Minutes December 5, 2018

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Horace Greeley High School - Academic Commons

Present:  Board of Education
    Warren Messner, President   
    Jane Kimmel Shepardson, Vice President
    Holly McCall
    Jeffrey Mester
    Victoria Tipp

Staff Members:
    Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
    John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business
    Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
    Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
    Joseph Gramando, Director of Facilities, Operations & Maintenance
    Jason Semo, Director of Athletics, Health & Physical Education
    Liisa Elsner, District Clerk

President Warren Messner called for a motion to convene the public meeting at 7:36 pm.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to convene the public meeting at 7:36 pm.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.  

Presentations:
Douglas Grafflin Elementary School Student Presentation
Grafflin kindergarten students demonstrated, via a series of videos, the Make Writing process being used in our elementary schools.  3 students then talked about the process and answered questions from the Board.  Following that, 4th grade students talked about their enjoyment of, and successes with, the Math Playlist and also answered questions from the Board    

1.       Information Business Affairs

1.1    Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman said that the District is pleased to celebrate National Inclusion Week and thanked the PTA, among others, for their leadership and support.  She went on to highlight that the Tri-States Consortium team would be in District for the next three days and that their focus would be on our Special Education program.  She thanked Dr. Heidi McCarthy for her masterful work in putting together the program for the Consortium.   Dr. Ackerman reminded the community and the Board that the schools are having their holiday sings and concerts.  She then asked Joe Gramando to talk about the steam pipe situation at Greeley – he discussed the issue and said that he had an appropriate plan of action.  Finally, Dr. Ackerman said that an update on the various bond projects and expenses would be going out to the community very shortly.

1.2    President’s Report – President Messner said that a letter had been sent to the Board regarding ADA compliance and doors in the schools, most specifically at Greeley.   A second item was the impending traffic from Chappaqua Crossing and that the District would be keeping an eye on developments as the various shops and businesses open.  In the matter of a possible change in school start time at Greeley, Mr. Messner indicated that this is a regional issue and would require acting in concert with other Districts.  He invited Board Member Victoria Tipp to give legislative advocacy updates.  President Messner then discussed the reasoning behind the updated District “Community Use of School District Facilities” policy and the need to update it by the end of the calendar year.  He then invited public comment.  It was agreed that the Board would have a Special Public Meeting/Forum on December 12th during which the community could hear more about the changes to the policy and voice their concerns.  This meeting/forum would be followed immediately after by a Special Public meeting.

3.2    Policy and Regulation #7000:  Community Use of School District Facilities – 1st Reading

2.      Committee Reports
Facilities Committee:  John Chow indicated that the bond projects are all under budget so far and that the bids are all out.  Board member Jeffrey Mester said that the public hearing on the Zauderer Property has been moved from December 4 to December 18.  He updated the Board and community on the various bond project timelines.
Holly McCall offered the following recommendations to the Board of Education from the Committee regarding AC and Heat Alleviation:

  • Each building shall have a plan for heat alleviation which is shared with parents.
  • The District shall have a plan for excessive heat, including when an early dismissal or cancellation of school may be indicated.
  • The Facilities Committee should look into cost and feasibility of installing air-conditioning in two high impact areas: 4th floor of Bell and the Greeley HS cafeteria. 

Public Comment Period:
We welcome public comments, and in respect for each other's time, we ask that you limit your comments to three minutes. Board members may be contacted via email or phone.  After the public comment period has been completed, Board members may have a discussion among themselves regarding comments presented.

3.      Approvals & Ratifications

3.1    Accept Minutes of November 14, 2018 Board Meeting

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to accept Item 3.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.2    Policy and Regulation #7000:  Community Use of School District Facilities – 1st Reading

3.3    Policy #2070:    Duties of the District Treasurer – 1st Reading

3.4    Policy #2000:  Board of Education:  Principles and Organization – 1st Reading

3.5    Policy #1005:  Public Participation at Board Meetings – 2nd Reading & Adoption
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #1005:  Public Participation at Board Meetings.

Item 3.5 will have a 3rd Reading at the 1/9/19 Board meeting

3.6    Policy #2002:  Board Protocols – 2nd Reading & Adoption
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #2002:  Board Protocols.

Item 3.6 will have a 3rd Reading at the 1/9/19 Board meeting

3.7    Policy #9050:  Sexual Harassment in the Workplace – 1st Reading & Adoption
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby waives a second reading of Policy #9050:  Sexual Harassment in the Workplace and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon the first reading of this policy as presented at this meeting, the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #9050:  Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to waive a second reading and adopt Policy #9050:  Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (Item 3.7).  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.8    Policy #5028:  Charging School Meals – 1st Reading & Adoption
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby waives a second reading of Policy #5028:  Charging School Meals and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon the first reading of this policy as presented at this meeting, the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #5028:  Charging School Meals.

Motioned by Holly McCall to waive a second reading and adopt Policy #5028:  Charging School Meals (Item 3.8). Seconded by Warren Messner.  Motion carried 5-0.

4.     Recommended Action:   Personnel

Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.1 as stated below:

4.1    Instructional

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as Building Specific substitute teachers for the 2018/2019 school year:

Alissa Grieco – Robert E. Bell Middle School (pending background check)
Amanda Noble – Westorchard Elementary School

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed below as a part-time per diem nurse for the 2018/2019 school year at a rate of $50.00 per hour:

Pamela Minutoli

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Active Learning Leadership Fellows effective for the 2018/2019 school year:

Priya Ma

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of English Teacher, Amy Burger, shall be amended to terminate on August 29, 2021, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.

Resignation:
Ms. Candace Athanasoulias, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 30, 2018.

Mr. James Howard, Varsity Assistant Coach, Indoor Track, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2018.

Mr. Khaled Dassan, Modified Wresting Coach, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective November 25, 2018.

Mr. Dey Dey Tuach, Varsity Coach, Boys Indoor Track, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2018.

Appointment: Long-term Substitute
Ms. Susan Buchman, Guidance Counselor, Horace Greeley High School, effective December 3, 2018 through April 30, 2019 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education and pending fingerprint clearance), $500.00, per diem.

Appointment: Coaching - Effective November 13, 2018 through March 17, 2019

Name Position Sport Step Salary
James Howard Varsity Boys Indoor Track 3 $8,558

 Appointment: Coaching - Effective November 26, 2018 through March 17, 2019

Name Position Sport Step Salary
Khaled Dassan JV Assistant Wresting 2 $6,444


 

Appointment: Coaching - Effective December 6, 2018 through March 17, 2019

Name Position Sport Step Salary
Jovan Zigic Varsity Girls Indoor Track 1 $6,945
Jordan Moore  Varsity Assistant Co-Coach Indoor Track 1 $2,604
Michael Barnow Varsity Assistant Co-Coach Indoor Track 1 $2,604
Alex Delacruz Modified - Robert E. Bell Wrestling 1 $4,635

 

 

 

 

 

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below:

4.2    Non-Instructional 

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Board President to execute an Agreement regarding Employee #3113, as presented to the Board at this meeting.  A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

Appointment:
Sheryl Heath, Senior Office Assistant – Automated Systems, at Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective December 6, 2018.  Her annual salary will be Step 7, $48,669, in accordance with the COSA contract. 

Linda Cohen-Stumer, Office Assistant – Automated Systems, in the Special Education Department, effective December 10, 2018.  Her annual salary will be Step 7, $46,834, in accordance with the COSA contract.

Resignation for the Purpose of Retirement:
Bonnie Grossman, Teacher Aide at Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective December 23, 2018.

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorize a discretionary leave of absence, without pay, for Sheryl Heath, effective December 13 and December 14, 2018.

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.      Recommended Action:  Other

5.1    CSE Summaries (2018-19 School Year) reported to the Board on December 5, 2018. 

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to approve Item 5.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.2    WHEREAS, the Ossining Union Free School District has requested that the Chappaqua Central School District approve the participation of two of their students as a ski team of two to train and participate along with the Chappaqua Central School District; and

WHEREAS, the arrangement has been approved in accordance with Section 1 and NYSPHSSA regulations, and the District has received a Certificate of Liability Insurance from the Ossining School District naming the Chappaqua Central School District as an additional insured;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education hereby approves the participation of two students from Ossining Union Free School District to train and attend meets with the Chappaqua Central School District ski team during the 2018-19 school year upon the following terms and conditions:

  • Ossining Union Free School District shall be responsible for providing medical clearance for the students’ participation.
  • Ossining Union Free School District will be responsible for the transportation of their students to and from all practices and meets at their expense.
  • No Chappaqua Central School District student shall be denied participation as a result of the participation of the Ossining students; and
  • There shall be absolutely no cost whatsoever to the Chappaqua Central School District.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the District Clerk is directed to provide the Ossining Union Free School District with a copy of this resolution.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 5.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant Gift for Hands-on History materials connected to the sixth grade ancient civilizations social studies curriculum, in the amount of $1,048.30 submitted by Robert E. Bell Middle School teacher Miriam Longobardi.

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 5.3 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.4    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.

Motioned by Jeffrey Mester to approve Item 5.4 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Agreement for Services with Team Moljo for Professional Development Training (Strength & Conditioning), in the amount of $1,000.00, during the 2018-19 school year, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 5.5 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Agreement for Services with Angela Stockman for Professional Development, in the amount of $12,000.00, during the 2018-19 school year, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 5.6.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion withdrawn by Victoria Tipp. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to approve Item 5.6 as amended above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.7    BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby ratifies the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Administrators’ Association regarding Non-Resident Faculty Children dated December 5, 2018, as presented to the Board at this meeting.  A copy of said Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

Motioned by Holly McCall to approve Item 5.7 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.8    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement with KG&D Architects, dated November 12, 2018, in the amount of $43,640.00 (Approval & Design), and $23,500.00 (Bidding & Construction Administration), for Robert E. Bell Middle School – Cafeteria Renovations, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 5.8 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.9    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an anonymous gift of 30 Cascade Lacrosse Helmets at $220 per helmet plus $15 for decals per helmet to the Horace Greeley High School Varsity Lacrosse program for the 2019 lacrosse season The total donation is $7,050.00.

Motioned by Jeffrey Mester to approve Item 5.9 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.10    ORDINARY CONTINGENT EXPENSE/EMERGENCY REPAIR OF STEAM LINE/ RETURN LINE AT HORACE GREELEY HIGH SCHOOL

WHEREAS, as a result of steam emerging from the ground in front of the Horace Greeley High School (“High School”) it was discovered that there is a leak in the steam line or return line going from the courtyard to the gymnasium; and

WHEREAS, in order to determine the source and location of the leak, the District excavated an underground vault which had steam coming from it, but found no major leaks in the lines in that vault; and 

WHEREAS, in an effort to continue the investigation into the location of the leak the District has engaged the services of an HVAC/plumbing/mechanical contractor and a thermal imaging company; and

WHEREAS, if the source and location of the leak is located, it must be immediately remediated and repaired to preserve the District’s property and to enable the use of the High School gymnasium by the students and staff in a safe and healthful manner; and

WHEREAS, in the event that the District cannot locate the source and location of the leak, it will be necessary to rent and hook up an exterior temporary boiler for the High School gymnasium for the remainder of the heating season; and  

WHEREAS, the Board is empowered to determine that the expense of these activities is an ordinary contingent expense within the meaning of §2023 of the New York State Education Law and §170.2(l) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education and that the project constitutes an emergency under Section 103 of the General Municipal Law to allow for the investigation, remediation and repair activities without the necessity of competitive bidding and to enable approval by the State Education Department on an expedited basis; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby determines and declares that the cost of the investigative efforts, remediation and repair of the steam line or return line at the High School and/or the rental and hook up of an exterior temporary boiler for the High School gymnasium for the remainder of the school year, including related services and incidental costs and expenses, constitutes an ordinary contingent expense within the meaning of §2023 of the Education Law and §170.2(l) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, and constitutes an emergency within the meaning of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law, and hereby authorizes the expenditure of those funds necessary for such purposes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby determines that the investigative, remediation and repair activities described above at the High School, as well as renting and hooking up an exterior temporary boiler for the High School gymnasium, including associated services, will not have a significant environmental impact and declares this project a Type II Action pursuant to §617.5 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act regulations, and no further action is required; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools, the District Architect and/or Engineer are hereby authorized to immediately prepare any necessary specifications for this emergency project; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to make transfers between and within functional unit appropriations in the general fund in order to pay for the costs of this ordinary contingent expense; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby ratifies the actions of the Director of Facilities, Operations and Maintenance and the Assistant Superintendent for Business in investigating the source of the leak including engaging the services of contractors to assist in that endeavor. 

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 5.10 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

6.      Facilities 
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges Change Orders approved by the Superintendent per Board Resolution adopted at June 14, 2017 Board of Education meeting

6.1   Change order #HGHS PC-002 approved by the Superintendent:
Project:  Horace Greeley High School Capital Improvements
Contractor:  S&L Plumbing and Heating Corp.
Description:  Labor, equipment & materials needed to exchange two Bradley LVLD3 (triple sinks) for two double sinks per the attached PCO #6 dated 10/12/2018
Amount:  $1,748.02

6.2   Change order #HGHS MC-001 approved by the Superintendent:
Project:  Horace Greeley High School Capital Improvements
Contractor:  Southeast Mechanical Corp.
Description:  Labor, equipment & materials needed to remove and replace a broken 4” waste line serving 2nd floor Girls Toilet Room in Building K as per the attached PCO dated July 26, 2018
Amount:  $2,973.00

6.3   Change order #HGHS MC-002 approved by the Superintendent:
Project:  Horace Greeley High School Capital Improvements
Contractor:  Southeast Mechanical Corp.
Description:  Labor, equipment & materials to install refrigerant DX piping to meet current manufacturers’ recommendation as per the attached PCO #3 dated August 15, 2018 and RFI #33
Amount:  $9,650.00

6.4   Change order #EC-004-SB approved by the Superintendent:
Project:  Seven Bridges Middle School Capital Improvements
Contractor:  All Bright Electric
Description:  Labor, equipment & materials related to providing A1 and A2 light hangers, after credit for administrative correction from Change Order EC-001-SB
Amount:  $4,990.79

6.5   Change order #Library MC-001 approved by the Superintendent:
Project:  Chappaqua Public Library Capital Improvements
Contractor:  Southeast Mechanical Corp.
Description:  Labor, equipment & materials to relocate one indoor A/C unit from the office to the data closet per the attached PCO #03, dated August 20, 2018
Amount:  $4,937.00

6.6   Change order #LL 11-11-18-1 HG Field C Guide Rail approved by the Superintendent:
Project:  Horace Greeley High School Capital Improvements
Contractor:  Laura Li Industries
Description:  Labor, equipment & materials to remove existing railing, install 550 LF of new wood rail, 8x8 post with 4x4 rails
Amount:  $38,500.00

6.7   Change order #LL 11-11-18-2 HG Stone Walkway approved by the Superintendent:
Project:  Horace Greeley High School Capital Improvements
Contractor:  Laura Li Industries
Description:  Labor, equipment & materials to dig out and grade for new 5’ walkway, install ¾ stone base, install finish stone
Amount:  $26,400.00

Motioned by Warren Messner to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.7 as stated above.  Seconded by Jeffrey Mester. Motion carried 5-0.

7.      Financials

7.1    Claims Auditor Report – October 2018

Motioned by Holly McCall to accept Item 7.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

8.      Notice of Future Meetings

Wednesday, January 9, 2019 7:30 pm
Budget Preview
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 7:30 pm
Roaring Brook Student Presentation
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

9.      Adjournment

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn the meeting at 9:16 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0.  Board member Victoria Tipp was absent.

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke