Minutes November 15, 2011

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

November 15, 2011

 

Time:

8:15 p.m.

 

Place:

Bell Middle School Auditorium

 

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 7:00p.m. Vicky Tipp moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of an employee issue. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 8:25 p.m.

Randall Katchis moved to adjourn the Executive Session. Vicky Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

At 8:20 p.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to reconvene the public session. Vicky Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Kiesel welcomed the community.

Presentations:

Survey Results
- Penn, Schoen, Berland

As a result of the Finance Advisory Group's findings last spring, it was suggested that a survey of the community should be undertaken. Nick Crofoot of Penn, Schoen, Berland, was commissioned to perform a value survey with three objectives: to evaluate the perceptions of the community about the district, to determine which programs and services are most desirable and finally, to assess attitudes regarding the tax base. During October they made 252 phone calls to a random sampling of the community. Mr. Crofoot explained the accuracy of a random sampling and provided a detailed report of the compilation of the 14 questions. Briefly, a very high percentage (66%) of the community has a very favorable opinion of the district. He listed the findings of the importance of programs, activities, and services as well as demographics of the sampling of respondents. Although there is a clear indication that the district should work within the current tax framework, yet 75% of the respondents understand that taxes will probably go up within the next five years. There is consensus that the district should invest more or about the same as neighboring districts and expectations that resources be used prudently and receive value for their investments. The most effective ways to communicate with the community are email, newsletter, website. The complete survey and questions is listed on the website.

A board member stated that it was important to do this value survey to determine that there are no major objections to the direction that we are taking. It tells us that we will have to be creative to stay within guidelines to not raise taxes. The results are supportive of good schools, without raising taxes.

Potential Middle School Structure

Superintendent Lyn McKay presented the information gathered at the October Knowledge Cafes and with the support of middle school principals, Martin Fitzgerald and Martha Zornow discussed the merits of each of the four models of the potential middle school scheduling configurations. With the help of administrators, staff developers, and international scheduler Michael Rettig, Dr. McKay developed 16 models that were eventually reduced to the four presented. The purpose of the Knowledge Cafes was to engage the Board in exploring the value of potential middle school scheduling configurations. She explained the format, process, and values used for discussion of all the findings for instructional need and fiscal need for more efficiency.

Assistant Superintendent for Business John Chow presented the enrollment numbers which reflect a loss of only 100 students over the next five years. If they remain consistent, the numbers reflect a need for both middle schools during this timeframe. A capacity study performed recently at the request of Summit Greenfield supports this finding also. New housing developments such as Chappaqua Crossing are not included in this projection.

Dr. McKay provided the benefits and limitations of each model. Consensus of the Cafe remarks indicated Model 3 as the favorite. Model 3 has six periods of 55 minutes each with a lunch of 38 minutes. It has a broad, rich program, longer periods for more core instruction, differentiation in all subjects, and interdisciplinary work. The limitations are that although the number of hours remain similar, PE, performing arts, special areas, and world language meet less frequently. Michael Rettig will be back in district to work on sample schedules next week.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Snow Response - President Kiesel offered thanks to all the staff for coordinating their services in response to the October snowstorm. She noted that the district had also offered facilities for people who had no power to come in and be warm, charge phones, etc.

1.1.2

Board Officers Academy - President Kiesel reported that she and Karen Visser had attended this academy sponsored by New York State School Boards Association. It was interesting to see that many of the districts share the same concerns.

1.1.3

Vicky Tipp is the liaison for the Legislative Action Committee at the West. Putnam School Boards Association. Their goal this year is to coordinate goals for advocacy priorities from the different districts, especially for unfunded mandates. They are scheduling meetings with legislators in Washington and Albany and have plans for a breakfast forum for state legislators and superintendents to meet and answer some of their questions. The Legislative Action Committee is researching the Mandate Relief Council section of the Tax Cap legislation, which includes a lesser known few paragraphs dealing with unsound or unduly burdensome mandates.

1.1.4

President Kiesel noted that NYSUT (New York State United Teachers) saluted the school-related professionals today and the Board joined her in thanking all the school support staff who provide services for the district.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Snow Response - Superintendent McKay thanked all those administrators, staff, cafeteria workers, custodians, transportation, who worked together to get us back to school after the October snowstorm that downed wires and trees and left many without power through November 1 and 2.

1.2.2

Superintendent McKay also thanked the clericals, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, teacher aides and teaching assistants, secretaries, food service personnel, health care professionals, nurses, security personnel and therapists who provide critical services to make the district run smoothly.

Question and Comments

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the minutes of:

3.1

Minutes of June 14, 2011

3.2

Minutes of September 8, 2011

Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

 

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

4.1

Instructional

Superintendent Dr. Lyn McKay made the following 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":

Jacquelyn Curtis,

Valentina Gjidoda, and

Iana Hardeman-Malcolm.

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached 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":

Karen Renda.

Appointment: Part Time

Mr. John Kramer, (.04) Teacher of Elementary Education to provide Academic Intervention Services as per the Teachers' Contract, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective October 24, 2011 through May 7, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+30) with Masters, $55.23/hour.

Ms. Christina Schilling, (.04) Teacher of Elementary Education to provide Academic Intervention Services as per the Teachers' Contract, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective October 24, 2011 through May 7, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, A(BA), $51.34/hour.

Ms. Danielle Dushock, (.04) Teacher of Elementary Education to provide Academic Intervention Services as per the Teachers' Contract, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective October 24, 2011 through May 7, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+45) with Masters, $58.14/hour.

Ms. Eileen Cass, (.04) Teacher of Elementary Education to provide Academic Intervention Services as per the Teachers' Contract, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective October 24, 2011 through May 7, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, A(BA), $51.34/hour.

Appointment: Coaching

Dr. John Alkalay, Varsity Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $10,059.

Mr. Adam Borman, Junior Varsity Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $6,637.

Mr. Robert Herodes, 9th Grade Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 28, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,035.

Mr. Dave Fernandes, Varsity Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $10,059.

Mr. Joseph Kearns, Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $7,375.

Ms. Elizabeth Lops, 9th Grade Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 28, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,035.

Ms. Benedicte Calhoun, Varsity Skiing, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,364.

Ms. Sheila Jacob, Varsity Skiing Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,696.

Mr. Michael DeBellis, Varsity Wrestling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,386.

Mr. Anthony Marino, Junior Varsity Wrestling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,702.

Ms. Margaret Kaplan, Varsity Boys' Swimming, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $8,713.

Ms. Suzanne Guziec, Varsity Boys' Swimming Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,364.

Mr. Mike Darland, Junior Varsity Boys' Swimming, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,364.

Mr. Zachary Dargaty, Varsity Ice Hockey, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 7, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $10,059.

Mr. Bruce Perlowitz, Varsity Ice Hockey Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 7, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $7,375.

Mr. Charles Sehulster, Varsity Track, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $8,043.

Mr. William Woolard, Varsity Track Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,035.

Ms. Annamarie Marasco, Varsity Bowling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,364.

Ms. Jane Perito, Junior Varsity Bowling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,696.

Mr. Robert Raguette, 7-8th Grade Track, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective November 28, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,364.

Mr. Anthony Tortora, 7-8th Grade Wrestling, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective November 28, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $4,341.

Mr. Charles McKenna, 7-8th Grade Track, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective November 28, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,364.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching

Mr. Dan Perito, Varsity Ice Hockey Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 7, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Gary Abrams, Varsity Boys' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 7, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Richard Birdoff, Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 14, 2011 through March 1, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

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

4.2

Non-Instructional

Superintendent Dr. Lyn McKay made the following recommendations:

Resolutions:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the following personnel changes, effective November 21, 2011:

Brendan Monahan - .8 FTE Messenger / .2 FTE Cleaner at the Education Center to Custodial Worker at Roaring Brook Elementary School. His salary will be $42,523 plus a night stipend of $1,982.

Vincent Gavigan - Custodial Worker at Seven Bridges Middle School to .8 FTE Messenger/.2 FTE Cleaner at the Education Center. His salary will be $43,964.

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 November 16, 2011:

Michael Lacko

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the recommendations. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Randall Katchis moved to approve CSE summaries reported to the Board on November 10, 2011. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Vicky Tipp moved to approve a contract with Facilities Inspection Services, LLC to perform the annual NYSED fire inspection of all buildings, November 15, 2011 - January 1, 2012 at a rate of $2,750. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Jeffrey Mester moved to a MSG Varsity Network extension of school registration and participation agreement for the 2011-12 school year with an annual grant of $2,000. (Stipend and scholarships eliminated.) Vicky Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

6.1

Facilities Committee Report

Randall Katchis noted that facility tours are scheduled on all buildings begin Monday, November 21. He also addressed the recent article in the Journal News regarding ratings of all the area school districts. Randall explained that there is a list of about 80 items that are marked off as satisfactory or unsatisfactory in the state inspection list. If any item in a building is beyond its useful life, it is noted as unsatisfactory and therefore, the whole building is listed as unsatisfactory. An example is the PA system at WO, which although beyond useful life, it still works. However, that would cause Westorchard to be listed as unsatisfactory. He emphasized that all of our buildings are safe and maintained. It just doesn't make sense to replace working items because they are beyond life expectancy.

7.

Financials

Randall Katchis moved to accept for filing the following reports:

7.1

Expense Report - September 30, 2011

7.2

Revenue Report - September 30, 2011

7.3

Claim Auditor's Reports - August 2011

Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.

President Kiesel gave Notice of Future Meetings:

Monday, November 21, 2011, 7:00 a.m. board tour at Greeley; 7:45 a.m. at Grafflin

Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 8:15 p.m. Horace Greeley

Presentations:

How are elementary schools addressing the BOE teaching and learning question?

Central Office Structure

9.

Adjournment

At 11:49 p.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Alyson Kiesel, Board President

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