Copiague Union Free School District public meetings in 2023
23 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is meeting to approve a series of personnel actions, including resignations, appointments, and stipends, as well as special education placements and a donation. The agenda is largely routine, with most items passed unanimously.
- Approved resignations of five staff members, including a school psychologist and a Spanish-speaking office assistant, effective various dates.
- Approved $12,500 stipend for Andrew Riggio to teach an additional VHI Geometry class at the high school.
- Approved appointments for intramural and co-curricular activities, including a $52/hour stipend for Paige Swantek as girls softball co-advisor.
- Approved annual appointments for office assistants at $38,547 each and a part-time custodial worker at $19.24/hour.
- Approved special education placements for students with disabilities on multiple dates in November and December 2023.
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is meeting to approve a series of personnel actions, including leaves of absence, appointments, and coaching stipends, as well as a budget transfer and a revision to the school calendar. The board will also vote on resolutions regarding the destruction of election ballots and special education placements. Most items are routine administrative approvals.
- Approval of leaves of absence for Speech Teacher Dawn McDonald and Elementary Teacher Diana Peralta for childcare
- Probationary appointment of Lyza Smith as Elementary Teacher at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School, salary $79,157 (Step 12, MA)
- Appointment of Annmarie Ullman as permanent Office Assistant at Copiague Middle School, salary $40,498
- Winter coaching stipends: Nicholas Otero (JV Wrestling Assistant) $7,706, Tayanee Peay (JV Girls Basketball Assistant) $9,519
- Revision to 2023-2024 school calendar: Spring Superintendent's Conference Day on March 1, 2024, schools closed for students
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education met on November 20, 2023, and approved a series of personnel actions, including resignations, appointments, and stipends. The board also approved minutes from the previous meeting and recommendations from special education committees.
- Resignations: Jennifer Rosario (elementary teacher), Maureen Green (principal account clerk), Joseph Menichini (teaching assistant), Mikaiya Moore (basketball coach), and others
- Appointment: Nicole Record as regular substitute elementary teacher at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School, salary $66,081 (prorated)
- Appointment: Anthony DiBlasi as maintenance mechanic, salary $66,884 (prorated)
- Co-curricular stipends: Eliza Ostrofsky $1,015, Lisa Miller $4,063
- Winter coaching stipends: Vanessa Juengerkes $11,608, Paige Swantek $10,546
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education met on November 6, 2023, to approve a series of personnel actions, including resignations, appointments, and coaching staff for the winter season. The board also accepted declinations of appointment for two previously approved positions and made several new hires across teaching, support, and security roles.
- Approved resignations of substitute teacher Ariana Coleman and cafeteria monitor Catherine Boyle
- Appointed Isabella Wood Smitelli as guidance counselor at $66,081 and Jasmine Nunez as elementary teacher at $53,481
- Hired three school security guards/resource officers at $23.11-$28.85/hr
- Approved winter coaching stipends: JV boys basketball assistant $9,519, JV wrestling head $8,554
- Appointed Catherine Boyle as full-time teaching assistant at $43,302
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is meeting to approve a series of personnel actions, including resignations, leaves of absence, appointments, and stipends for the 2023-2024 school year. The agenda includes consent items covering teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as co-curricular and translation services.
- Approved resignations of substitute teachers Sabina Tariq, James Johnsen, and teaching assistant Tyler Grunthal
- Approved medical leaves for Assistant Cook Angela Clement and Cafeteria Aide Katherine Rubin at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School
- Appointed Lisa Chianese as regular substitute Special Education teacher at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School, salary $64,374 prorated
- Approved stipends for Spanish translation services at the high school: Armando Marcenaro and Aglaed Marcedo, $2,100 each
- Approved Leadership Academy Fellows for 2023-24, with up to $3,000 reimbursement per year
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is meeting to take action on a series of personnel items, including accepting resignations, approving leaves of absence, and making appointments for the 2023-24 school year. The board will also vote on an addendum to the superintendent's employment agreement. All listed actions were approved by a unanimous vote.
