Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes November 18, 2020
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 6:30 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
Per Governor Cuomo’s executive order, in-person attendance at this meeting may not exceed 50 people.
(A Livestream Video Link was also provided)
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
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
President Tipp called for a motion to open the meeting.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to open the meeting at 6:30 pm. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 4-0. Board member Warren Messner was not present.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to appoint Christine Ackerman clerk pro tempore. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 4-0.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss matters of health & safety, contracts, potential litigation and to receive advice from counsel at 5:35 pm. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 4-0.
Board member Warren Messner joined the meeting at 6:34 pm.
President Tipp called for a motion to reconvene the public meeting.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to reconvene the public meeting at 7:51 pm. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report
1.1.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adopts the revised 2020-21 Board of Education Meeting Calendar.
Motioned by Holly McCall to approve Item 1.1.1 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
1.1.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adopts the revised 2020-21 School Year Calendar.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 1.1.2 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
1.1.3 CCSD comments to Town of New Castle Form Based Code DGEIS
- President Tipp updated the community on communications with the Town regarding the proposed Form Based Code and indicated that copies of the communications sent to the Town will be posted to the District’s website shortly.
- Dr. Ackerman indicated that the District’s consultant team would be meeting on 11/19.
- Jane Kimmel Shepardson then reported on a recent HG Sports Boosters meeting regarding some winter sports being approved to go forward. She expressed gratitude to all involved in working toward enabling fall sports programs to proceed, thanking everyone for their tremendous efforts.
- Finally Ms. Tipp noted that the District has now been open for 12 weeks during this difficult time and she praised the efforts of administration, staff and students along with the parent community and larger community for pulling together which allows our District to remain open.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her community update highlighting the following:
- A staffing update regarding workplace accommodations along with status of any open positions.
- A scheduling update – noting that the District will continue using the model of ½ days on Wednesdays through the month of January 2021.
- An update of our Covid update to allow parents to receive alerts for all schools.
- District staff is now using the Operoo application for daily screenings.
- The District will begin using thermal scanners for temperature checks.
- A Thanksgiving travel guidance document.
- Dr. Pease reviewed a graph illustrating student and quarantining patterns.
- Dr. Ackerman explained the potential scenario regarding District testing of students should the need arise.
- A quarterly update on Hate Speech, Bias, Discrimination Incidents
Presentation: Greeley Virtual Presentation – HGHS Principal Andrew Corsilia gave a presentation illustrating how staff are working within the new parameters to deliver instruction and engage students at the High School.
2. Committee Reports
Policy – Policies on the agenda.
Wellness – Ms. Grasso reported that the committee is working through the specifics on their areas of focus which will include mental and social/emotional health & wellness.
Communications and Communications Advisory– Ms. Shepardson said that both Advisory and smaller committees met with the goal of increasing and improving communication with the community.
CARES – Ms. McCall reported on the 11/9 meeting indicating the committee discussed groupnorms and also participated in a SWOT analysis.
Facilities Advisory– Ms. McCall said that the first meeting of the Advisory Committee was 11/10 and reviewed the status of the bond projects and discussed the security projects and sustainability center. She reported that the 7 Bridges geothermal project is a “no go.” The Committee is making a recommendation to the Board to revise the Facilities Usage Regulation regarding lighting on the turf field, field C and the tennis courts during the pandemic.
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 October 26, 2020 Special Board Meeting.
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the October 28, 2020 Board Meeting.
3.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the November 4, 2020 Special Board Meeting/Work Session.
3.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the November 9, 2020 Special Board Meeting.
Motioned by Warren Messner to accept Items 3.1 through 3.4 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
3.5 Policy #5080: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Students – 1st Reading.
3.6 Policy #9049: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Employees – 1st Reading
3.7 Policy #0120: Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Policy – 1st Reading.
3.8 Policy #5052: Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention – 1st Reading.
3.9 Policy #0119: Title VI Civil Rights Act – 1st Reading.
3.10 Policy #5085: Student Records – 1st Reading & Adoption
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby waives a second reading of Policy #5085: Student Records and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon the first reading of this policy as presented at this meeting, the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #5085: Student Records.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to waive the second reading and adopt Policy #5085: Student Records, as stated above. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Recommended Action: Personnel
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.1 as stated below.
4.1 Instructional
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as per diem substitute teachers to be employed on an “as needed” basis:
Brenda Devine
Kylie Elwood
Amira Lahlouh
Caryn Osofsky
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as per diem substitutes at the Building Specific substitute teacher rate:
Dawn Clausen – Roaring Brook Elementary School
Mary McIver – Horace Greeley High School
Lori Pyrch – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
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:
Medelicia Sobon
Aferdita Takaci
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teacher, intern and/or classroom observer for the 2020/2021 school year:
Galina Pavel
Resignation:
Ms. Tracy Franks, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective November 17, 2020.
Mr. John Mullen, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective November 10, 2020.
Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Ms. Jessica Towle, Teacher of Science, Horace Greeley High School, effective December 2, 2020 through January 8, 2021.
Appointment: Teaching Assistant
Ms. Leidy Valencia, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective November 30, 2020, $23,357, prorated.
Appointment: Long-term Substitute
Ms. Elizabeth DeLessio-Neubauer, School Psychologist, Horace Greeley High School, Robert E. Bell and Seven Bridges Middle Schools, effective December 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $630 per diem.
Appointment: Coaching - Effective November 30, 2020 through March 1, 2021
| Name | Position | Sport | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Witmer | Varsity | Bowling | 1 |
| Charles McKenna | Junior Varsity | Bowling | 3 |
| Margaret Kaplan | Varsity | Boys Swimming | 3 |
| Suzanne Guziec | Assistant Varsity | Boys Swimming | 3 |
| Michael Darland | Junior Varsity | Boys Swimming | 3 |
| James Howard | Varsity Girls | Indoor Track | 3 |
| Steven McKenney | Varsity Boys | Indoor Track | 3 |
| James May | Varsity | Skiing | 1 |
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 2020/2021 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
Arc Westchester
Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Jamie Egan, Teacher of Social Studies, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective November 23, 2020 through March 5, 2021.
Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Ms. Lisa Fitzgerald, Teacher of Elementary, Westorchard Elementary School, effective November 23, 2020 through June 30, 2021.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.1 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried. 5-0.
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.
4.2 Non-Instructional
Resignation:
Eleana Noble, Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems at the Education Center, effective December 5, 2020.
Appointment:
Belinda Angelori, Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems at the Education Center (12 month), effective December 6, 2020, at an annual salary of Step 17, $63,711(pro-rated).
Eleana Noble, Secretary to the Principal, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective December 6, 2020, at an annual salary of Step 16, $62,304.
Angela Villa, Cleaner at Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective November 19, 2020. Her salary will be Step 1, $41,808 (pro-rated) with an additional night stipend of $2,074, in accordance with the custodial contract.
Justin Young, Cleaner at Horace Greeley, effective November 19, 2020. His salary will be Step 1, $41,808 (pro-rated) with an additional night stipend of $2,074, in accordance with the custodial contract.
Resignation for the Purpose of Retirement:
Ann Marie Collins, Secretary to the Principal at Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective December 31, 2020.
Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Resolution to authorize Belinda Angelori to be on administrative leave of absence, without pay, beginning on December 6, 2020 and ending on December 13, 2020.
Motioned by Warren Messner 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 November 18, 2020.
5.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to submit the Certification Form for the submission of the 2020-21 school year Undue Burden Independent Evaluator Hardship Waiver Application for its Section 3012-d APPR Plan to the State Education Department. A copy of said application shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a Contract for Educational Services with Byram Hills Central School District for the 2020-21 school year at the rate set by New York State Education Department, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an addendum to the Agreement for Consultant Services with Acture Solutions, Inc., for additional hardware and software technology support, network administration and database management, effective November 19, 2020 through September 30, 2021, in the amount of $6,666.67 per month, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Contract with the Pleasantville Union Free School District for special education services for one student (ID# 704479) during the 2020-21 school year, in the amount of $89,368.12, and authorizes the Superintendent to execute this Agreement.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Contract with the Pleasantville Union Free School District for special education services for one student (ID# 700952) during the 2020-21 school year, in the amount of $92,403.87, and authorizes the Superintendent to execute this Agreement.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement with the State University of New York at Purchase College for the use of facilities for the estimated amount of $27,790.00 for the 2020-21 school year, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Independent Contractor Agreement for Services with Vera Allen for Driver Education Lectures for students during the 2020-21 school year, at a rate of $45.00 per student, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints Andrew Farber to the New Castle Community Media Center (NCCMC) for a two-year term beginning November 19, 2020 – December 31, 2022.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an agreement with Pulse-MD Urgent Care, dated November 18, 2020, for the purpose of conducting COVID-19 testing of District students, faculty and staff members during the 2020-21 school year, when such testing is required by the New York State Department of Health (“NYSDOH”) or the Westchester County Department of Health (“WCDOH”), as presented to the Board at this meeting, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement. A copy of said agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes its President to sign a Survey Proposal from TC Merritts Land Surveyors for services described in said proposal, in an amount not to exceed $1,440.00, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of the Survey Proposal shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms set forth in a letter dated March 5, 2020 and revised as of November 10, 2020 for services by Campbell Engineering, PC as described therein and as presented to the Board at this meeting, in an amount not to exceed $9,800.00. A copy of the agreement for engineering for a water main, roadway and septic facilities design & permitting shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.13 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves that part of the updated RFP response of J.D. Barrett & Associates, LLC (RFP#2020-4), dated November 16, 2020, regarding Engineering for Site Planning & Project Management, for Phase I, Phase II and Phase III services in an amount not to exceed $23,700.00, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said RFP response shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.14 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the updated RFP response of Cuddy & Feder, LLP (RFP#2020-7), dated November 12, 2020, regarding services related to subdivision approval in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said RFP response shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.15 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the RFP response of WSP USA (RFP#2020-6), dated November 12, 2020, regarding storm water engineering services related to a subdivision project in an amount not to exceed $12,900.00, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said RFP response shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Items 5.1 through 5.15 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. 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: PCO #11 (RFI #098-MSK-3)
Project: Horace Greeley High School & Chappaqua Library
Contractor: Southeast Mechanical Corp.
Description: Labor, equipment and materials related to finishing and installing condensate drain piping associated with sketch MSK-3 dated 9/19/19.
Amount: $18,777.57
Motioned by Holly McCall to acknowledge Item 6.1 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Financials
7.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for October 2020.
7.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for October 2020.
7.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor Report for October 2020.
7.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for October 2020.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge receipt of Items 7.1 through 7.4 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
8. Notice of Future Meetings
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 – 7:30 pm
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 – 7:30 pm
Budget Preview
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
9. Adjournment
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 9:57 pm. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke