Dede Bertelle

The agenda for this meeting included a public hearing concerning the Real Property Tax Law regarding establishing a tax exemption for surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty. New business addressed the declaration of an emergency to approve immediate repairs to a cracked waste pipe at the Transportation Annex using emergency repair funds. The meeting also involved the collective approval of numerous schedules pertaining to non-instructional and instructional personnel actions, including changes of salary/status, appointments, resignations, retirements, leaves of absence, transfers, tenure appointments, and temporary assignments. Furthermore, the agenda covered the approval of schedules for Bills Payable and Contract Reports, the awarding of a vehicle mini-bid (Bid # BDP26-007), and receipt of the Treasurer's Report and Appropriation Budget Status Report. The discussion/budget presentation focused on the 2026-2027 budget codes for Employee Benefits, Debt Service, Central Administration, Finance, Legal Services, Personnel, and Curriculum Development, among others.

The work session included the unanimous approval of four $500.00 Teacher Grants from Jovia Credit Union, awarded to Deer Park High School and Robert Frost MS for fostering learning and purchasing supplies. The Board also unanimously approved an increase in the mileage reimbursement rate to 72.5 cents per mile, effective January 1, 2026. A schedule of contracts was approved, covering pool chemical supplies, lease of voting equipment, software leases, and special education health and welfare services. Discussion topics included the draft 2026-2027 Holiday Calendar, a Varsity Cheer Trip, and updates from the Facilities, Technology, Wellness, and Cultural Belonging committees. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss Personnel matters, followed by an open session beginning with the pledge of allegiance. Key new business items included the unanimous approval to accept the Independent Audit Report from Nawrocki Smith, LLP for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, and the approval of Corrective Action Plans in response to auditor findings for the fiscal year ended June 2025. The Board also approved the disposal of a non-working Manitowoc ice machine at DPHS and denied a residency appeal. Several schedules of appointments, changes of status, leaves of absence, and instructional tenure appointments were approved. The Board approved bid awards for both clothing/apparel and a vehicle mini-bid, including awarding the vehicle contract to All American Ford of Paramus. Finally, the Board approved two field trips: HS boys winter track to New Haven, CT, and HS trip to Sacred Heart.

The meeting included staff appreciation for Sue Broccio and a presentation on elementary programs. New Business covered several resolutions, including the approval of Tracy McGarty as School Purchasing Agent, an increase in hourly rates for several substitute and aide positions effective January 1, 2026, and the approval of the budget planning calendar for the May 19, 2026, Annual Budget Vote and Election. The Board also authorized the destruction of unused ballots from the May 2025 vote, approved the disposal of outdated cafeteria equipment and textbooks at DPHS, and approved CSE/CPSE parent members. A significant resolution authorized the appropriation of $2,860,000 from various reserves (TRS, ERS, and Tax Reduction) to address a BOCES special education services budget shortfall for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Various personnel changes were approved, including appointments, salary changes, leaves of absence, resignations, retirements, and tenure appointments for both non-instructional and instructional staff. The Board also approved several schedules of bills payable and received reports including the Treasurer's Report and Appropriation Budget Status Report. A field trip for the RF Band to Music in the Parks in PA was approved during the discussion/approval section.

The agenda for the Reorganization Meeting and Work Session included several procedural items and appointments for the upcoming year. Key actions involved the appointment of temporary chairperson, the district law firm (Frazer & Feldman, LLP), and administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Board Members and the Superintendent of Schools. The Board proceeded with the election of Board Officers (President and Vice President) and the appointment of various district officers, including the District Clerk, Treasurer, Auditors, and various compliance and support officers. Other designations included official bank depositories, regular meeting schedules, and official newspapers. Authorizations covered payroll certification, petty cash fund establishment, purchasing agent designation, and authorization for budget transfers under $10,000. The Board also addressed bonding of personnel, established committee chairpersons and members, and reviewed/adopted policies related to the Code of Conduct, CSE/CPSE parent members, professional development, safety plans, and various operational policies and bylaws. Furthermore, agreements and participation in joint bidding programs with Southern Westchester BOCES and Eastern Suffolk BOCES were discussed and recommended for approval, alongside establishing standard work day resolutions for employees.