Highlights From Nov. 15 Wantagh Board of Education Meeting

The following recap of the Nov. 15 Wantagh Board of Education meeting was submitted by School Information Liaison Debbie Pinciotto. 

Highlights from The Wantagh Board of Education meeting held Nov. 15. 

 • The Board of Education received a letter of resignation for retirement purposes from Family and Consumer Science teacher, Helga Pacella. Acting Superintendent Maureen Goldberg thanked her for 23 years of dedicated service to the education of our children.

 • The Board of Education also received a letter of resignation for retirement purposes from Roseann Randell, principal account clerk in the business department. Assistant Superintendent of Business, Dana DiCapua thanked her for 23 years of dedicated and loyal service to our school district.

 • The Board of Education approved the terms of agreement between an employee and the Wantagh School District pursuant to a relative examination. The part-time substitute cleaner is permitted to return from suspension, to work at the assignment determined by the Superintendent of Schools.

 After the board members concluded with the business of the agenda, the following issues were addressed:

• Board President Michael Cucci introduced the Wantagh School District’s external auditor, Marianne Van Duyne of R.S. Abrams & Co., LLP to explain the results of the latest audit that are required by state law. She stated that the business department was well prepared and received an unqualified opinion in both audit categories, the extra-classroom activity funds and the financial statement. An unqualified opinion is the best rating that can be received. Van Duyne, whose company represents over 70 school districts, proclaimed that the Wantagh district was financially well prepared and maintained a strong balance for the long term. She found strong controls in the business department with no deficiencies or material weaknesses and they had implemented recommendations suggested. All in all, the district received a very positive response from this past audit.

 • Cucci announced that they had completed the interviews for the newly charted Audit Committee. In an effort to be more transparent, the board has modified its state ordered Audit Committee charter. The new charter now includes three community members and two school board trustees. The board selection of the three Audit Committee community members will be approved at the December business meeting.

 • DiCapua announced the dates that the district will offer budget workshops. Each workshop will cover a different topic and the entire community will be invited to attend. There will be three dates for the workshops, March 11, March 18 and April 3. Details will be posted on the district website. A fourth date will be added for a daytime meeting to be held at the Wantagh Public Library to accommodate those that are unable to make the other meetings. This is an opportunity for everyone in the community to get solid information about the budget process. 

• Cucci thanked Goldberg for her excellent communications throughout the recent storm crisis as acting superintendent.

 • Goldberg spoke about rebuilding our school calendar because of the unprecedented number of days lost so early in the year. The district is still awaiting direction from the state government and the state education department regarding state requirements. As soon as a decision is made, she will inform the community.