Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes December 14, 2022
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, December 14, 2022, 7:30 PM
Seven Bridges Middle School - Auditorium
Present: Board of Education
Jane Kimmel Shepardson, President
Warren Messner, Vice President
Hilary Grasso
Cailee Hwang
Ryan Kelsey
Staff Members:
Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business
Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Andrew Corsilia, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
Jamie Edelman, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Joe Mazza, Principal – Seven Bridges Middle School
Jessica Rappaport, Assistant Principal – Seven Bridges Middle School
Adam Schoenbart, Associate Director of Technology & Communications
David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to open the meeting at 5:01 pm. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 4-0. Board member Warren Messner was not present.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to appoint Dr. Christine Ackerman as District Clerk pro tempore. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 4-0.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss negotiations, matters of employment history of particular persons, potential litigation, matters made exempt under federal law (FERPA), and to receive advice from counsel. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 4-0.
Board member Warren Messner joined the meeting at 5:02 pm.
Reconvene public meeting at 7:30 pm at Seven Bridges Middle School – Auditorium
Motioned by Warren Messner to reconvene the public meeting at 7:41 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Shepardson gave her report as follows:
- Wishing the community a happy and healthy holiday season.
- Thanking the community for supporting the November 29th Bond Proposal 1 and thanking the community for their input regarding Proposal 2.
- Noting that even though Proposal 2 did not pass, the District remains committed to continued work on safety measures at Greeley and that the Board will keep the community updated on their progress.
- Noting that there was a Strategic Planning Committee meeting on December 12th and there will be opportunities for the larger community to participate in the process.
1.1.1 BOND RESOLUTION OF CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, NEW YORK, ADOPTED DECEMBER 14, 2022, AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS AND ALTERATIONS TO DISTRICT SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND/OR SITES; STATING THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST THEREOF IS $33,985,000; APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT THEREFOR; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $33,985,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID DISTRICT TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION.
Recital
WHEREAS, at the Special District Meeting duly called and held on November 29, 2022, in Chappaqua Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York (the “District”), a majority of the qualified voters present and voting approved Bond Proposition #1 authorizing the construction of improvements and alterations to District school buildings and/or sites, at the estimated cost of $33,985,000; and such qualified voters then present and voting further authorized the Board of Education to levy and collect a tax to be collected in annual installments to pay the principal of and interest on the $33,985,000 serial bonds authorized to be issued;
Now, therefore,
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, IN THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK, HEREBY RESOLVES (by the favorable vote of not less than two-thirds of all the members of said Board of Education) AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Chappaqua Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York, is hereby authorized to construct improvements and alterations to District school buildings and/or sites substantially as described in a plan prepared by the District with the assistance of KG+D, Architects, P.C., including (as and where necessary): roof replacements and/or reconstruction; improvements to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, fire safety, lighting, and communications systems; bridge replacement; and site and athletic improvements including the construction of bathrooms, a storage building, playground resurfacing and a modified baseball field and paving improvements; all of the foregoing to include the original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related site, demolition and other work required in connection therewith. The estimated total cost thereof, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, is $33,985,000 and said amount is hereby appropriated therefor. The plan of finance includes the issuance of $33,985,000 serial bonds of the District to finance said appropriation, and the levy and collection of taxes on all the taxable real property in the District to pay the principal of said bonds and the interest thereon as the same shall become due and payable.
Section 2. Serial bonds of the District in the amount of $33,985,000 are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, constituting Chapter 33-a of the Consolidated Laws of the State of New York (herein called “Law”) to finance said appropriation.
Section 3. The following additional matters are hereby determined and declared:
- The period of probable usefulness applicable to the purpose for which serial bonds are authorized to be issued pursuant to this resolution, within the limitations of Section 11.00 a. 97 of the Law, is thirty (30) years.
- The proceeds of the bonds herein authorized and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds may be applied to reimburse the District for expenditures made for the purpose or purposes for which said bonds are authorized. The foregoing statement of intent with respect to reimbursement is made in conformity with Treasury Regulation Section 1.150-2 of the United States Treasury Department.
Section 4. Each of the bonds authorized by this resolution and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds shall contain the recital of validity as prescribed by Section 52.00 of the Law and said bonds and any notes issued in anticipation of said bonds shall be general obligations of the District, payable as to both principal and interest by general tax upon all the taxable real property within the District without limitation of rate or amount. The faith and credit of the District are hereby irrevocably pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds and any notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds and provision shall be made annually in the budget of the District by appropriation for (a) the amortization and redemption of the bonds and any notes in anticipation thereof to mature in such year and (b) the payment of interest to be due and payable in such year.
Section 5. Subject to the provisions of this resolution and of the Law and pursuant to the provisions of Section 21.00 relative to the authorization of the issuance of bonds with substantially level or declining annual debt service, Section 30.00 relative to the authorization of the issuance of bond anticipation notes and Section 50.00 and Sections 56.00 to 60.00 of the Law, the powers and duties of the Board of Education relative to authorizing bond anticipation notes and prescribing the terms, form and contents and as to the sale and issuance of all bonds herein and heretofore authorized and of any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds, and the renewals of said bond anticipation notes, are hereby delegated to the President of the Board of Education, the chief fiscal officer of the District.
Section 6. The validity of the bonds authorized by this resolution, and of any notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds, may be contested only if:
- such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which the District is not authorized to expend money, or
- the provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of the publication of such resolution, or a summary hereof, are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of such publication, or
- such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution.
Section 7. This bond resolution shall take effect immediately, and the District Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish the foregoing resolution, in summary, together with a Notice attached in substantially the form prescribed by §81.00 of the Law in “The Examiner” and “The Journal News,” newspapers hereby designated the official newspapers of said District for such publications.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Item 1.1.1 as stated above. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. A roll call vote was taken with Jane Kimmel Shepardson, Warren Messner, Cailee Hwang, Ryan Kelsey and Hilary Grasso all voting “Aye.” Motion carried 5-0.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her Community Update as follows:
- Thanking the community for its support of the recent bond.
- Noting that RFPs for upcoming bond projects would be going out in January so that the District can commence work as soon as possible. Electronic upgrades and K-8 door locks will be first priorities.
- The Strategic Planning Committee’s work has begun and the community will be updated regularly.
- Andrew Corsilia gave an update on the DEI position and process for filling the position. Mr. Corsilia will conduct a number of focus groups and report back to the CARES Committee at its January 19th meeting.
- Dr. Ackerman went on to say that we are increasing our work with Insight and detailed the membership of the CARES Committee. The Board will be updated at the January 25 meeting.
- Jamie Edelman spoke about the new Special Education website which includes information about MTSS: Multi-Tiered System of Supports.
- The steam pipe issue at HGHS.
- An overview of the results of the Student Sense of Belonging Survey. There will be a parent webinar for families in January.
- Steps that will be taken as a result of the Altaris safety and security analysis that was done in November.
- Dr. Pease speak about the CSF grant on the agenda regarding Student Government.
- Upcoming events and important dates.
- Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.
Presentation: Seven Bridges Middle School
2. Committee Reports
Health & Safety – Warren Messner said the Committee discussed the security audit and the continuing work around the District. He noted that the Committee plans to meet more frequently as bond projects get underway.
CARES – Hilary Grasso briefly reiterated Dr. Ackerman and Andrew Corsilia’s prior comments about the Committee’s continuing work.
Policy – Ms. Grasso said the Committee will be examining the graduation policy, specifically who speaks at graduation but also stressed that no changes will be made this year. There is a first reading of the field trip policy on the agenda as well as minor personnel related revisions to two additional policies.
Communications Advisory – Ms. Shepardson noted that she and Cailee Hwang had met with the 3 community members of the Committee, all of whom are communications professionals to review and work toward refining District messaging regarding the bond, our DEI work and other matters.
HGSF – Ms. Shepardson will report on the 12/14 meeting at the January 11 Board meeting.
Boosters – Ms. Hwang reported that there was discussion of the Boosters’ budget and planning for the senior athlete event in the spring. There was also discussion of how to create more community interest in our athletics and get people out to cheer on our athletes and their various events.
PTA – Ms. Shepardson thanked PTA President Tara Ramirez and the entire PTA for their continued support of the District.
NYSSBA – Ms. Grasso participated in a recent webinar and reported the NYSSBA is looking to working with the Governor’s office on legislative items such as tax cap reform and budgeting relief.
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.
Motioned by Warren Messner to take a brief break at 10:40 pm. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to resume the meeting at 10:48 pm. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 5-0.
3. Approvals & Ratifications
3.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the November 16, 2022 Board of Education Meeting.
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the November 30, 2022 Special Board of Education Meeting.
3.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the December 7, 2022 Special Board of Education Meeting
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to accept Items 3.1 through 3.3 as stated above. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 5-0.
3.4 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.
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.
Motioned by Warren Messner to waive a second reading and adopt Policies 5080 and 9049 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
3.6 Policy #4055: School Sponsored Field Trips – 1st Reading.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to move Policy #4055 to a second reading. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. 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:
Laura Bair
Ilham Benzekri
Caitlyn Kockler
Zach Weitzen
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as AP coordinator to be employed on an "as needed" basis effective for the 2022/2023 school year:
Barbara Scheine
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teachers, interns and/or classroom observers for the 2022/2023 school year:
Anna Kravet
Jonathan Suh
Garrett Sullivan
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed for Co-Curricular Activities for the 2022/2023 school year at the rate of $16.68 per point:
Horace Greeley High School
| Activity | Advisor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Yearbook | Louise Brady *(eff. 12/9/22) | 600* |
Roaring Brook Elementary School
| Activity | Advisor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Social Justice | Meghan Ryan | 100 |
Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:
Ms. Carol Bartlik, Principal, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective June 30, 2023.
Mr. Steven McKenney, Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2023.
Ms. Beth Watson, Teacher of Mathematics, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 23, 2023.
Mr. Thomas Witmer, Teacher of Social Studies, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2023.
Request for Extension of Childcare Leave:
Ms. Kristin McGurl, Teacher of Health, Horace Greeley High School, effective December 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
Appointment: Part Time
Mr. Artie Shofi, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective November 10, 2022 through June 16, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education.
Ms. Tonya Wilson, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective November 30, 2022 through June 16, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Appointment: Coaching - Effective November 28, 2022 through March 10, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor Track | Assistant Varsity – Girls | Regina McKie | 1 |
| Indoor Track | Modified – SB | Skye Albert-Hall | 3 |
Appointment: Volunteer Coaching - Effective November 28, 2022 through March 10, 2023
| Sport | Coach |
|---|---|
| Wrestling | Adam Santoro |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as a mentor for students, effective December 15, 2022 at the rate of $500, per semester, pro-rated:
Tinuke Colpa
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 4.1 as stated above. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 5-0.
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.
4.2 Non-instructional
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education hereby approves an Employment Related Agreement, dated November 8, 2022, regarding Employee #5998, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso 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 (2022-23 School Year) reported to the Board on December 14, 2022.
5.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the appointment of Josh Culwell-Block as Title IX Investigator for the 2022-23 school year.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant (IG22-23-03) Student Government Financial Support, in the amount of $264.77, submitted by Horace Greeley High School Teacher Lauren Olmo.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Recommendation #B2020-12: Districtwide Fencing Maintenance & Repair, for the 2022-23 school year, to Mancon, LLC at various rates.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation #B2021-24: Roofing Maintenance & Service, for the 2022-23 school year, to General Maintenance Group, in the amount of $76,000.00 plus various hourly rates.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation #B2021-25: Plumbing, for the 2022-23 school year, to Anthony M. Notaro Plumbing & Heating, Inc., at various rates.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the amended agreement with Phoenix Graphics for the printing and binding of the ballots for the November 29, 2022 District Bond Vote, in the amount of $4,250.00 plus $30.00 for shipping.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby approves the purchase and sale agreement with SecondLifeMac for the sale of obsolete Apple devices, and authorizes the Board President to sign said agreement.
5.9 WHEREAS, the District owns the attached list of items which are no longer useful or necessary for school district purposes and of no value to the School District;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby declares such items to be surplus property and of no value to the School District and authorizes the disposal of such equipment in a prudent manner in accordance with law.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a new copier agreement with Xerox Financial Services, LLC./Connecticut Business Systems (CBS), for the athletic office at Horace Greeley High School, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves purchase order increase #221152, in the amount of $110,000.00 for Holistic Learning Center and authorizes the Board President to execute the increase document.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education herby authorizes its president to sign an agreement, with Insight Education Group, LLC amending the provision of its previous agreement with said cooperation and, be it further resolved, that Purchase Order #220013 will be increased as reflected in the revised agreement. A copy of said agreement will be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.13 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes its attorneys Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert LLP, to defend the District in the case of CG Homes Six LLC v. Chappaqua Central School district, et al., pending in Westchester County Supreme Court, index #68065/2022 , pursuant to the law firm’s retainer agreement with the District.
5.14 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer in the amount of $65,000.00, related to a 1:1 nurse for an elementary school student, and authorizes the Board President to execute the transfer document.
5.15 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer in the amount of $137,341.20, related to cybersecurity services, and authorizes the Board President to execute the transfer document.
5.16 BE IT RESOLVED, that the time frame during which the Board of Education will consider the DASA appeal regarding Student #703414 is hereby extended for the period of time in which the parents will receive documents based upon their FOIL request.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Items 5.1 through 5.16 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. 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 contract with Musical Theatre International for Mean Girls royalties during the 2022-23 school year.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to acknowledge Item 6.1 as stated above. Seconded by Warren Messner. 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 October 2022.
8.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for October 2022.
8.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for October 2022.
8.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for October 2022.
8.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for November 2022.
8.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for November 2022.
8.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for November 2022.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 through 8.7 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, January 11, 2023, 7:30 pm
Budget Preview
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
Wednesday, January 25, 2023, 7:30 pm
Winter Admin Retreat, 4:00 pm
Robert E. Bell Middle School Presentation
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke