Minutes December 11, 2019

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, December 11, 2019, 5:00 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Academic Commons

Presiding Officer: Jane Kimmel Shepardson
Pledge of Allegiance: Holly McCall

Present:  Board of Education
    Jane Kimmel Shepardson, President
    Holly McCall, Vice President
    Hilary Grasso
    Warren Messner
    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
    Liisa Elsner, District Clerk

President Jane Kimmel Shepardson called for a motion to convene the public meeting at 5:34 pm.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to convene the public meeting at 5:34 pm.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.   Board Member Warren Messner was absent.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to appoint Holly McCall clerk pro tem.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 4-0.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss litigation, the employment history of particular persons, audit report results and to receive advice from counsel at 5:35 pm.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 4-0.  

Board Member Warren Messner joined the meeting at 5:40 pm.

President Shepardson called for a motion to re-convene the public meeting at 7:42 pm.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to re-convene the public meeting at 7:42 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0. 

1.       Information Business Affairs

1.1    President’s Report – President Shepardson began by thanking the PTA for the recent holiday lunch and for their partnership & support throughout the year.  She said the recent Athletic Department Strategic Planning meeting went well and that all stakeholders were well represented.  She said that the HGSF Game Night was a great success.  She went on to thank the CSF for the Instagrant awards listed below.  She followed up by wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

1.2    Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman highlighted the following:

  • There will be a parent info session about NWEA on 12/16 at 7:00 pm
  • She congratulated Dr. Heidi McCarthy upon her impending retirement in April, and thanked her for her tremendous efforts on behalf of our students.
  • Dr. Carolyn McGuffog is continuing her work in the District
  • Dr. Lisa Damour, author of “Under Pressure” will be speaking at HGHS on 1/9 at 3:30 pm
  • Public Consulting Group will be reviewing our Guidance/Counselling practices
  • Dr. Jean Twenge, author of “iGen” will be conducting professional development at speaking at HGHS on 3/12
  • She mentioned contracts with KG&D regarding the HGHS Boiler Plant and Rhoda Maurer regarding the HGHS Plant Sciences & Bioclimatic Center
  • The recommendation from the Single Point of Entry Committee will be made to the Board at the January 22 meeting
  • Dr. Ackerman concluded by wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

Presentations:

HGHS Select Ensemble

Douglas Grafflin Elementary School Student Presentation – Grafflin students in Ms. Cohen and Ms. Rose’s classes gave lively presentations about their PBL Game Process and the “Grafflin Through My Eyes” photography project.

Board of Education Office Hours – President Shepardson and the Board had a discussion about conducting “Office Hours” on a regular basis as another opportunity to engage with the Community. They will work to arrange times and hours and will communicate to the public.

2.      Committee Reports

Communications:  President Shepardson indicated that they are hoping to have a recommendation for a PR specialist by early January.

Wellness:  Ms. Grasso said that discussion at the recent Wellness Committee Meeting centered on the success of the “recess first” initiative at 2 of our elementary schools, and the offering of plant-based “meat” at HGHS.

Facilities:  Mr. Messner mentioned that there have been some issues with the construction at the Library and that they will be addressed with the construction company.

Advocacy:  Ms. Tipp said that she had recently testified at one of several hearings being held around the state regarding Foundation Aid and gave a recap of the history of the issue.

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    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the November 13, 2019 Board Meeting.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to Table Item 3.1 as stated above to a future meeting.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the November 21, 2019 Special Board Meeting.

Motioned by Holly McCall to accept Item 3.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.3    Policy #5052:  Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention – 1st Reading.

Item 3.3 will move to a 2nd Reading and Adoption at the January 8, 2020 Board Meeting

3.4    Policy #6095:  Travel, Conference and Meeting Expenses – 1st Reading

Item 3.4 will move to a 2nd Reading and Adoption at the January 8, 2020 Board Meeting

3.5    Policy #5003:  Student Voter Registration – 1st Reading and Adoption.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby waives a second reading of Policy #5003:  Student Voter Registration 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 #5003:  Student Voter Registration.

Motioned by Warren Messner to waive a second reading and approve Item 3.5 Policy #5003:  Student Voter Registration, as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  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:

Daniel Fanelli
Jill Mendelson
Angela Rogan
Maryel Schneider
Aferdita Tackaci

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby amends the length of service for Long Term Substitute Teachers to receive the long-term rate from 30 consecutive days of service to 20 consecutive days of service.

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as PSAT and/or SAT and/or ACT proctors to be employed on an "as needed" basis effective for the 2019/2020 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:

Nancie Felton
Miriam Fernandez
Lori Mastroddi

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teachers, interns and/or classroom observers for the 2019/2020 school year:

Pasquale Arbitrio
Samantha Corona
Susan Fitzgerald
Dominique Piccolino

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the probationary term of Elementary Teacher, Kayla Castaneda, shall be amended to terminate on August 28, 2022, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools and Board President to execute an Agreement, dated December 11, 2019, on behalf of the School District, with Ms. Angela Rogan, as presented to the Board at this meeting, whereby Ms. Rogan shall perform contract services as an Art teacher for the School District for the period commencing December 2, 2019 and terminating June 30, 2020.  A copy of this Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

Resignation:
Ms. Eleanor Friedman, Library Media Specialist, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2019.

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:
Dr. Heidi McCarthy, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, District-wide, effective April 26, 2020.

Ms. JoAnne Kohn, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective June 30, 2020.

Request for Extension of Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Kristin McGurl, Teacher of Health, Horace Greeley High School, effective January 20, 2020 through June 30, 2020.

Appointment: Leave Replacement
Mr. Michael Greaney, Leave Replacement Teacher of Health, Horace Greeley High School, effective January 20, 2020 through June 30, 2020 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 15, B(BA+30) with Masters, $57,333.

Appointment: Long-term Substitute
Ms. Elizabeth DeLessio-Neubauer, School Psychologist, Horace Greeley High School, Robert E. Bell and Seven Bridges Middle Schools, effective January 6, 2020 through March 31, 2020 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $500 per diem.

Appointment: Coaching - Effective December 12, 2019 through March 15, 2020

Name Position Sport Step Salary
Nicholaus Rodwell Varsity Assistant Girls Basketball 1 $6,493.00
Nicholas Clair Assistant Co-Coach Indoor Track 1 $2,657.00
Kristen Pyrch Junior Varsity Cheerleading 1 $4,129.00

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.

4.2    Non-Instructional 

Appointment:
Naveen Saly George, Clerk-School Monitor (Session), Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective December 12, 2019, at an annual salary of $28,357, Step 6.

Resignation for the Purpose of Retirement:
Britt Asmundsson, Computer Lab Aide at Westorchard Elementary School, resigned for the purpose of retirement, effective January 10, 2020.

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment of Susana Perez, Health Aide at Westorchard Elementary School, from 24 hours/week to 17.5 hours/week, effective December 12, 2019.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment of Susan Fitzgerald, Computer Lab Aide at Douglas G. Grafflin Elementary School, from 35 hours/week to 20 hours/week, effective January 21, 2020. 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed below as a per diem clerical/aide substitute to be employed on an “as needed” basis, effective January 13, 2020, at $15.00 per hour:

Britt Asmundsson

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

5.      Recommended Action:  Other
Use of the Consent Agenda permits the Board of Education to make more effective use of its time by adopting a single motion to cover those relatively routine matters, which are included. Any member of the Board who wishes to discuss individually a particular piece of business on the Consent Agenda may so indicate and that item will be considered and voted on separately, thus preserving the right of all Board members to be heard on any issue. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the following Consent agenda as submitted by the Superintendent of Schools.

5.1    CSE Summaries (2019-20 School Year) reported to the Board on December 11, 2019.

5.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $67,497.31 to redistribute elementary school security project appropriations, and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer.

5.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board President is authorized to execute Hardship and Eligibility Amendments to the Chappaqua Central School District’s 403(b) Retirement Plan, as presented to the Board at this meeting, in order to bring the District’s 403(b) Plan in conformance with the regulation changes regarding eligibility requirements for part-time employees and hardship distributions. A copy of the Hardship and Eligibility Amendments are incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

5.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Services with Jean Twenge, for Professional Development on March 11 and 12, 2020, at an amount not to exceed $16,000.00, inclusive of travel, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.5    WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District is planning a project involving the addition of a boiler plant and security office onto the A Building at Horace Greeley High School, located at 70 Roaring Brook Road, Chappaqua, NY (the “Proposed Project”); and

WHEREAS, the Board wishes to comply with the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA); and

WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed the components, phases and aspects of the Proposed Project; and

WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed the Proposed Project with respect to the Type II criteria set forth in the SEQRA Regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617.5 and has determined that the Proposed Project is a Type II Action pursuant to Section 617.5(c)(1), (2), and/or (10) of the SEQRA Regulations; 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District hereby determines that the Proposed Project is a Type II action pursuant to Section 617.5(c)(1), (2), and/or (10) of the SEQRA Regulations and will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment and that no further review of the Proposed Project is required.

617.5 (c) (1) states:
"maintenance or repair involving no substantial change in an existing structure or facility"

617.5 (c) (2) states:  
“replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site, including upgrading buildings to meet building or fire codes, unless such action meets or exceeds any of the thresholds in section 617.4 of this Part”  

617.5 9 (c) (10) states:
“routine activities of educational institutions, including expansion of existing facilities by less than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area and school closings, but not changes in use related to such closings”

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with J. Antonelli Roofing for Seven Bridges Middle School Gym and Library Roof Repair, in the amount of $182,825.00 as detailed in Bid Award Recommendation #B2019-21 (approved by the Board at its meeting on October 30, 2019) and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.

5.7    BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Sabra Staudenmaier, Eleana Noble, Dawn Dellner as members of the Chappaqua Central School District's Health & Safety Committee, effective December 12, 2019.  Ms. Nobel replaces Deborah Kanuk and Ms. Dellner replaces Karen Greco, both of whom have resigned from the Committee.

5.8    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement with KG&D Architects dated October 15, 2019, in the amount of $116,000.00, for Architectural & Engineering Services related to the Horace Greeley High School Plant Sciences & Bioclimatic Center, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.

5.9    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Transportation Contract with Southern Westchester BOCES for the 2019-20 school year in the amount of $4,410.00 and authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to execute the contract.

5.10    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the recommendations of the Audit Committee to 1) accept the Updated Risk Assessment Report covering the State mandates for the year ending June 30, 2020, and 2) select Payroll as the intensive review area for the 2019-20 school year.

5.11    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant Gift for Innovative Chairs, in the amount of $2,366.51 submitted by Douglas Grafflin Elementary School teacher Sandi Schassler.

5.12    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant Gift for Kindergarten Vertical Work Stations, in the amount of $2,211.10 submitted by Douglas Grafflin Elementary School teachers Jennifer Pollitt and Abby Gitlin.

5.13    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant Gift for the Greenburgh Nature Center Recycling Program, in the amount of $2,500.00 submitted by Douglas Grafflin Principal Carol Bartlik.

5.14    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of an Agreement with the Chappaqua Administrators Association (CAA) bargaining unit regarding Retiree Health Reimbursement, as presented to the Board at this meeting.  A copy of the agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

5.15    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Services with Rhoda Maurer, for consulting services regarding the Horace Greeley Plant Sciences & Bioclimatic Center during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, at a rate of $200.00 per hour, not to exceed 50 hours, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.16    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Services Agreement with Public Consulting Group, Inc., for a comprehensive school counseling review, effective December 12, 2019 through June 30, 2020, in the amount of $39,200.00 and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Items 5.1 through 5.16 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-009
Project:   Horace Greeley High School Capital Improvements
Contractor:  Southeast Mechanical Corp.
Description:  Additional overtime for labor and equipment scheduled Saturday, 11/9/19, to set unit MAU-1 on the steam center roof per the attached PCO #13–revised dated 11/6/19
Amount:  $8,480.00

6.2    Change Order:  GC-04-SB
Project:   Seven Bridges Middle School Security Project
Contractor:  Casabella Contracting of NY, Inc.
Description:  Labor, equipment and materials related to replacing three solarban 60 tempered glass panels at exterior entrance.
Amount:  $1,391.50

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge Items 6.1 and 6.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

7.      Financials

7.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Treasurer’s Report for October 2019.

7.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Claims Auditor’s Report for October 2019.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to accept Items 7.1 and 7.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

8.        Notice of Future Meetings

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 7:30 pm
Budget Preview
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 7:30 pm
Westorchard Student Presentation
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

9.      Adjournment

Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 9:24 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.  

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke