Minutes September 25, 2013

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

September 25, 2013

 

Time:

7:30 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School

 

Present:

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

 

Staff Members
Present:

Dr. Lyn McKay, Superintendent

Mr. Eric Byrne, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum

Mr. Andrew Selesnick, Assistant Superintendent for Leadership, and Instruction

Mr. John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business

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 Mester called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Karen Visser moved to enter into Executive Session with administrators for a discussion of the employment of a particular person, and discussion of a legal issue with our attorneys. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn the executive session. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Alyson Kiesel moved to reconvene the public session at 7:50 p.m. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously. President Mester welcomed the community and introduced our auditor Alan Kassay of O'Connor Davies, LLP

Presentation:

Audit Approval

Mr. Kassay provided highlights of the Chappaqua Central school District audit planning meetings that began in the spring. Work continued over the summer and a final meeting with the audit committee took place on September 16 to make recommendations. The auditors found no material weaknesses or deficiencies . Appropriate accounting policies and adequate management is in place with no significant errors. He reviewed the management letter, schedule of revenues, expenditures and changes in fund balance, budget and actual as of June 30, 2013. He also noted the Statement of Assets as of June 30, 2013. The district received an unqualified opinion or "clean opinion" that is the highest that can be received. He declared the district is in good financial standing.

School Report Card.

Assistant Superintendent Eric Byrne, Greeley Principal Robert Rhodes, and Staff Developer Mary Ford reported on the data from 2011-12 report cards that were received late Monday and will be sent out to families shortly. The data is usually received from the state in July, but the state designed template was flawed and cause of the delays. Eric gave a summary of the district performance form 2011-12 and emphasized it is a measure of one single point in time. We give more assessments across the school year and can determine if they need more or additional services. He reviewed Math, Science and English Arts over the past three years for grades 3-8.

Mary Ford, the district K-12 staff developer for literacy reviewed some of the assessments that the district has developed and given three times per year. Teachers can work one on one, benchmark all students and look for comprehension, then help students move onto the next level. The key is to always look at multiple measures.

Robert Rhodes reviewed Regent and AP exam scores by course for 2009-10 to 2012-13. The district rate is at 99% for graduation and a 97% college attendance rate.

Technology Multi-Year Plan Overview. Director of technology Darleen Nicolosi

Ms Nicolosi explained that there are three main areas covered by Technology. teaching and learning, infrastructure, and managing data. She explained each in detail and stated that over the next two years they will be assisting administrators and teachers across all schools on authentic long term projects. She reported on the different spaces, that are very flexible and open and designed to allow students to gain skills to work in the real world. Examples are the iLab at Greeley and a Bell instructional space design plus a protocol at each school to see what options are available and how space can be used differently. These are creative, collaborative, and secure places where students and teachers can interact. There is more emphasis on problem-based learning in a collaborative environment. Work will continue with consultants Chris Dede from Harvard, and Sam Wang to continue his work with students to study the brain. Infrastructure challenges include a complete K-12 wireless access must be prepared for state mandated online testing. She also updated the board on the collection and dissemination of both internal and external data for school report cards, APPR, messages to the community, robocalls etc.

1.

Information

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Victoria Tipp offered a Resolution for the Board of Education to accept the Audit Committee's recommendations to: 1) accept the Updated Risk Assessment Report for Year Ending June 30, 2014, and 2) designate "Facilities (including Security) and Capital Assets" as the next intensive review area. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

1.1.2

President Mester noted the Annual Business Meeting of New York School Boards is October 26, 2013 and more information regarding the resolutions will be forthcoming.

1.1.3

President Mester reported on the meeting with Town Administrator Penny Pederewski, Town Planner Sabrina Charney Hull, and traffic engineer Michael Galante in early September and then as a board meeting on September 9 to discuss mitigation efforts to aid the traffic flow at Greeley if the entrance to Chappaqua Crossings is placed directly across from the entrance to the high school. The cost of such efforts may be picked up by the developer.

1.1.4

Commissioner's Roundtable

President Mester reported on the meeting with Commissioner King in Albany.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Dr. McKay presented the expected topics for board meetings that will be posted on the district website. She and President Mester worked to provide a nice mix of educational and operational topics. More student participation is expected at meetings.

1.2.2

Safety update

Dr. McKay discussed a number of the safety practices that have been adopted since last year and the additional practices put into place in response to an unknown person in and around three schools. An email was sent to the community with a description of the person and the police have shared it with area schools. The police have been very responsible and in contact with her on an almost daily basis. Some safety measures that can be reported include a phone in every single classroom, doors replaced in some areas, panic buttons installed in schools, and locks that allow us to lock down sections of the schools. All six schools are being treated the same and safety meetings were held with all faculty to reinforce the rules. Both President Mester and Superintendent McKay remarked on the high level of police cooperation and reminded the community that all the security measures that are in place cannot be discussed in a public forum.

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.

 

2.

Organization

2.1

President Mester gave a first reading of the Draft Policy Revision: 6085 Purchasing and Bidding. The revision is a result of a new law that authorizes the purchase of materials by "best value" and encourages consideration of minority and women-owned businesses.

3.

Approvals

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve the following minutes. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.1

Minutes of June 19, 2013

3.2

Minutes of July 10, 2013

3.3

Minutes of August 7, 2013

3.4

Minutes of August 29, 2013

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

Superintendent Lyn 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":

Taren Cowan,

Karen Devlin-Beyler,

Elise Chipley,

Jill Jason Wainer,

Brendan Kiernan,

Suzanne Novak, and

Joseph Scollan.

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 2013/2014 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education":

 

Skye Albert-Hall

Janice Alfonso

Lynne Brennan

Charles Buchanan

Susan Cappetta

Karen Carey

Jayne Carlson

MaryEllen DeLillo

Mary Disch

John Dunphy

Mary Farrell

Miriam Fernandez

Jerry Furey

Jeanie Gayeski

Richard Goodman

Karen Greco

Meredith Green

Kelly Higgins

Sarah Hukkanen

Erin Johansen

MaryRose Joseph

Kuihwa Kim

Elisa Leitao

Mirjam Lord

Jason Lummel

Janet Madalon

Kay Makanju

Anne Materasso

Vita Materasso

Maria Mavrogenis

Dana McBride

Donna McBride

Denise Mincin

Lindsay Morton

Daniel Perito

Jane Perito

Lisa Ribushofski

Karen Rouchou

James Sarris

Christina Schilling

Lindsay Schrader

Dana Stein-Dince

Cristiana Sternkopf

Chris Strahley

AnnMarie Tetelman

Brian Vermette

Cary Vigilante

Diane Wendel

Britt Winston

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, due to increased need in Mathematics, the Board of Education hereby increases an existing .4 FTE Mathematics position by .2 FTE. This action results in the creation of a .6 FTE Mathematics position at Horace Greeley High School effective 9/18/13."

Request for Parental Leave of Absence:

Ms. Pamela Worth, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective October 8, 2013 through January 31, 2014.

Ms. Alissa Stoever, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective October 28, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:

Ms. Lynn Lubow, CSE/CPSE Chairperson, District wide, effective April 1, 2014.

Resignation:

Mr. Matthew Harz, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 28, 2013.

Ms. Randi Hauser, Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 28, 2013.

Ms. Kelly Gillan, (.4) Teacher of Mathematics, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 16, 2013.

Appointment: Regular Substitute

Mr. Scott Neri, Regular Substitute Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 9, 2013 through June 30, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $21,256, prorated.

Ms. Tara Albaum, Regular Substitute Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 29, 2013 through January 31, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, B(BA+45) with Masters, $79,449, prorated.

Ms. Toby Osinski, Regular Substitute Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective September 9, 2013 through June 30, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education),Step 5, B(BA+30) with Masters, $81,797, prorated..

Appointment: Part Time

Mr. Matthew Kimmerle, (.6) Teacher of Mathematics, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 18, 2013 through June 30, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+30) with Masters, $40,566, prorated.

Appointment: Teaching Assistant

Ms. Constance Wynne, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 23, 2013, $21,256, prorated.

Appointment: Coaching

Mr. Richard Marasco, 7-8th Grade Football Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $5,025.

 

Addendum:

 

 

Resolution:

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":

Heidi Curtis

Alyson Kiesel moved to accept Dr. McKay's recommendations including the addendum. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.2

Non-Instructional

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations:

Resignation:

Jane Taffet - Teacher Aide at Westorchard Elementary School, resigned effective August 28, 2013.

Appointment:

Ann Lim - Teacher Aide at Westorchard Elementary School, 22.5 hours per week, effective September 23, 2013. Her salary will be $15.32 per hour.

Karen Visser moved to accept the recommendations. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Victoria Tipp moved to approve the CSE summaries reported to the board for approval on September 20, 2013. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve a gift from an anonymous donor to Bell Middle School in the amount of $1,000 for the purpose of replacing the existing window air conditioning unit in the staff lounge and $500 for repairing ceiling and walls in staff lounge. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Warren Messner moved to approve the following three gifts from Target to our schools. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Gift from Target to Horace Greeley High School in the amount of $1,665.91 to be used for educational periodicals.

5.4

Gift from Target to Douglas Grafflin Elementary School in the amount of $567.23 to be used for purchases of books and technology related materials

5.5

Gift from Target to Roaring Brook Elementary School in the amount of $761.47 to be used for educational books and materials.

5.6

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve a gift from Friends of Greeley Theatre, Inc. In the amount of $3,495.94 to Greeley Theatre department to be used for $2,000 for assorted lumber and construction supplies for set of Merrily We Roll Along, and $1,495 for sharkstooth scrim. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.7

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve a contract with Mt. Pleasant Central School District effective July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014 for one student at the rate set by New York State Education department. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.8

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve an agreement with Sivic Solutions Group, LLC to provide services and collect funds from medicaid, effective July 1, 2013 thru June 30, 2014, per service fee in contract. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.9

Jeffrey Mester offered a Resolution for the Board of Education to ratify change in Article 18 (D)(2)(b) to modify course approval procedure for inservice courses.

"Be it resolved that the Board of Education ratifies the Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools and the Chappaqua Teachers' Association, Inc., dated September 18, 2013. A copy of this agreement shall be referenced within the minutes of this meeting."

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.10

Karen Visser moved to accept the recommended Bid #909 - Roofing Maintenance and Service - be awarded to Weather Proofing Technologies, Inc., for the 2013-14 school year at a cost of $85,804 plus hourly rates. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.11

Warren Messner offered the following resoltuion,

"BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes the Board President to execute a Release and Settlement Agreement regarding student #602847. A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting."

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.12

Warren Messner moved to approve a consultant agreement with New England Systems and Software, Inc. (NESS), to perform hardware and software technology support, network administration and database management, including NY State reporting requirements, effective October 1, 2013 thru September 30, 2014 with an increase of 1.7%. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

President Mester gave the report regarding the traffic mitigation at Greeley under the President's Report.

7.

Financials

Alyson Kiesel moved to accept financial reports, items 7.1-7.4. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Expenditure Report - July 31, 2013 and August 31, 2013

7.2

Revenue Report - July 31, 2013 and August 31, 2013

7.3

Treasurer's Report - July and August 2013

7.4

Claim Auditor's Report - July 31, 2013 and August 31, 2013

7.5

Alyson Kiesel offered the following resolution,

"Be it resolved that the board approves Budget transfers to eliminate negative variances at year end per auditor. transfer to Account for Judgments & Claims $113.640, (From: Unallocated Insurance $26,000 and Refund on Real Property Tax $87,640); transfer to: BOCES Admin. Costs from Assessment on Real Property $2,562; transfer to Curriculum Development from Teacher Regular School $17,746; transfer to Computer Asst Instruction from Teaching Regular School $57,073.02; transfer to Guidance Regular School from Teaching Regular School $4,467.61; transfer to Interest installments Purchase Debit from Interest - TAN $9,543."

Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.6

Warren Messner offered the following resolution,

"Be it resolved that the board approves Budget transfers to redistribute salary appropriation due to O&M position transfers between various schools from O&M salaries HG $76,791.10 to: O&M salaries - RB $50,617.45; Bell $1,864; SB $21,409.65; Pole Barn $3,000."

Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.7

Alyson Kiesel offered a Resolution to consent to the settlement of a tax certiorari.

"Be it resolved, that the Board of Education consents to the settlement of a tax certiorari proceeding captioned Banfield v. Town of New Castle in accordance with the terms of the Consent Judgment."

Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.

President Mester gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Wednesday, October 9, 2013, at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m.

Presentations:

Writers' Camp Summer 2013 Reflections

Teaching and Learning Priorities, 2013-14

9.

Adjournment

Karen Visser moved to adjourn at 10:35 p.m. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Jeffrey Mester, Board President

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