Minutes December 9, 2015

Jan. 13, 2015
Encl. 3.1

MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

December 9, 2015
Horace Greeley High School

(click here for a printable copy of the official signed minutes)

Present:

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

Present:

Staff Members

Dr. Lyn McKay, Superintendent

Eric Byrne, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction

Dr. Kusum Sinha, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Leadership Development

Mr. John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business

Terry Dell'olio, District Clerk/Executive Assistant to Superintendent

Visitors Present:

Members of the community, PTA and administration and staff

President Messner convened the public meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Moved by Victoria Tipp to enter into Executive to discuss the employment history of a particular corporation under consideration, employment history of particular persons and seek legal advice. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 5-0.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester to reconvene the public board meeting at 7:50 p.m. Seconded by Karen Visser. Motion carried 5-0.

John McCarthy, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, and Michael Sowul, Principal, The Walden School, Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Special Education Department recognized Isabella Levitz as a BOCES Student of Distinction for December 2015.

Presentations:

Professional Learning

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Eric Byrne, along with Director of Literacy, Mary Ford, Director of Special Education, Heidi McCarthy, and Director of Technology, Darleen Nicolosi, gave an overview of the District's inquiry-based fellowships and the characteristics of strong professional development. After the introduction, Staff Developers Karen McNally and Jessica Marchetti facilitated a panel discussion in the iLab with members of the various fellowships. Participants spoke about their experiences in the fellowships and how this form if intense professional learning impacts teaching and learning.

(Click here to view the full discussion of the Professional Learning presentation, and move cursor to 5m10s)

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Victoria Tipp, Dr. McKay, and Eric Byrne attended the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association Breakfast and Network with Regent, Judith Johnson on December 3. Ms. Tipp commented that Judith Johnson values all the same things we value in our District. She stated that she was very grateful to her. Regent Johnson spoke about how the Regents have the power to set education policy and expressed her concern about student achievement. Ms. Tipp went on to thank Lisa Davis, Executive Director, and Marguerite Guglielmo, Program Director of Westchester Putnam School Boards Association, for hosting this event.

Dr. McKay commented that she is hopeful and feels things may begin to change. She stated that it is important to be clear in defining the alternative narrative when speaking about the present reform movement.

 

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Dr. McKay shared that the Coalition for Youth Committee met on November 23. It was hosted by Northern Westchester Hospital Center. The Coalition for Youth is made up of 32 members. The conversation at the meeting was centered on Civil Discourse. Dr. McKay noted that there is a sub-group considering applying for a Drug-Free Community Grant. The next meeting will be held at Temple Beth El on January 27.

Dr. McKay spoke about National Inclusive Schools Week. She commented that it is a time when we celebrate the progress our schools have made implementing inclusive practices to ensure quality education for a diverse population of students.

Dr. McKay commented that Chappaqua PTA's STEM Committee hosted their second annual Hour of Code event on December 4 at Bell. Two hundred fifty students attended. Eric Byrne shared that there is a month of coding coming up in the schools.

Dr. McKay shared with everyone that the winter concert season kicked off last week with Greeley's Orchestra and 9th Grade Strings Concert, and last night there were 160 students performing at the Seven Bridges Band Concert.

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals & Ratification

3.1

Minutes of November 18, 2015

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Karen Visser to approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education held November 18, 2015, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

4.1

Instructional

Dr. McKay made the following recommendation and asked to withdraw the appointment of the Volunteer Coach for the Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball:

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:

Stephen Rome

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, due to increased need in Physical Education, the Board of Education hereby increases by .1 FTE an existing .4 FTE Physical Education position. This action results in the creation of a .5 FTE Physical Education position at Horace Greeley High School effective 12/10/15.

Increase in Position - Part Time (.4) to (.5):

Mr. Anthony Vaglica, (.5) Teacher of Physical Education, Horace Greeley High School, effective December 10, 2015 through June 30, 2016 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, B(BA+45) with Masters, $37,632, prorated.

Appointment: Teaching Assistant

Ms. Amy Stuber, Teaching Assistant, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective November 20, 2015, $21,681, prorated.

Ms. Brittany Meshberg, Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective December 7, 2015, $21,681, prorated.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching

Mr. John DiGuglielmo, Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective December 1, 2015 through March 2, 2016 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Anthony Marino, Wrestling, Horace Greeley High School, effective December 1, 2015 through March 2, 2016 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Moved by Jeffrey Mester, seconded by Alyson Gardner to approve all items in 4.1 Recommended for Action, Personnel, Instructional, in one omnibus motion, as amended. Motion carried 5-0.

 

4.2

Non-instructional

Dr. McKay made the following recommendation:

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed below as a per diem clerical substitute to be employed on an "as needed" basis, effective December 10, 2015, pending fingerprint clearance and background check:

Diane Burkart.

Moved by Karen Visser, seconded by Victoria Tipp to approve all items in 4.2 Non-Instructional. Motion carried 5-0.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

CSE summaries dated November 18, 2015.

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Karen Visser to approve all CSE Summaries dated November 18, 2015, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.2

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the Contract with White Plains City School District for participation in Students Targeting Achievement and Reintegration (S.T.A.R) program for one part-time student at a rate of $141.36 per school day and per pupil therapeutic support services at a rate of $844.55 per month per academic school year for part time students ($282.70 per day and $1,689.08 per month for full time students), effective September 2, 2015 - June 24, 2016, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Victoria Tipp that the Board of Education approves the Contract with White Plains City School District for participation in Students Targeting Achievement and Reintegration (S.T.A.R) program for one part-time student at a rate of $141.36 per school day and per pupil therapeutic support services at a rate of $844.55 per month per academic school year for part time students ($282.70 per day and $1,689.08 per month for full time students), effective September 2, 2015 - June 24, 2016, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.3

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes the establishment of the Tom Whalen Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $9,999. Tom was a graduate of Horace Greeley High School who played football as a "special team player" and had a passion for sports writing. It is requested that the recipient of this scholarship be a football player who contributed most as a "special team" individual.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education table the establishment of the Tom Whalen Memorial Scholarship pending further review. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.4

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the FNI Proposed Pilot Projects Agreement in the amount of $122,800 with expenses not to exceed $8,500 and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Victoria Tipp that the Board of Education approves the FNI Proposed Pilot Projects Agreement in the amount of $122,800 with expenses not to exceed $8,500 and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.5

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the FNI Agreement for architectural design and planning for Horace Greeley High School - Integrated Campus Plan Implementation: Phase 2 - Building L in the amount of $220,500 with expenses not to exceed $19,000 and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education approves the FNI Agreement for architectural design and planning for Horace Greeley High School - Integrated Campus Plan Implementation: Phase 2 - Building L in the amount of $220,500 with expenses not to exceed $19,000 and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.6

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the Agreement with Summit Development, LLC, dated December 9, 2015 regarding the Horace Greeley Driveway Reconfiguration at no cost to the District and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education table the Agreement with Summit Development, LLC, dated December 9, 2015 regarding the Horace Greeley Driveway Reconfiguration, pending amendments. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.7

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Josh Albert as a student representative on the Chappaqua Central School District's Health & Safety Committee.

 

5.8

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Dalia Weinstein as a student representative on the Chappaqua Central School District's Health & Safety Committee.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Jeffrey Mester to approve Items 5.7 and 5.8, the appointments of Josh Albert and Dalia Weinstein as student representatives on the Chappaqua Central School District's Health & Safety Committee, in one omnibus motion. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.9

WHEREAS, the District owns the attached list of items which are no longer useful or necessary for school district purposes and of no value to the School District;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby declares such items to be surplus property and of no value to the School District and authorizes the disposal of such equipment in a prudent manner in accordance with law.

Jeffrey Mester offered the following resolution, WHEREAS, the District owns the attached list of items which are no longer useful or necessary for school district purposes and of no value to the School District;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby declares such items to be surplus property and of no value to the School District and authorizes the disposal of such equipment in a prudent manner in accordance with law. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

 

5.10

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the Release and Settlement Agreement regarding student #600658 and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement. Said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education approves the Release and Settlement Agreement regarding student #600658 and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement. Said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting. The motion carried 5-0.

 

5.11

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the E-Rate Consulting Agreement from E-rate Exchange, LLC for preparation and submission of all required documentation for E-Rate funding for Funding Year 2016 and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement. The fee, for Funding Year 2016, as outlined on the Agreement, is $4,600.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Victoria Tipp that the Board of Education approves the E-Rate Consulting Agreement from E-rate Exchange, LLC for preparation and submission of all required documentation for E-Rate funding for Funding Year 2016 and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement. The fee, for Funding Year 2016, as outlined on the Agreement, is $4,600, as presented. The motion carried 5-0.

 

5.12

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes the budget transfer of $105,000 to the General Fund, Safety/Security/Lighting line.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education authorizes the budget transfer of $105,000 to the General Fund, Safety/ Security Lighting line. The motion carried 5-0.

 

5.13

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes the budget transfer of $247,900 to the General Fund, Tuition/NYS Public line, to cover costs associated with students that are CSE placed in New York State Public Schools.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester, seconded by Warren Messner that the Board of Education authorizes the budget transfer of $247,900 to the General Fund, Tuition/NYS Public line, to cover costs associated with students that are CSE placed in New York State Public Schools. The motion carried 5-0.

 

5.14

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the Agreement with J.D. Barrett & Associates, LLC to complete the Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the Zauderer Property and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education approves the Agreement with J.D. Barrett & Associates, LLC to complete the Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the Zauderer Property and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.15

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the Independent Contractor Services with Alexandra Walsh, as Performing Arts Assistant for school year 2015-16, at $25 per hour, not to exceed $2,500 annually, pending fingerprint clearance and background check, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education approves the Independent Contractor Services with Alexandra Walsh, as Performing Arts Assistant for school year 2015-16, at $25 per hour, not to exceed $2,500 annually, pending fingerprint clearance and background check, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

Addendum #2

 

5.16

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Instagrant in the amount of $1,007.22 requested by Tiffany DePeralta, Seven Bridges Middle School. The grant is for 7th Grade Students to participate in a book club unit that focuses on the topic of refugee experiences.

 

5.17

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Instagrant in the amount of $1,630 + $277 shipping, requested by Greg Stiefel, Assistant Principal, Seven Bridges Middle School. The grant is for a Polypong Table to be used during recess.

 

5.18

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Instagrant in the amount of $2,499.67, requested by Kim Meade, Seven Bridges Middle School. The grant is for an Electric String Project. This project will be geared toward providing a more in-depth experience for students to explore their interests in jazz, blues, pop and rock n' roll

 

5.19

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Instagrant in the amount of $1,600 + $152 shipping, requested by Tricia Greco, Seven Bridges Middle School. The grant is for four (4) Marvel Focus Desks to be used in Math, Social Studies and Skills Classrooms.

 

5.20

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Instagrant in the amount of $1,004.55, requested by Chris Stasi, Seven Bridges Middle School. The grant is for CNC Router Supplies to be used in Technology Education.

 

5.21

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Instagrant in the amount of $1,600, requested by Paul Bianchi, Horace Greeley High School. The grant is for a CNC Mill Kit to be used to enhance the STEAM curriculum.

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Alyson Gardner that the Board of Education approves the Chappaqua School Foundation Instagrants as presented in Addendum #2, Items 5.16 through 5.21, as presented, in one omnibus motion. Motion carried 5-0. Victoria Tipp thanked the Chappaqua School Foundation for these generous Instagrants.

6.

Facilities

Jeffrey Mester commented there was nothing to report.

7.

Policy Committee

Addendum #1

7.1

Conflicts of Interest - 1st Reading

Alyson Gardner stated the Board wanted a broader policy, which would include Nepotism, Volunteering and Tutoring. Victoria Tipp commented that it is important to ensure that all students benefit from this policy. As always, input from the community is welcomed.

8.

Financials

8.1

Appropriation Status Summary Report - from 7/1/2015 to 11/30/2015.

8.2

Revenue Status Report - from 7/1/2015 to 11/30/2015.

8.3

Treasurer's Report - October 2015.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester, seconded by Victoria Tipp to accept Items 8.1 Appropriation Status Summary Report - from 7/1/2015 to 11/30/2015, Item 8.2 Revenue Report - from 7/1/2015 to 11/30/2015, and Item 8.3 Treasurer's Report - October 2015, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

9.

Communications

Karen Visser commented there was nothing to report.

10.

Adjournment

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Alyson Gardner to adjourn this meeting at 9:45 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.

Warren Messner wished everyone a Happy, Healthy New Year!


Respectfully submitted,

Therese Dell'olio
District Clerk / Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

Warren Messner
Board President

/tkd