Minutes July 11, 2012

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

July 11, 2012

 

Time:

8:15 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School Commons

 

Present:

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

Mr. Andrew Selesnick, Assistant Superintendent for Leadership Dev. & HR

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

 

Visitors Present:

Representatives of the Chappaqua PTA, school PTAs, building administrators, faculty, and other interested citizens.

 

Presiding Officer, District Clerk Theresa Markley convened the public session at 7:15 p.m. Victoria Tipp moved to convene the public session. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Markley welcomed the community to the Reorganization Meeting of the Board of Education. She congratulated Alyson Kiesel on her re-election in May to a second term of office and administered the oath of office to her. Superintendent Dr. Lyn McKay renewed her oath as well.

1.

Election of Board President for 2012/2013

President

Alyson Kiesel moved that Victoria Tipp be elected President of the Board of Education of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013. Randall Katchis seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Vice President

Victoria Tipp moved that Alyson Kiesel be appointed to serve as Vice President of the Board of Education of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013. She shall have the power to exercise the duties of the President in case of absence or disability of the President. In the absence of the President and Vice President, Randall Katchis is authorized to act in the capacity of President. Karen Visser seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Markley administered the oath of office to new officers and reaffirmed all board members.

School District Clerk

Randall Katchis moved that Theresa Markley be appointed School District Clerk of the Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013. Vicky Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Victoria Tipp administered the oath of office to District Clerk Theresa Markley.

Superintendent Lyn McKay congratulated Victoria Tipp on her new position as president and acknowledged some of the many accomplishments of Alyson Kiesel's term this past year. Lyn especially expressed gratitude for Alyson's support of her during her first year as superintendent.

 

Superintendent Lyn McKay made the following recommendations:

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

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":

Jeanne Earle.

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":

Westchester Institute for Human Development.

Request for Child Care Leave of Absence:

Ms. Laura Abbatantuono, Teacher of Music, District wide Middle Schools and Elementary Schools, effective September 1, 2012 through October 26, 2012.

Ms. Rachel Ruggeri, Teacher of Mathematics, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.

Resignation:

Ms. Colleen Cauley, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 31, 2012.

Appointment: Probationary

Ms. Jennifer Rosenberg, Teacher of Science/Mathematics, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 1, 2012, Step 6, B(BA+45) with Masters, $86,980.

Ms. Laurie Lichtenstein, Teacher of English/Social Studies, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 1, 2012, Step 4, C(BA+60) with Masters, $84,532.

Ms. Nadia Smith, Teacher of Reading, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective September 1, 2012, Step 14, C(BA+60) with Masters, $117,251.

Ms. Rebecca Van Tassell, Teacher of Science, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 1, 2012 (conditional upon meeting requirements for certification by August 31, 2012), Step 2, B(BA+30) with Masters, $70,662.

Appointment: Regular Substitute

Ms. Kathleen Finnegan, Regular Substitute Teacher of Mathematics, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, B(BA+30) with Masters, $70,662.

Ms. Tara Albaum, Regular Substitute Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, B(BA+45) with Masters, $77,487.

Ms. Lee Pinkas, Regular Substitute Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, D(BA+90) with Masters, $85,276.

Mr. Brendan Buschman, Regular Substitute Teacher of English, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, C(BA+60) with Masters, $77,986, prorated.

Appointment: Part Time

Ms. Kelly Connery, (.5) Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $11,278.

Addendum 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":

Kristy Vanacore.

Appointment: Coaching

Mr. Tim Sullivan, Interim Varsity Football, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 17, 2012 through November 10, 2012 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $10,466.

Alyson Kiesel moved to accept the recommendations. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Superintendent Lyn McKay made the following recommendations:

4.2

Non-Instructional

Latricia Kokuma - Clerical sub at prior rate of pay on as-needed basis, effective July 2, 2012 - July 3, 2012.

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

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Reorganization Appointments:

School District Treasurer

Randall Katchis moved that Blanche Blair be appointed School District Treasurer of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

School District Deputy Treasurer

Karen Visser moved that John Chow be appointed School District Deputy Treasurer of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013. Randall Katchis seconded The motion passed unanimously.

Central Treasurer - Extracurricular Activity Fund

Jeffrey Mester moved that Blanche Blair be appointed Central Treasurer - Extracurricular Activity Fund of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Attendance Officers

Karen Visser moved that building administrators, or their designees shall be appointed Attendance Officers for the 2012/2013 school year. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Audit Committee

Alyson Kiesel moved that Karen Kowgios, Sam Shimer, and Michael Greenstein be appointed to serve on the Audit Committee for the 2012/2013 school year. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Claims Auditor

Karen Visser moved that Christopher H. Weir shall be appointed Claims Auditor for the 2012/2013 school year. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

CSE/CPSE

Alyson Kiesel moved that the individuals listed on the attached memo from Heidi McCarthy be appointed to the Committees on Special Education and PreSchool Special Education. Randall Katchis seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Homeless Liaisons

Randall Katchis moved that Lynn Lubow and Heidi McCarthy be appointed homeless liaisons for the Chappaqua Central School District. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

IHO Rotational List

Alyson Kiesel moved that the rotational list of Impartial hearing Officers as determined by New York State Department of Education be appointed for the 2012/13 school year. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Medicaid Compliance Officer

Jeffrey Mester moved that Andrew Selesnick be appointed Medicaid Compliance Officer for the 2012/13 school year. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Internal Auditor

Randall Katchis moved that Tobin and Co. be appointed Internal Auditor for the school year 2012/2013. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Payroll Certification Officers

Karen Visser moved that John Chow and Andrew Selesnick be appointed Payroll Certification Officers of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Property Control Manager

Randall Katchis moved that Michael Trnik be appointed Property Control Manager of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Purchasing Agent and Alternate Purchasing Agent

Jeffrey Mester moved that Michael Trnik be appointed Purchasing Agent and John Chow be appointed Alternate Purchasing Agent for the 2012/2013 school year. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Records Management and Access Officer

Randall Katchis moved that John Chow be appointed Records Management and Access Officer of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

School District Attorney

Alyson Kiesel moved that the firm of Shaw & Perelson, LLP be appointed School District Attorney of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

School District Auditor

Randall Katchis moved that the firm of Bennett Kielson Storch DeSantis Division of O'Connor Davies Munns and Dobbins LLP be appointed as Auditors of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Surrogate Parent

Randall Katchis moved that Susan Koehn Habermann be appointed as Surrogate Parent of the Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013. Alyson KIesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Title IX Compliance Officer

Alyson Kiesel moved that Andrew Selesnick be appointed Title IX Compliance Officer for the 2012/2013 school year. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

504 Compliance Officer

Jeffrey Mester moved that Andrew Selesnick be appointed 504 Compliance Officer for the 2012/2013 school year. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Depositories

Karen Visser moved that Bank of New York, Chase, Wachovia, Bank of America, Commerce Bank, TD Banknorth, Webster Bank, Signature Bank, and HSBC designated as depositories for the funds of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2012/2013, beginning July 1, 2012, and ending June 30, 2013. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Investments

Alyson Kiesel moved that Blanche Blair, Treasurer, and John Chow, Deputy Treasurer, be authorized to take appropriate action in the investment of school district funds during the 2012/2013 school year. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Newspapers

Karen Visser moved that for the purpose of advertising bids and other legal notices during the school year 2012/2013, The Journal News, The Northern Westchester Express, or The New York Times be designated. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Petty Cash

Alyson Kiesel moved that Petty Cash Accounts, in accordance with policy, be approved for the school year as follows:

 

Superintendent's Office

$100

Business Office

$100

Douglas G. Grafflin School

$100

Roaring Brook School

$100

Westorchard School

$100

Robert E. Bell School

$100

Horace Greeley High School    

$100

Seven Bridges School

$100

Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Bond

Jeffrey Mester moved that the Treasurer's Bond in the amount of $100,000 as executed by NYSIR be approved as to form and sufficiency for the school year 2012/2013. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

District Clerk Theresa Markley administered the oath of office to the appointees.

6.

Information Business Affairs

6.1

President's Report

6.1.1

Report on Board / Administrators' Retreat

President Tipp noted that the board spent the morning at the administrators' three-day retreat. She thanked Lyn and the administrators for inviting the board to participate in this learning experience. Topics included effective communication among different groups and building partnerships between groups and stakeholders. Board members gave enthusiastic feedback on the morning.

6.1.2

President Tipp announced the 2012-2013 Board Committee Assignments:

 

Vicky Tipp, President
(term expires June 30, 2014)

-

Audit Committee

-

Policy Committee

-

Community Organization Groups - liaison

-

Westchester Putnam School Boards - liaison for Legislative Action Committee

 

Alyson Kiesel, Vice President
(term expires June 30, 2015)

-

Audit Committee

-

Policy Committee

-

Communications Committee

-

Chappaqua School Foundation - liaison

 

Jeffrey Mester
(term expires June 30, 2013)

-

Audit Committee, Chair

-

Facilities Committee

-

Green Committee - liaison

 

Randall Katchis
(term expires June 30, 2013)

-

Audit Committee

-

Facilities Committee

-

Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund - liaison

-

Sports Booster - liaison

 

Karen Visser
(term expires June 30, 2014)

-

Audit Committee

-

Communications Committee

-

Wellness Committee - liaison

-

Westchester Putnam School Boards - liaison

6.1.3

New legislation for reimbursement of services

President Tipp reported on a new bill passed at the end of the legislative section and asks special education to consider cultural background of families when placing students. This is the first time that a non-educational issue has been introduced. The vagueness of the law will make it difficult for schools to follow and time consuming. New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) has asked school boards to pass resolutions and send them to Governor Cuomo to veto the bill.

Alyson Kiesel moved to accept the following resolution, as amended. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT RESOLUTION
BILL NO. A10722-A/S7722-A

WHEREAS, the New York State Legislature has passed Bill No. A10722-A/S7722-A that would require Committees on Special Education to take a student's home life and cultural environment into account when making special education placements,

And WHEREAS, this legislation was introduced without due consideration of its financial impact on school districts,

And WHEREAS, the bill will leave school districts exposed to excessive lawsuits and will add new, unreasonable and excessive financial and administrative burdens on our local school districts,

And WHEREAS, to meet these new, unreasonable and excessive expenditures and stay under the tax cap, school districts will have to remove funds from other students and the general education population, eliminate existing programs and services, and lay off teachers and staff,

And WHEREAS, the legislation is not based on educational needs of a child but instead is based on religious, cultural and social preferences of individual families,

And WHEREAS, the legislation leaves districts subject to parental demands for segregation of their children based on religious, cultural and social factors, contrary to New York State's policy of integration,

And WHEREAS, the legislation will result in taxpayer and public school district funds being diverted to religious institutions in violation of the United States Constitution's prohibition against the establishment of religion and the well-established principle of separation of church and state,

Therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Chappaqua Board of Education calls on Governor Andrew Cuomo to veto this onerous and inappropriate legislation.

6.2

Superintendent's Report

6.2.1

Report on Administrators / Board Retreat

Dr. McKay gave a more detailed report on the retreat including leadership work, teacher and administrative evaluations, videotapes on interaction between teacher and administrators on what makes them passionate about aspects of their job. She thanked all the participants.

6.2.2

Teacher and Principal Evaluations - APPR

Dr. McKay expanded on the development of the APPR and thanked Eric Byrne for the great deal of work and time put into this project. She is appreciative of the teamwork that the teachers and teacher union and administrator union have put into the process to find solutions. The cooperation of all the groups has been very supportive and beneficial to the process. We are going to have a better and tighter evaluation process that is very respectful of the teachers. Teachers have commented that they are pleased that the administrators are so much more aware of the focus of their work.

7.

Approvals

Karen Visser moved to approve minutes of June 5, 2012 and executive session of April 24, 2012. Alyson Kiesel seconded. After brief discussion, Karen amended her motion to approve only the June 5, 2012 minutes. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Jeffrey Mester moved to table the executive session minutes of April 24, 2012. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Minutes of June 5, 2012

7.2

Minutes of Exec. April 24, 2012, tabled from June 19 and June 5.

8.

Recommended Action: Other

8.1

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve CSE summaries reported to Board on July 6, 2012. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.2

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve the Retainer for legal services for 2012-2013 from Shaw Perelson, LLP, a copy of which shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.3

Karen Visser moved to approve an Extension of Transportation Contract with Chappaqua Transportation, September 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.4

Resolution for car allowance

Jeffrey Mester offered the following resolution,

"BE IT RESOLVED, in accordance with Policy 9040, that based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, employees in the following positions who are required to travel regularly among the buildings of the School District shall be entitled to a monthly car allowance of $200 for the 2012-13 school year as set forth below:

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Director for Special Education, Director for Technology"

Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.5

Alyson Kiesel offered a Resolution to approve Agreement between CCSD and HPN Technologies for the 2012-13 school year with zero increase in fees, estimated annual cost is $6,900. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.6

Karen Visser moved to approve a revised school services contract with Bedford Central School District effective September 4, 2012 thru June 21, 2013 at the prevailing special education non-resident tuition rate as approved by New York State. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.7

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a contract with Purchase College for use of pool from July 1, - December 31, 2012 per attached agreement. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.8

Randall Katchis moved to approve a gift to Seven Bridges from Education Development Center in the amount of $500. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.9

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve contract amendment #2 to performance contract dated August 12, 2009, amended July 13, 2011, between CCSD and Johnson Controls, Inc., as amended. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve items 8.10 and 8.11, tax refunds. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.10

Approve tax refund to S/B/L 82.17-1-2.5 in the amount of $11,835.41 per attached.

8.11

Approve tax refund to S/B/L 100.7-1-39 in the amount of $1,886.32, by Consent Judgment

8.12

Supplemental Defense and Indemnification Resolution

Alyson Kiesel offered the following resolution,

"WHEREAS, Section 18 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York authorizes municipal corporations, including Boards of Education, to adopt supplemental defense and indemnification provisions to those contained in the Education Law; and

WHEREAS, the statute authorizes Boards of Education to defend, indemnify and save harmless, members of boards of education and officers, agents and employees of the Boards of Education and parent volunteers in connection with any claims asserted or judgment obtained against such board members, officers, agents or employees in any State or Federal Court, or in the amount of any settlement of any such claim, provided the act or omission from which such judgment or claim arose occurred while the Board member, officer, agent or employee was acting within the scope of his or her office of employment;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District hereby adopts the supplemental defense and indemnification provisions contained in Section 18 of the Public Officers Law for its Board members, officers, agents and employees, and parent volunteers on school-based planning and shared decision making committees or other community volunteer performing volunteer service with the consent of the Board and/or Superintendent of Schools. This coverage shall supplement and shall be in addition to the coverage available to such employees under other enactments, including but not limited to the Education Law of the State of New York.

Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Addendum

8.13

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a gift to Grafflin School from Northern Westchester Hospital's Fitquest in the amount of $2500 which will be used to educate children on nutrition. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.14

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve a contract with Superior Vending Services, Inc., in response to request for an RFP for Full Service Vending Operations. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

9.

Facilities

9.1

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve the Campbell Engineering Proposal for subdivision approval of Zauderer Property Site/Valley Ridge Estate Site, estimated project approval $100,000-$150,000. Karen Visser seconded. There was some discussion about the need for an RFP - request for additional estimates before approving. Jeffrey Mester withdrew his motion. The consensus was in spite of Campbell's knowledge of the property and district, it would be appropriate to request additional estimates. The proposal was tabled.

10.

Finance

Alyson Kiesel moved accept the reports for items 10.1-10.3. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

10.1

Claims Auditor Report for April 2012

10.2

Report of Expenditures - May 31, 2012

10.3

Report of Revenue - May 31, 2012

10.4

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve a budget transfer in the amount of $57,645.85 to cover special education settlements previously approved by the Board. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

11.

Organization

11.1

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve the Draft Acceptable Use Policy, after this second reading. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

11.2

Jeffrey Mester affirmed all policies previously adopted by the Board. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

12.

Questions and Comments

13.

President Victoria Tipp gave Notice of Future Meetings:

Wednesday, August 8, 2012 - 8:15 p.m. at Horace Greeley High School

14.

Adjournment

At 8:55 p.m. Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Victoria Tipp, Board President

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