Security Vestibules Are a Go
During Tuesday night’s meeting, the East Hampton School Board approved environmental assessments for the construction of new security vestibules at the front entrances of each of the district’s three schools.
“We’re upgrading the entrances to all three buildings,” said Jackie Lowey, a board member. “It’s part of the security audit that was discussed during executive session. This is the result of those conversations.”
Unlike the Springs School, which recently completed construction of a new vestibule at its front entrance, the plans for which were openly discussed during several public sessions, East Hampton board members declined to discuss the issue in further detail. It was the first time such vestibules had been mentioned during a board meeting. In addition, no information was provided as to the ultimate cost of each vestibule.
Two months after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut in December 2012, the board hired Michael J. Guido Jr., a Rocky Point architect, to conduct a security audit at each school. The audit’s findings have not been publicly discussed, though $1.43 million was set aside during last year’s budget negotiations to tackle the recommended fixes. In addition, per the audit’s findings, the district made from 7 to 12 procedural changes at each school — often at no cost to the district.
In other news, Elizabeth Reveiz, who directs the district’s English as a second language program, said that the family literacy classes, which are offered during evening hours, had received an “overwhelming enrollment,” with 100 participants now taking classes. Four sections are now being offered, with each class filled to capacity. She also said that an E.S.L. conference, which the district is organizing at Stony Brook University’s Southampton campus on Nov. 4, already has 100 registered teachers from various parts of Long Island.
Earlier in the meeting, the board appointed Barbara Bock and Karen DeFronzo, formerly paraprofessionals, as teacher’s assistants. Both positions pay annual salaries of $41,636. In addition, Jose Tovar and Luke Goodstein were hired as computer technicians. The board also accepted a letter of retirement from Kathy Falkenhan, a senior clerk typist, effective Dec. 31.
The board approved an orchestra and jazz band trip for 19 students to Philadelphia and Dorney Park, an amusement park in Allentown, Pa., from April 24 to 26. The cost of the trip is $11,000, which will be offset by fund-raising. In approving budget transfers, the board tabled a request for an additional $4,000 for an elementary school play, following the urging of Ms. Lowey.
The meeting started out with board and audience members applauding Deme Minskoff, the newly appointed board member, who will serve until the election in May. Fifth graders from the John M. Marshall Elementary School gave a brief presentation in honor of school board recognition week.
No public comments were made.
The board will next meet on Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m., when external auditors will present their findings. Looking ahead, a previously scheduled education forum will now take place on Nov. 19.