Minutes October 13, 2021
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, October 13, 2021, 7:30 PM
Seven Bridges Middle School - Auditorium
Present: Board of Education
Hilary Grasso, President
Warren Messner, Vice President
Cailee Hwang
Jane Kimmel Shepardson
Victoria Bayard Tipp
Staff Members:
Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
Ellen Doherty, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business
Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
Colleen Kelly, District Clerk Pro Tempore
David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
David Leis. Assistant Director of Technology and Communications
Board President Hilary Grasso called for a motion to open the meeting.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to open the meeting at 4:20 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 3-0. Board Vice President Warren Messner and Board Member Victoria Bayard Tipp were absent
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to appoint Christine Ackerman District Clerk Pro Tempore. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 3-0.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn into Executive Session at 4:21 pm to receive advice from counsel and discuss matters leading to the employment of a corporation, and the employment history of particular persons. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 3-0.
Board Vice President Warren Messner and Board Member Victoria Bayard Tipp joined the meeting
at 4:25 pm.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to reconvene the public meeting at 7:43 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education appoints Colleen Kelly as District Clerk Pro Tempore.
Motioned by Warren Messner to appoint Colleen Kelly as District Clerk Pro Tempore. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Presentation: Roaring Brook Elementary School Presentation
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Grasso gave her report by noting the following:
- Thanking Roaring Brook Principal Tonya Wilson and her students for their presentation.
- Noting that the District understands concerns raised recently about the Zauderer/Buttonhook property and is engaged in a legally binding contract with a buyer who will be notified about those concerns.
- The Town of New Castle has recently adopted the FGEIS regarding the Form Based Code and that the Board has laid out the District’s concerns very clearly and completely to the Town Board.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her community update noting the following:
- Vaccination Information update.
- Covid testing numbers. She also thanked the Admin team who have helped facilitate weekly testing of unvaccinated staff and student-athletes.
- Updated quarantine numbers.
- Mr. Lennon gave an update regarding the Greeley Gym floor damage and repairs.
- Mr. Lennon also gave information about the Greeley Auditorium ceiling damage and repair project.
2. Committee Reports:
Policy – Ms. Grasso reported that the Committee met recently and discussed which District policies will need to be revised and/or updated during the coming year.
Green – Ms. Grasso reported that at its first meeting the Committee also reviewed their priorities for the school year noting that there are a number of ideas and initiatives to consider including revisiting a solar project and an energy audit of our buildings.
Health & Safety – Ms. Tipp reported that the Committee discussed reviewing Board policies to ensure that they are up to date regarding current regulations, reviewed completion of the Bond project, cleaning protocols and HVAC maintenance, and building-level safety plans and drills/training. Ms. Shepardson added that there was also an update on various security measures that have been put into place.
CARES – Ms. Tipp reported that the first meeting will be on November 9 where the Committee will meet with Insight.
Audit – Mr. Messner thanked the Board for approving the audit.
Facilities – Mr. Messner noted that the Committee will meeting on October 14th, and that they will discuss Board walk-throughs of all buildings within the next two months.
Wellness – Ms. Hwang noted that the Committee will be meeting in the following week.
HGSF – Ms. Tipp pointed out the Senior signs which have bee placed at student homes earlier than usual. The Spelling Bee will take place on 11/1 and she encouraged people to participate.
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 September 29, 2021 Board Meeting.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to accept Item 3.1 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. 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:
Christos Moundroukas
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Elementary Teacher, Meghan Ryan, 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 amends the appointment date of Adolfo Godinez, Teacher of Foreign Language, Robert E. Bell Middle School, from September 30, 2021 to September 29, 2021, that was previously approved at the September 14, 2021 Board of Education meeting.
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 2021/2022 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
| Catherine Bevilaqua | Charles Buchanan | Yanxia Chen | Elona Coku |
| Connie Drew | Tyler Esposito | Mary Farrell | Eileen Farrington |
| Miriam Fernandez | Kerry Fitgibbon | Rena Gavigan | Karen Greco |
| Marissa Greenfeld | Elizabeth Jacob | Vicki Jeffrey | Sara Lewis |
| Mirjam Lord | Ann Marie Masciana | Joann Mastrocola | Lori Mastroddi |
| Jennifer Monaco | Laura Moreno | Lauren Olmo | Galina Pavel |
| Nicole Petrovich | Christina Proia | Linda Ryan Dehejia | Joan Salamone |
| Naveena SalyGeorge | Barbara Scheine | Gretta Seidel | Sylvia Siciliano |
| Larry Spitzer | Dana Stein-Dince | Jerry Sulli | Helen Teevan |
| Ann Marie Teltelman | Lisa Tighe | Angelique Titre-Barnor | Deanna Torrisi |
| Jennifer Troup | Diane Tual | Brian Vermette | Laurie Warshofsky |
| Diane Wendel |
Appointment: Coaching - Effective November 15, 2021 through March 14, 2022
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys Basketball | Varsity | Matthew Simone | 3 |
| Boys Basketball | Asst. Varsity | John Alkalay | 3 |
| Boys Basketball | JV | Ryan Spillane | 3 |
| Girls Basketball | Varsity | Sarah Benischek | 3 |
| Girls Basketball | Asst. Varsity | Nicholaus Rodwell | 3 |
| Girls Basketball | JV | Dave Fernandes | 3 |
| Ice Hockey | Varsity | Daniel Perito | 3 |
| Ice Hockey | Asst. Varsity | Seth Corwin | 3 |
| Bowling | Varsity | Thomas Witmer | 2 |
| Bowling | JV | Daniel Fanelli | 2 |
| Wrestling | Varsity - Co | Mike DeBellis | 3 |
| Wrestling | Varsity - Co | Anthony Tortora | 3 |
| Wrestling | Asst. Varsity - CO | Mike DeBellis | 3 |
| Wrestling | Asst. Varsity - CO | Anthony Tortora | 3 |
| Wrestling | JV 1 | Khaled Dassan | 3 |
| Boys Swimming | Varsity | Margaret Kaplan | 3 |
| Boys Swimming | Asst. Varsity | Jeanne Kellachan | 3 |
| Boys Swimming | JV Diving | Michael Darland | 3 |
| Indoor Track | Varsity Boys | Steve McKenney | 3 |
| Indoor Track | Varsity Girls | James Howard | 3 |
| Indoor Track | Asst. Varsity Girls | Kimberly Lindner | 2 |
| Skiing | Varsity | James May | 2 |
| Skiing | Asst. Varsity | Jake Holmquist | 2 |
| Cheerleading | Varsity - Co | Amanda Fraioli | 1 |
| Cheerleading | Varsity - Co | Lauren Mazza | 1 |
| Cheerleading | JV - Co | Amanda Fraioli | 1 |
| Cheerleading | JV - Co | Lauren Mazza | 1 |
Appointment: Coaching - Effective November 29, 2021 through March 14, 2022
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys Basketball | Freshmen | Nick Clair | 3 |
| Wrestling | Modified 1 | Anthony Stewart | 2 |
| Wrestling | Modified 2 | Anthony Sasso | 2 |
| Indoor Track | Bell Modified | Robert Raguette | 3 |
| Indoor Track | Seven Bridges Modified | Charles McKenna | 3 |
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.1 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.
4.2 Non-instructional
Resignation:
Jacqueline Silipigni, Benefits Assistant at the Education Center, effective October 27, 2021.
Appointments:
Maria Londono-Cabello, Teacher Aide, Seven Bridges Middle School, 18.75 hours/week, $17 per hour, effective October 14, 2021.
Arnoldo Ramirez, Teacher Aide, Seven Bridges Middle School, 18.75 hours/week, $17 per hour, effective October 14, 2021.
Leonora Shabani, Teacher Aide, Roaring Brook Elementary School, 27.5 hours/week, $17 per hour effective October 14, 2021.
Jacqueline Silipigni, Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems, in the Human Resources Office, 35 hours/week, effective October 28, 2021, at an annual salary of $75,711 (prorated), Step 25 of the COSA contract.
Savier White, Computer Aide, Douglas G. Grafflin Elementary School, 35 hours/week, effective October 25, 2021, at an annual salary of $27,868 (prorated), Step 2 of the COSA contract.
Resolution:
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 October 14, 2021, at a salary of $15.00 per hour:
Jody Helmle
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.2 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. 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 (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on October 13, 2021.
5.2 WHEREAS, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s Section One Executive Committee has approved Girls Varsity Ice Hockey to be a varsity sport starting in the 2020-2021 winter season; and
WHEREAS, all schools within Section One are welcome to participate in a multi-school merger, the number of teams being dependent on the number of schools and players involved;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that upon the Superintendent’s recommendation, the Board of Education hereby approves Chappaqua Central School District student participation in Girls Varsity Ice Hockey for the 2021-22 winter season and authorizes the Board President and Superintendent of Schools to sign the required Letter of Intent.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes its attorneys, Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert, LLP to execute a Consent Judgment in a tax certiorari proceeding captioned Mount Kisco Country Club Realty Corp. v. Town of New Castle and Chappaqua CSD;
AND IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the increase to the Refund on Real Property Taxes (A1964-400-36) utilizing the Tax Certiorari Reserve Fund and the refund of taxes as required by the terms of the Consent Judgment.
5.4 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 the advisor to the Garden/Hydroponics Club for the 2021-22 school year. A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes payment in the amount of $2,873.50 to replenish the escrow account required by the Town of New Castle Planning Board, in accordance with Section 60-560.A(7) of the code of the Town of New Castle.
5.6 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.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Office Staff Association (COSA) bargaining unit regarding Article 21 and Article 23 of the collective bargaining agreement for the 2021-24 school years. A copy of the MOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves CCSD Bid Award Recommendation B2021-23: HVAC Services – Preventive Maintenance, Time and Materials for Repairs for the 2021-22 school year to Atlantic Westchester, in the amount of $224,600.00.
5.9 WHEREAS, upon routine inspection in early October, 2021, it was discovered that the wood-paneled ceiling in the Horace Greeley High School Auditorium (“HGHS Auditorium”) has begun separating from the supporting structure; and
WHEREAS, upon further inspection by the District’s Architect, Kaeyer, Garment + Davidson Architects and the Architect’s sub-consultant structural engineer, The DiSalvo Engineering Group, it was determined that the ceiling has deflected in certain locations, resulting in destabilization of portions of the ceiling in the HGHS Auditorium; and
WHEREAS, upon recommendation of The DiSalvo Engineering Group, it is necessary to undertake immediate stabilization and replacement of the ceiling at the High School in order to assure the safety, health and welfare of the students, staff and visitors to the Horace Greeley High 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 stabilization and replacement of the HGHS Auditorium ceiling 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 stabilization and replacement of the ceiling at the HGHS Auditorium, 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 hereby determines that the stabilization work and ceiling replacement at HGHS Auditorium, 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; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Schools or designee to make transfers between and within functional unit appropriations in the general fund in order to pay the costs of this ordinary contingent expense.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer dated October 12, 2021, in the amount of $250,000.00 from Budget Code s A1620-421-34, A1620-422-34 and A1620-425-34 to A1621-400-34 CAPITAL to cover costs for initial work needed to stabilize and repair the Horace Greeley High School Auditorium ceiling and authorizes the Board President to sign the budget transfer.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of the Settlement Agreement involving Student Number xxxxx9, a copy of which shall be incorporated by reference in the minutes of this meeting; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Superintendent of Schools be and hereby is authorized to execute such Settlement Agreement on behalf of the District.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Items 5.1 through 5.11 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried
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 Rhoda Maurer, for consulting services regarding the Horace Greeley Plant Sciences & Bioclimatic Center during the 2021-22 school year.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge Item 6.1 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Facilities
8. Financials
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 7:30 pm
Westorchard Elementary School Presentation
Seven Bridges Middle School – Auditorium
Wednesday, November 17, 2021, 7:30 pm
Douglas Grafflin Elementary School Presentation
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 pm. Seconded by Victoria Bayard. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent