Minutes November 6, 2013

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

November 6, 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 - China

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. Alyson Kiesel moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of the employment history of a particular person and corporation, legal issues, contractual negotiations. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn the executive session. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Alyson Kiesel moved to reconvene the public meeting at 7:30 p.m. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously. President Mester welcomed everyone and congratulated the three town winners and the school board looks forward to working with them

Presentation:

Middle School Focus: Matching Students with Text

Dr. McKay introduced Bell Principal Martin Fitzgerald and Seven Bridges' Interim Principal Dr. Michael Kirsch.

Dr. Mike Kirsch reported that they began looking closely at text specialities to examine and address text complexity with all faculty with the goal of appropriately matching students with texts in all classrooms. Dr. Kirsch spoke to the complexities and Mr. Fitzgerald explained how the journey began with discussions around the topic during the summer retreat, faculty meetings, learning symposium on text complexity and analyzing texts for supports and challenges. On staff development day, joint faculty worked with staff developers Mary Ford and Karen McNally to focus on responsive teaching and how to identify student reading levels. There were Learning Walks with administrators at both schools using guiding questions: Is more than one text available? What types of supports/scaffolds are built in for students who struggle with texts? For those who are advanced?

They listed a number of resources: CCSD teachers and staff developers Karen McNally and Mary Ford, consultants from Teachers College, Mary Ehrenworh and others from TC; National Literacy Consultant Barbara Frye.

Dr. Kirsch also noted a consortium of about 22-24 principals asked to meet with our administrators because the district's state scores were so high and they asked, "how come?" He responded, "Genetics." There are parents who are interested in education and teachers who are always looking to be better. The visitors left us with a gift, a book on "It's a fine, fine school," and Dr. Kirsch shared some excerpts from it.

 

1.

Information

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Report from Legislative Liaison re: Dr. King Forum - October 28

Victoria Tipp reported that Commissioner King has scheduled a number of forums around the state to address Common Core Standards, which has attracted a number of legislators. The Commissioner made very generic statements, but acknowledged revisions were necessary. People want high standards but not a lot of standardized tests. Tests are not meaningful because they do not help address deficiencies of individual students and they have created a great deal of stress. Now that legislators have become involved, there is more pressure to do something as they hear from constituents.

Dr. McKay added that it does not change a lot from what we do. There is some good to the Common Core, but we object to the testing and the curriculum is poor. They are following a script. It is dangerous to make a scripted curriculum, but it is primarily written for schools that are failing. Although there are some good pieces to the assessments, no one should put out assessments so fast without evaluating them. Our district should be accountable because our marks are so high, but we are eligible for a waiver in certain grades. Eighth graders are required to take three assessments and we will apply for a waiver to reduce that to two assessments.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

Dr. McKay reported that she heard from Eric and Robert that it has been an amazing trip to China. They will be reporting at the next board meeting.

1.2.1

Race to the Top Data

Data dashboard is a repository of data collected for the state. Questions and concerns have arisen about privacy and what happens to the data after students graduate. The state has indicated that in order to receive Race to the Top funds, schools must send data to Data dashboard. Therefore, many schools are opting out of Race to the Top. Chappaqua has never received RTTT funds. We are not part of the Data dashboard, but we do have our own data collection system through Infinite Campus and that is acceptable.

There is a Knowledge Café next Wednesday. There will be more discussion about this reform agenda and how we are moving forward.

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

3.

Approvals

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":

Braden Clarke.

Request for Parental Leave of Absence:

Ms. Jessica Sansevera, Teacher of Elementary Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective November 8, 2013 through November 19, 2013.

Ms. Michelle McGee, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective November 27, 2013 through January 31, 2014.

Ms. Laurie Ende, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective November 7, 2013 through February 7, 2014.

Appointment: Part Time

Mr. John Kramer, (.04) Teacher of Elementary Education to provide Academic Intervention Services, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective November 4, 2013 through May 22, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+30) with Masters, $56.34/hour.

Ms. Beth Connors, (.04) Teacher of Special Education to provide Academic Intervention Services, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective November 4, 2013 through May 22, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, A(BA), $52.36/hour.

Ms. Eileen Cass, (.04) Teacher of Elementary Education to provide Academic Intervention Services, Westorchard Elementary School, effective November 4, 2013 through May 22, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+45) with Masters, $59.31/hour.

Appointment: Coaching

Mr. Dave Fernandes, Varsity Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $10,363.

Mr. Matthew Simone, Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $6,141.

Ms. Elizabeth Lops, 9th Grade Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 25, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,218.

Dr. John Alkalay, Varsity Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $10,363.

Mr. Robert Herodes, 9th Grade Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 25, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,218.

Ms. Annemarie Marasco, Varsity Bowling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Ms. Jane Perito, Junior Varsity Bowling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,838.

Mr. Zachary Dargaty, Varsity Ice Hockey, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 13, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $10,363.

Mr. Bruce Perlowitz, Varsity Ice Hockey Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 13, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $7,598.

Ms. Sheila Jacob, Varsity Skiing Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,838.

Ms. Margaret Kaplan, Varsity Boys' Swimming, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $8,976.

Ms. Suzanne Guziec, Varsity Boys' Swimming Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Mr. Michael Darland, Junior Varsity Boys' Swimming, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Mr. Michael DeBellis, Varsity Wrestling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,670.

Mr. Anthony Marino, Junior Varsity Wrestling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,904.

Mr. William Woolard, (.5) Varsity Track, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,143.

Mr. Matthew Ketterer, (.5) Varsity Track, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,143.

Mr. William Woolard, (.5) Varsity Track Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $3,109.

Mr. Matthew Ketterer, (.5) Varsity Track Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $3,109.

Mr. Anthony Tortora, 7-8th Grade Wrestling, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective December 2, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Mr. Robert Raguette, 7-8th Grade Track, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective December 2, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Mr. Charles McKenna, 7-8th Grade Track, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective December 2, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching

Mr. Gary Abrams, Varsity Boys' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Richard Birdoff, Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Dillon Clark, Varsity Girls' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Dan Perito, Varsity Ice Hockey Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 13, 2013 through March 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Karen Visser moved to accept Dr. McKay's recommendation. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.2

Non-Instructional

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby eliminates Donna Perschetz' position as Teacher Aide at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, due to enrollment, effective June 30, 2013.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby decreases the hours of Denise Tierney - Teacher Aide at Westorchard Elementary School to 31.25 hours per week, effective September 3, 2013.

Resignation:

Donna Zappulla - Senior Office Assistant - Automated Systems at the Education Center, resigned effective November 12, 2013.

Termination:

Ulrich Spruill - Teacher Aide at Seven Bridges Middle School, terminated effective May 17, 2013.

Appointment:

David Petrovich - Cleaner at Horace Greeley High School, effective December 2, 2013, $39,641.

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept Dr. McKay's recommendation. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve CSE summaries reported to Board on November 1, 2013. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Victoria Tipp offered a Resolution to approve KG&D proposal for design and construction administration for the High School Gym Roof at Horace Greeley, including hazardous material design. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Alyson Kiesel offered a Resolution to approve Master Client Service Agreement with Summit Security Services, Inc., effective November 6, 2013 for 365 days, per terms of contract, as amended. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Warren Messner offered a Resolution to approve agreement with The Speech Academy for one student, effective August 28, 2013 - June 17, 2014 at a sum of $62,000. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.5

Alyson Kiesel offered a Resolution to approve agreement with The City of White Plains for six students, effective September 6, 2011 - June 30, 2012 at a sum of $839.00 per pupil. (Note: The bill was received 10-30-2013) Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.6

Victoria Tipp moved to award Bid #910 - Learning Commons-Interior Alterations - as recommended to J&M Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. in the amount of $88,900. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.7

Alyson Kiesel offered a resolution,

"Be it resolved that, the Board of Education hereby ratifies the Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools, Board of Education and the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers, dated November 1, 2013, defining an exception to participation in the High School Department Facilitators. The Agreement will be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting."

Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.8

Warren Messner offered a resolution,

"Be it resolved that, the Board of Education hereby ratifies the Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools, Board of Education and the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers, dated November 1, 2013, for an additional coaching position for 2013-14. The Agreement will be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting."

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

6.1

Report of facilities tour at Horace Greeley and Roaring Brook on October 31, 2013

President Mester summarized the process for the legal obligation of the board to visit the buildings. He reported that the buildings are in great shape and gave a brief security update.

7.

Financials

Alyson Kiesel moved to accept items 7.1 and 7.2, financial reports. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Revenue Report - October 31, 2013

7.2

Expense Report - October 31, 2013

8.

President Mester gave Notice of Future Meetings:

Monday, November 18, 2013 - Facility Board tour of Douglas Grafflin, 7:00 a.m. and Bell Middle School 7:45 a.m.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013, at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m.

Presentation:

Chinese Partnerships

9.

Adjournment

Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn at 9:29 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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