Minutes March 3, 2021
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, March 3, 2021, 6:30 PM
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium
and
29 Deerfield Road, Chappaqua, NY
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 - via videoconference
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
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
President Tipp asked for a motion to open the meeting.
Motioned by Holly McCall to open the meeting at 6:31 pm. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 3-0. Board Members Warren Messner and Jane Kimmel Shepardson were absent.
Motioned by Holly McCall to appoint Christine Ackerman as District Clerk Pro Tempore. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 3-0.
Motioned by Holly McCall to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations, the employment history of particular persons, matters of health & safety, and to receive advice from counsel. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 3-0.
Board Members Warren Messner and Jane Kimmel Shepardson joined the Executive Session at 6:33 pm.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to reconvene the public meeting at 7:52 pm. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report
- President Tipp read a statement regarding the legality of a Board of Education member running for a Town Board position.
- Holly McCall stated that she will not seek re-election to the Board of Education.
- President Tipp re-stated the Board and District’s commitment to educating all children who reside in, or move to, the District.
- She recapped the reasons that the Board engaged consultants to research the potential impact of the FBC.
- She indicated that the consultant report will be posted to the District website and that the Communications Committee will submit their remarks to the Town Board shortly and will post those comments to the District website as well as send a communication to the community.
- Board members Grasso, Messner and Shepardson also gave comments regarding the need to weigh all the available information when considering this issue and to work to get the most accurate picture of potential scenarios and relayed the need to listen to the larger community as well.
1.1.1 Town of New Castle Form Based Code Proposal: CCSD Consultant Report
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the Consultant’s Report regarding the Town of New Castle’s proposed Form Based Code.
Motioned by Warren Messner to accept Item 1.1.1 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
1.1.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Communications Committee to draft comments on behalf of the Board of Education, to be submitted to the Town of New Castle regarding the proposed Form Based Code.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 1.1.2 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
Public Comment Period (comment on the Consultant Report):
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.
Please note that any comments related to the Town of New Castle’s proposed Form Based Code must also be addressed to the New Castle Town Board as the Lead Agency with sole responsibility and decision- making authority regarding the proposal, in order for those comments to be given due consideration as part of the Town’s public hearing record.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her Community Update noting the following:
- Schedule Update – more students are coming to school on-site
- Dr. Sinanis gave the staffing update
- Quarantine update
- Wednesday 1/2 days – recommending that remote students come into school on Wednesdays to be able to attend school in-person
- Graduation/Prom/Senior Experience – the District is exploring a number of options to be able to allow seniors a more full experience than was possible last year. A virtual meeting with seniors and parents will be held on 3/8 in the afternoon to relay potential scenarios.
- High School Concerts, Theatre and Senior Musical – again, the District is exploring a number of options to allow these events to take place this spring.
- Dr. Pease gave an update on AP Exam, Regents and 3-8 testing.
- Higher Risk sports update
- Dr. Pease spoke about Dr. Jal Mehta who will be giving an address at the 3/12 Superintendent Conference Day.
- Dr. Pease also thanked New Castle United For Youth for their funding of a grant on the agenda.
Presentations: Superintendent’s Budget Overview – Dr. Ackerman and Mr. Chow presented the Board with the 2020-21 Budget Overview. Component budgets will be presented at Board meetings on March 17 and 24.
2. Committee Reports
Audit – Warren Messner reported that the Audit Committee will meeting on 5/20
CARES – Victoria Tipp reported that CARES will meet on 3/8
Policy – Hilary Grasso reported that the Policy Committee will meet on 3/10
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 accepts the minutes of the February 8, 2021 Special Board Meeting.
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the February 10, 2021 Board Meeting.
3.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the February 24, 2021 Special Board Meeting.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to accept Items 3.1 through 3.3 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
3.4 Policy 9027: Health Insurance
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby waives a second reading of Policy #9027: Health Insurance 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 #9027: Health Insurance.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to adopt Policy #9027: Health Insurance. Seconded by Warren Messner. 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 individual listed as a per diem substitute teacher to be employed on an “as needed” basis:
Gada Shaia
Jaclyn Dellisanti
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:
Bianna Cardinale – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
Charles Buchanan – Horace Greeley High School
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as a student teacher, intern and/or classroom observer for the 2020/2021 school year:
Claudine Keeler
Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Mr. Steven McLees, Athletic Coordinator, District-Wide, effective February 22, 2021 through April 11, 2021.
Ms. Jamie Egan, Teacher of Social Studies, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective March 8, 2021 through June 30, 2021.
Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Mr. Charles Buchanan, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools and Board President to execute an Agreement, dated February 23, 2021, on behalf of the School District, with Mr. Peter Zecchin, as presented to the Board at this meeting, whereby Mr. Zecchin shall perform contract services as a Part Time (.8) Special Education teacher for the School District for the period commencing March 1, 2021 and terminating June 30, 2021. A copy of this Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Appointment: Leave Replacement
Ms. Angjelina Burke, Leave Replacement Teacher of Elementary, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 21, 2020 through March 26, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 6, (BA+30) with Masters, $86,784, prorated.
Mr. Casey Piazza, Leave Replacement Teacher of Physical Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective October 26, 2020 through March 26, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, A (BA), $69,382, prorated.
Mr. Daniel Fanelli, Leave Replacement Teacher of Physical Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective March 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Appointment: Part-Time
Mr. Charles Buchanan, (.4) Teacher of Special Education, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), rate: $132.78.
Appointment: Leave Replacement
Ms. Diane Masi, Leave Replacement Teacher of Social Studies, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective March 8, 2021 through June 30, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Mr. Trevor Latasa, Leave Replacement Teacher of Social Studies, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective February 23, 2021 through May 14, 2021 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Appointment: Coaching - Effective March 8, 2021 through April 25, 2021
| Sport | Level | Coach |
|---|---|---|
| Football | Varsity | Joe Kearns |
| Football | Asst. Varsity | Ryan Spillane |
| Football | Asst. Varsity | Nicholas Clair |
| Football | Asst. Varsity | Peter Flora |
| Football | JV | Tyler Esposito |
| Football | JV A | Bob Alspach |
| Girls Swimming | Varsity | Suzi Guziec |
| Girls Swimming | Asst. Varsity | Jeanne Kellachan |
| Girls Swimming | Diving | Michael Darland |
| Volleyball | Varsity | Daniela Castro |
| Volleyball | JV A | Kelly-Anne Lonergan |
| Volleyball | JV B | Jacquelyn Hoffman |
| Cheerleading | Varsity | Kristen Pyrch |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teachers, interns and/or classroom observers for the 2020/2021 school year:
John Sanseverino
Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:
Ms. Carol DiGuglielmo, Teacher of Science, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2021.
Ms. Maria Sanderleaf, Teacher of Elementary Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective June 25, 2021.
Appointment: Coaching - Effective March 14, 2021 through April 23, 2021
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football | Modified | Charles McKenna | 3 |
| Football | Asst. Modified | Johnny Gorton-Parker | 1 |
| Football | Asst. Modified | Michael DeBellis | 3 |
| Football | Asst. Modified | Anthony Stewart* | 1 |
| Volleyball | Modified – Bell | Jason Sclafani | 3 |
| Volleyball | Asst. Modified – Bell | Lindsay Morton | 3 |
| Volleyball | Modified – SB | Elizabeth Lops | 3 |
| Volleyball | Asst. Modified - SB | Christine Catapano | 2 |
| *pending background clearance check | |||
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp 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
Appointment:
Marissa Greenfeld, Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems at the Education Center (12 months), effective February 17, 2021, at an annual salary of Step 12, $56,678 (pro-rated). Additionally, the Board of Education hereby authorizes an administrative leave of absence, without pay, to Marissa Greenfeld, Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems, beginning February 17, 2021 and ending on March 3, 2021.
Nicole Petrovich, Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems at Seven Bridges Middle School (12 months), effective March 4, 2021, at an annual salary of Step 6, $48,241 (pro-rated).
Resignation:
Marissa Greenfeld, Payroll Clerk (part-time) at the Education Center, effective March 3, 2021.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the effective date of the resignation for the purpose of retirement of John Lacko, Maintenance Worker, from April 30, 2021 to April 18, 2021.
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 (2020-21 School Year) reported to the Board on March 3, 2021.
5.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges the expenditure of $4,400.00 by New Castle United for Youth, to cover the expenses for two Horace Greeley High School staff members to participate in Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer training during the 2020-21 school year.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement with Student Assistance Services for the 2021-2022 school year for a five-day per week Student Assistance/Project SUCCESS Program at Horace Greeley High School, in the amount of $76,843.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an agreement for services with
Dr. Jal Mehta to deliver a virtual keynote address related to COVID and Post-COVID education on March 12, 2021, in the amount of $3,500.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the amended terms of the Stipulation of Settlement Agreement with employee number 4744, dated February 23, 2021, as presented to the Board at this meeting. Said agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the appointment Karen Smith, Director of Special Education and 504 Services as an alternate CSE/CPSE Chairperson for the 2020-21 school year.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE Board of Education approves a contract with Cantele Tent Rentals for rental of outdoor tents for use at the middle schools on a month-to-month basis, in the amount of $5,725.00 per tent for the first month and $4,380.00 per tent for each additional month (based on a weekly rental rate of $1,095.00) and authorizes the Board President to execute this contract. This contract is based on submission for CCSD Bid #B2021-1: Rental of Tents and Heaters.
5.8 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.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Grades 7-12 student participation in the following “higher-risk” winter sports football and volleyball (modified, JV, varsity), subject to local health department and Section 1 approval, and adherence to the guidelines and protocols established by state and local health authorities, as well as the rules of Section 1 of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby directs the Superintendent to arrange for COVID-19 testing of student-athletes and coaches as a condition of participation in the above-referenced sports.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Office Staff Association (COSA) bargaining unit regarding Article 2(B) of the collective bargaining agreement between the District and COSA. A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Items 5.1 through 5.10 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
6. Facilities
7. Financials
7.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor Report for January 2021.
Motioned by Holly McCall to acknowledge receipt of Item 7.1 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
8. Notice of Future Meetings
March 17, 2021 – 7:30 pm
Curriculum & Technology/Special Education/Athletics Budget Presentations
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 – 7:30 pm
Operations & Maintenance/Non-Instructional/Revenue/Tax Rates/Contingency Budget Presentations
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
9. Adjournment
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 10:04 pm. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent