Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes August 8, 2023
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Tuesday, August 8, 2023, 7:00 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
Present: Board of Education
Hilary Grasso, President
Cailee Hwang, Vice President
Matt Auerbach
Ryan Kelsey
Alissa Dorfman
Staff Members:
Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Jamie Edelman, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
Adam Schoenbart, Associate Director of Technology & Communication
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
Motioned by Alissa Dorfman to open the public meeting at 5:45 pm. Seconded by Matt Auerbach. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Alissa Dorfman to appoint Dr. Christine Ackerman as District Clerk pro tempore. Seconded by Matt Auerbach. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Alissa Dorfman to adjourn into Executive Session at 5:46 pm to discuss litigation, contract negotiations, the employment history of particular persons, matters of health and safety and to receive advice from counsel. Seconded by Matt Auerbach. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Alissa Dorfman to reconvene the public meeting at 7:05 pm. Seconded by Matt Auerbach. Motion carried 5-0.
District Clerk, Liisa Elsner, administered the oath of office to new Board member, Alissa Dorfman. Ms. Dorfman had previously been sworn in by the District Clerk in the District Office.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – Ms. Grasso gave her report as follows:
- Acknowledging the changes in administration and expressing confidence in the decisions made by senior administrators.
- Reminding the community that the best place to begin addressing concerns about their children’s educational issues is the student’s building principal.
- The Board of Education will be sending out an email to the community regarding “office hours” with members of the Board of Education beginning in September.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her report as follows:
1.2.1 Superintendent Hearing – Code of Conduct – Dr. Ackerman highlighted the adjustments to the Code of Conduct and indicated that the community can reach out with questions before it is adopted at the August 31 Board meeting.
1.2.2 Superintendent Hearing - District Emergency Plan 2023-24 – Dr. Ackerman highlighted the minor adjustments to the District Emergency Plan which will also be adopted at the August 31 Board meeting.
Community Update:
- Noting that Dr. Lauralyn Steward will serve as Interim Principal at Seven Bridges and speaking about her qualifications.
- Dr. Pease spoke about June Wai, the District’s new DEO Professional Developer and detailed her qualifications.
- Noting the contract with Global Operations regarding District safety and security among other security updates.
- Noting that the District is still working with the Town of New Castle regarding shared SROs.
- First reading of Facilities fees regulation. There will be some minor increases.
- Highlighting the Greeley Football Association’s donations on the agenda.
- Noting the 8/23 and 8/30 orientations.
1.2.3 2023-24 Budget, Tax Levy & Tax Rates
Presentation:
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 July 6, 2023 Board Meeting.
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the Minutes of the July 20, 2023 Special Board Meeting.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to accept Items 3.1 and 3.2 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
3.3 Regulation #7000: Schedule of Fees for Community Use of District Facilities 2023-24 – 1st Reading.
4. Recommended Action: Personnel
4.1 Instructional
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached Agreements for Services for the individuals and agencies listed below effective for the 2023/2024 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
Listening Partners Inc.
White Glove Community Care
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:
Olivia Bonadies
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:
Sophia Bisantz (continuing) – Robert E. Bell Middle School
Linda Bosco (continuing) – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
Sabrina Jakobsen (continuing) – Seven Bridges Middle School
Debra Rose (continuing) – Seven Bridges Middle School
Arthur Shofi (continuing) – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
Alexa Tassone (continuing) – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teachers, interns and/or classroom observers for the 2023/2024 school year:
Daniella Ashman
Evan Pasquale
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools and Board President to execute an Agreement, dated August 2, 2023, on behalf of the School District, with Ms. Jenna Baig, as presented to the Board at this meeting, whereby Ms. Baig shall perform contract services as an Elementary Teacher in the District for the period commencing August 31, 2023 and terminating November 17, 2023. A copy of this Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools and Board President to execute an Agreement, dated August 2, 2023, on behalf of the School District, with Ms. Romina Sierra, as presented to the Board at this meeting, whereby Ms. Sierra shall perform contract services as an Elementary Teacher in the District for the period commencing August 31, 2023 and terminating November 17, 2023. A copy of this Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as District Equity Team Fellows effective for the 2023/2024 school year:
| Nadia Buffa | Tinuke Colpa | Johnny Gorton-Parker |
| Isabel Irizarry | Genevieve Julich | Ashley Kuhlmann |
| Jillian McRae | Jamie Parish | Meghan Ryan |
| Elliot Semel | Brett Steinberg | Dana Stein-Dince |
| June Wai |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent for HR - Elementary effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024:
Alissa Stoever
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent for HR - Secondary effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024:
Lauralyn Stewart
Resignation:
Ms. Jennifer Lazerson, Teacher of Special Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective August 30, 2023.
Ms. Laurajean Cavaluzzi, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 30, 2023.
Appointment: Probationary
Ms. Lauren Loprinzo, Teacher of Science, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Science, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, subject to receipt of composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education law Section 3012-c and/or 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) proceeding years, and if the probationer receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time.
Ms. Elizabeth Doherty, Teacher of Special Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Special Education, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, subject to receipt of composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education law Section 3012-c and/or 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) proceeding years, and if the probationer receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time.
Ms. Eileen Murray, Teacher of Special Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Special Education, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, subject to receipt of composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education law Section 3012-c and/or 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) proceeding years, and if the probationer receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, pending background check.
Appointment: Regular Substitute
Ms. Dana Roberts, Regular Substitute Teacher of Health, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 31, 2023 through June 30, 2024 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Appointment: Part Time
Mr. Nicholas Piacquadio, (.6) Teacher of Social Studies, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 31, 2023 through June 30, 2024 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Appointment: Teaching Assistant
Mr. Michael Chaparro, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 31, 2023.
Mr. Charles Riggs, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 31, 2023.
Appointment: Coaching - Effective August 19, 2023 through November 10, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys Soccer | Junior Varsity B | Nicholas Piacquadio | 1 |
| Girls Soccer | Junior Varsity B | Rebecca Argueta | 3 |
| Girls Swimming | Diving | Michael Darland | 3 |
| Girls Tennis | Junior Varsity B | Robert Alspach | 3 |
| Volleyball | Junior Varsity B | Jordan Valentzas | 1 |
Appointment: Volunteer Coaching - Effective August 19, 2023 through November 10, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach |
|---|---|---|
| Boys Soccer | Varsity | Jonathan Taub |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby authorizes its President, to sign a contract in lieu of probation with Dr. Lauralyn Stewart to serve as Interim Principal at Seven Bridges Middle School, effective August 14, 2023 through June 30, 2024, or earlier at the discretion of the Board, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Dr. Lauralyn Stewart, Assistant Principal, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 14, 2023 through June 30, 2024, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education.
Motioned by Alissa Dorfman to approve Item 4.1 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.
4.2 Non-Instructional
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints Joy Guido to the stipend position of District Fixed Asset Coordinator, for the 2023-24 school year, effective August 9, 2023.
Motioned by Cailee Hwang to approve Item 4.2 as stated above. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. 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.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to remove Items 5.15 and 5.32 as stated below from the Consent Agenda. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
5.1 CSE Summaries (2022-23 School Year) reported to the Board on August 8, 2023.
5.2 CSE Summaries (2023-24 School Year) reported to the Board on August 8, 2023.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract with the Summit School at Nyack for educational services for one student (#xxxxx4), effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract with the Summit School at Nyack for educational services for one student (#xxxxx9), effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract with the Summit School at Nyack for educational services for one student (#xxxxx3), effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an Agreement with Sivic Solutions Group, LLC, effective July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, at a fixed fee of $7,200.00 per year and a contingency fee of 15% of Federal Medicaid revenues over and above the District revenues of $90,000 per year that the District is entitled to retain, based upon approval claims for services provided to special education classified students, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Contract with Bedford Central School District for the Hillside program for student #xxxxx0, effective September 5, 2023 through June 26, 2024 at the rate set by New York State Education Department, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Contract for Summer ESY Educational Services with Pleasantville Union Free School District, for 1 student, during the 2023-24 school year at the rate set by the New York State Education Department, and authorizes the Board President to execute this contract.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Contract with the Green Chimneys School for special education services during the 2023-24 school year at the rate set forth by the New York State Education Department, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts a donation from the Horace Greeley Football Association, of 20 Guardian Caps valued at $1,488.20.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that The Board of Education hereby accepts a donation from the Horace Greeley Football Association, of a 3 man sled valued at $3,200.00.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts a donation from the Horace Greeley Football Association, of 5 Agile Pads valued at $725.00.
5.13 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts a donation from the Horace Greeley Football Association, of 20 Gridiron Soft Helmets valued at $807.32.
5.14 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement for consultant services with Susan Shirken for the 2023-24 school year and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.15 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement with the Birchwood Swim & Tennis Club for use by the Horace Greeley High School girls swim team during the 2023-24 school year and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.16 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract with Golden Crown Driving School for a driver education program during the 2023-24 school year and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.17 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an addendum to Product Schedule #1897063 master lease agreement #460977 with Lenovo Financial Services, previously approved by the Board on May 18, 2023, amending the indexing of schedules to use SOFR and increasing the new lease payment to $46,703.91 and authorizes the Board President to execute the addendum.
5.18 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Summer Transportation Contract with Chappaqua Transportation, effective July 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024 in the amount of $180,230.51, and authorizes the Board President and Superintendent to execute this agreement.
5.19 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Extension of Transportation Contract with Chappaqua Transportation, September 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, in the amount of $6,586,402.53, and authorizes the Board President and Superintendent to execute this agreement.
