October 19 - Minutes
Minutes October 19, 2022
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 7:30 PM
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
Andrew Corsilia, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
Jamie Edelman, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Josh Culwell-Block, Director of Technology, Innovation & Mathematics
Adam Schoenbart, Associate Director of Technology & Communications
David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to open the meeting at 6:00 pm. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 4-0. Board Vice President Warren Messner was absent.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to appoint Dr. Christine Ackerman as District Clerk Pro Tempore. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 4-0.
Warren Messner joined the meeting at 6:01 pm.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:01 pm to discuss the employment history of particular persons, contracts, matters made exempt under federal law (FERPA) and litigation. Seconded by Ryan Kelsey. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to reconvene the public meeting at 7:39 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Presentation: Roaring Brook Elementary School
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Shepardson gave her report noting the following:
- Thanking Roaring Brook staff and students for a wonderful presentation.
- The Board had a retreat on 10/16 & 17 where they engaged in team-building exercises and discussed future goals.
- Thanking the PTA for the 10/18 fall speak event with Colum McCann and Ru Freeman.
- Reminding the community that there are a number of bond forums coming up and encouraging people to attend to learn more about the bond.
- The HGSF Spelling Bee has been moved to 11/7 and will be indoors at HGHS.
- Hilary Grasso then gave a brief run-down of some resolutions that were discussed at the recent NYSSBA Annual Meeting.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report
1.2.1 Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of New Castle – Dr. Ackerman gave an update on the current status of the agreement with the Town regarding the electronic sign on the Robert E. Bell Middle School property.
1.2.2 2023-24 Before and After School Child Care Advertisement – the District will place an ad in the Journal News inviting interested, qualified, before and after school care organizations to contact the District regarding using space in our schools in the coming years.
Dr. Ackerman continued with her community update, noting the following:
- Covid update regarding school assemblies.
- Safety Audit – surveys are almost finished and the Board will review results and report back to the community.
- Andrew Lennon discussed the Cooperative Energy Purchasing resolutions on the agenda.
- Adam Pease discussed the AP Biology textbook resolution.
- Reminding the community about upcoming bond forum/presentation dates.
- Reminding the community about other upcoming dates and events.
2. Committee Reports
Sports Boosters – Ms. Hwang said that topics at the 10/11 meeting included an update on the fall sports season, registration for winter sports will open on 10/17, homecoming events and a pop-up merchandise shop.
HGSF – Ms. Shepardson reminded the community that the Spelling Bee has been moved to 11/7, inside at the Greeley gym. The group also discussed options for their spring fundraiser.
Facilities – Ms. Hwang said the committee was engaged in getting community feedback regarding the bond.
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
October 3, 2022 Board of Education Meeting.
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to accept Item 3.1 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. 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:
Cedar Park group, Inc.
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:
Steven Goodstein
Laura Harrison
Simon Sheib
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:
Arthur Shofi - Douglas Grafflin Elementary School (pending background check)
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 2022/2023 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
Catherine Bevilacqua
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed for Co-Curricular Activities for the 2022/2023 school year at the rate of $16.68 per point:
Horace Greeley High School
| Activity | Advisor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| A Cappella Advisor | Christopher Palermo | 180 |
| Academic Challenge | Nicole Diamente | 420 |
| Alliance for Equality | Jacqueline Abair | 120 |
| BIPOC Student Union | Tinuke Colpa | 250 |
| CSF-SAC | Matthew Friedler | 180 |
| Debate | Thomas Witmer | 320 |
| ENOUGH | Helen Harrison | 100 |
| G-Force | (.5) Lauren Olmo (.5) Christina Proia |
100 |
| Make-a-Wish | Sheila Jacobs | 120 |
| Mock Trial | (.5) Allison Mitchell (.5) Brett Steinberg |
140 |
| OLAS | Naicy Pretill | 100 |
| Peer-to-Peer | Linda Ryan | 120 |
| Puritans | Allison Mitchell | 150 |
| Greeley Giving | Adrianna DelPozzo | 300 |
| SADD | Isabel Irizarry | 180 |
| Science Olympiad | (.5) Stephen Mulick (.5) Melanie Greenwald |
360 |
| SHARE | (.5) Mary Devane (.5) Rebecca Mullen |
480 |
| The Sustainability Club | Lisa Papernik | 100 |
| Student Government | (.5) Lauren Olmo (.5) Daniel Valentin |
600 |
| Yearbook | Lauren Nero | 600 |
| Publication – Satori Publication – Tribune Publication – Quake |
(.33) Rebecca Ebstein (.33) Eileen McGaghran-Candela (.33) Brian Petruso |
630 |
| Chamber Orchestra | Kathleen Feldman | 230 |
| Chorus | Douglas Coates | 200 |
| Musical Theater Conductor | Douglas Coates | 130 |
| Pep Band | Raymond Lucia | 230 |
| Stage Band | Raymond Lucia | 230 |
| Stage Crew Advisor/Technician | Allison Mitchell | 200 |
| Student Review Technician (Springfest) | Allison Mitchell | 70 |
| Varsity Musical Director | Douglas Coates | 288 |
| Varsity Musical Tech | Douglas Coates | 128 |
| Junior Varsity Play Director (Winter Theater Rep) | Jessica Beattie | 120 |
| Varsity Play Director – Fall | Jessica Beattie | 240 |
| Class Advisor 2024 | (.5) Katherine Hannon (.5) Conor Lander |
480 |
| Class Advisor 2025 | (.5) Kathryn Ottomanelli (.5) Pamela Schembri |
480 |
| Class Advisor 2026 | (.5) Matthew Friedler (.5) Sara Lewis |
480 |
| Class Advisor 2023 | (.5) Linda Ryan (.5) Michael Day |
480 |
Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
| Activity | Advisor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| March Madness | (.5) Kaitlin Lester | 100 |
| Science Room Coordinator & Materials Manager | Sarah Alley | 50 |
Roaring Brook Elementary School
| Activity | Advisor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Bus Safety Advisor | Elizabeth Lops | 75 |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment date of Maureen Duffy, Teacher of Foreign Language, Robert E. Bell Middle School, from October 4, 2022 to November 3, 2022, that was previously approved at the October 3, 2022 Board of Education meeting.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the probationary term of Mathematics Teacher, Brandon Inhaber, shall be amended to terminate on August 30, 2025, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the probationary term of Theater/English Teacher, Jessica Beattie, shall be amended to terminate on September 22, 2025, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the probationary term of Foreign Language Teacher, Maureen Duffy, shall be amended to terminate on November 2, 2025, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.
Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Anne Ubriaco, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective October 24, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
Appointment: Part Time
Ms. Vaishali Bhattacharyya, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective October 17, 2022 through June 16, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education.
Ms. Alexa Tassone, (.04) Teacher of Mathematics to provide Academic Intervention Services, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective October 17, 2022 through June 16, 2023 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Superintendent is hereby authorized to direct a comprehensive medical examination and evaluation, that may include a psychiatric examination and evaluation, if necessary, of Employee No. 5714, in accordance with the provisions of Section 913 of the Education Law; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby directs that Employee No. 5714 submit their medical records, if any, to the extent and for the time as determined by the physician(s) to the examining physician(s) at or before such examinations/evaluations.
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.1 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
4.2 Non-instructional
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 October 19, 2022.
5.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the resolution approved at the October 3, 2022 Board meeting, approving the Contract with Pleasantville Union Free School District for special education services for two students (ID # xxxxx2 & xxxxx4 is hereby amended to indicate that such contract is for Summer 2022 ESY Educational Services (not for 2022-23 school year).
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Contract for Educational Services with Pleasantville Union Free School District for special education services during the 2022-23 school year, for one student (ID # xxxxx2), and authorizes the Superintendent to execute the contract.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Contract for Educational Services with Pleasantville Union Free School District for special education services during the 2022-23 school year, for one student (ID# xxxxx4), and authorizes the Superintendent to execute the contract.
5.5 WHEREAS the Chappaqua Central School District is participating, with Rockland and Orange County School Districts, in cooperative bids for the purchase of natural gas, sponsored by the Rockland County BOCES; and
WHEREAS the bidding procedures comply in every respect with the requirements established by the General Municipal Law; and
WHEREAS, the natural gas markets are highly volatile, prompt action is required to secure the benefit of the lowest possible rates, and the delay in waiting for formal Board action may result in the loss of the bid prices; and
WHEREAS, the Board believes that it can establish reasonable limits on the power of the Assistant Superintendent for Business, to act in the Board’s name and authority, subject to later ratification by this Board;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby delegates to the Assistant Superintendent for Business the authority to accept bids for natural gas submitted pursuant to the cooperative bid on the following conditions:
a. The annual ceiling price bid for natural gas Basis is $6.00/mmBtu or less;1
b. The annual ceiling price for natural gas commodity at the NYMEX Henry Hub is $10.00/mmBtu or less; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Assistant Superintendent for Business will report to the Board, in writing, within 24 hours after taking any action pursuant to this resolution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this delegation of authority may be revoked at any time by action of this Board.
1This cost is for the transmission of gas
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the use of Phoenix Graphics for the printing and binding of the ballots for the November 29, 2022 District Bond Vote, in the amount of $4,250.00.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Agreement between the Chappaqua Central School District and Whalen’s Moving & Storage dated for the delivery and retrieval of the voting machines and privacy booths for the November 29, 2022 District Bond Vote, in the amount of $2,136.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to purchase order #221031, in the amount of $34,716.98 for Chappaqua Transportation to cover expenses for summer 2022 ESY transportation, and authorizes the Board President to execute the increase document.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation #B2021-23: HVAC Services-Preventive Maintenance and Time and Materials for Repairs, effective October 14, 2022 through October 13, 2023, to Atlantic Westchester, Inc., in the amount of $224,600.00.
5.10 WHEREAS, in a letter dated March 28, 2022, Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishing Group, LLC, d/b/a BFW High School Publishers, has provided justification, as being the exclusive publisher and licensed distributor for the Biology for the AP Course 1e (including all eBooks and teacher resources) which will be used by the District in the high school Science program; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby declares Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishing Group, LLC, d/b/a BFW High School Publishers to be the sole vendor of the Biology for the AP Course 1e (including all eBooks and teacher resources), and not subject to competitive bidding under Section 103 of the General Municipal Law.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, at the recommendation of the Superintendent per Board of Education Policy #6085, that the Board of Education hereby approves a proposal from Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishing Group, LLC, d/b/a BFW High School Publishers for Biology for the AP Course 1e (including all eBooks and teacher resources), in the amount of $26.881.68 and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement. A copy of said agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Services Agreement Reinstatement regarding 3rd party administrative services for the employer sponsored 403(b) plan for the 2022-2023 renewal year with Omni, in the amount of $12,839.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.12 WHEREAS, the Board of Education, in accordance with Article 5-A of the General Municipal Law, invited sealed bids for Lawn/Irrigation Sprinkler Services; and
WHEREAS, the bids were opened publicly on October 13th, 2022 at 2:00pm and zero bids were received at the time of opening for Lawn/Irrigation Sprinkler Services; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education believes it to be in the best interests of the School District to reject and rebid Lawn/Irrigation Sprinkler Services;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, in the best interests of the School District, hereby rejects the bid for Lawn/Irrigation Sprinkler Services, on the basis that zero bids were received for such Contract, and directs that it be rebid.
5.13 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an Budget Transfer in the amount of $89,976 to provide for additional funds to pay for cost of BOCES Coordination Insurance costs to properly reflect costs as Health Consortium Expenses, and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer, and
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #221123, in the amount of $89,976 to provide additional funds per the budget transfer, and authorizes the Board President to execute the increase document.
5.14 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves CCSD Bid Award Recommendation #B2022-16: Portable Toilet Services, to Got To Go Inc., for the 2022-23 school year, at various rates.
5.15 BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to Board of Education Policy 5030, after due deliberation, the Board has determined to uphold the determination made by the superintendent with respect to student number704666; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the Board of Education will notify the parents who petitioned the Board regarding the determination in this matter as reached by the Board at this meeting.
5.16 BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to paragraphs 4 and 10 of the Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement between the Chappaqua Central School District and the Town of New Castle, for the Electronic Message Board at the Robert E. Bell Middle School property, dated July 21, 2017 (the “Agreement”), the Chappaqua Central School District Board of Education hereby terminates the Agreement, effective close of business on December 31, 2022, and directs the District Clerk to send a letter to the Town of New Castle giving notice of this resolution pursuant to paragraph 12 of the Agreement.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Items 5.1 through 5.16 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. 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 EPEX, Inc. for energy procurement services during the 2022-23 school year.
6.2 An agreement with The Landmark Appraisal Group, Inc. for property appraisal services in the 2022-23 school year.
6.3 Agreement for Services with Samantha Potack for the 2022-23 school year.
6.4 Agreements with the following instructors for the Fall Chappaqua Continuing Education Program:
Green, Lori Canasta: Beginner’s Series – Section B
Goldberg, Katie Mah Jongg: Beginner’s Series – Section B
Motioned by Ryan Kelsey to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.4 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Facilities
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges Change Orders approved by the Superintendent per Board Resolution adopted at June 14, 2017 Board of Education meeting.
7.1 Change order GC-02 (Sustainability Research Center) approved by the Superintendent:
Project: Sustainability Research Center
Contractor: Empire Core Group, LLC
Description: Labor, equipment and materials related to providing exhaust ductwork discovered to be missing in Classroom K-209.
Amount: $7,334.50
7.2 Change order GC-02 (Boiler Room) approved by the Superintendent:
Project: HGHS Boiler Room
Contractor: Empire Core Group, LLC
Description: Labor, equipment and materials to provide two (2) additional gas pilot regulators.
Amount: $3,570.92
7.3 Change order GC-03 approved by the Superintendent:
Project: HGHS Boiler Room
Contractor: Empire Core Group, LLC
Description: Investigated and isolated the source of the underground water leak; test diagnostics run on 4 separate pipes within the underground pipe sleeve. Cap, furnish and installation of cancellation zone valve on ½” copper line. Main Water shutdown, furnish and installation of 2-1/2” ball valve as zone valves for existing domestic hot water line. Furnish & installation of a new OS&Y valve at existing manhole. Further diagnostic testing to determine all pipe routes and lines in the Auditorium pit, gym mechanical room pit & H Building.
Amount: $39,178.75
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge Items 7.1 through 7.3 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
8. Financials
8.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor’s Report for September 2022.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge receipt of Item 8.1 as stated above. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 5-0.
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 7:30 pm
Douglas Grafflin Elementary School Presentation
Douglas Grafflin Elementary School – 650 King Street
Tuesday, November 29, 2022, 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
District Bond Vote
Horace Greeley High School Gymnasium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 pm. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent