Minutes June 8, 2022

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, June 8, 2022, 7:30 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
and
64 West Orchard Road, Chappaqua, NY

Present:  Board of Education

Hilary Grasso, President

Alyson Gardner

Cailee Hwang
Warren Messner (via Zoom Videoconference)

Jane Kimmel Shepardson

 

Staff Members:

Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools

Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

Jamie Edelman, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services

Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business (via Zoom)

Josh Culwell-Block, Director of Technology, Innovation & Mathematics
Karen Smith, Director of Special Education & 504 Services

David Leis, Associate Director of Technology & Communications

David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant

Liisa Elsner, District Clerk

6:00 pm    Call the meeting to order

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

Motioned by Alyson Gardner to open the public meeting at 6:00 pm.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.  Board Member Warren Messner was absent.

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

6:00 pm    Ave Atque Vale – Retiree Recognition – Horace Greeley High School Courtyard
Warren Messner joined the meeting at 6:38 pm.

Motioned by Alyson Gardner to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:39 pm to discuss litigation, contract negotiations, the employment history of particular persons, matters of health and safety and to receive advice from counsel subject to Board approval.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Alyson Gardner to reconvene the public meeting at 7:54 pm.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

1.       Information Business Affairs

1.1    President’s Report

1.1.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the Board of Education meeting calendar for the 2022-23 school year.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adopt Item 1.1.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Cailee Hwang.  Motion carried 5-0.

President Grasso gave her report noting the following:

  • Congratulating all of the District’s 2021-22 retirees.
  • Acknowledging Tony Sinanis’ impending departure and Jamie Edelman and Andrew Corsilia’s new appointments.
  • Noting that the Senior Musical and Graduation are fast approaching.
  • Thanking the BSU, Phillip Marcus, Tinuke Colpa and all who were involved in the 6/6 CommUNITY Day.
  • Reminding the community that June is Pride Month.
  • Reminding the community that the District will be closed on Monday, June 20th in celebration of Juneteenth.
  • Reminding the community that, in the wake of events in Uvalde, TX and elsewhere that the District is constantly evaluating and re-evaluating security measures to keep our students and staff safe.  The District will also likely be engaging a new Safety Audit in the very near future to determine possible additional measures.

1.2    Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her Community Update noting the following:

  • Congratulating all of the District’s 2021-22 retirees.
  • District vaccination numbers
  • Positive COVID cases
  • Zauderer property update
  • Administrative appointments of Andrew Corsilia and Jamie Edelman
  • Noting that there will be a meet and greet at Bell with incoming Principal Geoff Curtis and Assistant Principal Jennifer Kean-Thompson on June 16.
  • Dr. Pease spoke about a gift to the class of 2023 from Corey’s Pickles.
  • Dr. Pease spoke about the contract with New York Sun Works in support of the Sustainability Research Center curriculum.

Presentation:
    Algebra 8 Update
    Special Education Strategic Plan Update – Jonathan Costa

2.      Committee Reports

Communications Advisory:  Jane Kimmel Shepardson reported that additional, and helpful, feedback was received from community members of the committee at the recent meeting and that the Committee will continue to hone and refine District communications efforts.

HGSF:  Ms. Shepardson noted that topics at the recent meeting covered a wrap-up of funds raised, change in leadership and ideas for how to conduct the next benefit.

Sports Boosters:  Ms. Shepardson noted that the Boosters said “farewell” to Geoff Curtis and welcomed Jamie Block at their recent meeting and thanked Jennifer Bergin for her tireless leadership this past year.

Health & Safety:  Ms. Shepardson noted that, at its recent meeting, the Committee spoke about the recent events in Uvalde, TX, and the need to constantly re-evaluate security efforts around the District.  She mentioned the requests to have an SRO in each school building and that the Committee would like to see a new Safety Audit, along with a community survey to determine what steps may need to be taken going forward.  She reminded the Community that the District cannot give the community all specific security measures as that would compromise student safety.  She also noted that there are many different views on school security throughout the community.

Facilities:  Cailee Hwang and Andrew Lennon noted that all Capital Projects are essentially complete and the HG Boiler issue is nearly complete.  The Sustainability Research Center will be ready with the internal and environmental controls by July 1.  Finally, the Westorchard roof project will take place over the summer.

Wellness:  Ms. Hwang and Ms. Edelman summarized the recent Committee meeting noting that they will work to offer the sports nutrition programs, in conjunction with the Boosters, next year in support of Fall, Winter and Spring student-athletes.  They will also work on a 3xyearly Wellness Newsletter along with a Wellness Day before the holiday break.

CARES:  Dr. Ackerman noted that Phillip Marcus & Tinuke Colpa discussed the District’s equity work (Color Lines, Fellowships, professional development) with members of the Committee at their recent meeting so that all were up-to-date and to receive their feedback.

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 19, 2022 Board Meeting.

3.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the Minutes of the June 2, 2022 Special Board Meeting.

Motioned by Alyson Gardner to accept Items 3.1 and 3.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Cailee Hwang.  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 a student teacher, intern and/or classroom observer for the 2021/2022 school year:

Christina Keenaghan

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Elementary Teacher, Anna Herrera, shall be amended to terminate on August 29, 2024, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:
Ms. Tracy Mahoney, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective June 30, 2022.

Resignation:
Mr. Antony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development, District-wide, effective June 30, 2022.

Ms. Valerie Brunow, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2022.

Ms. Anna Kushnir, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2022.

Ms. Jamie Edelman, Director of K-12 Literacy, District-wide, effective June 30, 2022.

Mr. Andrew Corsilia, Principal, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 15, 2022.

Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Kaitlin Lester, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective June 13, 2022 through June 24, 2022.

Appointment: Probationary
Mr. Daniel Cohen, School Psychologist, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Psychologist, effective August 31, 2022 through August 30, 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 8, C(BA+60) with Masters, $102,721, pending contract negotiations.

Ms. Jamie Edelman, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, District-wide, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, $254,000.

Mr. Andrew Corsilia, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development, District-wide, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development, effective August 16, 2022 through August 15, 2025, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, $256,000.

Appointment: Long-term Substitute
Mr. Dennis DiSanto, Guidance Counselor, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective June 7, 2022 through June 30, 2022 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $434.00 per diem.

Appointment: Part Time
Ms. Areina Brimon, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective May 24, 2022 through June 3, 2022 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+4).

Motioned by Alyson Gardner to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.

4.2    Non-Instructional

Appointment:
Francesca Zacarolli, Benefits Assistant, at a prorated annual salary of $70,029, Step 21 of the COSA Contract, effective June 13, 2022.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso 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.

5.1    CSE Summaries (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on June 8, 2022.

5.2    CSE Summaries (2022-23 School Year) reported to the Board on June 8, 2022.

5.3     BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement with WilsonPrep for test preparation courses run through Chappaqua Continuing Education at various rates for the 2022-23 school year, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
    
5.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a three-year municipal cooperative agreement with the Town of New Castle for a School Resource Officer program at Horace Greeley High School, for school years 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25, as presented to the Board at this meeting, and authorizes the Board President to execute such agreement with the Town of New Castle.  A copy of the agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

5.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves additional monies for site planning services to be performed by J.D. Barrett & Associates, LLC, in the amount of $10,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to countersign the firm’s engagement letter for services, dated May 6, 2022; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #202134, in the amount of $10,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to sign the increase document.

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, in accordance with Board Policy 9040, hereby authorizes the 2022-23 school year salaries of the nonaligned administrators of the School District who are not represented in collective bargaining units, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools in a memorandum to the Board of Education dated June 1, 2022.

5.7    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Consultant Agreement with Ellen Doherty, effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.

5.8    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement with the Bedford Central School District for health & welfare services for 8 students, in the amount of $1,276.68 per student, effective September 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.9    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts a donation of $805.00 worth of pickles from Corey’s Pickles, for the Horace Greeley High School Class of 2023 fundraiser.

5.10    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Office Staff Association (COSA) bargaining unit regarding prior service credit towards retirement health insurance coverage.  A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

5.11    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #210028, in the amount of $5,993.75, and authorizes the Board President to sign the increase document.

5.12    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the agreement with Anderson Center for Autism, effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 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.

5.13    WHEREAS the District has New York State Education Department approval to replace the roof at Westorchard elementary school, and 

WHEREAS the District has advertised a request for bids for roofing replacement services under CCSD Bid Number B2021-24, 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby awards the Westorchard Elementary School roof replacement project to General Maintenance Group as follows:

  • Roof Replacement Section 7 [23,025 sq.ft. at a unit rate of $32.00 per sq.ft.] not to exceed $763,800, and

 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby awards General Maintenance Group the following additional services as needed:

  • Metal Decking replacement [800 sq.ft. at $30.00 per sq.ft.] not to exceed $24,000
  • Roof Drain replacement [$1,300 each x 10 drains] not to exceed $13,000

 
5.14    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Recommendation #B2022-07:  Boiler, Burners & Related Equipment Maintenance and Repair to 1st Heating Solutions LLC., for the 2022-23 school year, in the amount of $10,506.25.

5.15    CCSD BID #b2022-06:

WHEREAS, the Board of Education, in accordance with Article 5-A of the General Municipal Law, invited sealed bids for Door Hardware & Door Replacement, and

WHEREAS, the bids were to be opened publicly on May 20th, 2022 and no bids were received; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education believes it to be in the best interests of the School District to obtain door related services via piggyback off of White Plains City School District Bid #F2020-53:  “Repair, Maintenance, Installation of Interior & Exterior Doors, Frames & Hardware”; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, in the best interests of the District, hereby rejects the bid for the Door Hardware & Door Replacement, on the basis that no bids were received and door services can be obtained via piggyback off White Plains City School District bid.

5.16    WHEREAS, in a letter received in May, 2022, New York Sun Works, Inc. has provided justification of being the sole source for packaging of their Hydroponic and Aquaponic systems/kits which are integrated into the NY Sun Works Discovering Sustainability Science Curriculum which will be used by the District in relation to the Sustainability Research Center at Horace Greeley High School;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby declares the New York Sun Works, Inc., to be the sole source manufacturer and vendor of such Hydroponic and Aquaponic systems/kits, and not subject to competitive bidding under Section 103 of the General Municipal Law.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, at the recommendation of the Superintendent per Board of Education Policy #6085, that the Board of Education hereby approves a professional services consulting agreement with New York Sun Works for design, installation, operations and curriculum implementation of the Horace Greeley High School Sustainability Center, in the amount of $67,363 and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.  A copy of said agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

5.17    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Contract for Educational Services with Mahopac Central School District – Falls Academy, effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 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.

5.18    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby ratifies the provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”) executed by the negotiating teams for the District and the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers dated May 10, 2022, and agrees to a three-year successor agreement to their 2021-22 Collectively Negotiated Agreement, effective July 1, 2022 and terminating on June 30, 2025, and authorizes the expenditure of those moneys necessary to implement the provisions of the 2022-25 CCT Collectively Negotiated Agreement between the District and the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers. A copy of the MOA 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 Alyson Gardner.  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    An agreement for services with Dr. Christopher Emdin for the 2021-22 school year.

6.2    An agreement for services with Evan Madin for the 2022-23 school year.

6.3    An agreement for services with EBR Educational Consultants for the 2021-22 school year.

6.4    An agreement with Navdeep Kundi for the 2021-22 school year.

6.5    An agreement with Steve Phelps for the 2022-23 school year.

Motioned by Alyson Gardner to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.5 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 hereby acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor’s Report for April 2022.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge receipt of Item 8.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Alyson Gardner.  Motion carried 5-0.

9.      Notice of Future Meetings

Wednesday, June 22, 2022, 7:30 pm
District-wide Strategic Plan Update
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium

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

10.       Adjournment 

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 pm.  Seconded by Alyson Gardner.  Motion carried 5-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke