Minutes October 24, 2012

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

October 24, 2012

 

Time:

8:15 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School

 

Present:

Board of Education
Victoria Tipp, President
Jeffrey Mester
Karen Visser
Randall Katchis

 

Absent:

Alyson Gardner Kiesel, Vice President

 

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 Tipp called the meeting to order at 7:14 p.m. Karen Visser moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of labor negotiations and a legal issue. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn the executive session. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Tipp welcomed the community. Jeffrey Mester moved to reconvene the public session at 8:20 p.m. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Dr. McKay read Governor Cuomo's proclamation honoring school boards and noted activities all over the state acknowledging October 29 - November 2 as School Board Recognition Week. On behalf of clerical and custodial staff, teachers and administrators, she expressed appreciation for all the work that board members do throughout the year. PTA President Maura Marcon acknowledged the volunteer efforts of the school board. What our students learn, and what kinds of facilities we have, and who will teach them - is the work of the school board . The PTA expressed their gratitude to the dedicated men and women who work so hard on behalf of the community. On behalf of the board, the PTA has made a donation to the Tom Cardellichio scholarship fund.

President Tipp also thanked the PTA and expressed that it is an honor for the board members to serve the district. The board appreciated their very kind words.

Presentation:

Administrator and teacher leadership development

Superintendent Dr. Lyn McKay expressed excitement about teacher and leadership development in the district . It has been wonderful to have Assistant Superintendent Andrew Selesnick in the role of leadership development and human resources. Mr. Selesnick introduced Amy Fishkin, Principal of Roaring Brook Elementary School and Robert Rhodes, Principal of Horace Greeley High School who explained their experiences offered insights as new administrators utilizing entry plans and adapting to the culture of the district. Robert is new to Chappaqua. Amy, former assistant principal, indicated that although she was familiar with the district, having worked with the administrators, parents, staff previously, she was now looking at it from a different perspective as principal.

Andrew reviewed the six strands of the ISLLC Standards, which means interstate leaders licensor consortium that came together in the mid 90's and adopted in 45 states. There are subsets and these were used in developing the APPR.

He noted the new and continuing support structures such as new administrator discussion groups; , administrative network walks, building site visits, administrative leadership inventory, one-to-one mentoring, and ongoing, individual support. He explained the importance of each type of group.

Andrew thanked both of Robert and Amy and recalled a conversation with two former administrators who were effective, but both said how isolating the work was. In the old days, we felt that they could do it on their own. He stressed the importance of collegial and mentoring relationships so administrators do not need to feel that they are on their own.

Andrew noted that formerly about 1/4 of the staff would be evaluated annually. This year in 30 days, we have finished about 140 observations. We will do about 600 observations, write them and then provide feedback to teachers. The state requires observations as part of APPR.

President Tipp recognized the tremendous amount of work staff is putting into teaching of the children. Board members commented on their positive efforts.

1.

Information

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Joint School/Town Boards meeting

President Tipp reported there will be a joint Town/School meeting on December 4. We have not set an agenda yet.

President Tipp reported on the COGS meeting. This is Community Organizations Groups composed of school administrators, clergy, PTA, library youth director and other town rec programs. It is an open group that is evolving and interested in community input.

1.1.2

Randall Katchis reported on the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund successful art show fundraiser, an exposition of the Louis Dreyfuss Art collection of Mount Kisco, a substantial private collection.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Dr Sam Wang visit

Dr McKay reported that Dr. Sam Wang, professor of neuroscience from Princeton University and co-author of "Welcome to Your Child's Brain: How the Mind Grows From Conception To College," discussed how to promote healthy development of all children at the PTA meeting on October 22, 7:15 p.m., at Bell Middle School Auditorium.

1.2.2

Local assessments

Dr. McKay introduced Eric Byrne who coordinated the staff development day on Thursday. They gathered all the student assessments and spent the day with productive conversations about the assessments, cross team building between schools, and building rubrics. They discussed teacher sharing practices and having deep conversations. He expressed appreciation to teachers administrators, and staff developers who have been completing this very tiring but satisfying work.

1.2.3

Homecoming

Homecoming with fireworks, even with inclement weather, the sportsboosters team Christy Hill, Joe Gramando, and Pete Kuczma along with the support of the fire department pulled off a very successful event. Saturday night dance was great also. Thank you to chaperones and assistant principals.

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

Draft revision, second reading: 9051 Staff Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

President Tipp explained this is to bring our policy up to date with some of the new technology to include web based applications. Randall Katchis moved to adopt the policy revisions. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

2.2

First reading: Transportation for District Sponsored Activities or Athletic Events.

President Tipp gave a first reading and briefly explained the purpose. It is expected that students should be transported by district, but if there is a problem, a student is not allowed to drive themselves. There are three forms that are not part of the policy.

3.

Approvals

Victoria Tipp moved to approve the minutes of October 9, 10, 2012, as amended. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.1

Minutes of October 9, 2012

3.2

Minutes of October 10, 2012

3.3

Randall Katchis moved to table the minutes of April 24, 2012, Executive Session, postponed from September 27, 2012. 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":

Nancy Williams.

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:

Mr. Salvatore Santoro, (.4) Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 25, 2012 through October 5, 2012.

Appointment: Part Time

Mr. John Kramer, (.04) Teacher of Elementary Education to provide Academic Intervention Services as per the Teachers' Contract, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective November 5, 2012 through May 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+30) with Masters, $56.33/hour.

Ms. Shannon Bailey, (.04) Teacher of Elementary Education to provide Academic Intervention Services as per the Teachers' Contract, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective November 5, 2012 through May 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+45) with Masters, $59.30/hour.

Appointment: Coaching

Mr. Dave Fernandes, Varsity Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $10,260.

Mr. Joseph Kearns, Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $7,523.

Ms. Elizabeth Lops, 9th Grade Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,156.

Mr. John Alkalay, Varsity Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $10,260.

Mr. Adam Borman, Junior Varsity Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $7,523.

Mr. Robert Herodes, 9th Grade Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,156.

Ms. Annamarie Marasco, Varsity Bowling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,471.

Ms. Jane Perito, Junior Varsity Bowling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,790.

Mr. Zachary Dargaty, Varsity Ice Hockey, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 5, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $10,260.

Mr. Bruce Perlowitz, Varsity Ice Hockey Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 5, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $7,523.

Ms. Benedicte Calhoun, Varsity Skiing, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,471.

Ms. Sheila Jacob, Varsity Skiing Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,790.

Ms. Margaret Kaplan, Varsity Boys' Swimming, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $8,887.

Ms. Suzanne Guziec, Varsity Boys' Swimming Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,471.

Mr. Mike Darland, Junior Varsity Boys' Swimming, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,471.

Mr. Michael DeBellis, Varsity Wrestling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,574.

Mr. Anthony Marino, Junior Varsity Wrestling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,836.

Mr. Charles McKenna, 7-8th Grade Winter Track, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective November 26, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,471.

Mr. Robert Raguette, 7-8th Grade Winter Track, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective November 26, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,471.

Mr. Anthony Tortora, 7-8th Grade Wrestling, Robert E. Bell Middle School and Seven Bridges Middle School, effective November 26, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $4,922.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching

Mr. Gary Abrams, Varsity Boys' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Richard Birdoff, Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Dillon Clark, Varsity Girls' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 12, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Dan Perito, Varsity Ice Hockey Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 5, 2012 through March 1, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve the recommendations. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.2

Non-Instructional

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Karen Visser moved to approve CSE summaries reported to the Board on October 19, 2012. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve an agreement with Ketchum-Grande Memorial School/The Charlton School for the 2012-13 school year at the rates set by the NY State Department of Education. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Randall Katchis moved to approve an agreement with Ardsley Union Free School District for student #600991 for the 2012-13 school year in the amount of $49,893, plus charges for additional services. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Karen Visser moved to approve an agreement with Assetworks, asset database vendor, effective December 1, 2012 - November 30, 2013, in the amount of $1350. ($50 increase) Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.5

Randall Katchis 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, 2012 thru September 30, 2013. (0% increase for second year) (tabled from 10-10-2012) Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Board members expressed gratitude for the wonderful work of our technical staff and for NESS' understanding of our present economical conditions. Thanks to Darleen Nicolosi for negotiating the contract.

6.

Facilities - none

7.

Financials

7.1

Randall Katchis moved to accept the Treasurer's Report - September 2012. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.2

Victoria Tipp moved to accept the Claims Auditor Report - September 2012. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.3

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a Budget transfer to cover cost, $90,000 of subdivision project of property at Button Hook, Sabina Rd, approved on September 27, 2012 - transfer from acct. A9060 800 36 to A1310 400 30. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.4

Victoria Tipp moved to approve a STAR refund appropriately filed with Westchester County by L. M. Property owner refunded Basic rather than Enhanced and is due a refund in the amount of $2298.88. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.

President Tipp gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at Horace Greeley High School, 8:15 p.m.

Presentation:

New Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR)
(teacher and principal evaluations)

9.

Adjournment

At 9:47p.m., Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Victoria Tipp, Board President

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