Week in Review: Barrett Fundraiser Raises Questions, Common Core Issues

School Board Struggles with Ethics Questions Raised Over Barrett Fundraiser

Kings Park Board of Education is searching for a way to resolve the question of whether a community fundraiser held earlier this year for trustee Liz Barrett violated the board’s code of ethics.

Jim McGuire, of Kings Park, asked Kings Park Board of Education on Tuesday night for an update on his request that the fundraiser be reviewed in relation to section 6010 of the Code of Ethics for Board Members, a portion is related to receiving gifts. 

Kings Park Schools Announce Plans to Reorganize Its Central Office

Kings Park School officials have announced plans to reorganize its central offices changing the titles and responsibilities of its assistant superintendents. 

A statement posted on Kings Park Central School District's website on Friday morning reads, "To provide more support to our schools in curriculum and instruction, the district is reorganizing central office staff." 

Track, Athletic Fields Rough Conditions Start Up Talk of Capital Projects

Kings Park Board of Education and community members were surprised to hear the high school and middle school track's deteriorating conditions could pose a safety issue for students. 

Dan Butler, Kings Park's Athletic Director, presented the results of a survey sent out to the district's varsity coaches for equipment "musts," needs and wants to Kings Park Board of Education on Tuesday night. 

Kings Park Parents Organize to Voice Concerns on Common Core

Kings Park parents are organizing via social media to make sure their questions, concerns and issues with the controversial Common Core curriculum will be heard. 

"There is a substantial number of community members now that have united, formed an organization -a parent organization - to share information and concerns because our children are coming home and melting down," said Debbie Danly at Tuesday night's Kings Park Board of Education meeting. 


District Estimates Common Core Costs $200K Over 2 Years

Kings Park school officials have finally put a price tag to home much its cost the school district to begin implementing the new Common Core curriculum. 

Ralph Cartisano, Kings Park's assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and personnel, said he estimated the district has spent at least $200,000 on Common Core curriculum over the past two school years. The school district spent at least $40,000 in the 2012-13 school year, and has spent roughly $140,000 for the 2013-14 school year.