Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes January 24, 2023
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Tuesday, January 24, 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
Josh Culwell-Block, Director of Technology, Innovation & Mathematics
Adam Schoenbart, Associate Director of Technology & Communications
David Hayes, Public Information Assistant
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to open the meeting at 5:46 pm. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 4-0. Board Vice President Warren Messner was not present.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to appoint Dr. Christine Ackerman as District Clerk Pro Tempore. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 4-0.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey 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 Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 4-0.
Board Vice President Warren Messner joined the meeting at 5:48 pm.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to reconvene the public meeting at 7:45 pm. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Shepardson gave her report as follows:
- Noting that the meeting had been moved from 1/25 because of potential inclement weather and that the Board/Admin Retreat has been moved to 2/8.
- Thanking the community for feedback regarding the 2023-24 District calendar.
- Noting that the change to the 2022-23 Board calendar is the addition of a definite date (4/25) for component districts to vote on the BOCES budget.
- Congratulating Debbie Alspach and Ryan Spillane on their appointments and thanking Carol Bartlik for stepping in at Bell during Geoff Curtis’ upcoming absence.
- Noting that the Board has an upcoming meeting with the Town Board to further discuss the electronic sign on the Bell property.
1.1.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the revised 2022-23 Board of Education Meeting Schedule.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 1.1.1 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Presentation: Robert E. Bell Middle School Presentation
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her Community Update as follows:
- Reviewing the 2023-24 District Calendar which is on the agenda for adoption.
- The District is continuing to review before/after school care options within our buildings.
- Noting that Geoff Curtis will be out for a short while and wishing him well.
- The CARES meeting has been rescheduled to 2/2.
- Quarterly update on hate speech incidents.
- Noting upcoming important dates and events.
2. Committee Reports
CSF – Warren Messner noted that the Harlem Wizards event is upcoming and sold out.
Health & Safety – Mr. Messner reported that the Committee had a follow-up discussion related to the security action plans.
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 11, 2023 Board of Education Meeting.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso 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 authorizes a stipend of $120 per diem for Carol Bartlik as Acting Principal – Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective February 16, 2023 through April 14, 2023.
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:
Emily Bosco
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as per diem substitute at the Building Specific substitute teacher rate:
Rachel Crognale – Robert E. Bell Middle School (effective 2/3/23)
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education hereby approves an Employment Related Agreement dated January 19, 2023, regarding Employee #5996, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Resignation:
Ms. Debra Alspach, Assistant Principal, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective January 25, 2023.
Ms. Debra Alspach, Interim Principal, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective January 25, 2023.
Mr. Ryan Spillane, Teacher of Physical Education, Horace Greeley High School, effective January 25, 2023.
Mr. Ryan Spillane, Interim Assistant Principal, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective January 25, 2023.
Appointment: Probationary
Ms. Debra Alspach, Principal, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Elementary School Principal, effective January 26, 2023 through January 25, 2027, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, $196,585, prorated.
Mr. Ryan Spillane, Assistant Principal, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Assistant Principal, effective January 26, 2023 through January 25, 2027, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, $145,316, prorated.
Appointment: Long-term Substitute
Ms. Bianna Cardinale, Teacher of Elementary Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective February 3, 2023 through April 14, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $420.32 per diem.
Appointment: Coaching - Effective December 2, 2022 through March 10, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor Track | Modified | Johnny Gorton-Parker | 3 |
Appointment: Coaching - Effective March 13, 2023 through June 10, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys Tennis | Varsity | Richard Finn | 1 |
| Softball | Varsity Assistant | Theresa Swertfager | 1 |
| Softball | Junior Varsity | Robert Alspach | 3 |
| Boys Lacrosse | Junior Varsity | Anthony Stewart | 3 |
Appointment: Coaching - Effective March 20, 2023 through June 10, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softball | Modified - Bell | Jason Scalfani | 3 |
| Softball | Modified - Seven Bridges | Skye Albert-Hall | 3 |
Motioned by Warren Messner 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
Resignation for the purpose of retirement:
Vicki Devine – Teacher Aide at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective end of business May 17, 2023.
Resignation:
Linda Dare – Clerk/School Monitor at Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective end of business January 31, 2023.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints Laura Moreno to the stipend position of District FOIL and FERPA Records Coordinator, effective January 26, 2023 through June 30, 2023.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.2 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. 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 January 25, 2023.
5.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to submit the Certification Form for the submission of the 2022-23 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.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes its attorneys, Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert, LLP to execute a Consent Order & Judgment in a tax certiorari proceeding captioned Oporto Development Corp. v. Town of New Castle and the Chappaqua CSD;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the refund of taxes as required by the terms of the Consent Order & Judgment.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the 2023-24 District Calendar.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education does hereby remand the appeal of the suspension of Student Number 012423 to the Superintendent of Schools for determination.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Items 5.1 through 5.5 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. 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 Agreements with the following instructors for the Fall Chappaqua Continuing Education Program:
| Last Name | First Name | 2023 Winter Class Title |
|---|---|---|
| Cerrone | Linda | Winter Watercolor - Tiny Treasures Drawing Essentials Part II |
| Horowitz -Jaffe | Marisa | The Museum of Modern Art The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum The American Museum of Natural History |
| Poleman | Ginny | HBO's Gilded Age - Season 1 Recap: Fact & Fiction The History & Demise of Penn Station Slow Down Tour of Grand Central |
| Rosen | Amy | A Night In Tuscany: Rustic Italian Cooking Greek Cuisine Night Perfect Appetizers For Super Bowl Warm Up To Soup This Winter |
| Saccurato | Michelle | TRX Strength Training Cardio-Strength Body Sculpting Pilates |
| Salnikow | Monique | French For Beginners French Intermediate French Advance Conversation |
| Tipa | Suzi Myers | Pound Rock Out Workout Belly Dancing |
| Tual | Deborah | iPhone Photography iPhone Photo Editing and Enhancements |
| Walker | Diana | Spanish Intermediate Spanish Advance |
| Ward | Kathryn | Vinyasa Yoga for CCSD Employee Vinyasa Yoga and Meditation |
| Weber | Denise | Small Group Training - Section A Small Group Training - Section |
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge Item 6.1 as stated above. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Facilities
8. Financials
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Friday, January 27, 2023, 8:15 am
Education Center – Board Room
Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 7:30 pm
Horace Greeley High School Presentation
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 7:30 pm
Superintendent’s Budget Proposal
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke