Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes November 16, 2022
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 7:30 PM
Douglas Grafflin Elementary School - Cafetorium
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
Debbie Alspach, Interim Principal – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
Ryan Spillane, Interim Assistant Principal – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
Adam Schoenbart, Associate Director of Technology & Communications
David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
Jennifer Negrin – JJN Consulting
John LaPlaca – Altaris Group
Motioned by Warren Messner to open the meeting at 5:05 pm. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Warren Messner to appoint Dr. Christine Ackerman as District Clerk Pro Tempore. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn into Executive Session at 5:06 pm to discuss the employment history of particular persons, contracts, litigation and to receive advice from counsel. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Warren Messner to reconvene the public meeting at 7:31 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Presentation: Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Shepardson gave her report, noting the following:
- Zauderer/Buttonhook: Reminding the community that the Board has legal obligations and fiduciary responsibilities regarding the sale of this property and, as elected representatives of the community, will act in the best interest of the District, and noting that the District is now being sued by another party regarding a contract of sale, and that District counsel will be contacting Friends of Buttonhook regarding this latest development.
- Phillip Marcuxs, Director of Equity, Inclusion & Wellness has resigned to take another position. The District is still fully committed to the work and that administration will consider how best to continue to support this work.
- The bond vote is on 11/29 and there will be one more bond webinar on 11/28. Budgeting for the types of items that will be supported by the bond is difficult to do, given the tax cap limit that has been in place for the last several years.
- Ms. Grasso gave an update on WPSBA advocacy efforts including, tax cap limits, electric buses, arts in education and mental health services funding.
- Ms. Hwang gave an update on the recent NYSSBA Annual Meeting where she attended sessions focusing on topics such as school safety and security, open meetings law, school buddy systems, keynote speaker Marlee Matlin’s address regarding overcoming challenges.
1.1.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Board President to cast a ballot for Sheryl Brady to serve as New York State School Boards Association Area 10 Director, effective January 1, 2023.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Item 1.1.1 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her community update noting the following:
- Dr. Pease spoke about the recent Superintendent Conference Day.
- The Strategic Planning Steering Committee had its first meeting to begin work on updating the District’s Strategic Plan.
- Director of Equity, Inclusion and Wellness – thanking Phillip Marcus for his work on behalf of the District and noting that administration is fully committed to the work and reminding the community of ongoing equity and social justice work.
- That Unity Day events are planned for 12/9 and 6/1 and discussing details of the plan for 12/9 based on feedback that has been shared with the District.
- Student Mentoring Program update.
- Redistribution of assignments relating to the Equity, Inclusion and Wellness position as we consider the replacement/restructuring of the position and next steps.
- Dr. Pease discussed Sustainability Research Center consultant contract along with the CSF grants on the agenda.
- Quarterly report on hate speech, bias and discrimination incidents.
- Clue will be at Greeley on 12/1, 2 and 3.
- Upcoming events/dates.
- Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
Presentation: Safety & Security Presentation
2. Committee Reports
Wellness: Mr. Kelsey noted that the Committee had it’s first meeting and matters under discussion are a focus on nutrition, mental health, a handbook regarding nutrition and the student experience and improved foodservice.
Green: Ms. Grasso noted that the Committee is discussing a sustainability audit of the District. They toured the SRC.
Facilities: Mr. Messner discussed the recent meeting noting that Committee discussed the bond and its component parts. He also noted that the Board had done a tour of all six buildings on Election Day.
HGSF: Ms. Shepardson noted the success of the recent Spelling Bee and thanked SHARE, their advisors and Peggy Macchetto for their efforts
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 October 19, 2022 Board of Education Meeting.
