Minutes March 14, 2018

MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Horace Greeley High School - Academic Commons

Present:

Board of Education

  • Victoria Tipp, President
  • Jeffrey Mester, Vice President
  • Alyson Gardner
  • Warren Messner
  • Jane Kimmel Shepardson

Staff Members:

  • Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
  • John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business
  • Kusum Sinha, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
  • Mary Ford, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
  • Liisa Elsner, District Clerk

President Tipp asked for a motion to convene the public board meeting at 7:00 pm.

Moved by Alyson Gardner to convene the public board meeting at 7:00 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion passed 5-0.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Gratitude to Staff & Town Agencies on response to storms

1.1.2

Partnership with Town & Community on Emergency Planning

President Tipp thanked the custodial staff, Chappaqua Transportation and the town maintenance staff for their efforts during recent snowstorms and also thanked the community for their patience and support.

1.1.3

Student Civic Engagement

President Tipp acknowledged, on behalf of the Board, student participation in the walkout. The District is proud of how students expressed themselves.

1.1.4

DRAFT RESOLUTION:

Whereas, the safety of all children in our schools is of paramount importance; and

Whereas the proposed 5% reduction to the current Federal education budget would include $425 million in cuts to mental health and school safety programs, such as the School Emergency Response to Violence Program and Project Prevention Grants; and

Whereas seventeen students and staff members were killed and many others were injured as a result of a school shooting in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018; and

Whereas in the past five years, 439 students and staff members have been shot in more than 239 school shootings across our Country; and

Whereas a need for greater access to mental health services for students and families in our schools and communities was ranked as a top funding priority by the majority of Superintendents in New York State; and

Whereas we believe that every child has the right to a safe school environment that has an appropriate level of security as determined by our community; and

Whereas a reasoned and rational approach to gun control and increased access to mental health services for students and families in our schools and communities are essential elements of a safe school environment; and

Whereas the Chappaqua Central School District fosters civic discourse and promotes student understanding of government and current issues; and

Whereas a coordinated effort at the Federal and State levels, boosted by law enforcement and community engagement, is needed to change the paradigm and protect our communities and our schools;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District calls upon the New York State Assembly, the New York State Senate and the Governor to implement a reasoned and rational approach to address gun control and background checks, and prioritize funding and resources for increased access to mental health services for students and families in our schools and communities; and

RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District implores Federal and State leaders to take immediate action to:

  • Provide additional funding to schools and communities for adequate mental health, social, and guidance services and resources for the purpose of prevention, support, and response;
  • Provide funds for districts to upgrade their facilities if internal safety audits find there is a need for improvements;
  • Provide funding for essential security personnel and related professional development for all staff, as determined by the local school district
  • Enact rational and reasonable gun control measures; and

RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District affirms that the civic engagement of students in Parkland, Florida and beyond, who are speaking out for school safety, support for mental health services, and legislation to address gun violence needs to be heard.

RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District opposes any reductions in federal or state funding for education that would cut mental health or school safety programs; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District calls upon the Governor, NYS Assembly and NYS Senate to address gun violence and provide support for local school districts to promote school safety.

SIGNATURE

 

DATE

 

NAME

 

TITLE

 

The Board of Education directs the District Clerk to send a copy of this resolution to the following people:

  • David Buchwald, New York State Assembly Member
  • Terrence Murphy, New York State Senator
  • Nita Lowey, US Congresswoman
  • Senator Charles Schumer, US Senate
  • Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, US Senate
  • Andrew Cuomo, the Governor of the State of New York
  • Carl Heastie, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly
  • John Flanagan, the Majority Leader of the New York State Senate
  • Catherine Nolan, State Assemblywoman, Chair, Committee on Education
  • Carl L. Marcellino, State Senate, Chair, Committee on Education
  • Judith Johnson, NYS Board of Regents
  • Betty Rosa, Chancellor, NYS Board of Regents
  • MaryEllen Elia, NYS Commissioner of Education
  • Lisa Davis, Executive Director, Westchester Putnam School Boards Association

Moved by Jeffrey Mester to table Item 1.1.4 to a future meeting. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion passed 5-0.

1.2

BOCES Student

1.3

Superintendent's Report

Dr. Ackerman introduced Adam Pease who is being appointed as the District's new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and spoke of his qualifications and the interview process. Mr. Pease was welcomed by the Board and then spoke briefly, thanking the Superintendent and Board.

