May 18 - Minutes
Minutes May 18 2023
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Thursday, May 18, 2023, 7:30PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
Present: Board of Education
Jane Kimmel Shepardson, President
Warren Messner, Vice President
Hilary Grasso
Cailee Hwang
Ryan Kelsey
Staff Members:
Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business
Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Jamie Edelman, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Andrew Corsilia, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Josh Culwell-Block, Director of Innovation, Technology & Mathematics
Adam Schoenbart, Associate Director of Technology & Communications
David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to open the public meeting at 4:48 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to appoint Dr. Christine Ackerman as District Clerk Pro Tempore. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adjourn into Executive Session at 4:48 pm to discuss the employment history of particular persons, potential litigation, matters made confidential by federal and state privacy laws (FERPA and Ed Law 2-d) and to receive advice from counsel. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to reconvene the public meeting at 6:00 pm. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
6:00 pm Tenured Teacher/Administration Recognition – Horace Greeley High School Courtyard
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Shepardson gave her report as follows:
- Congratulating all those who are being awarded tenure.
- Reporting that the budget passed at the 5/16/23 Budget Vote & Election and thanking the community for their continued support.
- Congratulating Alissa Dorfman and Matt Auerbach and welcoming them to the Board of Education this coming July.
- Congratulating the new Library Board members George Benack and John Harrison.
- Thanking Shokoofeh Rajabzadeh and Beret Flom for their engagement and commitment while running for Board of Education.
- Asking the community to remain civil during campaigns and to refrain from personal attacks. The remaining Board members strongly echoed and expanded on her remarks.
1.1.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby ratifies the report of the
May 16, 2023 School Budget Vote & Election.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 1.1.1 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her community update as follows:
- Welcoming Alissa Dorfman and Matt Auerbach to the Board of Education.
- Thanking the community for supporting the budget.
- Congratulating all tenure recipients.
- Congratulating the 2023 National Merit Scholarship winners.
- The Safety & Security Survey window is closed and there will be a webinar regarding the results on May 30.
- Noting that Alissa Stoever will be appointed as Director of Elementary Education K-6.
- Unity and CommUNITY Day will be held on Thursday, June 1.
- DEI Updates from the Superintendent’s Office, Pupil Personnel Services, Curriculum & Instruction and Human Resources.
- A review of the strategic plan work over the past five years and the planning process for the new strategic plan.
- Upcoming important events and dates.
2. Committee Reports
Policy – Ryan Kelsey noted the policies on the agenda and that the committee is working on a District Equity Policy.
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 3, 2023 Board of Education Meeting.
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the minutes of the May 12, 2023 Special Board of Education Meeting.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to accept Items 3.1 and 3.2 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
3.3 Policy #0125: Wellness Policy – 2nd Reading & Adoption
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #0125: Wellness Policy.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adopt Policy #0125: Wellness Policy as stated above. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 5-0.
3.4 Policy #3012: Conflicts of Interest - 2nd Reading & Adoption
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #3012: Conflicts of Interest.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to adopt Policy #3012: Conflicts of Interest as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
3.5 Policy #6040: Extra Classroom Activities – 2nd Reading & Adoption
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #6040: Extra Classroom Activities.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adopt Policy #6040: Extra Classroom Activities as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
3.6 Policy #6075: Inventory Capitalization Policy – 2nd Reading & Adoption
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #6075: Inventory Capitalization Policy.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adopt Policy #6075: Inventory Capitalization Policy as stated above. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. 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 authorizes the attached Agreements for Services for the individuals and agencies listed below effective for the 2022/2023 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
Elizabeth DeLessio-Neubauer
Brook Pechenko
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:
Holistic Learning Center
Isa Marrs Speech Language Pathology, P.C.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual(s) listed as per diem substitute teacher(s) to be employed on an “as needed” basis:
Alyson Kaplan
Andrew McMillan
Julia Serret
Alexander Watts
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual(s) listed as per diem substitute(s) at the Building Specific substitute teacher rate:
Sophia Bisantz – Robert E. Bell Middle School (effective 5/8/23)
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the probationary term of Science Teacher, Katherine Hannon, 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 President, on behalf of the Board of Education, and the Superintendent are authorized to sign an agreement extending the probationary term of employee #5905 for an additional one year period through August 28, 2024, as recommended by the Superintendent.
Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Mr. Edwin Santos, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective April 19, 2023 through April 28, 2023.
Ms. Monique Scollan, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective May 15, 2023 through May 23, 2023.
Resignation:
Ms. Alissa Stoever, Assistant Principal, Westorchard Elementary School, effective June 30, 2023.
Appointment: Tenure
Ms. Danielle Barrett-Denmead, Teacher of Science, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective August 29, 2023.
Ms. Yanxia Chen, Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2023.
Mr. Joseph Drew, School Psychologist, District-wide, effective September 1, 2023.
Ms. Sarah Gerbino, Teacher of Special Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective August 29, 2023.
Ms. Ashley Kuhlmann, Teacher of English, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective
August 29, 2023.
Mr. Alex Lichorat, Teacher of Science, Horace Greeley High School, effective
August 29, 2023.
Ms. Elizabeth Mazzini-Chin, Teacher of Social Studies, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 29, 2023.
Ms. Desiree Miller, Teacher of Special Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 1, 2023.
Ms. Kathryn Naaman, Teacher of Elementary Education, District-wide, effective September 1, 2023.
Ms. Lisa Rudovic, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective August 29, 2023.
Mr. Matthew Simone, Teacher of Physical Education, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 29, 2023.
Ms. Angelique Titre-Barnor, Teacher of Special Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 1, 2023.
Ms. Elissa Turshen, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective September 1, 2023.
Ms. Tonya Wilson, Elementary Principal, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective September 1, 2023.
Appointment: Probationary
Ms. Alissa Stoever, Director of Elementary Education K-6, District-wide, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Director of Elementary Education, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, $192,000.
Ms. Maura Shanks, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of English, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, 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 7, B(BA+30) with Masters, $90,437.
Mr. Sean McGill, Teacher of Social Studies, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Social Studies, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, 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 4, B(BA+30) with Masters, $82,462.
Ms. Jean Pincus, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Elementary Education, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, 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+45) with Masters, $101,315.
Ms. Gemma Purdy-Forese, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Elementary Education, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, 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 8, B(BA+45) with Masters, $98,016.
Ms. Laura Hickernell, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Elementary Education, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, 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+45) with Masters, $101,315.
Ms. Hannah Whitehead, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Elementary Education, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, 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 2, B(BA+30) with Masters, $77,674.
Mr. Matthew Danko, Teacher of Special Education, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Special Education, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, 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 12, B(BA+45) with Masters, $111,224.
Dr. Bethany Burrows, School Psychologist, Westorchard Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Psychologist, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, 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 11, D(BA+90) with Masters & Doctorate, $123,053.
Mr. Andrew Starr, Teacher of Special Education, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Special Education, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, 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 1, B(BA+30), $73,140 (pending background check).
Ms. Kendall McKenna, Guidance Counselor, Robert E. Bell Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Guidance, effective August 31, 2023 through August 30, 2027, 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 5, C(BA+60), $101,364 (pending background check).
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
Resignations:
Tami Kassel, Teacher Aide, Horace Greeley High School, effective end of day May 15, 2023.
Edward Serrano, Cleaner, Robert E. Bell Middle School, Effective end of day May 19, 2023.
Appointment:
Christopher Bruen, Cleaner, Horace Greeley High School, effective May 23, 2023. His salary will be $42,648 pro-rated (Cleaner, Step 1) plus the night differential of $2,116.
Meghan Noble, Teacher Aide, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, 32.5 hours/week, effective May 30, 2023. Her salary will be $17 per hour.
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 (2022-23 School Year) reported to the Board on May 18, 2023.
5.2 CSE summaries (2023-24 School Year) reported to the Board on May 18, 2023.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an agreement with
the Bedford Central School District for health & welfare services for 6 students, in the amount of $1,363.27 per student, effective September 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, and authorizes the Board President, Superintendent and District Clerk to execute the agreement.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Administrators Association (CAA) bargaining unit, dated May 5, 2023, regarding tenure stipend, effective July 1, 2023. 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 approves the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Office Staff Association (COSA) bargaining unit, dated May 5, 2023, regarding a Fixed Asset Coordinator stipend position and an amendment to Article 29. A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.6 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, dated May 5, 2023, regarding Article 15: Department Chairpersons, District Chairpersons, Elementary Chairpersons. A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.7 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, dated May 3, 2023, regarding Article 28(b): Sick Leave. A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves PNW BOCES 2023-24 Contract of Services in the amount of $1,675,999.00 and authorizes the Board President and District Clerk to execute the contract.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an Agreement for Services with Gerd Althofer, for strategic planning and architectural consulting services regarding the proposed World Economics Learning Lab, pursuant to a Chappaqua School Foundation traditional grant accepted by the Board at the May 3, 2023 Board of Education meeting, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $274,403.18 to adjust salary line budgets and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer document.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $84,047.10 to adjust salary line budgets and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer document.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $52,483.83 to adjust salary line budgets and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer document.
5.13 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a new four year hardware Schedule (No. 3) dated July 1, 2023 under the Master Lease Purchase Agreement dated July 1, 2019, with Apple, Inc. for the acquisition of the following items:
| 250 | 13 inch Mac Book Air (Part #MLY73LL/A) |
| 730 | 10.9 inch iPad (Part #BUDP2LL/A) |
| 410 | 10.2 inch iPad (Part #BSX42LL/A) |
| Lease payments will be $232,210.75 per year, and the Board authorizes the President to execute this Agreement. | |
5.14 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an equipment addendum to Product Schedule #1897863 of Master State & Local Government Lease Agreement No. 460977 with Lenovo Financial Services, dated June 17, 2015 for a four year lease on the following items:
| 38 | ViewSonic ViewBoard 86”LCD |
| 38 | Extended Warranty – 2 year |
| 38 | ViewSonic Display Stand |
| 38 | Dual Band Wireless Module for ViewBoard IFP52 |
| 38 | myViewBoard Manager Advanced – Subscription |
| 1 | Shipping |
| Lease payments will be $46,117.32 per year, and the Board authorizes the President to execute this Agreement. | |
5.15 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation CCSD #B2022-05: Cleaning Supplies & Equipment for the 2023-24 school year to Imperial Bag & Paper Co., LLC, at various amounts.
5.16 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation CCSD #B2022-01: Purchase of Musical Instruments and Equipment including parts and materials, rental and purchase of sound, video and lighting equipment, servicing, sound, video and lighting for the 2023-24 school year to The Muzic Store, Inc., at various amounts.
5.17 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education does hereby deny the April 14, 2023 DASA appeal filed on behalf of Student Number 230518; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the District Clerk notify the parents of the Board of Education’s determination.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to approve Items 5.1 through 5.17 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 An agreement with Pablo Wolfe for services during Unity Day on June 1, 2023.
6.2 An agreement with Miranda Paul, Paul Family Books, LLC for virtual author visits during Unity Day on June 1, 2023.
6.3 An Agreement for Services with Francine Colandreo, for the 2022-23 school year.
6.4 An Agreement for Services with J&G Consulting for services during Unity Day on June 1, 2023.
Motioned by Cailee Hwang to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.4 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Facilities
8. Financials
8.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor’s Report for April, 2023.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge receipt of Item 8.1 as stated above. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 5-0.
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 7:30 pm
Ave Atque Vale – Honor Retirees
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 7:30 pm
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 pm. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent