001Good evening East Hampton School Board. We're streaming to YouTube. Phone lines are open. This meeting is being recorded. You may begin. >> Thank you very much. Have a motion to open. >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Please rise to pledge allegiance. Pledge allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you very much. We've got a lot going on tonight and a lot of people here, which is really nice to see. But, I wanted to start off the meeting first by thanking the public and I know we have a lot of taxpayers in in the audience today with the passage of our budget and our
002bond, the two the three bonds that were passed. There's a lot of work to be done in the district, but we wanted to thank you all for the support. And I think it puts East Hampton in a whole another stratosphere when it's done. It takes some time. As someone asked the other day, they were like, "It will be ready in September?" I was like, "No problem." So, but thank you all and we we really are are grateful for the support and the continued support of our community. >> Repair reserve. Okay, have a motion to open the repair reserve hearing. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Thank you everybody for coming to the repair reserve hearing. Instead of doing big stuff, all right. So, we're here for a
003repair reserve hearing. I You know, we we had a repair reserve hearing a couple weeks ago. There's a few more projects that Greg would like to get on the agenda for this summer. So, we're going to do our 13th hearing here for repair reserve. Obviously, we've been over this many times, but you can see uh right now there's about $876,000 left in the repair reserve that is not yet funded. Uh there's an item later on in the agenda uh to add additional unspent funds from this year's budget as a fund balance into the repair reserve. You'll notice in the resolution that it says up to because we still don't know exactly how much is going to be left over and then that number has to be audited. But, by if you adopt that resolution tonight
004on your agenda later, we can put up to that much. Voters authorized it last year for up to 7.5 million dollars. I think, you know, we've made ample use of that with your approval. Obviously, the magic words as always, if we can use the money, is worn torn, broken, and inoperable. We've identified some projects. We've held this public hearing so you can educate yourself on whether or not these are projects that you are in agreement with. And then there is a resolution for your consideration later on this evening to take money out of the reserve in order to fund the project. So, first give up. There we go. So, we're going to start off at the high school and the middle school from exterior and interior doors that are in desperate need of repair or
005[clears throat] that are outdated that uh you can see this one here has wire glass in it. There was a time when wire glass was considered the correct thing to do. It has subsequently been shown to be dangerous. >> Yes. >> Fall through it, you will be severely injured by the wire. Uh there's a couple of other things wrong with this door. So, this is probably several that will be replaced uh under this if you approve. The scoreboard which is on the baseball field also serves soccer field. Maybe as a lasting tribute to Kathy's eminent departure, we can replace this uh scoreboard, the baseball and soccer scoreboard. It doesn't reliably function anymore. Keeps saying with baseball games how much time is left, soccer how many runs are scored. and anyway we're going to replace that.
006Uh we have another round of computers that need to be replaced that we are moving towards as >> [clears throat] >> part of the repairing that I was before there is here in the high school there is some piping that is particularly in the basement that is leaking very badly that needs to be repaired. Uh and I should say I always like to say I want to thank Greg Kobela, your facilities director for identifying all these projects. He puts in countless hours walking around seeing what can be done making sure this building remains in top condition. This building all the buildings in the district but there's these pipes are leaking they need to be replaced before we have a larger problem. Uh so at the middle school decades of nervous middle school students who have
007been summoned to the principal's office have worn worn the armrests in the main office in the main office uh or the fear of having to confront Dr. Soriano. So [laughter] we are going to be replacing this furniture here as part of the assignment. Uh There's some and at the elementary school there's a custodial equipment floor scrubbers floor buffers that uh don't work. You can see that we've illustrated that with this sign if you did not set this up this is exactly how Greg and I found this machine where it literally there's a sign that the custodians placed on it that said out of service. Uh these equipment is expensive and so rather than replace it at great cost we are going to repair it so we can get some more years out of it before
008it becomes eventually what we That's the repairs are hearing we have for the season. Any questions? >> Yeah, 20 minutes of questions. >> No. >> When are we going to get started? >> Can [clears throat] I have a motion to close the hearing? >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? >> Rich, thank you Sam. >> All right, so this is the uh my favorite meeting of the year not because getting rid of people who are retiring but it's because we're honoring the people who've have their lives and their careers [clears throat] to East Hampton. You can see there's we have some desserts in the back that were made by our culinary students. There's also a cake for one of our board members who is retiring. We'll talk
009about that later. But I'm going to turn it over to I think Sarah maybe you can talk about Mr. Chris Tool. >> [clears throat] >> I'll turn around. Yeah. >> [laughter] >> Okay, good evening everyone. It's my honor to speak about Chris Tool on his retirement after many years of dedicated service to the East Hampton School District. For decades Chris helped students understand the forces that shape our world. As an Earth Science teacher he taught everything from weather patterns and earthquakes to stars and planets. But as every teacher knows the most important lessons are often the ones that go far beyond the curriculum. Over the years he built a reputation for being knowledgeable and never afraid to speak his mind. As one colleague put it, "Those who know him well know that his bark is
010worse than his bite." Beneath his quick wit and sometimes tough exterior was a genuinely kind person who cared deeply about his students and colleagues. His colleagues also know that his retirement marks the end of a career filled with unforgettable pranks. For example, one colleague recalls the time Chris secretly set a collection of stopwatch timers to go off at different intervals throughout the prep room. What followed was exactly what he had hoped for. Hours of confusion and frustration as mysterious alarms sounded from every corner of the room. It was a prank executed with precision and patience. Two qualities that serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Nadia Sabolsky also recalls his highly competitive streak. Every day seemed to include a mission to reach 10,000 steps and more importantly to beat Nidia's daily steps.
011Thousands of East Hampton students have walked through Chris's classroom doors and left with a greater understanding of science and the world around them. As you begin this next chapter, we hope you enjoy more time with family and friends, more days on the water, and perhaps even a few new practical jokes. And hopefully not at the expense of your retired colleagues. On behalf of the East Hampton District, thank you for your dedication to our students and congratulations. >> Kathy, do you want to do Ken Bran? >> Sure. It is my honor to recognize the remarkable service of Mr. Ken Bran. As he's beginning this is well-earned retirement. 50 years. 50 years of dedication to this East Hampton school district and even more so for the community at large. Um while serving our community as a member
012of the East Hampton Police Department, Ken joined the school district in 1976 as an attendance officer. That role quickly became a lifelong commitment to supporting our students and our families in this district. Uh it grew into him then becoming a truancy officer and later on a residency officer. Um and at one point during that time he was also a volunteer for a school budget votes. All very very critical roles for the district that often go unnoticed and are behind the scenes. But truthfully, we could not run our day-to-day operations without people in those roles. Um so we we thank you so much for that time and service. Um one of Ken's greatest strengths uh has been his ability to build bridges between home and school. He worked with families during some of their most difficult
013moment moments uh providing guidance, compassion, and practical support. His calm demeanor, uh understanding nature, and unwavering commitment helped strengthen the connection between families and the district, uh often making meaningful differences when it was needed most. Uh the impact of your work Ken cannot be measured by the years served. Um you have touched so many people in this uh district and in the community that we can't even begin to count the impact. So on behalf of the district and extensive duty, we wish you a wonderful well-deserved retirement and good health and just on to new adventures. >> Ken, thank you. I I I had the pleasure of working with Kenny with the village for I just retired, but just for the record, I was in the kindergarten when you started. This is what I'll I'll throw
014that out there, but thank you very much for what you've done cuz what you do is not always easy. You don't always get to see people in their best uh in their [clears throat] best world. So thank you for your time and for all that you've done for East Hampton Village as of as a resident of the ability in in town. Thank you. >> No, thank you, Mr. Aquilina. >> And for the many years that he's been a neighbor, I've always talked to the Browns take care of the the western part of Meadow Way. And me and Tommy Dayton, but he left, we take care of the eastern part. And I believe Ken was the first one in my house when I had a fire. Came in and put it out. And and then and
015he's been a wonderful neighbor and quite a patriot of a great family. Thank you, Ken. >> You can stand up here. >> [laughter] >> I was just about to sit down. I'm being >> Of course, right before the speech, you're getting another award. I don't know if you know. So, New York State Association of Health and Physical Education Directors, I just got this. Kathy's being awarded the Suffolk Zone Physical Education Director Award and will be celebrated at multiple meetings. I mean, there's one in November coming up for the state of this award. Then there's one in March of 2028 for this award. And then there's something else. So, >> One out of the three. Um Kathy Masterson is a force of nature. In four short years, she has resurrected the Bayport Athletic program. Through hard
016work, building relationships, and inspiring our student athletes, she has transformed our programs. Kathy's direct style of communication was always appreciated by coaches and parents. She would be a sounding board for new ideas from both of these two groups. Never demeaning someone because she disagreed with their opinion or ideas, but she would always be honest in appraising the situation. If you wanted to hear about your child's playing time or athletic experience, Kathy would tell it like it is. No sugarcoating it. Just the facts. Both coaches and parents and administration appreciated this direct form of athletic leadership. And the board, I'm assuming. Yes, sir. Um in addition, I believe what makes Kathy so special and impact impactful is her empathy and reliability. It is hard to put into words, but her ability to have discussions with student
017athletes and parents on a level they will understand and comprehend is unmatched and truly an incredible skill. And her ability to fluctuate between the two when having a conversation with parent and student together is truly something to behold. She speaks in truths, never hypotheticals. That type of honesty is hard to find, especially when delivering bad news. I know I can speak for the Board of Education when I say when I when I say they appreciate the issues she's dealt with and handled herself. Always keeping us in the loop, but handling the most difficult situations herself. Not always perfect, but always with respect and again, facts. Her standing in Section 11 in the New York State athletic administrations has added instant credibility to East Hampton. Because of this, we are now major players and influencers in
018Suffolk County and New York State athletics. I've seen firsthand her advocate to Section 11 for our student athletes. I observe I observe her make make sure our teams play in the most favorable conditions without compromise. East Hampton is always on her mind. Most teams we compete against have no idea where East Hampton is. This fact does not matter. She would she would do anything to make East Hampton seem seem relevant. In her mind, we are the New York Yankees, the Montreal Canadiens, and the New England Patriots of high school sports in Suffolk County. >> The Islanders. >> [laughter] >> We should always be taken seriously and respected. I will sorely miss her camaraderie, leadership, and most of all her friendship. I'm wishing you and Jill best of retirement. You'll always be a monitor. >> Linda,
019it's nice to see you. Thank you. Sorry, guys. And my favorite >> No more questions. >> You'll always have a question. >> But get ready for the question. Good luck with it. >> Our favorite lawyer. >> Just a little something. >> Yeah, no. She has to open it. >> She has to open it. >> Yeah. It's open. >> You and I wrapped this together. >> [laughter] >> Senior Madam. >> [laughter] >> Use this lip. >> [laughter] >> You have to have the box. >> That's what happened. Nothing to do with I know what it is. >> Don't worry again. I'll reiterate to the community Cathy will still be on the payroll next year helping our new admin. >> Anybody that wants to call in >> [laughter] >> All right. So our next thing is to
020really say thank you. Stella Brecker who is our student board member the first of her kind here in East Hampton. Stella, I know I speak for the board and I know I'm sure the board would say you were outstanding from day one. Your conversations, your your interest, your student your reports. I know Julie really appreciated your work. You know, your input, your opinion. We knew it would work when the first day she came to our first meeting with us and we handed her her name tag and literally that was the highlight of the meeting. Like she was in La La Land. >> [laughter] >> You can take it with you today. She's going to NYU next year. >> I just want to say It's been a really wonderful thing having a student voice on at
021the board of ed. So thank you Stella. >> It's been an honor to be here. >> It's a wonderful tradition. >> There was a little pause there a little pause at the beginning. Kind of like kind of like what if what do we expect from that? And and you set the tone and you have whoever's behind you has some big shoes to fill and you've done a great job and and it's been appreciated and your inputs It's It's nice to get input from someone that's actually there. You know, it's great. Thank you and congratulations and and good luck. >> And what Well, what do you think? >> Well, >> I thought it was such a great experience. I honestly never thought I'd be able to do something like this and have a have a voice
022and a platform to um kind of speak out for my classmates and peers. Um it's definitely something that I've had a lot of fun doing and being up here. I mean, everyone's been so welcoming. Um I've I was really nervous. I remember my first day and then even the second time around I immediately felt really comfortable. So, you guys have been really great. >> Thank you. Thank you Stella. >> Thank you. >> So, we have one more retirement. It might be somebody sitting up here. Young and looking very spry today. So, uh I think the board president might have read uh something um and have the board discuss it. So, All right. We have a walk-on resolution. So, whereas the voters of the district of the district approved proposition at the annual budget vote and
023election authorizing the construction and establishment of new aquatic center the benefit of the students and community of the district and whereas the board of education recognizes the outstanding service, dedication, and contributions of John J. Ryan Sr. the students, staff, community, and the district. And whereas the board of education believes that it it is fitting and appropriate to honor Mr. Ryan by dedicating the district's new aquatic center in his name. >> Aw. >> Now therefore >> Excuse me. We need to finish before we let you talk, otherwise we won't ever finish. >> Now therefore be resolved that the Board of Education hereby hereby officially dedicate and name the new aquatic center as the John J. Ryan Sr. Aquatic Center in honor of John J. Ryan Sr. and be it further resolved that the Superintendent of Schools
024is authorized to take actions necessary to implement the dedication including appropriate signage, recognition materials, and public notification and be it further resolved that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. Can I have a motion? >> Make motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> When we talk about things done aquatically, I'm very proud to be a ocean lifeguard. At the age of 16 I became a lifeguard and I was a high school nothing and that changed my life. It really did. The other great thing that happened to me, uh more very much more important, is the light of my life, my wonderful Patricia, my wife. She She has made me and our family what it is. And I can't uh say thank you and uh and and and think about who
025I am without realizing cuz I love the awards. >> [laughter] >> She made me and and she continues to be the heart, soul of our family. Uh And with respect to the pools, I'm not good at pools. I'm I'm not comfortable in pools. >> [laughter] >> I I If if if if if uh this aquatic center, which would which is very important to this community, but there is somebody, especially in East Hampton, when we look at at what the Hampton Life Guard Association has done, uh I got things started, but my son John, who is chief of police and a retired teacher from here, uh and and that He should be on here with me, too. And before me, it should be him because And and I will say that that one of the things
026that allowed us to water proof the South Fork of Long Island, which is the mandate of of the Hampton Life Guard Association, was the building of that pool. And this aquatic center is get this this pool, our high school pool, is going to further that that good thing because we are surrounded by home pools, we're surrounded by water, and I just can't think of of of a better thing that this community has uh than a good pool. Uh my family is here, some of them. All right, a lot of them. >> [laughter] >> There's about 50 of us. Uh they take good care of me. Uh I I uh am proud of I just we just had an executive session and I demanded that this board listen to me for 5 minutes, but I am
027so proud of what this school this this school is. And why is it what it is? It's because of the wonderful support we get from parents, our wonderful teachers, our wonderful students, our wonderful staff, and this wonderful board, and our administration. And I I I am fully uh uh comfortable with stepping aside. Kim Saros, are you here? Hi Kim. Welcome aboard. We welcomed you in executive session, we wanted to do that, but she will be great. This board has been good. Uh sometimes it looks like cuz everything we we we uh we vote on every time we vote on we always say I and yes and no and it almost looks like we're a rubber stamp, but I can't think of one issue I I complained about this. So we should as a board we
028shouldn't be a rubber stamp. But I can't think of one issue, one issue of where uh we went wrong uh and and should have done it some other way. So I have no complaints in in that area. It's a little confusing to me to think that uh but we are united as a district because we have good staff, good leadership, and a good board, and a wonderful community. Uh so God bless you all and thank you. Woah. Can I open this like Kathy did? >> Yeah, yeah. >> I don't know what Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> And just for the record, it wasn't 5 minutes. >> Hopefully I don't get in trouble for this. >> [laughter] >> As you most likely assume now. >> Looks good now. The good thing is this is the black commission.
029>> And tiny back. >> Exactly. It's a smaller version of the picture. >> And I'm sorry I don't have a dress for this commission. Oh, very good. It is that. God bless you all. God bless my God bless my baby. >> Yeah. >> Thank you, John. >> Can I move to the new little schools? >> I just have one student based report. So, 70 I would have you come up and just tell the board and the community. It's the first year we ever did this and pretty good. >> So, uh you a couple months back I did a presentation about the seal of biliteracy that we will be we have brought to East Hampton High School and I'm just very proud to announce that as of right now we have officially 31 seniors that will
030be crossing the stage on June 26th with the seal in both English and Spanish and another handful of students we'll say four or five students that are kind of waiting on some fourth quarter grades to come through and hopefully we'll be able to bring that number up. Um and as of right now next year, looking ahead to next year, uh, in our 11th grade, we already have, uh, about 17 students who have earned about half the criteria for the seal, so they'll start their senior year already way ahead of the game. Um, so I just want to thank all of you, first of all, for uh, your support with this, um, and the, uh, Seal of Biliteracy Committee and the high school administration for everything that we've done to, uh, get to this point, cuz
031this is a 31 students in our first year, I think is a significant Yeah, thank you for everything. Thank you. Thank you. >> Having moved this along, um, we're going to move on to the superintendent's report and recommendations, the business of the meeting we have to get through. Um, so, item number one, recommend the board approve the instructional women from Olivia Ricker, the position of earth science teacher, effective September 2nd, 2026. Can I have a motion? >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Number two, uh, number two, recommend the board approve the instructional women from Zachary Ready, the position of math teacher, grade 7 through 12, leave replacement, effective September 2nd, 2026. Can I have a motion? >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> Any discussion?
032All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Number three, recommend the Board of Education approve Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. as the designated, uh, recognition school board meeting, or re- I'm sorry, reorganization school board meeting for the 2026-2027 school year. Can I have a motion? >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Number four, [clears throat] recommend the board approve the repair reserve fund expenditure pursuant to General Municipal Law section 6-B, the necessary projects at East Hampton High School, East Hampton Middle School, and John M. Marshall Elementary School buildings. >> Have a motion? >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> Mr. Scott, can we have this in from the hearing from earlier? All in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? Number five. >> [clears
033throat] >> Recommend that the board authorize bonds not to exceed $6,364,974 to finance all renovations and groupings to the district building and sites as per approved school budget May 19th, 2026 fund money. >> Have a motion? >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? >> Yeah. >> Number seven six. Recommend the board authorize the bond not to exceed $45,680,000 to finance the construction of an indoor pool building at the East Hampton High School as approved on May 19th, 2026. Have a motion? >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? Number seven. Recommend the board authorize the bonds not to exceed $18,535,000 to finance the construction of an indoor aquatic facility as approved on May 19th, 2026. >> Have a motion? >>
034Make a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? Number eight. Recommend the board approve the tax anticipation notes for the roofings of the East Hampton Union Free School District authorizing the issuance of a of a not to exceed $21,500,000 tax anticipation note in anticipation of the of taxes levied for this fiscal year June ending June 30th, 2027. Have a motion? >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> Lots of planning going on there for 2027. >> [laughter] >> All all in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? Uh >> Number nine. >> Recommend the board approve of year funding of the school district reserve allowed by law uh using fund balance in order to save money and plan for expenses in the future future fiscal years. Have a motion? >> Make a
035motion. Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? Uh number 11 >> No. >> Number 10. >> Sorry, it's number 10. Recommend the board accept with gratitude donations for 2025-2026 school year. Have a motion? >> I'll make a motion. Second. >> Second. Any discussions except except for the fact that any >> You're very welcome. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Community is very generous, truthfully. All in favor? >> Aye. Any opposed? Number 11. Recommend the board approve the budget transfers for the 2025-2026 school year. Have a motion? >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> Do you have any comments in for this budget transfer? >> Thank you for your consideration. >> Uh all in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? Right. We have two uh two walk-on resolutions. The first one is
036okay. Uh be it resolved that the Board of Education of the East Hampton Union Free School District appoints William Kephart, Esquire, to serve as hearing officer with respect to disciplinary charges brought against the employee [clears throat] named in confidential attachment A pursuant to Civil Service Law number 75. Be it further resolved that the employee named in attachment AA be suspended without pay for the of 30 days following following services and disciplinary charges on the employee pending hearing and determination of said charges. I have a motion. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Opposed? And one more. Be resolved that the Board of Education of the East Hampton Union Free School District hereby appoints William Capell Esquire to serve as a hearing officer in respect to his disciplinary charges
037against the employee pending hearing and determination Attachment A the certain pursuant to Civil Service Law number 75. Be it further resolved that the employee named in Attachment AA be suspended without pay for a period of 30 days following service services and disciplinary charges on the employee pending hearing and determination of said charges. I have a motion. >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> I'll make a motion to accept the consent agenda. >> I'll make the motion. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Good. Well, that's that's old business. We have nothing to write. We need to discuss all the things we need to discuss at all the meetings we need to cover. So, I'm going to ask for a motion from John
038Ryan. >> Yes, I move we move it. >> There you go. >> I don't want this to be a motion, but I think as I'm leaving I think this board deserves something extra because they put up with me and they're so good. So, I would like their salary to be doubled. >> Double the salary. >> And also to thank the staff, I would like every single staff member, teacher, and and secretary, custodian, all of their Christmas bonuses be doubled. Now, I'm afraid to put those two things in motion because somebody will someday >> [clears throat] >> hold us and our lawyer is here and here. So, I think we're going to end the meeting. No? >> I just want I just want one second. Check one thing. Not related to your motion, John. Okay. Okay.
039All right. Thanks. So, we have to amend the last two walked on motions. And one is the first one is attachment Dennis, make sure I get this right. One's attachment >> First motion that you write, the first motion that you made should read attachment A for both both provisions of the motion. >> Okay. The second should read attachment B for both provisions. >> Okay. That's fine. So, do you have that? You have that now? All right. Tom, >> I'll make a motion. >> Motion second to the amendment? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Thank you. Sorry about that. Little confusing. Um >> John, done. >> Yeah, I move we move. >> Yes. >> And we're going to celebrate. >> Yes. >> I'll make a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >>
040Aye. >> Thank you very much. John, thank you very much for everything. >> Mhm.