Minutes May 19, 2021

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 6:00 PM
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium

Presiding Officer: Victoria Bayard Tipp
Pledge of Allegiance: Holly McCall

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 6:02 pm.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  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 Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 4-0.

Motioned by Holly McCall to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:03 pm to discuss contract negotiations, the employment history of particular persons and matters of safety.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 4-0.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to reconvene the public meeting at 7:42 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0.

1.       Information Business Affairs

1.1    President’s Report

1.1.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby ratifies the report of the May 18, 2021 School Budget Vote & Election.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to ratify the report of the May 18, 2021 School Budget Vote & Election.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0.

1.1.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association (WPSBA) Proposed 2021-22 Budget and Nominating Committee Slate, and authorizes the Board President to sign the WPSBA Annual Meeting Ballot.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 1.1.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0.

1.2    Superintendent’s Report

1.2.1    Tenured Teacher Recognition

Appointment: Tenure

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby grants tenure to Ms. Allison Ascher, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 30, 2021.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to grant tenure to Ms. Allison Archer as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby grants tenure to Ms. Valerie Brunow, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2021.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to grant tenure to Ms. Valerie Brunow as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 4-0.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby grants tenure to Mr. Joshua Culwell-Block, Director of Technology, Innovation & Mathematics, District-wide, effective 
August 11, 2021.

Motioned by Holly McCall to grant tenure to Mr. Joshua Culwell-Block as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby grants tenure to Ms. Victoria DeMagistris, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High school, effective September 6, 2021.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to grant tenure to Ms. Victoria DeMagistris as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 4-0.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby grants tenure to Mr. Matthew Friedler, Guidance Counselor, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2021.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to grant tenure to Mr. Matthew Friedler as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby grants tenure to Ms. Anna Kushnir, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 31, 2021.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to grant tenure to Ms. Anna Kushnir as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby grants tenure to Ms. Jennifer Makanju, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective 
August 30, 2021.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to grant tenure to Ms. Jennifer Makanju as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 4-0.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby grants tenure to Ms. Tara Miozzi, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective 
September 10, 2021.

Motioned by Holly McCall to grant tenure to Ms. Tara Miozzi as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 4-0.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby grants tenure to Ms. Ruth Parnes, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective August 31, 2021.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to grant tenure to Ms. Ruth Parnes as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 4-0.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby grants tenure to Ms. Cristine Werner, Teacher of Special Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective August 30, 2021.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to grant tenure to Ms. Cristine Werner as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0.

Presentations:  Update 3 foot Spacing K-8

Dr. Ackerman continued her report by noting the following:

  • Schedule update
  • Dr. Sinanis gave a staffing update.
  • Quarantine update
  • HGHS Transition – all students will be in for a full day week beginning 5/24
  • ES/MS will continue with our current model for the remainder of the school year
  • Dr. Pease spoke about David Leis, the new Associate Director of Technology & Communication
  • Dr. Pease gave an update on the professional learning contracts and CSF Grants on the agenda.
  • Dr. Ackerman gave an update on the HGHS Sustainability Center

2.      Committee Reports  
Audit:  The next meeting will be on 5/20 at 7:00 pm
CARES:  The next meeting will be on 5/25 at 6:00 pm
Wellness:  Ms. Grasso reported that 2020-21 focus of the committee has been on student social-emotional learning. Thinking ahead to 2021-22 the committee is looking into post-pandemic resources that can be shared with the community.
CSF:  Ms. Shepardson thanked the CSF for the cultural media grant, and also for their additional support of the sustainability center.
Sports Boosters:  Ms. Shepardson commented on the end-of-year athlete dinner which they are able to hold this year, and thanked the Boosters for their support of our programs this year.
Health & Safety:  Ms. Shepardson reported on the May 6 meeting where the committee reviewed the District’s Covid protocols as they considered a possible move to 3 foot distancing.  The Committee also discussed possible protocols for 2021-22 and possible additional ventilation needs.  They got an update on capital projects and also discussed the social-emotional needs of students and staff.
Communications:  Next meeting is May 25 with the Advisory Committee as well.

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 May 5, 2021 Board Meeting.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to accept Item 3.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  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:

Nicole Daly
Madelyn Fortuna
Allyson Kapadia

Resignation:
Ms. Nicole Mangiere, Assistant Principal, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective 
June 30, 2021.

Ms. Amy Kaiser, Teacher of English, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective June 30, 2021.

Ms. Christina DeLouise, Teaching Assistant, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective June 30, 2021.

Mr. Jason Semo, Director of Athletics, Physical Education & Health, District-wide, effective June 30, 2021.

Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Marina Comblo, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective May 18, 2021 through June 30, 2021.

Request for Extension of Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Mr. Brian Donahue, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective 
February 13, 2021 through June 30, 2021.

Appointment: Probationary
Mr. David Leis, Associate Director of Technology & Communication, District-wide, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Associate Director of Technology & Communication, effective July 6, 2021 through July 5, 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.

Ms. Melanie Greenwald, Teacher of Science, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Science, 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.

Ms. Ilana Moskowitz, Teacher of Social Studies, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Social Studies, 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.

Appointment: Leave Replacement
Ms. Angjelina Burke, Leave Replacement Teacher of Elementary, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective March 27, 2021 through June 30, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Brian Donahue, Leave Replacement Teacher of Elementary Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective February 13, 2021 through June 30, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Trevor Latasa, Leave Replacement Teacher of Social Studies, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective May 15, 2021 through June 30, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Casey Piazza, Leave Replacement Teacher of Physical Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective March 27, 2021 through June 30, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

Dr. Ackerman recommended item 4.2 as stated below.

4.2    Non-Instructional 

Appointment:
Scott O’Dell, Groundskeeper/Custodian at the Pole Barn (12 months), effective 
May 24, 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 May 19, 2021.

5.2    CSE Summaries (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on May 19, 2021.

5.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a services agreement with Public Consulting Group, LLC for the Special Education Program Review, effective April 16, 2021 through June 30, 2022, in the amount of $65,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement for services with Shelly DuBose of Refined Practices Consulting, for mathematics professional development and curriculum alignment during the 2021-22 school year in an amount not to exceed $38,400.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement for services with K&M Literacy for English professional development and curriculum alignment during the 2021-22 school year in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract with the UFSD of the Tarrytowns for health & welfare services for 23 students, effective September 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, in the amount of $1,140.35 per student, and authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to execute the contract.

5.7    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract with Bedford Central School District for health  & welfare services for 6 students, effective September 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, in the amount of $1,249.69 per student, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.

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    WHEREAS, the Board of Education, in accordance with Article 5-A of the General Municipal Law, invited sealed bids (#B2021-08) for Construction, Labor & Materials:  Plumbing; and

WHEREAS, the bids were opened publicly on May 10th, 2021 and two bids were received; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education believes it to be in the best interests of the School District to reject the bids;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, in the best interests of the School District, hereby rejects the bids for Construction, Labor & Materials:  Plumbing.

5.10    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant Gift for Authentic Student Engagement & Learning Through Cultural Media, in the amount of $1,200.00, submitted by Horace Greeley High School Teachers Isabel Irizarry and Jacqueline Pallant.

5.11    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an equipment change amendment to Product Schedule #1727306 of Master State & Local Government Lease Agreement No. 460977 with Lenovo Financial Services dated 5/7/21, and authorizes the Board President to execute the amended agreement.

5.12    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an equipment change amendment to Product Schedule #1767183 of Master State & Local Government Lease Agreement No. 460977 with Lenovo Financial Services dated 5/7/21, and authorizes the Board President to execute the amended agreement.

5.13    BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a new four year hardware lease with Lenovo Financial Services for the acquisition of 280 Microsoft Surface Laptop Go EDU, 280 UAG Surface Laptop Go Rugged Protection and 280 Microsoft 2Yr on 1YR Mtg Wty SC Warranty.  Lease payments will be $50,976.06 per year, and authorizes the Board President to execute the lease.

5.14    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves CCSD Bid # B2021-07: Sustainability Research Center at Horace Greeley High School to be awarded to the following two firms and authorizes the board president to sign the contracts and KG &D Architects to coordinate each of the agreements:

Contract No. 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
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

5.15    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Bid Award Recommendation B2021-09:  Tent for High School Event (Prom) to Cantele Tent Rentals in the amount of $20,492.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.

5.16    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby ratifies the provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement executed by the negotiating teams for the District and the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers, hereinafter referred to as “the CCT”:  Covering Employees with the Title of Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Athletic Trainer, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Physical Therapist, dated May 14, 2021, and agree to incorporate the provisions of their 2018-2021  Collectively Negotiated Agreement into a three-year successor agreement, effective July 1, 2021 and terminating on June 30, 2024, and authorizes the expenditure of those moneys necessary to implement the provisions of the 2021-2024 CCT Collectively Negotiated Agreement.

5.17    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 pay and responsibility issues for coaches whose seasons include the February recess, as presented to the Board at this meeting.  A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

5.18    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 Article 24 (E.10.a&b) and Article 23(D) pay related issues, as presented to the Board at this meeting.  A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Items 5.1 through 5.18 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  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 #9 (Bradhurst) approved by the Superintendent:
Project:  Robert E. Bell Middle School Athletic Field Improvements
Contractor:  Bradhurst Site Const. Corp.
Description:  Credit for Unused Portion of Owner Contingency Item
Amount:  ($216.00)

Motioned by Holly McCall to acknowledge Item 6.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 4-0.

7.    Financials

7.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for April 2021.

7.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for April 2021.

7.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for April 2021.

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, June 8, 2021 – 7:30 pm
Ave Atque Vale - Honor Retirees at 7:00 pm under Tent at Greeley
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium

Wednesday, June 23, 2021 – 7:30 pm
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium

9.      Adjournment 

Motioned by Holly McCall to adjourn the meeting at 9:27 pm.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 4-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke