Rocky Point Board Approves Advanced Payment of Irene Policy

The Rocky Point Board of Education approved the hiring of new faculty and a motion for advanced payment of insurance proceeds regarding repairing the damage done by incessant August rain on the leaking roof of the high school at Tuesday's meeting.

In order to repair these damages as quickly as possible, the district received a 100 thousand dollar insurance policy in advance of Tropical Storm Irene and the stormy weather left in her wake. The approved motion allows the district to return whatever funds remain following repairs to the insurance company.

Before Monday evening's Board of Education meeting was open to public forum, Cindy Ritchie's 24 years of service at were honored.

The retiring Ritchie spent 24 years in the Rocky Point district and went above and beyond her job description to endear herself to students and faculty alike.

"I'm very grateful to have been a part of Rocky Point for as long as I have been," Ritchie said. "The people here, they've been just like a family to me."

Following a standing ovation for Ritchie's commitment and contribution to Rocky Point schools, district principals comended the work of faculty and staff for making the start of the 2011 school year a very smooth one, with an entertaining spirit week and

The board also passed a motion concerning the use and treatment of animals in the classroom for educational purposes.

"There will be no prohibiting of class pets," said Superintendent Michael Ring about the motion. "This [motion] just establishes a standard of treatment for these animals in our schools."