Minutes November 17, 2021

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, November 17, 2021, 7:30 PM
Douglas Grafflin Elementary School

Present:  Board of Education
    Hilary Grasso, President
    Warren Messner, Vice President
    Cailee Hwang
    Jane Kimmel Shepardson
    Victoria Bayard Tipp

Staff Members:
    Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
    Jamie Edelman, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
    Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
    Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business
    Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
    Colleen Kelly, District Clerk Pro Tempore
    David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
    David Leis, Assistant Director of Technology & Communications
    Carol Bartlik, Principal – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
    Debra Alspach, Assistant Principal – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School

Board President Hilary Grasso called for a motion to open the meeting.

Motioned by Cailee Hwang to open the meeting at 5:04 pm.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 4-0.  Board Vice President Warren Messner was absent.

Motioned by Cailee Hwang to appoint Christine Ackerman District Clerk Pro Tempore.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 4-0.

Motioned by Cailee Hwang to adjourn into Executive Session at 5:04 pm to discuss litigation and the employment history of particular persons.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 4-0.

Board Vice President Warren Messner joined the meeting at 5:10 pm.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to reconvene the public meeting for a work session in the Library Media Center at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School at 5:10 pm.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Warren Messner to re-adjourn into Executive Session at 6:50 pm.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Warren Messner to reconvene the public meeting at 7:36 pm.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

Presentation:    Douglas Grafflin Elementary School Presentation

1.    Information Business Affairs

1.1    President’s Report - President Grasso gave her report to the Community noting the following:

  • Thanking Grafflin students for their presentation.
  • Wishing Greeley Theatre students a successful production of Me and My Girl.
  • Congratulations to Fall Athletes most especially senior athletes.
  • All K-12 students are now eligible to be vaccinated.  
  • The Board has continued to work on the District’s Strategic Questions and she introduced the revised questions which will be adopted at the December 15 meeting.  She explained the purpose of these questions and read them to the community.  Board members added comments about the process and the philosophy behind the process.
  • Discussing the process that the Board can follow regarding the coming open Board seat due to Ms. Tipp’s moving on to serve on the New Castle Town Board.

1.1.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby nominates Frank Hariton to serve as New York State School Boards Association Area 10 Director, effective January 1, 2022.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Item 1.1.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

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

  • Welcoming Jamie Edelman to the meeting as Interim Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services.
  • Updated vaccination information.
  • Non-vaccinated testing numbers.
  • Updated quarantine numbers.
  • Adjustments to the morning screening process at Greeley.
  • Adjustments to Middle Schools regarding lockers for grades 7/8.
  • Westchester County DOH Vaccination Clinics at Bell Middle School in December.
  • Test To Stay model information and requirements.
  • Testing out of Quarantine information.
  • Hate Speech, Bias, Discrimination Incidents Quarterly Update.
  • Andrew Lennon gave an update on the Greeley gym floors and auditorium ceiling.
  • Warren Messner gave a brief update on the water and sewage line issues at Greeley.
  • Adam Pease spoke about the CSF Instagrants on the agenda.
  • Dr. Pease also spoke about the ELA and Math 3-8 results which are no longer embargoed.
  • Dr. Pease then spoke about the release of two additional NWEA reports and the timeline for those releases and communication to families.
  • Jamie Edelman spoke about Language Line which is a translation service that the District can now use to aid in communication with families and students.


2.    Committee Reports
CARES:  Ms. Tipp spoke about the CARES meeting on 11/9 where the Committee met with the Equity Auditors.
Communications Advisory:  Ms. Shepardson said the Committee continues to review District Communications and offer feedback on more effective communication methods and approaches.
Sports Boosters:  Ms. Shepardson reported that the Boosters meeting focused on spectator guidelines for Winter sports.  She mentioned that two Greeley senior athletes had “Commitment Ceremonies” with colleges (swimming and lacrosse).
Wellness:  Ms. Edelman reported that the Committee met on 11/9 and continued to brainstorm around wellness issues and initiatives.  One area of focus will be sports nutrition programs with and for our student athletes and the possibility of partnering with the Sports Boosters.
Policy:  The Committee has policies further on in the agenda.

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 27, 2021 Board Meeting.

3.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the November 9, 2021 Special Board Meeting.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to accept Items 3.1 and 3.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.3    Policy #9040:  Non-Aligned Administrative Personnel Policy.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby waives a second reading of Policy #9040:  Non-Aligned Administrative Personnel Policy 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 #9040:  Non-Aligned Administrative Personnel Policy.

Motioned by Warren Messner to adopt Item 3.3 (Policy #9040:  Non-Aligned Administrative Personnel Policy) as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.4    Policy #6086:  Federal Funds Purchasing – 1st Reading and Adoption.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby waives a second reading of Policy #6086:  Federal Funds Purchasing 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 #6086:  Federal Funds Purchasing.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adopt Item 3.4 (Policy #6086:  Federal Funds Purchasing) as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.5    Policy #9049:  Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Employees – 1st Reading and Adoption.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby waives a second reading of Policy #9049:  Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Employees 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 #9049:  Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Employees.

3.6    Policy #5080:  Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Students – 1st Reading and Adoption.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby waives a second reading of Policy #5080:  Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Students 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 #5080:  Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Students.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adopt Items 3.5 (Policy #9049:  Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Employees) and 3.6 (Policy #5080:  Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Students) as stated above.  Seconded by Cailee Hwang.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.7    Policy #9070:  Recording Workplace Conversations – 1st Reading.

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 per diem substitute teacher to be employed on an “as needed” basis:

Christine Johnsmeyer

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:

Michael McGinnis – Horace Greeley High School
Njeri Semaj – Horace Greeley High School

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:

John Sanseverino

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Director of English Language Arts & Content Literacy effective for the 2021/2022 school year:

Jennifer Kean-Thompson

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment date of John Youssis, Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, from November 1, 2021 to November 29, 2021, that was previously approved at the September 29, 2021 Board of Education meeting.

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

Appointment: Part Time
Ms. Elona Coku, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Westorchard Elementary School, effective October 25, 2021 through June 17, 2022 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+45) with Masters, $63.26/hour.

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

Appointments:
Steven Cottrell, Senior Custodial Worker at Robert E. Bell Middle School, 40 hours/week, at an annual salary of $63,981, Step 13 of the CSEA Contract, plus the night differential of $2,095, effective November 6, 2021, in accordance with Civil Service Regulations.

Harald Schwab, Benefits Assistant, at a prorated annual salary of $70,029 -Step 21 of the COSA Contract, effective December 2, 2021, pending background and fingerprint clearance.

Resignations: 
Juan Tunas, Teacher Aide at Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2021. 

AnnMarie Castro, Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems, at Horace Greeley High School, effective November 19, 2021.

Melanie Leff, Clerk-School Monitor at Seven Bridges Middles School, effective November 27, 2021.

Resolutions:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby rescinds the resolution, approved at the September 14, 2021 Board of Education meeting, authorizing the Superintendent to direct a comprehensive medical examination and evaluation of Employee No. 5147.

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes an administrative leave of absence, without pay, for Steven Cottrell, effective November 6, 2021 through December 5, 2021 in accordance with Westchester County Civil Service Regulations.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual below as a substitute clerical/teacher aide to be employed on an “as needed” basis, effective November 15, 2021, at a salary of $15.00 per hour:

Laurie Pecora

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  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 5.4 from the Consent Agenda below.

5.1    CSE Summaries (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on November 17, 2021.

5.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby terminates the consultant agreement with Management Advisory Group for Medicaid Services for the 2021-22  school year, pursuant to the letter received from Management Advisory Group dated November 1, 2021.

5.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an Agreement with Sivic Solutions Group, LLC, 414 Trenton Road, Suite 202, Utica, New York, for Medicaid billing services, effective November 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

5.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Consultant Agreement with Ellen Doherty, effective November 2, 2021 through June 30, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement

5.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract with the Carmel Central School District for Educational Services for one student (ID #xxxxx3) during the 2021-22 school year, in the amount of $55,096.92, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.

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# xxxxx2) during the 2021-22 school year, in the amount of $95,489.00, and authorizes the Superintendent to execute this Agreement.

5.7    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to submit the Certification Form for the submission of the 2021-22 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.

5.8    BE IT RESOLVED, that Jamie Edelman be appointed as a 504/Title II ADA Compliance Officer for the 2021-22 school year.

5.9    BE IT RESOLVED, that Jamie Edelman be appointed as a Student Disability Discrimination Compliance Coordinator for the 2021-22 school year.

5.10    BE IT RESOLVED, that Jamie Edelman be appointed as a McKinney-Vento (Homeless) Liaison for the 2021-22 school year.

5.11    BE IT RESOLVED, that Jamie Edelman be appointed as a Medicaid Compliance Officer for the 2021-22 school year.

5.12    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant for a 3D Printer Studio Pilot Project, in the amount of $2,456.51, submitted by Seven Bridges Middle School Teachers Chris Stasi and Jenny Gieras.

5.13    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges the following revision to Change Order S&L #30, in the amount of $2,191.77, previously approved at the February 3, 2021 Special Board of Education Meeting:

Revised Change Order#:  HGHS PC-017
Revised Amount:  $2,454.79

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #173432, in the amount of $2,454.79 to cover the cost of Change Order #HGHS PC-017.

5.14    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education herby authorizes its President to sign a settlement agreement involving RLJ Electric Corp. and Palm Construction Corp., settling the case of Palm Construction Corp. v. RLJ Electric Corp., et. al. Westchester County Supreme Court Index No. 55928/2021 as presented to the Board at this meeting.  A copy of said settlement agreement shall be in incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting. 

5.15    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education herby authorizes its President to sign a settlement agreement regarding the case of Framan Mechanical, Inc. v. Chappaqua Central School District, et. al. Westchester County Supreme Court Index No. 58564/2020 as presented to the Board at this meeting.  A copy of said settlement agreement shall be in incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting. 

5.16    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves CCSD Bid Award Renewal B2019-16:  Construction, Labor & Materials – Painting Services for the 2021-22 school year to HG Painting.

5.17    BE IT RESOLVED, that Jamie Edelman be appointed as a CPSE/CSE/504 Chairperson for the 2021-22 school year.

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Items 5.1 through 5.3 and 5.5 through 5.17 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 5.4 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  After discussion among the Board the 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    A Purchase Agreement with Abbott Rapid DC North America, LLC for BinaxNOW COVID-19 test kits.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso 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 hereby acknowledges receipt of the Appropriations Status Report for October 2021.

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

7.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for October 2021.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to acknowledge receipt of Items 7.1 through 7.3 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

8.      Notice of Future Meetings

Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 7:30 pm
Seven Bridges Middle School Presentation
Location TBD

Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 7:30 pm
Budget Preview
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium

9.     Adjournment 

Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 pm.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke