Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes June 17, 2021
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, June 17, 2021, 7:00 PM
Horace Greeley High School
Present: Board of Education
Victoria Bayard Tipp, President
Holly McCall, Vice President
Hilary Grasso
Warren Messner
Jane Kimmel Shepardson
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
David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
President Tipp asked for a motion to open the meeting.
Motioned by Holly McCall to open the meeting at 7:00 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 4-0. Board Member Warren Messner was absent.
Motioned by Holly McCall to appoint Christine Ackerman as District Clerk pro tempore. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 4-0.
Motioned by Holly McCall to adjourn into Executive Session at 7:01 pm to discuss contract negotiations, litigation and matters of safety. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 4-0.
At 7:02 pm Warren Messner joined the meeting.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to reconvene the public meeting at 8:03 pm. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Tipp recognized Holly McCall for her service to the District as a member, and Vice President of the Board of Education. She, Dr. Ackerman and each Board member thanked Ms. McCall for her hard work, acumen and devotion to the District. Ms. McCall was also presented with a certificate from the Westchester Putnam School Board’s Association recognizing her service to the District. Ms. McCall thanked the Board and administrators.
Presentations: Strategic Plan Update – Dr. Ackerman, Dr. Pease, Dr. Sinanis and Ms. Doherty reviewed the District’s progress with regards to the strategic plan and introduced Dr. Michael Moody and Kia Johnson of Insight Education Group who will be working with the District in the coming school year.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her final Community Update of the 2020-21 school year by highlighting the following:
- Schedule Update
- Quarantine Report
- Staffing Update – Dr. Sinanis also thanked Jason Semo for his service to the District and welcomed our new Athletic Director, Geoff Curtis
- Dr. Pease spoke about a Dr. Richard Lemons, who will be facilitating some leadership development during the July Administrative Retreat
- The Senior Musical Event at Caramoor, Prom and the High School concerts that took place under the tent at Greeley
- Greeley is prepared for, and excited about, graduation on June 18th and everyone is excited about being able to celebrate our seniors.
- The Elementary and Middle School moving up ceremonies went smoothly and students and families were happy to have been able to celebrate those “in person” as well.
2. Committee Reports
Audit: Warren Messner reported that he had met with the District’s auditors in advance of their usual summer audit which takes place in July.
Facilities: Mr. Messner, on behalf of the Board, expressed his gratitude to the entire facilities staff for their hard work and efforts to open our schools in September and to keep them open throughout the school year. Furniture arrangements, classroom set-ups, fields, cleaning and air flow were all maintained at the highest level and the team was creative and flexible throughout.
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 hereby accepts the minutes of the June 8, 2021 Board Meeting.
Motioned by Warren Messner to accept Item 3.1 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Bayard 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 authorizes the attached Agreements for Services for the individuals and agencies listed below effective for the 2021/2022 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
All About Kids
Holistic Learning Center
HTA of New York, Inc.
Isa Marrs Speech Language Pathology
Kuhn Behavioral Services
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the probationary term of Science Teacher, Stephen Mulick, shall be amended to terminate on August 29, 2024, 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 appoints the individuals listed below to work in the Chappaqua Summer Extended School Year Program from July 1, 2021 through August 11, 2021, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education.
Astrid Jarzembowski – Nurse
Suzanne Rota – Nurse
Laura Cassidy – Physical Therapist
Jill Guzzy – Speech and Language Teacher
Anne DeCora – Speech and Language Teacher
Mary Comparetto – Special Education Teacher
Mary Callaghan – Special Education Teacher
Cara DiNapoli – Special Education Teacher (substitute as needed)
Sara Kenney – Special Education Teacher
Karin Pelletier – Special Education Teacher
Charles Buchanan – Teaching Assistant (substitute as needed)
Miriam Lord – Teaching Assistant
Jayne Carlson – Teaching Assistant
Kate Plunkett – Occupational Therapist
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as Department Chairpersons for the 2021/2022 school year:
District Wide
| Department | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| Speech/Language | Anne DeCora |
| Psychological/Social Work | Annemarie Giannettino |
| Elementary Special Education | Lisa Tighe |
| Reading | Catherine Kovitz |
| Music | Kathleen Feldman |
| Art | Louise Brady |
| Library | Sharon Wiggins |
| Health | Brad Gitlin |
Horace Greeley High School
| Department | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| English | Jacqueline Abair |
| Social Studies | Sheila Jacobs |
| Math | Glenn Wong |
| Science | Paul Bianchi |
| World Language | Michael Day |
| Special Education | Cara DiNapoli |
| Counseling | Rebecca Mullen |
| Physical Education/Health | Kristin McGurl |
| Art | Louise Brady |
| Performing Arts | Kathleen Feldman |
Robert E. Bell Middle School
| Department | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| English | Dana House |
| World Language | Jeanne Anzalone |
| Mathematics | Megan Barnes |
| Science | TBD |
| Social Studies | Ingrid Melhus |
| Special Education/Guidance | Mary Comparetto |
| Special Areas I Health Physical Education |
Gina Gomes |
| Special Areas II Technology FACS |
TBD |
| Special Areas III Art Music |
Laura Abbatantuono |
Seven Bridges Middle School
| Department | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| Department | Chairperson |
| English | Beth Reilly |
| World Language | Michelle Ramahlo |
| Mathematics | Meredith McMillan |
| Science | Kathleen Kuczma |
| Social Studies | Jamie Egan |
| Special Education/Guidance | Karin Pelletier |
| Special Areas I Health Physical Education |
Christine Catapano |
| Special Areas II Technology FACS |
Christopher Stasi |
| Special Areas III Art Music |
Stanley Serafin |
Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
| Department | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Jamie Parish |
| Grade 1 | Marissa Boniello |
| Grade 2 | Sarah Alley |
| Grade 3 | Mara Cohen |
| Grade 4 | Jenna Makanju |
| Special Education | Megan Emerson |
| Special Area | Steve Listengart |
Roaring Brook Elementary School
| Department | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Patricia Kiernan |
| Grade 1 | Tracey Mahoney |
| Grade 2 | Susan Diskin |
| Grade 3 | Melissa Billings |
| Grade 4 | Andrea Kosakowski |
| Special Education | Jennifer Mezzancello |
| Special Area | Carolyn Elwood |
Westorchard Elementary School
| Department | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Robin Kevitz-Connolly |
| Grade 1 | Karol London |
| Grade 2 | Mary Goff |
| Grade 3 | Lisa Balbona |
| Grade 4 | Torrey Keeley |
| Special Education | Nadia Buffa |
| Special Area | Thomas Williams |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as High School Department Facilitators for the 2021/2022 school year:
| Department | Co-Facilitator |
|---|---|
| English | Susan Twomey |
| Social Studies | Regina McKie |
| Math | Tammy Korman |
| Science | Jennifer McCarthy |
| World Language | Isabel Irizarry |
| Special Education | Jessica Leitman |
| Counseling | Tinuke Colpa |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Director of Life School effective for the 2021/2022 school year:
Stephen Walker
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Director of Science Research effective for the 2021/2022 school year:
Tyler Esposito
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Assistant Director of Athletics effective for the 2021/2022 school year:
Brad Gitlin
Appointment: Probationary
Ms. Muriel Samedy, Teacher of Reading, Westorchard Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Reading, effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, 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 they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 15, B(BA+45) with Masters, $120,807.
Ms. Rachel Rosen, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of English, effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, 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 they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 10, D(BA+90) with Masters, $118,173.
Ms. Alison DuBois-Eker, Teacher of English as a Second Language, Westorchard Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of English as a Second Language, effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, 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 they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 16, C(BA+75) with Masters, $134,458.
Mr. Kyle Rastegar, Teacher of Special Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Special Education, effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, 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 they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 8, C(BA+75) with Masters, $107,081.
Appointment: Part Time
Ms. Jennifer Kuo, (.4) Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2021 through June 30, 2022 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 5, B(BA+30) with Masters, $33,880.
Ms. Jill Guzzy, (.5) Teacher of Speech and Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2021 through June 30, 2022 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 10, C(BA+60) with Masters, $54,674.
Appointment: Probationary
Mr. Geoffry Curtis, Director of Athletics, Physical Education & Health, District-wide, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Director of Athletics, Physical Education & Health, effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2025, $203,000 (pending background check).
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a supplemental agreement with Geoffry Curtis, effective July, 2021, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp 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:
Christopher Sehulster, Custodian at Horace Greeley High School, effective June 18, 2021 at a pro-rated annual salary of $46,083, Step 2 of the CSEA Contract.
Resolutions:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Chairperson for the 2021/22 school year, effective July 1, 2021:
DISTRICT WIDE
| Department | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| Nurses | Suzanne Rota |
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education, hereby appoints the individual listed below as per diem nurse substitute to be employed on an “as needed” basis, effective June 21, 2021 through June 30, 2021, at a salary of $130 per day:
Fiona Fortuna
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Item 4.2 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. 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 (2020-21 School Year) reported to the Board on June 17, 2021.
5.2 CSE Summaries (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on June 17, 2021.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers (CCT) bargaining unit regarding the education of the children of non-resident untenured unit members during the 2021-22 school year, and the position of Algebra 8 Coordinator, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.4 RESOLUTION TO CERTIFY LEAD EVALUATORS OF CLASSROOM TEACHERS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2020-21 PURSUANT TO EDUCATION LAW SECTION 3012-c
WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirement of Education Law Section 3012-c and Part 30-2.9 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, the individuals named below have completed all the necessary training to be certified as lead evaluators of classroom teachers;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby certifies the following individuals as lead evaluators of classroom teachers:
| Siska Brutsaert | Ellen Doherty |
| Nichole Kelly | Phillip Marcus, Jr. |
| Karen Smith | Tonya Wilson |
| Joseph Wiener |
5.5 RESOLUTION TO RECERTIFY LEAD EVALUATORS OF CLASSROOM TEACHERS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2020-21 PURSUANT TO EDUCATION LAW SECTION 3012-c
WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirement of Education Law Section 3012-c and Part 30-2.9 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, the individuals named below have completed all the necessary training to be recertified as lead evaluators of classroom teachers;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby recertifies the following individuals as lead evaluators of classroom teachers:
| Christine Ackerman | Deb Alspach |
| Carol Bartlik | Ross Cooper |
| Andrew Corsilia | Josh Culwell-Block |
| Jamie Edelman | Ron Gamma |
| Nicole Mangiere | Joe Mazza |
| Adam Pease | Jason Semo |
| Adam Schoenbart | Tony Sinanis |
| James Skoog | Lauralyn Stewart |
| Alissa Stoever |
5.6 RESOLUTION TO RECERTIFY LEAD EVALUATORS OF BUILDING PRINCIPALS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2020-21 PURSUANT TO EDUCATION LAW SECTION 3012-c
WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirements of Education Law Section 3012-c and Part 30-2.9 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, the individuals named below have completed all the necessary training to be recertified as lead evaluators of building principals;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby recertifies the following individual as lead evaluator of building principals:
Christine Ackerman
Adam Pease
Tony Sinanis
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Bid Award Recommendation B2021-18: Educational Data Services – Various Categories to various vendors, for the 2020-21 school year in the amount of $68,856.54
5.8 WHEREAS, the District owns the attached list of items which are no longer useful or necessary for school district purposes and 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.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED to increase the “Sick/Compensated Absences” budget line (A2110-139-36-251) by the amount of $245,050, and the “Compensated Absences” budget line (A9089-880-36) by $155,074, as an additional budget appropriation to the 2020-21 budget and that such appropriation be funded from the Employee Benefit Accrued Liability Reserve Fund.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education Approves the Agreement with Anderson Center for Autism, effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 for provision of a special education program based on the New York State Education Department and the Office of Children and Family Services rates as outlined in Appendix A of the Agreement, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a purchase order increase in the amount of $24,450.00 to cover projected increased expenditures for administrative and personnel services related to the unanticipated BOCES administrative expenses.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Independent Evaluation Agreement with Dr. Antonietta Tarnell, for an independent neuropsychological evaluation, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
5.13 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves budget transfers totaling $1,759,928.58, to cover negative payroll codes and authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to approve the transfers.
5.14 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Bid Award Recommendation CCSD RFP #2021-1: Equity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism & Social Justice Professional Learning, to Insight Education Group, in the amount of $119,875.00 for Year 1 (2021-22), and $72,875.00 for Year 2 (2022-23), and authorizes the Board president to execute the contract.
5.15 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Independent Evaluation Agreement with Dr. Alyssa van der Merwe, for an independent neuropsychological evaluation, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
5.16 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following contracts in relation to the Sustainability Research Center at Horace Greeley High School, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contracts:
Contract # 1 - General Construction
Empire Core Group, LLC
Base Bid Amount: $1,330,053.40
Add Alternate # 1. Concrete Kneewall with Brock Veneer: $47,637.00
Total Bid for Contract No. 1: $1,377,690.40
Contract # 2 - Greenhouse Construction
Prospiant, Inc. (formerly Rough Brothers, Inc.)
Base Bid Amount: $841,850.00
Add Alternate # 1. Concrete Kneewall with Brock Veneer: $-31,300.00
Total Bid for Contract No. 2: $810,551.00
A copy of each contract shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Items 5.1 through 5.16 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
6. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges the following contracts approved by the Superintendent, per Board Policy 6085 – Purchasing and Bidding:
6.1 Agreement for Services with Michael Blueglass for Science Research Consulting for the 2021-22 school year.
6.2 Agreement for Services with Dr. Richard Lemons for Professional Development work on
July 6, 2021.
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. Facilities
8. Financials
8.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor Report for May 2021.
8.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for May 2021.
Motioned by Holly McCall to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 and 8.2 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, July 7, 2021 – 7:30 pm
Reorganization Meeting
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 – 7:30 pm
Tax Warrant
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Holly McCall to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 pm. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke