Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes October 15, 2019
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, October 15, 2019, 6:30 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 6:30 pm.
Motioned by Victoria Tipp to convene the public meeting at 6:30 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 3-0. Board Members Hilary Grasso and Warren Messner were absent.
Motioned by Victoria Tipp to appoint Holly McCall clerk pro tem. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 3-0. Board Members Hilary Grasso and Warren Messner were absent.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular persons, litigation, and to receive advice from counsel at 6:31 pm. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 3-0. Board Members Hilary Grasso and Warren Messner were absent.
Board Member Hilary Grasso joined the meeting at 6:35 pm. Board Member Warren Messner joined the meeting at 6:40 pm.
President Jane Kimmel Shepardson called for a motion to re-convene the public meeting at 8:00 pm.
Motioned by Holly McCall to re-convene the public meeting at 8:00 pm. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Shepardson began by complimenting Dawn Greenberg her work involving the Chappaqua Children’s Book Fair. The event was a tremendous success. She also spoke about Superintendent’s Conference Day and said that the keynote was terrific. She reminded the community that Marc Brackett would be giving a presentation on Social Emotional Learning at 6:30 pm on October 21 and encouraged everyone to attend.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman encouraged everyone to participate in Mom’s Night out which is sponsored by the CSF. She also spoke about the 10/21 SEL presentation and thanked the PTA and Adam Pease for their organization of the event. She reminded the community that the Annual HGSF Spelling Bee will be taking place on 11/4. Dr. Ackerman said that feedback was tremendously positive on the day’s Superintendent Conference Day and that we now have faculty and staff from other district’s attending and sharing in our events. She thanked Anna Zhang, Greeley graduate, for selecting HGHS as a recipient of her Google Play winnings and congratulated her also. Dr. Ackerman thanked Friends of Greeley Theatre for their generous gift and oncoming support and urged the community to attend Cinderella on 11/21, 22 and 23. Finally she asked John Chow to give a brief update on the sale of the Zauderer property. Mr. Chow reminded the Board that, on August 7, after an extensive bid and review process, the realtor contract was awarded to Julia B. Fee/Sotheby’s and that that the Board would now be determining the sale price and terms of the agreement. The property will go on sale on October 16, 2019.
Presentations:
Audit Approval - Alan Kassay (PFK O’Connor Davies) reviewed the results of the District’s external audit. He indicated that the results of the audit were very good and that the District is in good financial health.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the external audit report for year ending June 30, 2019.
Motioned by Warren Messner to accept the external audit report. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
Assessment Review for the 2018-19 Academic Year - Adam Pease presented results of the Grades 3-8 ELA and Math Assessments. Andrew Corsilia reviewed Regents exam results and Advanced Placement exam results and participation.
2. Committee Reports
Communications Committee – President Shepardson said the Committee had met on 9/26 and was moving ahead to hire a PR Consultant/Specialist to work with District administrators on an improved communications plan and increasing the District’s profile.
Green Committee – Holly McCall reported that the Committee had met recently and that the HGHS Sustainability Club presentation highlighted various efforts and promoted the idea of advocating sustainability as a District value and moving the school community toward environmental literacy.
Facilities Committee – Will be meeting on 10/24 and the Board will be conducting a tour of facilities on 10/29, with a second tour to be scheduled.
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 September 19, 2019 Special Board Meetin
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the September 25, 2019 Board Meeting.
3.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the October 8, 2019 Special Board Meeting
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to accept Items 3.1 through 3.3 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
3.4 Policy 5060: Education of Students in Temporary Housing and Unaccompanied Youth - Second reading & Adoption.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #5060: Education of Students in Temporary Housing and Unaccompanied Youth.
Motioned by Warren Messner to adopt Policy 5060: Education of Students in Temporary Housing and Unaccompanied Youth. 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:
Kay Fazio
Shannon Reilly
John Sanseverino
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as a Building Specific substitute teacher for the 2019/2020 school year:
David Laino – Horace Greeley High School (effective September 27, 2019)
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the probationary term of English Teacher, Marissa DeFranca, shall be amended to terminate on August 28, 2022, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.
Appointment: Teaching Assistant
Mr. Raymond LaLuna, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective October 16, 2019, $23,107, prorated.
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
Appointments:
Janeen Smith, Clerk-School Monitor, 35 hours/week (Session), at Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective October 21, 2019, at an annual salary of $28, 357- Step 6.
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 October 16, 2019. The salary is $15.00 per hour:
Marilu Morales Cordero
Motioned by Holly McCall to approve Item 4.2 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
5. Recommended Action: Other
Motioned by Victoria Tipp to remove Item 5.2 as stated below, from the table. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to remove Item 5.7 as stated below from the consent agenda and table it to a future meeting. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 5-0.
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 October 15, 2019.
5.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health & Welfare Services with City School District of New Rochelle for 4 students at a rate of $1,008.00 per student, effective September 6, 2017 to June 22, 2018 and authorizes the Board President, Superintendent, and District Clerk to execute this Agreement.
Tabled from September 25, 2019 Board of Education Meeting
As stated above, prior to motioning the Consent Agenda, Item 5.2 was removed from the table.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approved the attached Agreement for Services with Blanche Blair for the 2019/2020 school year, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts a gift from Friends of Greeley Theatre, Inc. to Chappaqua Central School District for the Horace Greeley Theatre Department in the amount of $3,500.00 for the rental of costumes for the production of Cinderella.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts a gift of $15,000.00 to the Horace Greeley High School from Anna Zhang, Grand Prize Winner of Google Play’s “Change the Game Design Challenge.” Prize money is given to the winner’s community or school.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education determines the term of the Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement with Julia B. Fee/Sotheby International Realty, as previously approved by the Board on August 7, 2019, to be October 16, 2019 through July 15, 2020 and the listing price of the property to be offered for sale will be $3,500,000.00.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the law firm of Bond, Schoeneck & King to provide legal advice regarding the method by which BOCES allocates costs to the District; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the Board President to execute the attached letter of engagement.
As stated earlier in the minutes of this meeting, Item 5.7 was tabled to a future meeting.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $425,000.00 to redistribute elementary school security project appropriations according to contractor schedule, and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $310,885.99 to redistribute funds for the Robert E. Bell Middle School security project, and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Bid Award Recommendation #B2019-20: Clothing for Work Uniforms – recommended award to S&H Uniform Corp., at various amounts for the 2019-20 school year.
5.11 WHEREAS, the Ossining Union Free School District has requested that the Chappaqua Central School District approve the participation of three of their students as a ski team of three 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 three students from Ossining Union Free School District to train and attend meets with the Chappaqua Central School District ski team during the 2019-20 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.
Jane Kimmel Shepardson called for a motion to approve Item 5.0 “Recommended Action: Other” as a Consent Agenda with Item 5.7 tabled to a future meeting.
Motioned by Victoria Tipp to approve Item 5.0 “Recommended Action: Other” as amended. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. 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: #BE-GC-03
Project: DW Security - Robert E. Bell Middle School
Contractor: Casabella Contracting of NY, Inc.
Description: Labor, equipment and materials related to providing a Special Lite Wood Grain FRP door in lieu of specified model
Amount: $10,546.80
6.2 Change Order: #GC-03-SB
Project: DW Security – Seven Bridges Middle School
Contractor: Casabella Contracting of NY, Inc.
Description: Labor, equipment and materials related to 1) providing staned, maple panels to match existing as seen in Drawing A-5, detail 5; 2) upgrading an existing emergency light fixture with a code compliant emergency light fixture
Amount: $5,573.65
Motioned by Holly McCall to acknowledge Items 6.1 and 6.2 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Financials
7.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Revenue Status Report for September 2019.
7.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Appropriation Status Report for September 2019.
7.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Quarterly Central Treasurer’s Report for Extraclassroom Activity Accounts as of September 30, 2019
7.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Quarterly Central Treasurer’s Report for Team Accounts as of September 30, 2019.
Motioned by Victoria Tipp to accept Items 7.1 through 7.4 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
8. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, October 30, 2019 7:30 pm
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons
Wednesday, November 13, 2019 7:30 pm
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons
9. Adjournment
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 9:17 pm. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke