Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes September 14, 2021
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, September 14, 2021, 6:30 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
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
Ellen Doherty, 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
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
David Leis. Assistant Director of Technology and Communications
Board President Hilary Grasso called for a motion to open the meeting.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to open the meeting at 5:01 pm. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 4-0. Board Member Victoria Bayard Tipp was absent
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to appoint Christine Ackerman District Clerk Pro Tempore. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 4-0.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn into Executive Session at 5:02 pm to discuss litigation, matters of health & safety and the employment history of particular persons. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 4-0.
Board Member Victoria Bayard Tipp joined the meeting 5:03 pm.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to reconvene the public meeting at 7:38 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Grasso spoke about the opening of the 2021-22 school year. She went on to speak about the role of school board members and invited the community to reach out to individual board members, or the board as a whole, with any questions or concerns. She reminded the community that both the Special Education and Equity audits are underway and that updates will be shared as the District progresses with those audits. She thanked families for their patience as the District continues to work within the confines of the ongoing pandemic.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her community update by discussing
the following:
- Newly released NYSDOH guidance and its impact on District procedures
- WCDOH guidance on outdoor activities, including lunch
- Transportation issues and concerns
- Staff & Student vaccination information including clearance procedures and logistics for unvaccinated staff and student-athletes
2. Committee Reports
Audit Committee: Mr. Messner noted that the Audit Committee will be meeting on 9/21.
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 August 30, 2021 Board Meeting.
Motioned by Warren Messner to accept Item 3.1 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 individuals listed as per diem substitute teachers to be employed on an “as needed” basis:
Riley Bates
Jenna Garecht
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:
Jason Einaugler – Robert E. Bell Middle School
Zachary Stearns – Horace Greeley High School
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 2021/2022 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
The Arc Westchester
A VOICE – Language & Training Services, LLC
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teachers, interns and/or classroom observers for the 2021/2022 school year:
Calli Prifti
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Director of STEAM Education effective for the 2021/2022 school year:
Zachary Arnold
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment date of Kaitlin Podlovitz, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, from August 30, 2021 to September 24, 2021, that was previously approved at the August 30, 2021 Board of Education meeting.
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment date of Adolfo Godinez, Teacher of Foreign Language, Robert E. Bell Middle School, from August 30, 2021 to September 30, 2021, that was previously approved at the August 30, 2021 Board of Education meeting.
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment date of Doriann Dell’olio, Teacher of Foreign Language, Robert E. Bell Middle School, from August 30, 2021 to September 30, 2021, that was previously approved at the August 30, 2021 Board of Education meeting.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Associate Director of Technology & Communication, David Leis, shall be amended to terminate on July 5, 2024, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.
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 #3879, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Appointment: Teaching Assistant
Ms. Melissa Hart, Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 3, 2021, $23,591, prorated.
Mr. Nicholas Howe, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Middle School, effective September 9, 2021, $23,591, prorated.
Ms. Joann Morgis, Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 3, 2021, $23,591, prorated.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Assistant Director of Athletics effective for the 2021/2022 school year:
Kristin McGurl
Appointment: Coaching - Effective September 1, 2021 through November 1, 2021
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football | Head Modified | Anthony Stewart | 2 |
| Football | Assistant Modified | Johnny Gorton-Parker | 2 |
| Volleyball | Assistant Modified | Shauna O’Flaherty | 1 |
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
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Superintendent is hereby authorized to direct a comprehensive medical examination and evaluation, of Employee No. 5147, in accordance with the provisions of Section 913 of the Education Law; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby directs that Employee No. 5147 submit their medical records, if any, to the extent and for the time as determined by the physician(s) to the examining physician(s) at or before such examinations/evaluations.
Resignations:
Patricia Guarino, Teacher Aide at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 30, 2021.
Diane Sweeting, Teacher Aide at Seven Bridges, effective August 30, 2021.
Jesse Rivera, Teacher Aide at Seven Bridges, effective August 30, 2021.
Frank Rogewitz, Senior Custodial Worker at Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 10, 2021.
Appointments:
Amanda Eisner, Teacher Aide (Session), Westorchard Elementary School, 24.5 hrs/week, $17 per hour, effective September 15, 2021.
Nayda Pitti, Teacher Aide (Session), Roaring Brook Elementary School, 27.5 hrs/week, $17 per hour, effective September 15, 2021.
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints Lora Radovanovich to the stipend position of Special Education and 504 Services Records Coordinator, effective July 1, 2021 through September 14, 2021.
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints Belinda Angelori to the stipend position of Special Education and 504 Services Records Coordinator, effective September 15, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
Timothy Lampron, Athletic Trainer District-wide, effective October 4, 2021. Step 8 of the CCT-Nurses, AT contract ($57,269 prorated).
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.
5.1 CSE Summaries (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on September 14, 2021.
5.2 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, 2021 through June 30, 2022, 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.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an agreement with Pear Deck, Inc., to provide web-based interactive presentation, student engagement and formative assessment solutions during the 2020-21 school year, in the amount of $12,303.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Consultant Services with Acture Solutions, Inc., for hardware and software technology support, network administration and database management, effective October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, in the amount of $95,311.37 per month, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health & Welfare
Services with Harrison Central School District for 1 student at a rate of $1,139.91 per student, effective September 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 and authorizes the Board President and Superintendent to execute this Agreement.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Independent Evaluation Agreement with Dr. Emily R. Lantz, for an independent neuropsychological evaluation, effective April 14, 2021 through August 31, 2021, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an amendment to a contract with the Summit School at Nyack for educational services for one student, effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 which was approved at the May 5, 2021 Board of Education meeting, and authorizes the Board President to execute the amended contract.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an equipment change amendment to Product Schedule #1789784 of Master State & Local Government Lease Agreement No. 460977 with Lenovo Financial Services dated September 10, 2021, and authorizes the Board President to execute the amended agreement.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Items 5.1 through 5.8 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
6. Facilities
7. Financials
8. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, September 29, 2021, 7:30 pm
Audit Approval & District Performance Report
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
Wednesday, October 13, 2021, 7:30 pm
Roaring Brook Elementary School Presentation
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
9. Adjournment
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 pm. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke