Coalition for Glen Cove MinutesMonday, March 1, 2004St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 7:30 PMMaria Reyes raised her concern about class sizes. It has been reported that the class size average is 21 students per class. Maria Reyes questions how that number was arrived at. The Interagency Council, Youth Board, and the Glen Cove Schools have been awarded a grant for 4 million dollars over a five-year period. There are serious budget concerns this year. There is a significant increase expected without any increases in services. Coalition member, Lore Holmes, is ill. The Coalition will send a card wishing her well. Carol Sucharski’s board term is ending. It is expected that she will run for re election. The Coalition will survey its members in order to determine if Carol Sucharski is to receive the support of The Coalition. Don Scarl believes there may be an additional board seat open and asked for suggestions of other candidates the Coalition might want to endorse. The Coalition will rejoin the Chamber of Commerce. Don Scarl agrees with the Bond Issue in order to repair the school buildings. Richard Tortorici is dismayed with the Glen Cove school buildings physical state of disrepair. Tortorici is concerned that the school district will not be able to make necessary repairs without a bond issue. Don Scarl added that a bond issue couldn’t be presented for at least another year. Scarl continued by proposing the Coalition comprise questions for Larry Blake as to what the bond issue would include. Ted Holmes will handle the Coalition’s annual fund appeal. The monies received will be used to support the school board candidates, as well as, to campaign for a passing school budget vote. Sophie Zimmerman will no longer be able to orchestrate the annual Coalition brunch, which is tentatively scheduled for April 24. Leslie Whitely is willing to share the responsibility of organizing the event. Helen Kotzky volunteered her services. It was agreed that the editor’s of the local papers would be invited to the brunch as guests of the Coalition. Questions were raised as to how the Coalition can assist in helping the school budget to pass. Leslie Whitely suggests having the Coalition call other Coalition members to remind them to vote. Richard Tortorici would like the Coalition to use funds to run an ad asking the community to vote for the budget. Submitted by, Maria Reyes |