Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes March 29, 2023
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, March 29, 2023, 7:30PM
Horace Greeley High 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
Jamie Edelman, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Andrew Corsilia, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Adam Schoenbart, Associate Director of Technology & Communications
Josh Culwell-Block, Director of Technology, Innovation & Mathematics
David Hayes, Public Information Assistant
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to open the public meeting at 6:00 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 4-0. Board Vice President Warren Messner was absent.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to appoint Dr. Christine Ackerman as District Clerk Pro Tempore. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 4-0.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:00 pm to discuss the employment history of particular persons, potential litigation and to receive advice from counsel. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 4-0.
Warren Messner jointed the meeting at 6:01 pm.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to reconvene the public meeting at 7:35 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Jane Kimmel Shepardson opened her report by moving to Item 1.1.1 in order to honor our BOCES Student of Distinction.
1.1.1 BOCES Student of Distinction - Jamie Edelman introduced the student and his family.
1.1.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the revised 2022-23 School District Calendar.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to approve Item 1.1.2 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
- Ms. Shepardson went on to wish the community a lovely, restful spring break.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report
1.2.1 Superintendent Hearing regarding First Responder Partial Tax Exemption - Dr. Ackerman read the resolution regarding the First Responder Partial Tax Exemption and took public comment regarding the resolution.
Dr. Ackerman then gave her community update noting the following:
- Wishing Andrew Lennon well and thanking him for his service to the District.
- Congratulating Josh Culwell-Block on his appointment as Assistant Superintendent for Business effective in June and asking Josh to speak briefly.
- Adam Pease highlighted the CSF Grants on the agenda, thanking them for their robust and continuing support of varying initiatives throughout the District.
- Safety and Security initiatives over the past 5 years throughout the District.
- Presentation: 2023-2024 Proposed Budget
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 March 22, 2023 Board of Education Meeting.
Motioned by Cailee Hwang to accept Item 3.1 as stated above. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 5-0.
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the Proposed Budget and ratifies the Property Tax Report Card for the 2023-24 school year.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adopt the Proposed Budget and ratifies the Property Tax Report Card for the 2023-24 school year. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Recommended Action: Personnel
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.1 as stated below.
4.1 Instructional
Resignation:
Ms. Sarah Schum, Girls Modified Lacrosse, Robert E. Bell and Seven Bridges Middle Schools, effective March 22, 2023.
Request for Extension of Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Kristin McGurl, Teacher of Health, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 31, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Appointment: Part Time
Ms. Cassandra Green, (.04) Substitute Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective March 13, 2023 through June 16, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Appointment: Coaching - Effective March 13, 2023 through June 10, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys Lacrosse | Varsity Assistant | Matthew Simone | 3 |
Appointment: Coaching - Effective March 20, 2023 through June 10, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys Lacrosse | Modified – Bell | Michael Whiting | 1 |
| Girls Lacrosse | Modified 2 | Constantinos Sofos | 1 |
| Track & Field | Modified – Bell/SB | Elizabeth Lops | 3 |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the per diem term of Carol Bartlik as Acting Principal, Robert E. Bell Middle School, shall be amended to terminate on March 26, 2023.
Resignations:
Mr. Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business, District-wide, effective June 9, 2023.
Mr. Joshua Culwell-Block, Director of Technology, Innovation and Mathematics, District-wide, effective June 9, 2023.
Appointment: Probationary
Mr. Joshua Culwell-Block, Assistant Superintendent for Business, District-wide, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Assistant Superintendent for Business, effective June 10, 2023 through June 9, 2027.
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
Appointments:
Megan Gulotta, Substitute Nurse at Westorchard Elementary School, effective March 28, 2023 through April 25, 2023 or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education.
Anthony Castellano, Clerk-School Monitor, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective March 30, 2023 pending fingerprint clearance.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby appoints Marian Waltzer to a clerical substitute assignment at the Education Center. Her salary will be $25/hour, effective March 20, 2023 through May 12, 2023.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual below as a substitute health/clerical/teacher aide to be employed on an “as needed” basis, effective March 27, 2023, at a salary of $15.00 per hour:
Diana Walsh
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 March 29, 2023.
5.2 CSE summaries (2023-24 School Year) reported to the Board on March 29, 2023.
5.3 WHEREAS, the Board of Education wishes to adopt the provisions of Section 466-a of the Real Property Tax Law which would grant a partial exemption from school taxes of certain residential real property located in the Chappaqua Central School District used as the primary residence of certain enrolled members of an incorporated volunteer fire company or fire department (“Volunteer Firefighters”) and incorporated voluntary ambulance service (“Volunteer Ambulance Workers”) located within the School District;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, after having given the public an opportunity to be heard at a public hearing, hereby adopts the provisions of Section 466-a of the Real Property Tax Law and provides to Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer Ambulance Workers who have at least two (2) years of applicable service in an incorporated volunteer fire company/department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service located within the School District, a partial tax exemption from school taxes, to the extent of 10% of the assessed value of the property, as certified by the applicable Assessor and subject to statutory requirements, for assessment rolls prepared on the basis of taxable status dates occurring on or after January 1, 2023; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board further adopts the provision of such law that grants Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer Ambulance Workers that accrue more than 20 years of active service, as certified by the applicable Assessor, the 10% exemption from school taxes, as set forth above, for the remainder of their life as long as their primary residence is located within the Chappaqua Central School District, subject to statutory requirements; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board further adopts the provision of such law that extends or reinstates the tax exemption to any qualified un-remarried spouse of a deceased Volunteer Firefighter and Volunteer Ambulance Worker, as long as the deceased Volunteer Firefighter or Volunteer Ambulance Worker had at least 20 years of applicable service in an incorporated volunteer fire company/department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service and had been receiving the exemption prior to their death, as certified by the applicable Assessor and subject to applicable statutory requirements; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board further adopts the provision of such law that extends or reinstates the exemption to any qualified un-remarried spouse of a Volunteer Firefighter and Volunteer Ambulance Worker killed in the line of duty, as long as the Volunteer Firefighter or Volunteer Ambulance Worker had at least five (5) years of active service in an incorporated fire company/department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service and had been receiving the exemption prior to their death, as certified by the applicable Assessor and subject to applicable statutory requirements; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the District Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this resolution to the assessors of any municipality which comprises the Chappaqua Central School District.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant (IG22-23-06): Grafflin Hands On Geography Carts, in the amount of $2,472.96, by Douglas Grafflin Elementary School Teachers Mara Cohen and Carol Scappaticci.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant (IG22-23-07): Roaring Brook Hands on Geography Carts, in the amount of $2,472.96, by Roaring Brook Elementary School Teachers Melissa Billings and Andrea Dorio.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant (IG22-23-08): Westorchard Hands On Geography Carts, in the amount of $2,472.96, by Westorchard Elementary School Teachers Lisa Rudovic and Torrey Keeley.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Traditional Grant: Middle School Hydroponics Classrooms, in the amount of $144,354.00, by Seven Bridges and Robert E. Bell Middle School Teachers Taryn Delaney, Jenny Gieras, Dana Stein-Dince, Ellen Moskowitz and Danielle Denmead.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Traditional Grant: Horace Greeley Theatre Revival Project, in the amount of $18,000.00, by Horace Greeley High School Teacher Jessica Beattie.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Traditional Grant: Westorchard Elementary School Musical Playground – (Freenotes Harmony Park Playground Musical Instruments), in the amount of $48,580.90, by Westorchard Elementary School Principal James Skoog and Westorchard Elementary School Teacher Christine Free.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Traditional Grant: Biotechnology Equipment for Horace Greeley High School, in the amount of $69,969.15, by Horace Greeley High School Staff Members Siska Brutsaert, Alex Lichorat, Justin Olive and students Annika Pillai, Naveen Talla and Arjun Menon.
5.11 WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Putnam Northern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services to allow any officer, board, or agency of a political subdivision or of any district therein, adopting this Resolution to bid jointly in those supplies, commodities, materials, and equipment set forth below.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chappaqua Central School District agrees to participate with other school districts of the Putnam Northern Westchester Board of Educational Services, Westchester County, New York adopting this in the joint bidding of Asbestos Abatement and Mold Remediation; Asphalt Paving, resurfacing and Site Work; Fence Installation and Repair; Table, Chair and Tent Rental; Construction Labor Trades –
Carpentry, Electricity, HVAC, Plumbing; Welding Supplies; Carpentry Supplies; HVAC Supplies; Plumbing Supplies; Construction Electricity Supplies; Fine Paper Supplies; Science Hardware and Art Supplies; Printing Services.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall remain in effect until June 30, 2024, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is agreed that the specifications as presented will be used, and that this Board agrees to bid its required amount of said commodities jointly with other participating school districts and Putnam Northern Westchester and the Putnam Northern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services. The recommendation of the Purchasing Steering Committee will be considered when this Board acts on the purchase of said Commodities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the invitation to bid will be advertised by BOCES in the Journal News in accordance with the provisions of Section 103 to the General Municipal Law.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers (CCT) bargaining unit, dated March 24, 2023, regarding retroactive compensation for Teaching Assistants who performed proctoring duties during the summer of 2022. A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to approve Items 5.1 through 5.12 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
6. Facilities
7. Financials
8. Notice of Future Meetings
Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 9:00 am
BOCES Budget Vote & Election – Component Districts
Education Center – Board Room
Wednesday, May 3, 2023, 7:30 pm
Budget Hearing & Chappaqua Library Presentation
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
9. Adjournment
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke