Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes May 5, 2021
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, May 5, 2021, 5:30 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
Andrew Farber, Director - Chappaqua Public Library
President Tipp asked for a motion to open the meeting.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to open the meeting at 5:45 pm. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to appoint Christine Ackerman as District Clerk pro tempore. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations, the employment history of particular persons and matters of safety. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to reconvene the public meeting at 7:33 pm. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Tipp gave her report noting the following:
- Thanking John Chow for his many years of service to the District and wishing him well. Each board member echoed those sentiments.
- Acknowledging Teacher Appreciation Week and thanking all of our teachers for their efforts in this particularly challenging year.
- A BIPoC Family Meet-up at Bell Middle School hosted by Philip Marcus.
1.1.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the revised Board of Education calendar for the 2020-21 school year.
Motioned by Holly McCall to approve Item 1.1.1 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report
1.2.1 Regeneron Award Students – 1 Robert E. Bell Middle School student and 2 Horace Greeley High School students were recognized as Regeneron scholars and were congratulated by the Board.
Presentations:
Middle School Presentation
Chappaqua Public Library Budget Presentation
Budget Hearing
Dr. Ackerman continued her report by noting the following:
- Schedule update
- Dr. Sinanis gave a staffing update.
- Quarantine update
- Dr. Pease gave an update on the NYS Assessments
- K-8 3 foot spacing meeting
- John Chow spoke about the repairs needed at Seven Bridges and also the Westorchard roof.
- Our 6/3 Unity Day speaker will be Dr. Randal Pinkett
2. Committee Reports
Communications: Next meeting is May 25 with the Advisory Committee as well
CARES: Next meeting is May 25
Health & Safety: Next meeting is May 6
CSF: Jane Kimmel Shepardson reported on the success of the ongoing virtual fundraiser. She thanked the CSF for continuing to innovate and support the District with additional grants.
Facilities: Warren Messner reported that there was an Advisory Committee meeting earlier in the week. Holly McCall added her (and other Committee members’) thanks to Joe Gramando and his staff for their work in the upkeep of our fields and facilitating their use.
Wellness: Next meeting is May 18.
NYSSBA: President Tipp gave the Board an update on a number of advocacy items from the New York State School Boards Association.
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 April 14, 2021 Board Meeting.
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the April 20, 2021 Board Meeting.
3.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the April 28, 2021 Special Board Meeting.
Motioned by Warren Messner to accept Items 3.1 through 3.2 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
3.4 Policy #6085: Purchasing & Bidding – 2nd Reading & Adoption.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #6085: Purchasing & Bidding.
3.5 Policy #6090: Purchasing Authority – 2nd Reading & Adoption
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #6090: Purchasing Authority.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to Adopt Policy 6085: Purchasing & Bidding and Policy 6090: Purchasing Authority (Items 3.4 and 3.5) as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. 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 individual listed as per diem substitute teachers to be employed on an “as needed” basis:
Christie Krase
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached Agreement for Services for the individual and agencies listed below effective for the 2020/2021 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
Kathy Contento Schmitz
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as student teachers, interns and/or classroom observers for the 2020/2021 school year:
Gail Alter
Sydney Burgin
Noah Davis
Markus Chase Emory
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Art Teacher, Ryan Doyle, shall be amended to terminate on August 29, 2024, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.
Resignations:
Ms. Jenna Collisson, Teacher of Reading, Westorchard Elementary School, effective June 30, 2021.
Ms. Kristie Keener, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2021.
Ms. Elizabeth Lops, Modified Softball Coach, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective April 14, 2021.
Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:
Mr. John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business, effective July 7, 2021.
Ms. Lisa Ultan, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective June 30, 2021.
Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Ms. Lauren Andrews, Teacher of Special Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective April 23, 2021 through May 7, 2021.
Request for Extension of Childcare Leave of Absence:
Mr. Steven McLees, Athletic Coordinator, District-Wide, effective April 12, 2021 through May 7, 2021.
Appointment: Tenure
Ms. Lisa Muoio, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective February 13, 2021.
Appointment: Probationary
Ms. Elizabeth Jacob, Teacher of Special Education, Horace Greeley High 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 7, C(BA+75) with Masters, $103,654.
Ms. Amber Lee, Teacher of Special Education, Horace Greeley High 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 3A, B(BA+30) with Masters, $80,056.
Mr. William Rose, 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, 2024, 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 7, B(BA+30) with Masters, $90,901 (pending background check).
Mr. Stephen Mulick, 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, Step 11, B(BA+45) with Masters, $107,974.
Appointment: Coaching - Effective May 6, 2021 through June 11, 2021
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softball | Modified – SB | Jacquelyn Hoffman | 1 |
| Golf | Girls Varsity | Matthew Simone | 3 |
Appointment: Volunteer Coaching - Effective May 6, 2021 through June 11, 2021
| Sport | Level | Coach |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | Varsity | Robert Gellert |
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby authorizes its President to sign an Employment Related Agreement, dated May 5, 2021, with Assistant Superintendent of Schools Adam Pease, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby authorizes its President to sign an Employment Related Agreement, dated May 5, 2021, with Assistant Superintendent of Schools Tony Sianis, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District hereby employs Richard Linden (pending background check), on a contract basis, to serve as School Business Official effective June 14, 2021 through July 1, 2021, and as Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business effective July 2, 2021 through the earlier of employment of a new Assistant Superintendent for Business or December 31, 2021, at the per diem rate of $1,250 per day, and authorizes the Superintendent of Schools and Board President to execute an Agreement with Mr. Linden setting forth the terms and conditions of his employment from June 14, 2021 through the maximum period of December 31, 2021, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of such 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 5-0.
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.
4.2 Non-Instructional
Resignations for the purpose of retirement:
Sheilah Harvey, Teacher Aide at Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 1, 2020.
(Not able to obtain letter previously.)
Deborah Kanuk, Secretary to the Principal at Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective June 30, 2021.
Lorie Miano, Registered Professional Nurse at Seven Bridges Middle School, effective June 30, 2021.
Resolutions:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Independent Contractor Services Agreement with Francine Colandreo, as Continuing Education Assistant, effective May 6, 2021 through June 30, 2021, at a rate of $25.00 per hour, not to exceed $4,000.00.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Independent Contractor Services Agreement with Maura Marcon, as Continuing Education Assistant, effective July 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021, at a rate of $35.00 per hour, not to exceed $4,000.00.
Appointments:
Francine Colandreo, Director of Continuing Education, effective July 1, 2021, at an annual salary of $40,433.
Henry Castaneda, Custodial Worker at Horace Greeley High School, reclassified as Cleaner, effective May 6, 2021, at an annual salary of $63,471 (pro-rated) with a night stipend of $2,074.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 4.2 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. 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 May 5, 2021.
5.2 CSE Summaries (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on May 5, 2021.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with Andrus Children’s Center for educational and residential services for one student, effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, at the rates determined and set by the New York State Commissioner of Education, and authorizes the Board President, Superintendent and District Clerk to execute the contract.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with Hendrick Hudson Central School District for educational services for one student (#54122), effective September 3, 2019 through June 25, 2020, in the amount of $71,076.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with Hendrick Hudson Central School District for educational services for one student (#54174), effective September 3, 2019 through June 25, 2020, in the amount of $48,313.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with Hendrick Hudson Central School District for Extended School Year educational services for one student (#54122), effective July 6, 2020 through August 14, 2020, at a rate set by the New York State Department of Education, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with Hendrick Hudson Central School District for educational services for one student (#54122), effective September 8, 2020 through June 24, 2021, in the amount of $123,241.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with Hendrick Hudson Central School District for educational services for one student (#54174), effective September 8, 2020 through June 24, 2021, in the amount of $45,079.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with the Summit School at Nyack for educational services for one student (#12904) , effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, in the amount of $6,424.00 per month for July - August 2020 and $3,854.50 per month for September 2020 – June 2021, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the consent Judgement to the New Castle Fire District for assessment year 2018, in the amount of $10,204.80.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the consent judgement to the 235 SMR, LLC for assessment years 2018 and 2019 in the amount of $3,526.84.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation B2019-6: Solid Waste Services for Buildings Owned by the Chappaqua Central School District and the Town of New Castle, to Sani-Pro Disposal/D.B.A. Suburban Carting, in the amount of $103,980.00 for the 2021-22 school year.
5.13 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.
5.14 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the appointment of election personnel for the May 18, 2021 School Budget Vote & Election.
5.15 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the use of Phoenix Graphics for the printing and binding of the ballots for the May 18, 2021 Annual Election and Vote, at the cost of $.50 each, including delivery.
5.16 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an agreement for services with Dr. Randal Pinkett, for speaker services on Unity Day, June 3, 2021, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.17 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby approves a proposal with the architectural firm of Kaeyer, Garment & Davidson Architects, PC, dated April 13, 2021, for professional services with regard to the roof replacement project at the Westorchard Elementary School during the summer of 2021, in the amount of $59,000.00 and authorizes the Board President to sign the agreement as presented to the Board at this meeting.
5.18 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts a donation of 40 6th generation Logitech cases from SecondLifeMac to be used with District iPads.
5.19 WHEREAS, the Board of Education, in accordance with Article 5-A of the General Municipal
Law, invited sealed bids for Graduation Tent & Chair Rental (B2021-06); and
WHEREAS, the bids were opened publicly on April 6th, 2021 and one bid was received; and
WHEREAS, the school district has decided not to go forward with the tent rental for graduation;
WHEREAS, the Board of Education believes it to be in the best interests of the School District to reject the bid;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, in the best interests of the School District, hereby rejects the bid for Graduation Tent & Chair Rental, on the basis that the school district will not go forward with the tent rental for graduation.
5.20 WHEREAS, the footing drains and waterproofing on the foundation at Seven Bridges Middle School is leaking notably in the Gymnasium and continued leaking will cause a health and safety issue in the building and damage the School District’s property; and
WHEREAS, in order to ensure the safety, health and welfare of the students and employees in this school building as well as to preserve the property of the School District, it is necessary to immediately repair the leak caused by the footing drains and waterproofing on the foundation at Seven Bridges Middle School, including associated work; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education is empowered to determine that the expense of this activity is an ordinary contingent expense within the meaning of 2023 of the New York State Education Law and 170.2(1) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, and that the project constitutes an emergency within the meaning of 103 of the General Municipal Law and, therefore, competitive bidding shall not be required;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District hereby determines and declares that the cost of the footing drains and waterproofing on the foundation repairs and repairs to the pipes, including associated work (including, but not limited to, removing insulation and reinsulating, patching, sealing, testing, excavating, replacing pipes, adding drainage pipes, and repaving the excavated areas) and incidental costs, at Seven Bridges Middle School constitutes an ordinary contingent expense within the meaning of 2023 of the Education Law and 170.2(1) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, and an emergency within the meaning of 103 of the General Municipal Law, and hereby authorizes the expenditure of those sums necessary for such purpose; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby determines that the footing drains and waterproofing on the foundation repairs project at Seven Bridges Middle School will not have a significant environmental impact and declares this project a Type II Action pursuant to “617.5 State Environmental Quality Review Act and no further action is required; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the District Architect/Engineer are hereby authorized to immediately prepare any necessary specifications for this emergency project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to make transfers between and within functional unit appropriations in the general fund in order to pay the costs of this ordinary contingent expense; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby ratifies the actions of the Assistant Superintendent for Business and Director of Facilities, Operations and Maintenance in facilitating such immediate repairs and associated work.
5.21 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer in the amount of $305,000.00 to increase appropriations for BOCES Administration, Regular Education and Library Services, dated April 30, 2021 and authorizes the Board President to execute the transfer.
5.22 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a municipal cooperative agreement with the Town of New Castle for additional police presence at the points of ingress and egress to the Chappaqua Central School District facilities during certain times of the school day on a regular basis, effective September 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, as presented to the Board at this meeting, and authorizes the Superintendent to execute such agreement. A copy of the agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Items 5.1 through 5.22 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. 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 #8 (Bradhurst) approved by the Superintendent:
Project: Robert E. Bell Middle School Athletic Field Improvements
Contractor: Bradhurst Site Const. Corp.
Description: Credit for lawn repairs not performed
Amount: ($6,000.00)
6.2 Change order #005 (EmpireCore) approved by the Superintendent:
Project: HGHS STEAM Center
Contractor: Empire Core
Description: Place a new drainage system to alleviate surface run-off from entering building at new addition doorway.
Amount: $33,880.00
6.3 Change order #031621 (Southeast Mechanical) approved by the Superintendent:
Project: HGHS STEAM Center
Contractor: Southeast Mechanical Corp.
Description: Repairs to existing HVAC System in Lower L
Amount: $10,800.00
6.4 Change order #61 (RLJ Electric) approved by the Superintendent:
Project: HGHS STEAM Center
Contractor: RLJ Electric Corporation
Description: Supply revised Stems for Type B1 Fixtures (10 total)
Amount: $1,461.82
6.5 Change order #007 (EmpireCore) approved by the Superintendent:
Project: HGHS STEAM Center
Contractor: Empire Core
Description: Furnish & install custom steel carrier angles at Kiva Stairs
Amount: $15,400.00
Motioned by Holly McCall to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.5 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Financials
7.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor’s Report for March 2021
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge receipt of Item 7.1 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
8. Notice of Future Meetings
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 – 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Budget Vote & Election
Horace Greeley High School - Gymnasium
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 – 7:30 pm
Tenured Teacher Recognition
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
9. Adjournment
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 pm. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke