The Mineola Union Free School District Board of Education on June 18 unanimously approved employment contract updates, short-term borrowing and reserve funding authorizations and appointed a new assistant principal.

The board passed multiple consent and financial resolutions, including a wage-and-benefits agreement to be executed by the board president and a renewal of central office contracts. The board also authorized issuance of tax anticipation notes (TANs) of up to $10,000,000 to cover cash flow needs while the district awaits collection of property taxes for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Why it matters: the TANs allow the district to make payroll and meet obligations before tax revenues are collected; the reserve-authority votes authorize maximum transfers to designated reserve accounts if year-end funds are available after the audit.

The vote package included approvals to set caps (not mandatory transfers) of up to $500,000 each for the employee benefits accrued liability reserve and the workers’ compensation reserve, and up to $4,000,000 for the district’s 2022 capital reserve. The board also approved a wage-and-benefit addendum for several named administrators and an appointment to the high school administrative staff.

Board members discussed a recent litigation matter in which the district moved to dismiss summonses issued by the Town of North Hempstead related to tree removals near the district courtyard; the judge dismissed the case and board members described the dismissal as a favorable outcome.

The board heard updates on capital work at the middle school gym. Officials said roof work is now underway but the project remains delayed; substantial completion had been scheduled for Aug. 22 but board members said they do not expect that date to be met and indicated liquidated damages will apply if the contractor does not finish on time.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 88 (wage and benefits agreement dated 07/01/2025): motion moved by Cheryl Ippesona, seconded by Patrick Talty; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Resolution 89 (addendum to wage and benefits agreements for central office and other staff): motion moved (not specified), seconded by Stacy DeSilas; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Resolution 90 (tax anticipation note authorization of up to $10,000,000): motion moved by Cheryl Ippesona, seconded by Brian [surname not specified]; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Resolution 91 (authorization to transfer up to $500,000 to employee benefits accrued liability reserve): motion moved by Patrick Talty, seconded by Stacy DeSilas; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Resolution 92 (authorization to transfer up to $500,000 to workers’ compensation reserve): motion moved by Cheryl Ippesona, seconded by Bridal Whitman; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Resolution 93 (authorization to transfer up to $4,000,000 to Mineola 2022 capital reserve): motion moved (not specified), seconded by Cheryl Ippesona; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Resolution 94 (consensus agenda approvals J1A–J4E1): motion moved by Bridal Whitman, seconded by Brian [surname not specified]; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Resolution 95 (appointment of Daniel Artis as assistant principal, effective 07/01/2025; salary IL5 + AP step 1, $160,096; probationary period 07/01/2025–06/30/2029): motion moved by Patrick Talty, seconded by Cheryl Ippesona; outcome: approved (voice vote).

Board members and administrators present noted the votes were routine for year-end business and again emphasized that the dollar amounts authorized for reserve transfers are caps only — transfers would occur only if audited, available fund balance permits the transfer and the board later directs an actual transfer.

Ending: The board closed the formal business, then moved to recognition items and summer scheduling. Officials said July 1 will be the first meeting with student ex-officio members seated at the dais and that staff will continue to monitor the middle school gym schedule as contractors complete roofing work.