Minutes June 8, 2020

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Monday, June 8, 2020, 6:30 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Academic Commons

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

Present:  Board of Education (all via Zoom Videoconference)
    Jane Kimmel Shepardson, President
    Holly McCall, Vice President
    Hilary Grasso
    Warren Messner
    Victoria Tipp

Staff Members: (via Zoom Videoconference)
    Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
    Adam Pease,, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum
    Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
    John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business 
    Andrew Corsilia, Principal – Horace Greeley High School
    Liisa Elsner, District Clerk

Call the Meeting to Order at 6:30 pm

President Shepardson asked for a motion to open the public meeting at 6:32 pm. 

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to open the meeting at 6:32 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Christine Ackerman will discuss with the Board of Education the video sent to administration on Friday, feedback received from our community, and the District’s response.

Dr. Ackerman spoke about incidents that occurred at Horace Greeley High School, information about which had recently been disseminated via social media and the outpouring of communication that the District has received from community members, current students and alumni.  She expressed both apology, regret and a desire to listen to and work with all stakeholders to better educate our children about systemic racism and the toxic repercussions of this type of attitude and behavior.

President Shepardson and the other Board members committed to listen to and work with the community as well and to fully support efforts of the District to move forward in a better way.

Public Comment Period:
We welcome public comments, and in respect for each other's time, in accordance with District policy each speaker shall be given the opportunity to comment for up to three minutes. Our policy regarding public speaking during Board meetings does not allow for speakers to state personally identifiable information, including the names of students or employees, when addressing incidents and concerns. 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.

Please take note: Public comments will conclude by 10:30PM or sooner if there are no longer persons seeking to speak.

Many alumni, current students, parents, residents spoke out to express their anger and pain experienced upon learning of these and other events and urged the District to do better, work harder, revise curriculum and revise code of conduct policies.  Many also expressed an interest and willingness in speaking directly to administrators and Board Members to more fully express themselves.

Dr. Ackerman spoke at the end of the meeting to thank everyone for speaking with the Board and for sharing their pain and outrage.  She reaffirmed her commitment to the students and community going forward.  Ms. Kimmel Shepardson added her thanks and the commitment of their Board to fully support the Superintendent and administration in their efforts.

Notice of Future Meetings

Tuesday, June 9, 2020 5:00 pm
Budget Vote and Election
Horace Greeley High School Gymnasium
By Absentee Ballot Only

Tuesday, June 23, 2020, 7:30 pm
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

Adjournment:

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 pm. Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke