Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes January 23, 2019
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
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
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
President Warren Messner called for a motion to convene the public meeting at 7:42 pm.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to convene the public meeting at 7:42 pm. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report - President Messner spoke briefly about the Governor’s proposed budget and its potential ramifications for public schools. He then congratulated the Boys Swim Team and Coach Meg Kaplan for a great season and recognition as NYS Boys Swim and Diving Coach of the Year. He then asked HGHS Principal Andrew Corsilia to introduce the three Regeneron Science Talent Search Semi-finalists and congratulated them on this achievement.
1.1.1 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars – Principal Corsilia introduced each of the Regeneron Semifinalists and had them speak about their project. He then announced that two of the three were going on to the next level of competition as finalists. Each Scholar spoke to the Board and then addressed the elementary school students and encouraged them to explore the world of science.
Presentations:
Roaring Brook Elementary School Student Presentation – Roaring Brook 2nd graders described their Problem Based Learning project which focused on how to lift a pumpkin. They talked about the steps in their process, involving research, design, prototypes, trials, creation and reflection. Then Roaring Brook 3rd graders gave a lively presentation about a unit of their social studies curriculum which involved the creation of a “travel agency” and additional materials (topographical maps and brochures).
Tri-States Consortium Visit – Feedback Analysis – Dr. Heidi McCarthy gave a recap of the recent Tri-States visit to Chappaqua and indicated that feedback from the consortium had been positive with some suggestions for the District to consider.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman thanked the Roaring Brook students and staff and also Dr. McCarthy. She noted that the Board and Admin team had just had a great retreat, that there will be an opening ceremony for the new Fitness Center/Dance Studio at Greeley on 2/27 at 3:00 pm and also that the 8th grade parents would have their high school orientation on the evening of 1/24.
1.2.1 2019-20 District Calendar – Draft – Dr. Ackerman presented a draft of the 2019-20 District Calendar and invited the Board and community to submit questions and any feedback for its adoption at the February 13th Board Meeting.
2. Committee Reports
Facilities Committee: Jeffrey Mester said that the facilities committee met the prior week, and that all the Bond Work is going well with possibly some minor disruptions with the middle school STEAM centers. He reported on a KG&D update regarding the causes of the 7 Bridges leaks (copper soldering and building settling). Mr. Mester noted the following upcoming meetings: 1) 1/24 6:00 pm meeting at Greeley with neighbors regarding new field usage and construction at Greeley, 2) 1/24 7:00 pm meeting with neighbors to the Zauderer/Buttonhook property, 3) 2/5, 7:00 pm at New Castle Town Hall Public Hearing re. Zauderer/Buttonhook Property, 4) 3/14 5:00 pm at Ed Center – Facilities Committee Meeting. He also said that the Committee had received an estimate of $48,000 to paint the roof of Bell white.
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 January 9, 2019 Board Meeting
Motioned by Victoria Tipp to accept Item 3.1 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. 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 per diem substitute teachers to be employed on an “as needed” basis:
Amelia Abemayor
Elise Cooper
Brian Hiller
Joan Sepler
Laura Tainsky
Maricelly Velez-Delgado
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as a paid intern at the daily rate of $85.00 for the 2018/2019 school year through the PNW BOCES Internship Program:
Brendan Woods
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby creates a 1.0 (FTE) English as a New Language (ENL) position due to an increase in need. This action results in the creation of a 1.0 (FTE) ENL position district-wide effective February 25, 2019.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby abolishes 1.0 FTE Interim Assistant Principal position, effective close of business on December 7, 2018.
Resignation:
Ms. Lisa Ciraldo, BOCES Intern, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective January 18, 2019.
Appointment: Probationary
Ms. Kathryn Mercury, Teacher of English as a New Language, district-wide, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of English as a Second Language effective February 25, 2019 through February 24, 2023, subject to receipt of composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education law Section 3012-c and/or 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) proceeding years, and if the probationer receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period he or she shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 5, B(BA+30) with Masters, $83,662, prorated.
Motioned by Jeffrey Mester to approve Item 4.1 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.
4.2 Non-Instructional
Appointment:
Susana Perez, Health Aide at Westorchard Elementary School, 17.5 hours/week/session, effective January 24, 2019. Her annual salary will be Step 2, $12,655.
Resignation:|
Caitlin Franze, Computer Aide at Horace Greeley High School, resigned effective January 25, 2019.
Motioned by Jeffrey Mester to approve Item 4.2 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
5. Recommended Action: Other
5.1 CSE Summaries (2018-19 School Year) reported to the Board on January 23, 2019.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 5.1 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
5.2 WHEREAS, the libraries at the three (3) Elementary Schools have been renovated and shelving and other associated components (“shelving”) manufactured by Biblomodel have been installed in all of these schools; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the renovation, and the “weeding” of old books, and redesign of furniture in the Elementary School libraries, there is a surplus of Biblomodel shelving that can be used in the renovation of the Library at Horace Greeley High School; and
WHEREAS, in order to utilize the shelving from the Elementary Schools for the High School library, additional shelving and other associated components manufactured by Biblomodel must be utilized; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary and appropriate to standardize the purchase of such shelving for the High School library to shelving and associated components manufactured by Biblomodel;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority conferred by §103(5) of the General Municipal Law, the Board of Education hereby determines that it is in the best interests of the District, for reasons of economy and efficiency, including financial savings to the School District estimated at between $10,000 and $15,000, to standardize the School District’s shelving and associated components for the Horace Greeley High School library by requiring the purchase of such products manufactured by Biblomodel; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Purchasing Agent for the School District is authorized to contract for, and purchase, additional shelving as the School District may require for the High School library manufactured only by Biblomodel, and be authorized to purchase such equipment from the lowest responsible bidder, after advertisement for sealed bids in the manner provided by Section 103 of General Municipal Law, or any other process permissible under such law, including but not limited to State contract, through a BOCES Co-Ser, federal, state or county contracts or by piggybacking onto another state’s bid/RFP so long as it is determined that such other state’s bid/RFP substantially complies with the provisions of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law.
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 gift of $500.00 from Exxon Mobil courtesy of Millwood Auto Center, to Douglas Grafflin Elementary School to be used to purchase additional supplies for the new makerspace.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 5.3 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
5.4 WHEREAS, various educational and municipal corporations located within the State of New York desire to bid jointly for generally needed services and standardized supply and equipment items; and
WHEREAS, the Chappaqua Central School District, an educational/municipal corporation (hereinafter the “Participant”) is desirous of selectively participating with other educational and/or municipal corporations in the State of New York in joint bidding in the areas mentioned above pursuant to General Municipal Law § 119-o and Education Law Section 1950; and
WHEREAS, the Participant is a municipality within the meaning of General Municipal Law § 119-n and is eligible to participate in the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, First Supervisory District of Suffolk County (hereinafter Easter Suffolk BOCES) Joint Municipal Cooperative Bidding Program (hereinafter the “Program”) in the areas mentioned above; and
WHEREAS, the Participant acknowledges receipt of the Program description inclusive of Eastern Suffolk BOCES’ standard bid packet and the general conditions relating to said Program; and
WHEREAS, with respect to all activities conducted by the Program, the Participant wishes to delegate to Eastern Suffolk BOCES the responsibility for drafting of bid specifications, advertising for bids, accepting and opening bids, tabulating bids, awarding the bids, and reporting the results to the Participant.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Participant hereby appoints Eastern Suffolk BOCES to represent it and to act as the lead agent in all matters related to the Program as described above; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLEVED that the Participant hereby authorizes Eastern Suffolk BOCES to place all legal advertisements for any required cooperative bidding in Newsday, which is designated as the official newspaper for the Program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Participant Meeting shall be held annually consisting of a representative from each Program Participant. Notice of the meeting shall be given to each representative at least five (5) days prior to such meeting; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an Advisory Committee will be formed consisting of five to ten representatives of Program Participants for a term of three (3) years as authorized by General Municipal Law §119-0.2.j.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Agreement with the Participant shall be for a term of one (1) year as authorized by General Municipal Law §119-0.2.j.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Participant agrees to pay Eastern Suffolk BOCES an annual fee as determined annually by Eastern Suffolk BOCES to act as the lead agent for the Program and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 5.4 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
5.5 WHEREAS, the District owns the attached list of items which are no longer useful or necessary for school district purposes and are 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 5.5 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Bid Award Recommendation #B2019-1: Furniture for Horace Greeley High School and Westorchard Elementary School Libraries– recommended award to Creative Library Concepts, in the amount of $28,675.34
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 5.6 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant Gift for the GLOBE International Water Quality Program in the amount of $1,833.45, submitted by Horace Greeley High School Science Teacher Carol DiGuglielmo.
Motioned by Victoria Tipp to approve Item 5.7 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education President is hereby authorized, along with the Superintendent of Schools, to sign the Certification Form for the submission of the 2018-19 school year Undue Burden Independent Evaluator Hardship Waiver Application for its Section 3012-d APPR Plan to the State Education Department. A copy of said application shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 5.8 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the Independent Evaluation Agreement with Developmental Assessment & Intervention Center for an independent comprehensive psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluation, and participation in a CSE meeting, for student #701585, in the amount not to exceed $4,480.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 5.9 as stated above. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 5-0.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract for a Paging Project in all six school buildings with Select Telecom, Inc., in the amount of $389,672.10 and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
Motioned by Jeffrey Mester to approve Item 5.10 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the board of Education approves the appointment of Ronald Gamma, Colleen O’Connor, and Lauralyn Stewart as Title IX/Title VII/Title VI Compliance Officers at Horace Greeley High School for the 2018-19 school year.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Ronald Gamma, Colleen O’Connor, and Lauralyn Stewart as DASA Coordinators at Horace Greeley High School for the 2018-19 school year.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Items 5.11 and 5.12 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. 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 MC-003 approved by the Superintendent:
Project: Horace Greeley High School Capital Improvements
Contractor: Southeast Mechanical Corp.
Description: Labor and materials related to remove convectors on the upper level of building L per attached PCO #4 revised December 3, 2018.
Amount: $9,488.00
6.2 Change order #Bradhurst CO#1 - Bell approved by the Superintendent:
Project: Robert E. Bell Middle School Athletic Field Improvements
Contractor: Bradhurst Site Const. Corp.
Description: Cut, Chip, Stump removal of 1 tree and transplant 4 trees.
Amount: $5,300.00
6.3 Change order #Bradhurst CO#2 - Bell approved by the Superintendent:
Project: Robert E. Bell Middle School Athletic Field Improvements
Contractor: Bradhurst Site Const. Corp.
Description: Reconnect existing clay pipe due to interference at concrete vault.
Amount: $1,900.00
6.4 Change order #MC-004R-RB approved by the Superintendent:
Project: Robert E. Bell Middle School Capital Improvements
Contractor: Framan Mechanical, Inc.
Description: Labor, equipment and materials related to redesigned ductwork for Application Lab 304/304A and Design Studio 306 necessary to accommodate field conditions, as addressed via RFI #17 response dated 7/31/18
Amount: $36,130.00
6.5 Change order #MC-005R-SB approved by the Superintendent:
Project: Seven Bridges Middle School Capital Improvements
Contractor: Framan Mechanical, Inc.
Description: Labor, equipment and materials related to provide additional ductwork and three additional return-air grilles at the STEAM center.
Amount: $5,676.30
Motioned by Jeffrey Mester to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.5 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Financials
7.1 Claims Auditor Report – December 2018
7.2 Treasurer’s Report – November 2018
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to accept Items 7.1 and 7.2 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
8. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 7:30 pm
Robert E. Bell Student Presentation
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons
Wednesday, March 6, 2019 7:30 pm
Seven Bridges Middle School Student Presentation/Superintendent’s Budget Proposal
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons
8. Adjournment
Motioned by Holly McCall to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 pm. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke