Minutes October 23, 2013

Date:

October 23, 2013

Time:

7:30 p.m.

Place:

Horace Greeley High School

Present:

Board of Education
Jeffrey Mester, President
Karen Visser, Vice President
Alyson Gardner Kiesel
Warren Messner
Victoria Tipp

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 Mester called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Alyson Kiesel moved to enter into Executive Session with administrators for a discussion of the employment of particular persons, and discussion of a legal issue. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn the executive session. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Alyson Kiesel moved to reconvene the public session at 7:35 p.m. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously. President Mester welcomed the community and introduced Superintendent Lyn McKay and Assistant Superintendent Eric Byrne to begin the presentations.

Dr McKay noted that she does not always agree with Governor Cuomo, but his proclamation to recognize the work of school boards is a very good thing. She acknowledged the hard work and time spent on district initiatives recognizing that Board members do not always agree. However, their work on behalf of our students to provide the most and best educational opportunities Is a united effort. It is a privilege to work with them. She thanked them for all that they do for us.

PTA President Susan Fisher echoed Dr. McKay's sentiments on behalf of the PTA. She reviewed the Governor's proclamation that these board members are men and women dedicated to children, learning and community as they continue to strive for progress in education. She felt this was especially true of our board members. She thanked the board for their dedication, time and caring for our children and in honor of the school board, the PTA made a donation to the Tom Cardellichio Scholarship Fund. She also thanked Theresa Markley, the district clerk not just for the work she does for the board, but for everyone in the community.

Presentations:

Elementary Focus, 2013-14

Eric introduced the three elem principals, Jamie Edelman of Grafflin, Amy Fishkin of Roaring Brook, and Jim Skoog of Westorchard to discuss their focus for the school year, writing articulation.

Jamie Edelman acknowledged the support of the assistant principals who were also present at the meeting. The primary goal for the students is to become a skilled writer so that they will be effective all through their journey through school and for whatever they do in life.

Jim Skoog reported that they began discussing K-4 writing during the Administrative Retreat and engaged our teachers during faculty meetings to examine student writing. We have support from Teachers College consultants and our staff developers.

Amy Fishkin continued by presenting examples of good writing, and learning progression for Lead. There are lots of different opportunities to engage in this work. The students learn how to share with each other, give feedback, and give specific feedback about what is strong and where they can improve.

Board members gave positive comments and asked questions on how they can help their children. They were advised to ask their children to elaborate on ideas, talk to them, and share your own writings so the students can see that writing is a lifelong skill where you can share your thought processes. Don't just look at the grammar, but consider the message or what craft they are trying to achieve.

Facilities - Capital Projects and Maintenance Plan.

Joe Gramando, Director of Facilities and Maintenance reported that the cleanliness and care of the buildings sets the stage for a good learning environment. Roof replacement, asphalt replacement and pneumatic heating controls have all been installed and general maintenance performed regularly so there is no need for large capital expenditures or bonds. There has been a re-use of space such as two classrooms combined to make a needed, larger music room. Our own staff has installed a generator and is also doing a large part of the learning commons project, iLab.

Energy performance: Total project cost $12 million dollars with no cost to district He listed some of the benefits with pictures of boilers, pumps, and solar panels, and window replacement that have been installed in the buildings. Solar comes with an educational piece on teaching solar energy. District maintains 13 playing fields and uses organic turf management.

He explained that safety and security are an ongoing process that keeps evolving as we try to prepare for all emergencies. We have had two safety audits which have been very positive.

John Chow noted that Joe has been here for five years and how much the district building conditions have improved. The board also commented Joe is a good leader with a great staff who are highly skilled and that keeps us from outsourcing. They are also concerned about the students and education.

1.

Information

Questions and Comments

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve the following minutes as amended. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

Superintendent Lyn McKay made the following recommendations:

5.

Recommended Action: Other

6.

Facilities

7.

Financials

8.

President Mester gave Notice of Future Meetings of board and committees -

9.

Adjournment

Victoria Tipp moved to adjourn at 9:52 p.m. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.