Minutes August 31, 2023

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Tuesday, August 31, 2023, 10:00 AM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium

Present:  Board of Education
    Hilary Grasso, President
    Cailee Hwang, Vice President
    Matt Auerbach
    Alissa Dorfman
    Ryan Kelsey

Staff Members:
    Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
    Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
    Jamie Edelman, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
    Josh Culwell-Block, Assistant Superintendent for Business
    Andrew Corsilia, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
    David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
    Andrew Taylor - Director of Technology & Communications
    Liisa Elsner, District Clerk 

Motioned by Cailee Hwang to open the public meeting at 9:35 am.  Seconded by Ryan Kelsey.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Cailee Hwang to appoint Dr. Christine Ackerman as District Clerk pro tempore.  Seconded by Ryan Kelsey.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Cailee Hwang to adjourn into Executive Session at 9:36 am to discuss litigation, the employment history of particular persons, and to receive advice from counsel.  Seconded by Ryan Kelsey.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Cailee Hwang to reconvene the public meeting at 10:50 am.  Seconded by Ryan Kelsey.  Motion carried 5-0.

1.       Information Business Affairs

1.1    President’s Report – President Grasso gave her report as follows:

  • Welcoming everyone to the new school year and commenting on the Opening Day event.
  • Congratulating the District’s 25-year employees.
  • The Board will begin having “Business Hours” in the fall and an email will go out to the community shortly.
  • Updating the community on new safety and security procedures being put into place and the ongoing work with the Town of New Castle regarding additional SROs.
  • Thanking staff for their work over the summer to prepare our buildings for the coming school year.

1.1.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the revised 2023-24 Board of Education meeting calendar.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Item 1.1.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Alissa Dorfman.  Motion carried 5-0.

1.2    Superintendent’s Report  - Dr. Ackerman gave her community update as follows:

  • Thanking all of the Opening Day participants and those who worked on the program.
  • Welcoming everyone to the 2023-24 school year.
  • Acknowledging the hard work the staff completed over the summer to prepare for the new year.
  • Noting the Code of Conduct and District-Wide Safety Plan which are on the agenda for adoption.
  • Noting the revised Continuity of Learning Plan that will also be adopted.
  • Noting that there will be a webinar on 9/6 where she will speak about adjustments to our safety plan, code of conduct, Covid protocols and DEI support for families.
  • Jamie Edelman spoke about the 2023-24 District Special Education Plan.
  • Both Dr. Ackerman and Jamie Edelman described the purpose for the new Use of Sensory Rooms and Emergency Interventions policy on the agenda for adoption.
  • Noting upcoming dates and events.

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 amended minutes of the July 20, 2023 Special Board of Education Meeting.

3.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the August 3, 2023 Special Board of Education Meeting.

3.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the August 8, 2023 Board of Education Meeting.

3.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the August 22, 2023 Special Board of Education Meeting.

Motioned by Alissa Dorfman to accept Items 3.1 through 3.4 as stated above.  Seconded by Ryan Kelsey.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the 2023-24 Student Code of Conduct (Policy #5030).

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adopt the 2023-24 Student Code of Conduct (Policy #5030).  Seconded by Alissa Dorfman.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the 2023-24 District Safety Plan.

Motioned by Alissa Dorfman to adopt the 2023-24 District Safety Plan.  Seconded by Cailee Hwang.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.7    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Regulation #7000:  Schedule of Fees for Community Use of District Facilities 2023-24 – 2nd Reading and Adoption.

Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to adopt Regulation #7000:  Schedule of Fees for Community Use of District Facilities 2023-24.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.8    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.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adopt Policy #5080: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Students.  Seconded by Matt Auerbach.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.9    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 Alissa Dorfman to adopt Policy #9049: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy for Employees.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.10    Policy #5037:  Use of Sensory Rooms and Emergency Interventions – 1st Reading and Adoption.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby waives a second reading of Policy #5037:  Use of Sensory Rooms and Emergency Interventions 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 #5037:  Use of Sensory Rooms and Emergency Interventions.

Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to Policy #5037: Use of Sensory Rooms and Emergency Interventions.  Seconded by Matt Auerbach.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.11    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the 2023-24 Special Education Plan.

3.12    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the 2023-24 Continuity of Learning Plan.

Motioned by Cailee Hwang to adopt the 2023-24 Special Education Plan and the 2023-24 Continuity of Learning Plan.  Seconded by Matt Auerbach.  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 amends the appointment date of Judith Prascher, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, from August 31, 2023 to September 22, 2023, that was previously approved at the August 22, 2023 Board of Education meeting.

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment date of Danielle Hiller, Teacher of Art, Robert E. Bell Middle School, from August 31, 2023 to September 22, 2023, that was previously approved at the August 22, 2023 Board of Education meeting.

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Board President to execute an Agreement 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.

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed for Co-Curricular Activities for the 2023/2024 school year at the rate of $16.85 per point:

Horace Greeley High School

Activity Advisor Points
A Cappella Advisor Christopher Palermo 180
Academic Challenge Nicole Diamente 420
Alliance for Equity Jacqueline Abair 120
BIPOC Student Union Tinuke Colpa 250
ENOUGH Helen Harrison 100
Make-a-Wish Sheila Jacobs 120
Mock Trial Brett Steinberg 100
Model UN Eileen McGaghran-Candela 355
OLAS Naicy Pretill 100
Puritans Jessica Beattie 150
Greeley Giving Adriana DelPozzo 300
SADD Isabel Irizarry 180
Science Olympiad Stephen Mulick 360
SHARE Mary Devane (.5)
Rebecca Mullen (.5)		 480
The Sustainability Club Justin Olive 100
Student Government Tiffany DePeralta (.5)
TBD (.5)
 		 600
Yearbook Jennifer Schmidt 600
The Greeley Voice Rebecca Ebstein (.33)
Eileen McGaghran-Candela (.33)
Brian Petruso (.33)
 		 630
Chamber Orchestra Kathleen Feldman 230
Chorus Neil Walker 200
Pep Band Ray Lucia 230
Stage Band Ray Lucia 230
Fall – Theater Production Director Jessica Beattie 400
Fall Assistant Director – Theater Production Margaret Callan 175
Class Advisor 2024 Katherine Hannon (.5)
Conor Lander (.5)		 480
Class Advisor 2025 Kathryn Ottomanelli (.5)
Pamela Schembri (.5)		 480
Class Advisor 2026 Matthew Friedler (.5)
Sara Lewis (.5)		 480
Class Advisor 2027 Amber Brogan (.5)
Randi McDonnell (.5)		 480

Amended Resignation:
Mr. Andrew Starr, Teacher of Special Education, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 8, 2023.

Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Cailee Hwang.  Motion carried 5-0.

Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.

4.2    Non-Instructional   

Resignation:
Savier White, Computer Aide – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 31, 2023.

Appointments:
Liam Donaton, Teacher Aide – Horace Greeley High School, 35 hours/week, effective September 5, 2023.  

Rosa Reyes, Teacher Aide – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, 32.5 hours/week, effective September 5, 2023.  

Tatiana Vaz, Teacher Aide – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, 32.5 hours/week, effective September 5, 2023.  

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Chairperson for the 2023/24 school year, effective July 1, 2023:

DISTRICT WIDE

Department Chairperson
Nurses Suzanne Rota

Motioned by Hilary Grasso 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 August 31, 2023.

5.2    CSE Summaries (2023-24 School Year) reported to the Board on August 31, 2023.

5.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the appointment of Lauren Olmo as DASA Coordinator at Horace Greeley High School for the 2023-24 school year.

5.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the appointment of Lauralyn Stewart as DASA Coordinator at Seven Bridges Middle School for the 2023-24 school year.

5.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the appointment of Lauralyn Stewart as Title IX Coordinator at Seven Bridges Middle School for the 2023-24 school year.

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby Andrew Taylor to the New Castle Community Media Center (NCCMC) for a two-year term beginning September 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024.

5.7    BE RESOLVED,  that the Board of Education hereby amends the award of Environmental Maintenance Contractors, Inc (EMC), in relation to the Westorchard roof replacement, through the PNW BOCES Cooperative Bid #2021-02 for Asbestos and Mold Remediation, previously approved by the Board of Education at its meeting on March 15, 2023, to reflect the new school-year rate of $14.00 per square foot for the removal and disposal of asbestos containing materials from the roofs, in an amount not to exceed $106,120.00.

5.8    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer in the amount of $78,000.00 to cover expenses for a 1 on 1 nurse for a special education student at the Roaring Brook Elementary School during the 2023-24 school year and authorizes the Board president to execute the transfer document.

5.9    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a purchase order increase in the amount of $21,000.00 to Holistic Learning Center to cover increased ESY 2023 services, and authorizes the Board president to execute the increase document.

5.10    Testing Resolution for Extracurricular Program (Athletics and Clubs)
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to implement a screening testing program against Covid-19 for students and staff in the extracurricular program, so long as the community transmission levels for Westchester County are high, or she is otherwise directed by the NYS Department of Health or the Westchester County Department of Health; or after consultation with, and recommendation from, the District’s medical director, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools is hereby authorized to make arrangements in order to implement the above-referenced screening testing program.

5.11    BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby overrules the decision of the Superintendent of Schools to uphold policy #5090: Student Residency, through February 1, 2024 , as the result of an appeal brought by a parent on August 29, 2023 and presented to the Board at this meeting.
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the District Clerk advise the parents of this determination.

Motioned by Alissa Dorfman to approve Items 5.1 through 5.11 as stated above.  Seconded by Matt Auerbach.  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 Samantha Potack for the 2023-24 school year.

6.2    A Facilities Use Agreement with the Saw Mill Club for usage by the Horace Greeley High School Swim Team during September and October 2023.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge Items 6.1 and 6.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Ryan Kelsey.  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 July 2023.

8.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for June 2023.

8.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Extraclassroom Activity Report – year ending June 30, 2023.

8.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for July 2023.

8.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for July 2023.

8.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for July 2023.

Motioned by Matt Auerbach to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 through 8.6 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

9.       Notice of Future Meetings

September 13, 2023, 7:00 pm
District Performance Report
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium

September 27, 2023, 7:00 pm
Audit Approval
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium

10.       Adjournment 

Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to adjourn the meeting at 11:13 am.  Seconded by Matt Auerbach.  Motion carried 5-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke