S. Huntington Schools Amend Animal Use Policy

South Huntington students may now opt out of using animals for school instructional programs, according to a policy change unanimously approved Wednesday by the South Huntington School Board.

"It's basically aimed at allowing students who are not comfortable with dissections to opt out of that particular activity and substitute a non-dissection kind of learning," said Thomas Shea, superintendent of schools. "Obviously with the things now being done online, a student can do a virtual dissection."

According to Shea, the change brings the school district into alignment with current state laws regarding animal use in classrooms.

Also at the meeting at district headquarters, the board approved an annual resolution which allows the school district to borrow up to $32 million in tax anticipation notes.

The notes are necessary because the school district does not receive tax funds from the Town of Huntington until sometime in November, according to Shea. "So consequently, very often we have to borrow in order to keep our cash flow where it needs to be."

If the town were to collect tax money in May when the tax bill is due and give it to the school district by July 1, Shea said it would negate the need to borrow. "But the way the structure is right now, towns and counties which collect taxes in December and May can keep that money generally until October."

Shea said he does not anticipate the school district borrowing anywhere near $32 million, "but that's the limit that we traditionally set." 

Additionally, an amendment regarding the use of school facilities was approved which now allows any South Huntington organization the ability to apply for use of district facilities.

"Previously we have required that an organization be made up of 65 percent South Huntington residents. That has been increasingly difficult to measure or determine," said Shea. "The only difference is that there will be different charges based on the level or the type of user that you are."

According to the policy change, not-for-profit organizations with 65 percent or more residents may now use the facilities at no charge. Those made up of less than 65 percent South Huntington residents will be subject to fees. 

School Board President Jim Kaden, away on vacation, was not present at the meeting.

Also unanimously approved by the school board:

• A request by district daytime security personnel for affiliation with the United Public Service Employees Union. "Rather than conduct a hearing we are agreeing that they have the right and ability to be represented by that particular organization," said Shea.
• A one-time "Lead by Example" scholarship in the amount of $500 sponsored by Gianna Ferranti to a 2012 Whitman graduate who maintains a 3.6 or higher GPA as a student athlete associated with a variety of activities.
• A $13,500 donation from the Wildcat Booster Club to be applied to Whitman swimming and bowling activities which were cut from the budget last year.
• Varsity soccer participation in a Labor Day weekend soccer camp in Pennsylvania from Sept. 1-4.
• Attendance in the national kickline championships in Orlando, Fla., by the Whitman kickline squad from March 2-5.
• The establishment of a joint committee on grievances with the United Public Service Employees Union 424. The committee will be composed of two representatives from both the union and school district. "We have not had to use this committee recently because we have been able to settle grievances amicably by stipulation," said Shea. "This is the step before binding arbitration."