Minutes September 17, 2014

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

September 17, 2014

 

Time:

7:30 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School

 

Present:

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

 

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.

 

President Visser convened the public session at 6:15 p.m.

Alyson Gardner moved to reconvene in Executive Session to discuss a legal settlement and employment history of a particular person. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 7:52 p.m. Alyson Gardner moved to adjourn the Executive session and reconvene the public session. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Presentations:

Teaching and Learning Vision and Goals

Dr. McKay explained the various tools such as surveys, consultant experts, learning walks, observing work and classroom talk to support our strategic question. The original question developed In 2006 looks much like the current one. The adoption of the current version in 2009 added "as they acquire content knowledge". Out of that became the basis for our approach to have each teacher develop an inquiry question each year.

Eric Byrne continued the report with the status of the recent Chappaqua thinking standards and assessment development project. He expressed enthusiasm on over 90 assessment projects with students working through teachers providing feedback and more revisions. We have used Innovation Fellowes to develop the iLab and district wide examination of time, space, and technology across all the schools. The elementary school day has also been increased to allow more time for an active learning environment. An active instead of passive environment includes interaction, meaningful inquiry, imagination and this is a way to learn content.

K-12 Literacy

Staff Developer Mary Ford explained the three threads within Common Core Standards. We look at enhancing small groups, provide regular feedback and language that promotes independence and use of time space, technology, to provide opportunities for revisions, feedback and collaboration

Staff Developer Karen McNally explained the use of analysis across elementary, middle and high schools. We review volumes of the student work and decide what to do with all the data. We are continually refining alignment between local assessments and classroom practice with argument writing. We use collaboration with Teachers College to further our professional development.

Writers camp focused on writing process with personal narratives in the high school. Professional development time provided opportunity for collaborative analysis of student work. We use more work around convention of grammar and punctuation. They are consistent with checklists from kindergarten on that provides expectations for legible handwriting.

District School Report Card

Eric Byrne stated that there is always a lag in data. Tonight we are providing feedback for the 2012-13 data. It is the first year of the district performance in the first year of the Common Core aligned exam. A level one or two would mean student would need intervention, but now a high level 1 means that you would pass the Regents. Last year the state average score was 31.1 percent and we average 67 to 76 percent. He explained growth scores for teachers and principals. District-wide assessments allow us to make much better decisions and more of an impact on our students.

Greeley Principal Robert Rhodes explained the Regents Exam Scores 10-11 to 13-14 by course.

He explained that a large number of students are taking AP exams and he reviewed the exam results 2010-14.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Town Mandate Committee

President Visser explained that mandates are legislated and that schools and municipalities must comply with, but receive no money to fulfill the requirements. Judy McGrath is the Town Mandate Chair and reviewed what the town would like to do for state mandate relief. Ms. McGrath reviewed some of those items that schools have in common such as the Triborough law, pensions, and reporting requirements. The schools have been more in the forefront of working for mandate review but she stated that the town would like to work together. They are creating a committee of 3-5 members. Their goal is to determine, analyze, and study how to reform or change these mandates and develop a strategy in those mandate issues that are similar to present a united front to legislators. Lyn offered to meet with Judy, Karen and Vicky as a representative of Westchester School Boards Association to start a fact finding committee to identify and prioritize issues.

1.1.2

PNW/BOCES letter on allocation method (PNW/BOCE is composed of 18 component school districts)

Jeffrey Mester reported that about two years ago we asked BOCES to be more transparent. Every district is required to be part of a BOCES and each BOCES was required to provide an allocation method for costs to district. By law, use either real estate values or enrollment. Only our BOCES uses RWADA, a mixed 50% real estate value and 50% enrollment. Bedford asked them to realign to 100% enrollment and expressed their disappointment at not having a discussion or having someone from BOCES come to a meeting with the district to discuss timing of the board to change the allocation method and the short timeframe to consider changing the method without the individual boards input. He felt that we should send a letter to PNWBOCES with a copy to each of the component districts.

Karen Visser moved to send a letter to PNWBOCES expressing our disappointment in a lack of explanation of methods before changing to a new method. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously. October 6 is the next meeting for the Advisory Council at PNWBOCES.

Victoria Tipp is attending the Commissioners Roundtable. She noted some of the topics that they are expected to discuss.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Opening of school

Superintendent McKay expressed delight at the smooth opening of school and hopes the entire year is this positive.

1.2.2

Visit to Washington D.C.

Superintendent McKay reported that she participated in an Active Schools Leadership roundtable discussion with 30 superintendent from around the country. It was sponsored by the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. The topic was how to ensure at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily in schools at all levels. The focus is how to remain physically fit throughout life. This is one of Michele Obamas initiatives. Her trainer and executive group as well as 10 members of the President's Council attended.

1.2.3

Dr. McKay reported that we have 16 National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists.

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals

Alyson Gardner moved to approve items 3.1-3.4, Minutes of meetings in July and August 2014. Warren Messer seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.1

Minutes of June 18, 2014

3.2

Minutes of July 15, 2014

3.3

Minutes of August 6, 2014

3.4

Minutes of August 28, 2014

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

4.1

Instructional

Dr. McKay offered the following recommendations:

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":

Kathryn Ottomanelli.

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 2014/2015 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education":

Dr. Scott Levin and Judith Abel.

Resignation:

Ms. Eileen Cass, Teaching Assistant, Westorchard Elementary School, effective August 28, 2014.

Mr. Matthew Simone, (.4) Teacher of Physical Education, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 28, 2014.

Mr. Craig Henley, Junior Varsity Boys' Soccer, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 1, 2014.

Mr. William Woolard, 7-8th Grade Football Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective July 1, 2014.

Appointment: Part Time

Mr. Charles Buchanan, (.5) Athletic Coordinator, District wide, effective September 4, 2014 through November 7, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $2,180.

Mr. Anthony Castagna, (.5) Athletic Coordinator, District wide, effective September 4, 2014 through November 7, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $2,180.

Mr. Anthony Vaglica, (.4) Teacher of Physical Education, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 10, 2014 through June 30, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+45) with Masters, $28,477, prorated.

Appointment: Teaching Assistant

Ms. Jennifer Dell'olio, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 2, 2014, $21,256, prorated.

Mr. Michael Mezzancello, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 3, 2014, $21,256, prorated.

Ms. Hilary Raupp, Teaching Assistant, Westorchard Elementary School, effective September 8, 2014, $21,256, prorated.

Appointment: Coaching

Mr. Skye Albert-Hall, 7-8th Grade Football Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 3, 2014 through November 7, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $5,100.

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve the recommendations. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.2

Non-instructional

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations:

Resignation:

Hilary Raupp - Teacher Aide at Westorchard Elementary School, resigning effective September 5, 2014.

Appointment:

Virginia Mancini - Teacher Aide at Westorchard Elementary School, 22.5 hours per week, effective September 8, 2014. Her salary will be $15.32 per hour.

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby grants a leave of absence, without pay, to Rita Campana, Senior Office Assistant - Automated Systems at the Horace Greeley High School, from October 20, 2014 through October 24, 2014.

Victoria Tipp moved to accept the recommendations. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Alyson Gardner moved to approve CSE Summaries reported to the Board on September 17, 2014. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Tabled from August 28 -

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a gift from New Castle Youth Basketball Association in the amount of $3,781.12 for the purpose of purchasing sideline chairs for the Athletic Dept.,designed in school colors, lettering, and logo. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Alyson Gardner moved to approve items 5.3-5.6 gifts from Target to be used in a district account for energy-related projects. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Approve gift from Target in the amount of $626.93 to Douglas Grafflin to be deposited in the district account for energy-related projects.

5.4

Approve gift from Target in the amount of $1639.23 to Horace Greeley High School to be deposited in the district account for energy-related projects.

5.5

Approve gift from Target in the amount of $761.00 to Roaring Brook School to be deposited in the district account for energy-related projects.

5.6

Approve gift from Target in the amount of $1,205.59 to Seven Bridges to be deposited in the district account for energy-related projects.

Warren Messner moved approve items 5.7-5.9 gifts from Benevity to Roaring Brook School. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.7

Approve gift from Benevity Community Impact Fund to Roaring Brook School in the amount of $372.00 to be used for supplies for 2014-15.

5.8

Approve gift from Benevity Community Impact Fund to Roaring Brook School in the amount of $200.00 to be used for books for 2014-15.

5.9

Approve gift from Benevity Community Impact Fund to Roaring Brook School in the amount of $175.00 to be used for books for 2014-15.

5.10

Warren Messner moved to approve a gift from Friends of Greeley Theatre, Inc. to Horace Greeley Theatre Department in the amount of $4,085.30 to purchase lumber for building set for November production of Little Shop of Horrors and replace black out curtain. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.11

Alyson Gardner moved to approve an agreement with Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District, CASSTLE program, effective July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015 based on the NY State Non resident Tuition rate, approximately $90,282.72, per the contract. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.12

Jeffrey Mester offered the following,

"WHEREAS, there are pending tax certiorari petitions filed for assessment years 2010 through 2014 in a tax certiorari proceeding captioned: Willowbrook Swim Club v. Town of New Castle, and WHEREAS, based on information obtained from the Town of New Castle, the financial exposure to the School District appears significantly greater than originally anticipated, and

WHEREAS, for the above reason, the Board of Education believes it is in the School District's best interests to now seek to intervene in these proceedings,

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert, LLP be authorized to seek to intervene and represent the District's interests in the following tax certiorari proceeding at its usual hourly rate: Willowbrook Swim Club v. Town of New Castle.

Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.13

Jeffrey Mester offered the following resolution,

"BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes the Board President to execute an a Release and Settlement Agreement regarding student #600643. A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting."

Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.14

Victoria Tipp moved to approve Bid Award No. 934 Construction Labor and Materials: General Construction to J.A.C. Building and Development Group, Inc. For various rates, cost of materials, & projects. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.15

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve KG&D (Kaeyer, Garment & Davidson, architects, pc) proposal for professional services (construction documents, bidding & award, etc.) for HGHS Roof Replacement (Phase 3); approx. $22,000 per proposal and tennis court repair estimates, documents, monitoring for approx. $7,000 - $12,000 per proposal. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.16

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a Consultant Agreement with New England Systems and Software, Inc. (NESS) for hardware and software technology support, network administration & database management, according to terms and conditions of contract effective October 1, 2014 thru September 30, 2015. Monthly charge is approximately $59,990.85 for seven technicians. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

ADDENDUM:

5.17

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a gift to Douglas Grafflin from an anonymous donor in the amount of $5,000 for the refurbishment of the Grafflin arboretum with new plants, bushes, and open space for children to plant flowers, (All work to be completed by Green Valley Nursery.) Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

Jeffrey Mester reported on a meeting this morning to discuss Zauderer property issues and preparation before submitting to planning board. According to the engineers, it is likely that we will receive approval for the artificial turf project on the competition field. He highlighted the summer projects.

7.

Financials

Alyson Gardner moved to accept the financial reports, items 7.1-7.4 and approve item 7.5. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously,

7.1

Expenditure Reports - July and August 2014

7.2

Revenue Report - July and August 2014

7.3

Treasurer's Report - June, July, August 2014

7.4

Central Treasurer's Report - Team Accounts & Extraclassroom Activity June 30,2014

7.5

Claim Auditor Report - July 2014

8.

President Visser gave Notice of Future Meetings  -

Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at Education center, 6:00 p.m. - Board meeting which we anticipate will go into Executive Session to discuss a settlement.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at Education Center, 7:30 p.m. - Audit Committee

Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at Education Center, 8:00 a.m. - Policy Committee

Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m.

Presentations:

Audit Report

Academic Camps

She also announced that Saturday, September 20 was Homecoming and Community Day. Lots of activities are planned.

9.

Adjournment

At 10:40 p.m. Warren Messner moved to adjourn. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Theresa Markley, District Clerk / Administrative Asst. to Superintendent

Karen Visser, Board President

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