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Minutes May 4, 2022

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, May 4, 2022, 7:30 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium

Present:  Board of Education

Hilary Grasso, President

Warren Messner, Vice President

Cailee Hwang

Jane Kimmel Shepardson

Absent:

Alyson Gardner

 

Staff Members:

Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools

Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

Jamie Edelman, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services

Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business (via Zoom)

Josh Culwell-Block, Director of Technology, Innovation & Mathematics

David Leis, Associate Director of Technology & Communications

David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant

Liisa Elsner, District Clerk

President Grasso called for a motion to open the meeting.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to open the meeting at 5:02 pm.  Seconded by Cailee Hwang.  Motion carried 4-0.  Board Member Alyson Gardner was absent.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to appoint Dr. Ackerman as District Clerk Pro Tempore.  Seconded by Cailee Hwang.  Motion carried 4-0.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss litigation, contract negotiations, the employment history of particular persons, matters of health and safety and to receive advice from counsel at 5:02 pm.  Seconded by Cailee Hwang.  Motion carried 4-0.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to reconvene the public meeting at 7:57 pm.  Seconded by Cailee Hwang.  Motion carried 4-0.

1.       Information Business Affairs

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

  • Thanking the CSF for another wonderful event.
  • Thanking the PTA and NCUFY for their work around Mental Health Awareness Month.
  • Welcoming Board Member Cailee Hwang back after her recent surgery.
  • Addressing some issues around the recent Board-Community Forums regarding the District’s DEI work.
  • Reminding the community that the District continues to monitor class sizes for the 2022-23 school year.

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

  • Current District vaccination numbers.
  • Positive cases.
  • An review of the timeline regarding the Zauderer/Buttonhook property.
  • Jamie Edelman gave an update on the Special Education Strategic Plan – noting that there would be an update presentation to the Board at the June 8th meeting.
  • A brief review of the recent Pride survey noting that the results will be sent to the community shortly.

Presentations:
   2022-23 Budget Hearing
   Chappaqua Public Library Budget Presentation
   8th Grade Algebra 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.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to take a brief recess at 10:43 pm.  Seconded by Warren Messner.  Motion carried 4-0.

Motioned by Warren Messner to reopen the public meeting at 10:47 pm.  Seconded by Cailee Hwang.  Motion carried 4-0.

3.    Approvals & Ratifications

3.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the Minutes of the April 6, 2022 Board Meeting.

3.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the Minutes of the April 19, 2022 Board Meeting.

3.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the Minutes of the April 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to accept Items 3.1 through 3.3 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

3.4    Policy #6085:  Purchasing & Bidding – 1st Reading.

3.5    Policy #6090:  Purchasing Authority – 1st 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 appoints the individuals listed as per diem substitute teachers to be employed on an “as needed” basis:

Grace Giannettino
Laurie McKenna

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:

Jessica Hanson – Roaring Brook Elementary School
Laurie Werner – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached Agreement for Services for the individual listed below, effective for the 2021/2022 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:

Randall Ross

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 2021/2022 school year:

Evan Pasquale

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teacher, intern and/or classroom observer for the 2022 ESY:

Amanda Schlesinger

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teachers, interns and/or classroom observers for the 2022/2023 school year:

Simon Scheib

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the probationary term of Teacher of English as a Second Language, Alison Dubois-Eker, shall be amended to terminate on August 29, 2024, 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 individual listed as AP proctor to be employed on an "as needed" basis effective for the 2021/2022 school year:

Lisa Izbicki

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the amended Employment Related Agreement with Jamie Edelman to serve as Interim Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services for the 2022-2023 school year and authorizes the Board President to execute the Agreement.  Said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Sara Cury, Teacher of Art, Westorchard Elementary School, effective April 14, 2022 through June 24, 2022.

Ms. Kayla Castaneda, Elementary Teacher, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective May 6, 2022 through June 24, 2022.

Resignation:
Ms. Corene Suhr-Allen, Teacher of Art, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2022.

Appointment: Probationary
Ms. Kasia Sosnow, Teacher of Special Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Special Education, effective August 31, 2022 through August 30, 2026, 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, Step 9, B(BA+75) with Masters, $110,495.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching - Effective May 8, 2022

Sport Level Coach Step
Track Varsity Kira Lindner N/A

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 4-0.

Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below. 

4.2    Non-Instructional   

Appointment:
Linda C. Dare, Clerk-School Monitor at Robert E. Bell Middle School, 35 hour/week (Session), at an annual salary of $28,926 (prorated), Step 6 of the COSA contract, effective May 2, 2022.

Resignation for the purpose of Retirement:
Kathy Brehm, Registered Nurse at Horace Greeley High School, resigns for the purpose of retirement, effective the end of the day on June 24, 2022.

Resolution: 
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes a discretionary unpaid leave of absence for Paola Conklin, Personnel Assistant, effective April 13, 2022, through May 2, 2022.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual below as a substitute clerical/teacher aide to be employed on an “as needed” basis, effective May 5, 2022, at a salary of $15.00 per hour:

Roseanna Serrano

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby amends the resignation of Henry Castaneda, Cleaner at Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2022 previously approved at the January 26, 2022 Board of Education meeting, to indicate that this resignation is for retirement purposes.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby amends the resignation of Elizabeth Castaneda, Cleaner at Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective June 30, 2022 previously approved at the January 26, 2022 Board of Education meeting, to indicate that this resignation is for retirement purposes.

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

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 (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on May 4, 2022.

5.2    CSE Summaries (2022-23 School Year) reported to the Board on May 4, 2022.

5.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement with the Harrison Central School District for health & welfare services for 1 student, in the amount of $1,156.08, effective September 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, and authorizes the Board President and Superintendent to execute the agreement.

5.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement with the White Plains City School District for health & welfare services for 21 students, in the amount of $1,120.25 per student, effective September 9, 2021 through June 24, 2022, and authorizes the Board President, Superintendent and District Clerk to execute the agreement.

5.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement with the Dobbs Ferry Union Free School District for health & welfare services for 9 students, in the amount of $1.327.41 per student, effective September 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, and authorizes the Board President, Superintendent and District Clerk to execute the agreement.

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement with the Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School District for health & welfare services for 13 students, in the amount of $1,395.47 per student, effective September 9, 2021 through June 24, 2022, and authorizes the Board President and District Clerk to execute the agreement.

5.7    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement with the Greenburgh Central School District for health & welfare services for 4 students in the amount of $1,267.65 per student, effective September 9, 2021 through June 24, 2022, and authorizes the Board President, Superintendent and District Clerk to execute the agreement.

5.8    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement for services with Laura Ravotti to serve as a choral accompanist for the 2021-22 school year at the rate of $50.00 per hour and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.9    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #211483, to provide for additional funds to pay for Special Education Services, in the amount of $590,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the increase document.

5.10    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with the Summit School at Nyack for educational services for one student (#xxxxx4), effective April 20, 2022 through June 30, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.

5.11    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with the Summit School at Nyack for educational services for one student (#xxxxx9), effective May 5, 2022 through June 30, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.

5.12    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $220,643.00 to cover costs of the IRMAA Medicare reimbursement settlement, and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer document; and,

BE IT ALSO RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase to Purchase Order #210382, in the amount of $220,643.00, and authorizes the Board President to sign the increase document.

5.13    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves and increase to Purchase Order #211772 for Sive, Paget & Riesel, PC, in the amount of $2,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to sign the increase document.

5.14    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes, Shaw, Perelson, May, and Lambert, LLP to defend in the case of Chappaqua Congress of Teachers et. al. v. Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District, et al., pending in Westchester Supreme Court, Index No. 58551/2022, pursuant to the law firm’s retainer agreement with the District.  

5.15    BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the appointment of election personnel for the May 17, 2022 School Budget Vote & Election.

5.16    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Bid Award Recommendation B2022-04:  Tent for High School Graduation to Cantele Tent Rentals in the amount of $32,260.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.

5.17    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #212013, to cover costs related to the Agreement for Services with Ellen Doherty, approved at the March 15, 2022 Board meeting, in the amount of $8,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the increase document.

5.18    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers (CCT) bargaining unit regarding payment to the Boys Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach  during the Spring 2022 season.  A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

5.19    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation B2022-03:  Solid Waste Services for Buildings Owned by CCSD and the Town of New Castle to Sani-Pro Disposal/D.B.A. Suburban Carting, for the 2022-23 school year in the amount of $103,980.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.

5.20    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves budget transfers totaling $1,900,156.30, to cover negative payroll codes and authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to sign the transfer document

5.21    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves budget transfers totaling $435,000.00, to cover increased fuel, gas and electricity costs during the 2021-22 school year, and authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to sign the transfer document.

BE IT ALSO RESOLVED, that the Board of Education BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #210443, to cover costs related to the purchase of electricity from the New York Power Authority, in the amount of $250,000.00 and authorizes the Board President to execute the increase document.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #210431, to cover costs related to the purchase of natural gas from Consolidated Edison, in the amount of $100,000.00 and authorizes the Board President to execute the increase document.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #210569, to cover costs related to the purchase of fuel from Sprague Operating Resources, in the amount of $85,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the increase document.

5.22    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby accepts the anonymous gifts of Hall Diteman, Lithographs to be used as appropriate by the District. 

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Items 5.1 through 5.22 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

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 CompuWeather for the 2022-23 school year.

6.2    An Agreement for Services with Fusion Connect for internet connectivity at Seven Bridges Middle School.

Motioned by Warren Messner to acknowledge Items 6.1 and 6.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

7.      Facilities 

8.      Financials

8.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor’s Report for March 2022.

8.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for March 2022.

8.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for March 2022.

8.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for March 2022.

8.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Extraclassroom Activity Fund Report for March 2022.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 through 8.5 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

9.      Notice of Future Meetings

Tuesday, May 17, 2022, 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
School District Budget Vote & Election
Horace Greeley High School – Gymnasium

Thursday, May 19, 2022, 7:30 pm
Tenured Teacher Recognition
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium

10.       Adjournment 

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adjourn the meeting at 10:58 pm.  Seconded by Warren Messner.  Motion carried 4-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent