Minutes February 27, 2013

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

February 27, 2013

 

Time:

8:15 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School

 

Present:

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

 

Staff Members
Present:

Dr. Lyn McKay, Superintendent

Mr. Eric Byrne, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum

Mr. Andrew Selesnick, Assistant Superintendent for Leadership, 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 Tipp called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Karen Visser moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of labor negotiations, employment history of a particular person, and legal settlement. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn the executive session. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Karen Visser moved to reconvene the public session at 8:31 p.m. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Tipp welcomed the community, students, and parents.

Presentation:

Superintendent's Budget Proposal

Dr. Lyn McKay reminded the board that in January she presented the rollover budget. This budget process began in August with a review of the past several years' budgets. The district has to produce a budget that is efficient and effective and she noted it is a real challenge. She noted some of the key points that helped lead to an excellent budget and added although we will remain tight, we are in a very good place. We have to continue to improve and seek efficiency. She reminded the community that if you have any questions about the budget, please email us.

Dr. McKay discussed the four pillars used for the past several years. She noted the district's programs that will go forward including a new writers' camp. She assured the board that the district will keep foreign languages in all the grade levels, high school electives remain the same and the infrastructure continues to look good.

Assistant Superintendent for Business John Chow noted the items again that impact the budget and updated the information for items that we have found since January 24 such as teachers' retirement, the Memorandum of Agreement with our teachers, state aid, and tax cap number.

The proposed 2013-14 budget is $114,828,088, an increase of $2,625,200 or 2.34% over the current approved budget of $112,202,888.

Mr. Chow noted that Chappaqua ranks 13th out of 46 districts in Westchester in per pupil costs. He explained the expenditures and revenues and the percentage of the budget each category represents. A projected decrease in enrollment of about 50 students will result in about 5 sections less and shared staffing because of scheduling. He reviewed the positive impact of the CCT (teacher) contract. He thanked the PTA for hosting community forums on Tuesday, March 5 at Bell at 9:30 a.m and 7:30 p.m. for questions on proposed budget and at Seven Bridges on Thursday, May 9, 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

President Tipp noted that we have saved jobs and possible future cuts in program. Board members commented on the positive aspects of the budget and feel confident that it represents a balance of program and staff.

1.

Information

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Westchester Putnam School Boards Association (WPSBA)

President Tipp gave a brief explanation of the WPSBA'S desire and need to update their bylaws. Each member board casts one vote to change bylaws.. Alyson Kiesel moved to cast one vote on behalf of the Chappaqua School Board in favor of the changes and directed the district clerk to complete the ballot on behalf of the board. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Douglas Grafflin Elementary School Principal Search

Andrew Selesnick reported receipt of an additional 100 resumes and will be interviewing more candidates. A final candidate should be selected soon.

1.2.2

Good news update

Dr. McKay asked Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Eric Byrne to share PISA results. Mr. Byrne reported on the PISA, Program for International Student Assessment. Chappaqua was chosen to participate in this international assessment of student performance developed as a pilot for school districts to measure higher order thinking skills particular in reading, math and scientific literacy. It will enable us to benchmark our students internationally with the other 120 participating schools world wide. In the comparison to the rest of the world our students did very well and that is also confirming of what we do.

Horace Greeley Principal Robert Rhodes reported on the visit of fifty students and teachers from Beijing and the opportunity to provide a bridge of our cultures. Students enthusiastically worked together on a joint project, " What does a high school student look like?" They made a poster of all the students' pictures. There was also a gift exchange and a possible visit to China for Greeley students.

Dr. McKay reported that there will be a Writers' Camp offered to all students who enjoy writing and wish to improve it over the summer. Shelly Harwayne will be teaching. Eric Byrne added the cost will be $700 per student, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. August 8-23. More details about the application process and program will follow.

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

2.1

Revision: 7000 Regulation - Building Usage Fees for 2013-14

President Tipp explained the reasons for revising some of the building usage fees. Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the revised 7000 regulation with increased fees for 2013-14. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

2.2

Draft revision: 6085 Purchasing and Bidding

President Tipp explained that the terms of General Municipal Law Section 103 have been broadened to include purchasing items through contracts with any of the United States government agencies rather than New York State alone, when it is in the best interests of the district. President Tipp then requested that the board waive the practice of two readings of a policy before adoption or revision so that the changes can be implemented. We have an item on the agenda tonight that will provide greater efficiency to the district if the policy is changed to reflect the new law. Alyson Kiesel moved to waive the second reading. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Randall Katchis moved to accept the revision. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.

Approvals

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations and made special note of the three retirees, Steven Houser, Ellen Pincus, and Mary Slavinski. Each has given extraordinary service to our district. Karen Visser moved to accept the recommendations. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Alyson Kiesel, however, that she was reluctant to let Mr. Houser, one of her former teachers go. Board members agreed that the district was losing three very fine teachers.

4.1

Instructional

Alyson moved to approve the recommendations as amended. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

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":

Stefan Birek,

Jennifer Borrelli,

Jill Rosenblum,

Jessica Schlager, and

Corrina Stoker.

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 2012/2013 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education":

Judy Bernstein,

Anita Faria,

Jan Gordon,

Olga Kowal,

Helen Lynn,

Marjorie Milstein

Suzanne Novak

Patricia Shimizu.

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:

Mr. Steven Houser, Teacher of Social Studies, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2013.

Ms. Ellen Pincus, Teacher of Special Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective June 30, 2013.

Ms. Mary Slavinski, Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2013.

Resignation:

Ms. Dana McBride, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective February 13, 2013.

Ms. Kate Demagistris, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective February 20, 2013.

Request for Child Care Leave of Absence:

Ms. Kathleen Campanaro, Teacher of Reading, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective March 8, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

Ms. Kathleen Feldman, Teacher of Music, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective February 20, 2013 through April 30, 2013.

Appointment: Regular Substitute

Ms. Gail Matthew, Regular Substitute Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective January 24, 2013 through June 30, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+30) with Masters, $67,598, prorated.

Appointment: Coaching

Mr. Anthony Marino, Varsity Baseball, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $8,887.

Mr. Joseph Kearns, Varsity Baseball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,156.

Mr. Tom Kehrer, 9th Grade Baseball, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,471.

Mr. Jonathan Pollock, Junior Varsity Baseball, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $5,536.

Mr. Brady Kittredge, Varsity Golf, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,471.

Mr. Vincent DeGregorio, Varsity Boys' Lacrosse, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,574.

Mr. William Woolard, Junior Varsity Boys' Lacrosse, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,836.

Mr. Joseph Morgan, Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $6,156.

Ms. Annamarie Marasco, Varsity Girls' Lacrosse, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,574.

Mr. Art Bonifati, Varsity Girls' Lacrosse Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,836.

Ms. Angela Russo, Junior Varsity Girls' Lacrosse, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,836.

Mr. Mitchell Cheser, Varsity Softball, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $7,997.

Mr. Dave Fernandes, Varsity Softball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,156.

Mr. Bennett Romney, Varsity Boys' Tennis, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,836.

Mr. Robert Clark, Junior Varsity Boys' Tennis, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,471.

Mr. Robert Herodes, Junior Varsity Tennis, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,471.

Mr. Matthew Ketterer, Varsity Track, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $8,887.

Mr. Steve Houser, Varsity Track Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,836.

Mr. Charles Sehulster, Varsity Track Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,836.

Ms. Susan Miller, Varsity Track Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $6,156.

Mr. Charles McKenna, 7-8th Grade Track, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective March 26, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,471.

Mr. Robert Raguette, 7-8th Grade Track, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective March 26, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,471.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching

Mr. Richard Marasco, Varsity Girls' Lacrosse Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Peter Morgan, Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Kyle DeVito, Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2013 through June 7, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Addendum:

 

Resignation:

Ms. Brooke Baron, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective June 21, 2013.

 

4.2

Non-Instructional

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations:

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby amends the leave of absence, without pay for Deborah Kanuk - Secretary to School Administrator at Horace Greeley High School, to January 18, 2013 through February 4, 2013.

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby grants a leave of absence, without pay, to Liisa Elsner - Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems at the Education Center from May 8, 2013 through May 9, 2013.

Resignation

Francesca Zaccarolli, Teacher Aide at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, resigned effective February 15, 2013.

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve the recommendations. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve CSE summaries reported to the Board on January 25, 2013, as amended. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve transfer/reassignment of Medicaid services from Cost Management Services to Sivic Solutions Group who has taken over the services from Cost Management in New York State, effective January 1, 2013. (Tabled from January 24, 2013). Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Alyson Kiesel offered a Resolution to refund taxes due to qualification for STAR exemption refund, as approved by Westchester County, but recorded in error in tax rolls for tax assessment year 2012, in the amount of $1635.00 to Parcel ID 80.19-2-16. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Addendum:

5.4

Alyson Kiesel offered the following resolution,

"BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby ratifies the provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement executed by the negotiating teams for the District and the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers dated February 12, 2013 and authorizes the expenditure of those monies necessary to implement the provisions of the 2013-2015 CCT Collectively Negotiated Agreement."

Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Board members thanked the administrators and colleagues for working with the teachers to produce this document.

5.5

The Purchasing Policy revision adopted this evening allows the board to enter into a better renewal agreement with Xerox. Randall Katchis resolved to approve renewal agreements with Xerox Corporation covering copiers for Grafflin, Roaring Brook, Horace Greeley and the Education Center, determined to be in the best interest of the district. (This results in $11,478.96 annual savings for the district.) Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

7.

Financials

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

7.1

Claim Auditor Report - January 2013

7.2

Expense Report - January 2013

7.3

Revenue Report - January 2013

7.4

Treasurer's Report - January 2013

7.5

Randall Katchis moved to accept recommended Bid #850 - Environmental Services & Maintenance - Conklin Services & Construction, Inc. - $7,250. plus time & materials. (renewal at 0% increase). Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.6

Randall Katchis moved to accept recommended Bid #889 - Graduation Tent & Chair Rental - Stamford Tent & Event Services - $22,525.00 (0% increase over last year). Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.

President Tipp gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Horace Greeley High School

8:15 p.m. Board Work Session - next regular meeting March 13, 2013

Presentations:

Curriculum / Technology

9.

Adjournment - Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Victoria Tipp, Board President

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