Published: November 19, 2008 12:37 pm      

MEDINA: School board vetoes having lawyer on site

The Medina School Board has said “no” to the idea of having an attorney present at each meeting, rejecting the suggestion of board member Rosalind Lind.

Since the suspension of former Superintendent Richard M. Galante in July, Lind has promoted the idea that a legal presence at meetings would help the board in decision-making.

“I have continued to give thought to this and what benefits we might derive,” Lind said. “I’ve been of the opinion almost from the beginning that we could only benefit from the attendance of our local attorney at these meetings. It could easily save us money ... and save us trouble, and we could improve as a board.”

Lind sought the board’s approval to have an attorney present for time increments of no more than four hours at general meetings and work sessions, saying the money could come from the unused line of the superintendent’s salary. She said there were “more than sufficient funds” available.

However, while some board members were in favor of the lawyer being present on some occasions, they felt it was not necessary for every meeting. Board member Virginia Nicholson, in particular, expressed her concern over the line item Lind was suggesting they derive money from.

“I think we need to be very careful with our funding right now, and that line item should be hung onto for the time being,” she said. “I’m not saying we shouldn’t visit this idea at another time or even budget it for next year. ... There are instances where I believe an attorney should be present, but not in all instances.”

Nicholson said four hours of attorney pay might be better used in research following a meeting, as opposed to an attorney being on hand in case a legal matter crops up in discussion.

In other action:

• Lind brought up a concern about reference checks on employees, inquiring about new hires in the district. Acting Superintendent Albie Suozzi said the standard policy is to check back as far as possible, in case previous districts have neglected to do so.

• The board voted on several official changes regarding the Mustang Marching Band, including compensation for several people who work with the students.

“I want it noted that dedication must be some kind of compensation for these people because it certainly isn’t the money,” said board member Maureen Blackburn. Several members were compensated for their work with the ensemble, including drill and color guard staff and musical instructors. Also, Scott Hoffman and Brett Ransom were named interim director and assistant director, respectively.

Hoffman has been filling in for former director Scott Ballard at the high school since September, when Ballard was arrested for allegedly initiating relationships with two of his former students. Ransom is the vocal music instructor at the middle school.

After placing second in their division at the state championships in Syracuse, the Mustangs continued to Maryland the weekend of Nov. 7 to compete. The band finished 12th among 16 bands at the U.S. Scholastic Band Association National Championships and fifth of 30 at the USSBA 20th anniversary celebration Nov. 8.