Editorial - Kings Park BOE - Moving The District Forward

Our kudos go to the people who showed-up to express rational opinions at the Kings Park Board of Education (BOE) meeting on January 17.   There were many people in the audience who expressed real concerns about transportation issues and contract negotiations.   Sitting in an audience and realizing that a decision is already made, and that your comments will not be considered is extremely frustrating.

While the audience was there for many reasons, spelling bee contestants, Intel Semifinalists, the budget, transportation,  the most vocal group was there to confront the board about extending Superintendent Agruso’s contract.

Some members of the BOE seemed surprised by the rude and aggressive behavior by some members of the audience.  Agendas go online when they are created; board meetings are video taped and available to the public. “Where have these people been? We have Board meetings and the public rarely shows up. I have not received phone calls or emails from any of the people who showed up tonight. Not one person called to express concern about the contract extension. Where have they been?” Said Board member Marie Goldstein. 

Last minute agendas encourage a sense of clandestine activity.  Even worse than a last minute agenda is the behind the scene gossip and texting about dastardly deeds that are taking place covertly when something unexpected appears on an agenda. It seems for some people in the audience that is exactly what happened.  They were of the mindset that behind the scenes, Board members William Motherway, Marie Goldstein and Tom Locascio, conspired to extend the school superintendent’s contract without listening to the voices of two of the board members, Steve Weber and Liz Barrett. “Not so, we determined last year that we would extend the contract and that we would put it on the agenda in January.  This should not have surprised anyone on the board. This was discussed.” Said  Marie Goldstein.

There was a coordinated effort to stop this vote.  Flyers, which included phone numbers and email addresses of board members were handed out throughout the district. Some people in the audience pointed to Board member Steve Weber as the coordinator of the “stop the contract extension movement”.  Steve Weber in a phone conversation denied this, “I did not give out flyers nor did I encourage people to attend this particular meeting.  I always support participation by the public.  I believe in it. I believe that a written evaluation is an important part of the process and I did not expect to extend the Superintendent’s contract without it.”

Left out of the discussion, was why three Board of Education members would violate the trust of parents and the relationship of all the board members by voting on something that was never discussed.  The answer, in my opinion, is they wouldn’t.

I do not know what transpired in executive board meetings or at the retreat the board members attended.  What I do know for certain is that there are mechanisms in place to prevent the chaos that occurred at the board meeting.  The minutes went out to board members and there was ample opportunity to question the agenda.  There was ample opportunity to request an item be removed or to call for an executive session to discuss the matter.  That didn’t happen and it should have! 

Instead what transpired was sad.  Two members, Ms. Barrett and Mr. Weber, voted “no” to the contract extension on the grounds that a job performance evaluation was not done. Despite the fact that there is an evaluation for Dr. Agruso that is less than a year old. The vote was three-two in favor of the contract extension. Members of the audience left unhappy and angry with Board members.

It is obvious that the members of the Board of Education suffered a set back.  Not because there was a difference of opinion, that happens.  The problem now is that there is a lack of trust amongst the members and people in the district. 

In the end it is the value the Superintendent brings to the district.  Are things better under Dr. Agruso’s leadership?  Marie Goldstein said it best, “I voted yes for 4,106 reasons, our students. The ability to maximize our children’s educational experience is what is most important. I was not always a fan of Dr. Agruso’s, but she has showed her commitment to our students and their future. I support that.”

I couldn’t agree more.  Time to do damage control and get on with the business of education.

Pat

Welcome Home Sgt. Matthew O'Malley

January 26^th was a very special day for Smithtown students Keeley O’Malley, a fourth grader at Mt. Pleasant Elementary and her brother Connor, 6^th grader at Great Hollow Middle School.  Their dad, Sgt. Matthew O’Malley, returned from Afghanistan and surprised them at school.  Sgt. O’Malley answered questions in Mr. Jackowski’s 4^th grade class and explained to the students how important the American Flag is.  He said it is a symbol that reminds soldiers of home.  He encouraged them to keep remembering our servicemen and women as they say the pledge in school each day.  The staff at Mt. Pleasant also took part in the celebration by making banners and lending their photography expertise. 

Michael Guadagno - Eagle Scout

January 24, 2012: Smithtown is home to many active Scouting Troops.  Recently, both Troop 7 of St. James and Troop 349 of Nesconset hosted Eagle Courts of Honor, which are a solemn and significant event not only for the Eagle Scout, but for the whole troop.On Thursday, January 19, 2012, several family members, scout leaders and community representatives gathered to acknowledge the proud work of Michael Guadagno, son of John and Anne Guadagno of St. James.  Michael worked with the Scouting Committee to draw plans, raise funding, and ultimately construct a handicapped accessible ramp for the rectory at Saints Phillip and James Church.  Michael’s work will have a lasting positive impact on all of the parish members.

Nesconset Man Arrested For Robbing People's United Bank Branch

Suffolk County Police today arrested a Nesconset man for robbing a Nesconset bank this morning.  

A man entered the People’s United Bank, located at 465 Smithtown Blvd., and handed a teller a note that stated he had a gun and demanded cash be put into his black messenger bag at 8:41 a.m. The man then fled the bank on foot.  

Andreas Dambakakis, 30, Nesconset, was located at his home approximately an hour later and taken into custody.  

Major Case Investigations Unit detectives charged Dambakakis with Robbery 3rd Degree. Dambakakis will be held overnight at the Seventh Precinct and arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip tomorrow.  

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

NY State Police Narcotic Investigators Arrest Former Smithtown Building Department Director

Robert BonerbaOn 1/24/12 at 5:30 PM, in the K-Mart parking lot on N. Ocean Avenue in Farmingville, NY, New York State Police narcotic investigators arrested two subjects for heroin sale and possession.

Robert Bonerba, age 62, Nesconset NY, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree(A Misd.) and Unlawful Loitering 1st Degree(B Misd.).  Mr. Bonerba was issued an appearance ticket returnable on 3/22/12 in Suffolk County First District Court.

Aaron Morgan, age 32, Mt. Sinai NY, was charged with Criminal Sale of a ControlledAaron Morgan Substance 3rd(B Felony), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th(A Misd.) and Loitering 1st(B Misd.).  Mr. Morgan will be arraigned today in Suffolk County First District Court.