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Minutes June 8, 2021

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Tuesday, June 8, 2021, 6:00 PM
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium

Presiding Officer: Victoria Bayard Tipp
Pledge of Allegiance: Holly McCall

Present:  Board of Education
    Victoria Bayard Tipp, President
    Holly McCall, Vice President
    Hilary Grasso
    Warren Messner
    Jane Kimmel Shepardson

Staff Members:
    Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
    John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business
    Ellen Doherty, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
    Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
    Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
    David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
    Liisa Elsner, District Clerk

President Tipp asked for a motion to open the meeting.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to open the meeting at 6:00 pm.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.  Board Member Warren Messner was absent.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to appoint Christine Ackerman as District Clerk pro tempore.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:01 pm to discuss contract negotiations and matters of safety.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

At 6:04 pm Warren Messner joined the meeting.

Motioned by Holly McCall to reconvene the public meeting at 8:01 pm.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

1.       Information Business Affairs

1.1    President’s Report – President Tipp gave her report noting the following:

  • The Board and Administration honored retirees earlier in the evening.   Remarks given on their behalf were very moving and reflected the skill and dedication of each employee.  She remarked that there were hundreds of years of experience under the tent and that it was bittersweet to say goodbye to these devoted colleagues.
  • The success of Unity Day on June 3 which showcased a large number of workshops facilitated by students and staff with stimulating speakers Dr. Eddie Moore and  Dr. Randal Pinkett
  • Thanking the community for their patience and perseverance as the District sorts through the most recent changes in guidance regarding the wearing of masks on school property.

1.1.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the Board of Education calendar for the 2021-22 school year.

Motioned by Warren Messner to adopt Item 1.1.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

Presentations:    Guidance Plan – Professional Consulting Group Review

1.2    Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her community update by noting the following:

  • Schedule Update – we are happy to report that 100% of Greeley students are now able to come in to school year day and that our remote numbers have dropped.
  • Staffing Update – Dr. Sinanis reported that the numbers have not changed since the prior meeting.
  • Quarantine numbers remain very low.
  • Mask Update – We will continue to wear masks in school buildings
  • Remote Instruction for 2021-22 – No decision has been disseminated to districts as yet.
  • Sustainability Center – The District has received another generous gift of $500,000 from the Robert & Ardis James Foundation toward the construction of the HG Sustainability Center and the District is extremely grateful.
  • Dr. Pease spoke about the HG Sports Boosters grants for the Cheerleading and Basketball programs and also the bids being awarded on this agenda toward the studio spaces.
  • The Senior Musical will take place at Caramoor Center on June 9 and the District thanks the Friends of Greeley Theatre for their gift toward that event.
  • Dr. Pease also spoke about an amendment to one professional development contract, along with another contract with Drs. Brenda and Franklin CampbellJones.
  • Dr. Ackerman also expressed her gratitude for the tremendous efforts of Andrew Corsilia, Ron Gamma, Joe Gramando, Mario Martinez and their staff as they organized the Senior Prom and are working on Graduation and other various end-of year events.

2.       Committee Reports  
Audit:  Warren Messner reported that there are a few items on the agenda for approval and that the external audit will occur, as usual, in July.  He also stated that Dean Rock, a longtime Committee member will step down and that the Committee is looking for a replacement.  He welcomes community members to contact either himself or other committee members for more information.
CARES:  President Tipp reported that the May 25 meeting of the Committee was a wrap-up and review of the year and that she sees important equity work being done on many fronts and that the Committee has received lots of feedback.  CARES will work on how best to reach and engage more of the community.
Communications:  Jane Kimmel Shepardson reported on the Advisory Committee meeting on May 25 and stated that it has been very helpful to have the advisory members offer additional input, insight and ideas on how to better reach and engage the community.  
Sports Boosters:  Ms. Shepardson reported that a Boosters meeting was happening on the same night and she thanked the Boosters for their launch of the smaller grants program that allowed for targeted gifts to assist different sports programs.

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 May 19, 2021 Board Meeting.

3.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the May 24, 2021 Special Board Meeting.

3.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the June 2, 2021 Special Board Meeting.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to accept Items 3.1 through 3.3 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.4    Policy #9040:  Non-Aligned Administrative Personnel

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby waives a second reading of Policy #9040:  Non-Aligned Administrative Personnel 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 #9040:  Non-Aligned Administrative Personnel.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adopt Policy #9040:  Non-Aligned Administrative Personnel as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  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 appoints the individuals listed as per diem substitute teachers to be employed on an “as needed” basis:

Lisa Berlenbach Dixon
LaVese Gilchrest
Yessenia Rodriguez

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education employs James Fatigate, as a driver education instructor to provide the classroom instruction portion of the Driver Education Program effective June 29, 2021 and during the 2021-2022 school year, with compensation at the rate of $65 per student with a minimum of $1,600 per class through the Continuing Education Program.

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education employs Vera G. Allen, as a driver education instructor to provide the classroom instruction portion of the Driver Education Program effective June 29, 2021 and during the 2021-2022 school year, with compensation at the rate of $65 per student through the Continuing Education Program.

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as Director of Science Research effective for the 2020-2021 school year:

Tyler Esposito

Resignation:
Mr. David Catalano, Teacher of Music, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2021.

Ms. Melissa Fulton, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective June 30, 2021.

Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Marina Comblo, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 30, 2021 through January 31, 2022.

Ms. Emily Sarin, Guidance Counselor, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective June 4, 2021 through September 30, 2021.

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Mr. Carolyn Gall, Teaching Assistant, Westorchard Elementary School, effective May 25, 2021 through May 27, 2021.

Appointment: Probationary
Ms. Katherine Hannon, Teacher of Science, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Science, effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, 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.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  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 the individual listed below as a per diem custodial substitute to be employed on an “as needed” basis, effective June 9, 2021, at a salary of $15.00 per hour:

Robert Hart

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Item 4.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  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 (2020-21 School Year) reported to the Board on June 8, 2021.

5.2    CSE Summaries (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on June 8, 2021.

5.3    Recommendation of the Audit Committee for the Board of Education to accept: 1) the Internal Audit Report of Purchasing, Accounts Payable and Capital Projects (including the Response to the Report by the District), 2) the revised School District Response to the Intensive Review of Payroll in 2019-20, and 3) GASB 75 Report for the year ending June 30, 2021.

5.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract for Independent Auditor Services with Tobin & Company, effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, in the amount of $8,520.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.

5.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby designates Bernard P. Donegan, Inc. (BPD) as the District's financial consultant in connection with the District’s Capital Project financing and other financial matters, in accordance with its letter of services dated May 11, 2021, 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. 

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby designates Hawkins, Delafield & Wood, LLP as Bond Counsel, in accordance with its letter of services dated May 16, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein.

5.7    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement for Claims Auditor Services with Jonathan Ross for the 2021-22 school year, in the amount of $102.00 per hour, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

5.8    BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby authorizes its President to execute an agreement for donation with the Robert and Ardis James Foundation, Inc., the Chappaqua Schools Foundation and the Chappaqua Central School District, dated September 16, 2020 as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

5.9    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Greeley Sports Boosters grant of a two-day Choreography Camp for the Varsity Cheerleading program, in the amount of $2,800.00.

5.10    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Greeley Sports Boosters grant of a Dr. Dish CT Shooting Machine for the Boys and Girls Basketball programs, in the amount of $7,339.98.

5.11    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts a gift from Friends of Greeley Theatre, Inc. to Chappaqua Central School District for the Horace Greeley Theatre Department in the amount of $2,000 towards the rental of video equipment to be used in conjunction with the production of Working.

5.12    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement for services with CampbellJones & Associates for a series of virtual professional learning seminars focusing on cultural proficiency during the 2021-22 school year, in the amount of $20,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.13    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Recommendation B2021-10:  Studio for Seven Bridges Middle School and Podcast Studio for Horace Greeley High School to DNR Laboratories, LLC, in the amount of $132,525.00,

5.14    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, in accordance with Board Policy 9040, hereby authorizes the 2021-22 school year salaries of the nonaligned administrators of the School District who are not represented in collective bargaining units, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools in a memorandum to the Board of Education dated June 1, 2021.

5.15    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the 2021-22 school year salaries of the confidential employees based on the recommendations from the Superintendent in a memorandum to the Board of Education dated June 4, 2021.  Said memorandum is incorporated by reference in the minutes of this meeting.

5.16    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation B2020-8:  Coach Bus Transportation Services to Hudson Valley Charter Service, Inc., for the 2021-22 school year, in the amount of $32,050.00.

5.17    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer dated May 25, 2021 in the amount of $239,647.28 to cover the cost of installing security cameras at the three elementary schools, and authorizes the Board President to execute the transfer.

5.18    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer dated May 28, 2021, in the amount of $1,630,000.00 to reclassify furnishing, fixtures and equipment expenses in excess of the Capital Bond Project to the General Fund as discussed and agreed to at the May 20, 2021 Audit Committee Meeting, and authorizes the Board President to execute the transfer.

5.19    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer dated May 25, 2021, in the amount of $62,500.00 to fund special HVAC cleaning in preparation for reopening schools in the fall of 2021, and authorizes the Board President to execute the transfer.

5.20    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer dated May 25, 2021, in the amount of $130,402.80 to cover Chappaqua Transportation costs associated with additional mid-day bus runs for Horace Greeley High School Students due to the pandemic, and authorizes the Board President to execute the transfer.

5.21    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer dated May 26, 2021, in the amount of $768,393.00 to reallocate technology lease budget from debt service to lease purchase code, as required by accounting regulations, and authorizes the Board President to execute the transfer.

5.22    WHEREAS, the Board of Education, in accordance with Article 5-A of the General Municipal Law, invited seald bids for Boiler Room Alterations at Horace Greeley High School, A-Building (CCSD Bid #B2021-11); and

WHEREAS, the bid submissions were opened and announced publicly on June 2, 2021; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education believes it to be in the best interests of the School District to reject all bids and then rebid the project;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, in the best interests of the School District, hereby rejects all bid submissions for the Boiler Room Alterations at Horace Greeley High School, A-Building, and directs the project to be rebid.

5.23    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an amended agreement with Michael Blueglass - STEM Research Consulting, for review, advice and recommendations regarding the Science Research Program at the Horace Greeley High School during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years in the amount of $200 per hour, not to exceed 40 hours, approved by the Board on March 3, 2020, to include an additional 5 hours and authorizes the Board President to execute the amended Agreement.

5.24    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation B2019-11:  Boiler, Burner & Related Equipment-Maintenance & Repair to 1st Heating Solutions LLC, for the 2021-22 school year, in the amount of $10,250.00 for seasonal start-up and various hourly rates.

5.25    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation B2019-20:  Clothing for Work Uniforms to S&H Uniform Corp., for the 2021-22 school year, in various amounts.

5.26    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation B2020-6:  Field Maintenance Services to Maxner Landscaping, LLC, for the 2021-22 school year in the amount of $110,000.00 plus various hourly rates.

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Items 5.1 through 5.26 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  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    Proposal from Aquarius Capital for Actuarial Consulting Services (GASB 75) Valuation for Fiscal Year 2020-21.

6.2    Proposal from Aquarius Capital for Actuarial Consulting Services (GASB 75) Valuation for Fiscal Year 2021-22.

6.3    Agreement for Services with Eddie Moore, America & Moore LLC for Unity Day virtual keynote address for students and Q&A for Parents on June 3, 2021.

6.4    Agreement for Services with Dr. Bruce L. Dennis for professional development during the 2021-22 school year.

6.5    Agreement for Services with Monique Michaels for an administrative team building exercise on July 6, 2021.

6.6    Agreement for Services with Samantha Potack as Continuing Education Assistant for the 2021-22 school year.

6.7    Agreement for Investigative Services with Adrienne Ferretti of A.F. Investigations for the 2021-22 school year.

6.8    Consultant Agreement for Medicaid Services with Management Advisory Group Business Operations, Inc., for the 2021-22 school year.

6.9    Retainer Agreement regarding NYC Department of Environmental Protection approvals with Sive Paget Riesel, effective June 3, 2021.

6.10    Licensing & Maintenance Fee agreement with Educational Data Services, for the 2021-22 school year.

Motioned by Holly McCall to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.10 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

7.      Facilities 
    
8.      Financials

8.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor Report for April 2021.

8.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for May 2021.

8.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for May 2021.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 through 8.3 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn into Executive Session at 9:45 pm to discuss contract negotiations, matters of safety, employment history of particular persons and a parental appeal to the Board of Education.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Warren Messner to reconvene the public meeting at 10:27 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.27     BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby affirms the decision of the Superintendent of Schools in an appeal by a parent regarding a student related matter, as set forth in correspondence dated June 4, 2021 and presented to the Board at this meeting.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to add Item 5.27 as stated above to the agenda.  Seconded by Warren Messner.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Holly McCall to approve Item 5.27 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

9.    Notice of Future Meetings 

Thursday, June 17, 2021 – 7:30 pm
Strategic Plan Update
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium

Wednesday, July 7, 2021 – 7:30 pm
Reorganization Meeting
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium

10.    Adjournment

Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 pm.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent