Minutes June 22, 2022

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, June 22, 2022, 7:30 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
and
11446 North Dawn Drive, Meadville, PA

5:45 pm    Audit Committee Meeting

 

Present:  Board of Education

Hilary Grasso, President
Warren Messner - via Zoom Videoconference

Alyson Gardner

Cailee Hwang

Jane Kimmel Shepardson

 

Staff Members:

Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools

Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development

Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business

David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant

Liisa Elsner, District Clerk

President Grasso called for a motion to open the public meeting.

Motioned by Alyson Gardner to open the public meeting at 6:32 pm.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.  Board Member Warren Messner was absent.

Motioned by Alyson Gardner to appoint Dr. Ackerman as District Clerk pro tempore.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.  

Motioned by Alyson Gardner to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:33 pm to discuss litigation, contract negotiations, the employment history of particular persons, matters of health and safety and to receive advice from counsel.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

Board member Warren Messner joined the meeting at 6:34 pm.

Motioned by Alyson Gardner to reconvene the public meeting at 7:33 pm.  Seconded by Cailee Hwang.  Motion carried 5-0.

1.       Information Business Affairs

1.1    President’s Report – President Grasso gave her report noting the following:

  • The District will be working on another method of selling the Zauderer property which Dr. Ackerman will cover later in the meeting.
  • Congratulating both Greeley graduates and students moving up from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school. 
  • Thanking Alyson Gardner for stepping in to serve the remainder of Victoria Tipp’s term.  Her experience and partnership with the Board were invaluable.
  • Thanking Tony Sinanis for his service to the District and wishing him well as he becomes a Superintendent on Long Island.
  • Wishing the community a healthy & happy summer.

1.2    Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her community update noting the following:

  • Congratulating graduates and thanking staff and the community for their hard work and partnership during the 2021-22 school year.
  • Thanking Alyson Gardner for her partnership and guidance for the past 7 months.
  • Thanking Tony Sinanis for his partnership and leadership during the past 4 years and wishing him well.
  • District vaccination rates.
  • Positive Covid cases.
  • An update on the process for the sale of the Zauderer property.
  • The quarterly bias incident report.
  • Dr. Pease gave an update on 8th grade algebra noting the recent results of the Regent’s exam.

Presentation:    District-Wide Strategic Plan Final Update 
        
2.       Committee Reports

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 6, 2022 Special Board Meeting.

3.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the Minutes of the June 8, 2022  Board Meeting.

Motioned by Alyson Gardner to accept Items 3.1 and 3.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  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 2022/2023 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:

BANY Partners
Dynamic Kids
EI US, LLC., dba Learn Well
Holistic Learning Center
HTA of New York, Inc.
Listening Partners, Inc.
Carolyn M. Machonis, dba Milestones for Munchkins
Isa Marrs Speech Language Pathology, P.C.
Colleen O’Sullivan
Andrea Rauso Eckerle
Westchester Institute for Human Development (Applied Behavior Analysis Services)
Westchester Institute for Human Development (Assistive Technology)
Westchester Therapy Solutions – Occupational, Physical & Speech Therapy, PLLC

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as AP proctors to be employed on an "as needed" basis effective for the 2021/2022 school year:

Jill Jason-Wainer            

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the probationary term of English as a New Language Teacher, Glenn Golz, shall be amended to terminate on January 2, 2025, 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, 2022 through August 12, 2022, 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
Lauren Andrews - Special Education Teacher
Mary Callaghan - Special Education Teacher
Sara Kenney - Special Education Teacher
Vanessa Petruzelli - Special Education Teacher
Angelique Titre-Barnor - Special Education Teacher
Charles Buchanan - Teaching Assistant
Miriam Lord - Teaching Assistant
Jayne Carlson - Teaching Assistant
Joanne Morgis - Teaching Assistant
Elyssa Szoke - Occupational Therapist
Christina Proia - Special Education Teacher (substitute as needed)
Kristen Fontanes - Special Education Teacher (substitute as needed)

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached Agreements for Services for the individual listed below effective for the 2022 Chappaqua Summer Extended School Year program, effective July 1, 2022 through August 12, 2022, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:

Karin Pelletier – Special Education Teacher

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as Department Chairpersons for the 2022/2023 school year:

District Wide

Department Chairperson
Reading (.5) Stacey Fragin & (.5) Gina Busolt

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 Joseph Kearns
Art Louise Brady
Performing Arts Kathleen Feldman

Douglas Grafflin Elementary School

Department Chairperson
Kindergarten Nancy Larkin
Grade 1 Marissa Boniello
Grade 2 Sarah Alley
Grade 3 Mara Cohen
Grade 4 Carol Scappaticci
Pupil Personnel Lisa Tighe
Scheduled Specials Steve Listengart

Roaring Brook Elementary School

Department Chairperson
Kindergarten Jodi Fenstermacher
Grade 1 Traci Everett
Grade 2  Susan Diskin
Grade 3 Melissa Billings
Grade 4 Andrea Kosakowski
Pupil Personnel Jennifer Mezzancello
Scheduled Specials Carolyn Elwood

Westorchard Elementary School

Department Chairperson
Grade K Robin Kevitz-Connolly
Grade 1 Karol London
Grade 2 Antonella DellaGala
Grade 3 Lisa Balbona
Grade 4  Torrey Keeley
Pupil Personnel Nadia Buffa
Scheduled Specials Andrea Schaber

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as High School Department Facilitators for the 2022/2023 school year:

Department Co-Facilitator
English Rebecca Ebstein
Social Studies Regina McKie
Math Tammy Korman
Science Jennifer McCarthy
World Language Isabel Irizarry
Special Education Jessica Leitman
Counseling John Brennan

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Director of Life School effective for the 2022/2023 school year:

Stephen Walker

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Director of Professional Learning, Inquiry and Innovation effective for the 2022/2023 school year:

Ellen Moskowitz

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Director of K-12 Science effective for the 2022/2023 school year:

Justin Olive

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Director of K-12 Social Studies effective for the 2022/2023 school year:

Mary Devane

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as EAP Coordinator effective for the 2022/2023 school year:

Miriam Longobardi

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:
Ms. Kathryn Rowland, Teacher of Special Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective June 30, 2022.

Amended Resignation:
Ms. Nichole Kelly, Assistant Principal, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective June 26, 2022.

Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Caitlin Wilson, Teacher of Special Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective June 21, 2022 through October 31, 2022.

Request for Extension of Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Sara Cury, Teacher of Art, Westorchard Elementary School, effective August 31, 2022 through January 31, 2023.

Appointment: Part Time
Ms. Jennifer Kuo, (.4) Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 7, B(BA+30) with Masters, $38,061, pending contract negotiations.

Ms. Njeri Semaj, (.6) Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 17, B(BA+30) with Masters, $71,275, pending contract negotiations.

Mr. Zachary Stearns, (.6) Teacher of Social Studies, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 5, B(BA+30) with Masters, $50,821, pending contract negotiations.

Ms. Jill Guzzy, (.5) Teacher of Speech and Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 11, C(BA+60) with Masters, $56,331, pending contract negotiations.

Ms. Luisa Romano, (.5) Teacher of Special Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, B(BA+30) with Masters, $37,705, pending contract negotiations.

Appointment: Long-term Substitute
Ms. Elizabeth DeLessio-Neubauer, CSE/CPSE Chairperson and 504 Chairperson, effective July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $630 per diem.


Resolution:  
BE IT RESOLVED that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Board President to execute an Agreement regarding Employee #5242, 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, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached Agreements for Services for the individuals and agencies listed below effective for the 2022/2023 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:

David Costabile, M.D.
Monique Scollan

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, 2022 through August 12, 2022, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education.

Rachel Stark – Special Education Teacher

Appointment: Probationary
Ms. Rachel Weiss, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of English, effective August 31, 2022 through August 29, 2026, 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 3, B(BA+30) with Masters, $79,679 (pending background check).

Mr. Paul Rotstein, Teacher of Technology, Robert E. Bell Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Industrial Arts, effective August 31, 2022 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 17, C(BA+75) with Masters, $136,468 (pending background check).

Appointment: Regular Substitute
Ms. Theresa Swertfager, Regular Substitute Teacher of Physical Education, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, B(BA+45) with Masters, $80,300 (pending background check).

Motioned by Alyson Gardner 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   

Appointment:
Angela Marshall, Cleaner at Westorchard Elementary School, 40 hours/week, at an annual salary of $43,374 (prorated), Step 2 of the CSEA Contract, plus the night differential of $2,095, effective June 27, 2022.

Anthony Piacquadio, Head Custodian at Douglas G. Grafflin Elementary School, at an annual salary of $78,136, Step 15 of the CSEA Contract, effective July 1, 2022.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 4.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Alyson Gardner.  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.

Motioned by Warren Messner to remove Item 5.18 from the Consent Agenda.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.1    CSE Summaries (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on June 22, 2022.

5.2    CSE Summaries (2022-23 School Year) reported to the Board on June 22, 2022.

5.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the 2022-23 school year salaries of the confidential employees based on the recommendations from the Superintendent in a memorandum to the Board of Education dated June 15, 2022.  A copy of said memorandum shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

5.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an employment agreement with the Superintendent of Schools dated June 16, 2022, covering the period from June 25, 2022 through June 24, 2027, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

5.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement with 
the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns for health & welfare services for 30 students, in the amount of $1,162.60 per student, effective September 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement with the Bedford Central School District for health & welfare services for 11 students, in the amount of $1,191.35 per student, effective September 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.7    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation #B2020-06:  Field Maintenance Services to Maxner Landscaping LLC, for the 2022-23 school year, in the amount of $110,000.00 plus hourly rates.

5.8    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Recommendation #B2022-08:  Clothing for Work Uniforms to S&H Uniform Corp., for the 2022-23 school year, at various amounts.

5.9    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Recommendation #B2022-09: Printing/Stationery Services, for the 2022-23 school year, at various amounts.

5.10    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Recommendation #B2022-10: Educational Data Services - various categories to various vendors, for the 2022-23 school year in the amount of $85,517.05.

5.11    RESOLUTION TO CERTIFY LEAD EVALUATORS OF CLASSROOM TEACHERS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2021-22 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:

Geoff Curtis 
Jessica Rappaport

5.12     RESOLUTION TO RECERTIFY LEAD EVALUATORS OF CLASSROOM TEACHERS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2021-22 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
Deborah Alspach
Carol Bartlik
Siska Brutsaert
Ross Cooper
Andrew Corsilia
Josh Culwell-Block
Jamie Edelman
Ron Gamma
Nichole Kelly
Phillip Marcus, Jr.
Joe Mazza
Adam Pease
Adam Schoenbart
Tony Sinanis
James Skoog
Karen Smith
Lauralyn Stewart
Alissa Stoever
Joseph Wiener
Tonya Wilson

5.13       RESOLUTION TO CERTIFY LEAD EVALUATORS OF BUILDING PRINCIPALS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2021-22 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 individual named below has completed all the necessary training to be certified as a lead evaluator of building principals;
 
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby certifies the following individual as a lead evaluator of building principals:

Jamie Edelman

5.14      RESOLUTION TO RECERTIFY LEAD EVALUATORS OF BUILDING PRINCIPALS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2021-22 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 individuals as lead evaluators of building principals:

Christine Ackerman 
Adam Pease 
Tony Sinanis

5.15     BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a service agreement with Johnson Controls, Inc. for Preventative Maintenance during the 2022-23 school year and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.16    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Recommendation from CCSD RFP #2022-01:  Special Education and Related Services to various vendors at various rates, for the 2022-23 school year.

5.17    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #211081, to cover tuition expenses for 2 students at Green Chimneys, in the amount of $15,500.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the increase document.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Items 5.1 through 5.17 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.18    BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby authorizes the Assistant Superintendent for Business to arrange for the advertisement for the sale of the Buttonhook Road Property owned by the District at Buttonhook Road and Garey Drive, with the Board reserving the right to accept or reject any or all of such bids/offers.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Item 5.18 as stated above.  Seconded by Alyson Gardner.  Motion carried 4-1.  Board Member Warren Messner voted “nay.”

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     An agreement for services with Carolina Biological Supply for the 2022-23 school year.

6.2    An agreement with Building Expediting Systems dated June 9, 2022.

6.3    An agreement with Michael Fullan Enterprises dated June 16, 2022.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.3 as stated above.  Seconded by Alyson Gardner.  Motion carried 5-0.

7.      Facilities 
    
8.      Financials

8.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor’s Report for May 2022.

8.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for May 2022.

8.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for May 2022.

8.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for May 2022.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 through 8.4 as stated above.  Seconded by Alyson Gardner.  Motion carried 5-0.

9.       Notice of Future Meetings

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, 7:30 pm
Reorganization Meeting
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, 7:30 pm
Tax Warrant
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium

10.       Adjournment 

Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 pm.  Seconded by Alyson Gardner.  Motion carried 5-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke