Bay Shore board authorizes law firm to sue two former insurers to enforce coverage obligations

A special meeting of the Bay Shore Union Free School District Board of Education on Thursday authorized the law firm Saks, Don Berger and Vita PC to commence legal action against two former insurance carriers to enforce contractual insurance obligations.

The board said the action is intended to address claims while protecting current students and taxpayers and preserving district services. "Strong communities are built on responsible decisions that protect all stakeholders, including those impacted by the Child Victims Act, current residents, and future generations," a board member said. The member added the board's goal is "to address claims with compassion and fairness while protecting our current students and taxpayers, preserving vital services, and maintaining resources without reductions to programs or a significantly adverse impact on the tax levy."

At the meeting the board read a motion "to approve the resolution to authorize the Saks, Don Berger and Vita PC law firm to initiate legal action on behalf of the district as presented." A motion and a second were made, members responded "Aye," and the chair announced the motion carried. The meeting agenda listed the authorization of legal action as the only item.

The board did not name the two former insurers during the public portion of the meeting. The resolution as read directs the named law firm to initiate litigation to enforce what the board described as contractual insurance obligations; the transcript does not provide further details about the specific claims or the insurance contracts at issue.

The meeting included a brief opening — a motion to enter public session and the Pledge of Allegiance — the statement of purpose, the authorization vote and an adjournment. No other agenda items were discussed during the special meeting.

The board's remarks referenced the Child Victims Act in explaining the context for addressing claims; the transcript does not specify whether any time or procedural deadlines tied to that law apply to the district's motion. The board did not record individual roll-call votes in the public transcript excerpt provided; the chair announced the motion carried after members answered "Aye."