5.20 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an addendum to the Agreement for Consultant Services with Acture Solutions, Inc., for one technical resource to provide onsite audio-visual support, effective August 30, 2023 through September 30, 2024, at an annual rate of $65,000.04, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.
5.21 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 (#xxxxx3), effective July 3, 2023 to August 11, 2023, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.22 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 (#xxxxx0), effective July 3, 2023 to August 11, 2023, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.23 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 3, 2023 to August 11, 2023, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.24 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a non-resident enrollment agreement with North Salem Central School District for 1 student (#xxxxx3), effective September 6, 2023 through June 25, 2024, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.25 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a non-resident enrollment agreement with North Salem Central School District for 1 student (#xxxxx0), effective September 6, 2023 through June 25, 2024, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.26 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a non-resident enrollment agreement with North Salem Central School District for 1 student (#xxxxx4), effective September 6, 2023 through June 25, 2024, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.27 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a non-resident enrollment agreement with North Salem Central School District for 1 student (#xxxxx1), effective September 6, 2023 through June 25, 2024, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.28 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Civil Service Employees Association, Chappaqua Unit #9226 (CSEA) bargaining unit regarding circumstances in which a unit member dies during a pay period for the 2023-24 school year. A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.29 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Christine Parrottino as DASA Coordinator at Robert E. Bell Middle School for the 2023-24 school year.
5.30 WHEREAS, New York General Municipal Law, Article 5-G, Section 119-o (“Section 119-o”) empowers municipal corporations [defined in Article 5-G, Section 119-n to include school districts, boards of cooperative educational services, counties, cities, town and villages, and districts] to enter into, amend, cancel and terminate agreements for the performance among themselves (or one for the other) of their respective functions, powers and duties on a cooperative or contract basis;
WHEREAS, the Chappaqua Central School District wishes to invest portions of its available investment funds in cooperation with other corporations and/or districts pursuant to the NYCLASS Municipal Cooperation Agreement Amended and Restated as of March 28, 2019;
WHEREAS, the Chappaqua Central School District wishes to assure the safety and liquidity needs of their funds;
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS
That both Joshua Culwell-Block, Deputy Treasurer and Assistant Superintendent for Business, and Cathleen Lynch, Treasurer, of the Chappaqua Central School are hereby authorized to participate in the NYCLASS program under the terms of the NYCLASS Municipal Agreement
Amended and Restated as of March 28, 2019.
5.31 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Consultant Agreement with Ellen Doherty, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
5.32 WHEREAS, the Board of Education does hereby approve the execution of the tax warrant to collect the tax levy for the 2023-24 school year in the amount $119,574,460 for School District purposes and $3,544,337 for Chappaqua Public Library purposes.
5.33 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a proposal from Global Operations Security Services Inc., for Security Operations Consultant Services, dated August 1, 2023, and authorizes the Board President to sign the proposal document.
5.34 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a proposal from Global Operations Security Services Inc., for Operational Planning, dated August 1, 2023, and authorizes the Board President to sign the proposal document.
5.35 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.
5.36 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Master Services Agreement with Heartland School Solutions for online payment system administration for the 2023-24 school year, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.37 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Purchase Order increase for PO #230016, in the amount of $33,997.50, and authorizes the Board President to execute the increase document.
5.38 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints Amanda Gaibrois as Surrogate Parent for the 2023-24 school year.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Items 5.1 through 5.14, Items 5.16 through 5.31 and Items 5.33 through 5.38 as stated above. Seconded by Alissa Dorfman. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Cailee Hwang to approve Item 5.15 as stated above. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Matt Auerbach abstaining.
Motioned by Cailee Hwang to approve Item 5.32 as stated above. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. A roll call vote was taken with Hilary Grasso, Cailee Hwang, Ryan Kelsey, Matt Auerbach and Alissa Dorfman all voting “aye.” 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 Lauren Allen for the 2023-24 school year.
6.2 An Agreement with Cbiz for Capital Asset Reporting and Property Insurance Updating Services for the 2023-24 school year.
6.3 A retainer agreement with Sive Paget Riesel for Environmental Law Counsel Services during the 2023-24 school year.
6.4 An addendum to the Agreement for Services with Laurie Armstrong, previously acknowledged by the Board of Education on July 6, 2023.
6.5 An Agreement for Services with Christina Schoonmaker for Athletics Photography during the 2023-24 school year.
6.6 A Contract with Mohonk Mountain House for the 2023 Board of Education Retreat.
6.7 An Agreement for Services with Brooklyn Raney, One Trusted Adult, for professional development during the 2023-24 school year.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to approve Items 6.1 through 6.7 as stated above. Seconded by Alissa Dorfman. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Facilities
8. Financials
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Thursday, August 31, 2023, 10:00 am
Opening Day
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium
September 13, 2023, 7:00 pm
District Performance Report
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Matt Auerbach to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke