Minutes December 8, 2020
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 6:45 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
and
147 Benedict Boulevard, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
Presiding Officer: Victoria Bayard Tipp
Pledge of Allegiance: Holly McCall
Present: Board of Education
Victoria Bayard Tipp, President
Holly McCall, Vice President
Hilary Grasso
Jane Kimmel Shepardson
Absent: Warren Messner
Staff Members:
Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business
Ellen Doherty, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
President Tipp called for a motion to open the meeting.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to open the meeting at 6:47 pm. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 4-0. Board Member Warren Messner was absent.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to appoint Dr. Christine Ackerman as District Clerk pro tempore. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 4-0.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations, potential litigation and to receive advice from counsel. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 4-0.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to reconvene the public meeting at 7:47 pm. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 4-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Tipp began by wishing everyone a happy, healthy & safe holiday season. She went on to thank District administrators, teachers and staff for their continued hard work, under difficult circumstances, on behalf of our students. She acknowledged the team effort and also praised Dr. Ackerman for her leadership. Ms. Tipp concluded her remarks by letting the community know that there will be a joint work session with the Town Board regarding the Town of New Castle’s proposed Form Based Code on January 13, 2021 at 6:00 pm in the Horace Greeley Auditorium where we will hear from the consultants that the District has hired.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman thanked Ms. Tipp for her comments and praised her leadership team and building principals for their hard work. She went on with the Superintendent’s Report noting the following:
- An update on school schedules.
- A quarantine update.
- Dr. Sinanis gave a staffing update.
- Dr. Pease gave an update on NWEA mapping and assements.
- There will be a Covid-19 update parent meeting at 6:00 pm on 12/16.
- A quarterly update on bias incidents within the District.
- Dr. Pease described the grants/gifts from the Chappaqua Schools Foundation and New Castle United for Youth that are on the agenda
- An update on where the District stands regarding the potential sale of the Zauderer property, reviewing the steps of the process to date.
1.2.1 RFP#2020: Equity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism & Social Justice Professional Learning in Chappaqua CSD – Dr. Sinanis gave an update on the Equity RFP process
1.2.2 RFP #2020-12: Special Education & Related Services – Ellen Doherty gave an update on the Special Education RFP process
2. Committee Reports
Facilities – Holly McCall said that the Committee discussed the status of our roofs and the need for budgeting and planning and will report back after the next meeting.
Wellness – Hilary Grasso said that the Committee is working with the PTA to add content areas to their newsletters. She thanked Kelly Mofield, President of the PTA for their partnership.
Policy – Policies appear under Item 3
CARES – The next CARES meeting will be held on 12/14. Phillip Marcus, Director of Equity, Inclusion and Wellness will be joining the Committee as a member.
Green – Dr. Pease said that the Committee is reviewing past practices and looking to update the website and initiatives moving forward.
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 18, 2020 Board Meeting.
Motioned by Holly McCall to accept Item 3.1 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 4-0.
3.2 Policy #5080: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Students – 2nd Reading & Adoption.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #5080: Title IX Sexual Harassment for Students.
3.3 Policy #9049: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Employees – 2nd Reading & Adoption.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #9049: Title IX Sexual Harassment for Employees.
3.4 Policy #0120: Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Policy – 2nd Reading & Adoption.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #0120: Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Policy.
3.5 Policy #5052: Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention – 2nd Reading & Adoption.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #5052: Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention.
3.6 Policy #0119: Title VI Civil Rights Act – 2nd Reading & Adoption.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #0119: Title VI Civil Rights Act.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adopt Items 3.2 through 3.6 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 4-0.
3.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby deletes Policy #3015: Grievance Procedure – Title IX because it has been replaced by an updated policy and procedure (Policy #5080).
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to delete Policy #3015 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 4-0.
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 Bozzelli
Madeline Healey
Amanie Khanafer
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as AP proctors/coordinators to be employed on an "as needed" basis effective for the 2020/2021 school year:
Ellen Adnopoz | Grace Colello | Kathryn Daly | Linda DiChiara |
Anita Faria | Miriam Fernandes | Margot Ferrauti | Eileen Gallagher |
Karen Ginsbern | Margo Gold | Matthew Hager | Carol Hughes |
Audrey Larkin | Ariel Leeds | Suzanne Michel | Noah Mitchell |
Melissa Moran | Raquel Moskovits Grey | Janice Noto Helmers | Mary Ellen O’Mara |
Sara O’Neill | Kimberley Perham | Paula Petito | Beth Quinn |
Thomas Quinn | Dori-Ann Rodrick | Joan Salamone | Barbara Scheine |
Gretta Seidel | Nancy Silver | Jeanne Sions | Melelicia Sobon |
Aferdita Takaci | Judy Tucker | Joan Veteska |
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 2020/2021 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
Brian Lind
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teachers, interns and/or classroom observers for the 2020/2021 school year:
Jaclyn Dellisanti
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Reading Teacher, Jenna Collisson, shall be amended to terminate on August 31, 2023, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Special Education Teacher, Desiree Miller, shall be amended to terminate on August 31, 2023, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Elementary Teacher, Kathryn Naaman, shall be amended to terminate on August 31, 2023, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Karen Smith is hereby reduced from four years to three years, based upon proof presented of prior tenure status in an administrative position in a New York State Public School District, such that the end date of her probationary term shall be changed to November 15, 2023.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Elementary Teacher, Elissa Turshen, shall be amended to terminate on August 31, 2023, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Tonya Wilson is hereby reduced from four years to three years, based upon proof presented of prior tenure status in an administrative position in a New York State Public School District, such that the end date of her probationary term shall be changed to August 31, 2023.
Discretionary Leave of Absence Extension:
Mr. Brian Donahue, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell School, effective November 1, 2020 through February 12, 2021.
Appointment: Teaching Assistant
Ms. Danielle Gomes, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective November 23, 2020, $23,357, prorated.
Appointment: Leave Replacement
Ms. Diane Masi, Leave Replacement Teacher of Social Studies, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 1, 2020 through March 5, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, B(BA+45) with Masters, $81,310, prorated.
Ms. Alyx Scapperotti, Leave Replacement Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective November 16, 2020 through June 30, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+45) with Masters, $74,903, prorated.
Mr. Brian Donahue, Leave Replacement Teacher of Elementary Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 8, 2020 through February 12, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 4, B(BA+30) with Masters, $80,591, prorated.
Mr. Trevor Latasa, Leave Replacement Teacher of Social Studies, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 22, 2020 through February 22, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+30) with Masters, $71,292, prorated.
Appointment: Part Time
Ms. Susan Fitzgerald, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective December 14, 2020 through June 18, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+30) with Masters, $59.41/hour.
Mr. Steven Metzger, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective December 14, 2020 through June 18, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, A(BA), $55.33/hour.
Ms. Alexandra Parrottino, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Westorchard Elementary School, effective December 14, 2020 through June 18, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, A(BA), $55.33/hour.
Ms. Kimberly Zilempe, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Westorchard Elementary School, effective December 14, 2020 through June 18, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, A(BA), $55.33/hour.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Department Chairperson for the 2020/2021 school year:
Robert E. Bell Middle School
Department | Chairperson |
---|---|
Science | Jessica Sansevera (effective December 7th) |
Resignation:
Ms. Laura Moreno, Teaching Assistant, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective December 17, 2020.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools and Board President to execute an Agreement, dated December 7, 2020, on behalf of the School District, with Ms. Elizabeth Patchoros, as presented to the Board at this meeting, whereby Ms. Patchoros shall perform contract services as an Elementary teacher for the School District for the period commencing January 4, 2021 and terminating June 30, 2021. A copy of this Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Item 4.1 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 4-0.
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.
4.2 Non-Instructional
Resignation:
Linda Cohen-Stumer, Office Assistant-Automated Systems, Special Education Department, effective December 8, 2020.
Resignation for the Purposes of Retirement:
Rosemary Melinsky, Clerk-School Monitor at Seven Bridges Middle School, effective January 4, 2021.
John Lacko, Maintenance Worker, at the Pole Barn, effective April 30, 2021.
David Devine, Head Custodian at Westorchard Elementary School, effective June 29, 2021.
Appointments:
Dena Tarantino, Office Assistant – Automated Systems at the Education Center (12 month) effective December 15,2020, at an annual salary of Step 16, $60,619 pro-rated.
Laura Moreno, Senior Office Assistant – Automated Systems at the Education Center (12 month) effective December 18, 2020, at an annual salary of Step 7, $49,648 pro-rated.
Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an administrative leave of absence, without pay, for Dena Tarantino, effective December 15, 2020 through January 3, 2021.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Item 4.2 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 4-0.
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 (2020-21 School Year) reported to the Board on December 8, 2020.
5.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant Gift (IG20-21-04) for Establishing Consistent Listening Opportunities for all Middle School Students, in the amount of $2,398.50, submitted by Seven Bridges and Bell Middle School Teacher Kim Meade.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant Gift (IG20-21-05) for Flexible Seating for a Second Grade Class, in the amount of $946.80, submitted by Douglas Grafflin Elementary School Teachers Sarah Alley and Abby Gitlin.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant Gift (IG20-21-06) for Lavalier Microphones for ENL Students District-wide, in the amount of $959.92, submitted by District-wide ENL Teacher Helen Harrison.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant Gift (IG20-21-07) for Lavalier Microphones for Large Learning Spaces at Bell & Seven Bridges Middle Schools, in the amount of $1,919.84, submitted by Director of Technology, Innovation & Mathematics Josh Culwell-Block.
5.6 WHEREAS, the Ossining Union Free School District has requested that the Chappaqua Central School District approve the participation of one of their students as a ski team of one 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 one student from Ossining Union Free School District to train and attend meets with the Chappaqua Central School District ski team during the 2020-21 school year upon the following terms and conditions:
- Ossining Union Free School District shall be responsible for providing medical clearance for the student’s participation.
- Ossining Union Free School District will be responsible for the transportation of their student 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 student; 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.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes its attorneys, Shaw, Perelson, May & lambert, LLP to execute a Consent Judgment in a tax certiorari proceeding captioned Birchwood Swim & Tennis Club v. Town of New Castle and Chappaqua CSD;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the refund of taxes as required by the terms of the Consent Judgment.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the increase to the Refund on Real Property Taxes (A1964-400-36) budget by the amount of $104,806.07, as an additional budget appropriation to the 2020-21 budget and that such appropriation be funded from the Tax Certiorari Reserve Fund.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education determines the term of the Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement with William Raveis New York LLC , as previously approved by the Board on October 28, 2020, to be October 8, 2020 through December 31, 2021 and the listing price of the property to be offered for sale will be $2,500,000.00.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby authorizes payment to the following service providers for contractual services rendered:
J.D. Barrett Tasks 1-20 $15,255.10
Campbell Engineering PC Invoice No. 1058 $5,580.00
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $62,840.00 to cover contractual costs approved at the November 18, 2020 Board Meeting and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board authorizes its attorneys, Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert, LLP to defend the District in the case of B&G Restoration, Inc. v. Chappaqua Central School District, et. al., filed in Westchester County Supreme Court, Index No. 62273/2020, pursuant to the law firm’s retainer agreement with the District.
5.13 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board authorizes its attorneys, Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert, LLP to defend the District in the case of Mark & Son Metal Products, Inc. v. Chappaqua Central School District, et. al., filed in Westchester County Supreme Court, Index No. 65387/2020, pursuant to the law firm’s retainer agreement with the District.
5.14 CCSD BID # B2020-12 - RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Board of Education invited sealed proposals for Construction, Labor & Materials: Districtwide Fencing Maintenance and Repair on 11/24/2020
WHEREAS, the bid submitted by Fox Fence Enterprise, Inc., the lowest bidder was not in compliance with the bid specifications in that they did not submit the following required paperwork in their bid submission:
- Insurance endorsement
- Written proof of certified payroll
- Copy of Westchester Count contractor’s license
WHEREAS, the second lowest bidder Mancon, LLC has complied with such bid specifications;
THEREFORE, be it resolved the Board determines that the failure of Fox Fence Enterprise, Inc to meet the requirements set forth in the bid specifications, as set forth herein, constitutes a material deviation from the bid specification and, therefore rejects such bid; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board hereby awards the bid for the for Construction, Labor & Materials: Districtwide Fencing Maintenance and Repair to Mancon, LLC, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the following amounts:
HOURLY RATES –
Item # 1 – Hourly Rate for Ironworkers (Ornamental/Chain Link Fence): $105.00 per hour
Item # 2 – Hourly Rate (Working Foreman): $105.00 per hour
Item # 3 – Hourly Rate (Laborer): $70.00 per hour
Item # 4 – Material, Percentage or Markup: 10%
HYPOTHETICAL WORK CREW –
1. Two (2) Ironworkers (Ornamental/Chain Link Fence)
Hourly Rate: $210.00
Total Rate: $210.00
2. One (1) Ironworker (Working Foreman)
Hourly Rate: $105.00
Total Rate: $105.00
3. One (1) Laborer (Heavy Highway)
Hourly Rate: $70.00
Total Rate: $70.00
TOTAL FOR HYPOTHETICAL WORK CREW: $385.00
AWARD - Award is based on Total for Hypothetical Work Crew Above
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the Board President to execute a contract with Mancon, LLC for the 2020-2021 school year, a copy of which is incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting.
5.15 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Bid Award Recommendation B2020-13: Video for Gymnasium at Westorchard Elementary School to B&H Foto & Electronics Corp. DBA B&H Photo Video, in the amount of $22,250.00.
5.16 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approve the AssetWorks Service Provider Agreement, effective December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.
5.17 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Office Staff Association (COSA) bargaining unit regarding the creation of a stipend position of Special Education and 504 Services Records Coordinator for the 2020-21 school year only. A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.18 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the amended terms of a four-year hardware lease with Lenovo for the acquisition of technology equipment for the Horace Greeley High School STEAM Center which was approved by the Board at its meeting of June 23, 2020, and authorizes the Board President to execute the amended agreement.
5.19 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts a gift of $2,625.00 from New Castle United for Youth, for expenses related to a consultant for Health Curriculum professional development, at a rate of $125.00 per hour, not to exceed 21 hours.
5.20 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts a gift of $6,400.00 from New Castle United for Youth, to provide funding of $400 each for 16 English Teachers to purchase approximately 33 books for each middle school classroom library.
5.21 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts a gift of $6,300.00 from New Castle United for Youth, to compensate 18 teachers (2 Teams of 9, or 3 teams of 6), to participate as members of learning teams.
5.22 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts a gift of $1,950.00 from New Castle United for Youth, for expenses related to a CANDLE consultant for a student-athlete workshop.
Motioned by Holly McCall to approve Items 5.1 through 5.22 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 4-0.
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: GC-05-SB
Project: Chappaqua CSD District-wide Security (Seven Bridges Middle School)
Contractor: Casabella Contracting of NY, Inc.
Description: Labor, equipment and materials related to providing thermostat, controls and power to three (3) electric ceiling heat panels in the Vestibule in lieu of specified hydronic heaters. Revised equipment is of equal value to original scope and does not affect price.
Amount: $5,262.93
Motioned by Holly McCall to acknowledge Item 6.1 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 4-0.
7. Financials
7.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for November 2020.
7.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for November 2020.
7.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt if the Treasurer’s Report for November 2020.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge receipt of Items 7.1 through 7.3 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 4-0.
8. Notice of Future Meetings
Tuesday, January 5, 2021 – 6:00 pm
Special Board Meeting – Exec Session Only
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
6:00 pm - Joint Work Session: CCSD Board of Education - Town of New Castle Board
7:30 pm - CCSD Board of Education Meeting
Budget Preview
CCSD's Independent Consultant Review/Presentation on the Draft Generic Environmental
Impact Statement
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – 7:30 pm
Chappaqua Central School District Anti-Racism and Social Justice Education- Update
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
9. Adjournment
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 pm. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke