Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes September 27, 2023
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 7:00 PM
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
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
Scott Oling – PKF O’Connor Davies
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to open the public meeting at 4:45 pm. Seconded by Matt Auerbach. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to appoint Dr. Christine Ackerman as District Clerk pro tempore. Seconded by Matt Auerbach. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to adjourn into Executive Session at 4:46 pm to discuss litigation, the employment history of particular persons, and to receive advice from counsel. Seconded by Matt Auerbach. Motion carried 5-0.
6:00 pm New Teacher Meet and Greet – Horace Greeley High School Courtyard
Motioned by Cailee Hwang to reconvene the public meeting at 7:04 pm. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Grasso gave her report as follows:
- Noting that the Board had just had a “meet and greet” with new faculty members.
- HG and MS Open Houses will be taking place next week and encouraging families to attend.
- Noting that the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival will be Saturday, 9/30.
- There will be an email going out about the 10/10 Board of Education “Office Hours” giving community members the opportunity to sign up.
- NYSSBA’s annual meeting is upcoming and Ms. Grasso will be happy to represent the Board at that virtual meeting as the voting delegate.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her community update as follows:
- Noting that the 10/11 Board of Education will be held at Westorchard Elementary School.
- Highlighting the policies that are on the agenda and noting amended language that is proposed.
- Updating the Shared SRO process timeline.
- Dr. Pease gave a review of our literacy timeline
- Also reminding parents about the upcoming open houses along with additional upcoming events and dates.
Presentation: External Audit – Scott Oling, PKF O’Connor Davies
2. Committee Reports
Wellness – Ms. Dorfman reported that there will be some food tastings taking place this fall. She also noted that parents may limit their children’s access to snacks through the foodservice system. The Committee will also be reviewing the District’s mental health curriculum during the 2023-24 school year.
Green – Mr. Auerbach reported that the Committee is looking at the issue of electric busing and also that the Committee is appealing to our youngest community members to become involved.
Boosters – Mr. Auerbach sent a thank you to the Boosters and to Jamie Block for all their efforts around the events of Homecoming Weekend.
CARES – Mr. Kelsey noted that the Committee is going to focus communication to make certain that parents understand what the District’s DEI work entails and why the District is engaged in this work.
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 September 13, 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 Policy #3010: Code of Ethics – First Reading.
3.3 Policy #5015: Comprehensive Student Attendance – First Reading.
3.4 Policy #5026: Transportation to District Sponsored Activities or Athletics Events – First Reading.
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 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:
Dynamic Kids
Brook Pechenko
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:
Matthew Miller
Nicholas Piacquadio
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as student teachers, interns and/or classroom observers for the 2023/2024 school year:
Emily Bosco
Douglas Daniels
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Special Education Teacher, Eileen Murray, shall be amended to terminate on August 30, 2026, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Elementary Teacher, Lauren Soprano, shall be amended to terminate on August 30, 2026, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Assistant Director – Theater Production | Margaret Callan | 175 |
| Fall – Stage Crew Advisor/Technician | Brian Gold | 150 |
Seven Bridges Middle School
| Activity | Advisor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Club | Annette Hawkins | 100 |
| Chamber String | Kim Meade | 100 |
| Chamber Wind | Elliott Semel | 100 |
| Chess | Maxton Tortorello-Allen | 100 |
| Cyber Squad | Annette Hawkins | 100 |
| Dungeons and Dragons | Maxton Tortorello-Allen (.5) Michelle Ramahlo (.5) |
100 |
| Jazz Ensemble | Elliott Semel | 150 |
| Journalism Club | Beth Reilly (.5) Alessondra Anzano (.5) |
100 |
| MATHCOUNTS | Meredith McMillan | 100 |
| Morning News | Stanley Serafin (.5) Brian Vermette (.5) |
300 |
| Podcast Club | Amanda Fraioli | 100 |
| Pick Up Basketball | Brian O’Connor | 100 |
| Share Jr | Lisa Bisceglia | 200 |
| STEAM/Sustainability | Danielle Barrett-Denmead (.5) Jenny Gieras (.5) |
200 |
| Student Government | Sabrina Jakobsen | 200 |
| Talent Show | Brian O’Connor (.5) Elizabeth Coward (.5) |
100 |
| Marching Band | Elliott Semel | 50 |
| Fitness Club | Christine Catapano | 50 |
| Student Club Coordinator | Nicole Petrovich | 100 |
| Peer Leadership Club | Kasia Sosnow (.5) Elissa Rappaport (.5) |
100 |
Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
| Activity | Advisor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Intramurals | Anthony Tortora (.5) | 150 |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as SAT Coordinator to be employed for the 2023/2024 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
Mallory Chinn
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 2023/2024 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
| Charles Buchanan | Yanxia Chen | Mary Farrell | Mirjam Lord |
| Ann Marie Masciana | Tina Moundroukas | Helen Teevan | Ann Marie Tetelman |
| Brian Vermette | Michelle Ramahlo | Diane Wendel | Laura Abbatantuono |
| Joann Mastrocola | Jennifer Troup | Sara Lewis | Jason Lummel |
| Joann Morgis | June Wai | Eileen Farrington | Laura Moreno |
| Jacqueline Silipigni | Sherry Schur | Elona Coku | Lauren Andrews |
| Skye Albert-Hall | Naicy Pretill | Nancy Felton | Aneta Bilinski |
| Paola Conklin | Mary Ellen O’Mara | Angelique Titre-Barnor | Susan O’Reilly |
| Connie Drew | Lisa Berlenbach Dixon | Fiona Youngs | Sabrina Jakobsen |
| Elizabeth Fries | Mary Miele | Margaret Callan | Nicholas Piacquadio |
| Francesca Zacarolli |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as mentors for students, effective October 1, 2023 at the rate of $500, per semester, pro-rated:
| Rosa Amendola | Dana Bassuk | Lisa Bisceglia |
| Tinuke Colpa | Isabel Irizarry | Jennifer Kean-Thompson |
| Christopher Palermo | Jamie Parish | Christine Parrottino |
| Ryan Spillane | Joseph Sullivan | Angelique Titre-Barnor |
| Tonya Wilson |
Resignation:
Mr. Gerard Sulli, Girls Junior Varsity Tennis Coach, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 20, 2023.
Mr. Anthony Stewart, Modified Football, Robert E. Bell and Seven Bridges Middle Schools, effective September 25, 2023.
Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Kayla Castaneda, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective October 13, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Appointment: Regular Substitute
Ms. Romina Sierra Regular Substitute Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 31, 2023 through June 30, 2024 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Amended Appointment: Coaching - Effective August 21, 2023 through December 3, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volleyball | Junior Varsity | Theresa Swertfager | 2 |
Appointment: Coaching - Effective September 26, 2023 through December 3, 2023
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football | Junior Varsity Head Coach | Anthony Stewart | 3 |
| Football | Junior Varsity Assistant Coach | Evan Pasquale | 1 |
| Football | Modified Head Coach – Bell & SB | David Fernandes | 3 |
| Girls Tennis | Junior Varsity (A) Co-Coach | John Alkalay | 3 |
| Girls Tennis | Junior Varsity (A) Co-Coach | Robert Alspach | 3 |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Superintendent is hereby authorized to direct a comprehensive medical examination and evaluation, that may include a psychiatric examination and evaluation, if necessary, of Employee No. 3661, 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. 3661 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 Hilary Grasso to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.
4.2 Non-Instructional
Resignation:
Jenna Dallacco, Teacher Aide at Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective end of business September 4, 2023.
Annette Hawkins, Computer Lab Aide at Seven Bridges Middle School, effective October 1, 2023.
Appointment:
Michael Winters, Computer Lab Aide at Westorchard Elementary School, effective September 26, 2023.
Fotine Moundroukas, Clerk-School Monitor at Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 4, 2023.
Annette Hawkins, Office Assistant – Automated Systems at Seven Bridges Middle School, effective October 2, 2023.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby authorizes an administrative leave of absence, without pay, for Fotine Moundroukas, effective September 4, 2023 through October 1, 2023, in accordance with Westchester County Civil Service regulation.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education hereby approves an Employment Related Agreement regarding Employee #3805, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey 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 (2023-24 School Year) reported to the Board on September 27, 2023.
5.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract with the Carmel Central School District for Educational Services for two students (ID #xxxxx3 & #xxxxx7) during the 2023-24 school year, in the amount of $174,014, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.3 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.
5.4 WHEREAS, due to the extensive rain in the summer of 2023, it was discovered that the roof of the Seven Bridges gymnasium has begun to have significant leaks, that are impacting the interior of the gymnasium; and
WHEREAS, upon further inspection by the District’s Architect, Kaeyer, Garment + Davidson Architects and Empire Core Group, it was determined that the roof requires repair and resurfacing to prevent further leaks; and
WHEREAS, upon recommendation of Kaeyer, Garment + Davidson Architects and Empire
Core Group, it is necessary to undertake immediate repair of the roof at the Seven Bridges
gymnasium in order to assure the safety, health and welfare of the students, staff and
visitors to the Seven Bridges Middle School, as well as to safeguard the School District’s
property; and
WHEREAS, the Board is empowered to determine that the expense of these activities is an ordinary contingent expense within the meaning of §2023 of the New York State Education Law and §170.2(l) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education and that the project constitutes an emergency within the meaning of §103 of the General Municipal Law to allow for the resurfacing and repair of the Seven Bridges Gym roof and related activities on an immediate basis without the necessity of competitive bidding;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby determines and declares that the cost of the repair and resurfacing of the Seven Bridges gymnasium roof, including testing, if necessary, and incidental costs and expenses, constitutes an ordinary contingent expense within the meaning of §2023 of the Education Law and §170.2(l) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, and constitutes an emergency within the meaning of §103 of the General Municipal Law and hereby authorizes the expenditure of those funds necessary for such purposes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby determines that the repair and resurfacing of the Seven Bridges gymnasium roof, including related activities, will not have a significant environmental impact and declares this project a Type II Action pursuant to '617.5(c)(1) (maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in the structure or facility) and/or (2) (replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind on the same site) and/or (10) (routing activities of educational institutions) of the State Environmental Quality Review Act regulations, and no further action is required.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Contract for Educational Services with Pleasantville Union Free School District for special education services during the 2023-24 school year, for one student (ID# xxxxx4), and authorizes the Superintendent to execute the contract.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement for services with Gravity Goldberg, LLC for Literacy Professional Development and Literacy Curriculum Support during the 2023-24 school year, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation CCSD #B2022-12: Pest Control Services for the 2023-24 school year to JP McHale Pest Management LLC, at an average cost per visit of $95.00.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation CCSD #B2022-13: Construction, Labor & Materials – Painting Services for the 2023-24 school year to HG Painting, at various rates.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation CCSD #B2021-23: HVAC Services – Preventive Maintenance and Time and Materials for Repairs for the 2023-24 school year to Atlantic Westchester, in the amount of $224,600.00.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation CCSD #B2022-15: Generator Maintenance and Service for the 2023-24 school year to National Standby Repair, in the amount of $2,420.00.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation CCSD #B2022-16: Portable Toilet Services for the 2023-24 school year to Got to Go Inc., at various rates.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the renewal of an agreement with Auctions International for sale of institutional assets and obsolete items, effective September 28, 2023.
5.13 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a new Lease Agreement with Xerox Financial Services, dated August 30, 2023, regarding copier machines, along with a maintenance agreement for same copier machines with Connecticut Business Systems, and authorizes the Board President to execute both agreements.
5.14 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement for services with Educators for Collaborative Literacy LLC for Literacy Professional Development and Literacy Curriculum Support during the 2023-24 school year, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
Motioned by Cailee Hwang to approve Items 5.1 through 5.14 as stated above. Seconded by Alissa Dorfman. 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:
7. Facilities
8. Financials
8.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for August 2023.
8.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for August 2023.
8.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for August 2023.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 through 8.3 as stated above. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 5-0.
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 7:00 pm
Westorchard Elementary School Presentation
Audit Approval
Westorchard Elementary School
Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 7:00 pm
Roaring Brook Elementary School Presentation
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Alissa Dorfman to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 pm. Seconded by Matt Auerbach. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke