Minutes December 10, 2014

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

December 10, 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 6:15 p.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to reconvene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of work history of a particular person. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 7:40 p.m. Alyson Gardner moved to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene the public session. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice President Alyson Gardner.

President Visser welcomed the community and asked Dr. McKay to introduce presenters and topic for the evening. Eric is excited about the visitors we had and catch up on the Chinese exchange. Andrew Selesnick will speak to you about the leadership development in our district.

Eric Byrne introduced Robert Rhodes and Polly Li for providing information on our sister school Beijing National Day School.

Presentations:

Chinese Exchange

Robert Rhodes provided a review of the exchange. We had our first visit from our sister school in 2012 and learned about what we could expect from an exchange. In Fall 2013 Eric and I ventured to China and met with various school leaders and signed sister agreements. That spring we formed a group from Greeley that was sent to China along with teachers and administrator. This fall we had a curriculum exchange with one of the high schools with about 50 teachers from language science and art and discussed how to teach curriculum and content, similarities and differences. They also met with a parent group organized by the PTA. It was a wonderful exchange.

Polly Li provided more detailed information on the student experiences in Chinese culture and language. When we returned, many of the students continue their relationship with their sister families in China. We have formed a Chinese Club and not all the members have been to China, but look forward to using Skype as well as emails to communicate - although the Chinese do not have the ability to use Skype at the present time. Robert indicated that they hope to send another group in 2016 and may partner with other Westchester schools.

Chappaqua Leadership Development

Andrew Selesnick emphasized that leadership development is a team effort. He provided an overview of the work of the administrators and how we do further our own skills as continual learners. All 25 administrators meet many times during the year as a group, and board members join them in the summer and mid-winter. In addition, assistant principals meet quarterly and district level administrators, building principals and staff development directors meet monthly. The activities include reading and discussion, role plays, outside presenters, planning and critiques with the purpose of setting vision and goals, sharing strategies, team building and strengthening practices. In addition, every administrators in the district has one initiative/action plan goal and one personal leadership goal, per year with feedback from supervisor. He added that there is a strong structure and all of that they bring together, and share what we do for support, enthusiasm, and renewal.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Call to Action: Reject Mandatory Stand-Alone Field Testing

President Visser noted that Commissioner King will be stepping down at the end of the year. She also asked Victoria Tipp to report on new mandates from the Board of Regents. Ms. Tipp explained that as part of research and development for new tests, questions are either embedded in current tests or school districts volunteer to take part in "stand-alone" testing the tests. Those questions do not count. Effective February 2015, the State Education Department wants to make stand-alone tests mandatory, that is taking students out of class to take more tests to determine the efficacy of such tests, for a company that makes the tests. After some discussion on the waste of student time and increased anxiety for students, the PTA and members of the community were encouraged to write to legislators and to go to the Westchester Putnam School Boards website for sample letters. Links will be posted on our website. Victoria thanked the PTA for their support and help to put "boots on the ground".

Resolution on Stand-Alone Field Tests

Ms. Tipp asked to read the resolution into the record. A lengthy discussion followed. Jeffrey Mester moved to adopt the resolution. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

"WHEREAS, the New York State Education Department has brought before the New York Board of Regents a proposal to amend Sections 100.2, 100.3 and 100.4 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education relating to school participation in NYS Field Tests, to take effect on February 25, 2015; and

WHEREAS, field test questions are currently embedded in standardized tests, and stand-alone field test are undertaken by schools on a voluntary basis; and

WHEREAS, the proposed amendments to the Commissioner's Regulations would make explicit the requirement that public schools participate in stand-alone field tests on a mandatory basis; and

WHEREAS, it has been further recognized by the NYS Education Department that stand-alone field tests are not as statistically accurate as embedded questions; and

WHEREAS, stand-alone field tests have no pedagogical value for students, will not improve education and will penalize students with further deficits in much needed instructional time; and

WHEREAS, school children should not bear the burden of research and development for test publishers which are private for-profit corporations; and

WHEREAS, our nation's school systems have been spending growing amounts of time, money and energy on high-stakes standardized testing, in which student performance on standardized tests is used to make major decisions affecting individual students, educators and schools; and

WHEREAS, it is widely recognized that standardized testing is an inadequate and often unreliable measure of both student learning and educator effectiveness; and

WHEREAS, the over-emphasis on standardized testing has caused considerable collateral damage in too many schools, including narrowing the curriculum, teaching to the test, reducing love of learning, pushing students out of school, driving excellent teachers out of the profession, and undermining school climate; and

WHEREAS, high-stakes standardized testing has negative effects for students from all backgrounds, and especially for low-income students, English language learners, children of color, and those with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the culture and structure of the systems in which students learn must change in order to foster engaging school experiences that promote joy in learning, depth of thought and breadth of knowledge for students; therefore be it

RESOLVED that the Chappaqua Central School District calls on the NYS Commissioner of Education, John King, the NYS State Legislature and the NYS Board of Regents to reconsider the recommendation to mandate the administration of stand-alone field tests, and

RESOLVED, that the Chappaqua Central School District calls on the Board of Regents to reject the proposed amendment to Sections 100.2, 100.3, and 100.4 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to mandate public schools to participate in stand-alone field tests.

 

1.1.2

RFP Process

Warren Messner reported that the district has sent Request for Proposals (RFP) for external auditors and architecture and engineering services. Recommendations should be made in January.

1.1.3

Happy Holidays!

President Visser noted that the district has had no major isssues - everything is running smoothly. She extended a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and warm wishes for whatever you celebrate and a good recess for the next two weeks.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Music and the Holidays

Superintendent McKay expressed that we have good music in our schools all year long, but the winter season of choral and instrumental concerts began in earnest last week with the Greeley symphonic choral concert and continued last night with Bell, Seven Bridges and more middle school concerts still after the first of the year. Thank you to all our students and teachers who make this so exciting.

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals

Warren Messner moved to approve items 3.1 and 3.2, Minutes of November 5, 2014 and Minutes of November 18, 2014

Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations:

4.1

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":

Mary Brennan, Linda Giardino,  Dianne Greller.

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:

Ms. Genevieve Hanlon, Teacher of Elementary Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School and Seven Bridges Middle School, effective December 19, 2014.

Request for Extension of Discretionary Leave of Absence:

Ms. Shannon Pezzullo, Teaching Assistant, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective November 3, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

Appointment: Regular Substitute

Ms. Shannon Pezzullo, Regular Substitute Teacher of Special Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective October 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+45) with Masters, $71,192, prorated.

Appointment: Part Time

Ms. Caroline Susa, (.04) Teacher of Elementary Education to provide Academic Intervention Services as per the Teachers' Contract, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective January 5, 2015 through May 4, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+45) with Masters, $59.33/hour.

Mr. Charles Buchanan, (.5) Athletic Coordinator, District wide, effective December 1, 2014 through February 27, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $2,180.

Mr. Manny Pragana, (.5) Athletic Coordinator, District wide, effective December 1, 2014 through February 27, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $2,180.

Victoria Tipp moved to approve the recommendations. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Eric Byrne commented on Ginger Hanlon's retirement as a terrible loss of a great teacher. He has worked very closely with her on math projects. Lyn McKay echoed the sentiments and added that Ginger was passionate about her work.

ADDENDUM:

4.2

Non-instructional

Dr. Lyn McKay made the following recommendations:

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, terminates the employment of Michael Stelluti, Maintenance Worker (Buildings) at the Pole Barn, effective December 11, 2014.

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve the recommendations. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Alyson Gardner moved to approve CSE Summaries for Board approval on December 10, 2014.

5.2

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve ECG Engineering, Inc. proposal for energy performance engineering services - phase 2 proposal No. 3611. Cost is based on project savings and will be paid out of energy savings per proposal details. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Alyson Gardner moved to approve a contract with White Plains City School District for participation in Students Targeting Achievement and Reintegration (S.T.A.R) program for one student at a rate of $283.33 per school day and per pupil therapeutic support services at a rate of $1,655.97 per month per academic school year, effective September 3, 2014 - June 25, 2015. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Jeffrey Mester offered the following,

"BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes the sale of all District held shares of Prudential Financial, Inc. common stock and that the proceeds be placed in 2014-15 Miscellaneous Revenue. The Board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent for Business and Treasurer to execute the necessary forms to effectuate the transaction."

Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.5

Alyson Gardner moved to approve a budget transfer of $71,000 from tuition-private to tuition-public (A2250-472-35 to A2250-471-35) to increase public school appropriation for placement of student. (Transfers over $50,000 require board approval.) Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.6

Warren Messner moved to approve an agreement with our asset database vendor AssetWorks, effective December 1, 2014 - November 30, 2015, for a cost of $1350, plus any special service fees that may be required per contract. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.7

Alyson Gardner moved to approve an agreement with Anderson Center for Autism Consulting Services for services performed under supervision of Clinical Psychologist and Director of Clinical Services, to complete a Psychological evaluation ($850); Social History ($200); Speech-language evaluation ($700); and Occupational Therapy evaluation ($400) for one CCSD student. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.8

Warren Messner offered the following,

"BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes the Board President to execute a Release and Settlement Agreement regarding student #601960. A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting."

Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.9

Victoria Tipp moved to approve a gift from Benevity Community to Roaring Brook School in the amount of $400 for supplies for 2014-15 school year. Jeffrey Mester seconded. . The motion passed unanimously.

5.10

Alyson Gardner moved to approve a contract with Mercy College for Communication Disorders Program to set forth a clinical affiliation agreement. (Provides opportunity to have our speech therapist have an "extern" similar to student teacher. When identified, student will be subject to standard background checks and fingerprinting.) Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Addendum:

5.11

Jeffrey Mester offered the following,

"WHEREAS, the Ossining Union Free School District has requested that the Chappaqua Central School District approve the participation of one of their students as a ski team of one to train and participate along with the Chappaqua Central School District; and

WHEREAS, the arrangement has been approved in accordance with Section 1 and NYSPHSSA regulations, and the District has received a Certificate of Liability Insurance from the Ossining School District naming the Chappaqua Central School District as an additional insured;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education hereby approves the participation of one student from Ossining School District to train and attend meets with the Chappaqua School District Ski team during the 2014-15 school year upon the following terms and conditions:

  • Ossining shall be responsible for providing medical clearance for the student's participation.
  • Ossining School District will be responsible for the transportation of their student to and from all practices and meets at their expense;
  • No Chappaqua Central School District student shall be denied participation as a result of the participation of the Ossining student; and
  • There shall be absolutely no cost whatsoever to the Chappaqua Central School District.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the District Clerk is directed to provide Ossining School District with a copy of this resolution.

Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.12

TABLED - After some discussion, Jeffrey Mester moved that in concept there is a consensual agreement, but the whole board needs time to review and so it is tabled to January 14, 2015. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Resolution to approve Intermunicipal Agreement for use of School District Fields and Related Facilities.

5.13

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a Budget transfer - $74,000 to repair and replace broken pipes at Bell Middle School over Thanksgiving weekend. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

6.1

Jeffrey Mester reported on board facility tours to Seven Bridges and Westorchard on December 10. He noted that all the facilities are in great shape and again offered his thanks and that of the board to Joe Gramando and the custodial staff.

7.

Financials

Victoria Tipp moved to accept items 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, financial reports. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Revenue Report - November 30, 2014

7.2

Expenditure Report - November 30, 2014

7.3

Claim Auditor Report - November 2014

8.

Communications

President Visser announced an 8:00 am Communication meeting tomorrow if there is no delay.

9.

President Visser gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Wednesday, January 14, 2015, Facility tours at Greeley at 7:00 a.m.; Roaring Brook at 7:45 a.m.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m.

Presentations:

Budget Preview

Inquiry and Innovation in Chappaqua

10.

Adjournment

Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Theresa Markley, District Clerk / Administrative Asst. to Superintendent

Karen Visser, Board President

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