- Approved addendum to Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Bannon's employment agreement
- Accepted resignations of 7 staff members, including an assistant principal and school nurse
- Appointed Rachel Korba as temporary elementary teacher at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School, salary $53,481 (prorated)
- Appointed Lauren D'Annunzio as probationary guidance counselor at Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School, salary $86,688 (prorated)
- Approved permanent appointments for 5 school security guards/resource officers at $23.11-$24.15/hr
Audit Committee Meeting
The Copiague Union Free School District Audit Committee is meeting to review draft financial statements and independent audit reports for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. The external auditor, EFPR Group, will present the reports, which cover the district's financial statements, federal single audit, and extra-classroom activity funds. This is a discussion and report review meeting, not a final approval.
- Review of draft financial statements and independent audit report for FYE June 30, 2023
- Review of draft independent federal single audit report for FYE June 30, 2023
- Review of draft independent audit report on extra-classroom activity funds for FYE June 30, 2023
- Presentation by external auditors EFPR Group (Brent Jensen)
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is meeting to approve a series of personnel actions, including terminations, resignations, declinations, leaves of absence, and new appointments. The board will also approve compensation for teachers taking on additional classes and staff for extended learning and Saturday programs.
- Termination of cafeteria monitor Linda VanCura effective 9/13/23
- Resignations include Assistant Principal Krista Fee (9/30/23) and others
- Approve $12,500 stipends for teachers teaching additional classes
- Appoint Cristina Kolitsopoulos as ISS Teacher at $46,650 salary
- Approve staff for Saturday Program at $60/hour
Audit Committee Meeting
The Copiague Union Free School District Audit Committee is meeting to review internal audit reports, including a risk assessment update, periodic duties, corrective action plans for extraclassroom activity funds, and student-related data. The committee will also discuss the next meeting date.
- Risk Assessment Update Report for period ending June 30, 2023
- Internal Audit Report on Periodic Duties for July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
- Corrective Action Plan for Extraclassroom Activity Funds for FYE June 30, 2023
- Internal Audit Report on Student Related Data for FYE June 30, 2023
- Next Audit Committee meeting scheduled for October 2, 2023
Regular Meeting Agenda - For the Purpose of Hiring New Staff Members
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education met on August 30, 2023, primarily to approve a series of personnel actions, including new hires, resignations, and declinations of appointment. The board also approved the district's Emergency Management Plans for 2023-2024. All listed motions passed unanimously.
- Approved Emergency Management Plans for 2023-2024
- Accepted resignations of Food Service Worker Aye Aye Ni and Assistant Principal Kristin Donnelly
- Appointed David Aguado and Timothy Gilroy as Secondary Assistant Principals at $138,767 and $141,285 respectively
- Appointed William Sullivan as Occupational Business Education Teacher at $67,833
- Appointed Alyssa Tracey as Game Day Cheer Head Coach with $8,720 stipend
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is approving a series of personnel actions, including resignations, appointments, and additional compensation for teachers. The board also approved minutes from the previous meeting and accepted several declinations of appointment.
- Approved $12,500 stipends for five teachers teaching additional LOTE/Spanish classes
- Approved probationary appointments for two special education teachers with salaries of $69,630 and $66,081
- Approved temporary appointments for physical education, science, and English teachers
- Accepted resignations of a custodial worker, food service worker, and part-time food service worker
- Approved permanent appointment of Alicia Chapman as Senior Office Assistant at $48,673
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague UFSD Board of Education met on August 7, 2023, and approved a series of personnel actions and a union agreement. The board ratified a five-year Memorandum of Agreement with the United Public Employees Union (UPSEU) and accepted several resignations and declinations of appointment. It also approved probationary and temporary teaching appointments, per diem substitute teachers, and compensation for teachers taking on additional classes.
- Ratified Memorandum of Agreement with UPSEU (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2028)
- Approved probationary appointment of Robert Sparkes as Director of School Safety at $125,000 (prorated), effective 8/21/23
- Approved probationary teaching appointments: Alicia Kohlhepp (Foreign Language, $70,506) and Genna Consalazio (Special Education, $66,081)
- Approved temporary teaching appointments at Susan E. Wiley, Great Neck Road, and Copiague High School (salaries $64,374–$67,833)
- Approved $12,500 stipends for 19 middle school and 10 high school teachers teaching additional classes
Special Meeting
The Copiague Board of Education held a special meeting on June 26, 2023, to act on personnel items. The board approved a probationary appointment for a new Director of School Safety, accepted several resignations, and approved multiple teaching and staff appointments for the 2023-2024 school year. The meeting also included an executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters.
- Approved William Castoro as Director of School Safety, Step 1-$125,000 (prorated), effective 7/31/23
- Accepted resignations from Spanish Teacher Natasha Vaughn, Teaching Assistant Beatrice Guido, Director of Technology Jason Strumwasser, and Per Diem Substitute Teacher Julianne Anderson
- Approved annual appointments for ISS Teachers Michael Ceccoli and Lauren Czarnecki at $48,352 each
- Approved temporary appointment of Lauren Abrams as Elementary Teacher at $66,081
- Approved compensation for four teachers teaching additional math classes at $12,500 each (prorated)
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague school board is voting on routine personnel actions, including approving minutes, accepting a resignation, and hiring teachers and a coordinator. It also approves coaching appointments for fall 2023 and stipends for teachers taking on extra classes.
- Approved minutes of May 22, 2023 meeting
- Accepted resignation of substitute custodial worker Keith Battale
- Appointed Devon Ray as Coordinator of Athletics at $125,239 salary
- Approved $12,500 stipends for teachers teaching additional classes
- Approved fall 2023/24 coaching appointments with salaries up to $10,380
Regular Meeting Agenda - For the Purpose of Hiring New Staff Members
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education met on May 22, 2023, primarily to approve a series of personnel actions, including resignations, leaves of absence, and new appointments for the upcoming school year and summer programs. The board also approved minutes from prior meetings and curriculum writing projects. All actions were approved unanimously.
- Approved resignations of 5 staff members, including a math teacher and two elementary teachers, effective June 30, 2023.
- Approved temporary appointments for a school social worker ($67,833) and an elementary teacher ($60,743) for 2023-24.
- Approved probationary appointments for a math teacher ($54,898) and two school psychologists ($69,540 and $68,577).
- Approved summer security staffing including 1 supervisor and 19 guards.
- Approved curriculum writing projects totaling $7,125 in teacher stipends.
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District board held a public hearing on the proposed 2023-2024 school budget, followed by a regular meeting with multiple action items. The board approved minutes from prior meetings and a consent agenda covering staff appointments, including summer school principals, department chairpersons, and various teaching and non-teaching positions. All actions were approved unanimously.
- Public hearing on 2023-2024 proposed school budget
- Approved summer school principal stipends: $11,000 (high school), $7,500 (middle and elementary)
- Approved department chairperson stipends for 2023-24, ranging from $11,950 to $13,675
- Approved probationary teacher appointments with salaries: $65,702 (music), $56,353 (PE), $60,180 (special ed)
- Approved permanent appointment of Chief Custodian at $93,499
Special Meeting Agenda - Adopt A Budget
The Copiague Union Free School District board held a special meeting to adopt the 2023-2024 proposed school budget of $170,023,070.00, which passed unanimously. The board also approved the 2023-2024 Property Tax Report Card and entered executive session to discuss legal, personnel, and student matters. Public comments were heard, and the meeting adjourned.
- Adopted 2023-2024 proposed school budget of $170,023,070.00
- Approved 2023-2024 Property Tax Report Card
- Entered executive session for legal, personnel, and student matters
- Held public comment period
- Motion to adjourn passed
Audit Committee Meeting
The Copiague Union Free School District's Audit Committee is meeting to discuss the federal single audit for the year ended June 2022, presented by the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations. The agenda includes procedural items like call to order and roll call, followed by the audit discussion. No votes or decisions are listed; the meeting is primarily for review and discussion.
