Minutes October 22, 2014

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

October 22, 2014

 

Time:

7:30 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School

 

Present:

Board of Education
Karen Visser, President
Alyson Gardner, Vice President
Victoria Tipp
Warren Messner
Jeffrey Mester

 

Staff Members
Present:

Dr. Lyn McKay, Superintendent

Mr. Eric Byrne, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Mr. John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business

Mr. Andrew Selesnick, Assistant Superintendent for Leadership Dev. & HR

Theresa Markley, District Clerk / Adm. Asst. to Superintendent

 

Visitors Present:

Representatives of the Chappaqua PTA, school PTAs, building administrators, faculty, and other interested citizens.

 

President Visser convened the public session at 6:00 p.m.

Governor Cuomo has proclaimed October 27 - 31, 2014 School Board Recognition Week.

Victoria Tipp moved to reconvene in Executive Session to discuss negotiations. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 7:41 p.m. Victoria Tipp moved to adjourn the Executive session and reconvene the public session. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Visser welcomed the community.

PTA President Amanda Goodstadt honored the board by reading part of the Governor's proclamation and expressing her appreciation for their time, resources, and dedication to the education of the children in our district. She presented board members and the district clerk with individual gifts to show the appreciation of the PTA.

Presentation:

Elementary Teaching and Learning
Elementary principals: Jim Skoog, Amy Fishkin, and Jamie Edelman.

Jim Skoog reviewed the highlights of the history of literacy in the district from 2004-2014. For example, the District hosted its first Writing Institute in Summer 2005, drafted the Ten Core Principles of Literacy Instruction in 2006-07 and today there is continued emphasis and expectations for opinion/argument writing with specific support for teachers to implement new units of study in writing.

Amy Fishkin discussed the collaborative nature of the curricululm looking at the various resources to support the work of the students. Amy explained that writers write about what they know and we encourage them to choose their favorite genre - narrative, information or illustrative - in June.

Jamie Edelman reported on the expansion of the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project that was initiated in 2005 to become more explicit in their expectations and understand what makes writing better.

Board members thanked the teachers and administrators for the extra time and effort that they put into learning their craft better.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Adopt November 18 as a special meeting for P/NWBOCES election for new board member.

Jeffrey Mester was voted to be a candidate by fellow board members on October 3. He feels that it is about helping BOCES get on a clearer path to remain relevant. President Visser noted that board members already spend a lot of time away from our families, and I think this is an additional significant commitment. Board members added their support for his candidacy.

1.1.2

Resolution in support of changing PNWBOCES allocation method.

President Visser asked Victoria Tipp to read the resolution and explain. Ms. Tipp explained the three methods of allocation. True value, resident weighted average daily attendance and a hybrid of the two that only PNWBOCES uses -- 50/50%. It means that some of the districts, including Chappaqua pay more. Bedford has asked them to review and change it. There's no way to assess property values. We are asking them to go to 100% resident weighted average daily attendance used by all other BOCES in New York State and to introduce this method on a gradual basis.

Warren Messner offered the following resolution,

"WHEREAS, the Chappaqua Central School District is one of eighteen component school districts of the Putnam / Northern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services ("PNWBOCES");

WHEREAS, PNWBOCES currently allocates shares of its Administrative and Capital Budget costs among its eighteen component school districts using a 50%-50% hybrid formula, giving equal weight to the value of each district's taxable real property ("True Value") and the Resident Weighted Average Daily Attendance ("RWADA");

WHEREAS, the Bedford Central School District Board of Education has requested that the PNWBOCES Board of Directors review its method of cost allocation to component districts to ensure fairness;

WHEREAS, PNWBOCES is the only BOCES in New York State that apportions its administrative and capital costs in part on True Value of real property while all other BOCES in the state have found it equitable to use a 100% RWADA formula;

WHEREAS, use of the True Value method, in whole or in part, increases costs to those school districts with higher property values without regard to their usage of BOCES resources or their potential usage indicated by RWADA, creating a de facto system of subsidization by districts with higher property values in favor of districts with lower property values;

WHEREAS, New York State has imposed a Property Tax Levy Cap Law on school districts as of 2012, significantly limiting a school district's ability to raise adequate revenues irrespective of the value of its taxable real property;

WHEREAS, attempting an override of the Property Tax Levy Cap requiring a super majority of at least 60% voter approval has to-date proved insurmountable and represents an unreasonable risk as failure to achieve voter approval would result in a 0% tax levy increase and significant degradation of educational programs;

WHEREAS, school districts across the state of New York, including the Chappaqua Central School District, have been forced to make millions of dollars in budget cuts resulting in significant loss of staff and programs, due to the Property Tax Levy Cap, lack of relief from onerous state mandates, and cuts to state aid;

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of New York State to provide every student with a sound basic education and the attendant sufficient financial resources to public schools, and it is therefore inappropriate under any framework to require certain school districts to subsidize the cost of educational resources for other school districts;

WHEREAS, the stated mission of BOCES is to provide financial savings and efficiencies in the form of shared services to each of its component districts and it is therefore contrary to such mission for PNWBOCES to impose a cost allocation formula resulting in certain component districts subsidizing others;

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Board of Directors of PNWBOCES to represent the interests of each and every one of its individual component districts and make fair and equitable determinations that are in keeping with the BOCES mission;

WHEREAS, the Chappaqua Central School District is in favor of administrative methods and procedures based on underlying fairness, to promote consensus in decision-making and the spirit of partnership and cooperation that should guide the educational work of the eighteen component school districts of PNWBOCES into the future;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chappaqua Central School District Board of Education formally requests that the PNWBOCES Board of Directors change the method of allocating its Administrative and Capital Budget costs among its eighteen component districts to a 100% RWADA method, to be introduced on a gradual basis, bringing PNWBOCES in line with the more equitable method utilized by all other BOCES in New York State.

Alyson Gardner moved to second the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Chappaqua Education for the Future Committee (CEFF)

Dr. McKay reported that we have had many applicants, including students, who want to participate in looking at what keeps kids from achieving their goals. The district asks what they need to prepare for college, life, and the global workforce. Dr. McKay thanked the board for their ongoing support of this initiative.

1.2.2

Coalition for Youth or Community for Youth.

Dr. McKay gave an update on this committee she co-chairs with Bell Principal Martin Fitzgerald. They will be sending out a flyer to encourage more community groups to join their mission to work as part of a group and to give support when there is a crisis. Specific issues will be also be reviewed. They hope to reach out to 50 groups.

1.2.3

Green Committee.

Jeffrey Mester reported on the Green Committee meeting where the discussion centered on how to encourage people to use less. We urge the community to cut down on unnecessary use of products.

2.

Organization

Questions and Comments

We welcome public inquiries, and in respect for each other's time, we ask that you limit your inquiry to three minutes. Board members may be contacted via email or phone.

 

3.

Approvals

3.1

Warren Messner moved to adopt the Minutes of October 3, 2014. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations.

4.1

Personnel - Instructional

Request for Parental Leave of Absence:

Ms. Christina Provenzano, Teacher of Science, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 17, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:

Ms. Shannon Pezzullo, Teaching Assistant, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective September 30, 2014 through October 31, 2014.

Ms. Lynn Brennan, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective October 16, 2014 through October 17, 2014.

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:

Ms. Colleen Harris, Teacher of English, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective December 19, 2014.

Resignation:

Mr. Dillon Clark, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective October 7, 2014.

Appointment: Coaching

Ms. Christine DiDomenico, 7-8th Grade Cross Country Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 3, 2014 through November 7, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,911.

Mr. Dave Fernandes, Varsity Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $10,518.

Mr. Anthony Vaglica, Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $6,233.

Ms. Elizabeth Lops, 9th Grade Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 24, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,311.

Dr. John Alkalay, Varsity Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $10,518.

Mr. Gregg Srinivasan, Junior Varsity Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $6,941.

Mr. Robert Herodes, 9th Grade Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 24, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,311.

Ms. Annamarie Marasco, Varsity Bowling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,609.

Ms. Jane Perito, Junior Varsity Bowling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,911.

Mr. Zachary Dargaty, Varsity Ice Hockey, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $10,518.

Mr. Bruce Perlowitz, Varsity Ice Hockey Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $7,712.

Mr. Richard Marasco, (.5) Varsity Skiing, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $2,523.

Mr. Yoonho Park, (.5) Varsity Skiing, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $2,523.

Ms. Sheila Jacob, Varsity Skiing Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,911.

Ms. Margaret Kaplan, Varsity Boys' Swimming, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,111.

Ms. Suzanne Guziec, Varsity Boys' Swimming Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,609.

Mr. Michael DeBellis, Varsity Wrestling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,815.

Mr. Anthony Marino, Junior Varsity Wrestling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $7,008.

Mr. Michael Darland, Junior Varsity Boys' Swimming, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,609.

Mr. William Woolard, (.5) Varsity Winter Track, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,205.

Mr. Matthew Ketterer, (.5) Varsity Winter Track, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,205.

Mr. William Woolard, (.5) Varsity Winter Track Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $3,155.50.

Mr. Matthew Ketterer, (.5) Varsity Winter Track Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $3,155.50.

Ms. Karlieann Siciliano, Varsity Winter Cheerleading, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $4,539.

Mr. Charles McKenna, 7-8th Grade Winter Track, Seven Bridge Middle School, effective December 1, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,609.

Mr. Robert Raguette, 7-8th Grade Winter Track, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective December 1, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,609.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching

Mr. Gary Abrams, Varsity Boys' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Dillon Clark, Varsity Girls' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Daniel Perito, Varsity Ice Hockey Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 10, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Warren Messner moved to approve the recommendations. Alyson Gardner seconded. The vote was four in favor and one opposed. Jeffrey Mester wished to explain his negative vote because he has been waiting for a policy on volunteerism to be developed. He reported that a survey on volunteers is being circulated that is not board or district sanctioned.

Policy Co-chair Victoria Tipp noted that the Policy Committee looks at a policy and how it affects the whole district not just one or two people. Setting policy is a very global issue. Fellow board members observed if we disallowed volunteers, we would lose a great many people who provide their services for our programs. Many have specialized skills the district receives for free.

President Visser suggested that if there is a problem, or incident, then it should be addressed on an administrative level. She further stated that the board and administrators do not work on anonymous tips. There is a proper course to follow.

4.2

Personnel - Non-instructional

Dr. McKay made the following recommendation:

Resignation:

Carmela Pulsoni - Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems, resigning effective October 24, 2014.

Alyson Gardner moved to approve the recommendation. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve the CSE Summaries reported to the Board on October 18, 2014. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Victoria Tipp moved to approve a gift to Roaring Brook from the Benevity Community Impact Fund in the amount of $400 for supplies at Roaring Brook for 2014-15 school year. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Jeffrey Mester offered the following resolution,

"BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes the Board President to execute a General Release and Settlement Agreement regarding employee #3922. A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting."

Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

ADDENDUM

5.4

Alyson Gardner moved to approve gift to Bell Middle School from the Zabar-Wachtel family in the amount of $8,200 for a piloted trial of Bluetooth keyboards. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

7.

Financials

Alyson Gardner moved to accept the three financial reports, items 7.1-7.3. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Treasurer's Report - September 30, 2014

7.2

Central Treasurer's Report Team Accounts - September 30, 2014

7.3

Central Treasurer's Report Extraclassroom Activity Accounts - Sept. 30, 2014

8.

Communications

9.

Notice of Future Meetings -

Wednesday, October 29, 2014, Board Facility Tours at 7:00 a.m. Bell Middle School; 7:45 a.m. at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School

Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m.

Presentation:

Middle School Teaching and Learning

10.

Adjournment

At 9:30 p.m. Alyson Gardner moved to adjourn. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Theresa Markley, District Clerk / Administrative Asst. to Superintendent

Karen Visser, Board President

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