Grandstand Project Causes Ruckus at School Board Meeting

The school year is underway and Tuesday's board of education meeting confirmed key initiatives are progressing while some major issues remain contentious.

Construction Update – Documents for the high school will be completed by early February for state review. Phased construction will begin this summer and the balance will be completed the summer of 2012.

Homestead School construction documents are slated for completion by year's end for state review. The project will be out for bid in the spring with construction beginning this summer.

Finalized plans and renderings for Garden City High School and Homestead will be provided at the next meeting. Garden City Middle School is waiting for state review; bidding will begin early next year with work to begin in the spring.

Grandstand Project - Estimated for completion by March 1. The bleachers will be erected on-site. During the 12-week fabrication period, drainage, footings and foundation work will begin. The new seating structure will meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Rockaway Avenue residents expressed dismay at the dismantling of the bleachers. They stated that they were unaware the bleachers were being taken down, that construction was beginning prior to 8 a.m. and that there are numerous overlooked safety issues.

They requested that the district consider moving the bleachers away from the Rockaway side because it would be safer for the community. Residents agreed that the existing bleachers were unsafe but they offered a "see through" effect while the new bleachers will be a solid mass. Many felt that their home values would be adversely affected and they appealed to the board to consider moving them.

Board president Colleen Foley advised that relocation was not an option nor was it initially considered due to cost. The project was vetted at every meeting prior to the bond vote. Presentations were made over 24 months at over 35 community and public meetings. Photos were featured on the school's website. 

Superintendent of schools Dr. Robert Feirsen also reminded residents of the various communications disseminated to the community as part of the original bond initiative and that tours were conducted prior to the vote. 

"The old bleachers were unsafe, unsightly and as you drove down Rockaway Avenue a horrible first welcome to Garden City," he continued. "The new structure will be a source of community pride, high quality, attractive and safe not just for the residents residing across the street but for the entire village."

Energy Performance Contract – Work on the energy performance contract is moving forward. Documents submission is slated for state review by the end of December. Concerns about windows have been discussed with Con Edison and other window systems are being investigated. A broader update will follow at the next school board meeting scheduled for Dec. 14.

Garden City Middle School Update – A drainage issue has surfaced on Stewart Avenue. Water is getting caught up on the property line. Engineers have been in touch with the county and will follow up. 

Concern whether parents are allowed to make a left turn onto Stewart Avenue after dropping off students was discussed. Foley advised that traffic patterns were reviewed with police and though it is a change for parents, they must follow the Cherry Valley route. Double parking in front of the cafeteria was cited as dangerous.

The board is advocating a left turn arrow for traffic coming from the east side on Stewart Avenue into the middle school parking lot. Board members will attend the village traffic meeting Nov. 18. The county is investigating this matter.

Superintendent's Report – Garden City Middle School principal Dr. Peter Osroff will be out for an extended period of time. Jim Curran has been chosen as interim principal effective Nov. 22. He has served as interim principal for the high school and Stratford School. The board also recommended for tenure Garden City High School English teacher Diane Dolan.  

Dr. Feirsen discussed the county issue of how to deal with the county's tax error of placing a legislative building on Franklin Avenue on the tax rolls.

"Obviously, the county cannot tax itself," said Dr. Feirsen. "We have not heard any clear information on how to deal with this absurd situation; $650,00, the amount to be paid to the Town of Hempstead, has not been received and it was due Nov. 10. We asked counsel to contact the county."

Dr. Feirsen advised that the county legislature passed the "Common Sense Act of 2010," which, he said, is the county's attempt to shift the responsibility of tax refunds from the county to school districts. He advised that the district is investigating a possible legal challenge since the Act in 1938 had a provision for the county to be responsible for any mistakes they made with assessments.

Dr. Feirsen also acknowledged student accomplishments. The College Board has recounted the number of AP Scholars which, originally at 181 was a record breaker, to 186. Seventy-six students were named All-County musicians. Fall athletic accomplishments were cited as well.

Two new committees have been formed and are beginning to meet: cyber-bullying and differentiated instruction. The committees are comprised of representatives from PTA, SEPTA, administration and faculty. A focus on pedestrian safety is also ongoing. 

Work is continuing to improve the district's writing program to prepare students for high school and beyond. A focus on improving frequency, content and depth is underway.

Citizen Comments:

Full-Time Athletic Trainer – Several residents advised the board that the high school's current athletic trainer, Jen Chimienti, has received an offer for full-time employment at another district. These residents appealed to the board to provide full-time employment for her in the district. Residents that spoke on her behalf stated that she is an asset to the athletic program. Chimienti is currently serving her 15th year as a certified athletic trainer with the Garden City School District.

Math/Science – Residents expressed concern regarding Garden City's lack of presence in science competitions versus other districts. Dr. Feirsen reiterated that the district is reinvigorating the science program with projects like the new science labs in the elementary schools. However, unlike other districts Garden City's philosophy is more broad and does not include nurturing a select group of students. Many other districts have their own research labs. 

"The experience of doing research with a trained mentor like Dr. Gordon is valuable and we want to provide that experience to as many students as possible," said Dr. Feirsen. "This is the program that does the most good for the most kids."

Teachers' Contract – A resident expressed concern about not adjusting retirement benefits in the teachers' contract and that children will suffer by losing programs.  

Dr. Ferisen replied: "We do not control pensions. There are some things we're allowed to negotiate and some things we're not allowed to negotiate. Pension is controlled by state legislation and regulation and we have no authority and no ability to do that across all bargaining units. This school board as well as the Nassau and Suffolk county boards are actively lobbying changes in the pension system because we feel it places an unfair burden on school districts.

"To cite the board for poor strategy in not executing a contract that includes changes to the pension system is misplaced," Dr. Feirsen continued. "I have to tell you this in the presence of Mr. Pollit a [Garden City Teachers' Association] president, and this is part of our bargaining strategy, health care reduction will net you a few bucks but salary schedule is a lifetime benefit and represents the biggest bang for the buck and any professional negotiator will tell you that."

Foley added, "I do take exception. This board has had an eye toward finances every step of the way. We have dealt with multiple community groups in attempting to have a balance. The contract we negotiated is the lowest in the county. We also addressed an initiative from New York State, of which I believe we're one of the first school districts in the state to do that, and that's the legislative move of APPR. There are three freezes in the contract: year one is 1.25 percent, year two is 1.5 percent with a freeze until Feb. 1 and year three is 1.25 percent. Auxiliary salaries is 1.25 percent and no increase in years two and three. We aggressively negotiate and continue to negotiate with our remaining two bargaining units for the good faith and standing in this community. We are well aware of the economic situation and we follow it every month and every week." 

Middle School Athletics – A resident expressed concern that Garden City Middle School athletes are allowed to participate in only varsity but not junior varsity. School board members said they would investigate.