The Floral Park-Bellerose school district’s general fund balance amounted to $8.1 million at the end of June, an increase of $1.5 million, according to an independent auditor.
The increase was due to expenses being less than originally budgeted, the auditor, Brian Peterson., said at a Board of Education meeting on Tuesday.
He said that the district was in line with the allowable unreserved fund balance of 4% of the total budget for the fiscal year. The board approved the independent audit for the fiscal year ending June 30.
The board also held a public hearing on the code of conduct for students, teachers and other school personnel, as well as visitors and vendors. Superintendent Kathleen Sottile read the code of conduct policy, as is procedure according to the code itself.
According to the code of conduct, which can be viewed on the district’s website, it is subject to an annual review. The earliest the code of conduct could be adopted would be in the board’s November business meeting. Sottile also mentioned that the code of conduct will be read at PTA meetings, and by building administrators and the student council.
Sottile said she wanted to take the time for those in attendance and watching on Zoom to honor the trustees’ efforts. According to the New York State School Boards Association, Oct. 18-22 is School Board Recognition Week. The week was created to recognize members for their commitment to New York public school children.
“I would like to present certificates to all of our board members, honoring them for dedicated leadership … and continuing service to the children of this community,” Sottile said. “On behalf of our great district, we can’t thank you enough for all that you do for our children.”
She then asked board President Laura Trentacoste, Vice President Beth Kierez, and Trustees Michael Culotta, Jaclyn O’Donohue and Douglas Vigo to stand for a round of applause from those in attendance.
Also, in what Sottile described as bringing back an old tradition, members of parent associationsiwent to the podium to commend the five trustees for their hard work.
Mercedes Reyes, co-president of Floral Park-Bellerose Parent Teacher Association, alongside other district parents, said, “We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication exhibited by the trustees to ensure that our children receive a high quality education.”
