Minutes March 16, 2016

April 6, 2016
Encl. 3.1

Updated:
03/16/16 @ 4pm, 1pm;
03/15/16 @ 10am

MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

March 16, 2016
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

Eric Byrne, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and 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

Dr. Lyn McKay, Superintendent - Absent

Visitors Present:

Members of the community, PTA and administration and staff

President Messner convened the public meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Moved by Karen Visser to enter into Executive Session to discuss the employment history of particular individuals and seek legal advice. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 5-0.

President Messner called the public hearing to order at 7:25 p.m.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester to convene the Public Hearing on Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014 & Chappaqua Central School District's Preliminary Plan. Victoria Tipp seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014 & Chappaqua Central School District's Preliminary Plan

John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Darleen Nicolosi, Director of Instructional Technology, and Joe Gramando, Director of Facilities, presented the Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014 & Chappaqua Central School District's Preliminary Plan. Mr. Chow shared that upon receipt of the $686,946 Chappaqua Central School District has determined that technology would receive $536,000 and the remaining $150,946 would be allocated to facilities. Mr. Chow shared Chappaqua Central School District's Smart Schools Investment Plan process stating that we would like to hear any comments or suggestions from the public. Mr. Chow stated that we are hoping to present to the Board of Education for approval by April 6, then submit to the New York State Education Department for final approval. Darleen Nicolosi, Director of Instructional Technology, discussed the technology portion of this plan and Joe Gramando, Director of Facilities, discussed the safety portion.

(Click here to view the full discussion of the Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014 & Chappaqua Central School District's Preliminary Plan presentation, and move cursor to 00h31s)

Moved by Victoria Tipp to adjourn the public hearing. Seconded by Karen Visser. Motion carried 5-0.

President Messner called a break at 7:45 p.m.

President Messner reconvened the meeting at 7:47 p.m.

Moved by Alyson Gardner to reconvene the public board meeting. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.

Presentations:

Technology / Athletics

Technology

Darleen Nicolosi presented the proposed technology budget focus for the 2016-17 school year will continue to be on professional learning, devices and infrastructure. Ms. Nicolosi shared the strategic vision of technology for our students. She also shared notable projects for the 2015-16 school year.

(Click here to view the full discussion of the Technology Budget presentation, and move cursor to 21m43s)

Interscholastic Athletics & Physical Education

Mr. Kuczma, Director of Athletics and Physical Education, presented the proposed 2016-17 Athletic Budget. Mr. Kuczma reviewed our sports' offerings for both boys and girls and student participation by season, with the total number of teams and coaching positions. Mr. Kuczma noted the physical education initiatives for this school year, including the review of the educational setting for special needs students developing a collaborative model for special needs students.

(Click here to view the full discussion of the Interscholastic Athletics & Physical Education Budget presentation, and move cursor to 1h13m06s)

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Report on Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund

President Messner shared that last Friday at the Mount Kisco Country Club the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund honored two deserving recipients; Dr. Ray Lucia, Horace Greeley High School, Performing Arts Department for thirty-six years, and Steffi Green, a Chappaqua resident for over 25 years who has been involved with student and community life. Mr. Messner stated that the idea of the Scholarship Fund is to help students in our community. Mr. Messner commented that two organizations, Chappaqua School Foundation (CSF) and the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund (HGSF), work together to hand-in-hand help our students.

President Messner stated that the Administration is still working on the proposed bond and will present at the March 30 Board meeting. Mr. Messner shared that the Board went on a Learning Walk at Roaring Brook Elementary School. Mr. Messner went on to thank Eric Byrne, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Amy Fishkin, Principal, Roaring Brook Elementary School, William Yang, Assistant Principal, Roaring Brook Elementary School, and the teachers whose classrooms we visited.

President Messner shared that we had New York State Commissioner of Education, Mary Ellen Elia, visit the iLab at Horace Greeley. President Messner thanked Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Superintendent, Jim Langlois, for inviting the Commissioner to our District. He went on to thank Eric Byrne for doing a fantastic job of representing our District. Victoria Tipp added a note of thanks to Dr. Kusum Sinha, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Leadership Development and Robert Rhodes, Principal, Horace Greeley High School.

(Click here to view the full discussion of item 1.1.1, and move cursor to 2h0m18s)

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals & Ratification

3.1

Minutes of February 24, 2016

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Karen Visser to approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education held February 24, 2016, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

4.1

Instructional

Eric Byrne made 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:

Felice Kuan,
Cynthia Lynch,
Diana Najjar,
Carey Weisler,
John Zager, and
Andrew Zenker.

Request for Parental Leave of Absence:

Ms. Elizabeth Morhardt, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective September 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:

Ms. Myrna Bailenson, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective June 30, 2016.

Resignation:

Ms. Brittany Meshberg, Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective Apri1 1, 2016.

Appointment: Coaching

Ms. Elizabeth Lops, Junior Varsity Softball, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 7, 2016 through June 3, 2016 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $5,136.

Mr. Brian Quigley, Junior Varsity Boys' Lacrosse, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 7, 2016 through June 3, 2016 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $6,355.

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Karen Visser to approve all items in 4.1 Recommended for Action, Personnel, Instructional, in one omnibus motion. Motion carried 5-0.

 

4.2

Non-Instructional

Eric Byrne made the following recommendations:

Resolution

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed below as a per diem custodial substitute to be employed on an "as needed" basis, effective March 17, 2016. . The salary is $15.00 per hour:

Helen Avitable

ADDENDUM

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

4.2

Non-Instructional

Appointment:

Ann-Marie Castro - Office Assistant - Automated Systems at the Horace Greeley High School, effective March 11, 2016. Ms. Castro will be on administrative leave until March 28, 2016. Her salary will be $42,848.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Karen Visser to approve Items 4.2 Recommended for Action, Personnel, Non-Instructional, including Addendum. Motion carried 5-0.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

CSE Summaries reported to the Board on March 16, 2016.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Karen Visser to approve all CSE Summaries dated March 16, 2016, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.2

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health and Welfare Services with White Plains School District for 6 students at a rate of $891.84 per student, effective September 2, 2015 to June 30, 2016, and authorizes the Board President, Superintendent, and District Clerk to execute this Agreement.

5.3

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health and Welfare Services with Harrison Central School District for 1 student at a rate of $1,088.11 per student, effective September 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, and authorizes the Board President and Superintendent to execute this Agreement.

5.4

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health and Welfare Services with Greenburgh Central School District for 2 students at a rate of $877.20 per student, effective September 2, 2015 to June 28, 2016, and authorizes the Board President, Superintendent, and District Clerk to execute this Agreement.

5.5

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health and Welfare Services with Bedford Central School District for 16 students at a rate of $1,035.58 per student, effective September 2, 2015 to June 23, 2016, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Alyson Gardner that the Board of Education approves Items 5.2 through 5.5, in one omnibus motion, 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 PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL PURCHASING PARTNERS (NPP) COOPERATIVE

WHEREAS, the Chappaqua Central School District (School District) pursuant to the authority granted in General Municipal Law, Article 5A (Public Contracts), Section 103 desires to participate in the Cooperative, which is sponsored by National Purchasing Partners (NPP); and

WHEREAS, Section 103 of the General Municipal Law permits the School District to make purchases of apparatus, materials, equipment or supplies, or to contract for services related to the installation, maintenance or repair of apparatus, materials, equipment, and supplies, may make such purchases, or may contract for such services related to the installation, maintenance or repair of apparatus, materials, equipment, and supplies, as may be required by the School District therein through the use of a contract let by the United States of America or any agency thereof, any state or any other county or political subdivision or district therein if such contract was let to the lowest responsible bidder or on the basis of best value in a manner consistent with this section and made available for use by other governmental entities; and

WHEREAS, the School District desires to participate for the purpose of fulfilling and executing its public governmental purposes, goals, objectives, programs and functions; and

WHEREAS, the School District has reviewed the benefits of participating in this program and based on this review has concluded the program will provide the best value to taxpayers of this School District through the anticipated savings to be realized;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District authorizes the School District's participation in the National Purchasing Partners (NPP) Cooperative and authorizes the Assistant Superintendent for Business or the Purchasing Agent to register for the National Purchasing Partners (NPP) program on behalf of the School District.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education approves the PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL PURCHASING PARTNERS (NPP) COOPERATIVE

 

 

WHEREAS, the Chappaqua Central School District (School District) pursuant to the authority granted in General Municipal Law, Article 5A (Public Contracts), Section 103 desires to participate in the Cooperative, which is sponsored by National Purchasing Partners (NPP); and

WHEREAS, Section 103 of the General Municipal Law permits the School District to make purchases of apparatus, materials, equipment or supplies, or to contract for services related to the installation, maintenance or repair of apparatus, materials, equipment, and supplies, may make such purchases, or may contract for such services related to the installation, maintenance or repair of apparatus, materials, equipment, and supplies, as may be required by the School District therein through the use of a contract let by the United States of America or any agency thereof, any state or any other county or political subdivision or district therein if such contract was let to the lowest responsible bidder or on the basis of best value in a manner consistent with this section and made available for use by other governmental entities; and

WHEREAS, the School District desires to participate for the purpose of fulfilling and executing its public governmental purposes, goals, objectives, programs and functions; and

WHEREAS, the School District has reviewed the benefits of participating in this program and based on this review has concluded the program will provide the best value to taxpayers of this School District through the anticipated savings to be realized;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District authorizes the School District's participation in the National Purchasing Partners (NPP) Cooperative and authorizes the Assistant Superintendent for Business or the Purchasing Agent to register for the National Purchasing Partners (NPP) program on behalf of the School District.

Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.7

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves Bid #945: Solid Waste Services for Buildings Owned by The Chappaqua Central School District and The Town of New Castle - Sani-Pro Disposal/D.B.A. Suburban Carting in the amount of $66,420, with a savings of $3,120.00 from previous contract.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Victoria Tipp that the Board of Education approves Bid #945: Solid Waste Services for Buildings Owned by The Chappaqua Central School District and The Town of New Castle - Sani-Pro Disposal/D.B.A. Suburban Carting in the amount of $66,420, with a savings of $3,120.00 from previous contract, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.8

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves Bid #946: Cafeteria Kitchen Serving Line - Paramount Restaurant Supply in the amount of $273,000.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education approves Bid #946: Cafeteria Kitchen Serving Line - Paramount Restaurant Supply in the amount of $273,000, as presented. Motion carried 5-0. Mr. Messner thanked Karen Visser, Joe Gramando and the Facilities Committee for their work.

 

5.9

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve an Agreement with Horizon Marketing Group, Inc. for the 2016-17 school year and the remainder of the 2015-16 school year, with an annual setup fee of $500/elementary school and a monthly subscription fee of $150/ elementary school, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Victoria Tipp that the Board of Education approves an Agreement with Horizon Marketing Group, Inc. for the 2016-17 school year and the remainder of the 2015-16 school year, with an annual setup fee of $500/elementary school and a monthly subscription fee of $150/ elementary school, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

Jim Skoog, Principal, Westorchard Elementary School, explained this new program. Karen Visser stated that the Communications Committee would like to see this web-based dismissal program added to each school's website. As well as to be available through the ChappApp.

 

5.10

Approve Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant request of $2,384 for Lab Quest Mini, requested by Kevin Kuczma, Paul Bianchi, Mike DeBellis, and Sue Moore, Horace Greeley High School, Grades 10-12.

5.11

Approve Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant request of $1,500 for Dr. Wendy Ross, requested by Brian O'Connor, Seven Bridges Middle School.

5.12

Approve Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant request of $2,200.41 for Arduino Shields for Robotics, requested by James Howard, Horace Greeley High School.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education approves Items 5.10 through 5.12, in one omnibus motion, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0. President Messner thanked the Chappaqua School Foundation.

 

5.13

Approve a gift from Friends of Greeley Theatre, Inc. in the amount of $2,858.44 for materials used in the March 3-5 production of You Can't Take It With You.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Victoria Tipp that the Board of Education approves a gift from Friends of Greeley Theatre, Inc. in the amount of $2,858.44 for materials used in the March 3-5 production of You Can't Take It With You. Motion carried 5-0. Ms. Gardner thanked the Friends of Greeley Theatre for their generosity.

 

5.14

Approve a gift from the Horace Greeley High School PTA in the amount of $500 for the installation of the Greeley Native Plant Learning Garden.

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Alyson Gardner that the Board of Education approves a gift Horace Greeley High School PTA in the amount of $500 for the installation of the Greeley Native Plant Learning Garden. Motion carried 5-0. Warren Messner thanked the Friends of Greeley Theatre for their generosity.

 

5.15

Approve a check from Target "Take Charge of Education" campaign in the amount of $1,588.20 to Horace Greeley High School to be deposited in the Gifts/Donations HGHS Account, to be used toward creating/improving active learning.

5.16

Approve a check from Target "Take Charge of Education" campaign in the amount of $733.16 to Roaring Brook Elementary School for "Sustainable Energy Projects" through the District.

5.17

Approve a check from Target "Take Charge of Education" campaign in the amount of $717.72 to Douglas Grafflin Elementary School for "Sustainable Energy Projects" through the District.

5.18

Approve a check from Target "Take Charge of Education" campaign in the amount of $1,136.20 to Seven Bridges Middle School for "Sustainable Energy Projects" through the District.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Victoria Tipp that the Board of Education approves Items 5.15, through 5.18, as amended. Item 5.15 will also go towards "Sustainable Energy Projects" through the District. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.19

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves an Agreement with Delia Coppola as an Independent Consultant Contractor for 20 days for the remainder of the 2015-16 school year at a daily rate of $1,000, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Jeffrey Mester that the Board of Education approves an Agreement with Delia Coppola as an Independent Consultant Contractor for 20 days for the remainder of the 2015-16 school year at a daily rate of $1,000, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

President Messner thanked Karen McNally for stepping in at Westorchard during this very difficult time.

 

5.20

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Deborah Kanuk as a member of the Chappaqua Central School District's Health & Safety Committee, effective March 17, 2016.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Victoria Tipp that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Deborah Kanuk as a member of the Chappaqua Central School District's Health & Safety Committee, effective March 17, 2016. Motion carried 5-0.

ADDENDUM

 

5.21

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the Shared Services Agreement with Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District regarding transportation effective March 28, 2016 through June 30, 2016, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Warren Messner that the Board of Education approves the Shared Services Agreement with Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District regarding transportation effective March 28, 2016 through June 30, 2016, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.22

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the Release and Settlement Agreement regarding student #601444 and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Alyson Gardner that the Board of Education approves the Release and Settlement Agreement regarding student #601444 and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

6.

Facilities

Karen Visser shared there is a Facilities Committee meeting next week, Wednesday, March 23, at 5:15 p.m. at the Education Center. The public is welcome to attend.

7.

Policy Committee

7.1

Conflicts of Interest - 4th Reading

The Board of Education reviewed changes proposed by our school attorney, Lisa Rusk. The conversation focused on parent volunteers and their ability to be in a decision-making capacity. Mr. Mester commented that he would like to speak with our attorney prior to the March 30 Board meeting. A request was made to ascertain ownership of teachers' class lesson plans. Dr. Sinha, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, will contact Lisa Rusk for clarification.

(Click here to view the full discussion of item 7.1, and move cursor to 2h33m27s)

8.

Financials

8.1

Treasurers Report - February 2016

8.2

Expenditures as of February 29, 2016

8.3

Revenues as of February 29, 2016

8.4

Treasurers Report - January 2016

8.5

Claims Auditor Report - January 31, 2016

8.6

Claims Auditor Report - December 31, 2015

8.7

Claims Auditor Report - November 30, 2015

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Victoria Tipp to accept Items 8.1 through 8.7, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

9.

Communications

Nothing at this time.

10.

Notice of Future Meetings

President Messner shared that the Horace Greeley Stage Band has Night Club tomorrow night at 7pm, in the Auditorium Lobby, which is hosted and directed by Ray Lucia.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

7:30 p.m., Regular Board of Education Meeting, Horace Greeley High School/Academic Commons

Board Meeting / Work Session: Oper. Maint. / Non-Instructional

11.

Adjournment

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Victoria Tipp to adjourn this meeting at 10:17 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.


Respectfully submitted,

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

Warren Messner
Board President

/tkd