1.3.1

2017-18 Board of Education Meeting Schedule - revised

1.3.2

2017-18 District Calendar - revised

1.3.3

Security Update & Future Considerations for Front Entryways

Presentation:

Superintendent's Proposed Budget - Dr. Ackerman described the budget process and indicated to the Board and community that the proposed 2018-19 budget is responsible and provides for the unique needs of the Chappaqua school community. John Chow made the presentation.

Establishment of Capital Reserve

Special Education Budget Presentation - Dr. Heidi McCarthy presented the special education budget to the Board and Community focusing on priorities for the current year including accessible instruction for all students. Focuses for next year include social inclusion, transitioning, co-teaching and behavioral supports.

Curriculum Budget Presentation - Mary Ford presented the curriculum budget, also mentioning the overlap of the curriculum, special education and technology areas. Focus areas for 2018-19 will be use of innovative spaces and technology to enhance teaching and learning,

2.

Committee Reports

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 & Ratifications

3.1

Accept Minutes of February 13, 2018 Board of Education Meeting

Moved by Alyson Gardner to accept Item 3.1. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion passed 5-0.

3.2

Accept Minutes of March 1, 2018 Special Board of Education Meeting

Moved by Warren Messner to accept Item 3.2. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion passed 4-0. Board Vice President Jeffrey Mester abstained.

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

Dr. Ackerman 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:

  • Christine DiDomenico
  • Martin Gardlin
  • Emma Ribaudo
  • Janelle Richards

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached Agreement for Services for the individual listed below effective for the 2017/2018 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:

  • Lisa Giacomini-Essell

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as AP proctor to be employed on an "as needed" basis effective for the 2017/2018 school year:

  • Thomas Quinn

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as Sub-Committee Chairpersons of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) effective for the 2017/2018 school year:

Michael Abulencia
Kayla Anderson
Lauren Andrews
Kristen Fontanes-Betterton
Doreen Calandrella
Mary Callaghan
Mary Comparetto
Faye D'Ambrosio
Cara DiNapoli
Megan Emerson
Mary Ellen Ferricane
Jennifer Cioppa Fleisher
Janet Fletcher
Felice Gittelman
Patricia Greco
Meredith Green
Jamie Hariegel
Kerin Heim
Patricia Janecka
Karen Kavy
Sara Kenney
Shelley Langton
Jessica Leitman
Annamarie Marasco
Charles McKenna
Teresa McKenna
Susan Miller
Karin Pelletier
Daniel Perito

Shannon Pezzullo
Kathryn Rowland
Gail Schlenger
Jacqueline Simone
Heather Strickland
Yvette Sullivan
Lisa Tighe
Laura Triglia
Jacqueleen Zamora
Theresa Zuckerberg

Dr. John Alkalay
Rosa Amendola
Dr. Nancy Chapar
Dr. Annemarie Giannettino
Dr. Stephanie Lia
Dr. Patrick McAuliffe
Jennifer Mezzancello
Dr. Sherry Schur

Anne DeCora
Gail Fuld
Colleen Kourakos
Mary Ellen Kelly
Alison McCarville
Kristin Mongiello
Gerard Shine

Resignation:

  • Ms. Cristine Groenewegen, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective February 23, 2018.

ADDENDUM

Appointment: Probationary

  • Dr. Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, $230,000.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester to approve Item 4.1. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion passed 5-0.

Dr. Ackerman made the following recommendations:

4.2

Non-Instructional

Appointment:

  • Mr. Paul Barilla - Maintenance Worker - Buildings at the Pole Barn, effective March 8, 2018. His salary will be $48,392, Step 3 of the CSEA Contract.

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby appoints the following individual listed below as a per diem custodial substitute to be employed on an "as needed" basis, effective March 8, 2018. The salary is $15.00 per hour:

  • Alison A. Joseph

Moved by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.2. Seconded by Jeffrey Mester. Motion passed 5-0.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

CSE Summaries (2017-18 School Year) reported to the Board on March 7, 2018.

Moved by Warren Messner to approve Item 5.1. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion passed 5-0.

5.2

CSE Summaries (2018-19 School Year) reported to the Board on March 7, 2018.

Moved by Alyson Gardner to approve Item 5.2. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion passed 5-0.

5.3

CCSD Bid #B2018-1: Graduation Tent and Chair Rental - recommended award to Cantele Tent Rentals - $23,336.80 for the 2017-18 school year.

Moved by Alyson Gardner to approve Item 5.3. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion passed 5-0.

5.4

CCSD Bid #B2018-2: Construction Labor & Materials: Plumbing - recommended award to Anthony M. Notaro Plumbing & Heating - $110.00/hour average total rates for the 2017-18 school year.

Moved by Alyson Gardner to approve Item 5.4. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion passed 5-0.

5.5

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an Agreement with Student Assistance Services (SAS) Project SUCCESS (Schools Using Coordinated Efforts to Strengthen Students) Program at Horace Greeley High School for educational, prevention and intervention program as listed in contract for school year July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019 for $72,695, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 5.5. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion passed 5-0.

5.6

WHEREAS it is the desire of the participating school districts of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Putnam / Northern Westchester Counties, adopting this resolution to jointly request bids for certain commodities to be determined by the Superintendent of this school district from time to time for the 2018/2019 school year,

NOW, therefore be it resolved that the Chappaqua Central School District hereby agrees to participate with other school districts of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Putnam / Northern Westchester counties, New York, in the joint bidding of commodities to be requested by the school district Purchasing Agent and approved by the Superintendent; and be it further

RESOLVED that the specifications as prepared by a Steering Committee of participating school districts and presented to this Board of Education will be used and that this Board, if it desires to purchase these commodities agrees to purchase said commodities at the lowest bid price recommended by the Steering Committee of the joint school districts; provided, however, that each participating Board of Education in exercising its legal responsibilities, has the right to reject and/or modify the recommendation of the Steering Committee in the awarding of the bid; and be it further

RESOLVED that the invitation to bid will be advertised by BOCES in the Journal News in accordance with the provisions of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law.

Tabled at February 13, 2018 Meeting

Moved by Jeffrey Mester to take Item 5.6 off the table. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion passed 5-0.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester to approve Item 5.6. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion passed 5-0.

5.7

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby authorizes its President to sign an agreement with Altaris Consulting Group, LLC to perform Safety and Security Assessments as described in an agreement presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

Moved by Warren Messner to approve Item 5.7. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion passed 4-1. Board President Victoria Tipp and Board members Alyson Gardner, Warren Messner and Jane Kimmel Shepardson voted "yes." Board Vice President Jeffrey Mester voted "no."

5.8

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves an Agreement with KG&D Architects dated February 26, 2018 in the amount of $12,500 for Architectural Professional Pre-Bond Services for projects focused on one-point of entry security projects at all six CCSD school campuses, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester to approve Item 5.8. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion passed 5-0.

5.9

Approve gift from The Greeley Sports Boosters to the Athletic Program in the amount of $9,180.43 for batting cages at Horace Greeley High School.

Moved by Alyson Gardner to approve Item 5.9. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion passed 5-0.

5.10

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District (the "Board of Education") is proposing a capital project consisting of safety and security repairs, renovations, construction and improvements to the buildings and facilities of the School District, including incidental costs related thereto (the "Proposed Action"); and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education proposes to proceed with the Proposed Action and wishes to take all actions necessary in connection therewith in order to comply with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA); and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has reviewed the Proposed Action with respect to the Type II criteria set forth in the SEQRA Regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617.5 and has determined that the Proposed Action is a Type II action pursuant to Section 617.5(c)(1) [maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in the structure or facility] and/or (8) [routine activities of educational institutions] of the SEQRA Regulations;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District determines that the Proposed Action, including each and all of the components, is a Type II Action pursuant to §617.5(c)(1) and/or (8) of the SEQRA Regulations and will not have any significant environmental impacts.

The Contact Person for the Chappaqua Central School District is: John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business.

Moved by Warren Messner to approve Item 5.10. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion passed 5-0.

6.

Facilities

7.

Financials

7.1

Claims Auditor Report - January 2018

Moved by Alyson Gardner to accept Item 7.1. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion passed 5-0.

8.

Notice of Future Meetings

Wednesday, March 21, 2018, 7:30 pm
Horace Greeley High School - Academic Commons
Technology / Athletics / Facilities, Operations & Maintenance Budget Presentations

Wednesday, March 28, 2018, 7:30 pm
Horace Greeley High School - Academic Commons
Non-Instructional / Revenue / Tax Rates / Contingency Budget Presentations

9.

Adjournment

Moved by Alyson Gardner to adjourn the meeting at 10:44 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion passed 5.0.

Respectfully submitted:

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke

Any person who seeks accommodation based upon disability should contact the District Clerk, Liisa Elsner at 238-7200, x-1002, at least five days prior to the meeting.

Chappaqua Board of Education
Education Center
66 Roaring Brook Road
Chappaqua, NY 10514
Web: www.ccsd.ws
Email: board@ccsd.ws

PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES DURING MEETING

/lke