Minutes September 20, 2011

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

September 20, 2011

 

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 7:00p.m. Randall Katchis moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of a pending legal issue with attorney. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 8:15 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 and asked Superintendent Lyn McKay to begin the presentation on School Report Card.

Presentation:

School Report Card

Dr Lyn McKay turned the presentation over to Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Eric Byrne and introduced Staff Developer Mary Ford, and Greeley Principal Andrew Selesnick. Eric Byrne provided an overall explanation of data released this fall for the report card 2009-2010 school year. The state tests are given in grades 3-8 in reading, math, and science; and at the high school across the various exams. This is the first set of data after the state changed the cut scores for ELA to a new system of levels. For all of New York State, the overall proficiency level decreased 24 percentage points in ELA and 25 percentage points in mathematics. He explained the connection between cut scores and the new levels of proficiency. Only some slight decreases in some areas were noted, but If cut scores were not changed, the district would have reflected increases in all areas. Dr. McKay added that Chappaqua is second out of 41 Westchester districts when compared across the districts.

Mary Ford explained the growth cycles of reading levels. In a comparison of elementary independent reading levels, a majority of our students fall in the very strong range. Scholastic Reading Inventory grades 5-8 is a computerized testing medium. Students move forward on their own pace. Teachers sit with students three times a year to assess reading levels given to each child in a one-on-one setting in grades K-4. They are used not only to match students to texts, but also to gain an understanding of each student's ability to read accurately and with in-depth comprehension. A number of different assessment tools are used across grade levels to assess student learning.

Andrew reported on the comparisons of the Regent Exam scores by course. He explained that some students take a very large number of Regent exams, while others may take none, and the effect this has on scores. He also provided an analysis of the Advanced Placement (AP) scores.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Turf Update

President Kiesel announced that the district has received a check for $85,000 from the Turf Committee / Sports Boosters to cover the cost of the first three design phases to determine if artificial turf is an appropriate choice for the Greeley competition field. At the end of those phases, they will reassess and decide if they should go forward. The Board thanked all those who contributed to this initial fundraising effort.

1.1.2

Open House

President Kiesel and board members reported on the immaculate condition of the schools and the impressive turnout of the schools they visited. Parking issues were alleviated by some creative solutions.

1.1.3

Board Meeting Days

President Kiesel suggested the board address the previously discussed topic of changing meeting days to Wednesdays. One of the primary reasons for this change would allow people to attend both town and school meetings. Jeffrey Mester moved to change the meeting days from Tuesdays to Wednesday for the 2012-13 school year. Randall Katchis seconded. Board members supported the motion and felt ample time would be allowed to adjust schedules for next year. The motion carried unanimously.

President Kiesel offered condolences to the families in the district who have lost loved ones this past week. She thanked the schools for providing support to their families and students.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Opening of School

Dr. McKay reported that it was a very calm and uneventful opening in spite of the hurricane and loss of power to many families this past week. It was a very good start to the year.

1.2.2

Hiring Timeline

Dr. McKay reported on the anticipated timelines for hiring:

Roaring Brook Principal - It is the district plan to begin in early January with an inclusive process, to include parents, teachers, and staff from Roaring Brook. In the meantime, the district is very pleased to have Peter Berendt as interim once more in Chappaqua.

Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Personnel, Evaluation and Leadership Development (formerly Human Resources) - This position has been made much broader than the Human Resources position in response to the state mandates and teacher and principal evaluations. That process will begin before January and will also be inclusive.

1.2.3

Chappaqua Education for the Future (CEFF) Advisory

Dr. McKay reported that over 83 applicants have applied for the CEFF committee. It is a very diverse group representing different community demographics. Only about twenty candidates will be able to participate.

Community Coffee - Fifty-nine people attended the coffee where class size, communications, operational, and other issues were discussed. Attendees completed forms to indicate what topics or areas of interest they would like to discuss in future coffees.

1.2.4

Board Meeting Topics - 2011-2012

Dr. McKay reviewed the topics that the board and administration would like to discuss at board meetings during the year that would be of interest to parents and the community. She explained the concept of the engagement sessions of the Knowledge Café, held on the evening of October 24 and again on the morning of October 25. Michael Rettig, national expert on scheduling middle schools and other organizations will be present. Discussions will include program options, capacity studies, and fiscal information. On November 15, Lyn McKay will make a recommendation based on the data and input from these meetings on how we will go forward with the middle schools.

Question and Comments

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the minutes of June 7, August 9, and September 1, 2011. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.1

Minutes of June 7, 2011

3.2

Minutes of August 9, 2011

3.3

Minutes of September 1, 2011

4.

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":

Laura Cloherty,

Jessica Cosentino,

Silvana DeLuca,

Alisa Gershman,

Mackenzie Harris,

Linda Heckman,

Candice Stafford,

Cheryl Werner, and

May Zamechek.

Resignation:

Ms. Maureen Molyneaux, Teaching Assistant, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective August 31, 2011.

Appointment: Part Time

Ms. Stacey Kurtis, (.5) Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective September 19, 2011 through June 30, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $10,828, prorated.

Appointment: Coaching

Mr. William Consiglio, Junior Varsity Boys' Soccer, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 22, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $4,877.

Ms. Kacie Schulman, Junior Varsity Girls' Field Hockey, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 22, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $4,341.

Ms. Brittany Paulus, Varsity Field Hockey Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 22, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,364.

Ms. Cara Stirpe, 7-8th Grade Field Hockey, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 6, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,696.

Ms. Colleen Cauley, 7-8th Grade Field Hockey Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 6, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,020.

Ms. Nancy Soliz, 7-8th Grade Volleyball, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 6, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,696.

Mr. Joe Raccioppo, 7-8th Grade Volleyball Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 6, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,020.

Mr. Charles McKenna, 7-8th Grade Football, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 6, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,702.

Mr. Seth Upson, 7-8th Grade Football Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 6, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education). Step 1, $4,877.

Ms. Annamarie Marasco, 7-8th Grade Cross Country, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 6, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,364.

Ms. Lindsay Schrader, 7-8th Grade Girls' Field Hockey Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 12, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $3,248, prorated.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching

Mr. Dale Chappelle, Varsity Football Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 19, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Cameron Lowder, Varsity Football Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 19, 2011 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Vicky Tipp moved to approve 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 September 21, 2011:

John Alexander - Custodian at Roaring Brook Elementary School is moving to Cleaner at Roaring Brook Elementary School.

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 September 21, 2011:

Javier Iglesias

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

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve the CSE summaries reported to the Board on September 16, 2011. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Jeffrey Mester moved to table the 2011-12 renewal agreement New England Systems and Software, Inc. (NESS) for all on-site technology support and services at a cost of $58,084.89 per month, an increase of 2.9% increase. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Randally Katchis moved to approve agreement with Distributed Website Corp., an activity scheduling program for the athletic program for 12 months at a cost of $949.00. Vicky Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve items 5.4 and 5.5. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Approve gift of $811.15 from Target's Take Charge of Education to Horace Greeley High School for deposit into gifts fund.

5.5

Approve gift of $580.11 from Target's Take Charge of Education to Roaring Brook; $846.14 to Seven Bridges; Bell MS $572.38; and $733.71 to Grafflin School for use by schools.

5.6

Karen Visser moved to approve a contract for education services 2011-12 with Ardsley Union Free School District for child in CRS special program. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.7

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a Master contract with Grove School, Inc for student, DN for July 2011 - August 2011 in the amount of $17,510. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.8

Vicky Tipp offered a Resolution to ratify the Chappaqua Office Staff Association (COSA) sick bank agreement - tabled from August 9, 2011.

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby agrees to ratify the Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with COSA in regard to the Sick Leave Bank. Said memorandum is incorporated by reference in the minutes of this meeting."

Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.9

Jeffrey Mester offered the following Resolution,

"BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Board President to execute a Release and Settlement Agreement regarding Student No. 600952, a copy of which shall be incorporated by reference into the minutes of the meeting."

Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

7.

Financials

Randall Katchis moved to accept financial reports items 7.1-7.4. Vicky Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Treasurer's Report - August 2011

7.2

Expense Report - August 31, 2011

7.3

Revenue Report - August 31, 2011

7.4

Claim Auditor's Reports - July 2011

7.5

Vicky Tipp moved to accept Bid #848 - Roofing and Maintenance Service - Renewal recommended to Weather Proofing Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $79,950 plus rates with zero increase. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.

President Kiesel gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Tuesday, September 27, 2011at Horace Greeley High School - 8:15 p.m.

Presentation:

Tri-States Report: Reflecting on the Board Teaching and Learning Question

Teacher and Principal Evaluations

Work session: no business

9.

Adjournment

At 10:00 p.m. Randall Katchis moved to adjourn. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Alyson Kiesel, Board President

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