught throughout the year by classroom teachers and counselors, but not in a formatted manner.

 Professional Development Committee
There was a lengthy discussion over approval of $1,300 in expenses for a national conference on teaching nonfiction.  The Board questioned high school English teacher Alecia Atlas about the lateness in filing the request for the conference, which begins Jan. 14. One other teacher has already been approved to attend.  Atlas responded that she followed the deadlines for applying, and that the other teacher had applied and been accepted earlier than is typical.

Antoinette Blanck, president of United Teachers of Northport, said she appreciated the Board’s concern over expenses and that, of the approximately $220,000 earmarked for professional development, a large amount is returned to the general fund each year.

Waldenburg asked if it wouldn’t be better to get the applications in earlier. Blanck agreed, and Waldenburg noted that the Board had a fiduciary obligation to say no to such requests.

Trustee Jennifer Thompson asked about the possibility of attending a webinar instead. Atlas responded that webinars aren’t always easy to do, and that there are advantages to attending a conference in person. “From my perspective, I did everything I was supposed to do.”

Saying that she didn’t want to make an example out of Atlas, Wills said she would suggest to her fellow Board members that they approve the cost. However, she wanted the PDC to understand that she was unlikely to approve such a large cost in the future.

Atlas asked the Board to make their decision based on merit, and not out of pity The Board voted to approve the cost. McNaughton and Thompson cast the opposing votes.

Future Meetings
The next Board of Education Meeting will take place on Monday, Jan. 24 at the William J. Brosnan School. at 7:30 PM.  The Superintendent will discuss the 2011-2012 Budget Procees and there will be a presentation on NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association)  Following the meeting, there will be a public work session on solar energy at 9:00 PM.