Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes February 8, 2023
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 7:30PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
Presiding Officer: Jane Kimmel Shepardson
Pledge of Allegiance
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
Jamie Edelman, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Andrew Corsilia, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Adam Schoenbart, Associate Director of Technology & Communications
David Hayes, Public Information Assistant
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
4:00 pm Board of Education/Administration Retreat – Horace Greeley High School Academic Commons
5:25 pm Proposed Executive Session to discuss negotiations, matters of employment history of particular persons, potential litigation, matters made confidential by federal and state privacy laws (FERPA and Ed Law 2-d) and to receive advice from counsel subject to Board approval.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to open the meeting at 5:28 pm. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 4-0. Board Vice President Warren Messner was absent.
Motioned 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 confidential by federal and state privacy laws (FERPA and Ed Law 2-d) and to receive advice from counsel. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 4-0.
Warren Messner joined the meeting at 5:40 pm.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to reconvene the public meeting at 7:32 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:
- Thanking the admin team for including the Board in the leadership retreat with author Brooklyn Rainey, author of One Trusted Adult.
- Noting that the Board is working with the New Castle Town Board to create a new agreement regarding the electronic sign on Bell property. There is a temporary agreement in place and the Board will continue to update the community.
- An update on the District’s DEI work, including the CARES committee and continued work with Insight to identify our needs and potential structures to fill those needs.
- The March Board meetings will focus on the 2023-24 budget.
- Both Warren Messner and Jane Shepardson spoke about their time serving on the Board of Education and both announced that they will not be running for re-election on May 16th.
- Wishing everyone an enjoyable Winter Break.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her community update as follows:
- Dr. Brutsaert introduced three of the four Regeneron Scholars and invited them to speak briefly about their projects.
Presentation: Horace Greeley High School Presentation
- Noting revisions to policies on the agenda and the reasoning for them.
- Dr. Pease discussed the methodology of the Curriculum team and the review process that the District follows.
- Detailing possible alternatives to the current public comment policy.
- Andrew Corsilia gave an update on the DEI position and the District’s continuing work with Insight.
- Dr. Pease gave an overview of the District’s updated DEI webpage.
- The HGHS Safety Task Force will be meeting right after the break and Dr. Ackerman outlined membership of the task force.
- Dr. Pease spoke about the CSF InstaGrant on the agenda.
- Dr. Pease gave an overview of the Living Environment/Science 8 process reminding the community that there is a parent webinar and a survey currently in place.
- Upcoming events and important dates.
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 January 24, 2023 Board of Education Meeting.
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the January 27, 2023 Board of Education Special Meeting.
3.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the February 3, 2023 Board of Education Work Session.
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 #3005: Grievance and Appeals Process – 1st Reading and Adoption.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby waives a second reading of Policy #3005: Grievance and Appeals Process; 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 #3005: Grievance and Appeals Process.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to adopt Policy #3005: Grievance and Appeals Process as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
3.5 Policy #4005: Elementary and Secondary Curriculum Development – 1st Reading.
3.6 Policy #4770: Graduation – 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 per diem substitute teacher to be employed on an “as needed” basis:
Karen Ferris
Robert Persons
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Sandra Sepe is hereby reduced from four years to three years, based upon proof presented of prior tenure status in an administrative position in a New York State Public School District, such that the end date of her probationary term shall be changed to August 29, 2025.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Director of STEAM Education effective February 8, 2023:
Zachary Arnold
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Student Government | (.5) Tiffany DePeralta (eff. 2/6/23) | 300 |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools and Board President to execute an Agreement, dated January 30, 2023, on behalf of the School District, with Ms. Kayla Petrilli, as presented to the Board at this meeting, whereby Ms. Petrilli shall perform contract services as a Fixed-term Substitute Elementary Teacher in the District for the period commencing February 1, 2023 and terminating June 30, 2023. A copy of this Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Lauren Hart, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective February 10, 2023 through June 30, 2023.
Appointment: Tenure
Ms. Nancie Felton, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective February 18, 2023.
Ms. Stephanie Petrini, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective March 18, 2023.
Appointment: Regular Substitute
Ms. Margaret Callan, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective December 12, 2022 through June 30, 2023, Step 3, B(BA+45) with Masters, $83,551, prorated.
Appointment: Coaching - Effective March 13, 2023 through June 10, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track & Field | Varsity Assistant | William Woolard | 3 |
| Boys Lacrosse | Varsity Assistant | Donald Shropshire | 3 |
| Girls Lacrosse | Junior Varsity Co-Coach | Joseph Kearns | 3 |
Appointment: Coaching - Effective March 20, 2023 through June 10, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseball | Modified – Bell | Adam Slansky | 2 |
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
Resignation:
Lori Mastroddi, Office Assistant – Automated Systems at Horace Greeley High School, effective end of business June 24, 2023.
Appointment:
Madelyn Bergstrom, Teacher Aide at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, 32.5 hours per week, effective February 9, 2023. Her salary will be $17.00 per hour.
Motioned by Warren Messner 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 February 8, 2023.
5.2 CSE summaries (2023-24 School Year) reported to the Board on February 8, 2023.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant (IG22-23-05): World of Shakespeare Student Garden in the Sustainability Resource Center, in the amount of $268.91, by Horace Greeley High School teacher Jacqueline Morelli.
5.4 WHEREAS, the District owns the attached list of library books 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 books 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.
5.5 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.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts a donation of varsity lacrosse uniforms valued at $3,700.00 from Greeley Lacrosse Association.
5.7 WHEREAS, the Board of Education desires to participate in a Cooperative Bidding Program conducted by Nassau BOCES for the purchase of glazing services, supplies and window repair, and authorizes the Superintendent to execute those documents that are necessary.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $116,914.00 to adjust budgets in line with proper tenure categories and authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to approve the transfer.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $121,261.00, to adjust the ENL budget to the proper location and authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to approve the transfer.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $116,963.13, to adjust the staff developer budget, and authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to approve the transfer.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $230,000.00, to adjust the health insurance budget between retiree medicare reimbursements and health insurance premiums, and authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to approve the transfer.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $123,000.00, to cover additional funds needed for the natural gas code due to an increase in fuel expense, and authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to approve the transfer.
5.13 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $169,085.28, to adjust the Special Education budget for teachers and teaching assistants, and authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to approve the transfer.
5.14 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Agreement between the Chappaqua Central School District and The County of Westchester for the use of electronic voting machines, including the technicians, and privacy booths for the May 16, 2023 Annual Budget Vote and Election, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to approve Items 5.1 through 5.14 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. 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:
7. Facilities
8. Financials
8.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor’s Report for December 2022.
8.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor’s Report for January 2023.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 and 8.2 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 7:30 pm
Superintendent’s Budget Proposal
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
Wednesday, March 15, 2023, 7:30 pm
Curriculum/Technology/Special Education/Athletics Budget Presentations
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 10:03 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke