First Order of Business

[pat2345]

Congrats to Kera and Peter,

Your first order of business should be to firm up the structure of the BOE, which outlines the "collective", not individual, responsibilities of the group. Wantagh currently has a certain board member that seems to feel entitled to waste our administrators time by having constant unscheduled face to face meetings (drop-in style). Furthermore, he seems to think his presence is required to make the school run, as such he likes to micromanage our schools by showing up regularly and instructing the staff. Note: This is not your responsibility as board member, we have hired individuals to run the school, allow them to do their jobs. If you find them to be inept, replace them with someone else, do not feel you are more qualified to operate the school.

My recommendation: (BTW, I don't think this is overall idea is new, just not enforced in Wantagh)

The new BOE should have a sit down with all of our administration, outlining when and where meeting will take place, which should only occur when all of the trustee have be notified (in advance) and 3 or more present. Furthermore, if a drop-in does occur, that administrator will be required to report it to the BOE and provide minutes of the "entire" conversation, those minutes should be read during the next BOE meeting. Any administrator ignoring this rule, will be considered to be insubordinate; repeat offenders might require the BOE to take action, which should include employment termination.

BOE Trustee will be required to sign in and out of the schools and report any unscheduled visits to the BOE. Furthermore, an explanation will be required, which will be mentioned during the next BOE meeting. Note: For those BOE member that have children in the district, its will be simple explanation, "visit took place for my son/daughter class/teacher function". For those without children, we want to know your business, which you should not have "none" without at least 2 other BOE members.

Its a simple rule, but necessary, to ensure everyone is treated fairly, not just the relatives of the BOE trustees.

BTW, I heard a certain Board Member was opposed to full day kindergarden, that is until his grandson was attending our schools.

[apteacher]

I agree! I think there are many who are fed up with the antics of the current board, hence the outcome of the election. Hopefully we'll have a change for the better. Another item I'd like to see adressed is the fact that they dont advertise when hiring employees. They post a notice on their web site and have people call around to get resumes. It seems to me if you're looking to hire the most qualified candidate, you need to advertise. Most districts post jobs online at olasjobs.org (a service provided by BOCES). Most employees that are hired by the district will retire there. It's a worthwhile investment. Penny wise, pound foolish.

[apteacher]

Ironically enough, I just checked the district web site and the Assistant Sup't of Business just resigned to take the same postion at Garden City. This is a huge loss. But dont fear, they posted the opening on the district web site and I just posted it here. With that kind of promotion I'm sure they'll get one or two resumes...anyone know someone?

[lilly]

When I first read about the call reports with BOE trustees, the only reason I didn't like it was that it puts the onus on admins as "police". But, after thinking about it more, it is actually brilliant bc it actually *empowers* admins. It is one way they can help us help them from the revolving door of admins in this district and leave them to do their jobs without fear of falling out of favor with certain trustees. No room for or excuses such as 'we've known each other for so long, it is not necessary to document things' either.

I'd like to add the suggestion of improving transparency. Obviously, the longstanding 'speak with one voice" unspoken policy the BOE has conveniently works for some (and not in a way that is good for this town), but not all trustees. It is important for the town to hear BOE discussions like other towns do. Let us hear them debate and consider instead of doing it behind closed doors. We do have the right to poll them individually on any decisions in BOE meetings. We should. That way we can see for sure how each one thinks and votes, instead of the all too convenient and political rumor mongering and gossip often stemming from the BOE that floats around. If this town really wants change, then the newly elected candidates, one who got himself in on change, should make that happen immediately. The others should easily agree, that is unless they do not embrace transparency - and the town should see that.

[tiredoftaxes]

You know what I would like to see happen this year??? I would really like the BOE to make a pledge not to increase the $74.3 million budget that was just passed in for the 2014/2015 school year. If anything make a pledge to come in witha lower amount....

Also, I would like to see a budget to actual Profit/Loss staement for the 2013/2014 school year with explanations on material items as to why we were over or under budget for all to see...I've lived here over 20 years and wonder if the school district accumalates surpluses year after year...I'm tired just getting comparative information from one budget year to the next...If we ran a surplus for a given year, we taxpayers should know before we vote on the following year's budget. especially if it entails am increase....

[Chris_Wendt]

tired of taxes requested:
"...I would like to see a budget to actual Profit/Loss statement for the 2013/2014 school year with explanations on material items as to why we were over or under budget for all to see...I've lived here over 20 years and wonder if the school district accumulates surpluses year after year....."

This should be taken as a real or actual request rather than as a rhetorical question (as though such information did not exist or could not be viewed by mere mortals whose only function in society is to pay taxes).

Surprise! All the information you requested does exist, and is supposed to be available to the general public. Fortunately, this thread is titled: "First order of business" because it could be a quick victory in the name of "transparency" if the new BoE and the new Super, and the new School District Business Official decided to put this information on the district website, like Seaford does.

What you are looking for exists in two reports:

1. Budget Status and Appropriations report, for June 30th of any year. (The name of this form changes from time to time, but it is a year-to-date, line-by-line listing of all budget codes, and for each the original budgeted amount, revisions to the original amount, actual spending, amounts encumbered (accruals or purchase orders issues), and amounts available (unspent).

2. Audited Financial Statements and Auditors Report. Take a look at Seaford's (you won't find Wantagh's) at Auditor Reports (hyperlink) and click on 2011-12 Auditors Report, 06-30-2012ExtAudRpt.pdf. Wantagh's reports looks very much like Seaford's only with Wantagh's data. The same audit firm prepares both. Note the fact the Seaford report was published in October, which is about right, since the actual financial statements (which are in the report) must be audited after the books close and before the report can be released.

Warning! These reports can be real eye-openers!

While you are on the Seaford website, take a look at all the financial reports they post for everyone to see!

Do you think this level of disclosure should be up to the whim of the Board of Education, or should we be entitled to an expecation of financial disclosure as other school districts enjoy, and, as is required by the law? (Ooops!)

There are so many "first orders of business"!

Chris Wendt

[tiredoftaxes]

Thanks for the info Chris..

I don't see what the big deal for the Wantagh School District to put this information out there online unless the District has something to hide......

[Chris_Wendt]

Well, you can see this is not rocket science. Seaford does this. Trumbull, CT takes transparency even further, including posting their non-payroll check register on line, for example (hyperlink).

I did make passing reference to the law. That law is the Open Meeting Law, amended in 2012 to require all documents discussed at a meeting to be available on-line or in print at the meeting.

Here's the explanation of this amendment: (hyperlink to NY DOS)

Time to get with the program in Wantagh.

Chris Wendt