Minutes May 28, 2014

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

May 28, 2014

 

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:

Members of the community, PTA and administration and staff

 

7:00 p.m. Join us for refreshments as we celebrate our tenured teachers.

President Mester called the board meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Victoria Tipp moved to reconvene in Executive Session to discuss negotiations. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 7:15 p.m. President Jeffrey Mester adjourned the meeting to join the celebration for the tenured teachers. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Mester reconvened the board meeting at 7:50 p.m. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Presentations:

Walkabout scholarship - Ben Wild, PNWBOCES

On behalf of the Walkabout Foundation, a group of alumni and educators who went through the program and would like to support its continuation. About 65 graduates have come through Walkabout from Chappaqua who have gone on to become teachers, guidance counselors, and social workers. Chappaqua sent two students this year and the Foundation provided a third scholarship which was presented to the district. Samantha, Angeles, and Jackson, the three students who attended Walkabout explained the positive aspects of the program and how it changed their lives. President Mester thanked the Foundation for the scholarship, and for the positive impact on the district.

China Trip Students

Several students and administrators, Josh Block, Maureen Callan, and Mandarin teacher Ping Li spoke to the positive experiences of the trip. Trip Coordinator Assistant Principal Michele Glenn explained the selection process for the twelve students and preparation for entering into another culture and learning to work together. The individual students each spoke to some part of the program that resonated with them.

Tenure Teacher Recognition

Dr. McKay noted her excitement and began recognition by recommending and congratulating Assistant Superintendent Eric Byrne. The process continues under 4.1. with introductions, recommendations and appropriate motions.

Athletic Program

Director of Athletics Pete Kuczma gave an overview of Greeley, Bell, and Seven Bridges and noted that there is a new conference for the next two years. Criteria is geography and school size. He commented on the amount of teamwork to put together a successful program including the cooperation of the coaches to maximize budget funds, the great care given to facilities, the bus company, and Pam Mitchell, his secretary who really runs the program. Each team and coaching staff has to set goals and to make sure that every kid is included and has a positive experience. This is his measure of success. He has used different options and expansion of opportunities to offer skills to special education students.

1.

Information

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

President Mester reviewed the Westchester Putnam School Board Annual Dinner Meeting and Program, with election of officers. After some discussion, President Mester moved to approve the slate of officers and submit one vote on behalf of the district. He also noted that Vicky Tipp is on the slate as Continuing Director. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Seven Bridges update

Dr. McKay reported that the search was completed this morning. A recommendation will be made next week.

1.2.2

Tri-States visit to Bedford

She spent almost three days with a Tri-States team as well as administrators and teachers to see what is going on in classrooms. Tri-States will be here next year to study space and iLabs.

1.2.3

iLab: Future planning

Dr. McKay invited the original designers, FNI, to continue to look at the use of space here.

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

Victoria Tipp and Alyson Kiesel explained the minor Revision to Policy 7025 - Rules and Regulations for the Maintenance of Public Order on School Property. In light of the minor change, Karen Visser moved to waive the requirement for no fewer than two meetings for discussion of policy change. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Karen Visser moved to adopt the revision to Policy 7025 Rules and Regulations for the Maintenance of Public Order on School Property. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.

Approvals

3.1

Warren Messner moved to approve the minutes of March 19, 2014. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.2

Warren Mester moved to ratify the Report of Budget/Election May 20, 2014. Jeffrey Mester 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":

David Cutler,

Molly Jacobson

Antonia LoConte,

Luisa Turco, and

Celine Vichitlakakran.

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed to be appointed to work in the Chappaqua Summer Extended Year Program from June 30, 2014 through August 12, 2014, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education."

Felice Gittelman, Per Diem Teacher of Special Education,

Patricia Greco, Teacher of Special Education,

Sara Kenney, Teacher of Special Education,

Shannon Bailey, Teacher of Special Education,

Karin Pelletier, Per Diem Teacher of Special Education,

Ming-Faye D'Ambrosio, Per Diem Teacher of Special Education,

Susan Miller, Substitute Teacher of Special Education,

Anne DeCora, Teacher of Speech/Language,

Gail Fuld, Teacher of Speech/Language,

Mary Crewe, Per Diem Occupational Therapist,

Jillian Parke, Per Diem Occupational Therapist,

Laura Cassidy, Per Diem Physical Therapist,

Kathy Brehm, Part Time Nurse,

Margaret Callinan, Part Time Nurse,

Pat Pollock, Part Time Nurse,

Lynne Brennan, Teaching Assistant,

Charles Buchanan, Teaching Assistant,

Jayne Carlson, Teaching Assistant,

Anthony Castaneda, Teaching Assistant,

Danielle Cohen, Teaching Assistant,

Ann Marie Masciana, Teaching Assistant,

Moira McKenna, Teaching Assistant,

Jaclyn Nannariello, Teaching Assistant,

Kathleen O'Donnell, Teaching Assistant,

Helen Teevan, Teaching Assistant,

Michael Whiting, Teaching Assistant, and

Dana Stein-Dince, Substitute Teaching Assistant.

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:

Mr. Jeffery Knisely, Teacher of Social Studies, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective June 30, 2014.

Ms. Susan Mac Lean, Teacher of Social Studies, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective June 30, 2014.

Ms. MaryEllen Pearson, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective June 30, 2014.

Request for Parental Leave of Absence:

Ms. Jamie Egan, Teacher of Social Studies, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective June 2, 2014 through June 30, 2014.

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:

Ms. Beth Connors, Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective April 21, 2014 through June 6, 2014.

Mr. Charles Buchanan, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective April 30, 2014 through June 30, 2014.

Karen Visser moved to approve the recommendations. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Dr. McKay made the following tenure appointment recommendations after brief comments by each of the building administrator:

Appointment: Tenure

Victoria Tipp moved to appoint:

Mr. Eric Byrne, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, District wide, effective July 1, 2014. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Jeffrey Mester moved to appoint:

Rachel Karyo, Horace Greeley, effective May 13, 2014. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously. (Rachel was originally granted tenure at the 3-12-2014 board meeting.)

Warren Messner moved to appoint:

Stacey Kurtis, Robert E. Bell, Teaching Assistant, March 26, 2014. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously. (Stacey was originally granted tenure at 3-12-2014 board meeting.)

Alyson Kiesel moved to appoint:

Ms. Laurie Lichtenstein, Teacher of English/Social Studies, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 1, 2014. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Alyson Kiesel moved to appoint:

Ms. Samantha McCaw, Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School and Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 1, 2014. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Warren Messner moved to appoint:

Ms. Nadia Smith, Teacher of Reading, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective September 1, 2014. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.2

Non-Instructional

Victoria Tipp offered the following resolutions. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed four yes votes. Jeffrey Mester abstained.

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed below as per diem custodial substitutes to be employed on an "as needed" basis, effective May 19, 2014:

Joseph Ursino

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed below as per diem custodial substitutes to be employed on an "as needed" basis, effective May 29, 2014:

Stephen Guyt,

Brett Mester,

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Karen Visser moved to approve CSE Summaries reported to Board on May 23, 2014. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Alyson Kiesel moved to appoint additional personnel who volunteered for budget/election May 20, 2014. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Pam Alvi,

Sara Kaplan,

Katri Koster

5.3

Alyson KIesel moved to approve contract for Health and Welfare Services with the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns for 27 children at a rate of $599 per child effective September 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve contract for Health and Welfare Services Rye City School District for four children at a rate of $762.09 per child effective September 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.5

Jeffrey Mester moved to adopt GASB 45 Report recommended by the Audit Committee for July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously. (This is a health care report on post retiree costs.)

5.6

Alyson Kiesel offered a resolution,

"Resolved, that the Board of Education authorizes its attorneys, Shaw, Perelson, May and Lambert, LLP to execute a Consent Judgment in a tax certiorari proceeding captioned South Greeley Holdings LLC v. Town of New Castle and the Chappaqua CSD;

And it is further resolved, that the Board authorizes the refund of taxes as required by the terms of the Consent Judgment.

Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.7

Warren Messner offered a resolution,

"Be it resolved that the Board of Education authorizes its attorneys, Shaw Perelson May and Lambert, LLP to appear and represent the district DE vs. Chappaqua Central School District at the hourly rate contained in the 2013-14 retainer with the district.

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.8

Karen Visser offered a resolution to re-certify lead evaluators of classroom teachers pursuant to Education Law Section 3012-c.

"WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirement of Education Law Section 3012-c and Part 30-2.9 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, the individuals named below have completed all the necessary training to be re-certified as lead evaluators of classroom teachers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby recertifies the following individuals as lead evaluators of classroom teachers:

Robert Rhodes,

Mike Kirsch,

Martin Fitzgerald,

Jamie Edelman,

Amy Fishkin,

Jim Skoog,

Pete Kuczma,

Darleen Nicolosi,

Heidi McCarthy,

Andrew Corsilia,

Michael Taylor,

Michelle Glenn,

Tim Doyle,

Greg Steifel,

Karen Ruzzo,

Annemarie Deluia-Piekarski,

Carol Baartlik,

Debbie Alspach."

Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.9

Alyson Kiesel offered a resolution to re-certify lead evaluators of building principals pursuant to Education Law Section 3012-c.

"WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirements of Education Law Section 3012-c and Part 30-2.9 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, the individuals named below have completed all the necessary training to be recertified as lead evaluators of building principals;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby recertifies the following individuals as lead evaluators of building principals:

Lyn McKay,

Andrew Selesnick,

Eric Byrne

The motion passed unanimously.

5.10

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve Agreement with School Messenger for development of mobile app at a cost of $4,376.90 effective July 2, 2014. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.11

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve Agreement with A.F. Investigations for Investigative services at a rate of $65 per hour per investigator and other fees as stipulated within contract, effective May 28, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.12

Alyson Kiesel moved Renewal of contract with Westcop for 2014-15 school year with a rental fee of $25,090 per classroom for a total of $50,180. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.13

Warren Messner offered the following resolution,

"BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes the Board President to execute an a Release and Settlement Agreement regarding student #602546. A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting."

Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.14

Karen Visser moved to approve Bid No. 916 Upper Gym Roof replacement at Horace Greeley - NUA Construction Corp.

Part 1. Lmp Construction - $312,961.00; Alternate Number 1 - $23,000.00

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.15

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve Bid No. 917 - Field Maintenance Services - Maxner Landscaping LLC,

WHEREAS, the Board of Education invited sealed proposals for Field Maintenance Services

WHEREAS, the bid submitted by Frank A. Peloso Co. LLC., the lowest bidder was not in compliance with the bid specifications in that they did not provide written proof of a certified payroll

WHEREAS, the second lowest bidder Maxner Landscaping LLC, has complied with such bid specifications;

THEREFORE, be it resolved the Board determines that the failure of Frank A. Peloso Co. LLC. to meet the requirements set forth in the bid specifications, as set forth herein, constitutes a material deviation from the bid specification and, therefore rejects such bid; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board hereby awards the bid for the for Field Maintenance Services to Maxner Landscaping, LLC, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the following amounts:

Part A. Lump Sum Cost: $100,000.00

Part B. Additional Grounds Work

1.

Regular Man Hours Weekdays (7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.):

$17.14 Per Hour

2.

Overtime Man Hours (4:01 p.m. - 6:59 a.m.):

$17.14 Per Hour

3.

Saturday Rate (12:01 a.m. - 11:59 p.m.):

$25.71 Per Hour

4.

Material Mark-Up:

0%

Part C. Field Striping

1.

Field Striping for Robert E. Bell Middle School fields as listed in spec during Spring:

$300.00 Per Week

2.

Field Striping for Robert E. Bell Middle School fields as listed in spec during Fall:

$200.00 Per Week

3.

Field Striping for Seven Bridges Middle School fields as listed in spec during Spring:

$300.00 Per Week

4.

Field Striping for Seven Bridges Middle School fields as listed in spec during Fall:

$300.00 Per Week.

5.

Field Striping for Horace Greeley High School fields as listed in spec during Spring:

$900.00 Per Week

6.

Field Striping for Horace Greeley High School fields as listed in spec during Fall:

$900.00 Per Week

Part D. Field Maintenance Tasks

1.

Regular Man Hours Weekdays (7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.):

$17.14 Per Hour

2.

Overtime Man Hours (4:01 p.m. - 6:59 a.m.):

$17.14 Per Hour

3.

Saturday Rate (12:01 a.m. - 11:59 p.m.):

$25.71 Per Hour

4.

Material Mark-Up:

0%

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the Board President to execute a contract with Maxner Landscaping LLC. for the 2014-2015 school year, a copy of which is incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting.

Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.16

Alyson Kiesel offered the following resolution,

"BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes the Board President to execute a Release and Settlement Agreement regarding student #601658. A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting."

Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

7.

Financials

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the financial reports, 7.1-7.4. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Revenues - April 30, 2014

7.2

Expenditures - April 30, 2014

7.3

Claim auditor Report - April 30, 2014

7.4

Treasurer's Report - April 30, 2014

8.

President Mester gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Wednesday, June 4, 2014, Board meeting at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m.

Presentations:

Honor Retirees

Bell Piano Trio

9.

Adjournment to Executive Session

Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. and reconvene in Executive Session to discuss employment history of a particular person. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 10:00 p.m. Warren Messner moved to reconvene public session and adjourn the meeting. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Theresa Markley, District Clerk

Jeffrey Mester, Board President