MINUTES OF JULY 11, 2000
The meeting was called to order by Donald Scarl at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 2 in City Hall. The following members were present: Grace Tortorici, Barbara K. Dubin, Phyllis Spector, Leslie Plump, Ruthye Plump, Sue Goldberg, Gail Nedbor-Gross, Bob Lupinskie, Mary Ann Lupinskie, Donald Scarl, Mike Swirnoff, Natasha Price, Carol Spahn, Risa Cordts, Carol Sucharski, Jean Kuttruff, Chuck Kuttruff, Leslie Whitely, Ronnie Lavine
I. Organizational Issues:
A. Name Change:
It was suggested that the Coalition consider a name change in order to present itself more clearly to the public. Donald Scarl began the discussion by defining a coalition as "a group of separate interests coming together temporarily for common interests". Other suggestions for names such as "Partnership for Education" or "Concerned Citizens for..." were discussed as well. Members ultimately agreed that the notion of a coalition would represent a broad combination of concerns regarding our community and would best serve our needs. Therefore, "The Coalition for Glen Cove" will continue to be the name of this organization.
B. Membership:
Chuck Kuttruff reported that at this time the Coalition has 74 member families.
A lengthy discussion was held regarding who is eligible for membership in the Coalition. There were suggestions that Glen Cove residents can become members but that supporters from outside of the city could be "associate members". The group ultimately decided that members must be Glen Cove residents, but that other "donors" may support the Coalition as well.
The committee members agreed that sitting members of the Board of Education are welcome to be Coalition members and to attend meetings, and that such members come to meetings as residents (as do teachers, administrators, PTA officials, etc.) and not in any official capacity.
C. Incorporation:
The Coalition members agreed that it should investigate incorporation as a non-for-profit organization. Incorporation would protect the Coalition under a legal umbrella, afford tax deductible contribution status, and allow for mailings at non-profit bulk mail rates. As a non-profit organization, the Coalition would need to develop a purpose (mission) a set of by-laws, and establish officers.
Additionally, we would need to announce our incorporation in a public notice. Leslie Plump, an attorney and Coalition member has agreed to look into this matter and report at the next meeting. Donald Scarl reported that he has developed a set of by-laws and will e-mail them to members for their consideration. Additionally, he has initiated procedures with the Glen Cove Post Office to provide for non-profit bulk mail rates. The acceptance of our by-laws will complete this process.
II. Strategies:
The following broad ideas were presented in a discussion regarding strategies which the Coalition might pursue in order to accomplish its mission goals:
The Coalition must act in a conservative manner by examining and evaluating Board of Education decisions; it must not function as a "rubber stamp" of the Board of Education.
The Coalition is interested in reform - not endorsing the status quo.
The Coalition must neither be known as an "anti-tax" or "pro-tax" organization. Rather it must serve to aid the community in understanding issues related to the school budget for the purpose enhancing our entire school system.
III. Dissemination of Information:
The members discussed ways in which the Coalition might best reach out into the community in order to promote support for our schools and understanding of vital issues throughout the entire year. The following ideas were reported and suggested:
Janet Bates-Wilkins will shortly write both a letter to the editors of both local papers and a related article to clarify previous misconceptions regarding the last budget vote.
The Coalition should meet with school personnel from Central Administration to dialogue concerns.
The Coalition should form a Public Relations committee to help draft articles which would highlight student/teacher accomplishments in the district.
The Coalition suggested that a "hands-on" campaign in which students at all levels network with community members at large in a public service/social capacity would serve to build public support for our schools.
The Coalition itself must create a strong link with the following agencies:
(Several members have volunteered to begin contact.
The city government (Mayor, Council members) (M. Swirnoff)
Glen Cove Teachers’ Association
Glen Cove Educational Administrators’ Association (M. Swirnoff)
Retired Teachers (N. Price)
Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce
Real Estate agents in Glen Cove
La Fuerza Unida of Glen Cove (B. Dubin)
The Coalition should soon begin to network with administrators throughout Nassau County to understand the issues and concerns in other districts.
IV. Future Meetings:
In addition to finalizing important organizational foundations (by-laws, membership, incorporation, fundraising, etc.) the Coalition will arrange to speak with the following people:
Mary Ellen Freeley, Superintendent of Schools
Thomas R. Suozzi, Mayor
Leaders of the Coalition presently active in Carle Place
The next meeting of The Coalition for Glen Cove will be held on Tuesday, August 8th at 7:00 p.m. in Glen Cove City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Ronnie Lavine