The Shoreham-Wading River school board on Monday approved a measure that allows former assistant superintendent for human resources Lou Curra to provide mentoring services to William Bushman, who was recently appointed to fill that role, at a maximum cost of $8,500 to the district.

The resolution passed by a 4-0 vote. Board members Jack Costas, Marie Lindell and Rich Pluschau were absent from the meeting.

The employment agreement with Mr. Curra, who left his post June 30, cannot exceed 10 days.

“We’re hoping not to need that much time,” superintendent Steve Cohen said. “We’ll use only what we need.”

He said Mr. Curra will be giving Mr. Bushman insight on matters such as unemployment disputes and legal issues involving students. Specifically, Mr. Curra will help with cases he worked on last school year, when Mr. Bushman was not privy to them.

Dr. Cohen added that Mr. Curra’s insight could likely save the district money down the road.

A similar resolution was approved by the school board at a June 30 meeting, allowing Mr. Cohen to begin work early on a per diem basis for $8,750. The measure was approved by a vote of 4-1, with president Bill McGrath, a trustee at the time, casting the lone “no” vote. Board members Leo Greeley and Mike Fucito, who is now vice president, were absent from that meeting.

But Mr. McGrath said last week that he is in favor of Monday’s resolution, as the conditions surrounding it differ from the one involving Dr. Cohen. He said the entire board wasn’t aware that resolution was coming to the table, and he said Dr. Cohen was being paid to start during a time certain administrators wouldn’t be working, making the contract an unwise investment.

Facilities update

Dr. Cohen announced that none of the district’s buildings sustained any damage from Tropical Storm Irene, but that all three elementary schools had lost electricity, which will soon be restored.

Construction is continuing at Briarcliff Elementary School, where a roof restoration project is nearly complete. Dr. Cohen said ceiling installation will be finished this week.

He added that each building in the district is currently being cleaned for the start of school.

District is hiring

In other school board news, Dr. Cohen said district officials are currently searching for an interim director of student services, a plant and facilities manager and several interim teaching positions.

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