Minutes January 10, 2012

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

	Date:	January 10, 2012
	Time:	8:15 p.m.
	Place:	Horace Greeley High School Commons
	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 6:00p.m. Randall Katchis moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of negotiations, and legal issues with attorneys. Vicky Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 8:27 p.m. Randall Katchis moved to adjourn the Executive Session. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

At 8:35 p.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to reconvene the public session. Vicky Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Kiesel welcomed the community.

Presentation:

Budget Preview: How are we responding to Board of Education (BOE) fiscal question?

Dr. McKay noted that tonight's presentation is an overview of the budget with some budget history added. Guided by strategic questions, the four pillars, operating standards with some proposed modifications from last year, the components, and ideas about going forward with projects and the tax cap will be discussed in the presentation. Dr. McKay stated that we know how to be effective and efficient and it is our intent to bring in a budget that is under the tax cap.

John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business reported that we used the operating standards to guide the budget. He discussed the items in detail that the district knows will impact the budget.

Dr. McKay repeated this is not the proposed budget. By comparing ten years ago to now puts the increases in context of where we were and where we are now. It is clear that the salaries and benefits are the major expenditures.

Mr. Chow graphed the expenditures from 2003-04 to the present. The last three years depict the zero and lower budget increases. He reviewed the major events with building and construction costs and additional teachers to service increased enrollment. He reported that over the last three years, the district has made 77 staff and support staff reductions. He then compared the increases in budgets, tax levy and tax rates. Mr. Chow reviewed the rollover budget for 2012-13, which .is an estimate of those numbers we do not know plus those we do. He explained the process for calculating the Property Tax Cap and the tax levy cap at lesser of 2% or CPI. The rollover budget increase is $2,767,640 or 2.48%. The amount to be reduced to get to the maximum tax cap of $1.336,192 or 1.20%. He then explained the next steps to seek further savings, resolve unknowns, such as (Teachers Retirement System (TRS) number, finalize personnel numbers, and then the recommended budget will be presented at the February 28 board meeting.

Mr. Chow also mentioned the Knowledge Café and noted that some very valuable information was received.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Putnam / Northern Westchester Capital Project: follow up discussion

President Kiesel noted that the board has had successive conversations with PNWBOCES administrators to clarify questions.

Jeff Mester moved to approve the resolution to enter into a joint agreement with the PNWBOCES and the seventeen other component schools, according to the formal resolution provided:

Resolution of Chappaqua Central School District, New York adopted January 10, 2012, authorizing said school district to enter into a joint agreement with the Board of Cooperation Educational Services of the sole supervisory District of Putnam / Northern Westchester Counties (the "BOCES") and the seventeen other component school districts of the BOCES for the reconstruction of, and construction of improvements to, various BOCES facilities pursuant to Section 1950 of the Education Law.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (by a vote of not less than a majority of all the members of said Board of Education) AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The Chappaqua Central School District (the "District") is hereby authorized to enter into a Joint Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof with the Board of Cooperative Educational Services of the Sole Supervisory District of Putnam / Northern Westchester Counties (the "BOCES") and the seventeen other component school districts of the BOCES (the District and said component school districts referred to collectively hereinafter as the "Component School Districts") for the reconstruction of, and construction of improvements to, various BOCES facilities. Said Joint Agreement, in addition to providing for all other matters deemed necessary and proper, (i) sets forth the cost of such reconstruction of, and construction of improvements to, such BOCES facilities and costs incidental thereto and (ii) provides for an allocation and apportionment of said costs among the Component School Districts on such equitable basis as the parties thereto shall determine and agree, and further sets forth the proportion of the total cost to be provided by each such Component School District in accordance with such allocation and apportionment.

The Component School Districts are as follows:

Bedford Central School District

Brewster Central School District

Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District

Carmel Central School District

Chappaqua Central School District

Croton-Harmon Union Free School District

Garrison Union Free School District

Haldane Central School District

Hendrick Hudson Central School District

Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School District

Lakeland Central School District

Mahopac Central School District

North Salem Central School District

Ossining Union Free School District

Peekskill City School District

Putnam Valley Central School District

Somers Central School District

Yorktown Central School District

Section 2. The President of the Board of Education, the chief fiscal officer of the District, and in his/her absence, the Vice President of the Board of Education, is hereby authorized and directed to execute said Joint Agreement for and on behalf of the District.

Section 3. The District hereby agrees to take any and all actions necessary as required by said Joint Agreement to accomplish the purposes and intent of the Joint Agreement.

Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

(Exhibits and full contract attached.)

Randall Katchis seconded.

Board members then expressed their opinions and acknowledged the district's moral and legal obligations to PNWBOCES. As part of the 18 component schools districts who built BOCES, we are responsible for the buildings, and support and value the services they provide, however the district has to think of the fiduciary responsibilities to our constituents. They should consider more of their ongoing operations and cost saving alternatives. We would like to have more of the idea of usage, especially by other schools. The district has not received a long range plan on how they are going to continue to fix the solutions.

All in favor - none. Opposed - all five board members voted to oppose this resolution. It was noted that we look forward to working with all the districts to come up with some long term plans and creative solutions.

1.1.2

New Town Board

President Kiesel offered congratulations and welcome to the new town board and the school board looks forward to continuing our good working relationship.

1.1.3

Harlem Wizards -

President Kiesel announced that the Harlem Wizards will be playing against staff on January 29 in the Greeley gym as a fund raiser sponsored by the Chappaqua School Foundation. All proceeds go to support the district.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Proposed Calendar for 2012-13

Superintendent McKay presented the proposed calendar for Chappaqua School District for 2012-13. A discussion ensued and options will be researched.

1.2.2

Search information - Roaring Brook & Horace Greeley Principals

Dr. McKay reported that well over a hundred applications were received for both positions. Applications are due by January 12. We completed a nationwide search with multiple leadership organizations. Committees are being set up to interview candidates. Facilitators are Paul Citarella and Jim Skoog. We hope to have 8-10 candidates for committees to interview resulting in three-four semifinalists. There will be opportunities for Board and other constituent groups to meet final candidates. Dr. McKay will make her recommendations to the board in early March. The process will be detailed in the newsletter.

1.2.3

Student Achievements

Dr. McKay noted the accomplishments of some of our Greeley grads who were recently in the news. Jonathan Bittner was recently named to Forbes Magazine's list of "30 under 30 in Real Estate." Jon is co-founder and COO of Splitwise, a web site and smartphone app that uses mathematical algorithms he developed to help roommates fairly divide shared living expenses. Jon attended Yale University and is currently an astrophysics PhD candidate at Harvard University. Matthew Witko was the 17th overall pick selected by Major League Lacrosses expansion team Ohio Machine in the third round of the supplemental draft. Matt plans to attend medical school in the fall.

Questions and Comments - PTA comments on the 2012-13 calendar suggested omitting the February break in order to end school on June 21.

Organization

2.1

President Kiesel gave a first reading of the Revision: 5016 Acceptable Use Policy For Student Computer and Internet Use. She explained that the social media, Twitter, was being used as a pilot program in the LIFE School and this means that we need to update the acceptable use policy for students. It was suggested that the teacher policy be changed at the same time and any suggested changes should be emailed to the policy committee

Approvals

3.1	Randall Katchis moved to approve Minutes of November 29, 2011. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Recommended Action: Personnel

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations:

4.1

Instructional

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":

Victoria DeMagistris,

Mary DeSandolo,

Janet Fletcher,

Denise Goodliffe,

Amanda Goodman, and

Jessica Moschetti.

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached Addendum Agreements for Services for the individuals and agencies listed below effective for the 2011/2012 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education":

HTA of New York, Inc.,

HTA of New York, Inc., and

HTA of New York, Inc.

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:

Ms. Jennifer Kirkpatrick, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective November 21, 2011 through January 13, 2012.

Request for Child Care Leave of Absence:

Ms. Jessica Sansevera, Teacher of Elementary Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective January 3, 2012 through January 13, 2012.

Ms. Jenny Gieras, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective January 11, 2012 through June 30, 2012.

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:

Ms. Barbara Carlsen, Teacher of Music, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective June 30, 2012.

Resignation:

Ms. Tammy Ghirardi, Assistant Principal, Westorchard Elementary School, effective June 30, 2012.

Appointment: Regular Substitute

Ms. Kaity Holderman, Regular Substitute Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective November 28, 2011 through June 30, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+45) with Masters, $69,766, prorated.

Appointment: Part Time

Ms. Kelly Connery, (.5) Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective December 19, 2011 through June 30, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $10,628, prorated.

Mr. Anthony Castagna, Athletic Coordinator, District wide, effective November 7, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $4,170.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching

Mr. Dillon Clark, Varsity Girls' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective December 20, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

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

4.2

Non-Instructional

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations:

Resolutions:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the following personnel change, effective January 11, 2012:

Carlos Uribe, Cleaner at Seven Bridges Middle School moving to Custodial Worker at Seven Bridges Middle School, $48,379 plus a $1,982 night stipend.

Resignation for Purpose of Retirement:

Jose Priegue - Maintenance Laborer at the Pole Barn, retiring effective January 3, 2012.

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

Recommended Action: Other

5.1	Vicky Tipp moved to approve CSE summaries reported to the Board on January 6, 2012. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
5.2	Randall Katchis moved to approve a gift from an anonymous donor to the Horace Greeley music program in the amount of $1,000; $500 to the Chorus/Madrigal and $500 to Symphonic Band/Stage Band. Vicky Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
5.3	Karen Visser moved to approve proposal/retainer agreement with Sive Paget & Riesel, P.C. for counseling on compliance with State Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQRA") for conversion of athletic field to artificial turf, field lighting and other improvements such as Horace Greeley roof. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Facilities

6.1

Facilities Committee Report

6.1.1

Report of board tours on Monday, December 19, 2011, at Bell Middle School, and Roaring Brook Elementary School.

Jeffrey Mester reported both schools are in very good shape and again congratulated Joe Gramando and his staff for their high quality maintenance of the buildings.

Financials

Randall Katchis moved to accept the following reports, 7.1 - 7.3. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
7.1	Treasurer's Report - November 30, and December 31, 2011
7.2	Expenditure Report - December 31, 2011
7.3	Revenue Report - December 31, 2011
7.4	Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the Claims Auditor Reports - November 30, and December 31, 2011. Vicky Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Jeffrey Mester moved to approve items 7.5 and 7.6 tax certiorari reductions. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
7.5	Approve court ordered tax certiorari assessment reduction for Daniel & Sharon S. in the amount of $3,374.76.
7.6	Approve court ordered tax certiorari assessment reduction for David & Sharon D. in the amount of $6,977.00.

President Kiesel gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Board / Administrative Retreat at Horace Greeley High School - Book Study: "Getting to Yes"

8:15 p.m. Work Session - Board Discussion: Third Strategic Question?

Adjournment

Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn to Executive Session at 11:35 p.m. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 12:35 a.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn the Executive Session and return to public session for the purpose of adjourning the meeting. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Alyson Kiesel, Board President

Minutes January 10, 2012

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION Chappaqua, New York

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York