By Mike Schnitzel
At the Dec. 13 meeting, Board of Education trustees Jeanne Greco Jacobs and Dr. Maria Fletcher were appointed co-chairs of the committee, which also include representatives of the Parent-Teacher Associations at the four schools.
"The charge of the committee is to look at the attendance zones - they have been in policy for decades - and determine whether they are still viable," said Fletcher. "There might not be any changes made [to the current attendance areas], but at least we will have the opportunity to address a serious issue in the community."
According to Superintendent Dr. Marc Bernstein, recommendations from the committee are not expected until June 2006, and therefore, no changes in policy would take effect until the 2007-2008 school year.
The first meeting for the committee is scheduled for Feb. 8 at Memorial Junior High School at 7:30 p.m.
Gang prevention
The board authorized Bernstein to sign an agreement with Tempo Group, Inc., for gang prevention and intervention services in the school district. The district will use money from a grant obtained by state Sen. Dean Skelos and state Assemblyman Robert Barra to fund programs that focus on such issues as anti-bullying and mentoring, to fund Athletes Helping Athletes, and for a district social worker.
Bernstein said that the district hopes to hold a community forum in May 2006 on the topic of wellness, which would include the same focuses as the violence prevention programs and promote mental and physical well-being among the student body.
Custodians, district reach agreement
Valley Stream school custodians have a new contract. The board adopted the contract at last Tuesday night's meeting. The contract is retroactive to July 1, 2004 and through June 30, 2007.
According to Deputy Superintendent Al Chase, the agreement calls for a 10 percent increase in salary over the three years of the contract. Effective as of January 1, 2006, union members will start paying 15 percent of their health costs, rather than the 10 percent they pay now, and as of January 2007 they will pay 20 percent. Any union member who has served with the district for 10 years or more will receive an annual $500 longevity payment under the agreement.
H.S. Board to meet
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will take place Tuesday, Jan. 10 in Memorial Junior High School's cafeteria B.
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