1.
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Information Business Affairs
1.1
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President's Report
1.1.1
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Pledge of Allegiance
President Visser indicated that she has been to a number of meetings and found that most districts say the pledge of allegiance at the beginning of the meeting and she offered it for discussion to begin the practice here. Consensus was that we should move forward by having the vice president lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance at each meeting.
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1.1.2
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Learning Walk
President Visser spoke enthusiastically about the Learning Walk this morning and thanked Principal Jamie Edelman and the teachers for teaching them about what the students are learning at every grade level. Board members added that it was one of the best parts of being a board member to see how the students learn in the classroom.
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1.1.3
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Bike Path
Facility Co-chair Jeffrey Mester explained that the Town is considering making a path from Roaring Brook Road to the town. It crosses three or four pieces of properties and it does cross the unused boundaries of the school property where the sewer line path is clearly defined. The town wanted to know if we were interested in going forward. Legally, the board can make an exchange for an easement or by voter approval. All board members made positive comments about the idea. Jeffrey felt that the town had answered all his concerns regarding security and fencing. President Visser summed it up by indicating that there was consensus to do the research and bring it back so we can discuss further.
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1.1.4
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Finance Advisory Group
Alyson Gardner noted that John Chow has this group that has been working on issues for a few years and they are suggesting ways in which we can work with the town to find ways to reduce costs, find ways to encourage people to come here to live and not just because of the schools. It's the people that make the community.
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1.1.5
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Jeffrey Mester reported on PNWBOCES public meeting and that the RWADA method continues to be supported as method of assessment. In addition, Jeffrey was a candidate for the vacated board seat and lost 13-4 with one district not voting to Donald Glickert of Peekskill.
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1.2
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Superintendent's Report
1.2.1
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Dr. McKay reported on the Community Coffees that she has been hosting to engage parents and community members regarding school-based issues important to us.
At the two we have discussed DASA (bullying) and goals for the year. There are four more scheduled for the rest of the year. We invite everyone and they are very enjoyable.
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1.2.2
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Dr. McKay congratulated the girls swim team for winning the third Section 1 team title. We are sending eleven swimmers to State Championships in Ithaca on November 21 and 22.
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2.
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Organization
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3.
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Approvals
3.1
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Alyson Gardner moved to approve the Minutes of October 22, 2014. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
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4.
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Recommended Action: Personnel
Dr. McKay made the following recommendations:
4.1
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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":
Resolution:
"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached Agreement for Service for the individual listed below effective November 16, 2014 through June 30, 2015, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education":
Resolution:
"BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education ratifies the supplemental memorandum of agreement between the district and the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers, dated November 13, 2014, regarding the addition of a modified 7-8th grade wrestling coach effective for the 2014/2015 school year. A copy of said agreement shall be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting."
Request for Parental Leave of Absence:
Ms. Amanda McDonough, Teacher of Art, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective November 17, 2014 through June 30, 2015.
Request for Extension of Parental Leave of Absence:
Mr. Thomas Rubeo, Teacher of Elementary Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective February 2, 2014 through June 30, 2015.
Appointment: Regular Substitute
Ms. Kathryn Ottomanelli, Regular Substitute Teacher of Art, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 24, 2014 through June 30, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+30) with Masters, $67,628, prorated.
Ms. Danielle Schiavone-Marsenison, Regular Substitute Teacher of Elementary Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective February 2, 2014 through June 30, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 5, B(BA+30) with Masters, $81,815, prorated.
Appointment: Coaching
Mr. Anthony Tortora, 7-8th Grade Wrestling, 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.
Mr. Daniel Hall, 7-8th Grade Wrestling, Seven Bridges 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
Ms. Kimberly Lindner, Varsity Winter Track, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 24, 2014 through March 2, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).
Appointment: Tenure
Ms. Lauralyn Stewart, Teacher of Physical Education, Horace Greeley High School, effective January 28, 2015.
Victoria Tipp moved to approve the recommendations. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Jeffrey Mester also noted his personal issue with using volunteers.
Andrew Selesnick noted that congratulations were in order for Lauralyn Steward who is receiving tenure.
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ADDENDUM:
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4.2
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Non-instructional
Dr. Lyn McKay made the following recommendations:
Resignation for Retirement Purposes:
Anthony Castagna - Head Custodian at Seven Bridges Middle School, retiring effective January 2, 2015.
Appointment:
Bethany Ordonez - Senior Office Assistant - Automated Systems at the Education Center, effective December 1, 2014. Her salary will be $61,801. Additionally, the Board of Education grants her leave of absence, without pay, for the period of May 18, 2015 through May 29, 2015.
Victoria Tipp moved to approve the recommendations. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Jeffrey offered congratulations on behalf of the board to Tony Castagna who was with the district for 25 years and a strong advocate for students.
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5.
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Recommended Action: Other
5.1
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Karen Visser moved to approve CSE Summaries reported on November 19, 2014 agenda. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
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5.2
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Warren Messner moved to approve a gift from the Benevity Community Impact Fund in the amount of $400 to Roaring Brook School for supplies. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
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Alyson Gardner moved to approve items 5.3-5.5, for educational services with Eastchester School District. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
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5.3
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Approve attached contract for Educational Services with Eastchester School District for one student in the amount of $59,077 plus an additional amount $14,876.80, for related or additional services per the contract for the 2014-15 school year.
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5.4
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Approve attached contract for Educational Services with Eastchester School District for one student in the amount of $59,077 plus an additional amount $73,099.60, for related or additional services per the contract for the 2014-15 school year.
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5.5
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Approve attached contract for Educational Services with Eastchester School District for one student in the amount of $59,077 plus an additional amount $0, for related or additional services per the contract for the 2014-15 school year.
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5.6
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Alyson Gardner moved to approve the attached contract, according to the terms and conditions, for Special Educational Services with Mt. Pleasant School District for one student at a rate set by the New York State Education Department for the 2014-15 school year, contingent upon receiving contract costs to be added. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously. (Costs: Tuition for 2014-15 is $62,162 plus related services = Total $101,243. If a new rate is released, the district will be billed for the additional funds.)
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5.7
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Alyson Gardner offered a Resolution to Refund and Credit Basic STAR for parcel 93.7-3-17 in the amount of $1695.00.
WHEREAS, Kenneth and Cynthia Johnson filed an Application for Refund and Credit of Real Property Taxes for the Year 2014-15 regarding property located in the Chappaqua Central School District, described as #93.7-3-17 on the basis that the Basic STAR exemption was applied for and approved, but was omitted from the school tax bill; and
WHEREAS, the Westchester County Tax Commission has determined that the applicants were approved for the basic STAR exemption, but it was not reflected on the school tax bill and the Application for Refund of Real Property Taxes for the Year 2014-15 should be approved; and
WHEREAS, we have examined such application and the recommendation and determine that a clerical error has been made pursuant to Section 550(2)(c) of the Real Property Tax Law;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that: the Application for Refund of Real Property Taxes for the Year 2014-15 be approved, notice of approval of such application be mailed to Applicants, and the Business Official be authorized and directed to correct the assessment on the tax roll for 2014-15 to reflect the STAR exemption, thereby reducing the school taxes for a refund of school taxes in the amount of $1,695.00.
Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
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5.8
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Warren Messner offered a Resolution to declare list of items obsolete.
WHEREAS, the District owns the attached list of items which are no longer useful or necessary for school district purposes and is of no value to the School District;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby declares these 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.
Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
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5.9
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Alyson Gardner offered a Resolution to withdraw from National School Lunch Program.
"BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education withdraws Horace Greeley High School from participation in the National School Lunch Program effective at the end of school day of January 30, 2015, provided that students who qualify for free and reduced meals will continue to receive free or reduced meals through the school lunch fund.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the President of the Board of Education to send a letter to the New York State Education Department's Child Nutrition Program Office stating the District's decision to withdraw."
Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
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Addendum:
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5.10
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Alyson Gardner moved to approve a Kyer Garment & Davis (KG&D) proposal for renovations to the Robert E. Bell Middle School Auditorium and Lobby: ADA compliance and security upgrades at a cost of $3,800 for the phase I study/schematic design phase, per proposal. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
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5.11
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Jeffrey Mester offered the following resolution,
"BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby adopts the findings of fact and penalty determination of Hearing Officer Randall Kelly, dated November 15, 2014, regarding SED File No. 24,698, and directs the Superintendent of Schools to effectuate the disciplinary action set forth in Hearing Officer's Opinion and Award, effective November 20, 2014."
Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
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6.
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Facilities
Jeffrey Mester reported on further designs for Artificial Turf field and they are still waiting for rest of funds. The project was approved pending funding.
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7.
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Financials
Alyson Gardner moved to accept items 7.1-7.4 financial reports for October 2014. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
7.1
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Treasurer's Report - October 2014
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7.2
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Revenue Report - October 31, 2014
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7.3
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Expenditure Report - October 31, 2014
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7.4
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Claims Auditor Report - October 31, 2014
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8.
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Communications
On behalf of the Communications Committee and Board, President Visser wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Be happy, healthy, and safe.
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9.
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President Visser gave Notice of Future Meetings -
Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 7:00 a.m at Seven Bridges; 7:45 at Westorchard for board facility tours
Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m.
Presentations:
Chappaqua Leadership
Chinese Exchange
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10.
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Adjournment
Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
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