Minutes April 10, 2012

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

April 10, 2012

 

Time:

8:15 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School

 

Present:

Board of Education
Alyson Kiesel, President
Jeffrey Mester, Vice President
Randall Katchis
Vicky Tipp
Karen Visser

 

Staff Members
Present:

Dr. Lyn McKay, Superintendent

Mr. Eric Byrne, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Mr. John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business

Theresa Markley, District Clerk / Adm. Asst. to Superintendent

 

Visitors Present:

Representatives of the Chappaqua PTA, school PTAs, building administrators, faculty, and other interested citizens.

 

President Alyson Kiesel convened the public session at 6:30p.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of the discussion of negotiations. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 8:18 p.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn the Executive Session. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously. .

At 8:20 p.m. Karen Visser moved to reconvene the public session. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Kiesel welcomed the community. Before discussing the budget, Pres. Kiesel asked Superintendent Lyn McKay to report on the management of the .5 psychologist staff cut in the elementary which has caused some concern in the district.

Dr. McKay reported that she and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Eric Byrne, Director of Special Education Heidi McCarthy, met with the school psychologists. The psychologists have provided much input, and it was noted they will be able to spend time more time with the students, now that the testing piece will be handled by a part time psychologist. She reiterated that we will be observing and evaluated as we go forward. Heidi McCarthy provided more information on the development of the different systems and possibilities. President Kiesel noted that it will allow the psychologists to expand their role in the building and she was encouraged by the enthusiasm to implement this plan.

President Kiesel asked John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business to begin his presentation.

Presentation:

Adopt Budget

Dr. McKay reviewed the budget process and the calendar of budget presentations through February and March. She noted the operating standards and strategic questions as guidelines. Dr. McKay recommended that the board adopt the proposed 2012-13 proposed budget at $112,202,888 which represents a .68% increase over last year.

Asst. Superintendent for Business John Chow reviewed the expenditures and revenues, comparing 2011-12 to proposed budget. He noted the Personnel reductions and additions. He noted a slight decrease in state aid. He reviewed the tax cap worksheet and the property tax report card. The district is actually $72,000 lower than the tax cap. He then reviewed the use of Fund Balance that will be available for next year. Mr. Chow provided the estimated tax analysis for 2012-13 and noted that it may go up slightly.

He also provided a comparison of the past four years of budget, tax levy, and tax rates.

Board members expressed their concerns about balancing the numbers to keep the budget at an affordable level and to ensure continual program improvement. Gratitude was also expressed to the administrators for preserving what we have and managing our fund balance. They cautioned voters to be aware of how your vote in November effects your school district. Please think about the longevity of the district and the impact of unfunded mandates.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

Addendum

1.1.1

Resolution to adopt the Proposed Budget and ratify the Property Tax Report Card for the 2011-12 school year.

Victoria Tipp moved to adopt the Proposed Budget for 2012-13 and ratify the Property Tax Report Card for the 2012-13 school year. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

Dr. McKay reported on the success of the Green Fair sponsored by the PTA.

Questions and Comments

We welcome public inquiries, and in respect for each other's time, we ask that you limit your inquiry to three minutes. Board members may be contacted via email or phone.

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

4.1

Instructional

Dr. McKay made the following personnel recommendations:

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as per diem substitute teachers to be employed on an "as needed" basis":

Beulah Cox,

Martina Gecaj,

Bridget Genovese,

John Greco,

Christopher Houser,

Lauren Kimmel, and

Lucy Toma.

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:

Ms. Heather Butler, Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Elementary School, effective September 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013.

Request for Extension of Child Care Leave of Absence:

Ms. Lori Abulencia, Teacher of Mathematics, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012.

Appointment: Regular Substitute

Ms. Toby Osinski, Regular Substitute Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective September 12, 2011 through June 30, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 4, B(BA+30) with Masters, $75,271, prorated.

Ms. Heather Butler, Regular Substitute Teacher of Elementary Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, A(BA), $62,837, prorated.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching

Mr. Peter Morgan, Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 26, 2012 through June 8, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Appointment: Tenure

Ms. Christina Schilling, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective February 23, 2012.

Randall Katchis moved to accept the recommendations. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.2

Non-Instructional

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations.

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed below as a per diem custodial substitute to be employed on an "as needed" basis, effective April 11, 2012:

Ronald Bien-Aime

Victoria Tipp moved to accept the recommendations. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Karen Visser moved to approve CSE summaries reported to Board on March 30, 2012. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Randall Katchis offered the following Resolution to undertake improvement to Greeley athletic facilities, and SEQRA determination.

              WHEREAS, the Board of Education is considering undertaking certain improvements to the athletic facilities at Horace Greely High School (the "Project"), comprising:

  1. the installation of artificial turf on the stadium field;
  2. replacement of the running track;
  3. installation of lighting for the stadium field;
  4. resurfacing the tennis courts;
  5. replacement of the existing tennis court lighting;
  6. construction of a new entrance plaza and walkway for the stadium field;
  7. cosmetic improvements to the concession stand;
  8. installation of a new scoreboard; and
  9. partial replacement of the gymnasium roof.

              WHEREAS, pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act statute (Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law) and implementing regulations ("SEQRA"), the Board of Education has determined that the Project is a Type II action as defined in Section 617.5 of Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations ("NYCRR") and not subject to SEQRA; and

              WHEREAS, that, to assist it in its decision-making, the Board of Education authorized the WBA Group, Inc. to prepare an Environmental Assessment Form ("EAF") to evaluate the Project's potential for environmental impacts, which document is attached hereto as Exhibit "A"; and

              WHEREAS, the EAF concludes that due to, inter alia, the infrequency of evening games that would occur as a result of the Project, any increase in evening traffic generation or noise would not rise to the level of significance; that the new lighting will be so designed to minimize spillover and glare and therefore will not have significant adverse impacts on the neighboring community; and that the other elements of the project will not result in changes to the overall operations of the High School athletic facilities;

              THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board finds, after review of the EAF, that the Project is exempt from SEQRA and that it would not have any significant adverse environmental impacts; and

              BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board will proceed to determine whether it will undertake the Project.

Karen Visser seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Victoria Tipp offered the following resolutions for items 5.3 and 5.4. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Resolution to approve Health and Welfare Services contract with Yorktown Central School District, for one student, effective September 6, 2011 through June 22, 2012 in the amount of $1,112.61.

5.4

Resolution to approve Health and Welfare Services contract with Harrison Central School District for four students, effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 in the amount of $1,1056.36 each.

5.5

Randall Katchis offered a Resolution to authorize the Board President to enter into agreement with Forno Enterprises for the Courtyard Window and Lintel Replacements at Bell Middle School previously approved. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Karen Visser moved to approve items 5.6 and 5.7. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.6

Approve agreement with Educational Data Services to utilize their services in obtaining skilled trade bids effective April 1 - March 31, 2012 in the amount of $1,990.00

5.7

Approve agreement with Educational Data Services for licensing and maintenance fees for use of copyrighted bid specifications and software, in the amount of $9,400.00 for the 2012-13 school year.

Randall Katchis moved to approve items 5.8 and 5.9. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.8

Approve an anonymous gift of a pear tree to Grafflin School, over $500 value.

5.9

Approve a gift in the amount of $1,000 from the Intel Science Award 2011-12 to be used for printer supplies as well as symposium and fees for science fairs.

Addendum:

5.10

Randall Katchis moved to appoint Election Personnel for May 15, 2012 School Budget Vote/Election. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.11

Karen Visser moved to approve CSE Summary sent to Board on April 10, 2012. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

Jeffrey Mester reported on questions from the community regarding the number of times that flags are at half staff. The Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES informs the District Clerk when the governor makes that decision to fly flags at half staff. Usually, this occurs when a member of the armed forces that is stationed in New York or lives in New York is killed in action or for other reasons such as when a police officer dies in the line of duty or if a notable politician were to pass away as well as on federal holidays such as Memorial Day. Mr. Mester indicated that he would like the District Clerk to look into posting the information on the website.

7.

Financials

Randall Katchis moved to approve items 7.1, 7.2, 7.3. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Bid #855 - Bid award renewal recommendation for July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 for telecom maintenance to Top Line Communications, in the amount of $23,750.00.

7.2

Bid #854 - Bid award renewal recommendation for July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 for grass cutting services to Maxner Landscaping, LLC in the amount of $84,044.87.

7.3

Bid #839 - Bid award renewal recommendation for July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 for Door and door replacement to Hudson Valley Door and Hardware in the amount of $448.14.

8.

President Kiesel gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Tuesday, April 24, 2012, Board meeting at Education Center 7:45 a.m.

Presentation:

Adopt P/NWBOCES Budget and Election of Board Members

Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Board meeting at Horace Greeley High School, 8:15 p.m.

Presentation:

Budget Hearing

Unfunded Mandates

9.

Karen Visser moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Theresa M. Markley, District Clerk / Admin. Asst. to Superintendent

Alyson Kiesel, Board President

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