- Discussion of Federal Single Audit for the Year Ended June 2022
- Presentation by Susan Kanuika, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations
Regular Meeting Agenda and Budget Work Session
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education held a regular meeting and budget work session on March 20, 2023, taking action on multiple personnel items. The board approved resignations, a leave of absence, tenure recommendations, an administrative internship, and several new appointments, all passed unanimously. The meeting also included a budget work session, though no specific budget details are provided in the agenda.
- Approved resignations of 5 staff members, including Toni Clemens (retirement) and Crystal Walker (termination)
- Granted tenure to 8 professional staff members, including Michael Ferretti and William Bennett, effective July 1, 2023
- Approved 4 new probationary teaching appointments with salaries ranging from $60,180 to $71,476
- Approved temporary ESL teacher appointment for Brianne Delgado at $66,081 (prorated)
- Approved co-curricular appointments with stipends up to $4,967
Regular Meeting Agenda and Budget Work Session
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education met for a regular meeting and budget work session, approving a series of routine personnel actions, including appointments, resignations, and leaves of absence. The board also awarded a contract for boiler replacements at three schools and accepted a donation for a scholarship. The agenda was largely procedural, with no major policy debates or public hearings.
- Awarded RFP #22/23-012 for boiler replacement at Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School, Copiague Middle School, and Great Neck Road Elementary School to Thermo Tech Combustion, Inc.
- Accepted a monetary donation from NYSIR for a High School Senior scholarship award.
- Approved appointments including probationary Special Education teacher Emily McLeer at $54,898 and regular substitute teachers Isabella Wood Smitelli ($66,081) and Madison Belcher ($53,481).
- Approved coaching stipends for Spring 2023: JV Baseball Head Coach Tyler Grunthal ($7,640) and Assistant Coach Michael Thompson ($6,952).
- Approved policy changes including 1150 (School Budget and Bond Referenda Information) and 4327 (Homebound Instruction).
Regular Meeting Agenda and Budget Work Session
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education met for a regular meeting and budget work session. The board approved a series of personnel actions, including resignations, leaves of absence, appointments, and coaching staff for spring 2023. The agenda also included a budget work session, though no specific budget details were listed.
- Approved resignations of 9 staff members, including retirements effective 6/30/23
- Approved leaves of absence for 3 teachers (childcare and medical)
- Approved temporary appointment of Natalie Ficalora as Elementary ELA/Math Teacher at $67,833 prorated
- Approved spring 2023 coaching appointments with salaries up to $9,700
- Approved continuation of food service staff appointments with salaries up to $33,970.69
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education is meeting to take action on a range of items, including approving the 2023-24 school calendar, adopting policy changes, and accepting donations. The board also approved several personnel appointments, resignations, and special education recommendations.
- Approved 2023-24 school calendar
- Approved policy changes including student harassment and bullying prevention, investments, and purchasing
- Approved compensation for teachers covering additional classes due to a leave of absence, with stipends of $12,250 prorated
- Approved appointments for substitute teachers, teaching assistants, and office staff with salaries ranging from $125/day to $53,481
- Tabled an out-of-state field trip for the NYS Girls Wrestling Invitational in Syracuse
Regular Meeting Agenda
The Copiague Union Free School District Board of Education met on January 9, 2023, and approved a series of routine personnel actions, including resignations, leaves of absence, appointments, and coaching stipends. The board also adopted the 2023/24 budget development calendar, approved policy changes, and renewed an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Babylon for salt/sand mix. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved 2023/24 school budget development calendar
- Renewed intermunicipal cooperation agreement with Town of Babylon for salt/sand mix
- Approved budget transfers in excess of $10,000 for 2022/23
- Approved policy changes including harassment/bullying forms and student personal expression
- Approved winter coaching stipends: $5,096 for wrestling head coach, $4,637 for assistant