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the November 9, 2022 Special Board of Education Meeting.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to accept Items 3.1 and 3.2 as stated above. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Recommended Action: Personnel
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:
Gail Alter
Amanda Bedus
Skyler Cruz
Elizabeth Lindsey
Charles Riggs
Ilene Trupp
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:
Jaime Coleman – Westorchard Elementary School
Nadia Lifrieri – Roaring Brook Elementary School
Debra Rose – Seven Bridges Middle School (pending background check)
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as PSAT and/or SAT and/or ACT proctors to be employed on an "as needed" basis effective for the 2022/2023 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
| Charles Buchanan | Yanxia Chen | Mary Farrell | Mirjam Lord |
| Ann Marie Masciana | Helen Teevan | Ann Marie Tetelman | Brian Vermette |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as Department Chairpersons for the 2022/2023 school year effective November 1, 2022:
Seven Bridges Middle School
| Grade Level | Leader |
|---|---|
| Specials | Jenny Gieras |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Model UN | Eileen McGaghran-Candela | 355 |
| Assistant Director Fall Play | Rachel Weiss-Roberts | 100 |
Robert E. Bell Middle School
| Activity | Advisor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Math Counts | Lindsay Stevens | 100 |
| Crochet | Amy Durante | 45 |
| Chess | Kerry Fitzgibbons | 30 |
Roaring Brook Elementary School
| Activity | Advisor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Intramurals | Elizabeth Lops | 100 (addition of 50 points) |
| WRBS Studio Director | Diane Wendel | 175 (addition of 50 points) |
Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:
Ms. Victoria Wolfe, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 30, 2022.
Resignation:
Mr. Phillip Marcus, Director of Equity, Inclusion and Wellness, District-wide, effective November 25, 2022.
Appointment: Part Time
Ms. Linda Bosco, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective October 31, 2022 through June 16, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Ms. Jamie Ryan, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective October 31, 2022 through June 16, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Ms. Anna Falcone, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Westorchard Elementary School, effective October 19, 2022 through June 16, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Appointment: Long-term Substitute
Ms. Kathryn Mamorsky, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective December 1, 2022 through January 31, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), (pending fingerprint clearance).
Appointment: Coaching - Effective November 14, 2022 through March 3, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys Basketball | Varsity | Matthew Simone | 3 |
| Boys Basketball | Assistant Varsity | Michael McDonnell | 1 |
| Boys Basketball | Junior Varsity | Jerry Fall | 1 |
| Boys Basketball | Freshman | John Alkalay | 3 |
| Girls Basketball | Varsity | Sarah Schum | 3 |
| Girls Basketball | Assistant Varsity | Nicholaus Rodwell | 3 |
| Girls Basketball | Junior Varsity | Dave Fernandes | 3 |
| Ice Hockey | Varsity | Daniel Perito | 3 |
| Ice Hockey | Assistant Varsity | Seth Corwin | 3 |
| Bowling | Varsity | Daniel Fanelli | 3 |
| Bowling | Junior Varsity | Charles McKenna | 3 |
| Wrestling | Varsity | Anthony Tortora | 3 |
| Wrestling | Assistant Varsity | Michael DeBellis | 3 |
| Wrestling | Junior Varsity 1 | Anthony Marino | 3 |
| Boys Swimming | Varsity | Margaret Kaplan | 3 |
| Boys Swimming | Assistant Varsity | Jeanne Kellachan | 3 |
| Boys Swimming | Junior Varsity Diving | Michael Darland | 3 |
| Indoor Track | Varsity Boys | Steve McKenney | 3 |
| Indoor Track | Varsity Girls | James Howard | 3 |
| Indoor Track | Assistant Varsity Boys | William Rose | 2 |
| Indoor Track | Modified – Bell | Sean Halloran | 1 |
| Skiing | Varsity | James May | 3 |
| Skiing | Assistant Varsity | Jake Holmquist | 3 |
| Cheerleading | Varsity – Co-coach | (.5) Amanda Fraioli | 2 |
| Cheerleading | Varsity – Co-coach | (.5) Lauren Mazza | 2 |
| Cheerleading | Junior Varsity – Co-coach | (.5) Amanda Fraioli | 2 |
| Cheerleading | Junior Varsity – Co-coach | (.5) Lauren Mazza | 2 |
Appointment: Coaching - Effective November 28, 2022 through March 3, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrestling | Modified 1 | Anthony Stewart | 3 |
| Wrestling | Modified 2 | Michael Chaparro | 1 |
Appointment: Volunteer Coaching - Effective November 14, 2022 through March 3, 2023
| Sport | Coach |
|---|---|
| Boys Basketball | Edwin Santos |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as mentors for students, effective November 17, 2022 at the rate of $500, per semester, pro-rated:
Joseph Sullivan
Chris Palermo
Tonya Wilson
Helen Harrison
Laurie Lichtenstein
Mike Debellis
Matt Friedler
Rosa Amendola
Geoff Curtis
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.1 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
4.2 Non-instructional
Appointments:
Malin Barriga, Cleaner, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 7, 2022.
Jason Kopicki, Senior Custodian, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective December 5, 2022.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby amends the hours of Valerie Vesce, Teacher Aide, Roaring Brook Elementary School from 31.25 to 32.5 hours per week, effective September 6, 2022.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Superintendent is hereby authorized to direct a comprehensive medical examination and evaluation, of Employee No. 6116, 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. 6116 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.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.2 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. 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 November 16, 2022.
5.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant (IG22-23-01) Taking the Bell Orchestra on the Road, in the amount of $2,366.50, submitted by Robert E. Bell Middle School Teacher Laura Abbatantuono.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant (IG22-23-02) Building Thinking Science Classrooms, in the amount of $2,430.43, submitted by Horace Greeley High School Teacher Katherine Hannon.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Recommendation #B2022-18: Automobile Repair Services, for the 2022-23 school year, to Doerr’s Garage Inc., in the estimated amount of $23,350.00.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation #B2022-19: Kitchen/Ansul Inspection Services for the 2022-23 school year, to Fire Control Service Co., Inc., in the amount of $5,100.00.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an updated agreement for Municipal Advisory services with Bernard P. Donegan, Inc. (BPD) as the District’s financial consultant in connection with the Capital Project financings and other financial matters in accordance with its letter of services dated September 27, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board President is authorized to execute the letter of services with BPD.
5.7 WHEREAS, the qualified voters of the Chappaqua Central School District previously approved capital projects, involving paving of the Robert E. Bell Parking Lot (“Project”), with the funding for school projects provided, in part, inter-fund transfers from the general fund to the capital fund; and
WHEREAS, the Project has been deemed complete with a remaining balance of $37,672.00 in the Project’s capital fund and it is appropriate to transfer these remaining funds to the original funding source;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby determines that the remaining balance of the Project in the amount of $37,672.00 in the capital fund be transferred to the general fund.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer in the amount of $450,856.96, related to special education students placed at out of district public schools, and authorizes the Board President to execute the transfer document.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer in the amount of $60,000.00, related to a 1:1 nurse for an elementary school student, and authorizes the Board President to execute the transfer document.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves budget transfers totalling $239,782.62, to cover negative payroll codes, and authorizes the Board President to execute the transfer document.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #211048 in the amount of $7,344.50, to cover the costs related to Change Order #GC-02, which was acknowledged by the Board at the October 19, 2022 Board of Education meeting, and authorizes the Board President to execute the increase form.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Contract for Educational Services with Mahopac Central School District, for 1 student (#xxxxx2), effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 for provision of a special education program based on the New York State Education Department and the Office of Children and Family Services rates as outlined in Appendix A of the Agreement, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.13 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract with the Carmel Central School District for Educational Services for one student (ID #xxxxx3) during the 2022-23 school year, in the amount of $56,749.82, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.14 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract for extended school year special education services with North Salem Central School District for 1 student (#xxxxx4), effective July 4, 2022 to August 12, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.15 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract for extended school year special education services with North Salem Central School District for 2 students (#xxxxx3 & #xxxxx0), effective July 4, 2022 to August 12, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.16 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the appointment of personnel for the November 29, 2022 District Bond Vote per the attached memo.
5.17 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Recommendation #B2022-20: Paint and Field Supplies, for the 2022-23 school year, to Wallauer’s Paint and Design, at various amounts.
5.18 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.
5.19 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 regarding a retiring teacher’s rights pursuant to Article 37 of the current CCT collective bargaining agreement. 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 5.19 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 An Agreement for Services with Rhoda Maurer for Sustainability Resource Center assistance during the 2022-23 school year.
6.2 An Agreement for Services with Dr. Fernando Reimers for keynote speaker services during the 2022-23 school year.
6.3 An Agreement for Services with BidNet Direct for web-based solicitation and bidding services.
6.4 A Letter of Agreement with Suzi Tipa, dated 11/11/22.
6.5 An Agreement for Services with Arch of Self for a Unity Day Keynote address on December 9, 2022.
6.6 A contract with Musical Theatre International for Hairspray royalties during the 2022-23 school year.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.6 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Facilities
8. Financials
8.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for September 2022.
8.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for September 2022.
8.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for September 2022.
8.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Extraclassroom Activities Fund Quarterly Report for September 2022.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 through 8.4 as stated above. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 5-0.
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Tuesday, November 29, 2022, 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
District Bond Vote
Horace Greeley High School Gymnasium
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 – 9:00 am
Education Center – Board Room
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Seven Bridges Middle School Presentation
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 10:36 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke