Minutes January 24, 2013

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

January 24, 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. Alyson Kiesel moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of a special education issue, labor negotiations, the employment history of a particular person, and a legal issue. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn the executive session. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Tipp welcomed the community and moved to reconvene the public session at 8:25 p.m. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously. She noted that this meeting was rescheduled from January16 due to inclement weather. She introduced Superintendent Dr. Lyn McKay to begin the presentations.

Dr. McKay noted this is a preview or rollover budget not a proposed budget. It maintains all the contracts, staffing, and programs. She emphasized that we are trying to be effective and efficient in producing our proposed budget and this is the starting point.

Presentation:

Budget Process

Assistant Superintendent for Business John chow presented all the external factors, internal factors, staff and community input that impact our budget He stepped through the budget process that the administration began in August.

Dr. McKay commented on the strategic question that we are all familiar with, "How can the District ensure continuing excellence in academic and extracurricular programs while developing a budget that is fiscally responsible?"

Dr. McKay mentioned the four pillars that we use each year that remain the same: 1. Class size, 2. Program, 3. Infrastructure and 4. Contractual obligations. She explained the modified operating standards system for 2013-14.

John Chow explained those items that we know will impact next year's budget - elementary school schedule extended, slight enrollment decline, debt service, health insurance premiums, the employee retirement system, equalization rates, and assessment growth rate. He then listed the items that we are unsure of budget impact: Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Contracts for Administrators, Teachers, Support Staff and Custodians, Transportation Costs, Special Education Placements, State Aid, Assessed Tax Value, Tax Certiorari Settlements, and Tax Cap Number

Mr. Chow presented graphs showing both high and low budget increases in past years.

This is the second year that the district is working under the Property Tax Cap. It eliminates the overall contingency budget spending restriction (less of 120% of CPI or 4%) beginning with the 2012-13 budget. Under the new contingency budget restrictions, next year's tax levy cannot be greater than current years's. The rollover budget increase: $5,168,146 = 4.61%.

The next steps are to seek further savings, resolve unknowns; finalize personnel numbers, and propose recommended budget at February 27 Board meeting.

1.

Information

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

WPSBA Legislative Advocacy Report

President Tipp reported on the high stakes testing resolution listed below.

1.1.1.a

Resolution on high stakes testing

President Tipp explained the importance and ramifications of this important resolution. After a brief discussion, the board decided to support it.

Alyson Kiesel offered the following resolution and moved it's adoption:

        WHEREAS, our nation's and New York State's future well-being relies on a high-quality public education system that prepares all students for college, careers, citizenship and lifelong learning, and strengthens the nation's social and economic well-being; and

        WHEREAS, our nation's school systems have been spending growing amounts of time, money and energy on high-stakes standardized testing, in which student performance on standardized tests is used to make major decisions affecting individual students, educators and schools; and

        WHEREAS, the over reliance on high-stakes standardized testing in state and federal accountability systems is undermining educational quality and equity in U.S. public schools by hampering educators' efforts to focus on the broad range of learning experiences that promote the innovation, creativity, problem solving, collaboration, communication, critical thinking and deep subject-matter knowledge that will allow students to thrive in a democracy and an increasingly global society and economy; and

        WHEREAS, it is widely recognized that standardized testing is an inadequate and often unreliable measure of both student learning and educator effectiveness; and

        WHEREAS, the over-emphasis on standardized testing has caused considerable collateral damage in too many schools, including narrowing the curriculum, teaching to the test, reducing love of learning, pushing students out of school, driving excellent teachers out of the profession, and undermining school climate; and

        WHEREAS, high-stakes standardized testing has negative effects for students from all backgrounds, and especially for low-income students, English language learners, children of color, and those with disabilities; and

        WHEREAS, the culture and structure of the systems in which students learn must change in order to foster engaging school experiences that promote joy in learning, depth of thought and breadth of knowledge for students; therefore be it

RESOLVED that Chappaqua Central School District calls on Governor Cuomo, Commissioner King, the State legislature, and the Board of Regents to re-examine public school accountability systems in this state, including the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) and to develop a system based on multiple forms of assessment which does not require extensive standardized testing, more accurately reflects the broad range of student learning, and is used to support students and improve schools; and

RESOLVED, that Chappaqua Central School District calls on the U.S. Congress and Administration to overhaul the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (currently known as the "No Child Left Behind Act"), reduce the testing mandates, promote multiple forms of evidence of student learning and school quality in accountability, and not mandate any fixed role for the use of student test scores in evaluating educators.

Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously and the resolution was declared adopted.

1.1.2

President Tipp noted there is a conflict with the May 22 board meeting date. The Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents is scheduled to hold their Annual Scholarship Dinner honoring the two top students from each member school district. The principal, superintendent, and board president are invited to this special occasion. Alyson Kiesel moved to reschedule the board meeting to Wednesday, May 29. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

1.1.3

Mandate Relief Report

President Tipp reported The Mandate Relief Council released its report December 2013. They recommended that the Governor and Legislators work together to address three areas: eliminating mandated special education class size ratios to allow flexibility based on student need; eliminating burden of proof requirements on school districts and other state requirements exceeding federal laws; rate setting for Special Act School Districts; and eliminating internal auditor requirements for districts with under 1000 enrollment. The council refused to address many other requests including cost-benefit analysis of new mandates. President Tipp will try to get more information on the report.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Douglas Grafflin Elementary School Principal Search

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Andrew Selesnick reported on the progress of the search committee process. First round interviews should being first week of February with stakeholder. There are close to 100 candidates at this time. By the end of February or beginning of March, a recommendation should be forthcoming or the pool of candidates will be reopened.

1.2.2

Update on safety

Dr. McKay stated there is nothing more important than keeping our children and staff safe. She gave a brief update and explained that it is not recommended to publicize specific safety procedures. She thanked Chief Ferry who has worked with the district very closely since the tragedy in Newtown. A safety consultant met with each school and walked around with the administrators. The consultant was impressed with the knowledge of the staff and emergency response teams that are in place.

Chief Ferry has been on our Health and Safety Committee and continues to work with us. All the board members expressed their appreciation for the cooperation with the police.

Dr. McKay pointed out that posts on the facebook pages are NOT private. She asked the community to be very careful what is posted because nothing is really private on social media.

Dr. McKay reported on more "good stuff" in the district. Bell made book club presentations to their classes, more than 45 schools attended college night for Horace Greeley juniors. She congratulated semi-finalist Angela Liu and finalist Jiayi Peng in the Intel Science Talent Search; senior basketball point guard Jackie Brett as the fourth female in school history to reach 1000 point record and senior Scott Wymb as first place in Beacon Wrestling Tournament that tied the all-time school record for 116 career wins and he was named the most outstanding wrestler.

Addendum

 

1.2.3

Proposed 2013-14 school calendar

Dr. McKay explained the proposed calendar with two weeks in December; a week in winter, a week in spring, and early dismissal days scheduled on Fridays.

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

President Tipp gave a second reading of the Draft Policy - Referral to Committee on Special Education (CSE). Alyson Kiesel moved to adopt the policy. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.

Approvals

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve the minutes of December 12, 2012. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.1

Minutes of December 12, 2012

Karen Visser moved to approve the minutes of December 4, 2012. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.2

Minutes of December 4, 2012 Joint Town/School Boards

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":

Mario Gutierrez, and

Normearleasa Thomas.

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as AP proctors to be employed on an "as needed" basis effective for the 2012/2013 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education":

Barbara Brandfon

Lynne Brennan

Charles Buchanan

Rita Campana

Jean Cross

Gabrielle Giordano

Lizabeth Haas

Joan Handwerger

Elaine Krim

Elisa Leitao

Carol Madole

Suzann Michel

Noah Mitchell

Raquel Moskovitz-Grey

Kimberly Perham

Paula Petito

Beth Quinn

Joan Salamone

Barbara Scheine

Giselle Weiss

Florence Zelenko

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:

Mr. Anthony Castaneda, Regular Substitute Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective January 2, 2013 through January 3, 2013.

Request for Child Care Leave of Absence:

Ms. Jamie Hariegel, Teacher of Special Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective January 2, 2013 through February 8, 2013.

Ms. Kalliopi Sherwood, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective January 10, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

Appointment: Regular Substitute

Mr. Anthony Castaneda, Regular Substitute Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 14, 2012 through June 30, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Appointment: Coaching

Mr. Daniel Hall, 7-8th Grade Wrestling, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective December 2, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve the recommendations. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.2

Non-Instructional

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations, including the addendum:

Leave of Absence:

Deborah Kanuk - Secretary to School Administrator at Horace Greeley High School, has requested a leave of absence, without pay, effective January 18, 2013 through February 1, 2013.

Addendum:

 

Appointment: Probationary

Ms. Lauralyn Stewart, Teacher of Physical Education, Horace Greeley High School, effective January 28, 2013, Step 1, D(BA+90) with Masters, $81,828, prorated.

Appointment: Regular Substitute

Ms. Alyssa Sibio, Regular Substitute Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective January 18, 2013 through June 30, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $21,256, prorated.

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

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Karen Visser moved to approve CSE summaries reported to the Board on January 11, 2013. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve an agreement with Pleasantville Union Free School District to provide instructional services for four Chappaqua students attending public schools in Pleasantville UFSD, effective for the 2012-13 school year, at an annual rate of $53,600 per student, plus additional services as indicated in each contract. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve an agreement with White Plains City School District to provide instructional services for Chappaqua students attending public schools in White Plains CSD, effective for the 2012-13 school year, at an annual rate of $278.28 per day, plus additional therapeutic services at a rate of $15,762.06 per academic school year. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Randall Katchis moved to approve an agreement with Greenburgh Central School District No. 7 for health and welfare services for four Chappaqua students attending non-public schools in Greenburg 7, at an estimated sum of $899.03 per pupil, effective September 4, 2012 - June 21, 2013. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.5

Randall Katchis moved to approve an agreement with Pitney Bowes for a postage meter for Bell Middle School - savings of $16/month, effective 11-28-2012 for 51 months. (Tabled from 11-28-2012) Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.6

Karen Visser moved to approve an anonymous gift of 14 shares of Exxon Mobil stock in the amount of $1,194.79 to the Horace Greeley High School music programs, half will go to the Chorus/Madrigal Choir and half to the Symphonic Band/Stage Band program. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The Board expressed thier appreciation for this generous gift.

5.7

Jeffrey Mester moved to table Item # 5.7. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.7

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.

6.

Facilities

6.1

Facilities report

6.1.1

Jeffrey Mester reported on Board tours: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 - Seven Bridges and Westorchard.

7.

Financials

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept items 7.1, 7.2., and 7.3, Expense, Revenue and Treasurer's Reports of December 2012. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Expense Report - December 2012

7.2

Revenue Report - December 2012

7.3

Treasurer's Report - December 2012

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

7.4

Bid #877 - High School Gym Roof - Laumar Roofing - $332,000.

Whereas, the Board of Education invited sealed proposals for High School Gym Roof

Whereas, the bid submitted by Saltnaam International Construction Corp, the lowest bidder was not in compliance with the bid specifications in that they did not furnish the required bid security; in addition, the second lowest vendor Sony NY Management & Construction Corp, also was not in compliance with the bid specification in that they did not provide proof that they are authorized by the roofing system manufacturer as a certified installer.

WHEREAS, the third lowest bidder Laumar Roofing, has complied with such bid specifications;

THEREFORE, be it resolved the Board determines that the failure of Satnaam International Construction Corp. as well as Sony NY Management & Construction Corp. to meet the requirements set forth in the bid specifications, as set forth herein, constitutes a material deviation from the bid specification and, therefore rejects such bid; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board hereby awards the bid for the for the High School Gym Roof to Laumar Roofing, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the following amounts:

Total Base Bid: $185,000.00

Alternate Bid: $147,000.00

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the Board President to execute a contract with Laumar Roofing Co. for the 2012-2013 school year, a copy of which is incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting.

8.

President Tipp gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at Horace Greeley High School

6:00 p.m. Board / Administrator Retreat

8:15 p.m. Board Meeting

Presentation:

Students Talk About Learning

9.

Adjournment - Randall Katchis moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:58 p.m. and to reconvene in Executive Session to discuss negotiations. President Tipp moved to adjourn Executive session at 12:20 a.m. and reconvene public session for final adjournment. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Victoria Tipp, Board President

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