Minutes July 7, 2010

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

July 7, 2010

 

Time:

8:15 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School

 

Present:

Board of Education
Jeffrey Mester, President
Janet Benton, Vice President
Gregg Bresner
Alyson Kiesel
Randall Katchis

 

Staff Members
Present:

Mr. John Chambers, Interim Superintendent

Dr. Lyn McKay, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Mr. Thomas Cardellichio, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Mr. John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business

 

Visitors Present:

Representatives of the Chappaqua PTA, school PTAs, building administrators, faculty, and other interested citizens.

 

Board President Jeffrey Mester convened the meeting at 7:45p.m. Janet Benton moved to go into Executive Session to discuss a legal issue. Jeffrey Mester seconded and the motion passed unanimously. At 8:25p.m. Janet Benton moved to close the Executive Session and reconvene the public session. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Mester offered his sincere thanks to his board colleagues for mentoring him, and to administrators, staff, PTA, and district clerk for their support and help during this past year. He welcomed new interim superintendent John Chambers and new board member Randall Katchis.

1.

Oath of Office to newly elected board member

District Clerk Theresa Markley administered the oath of office to newly elected Board Members, Randall Katchis and Jeffrey Mester.

2.

Election of Board President for 2010/2011

Jeffrey Mester moved that Janet Benton be elected President of the Board of Education of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011.

Gregg Bresner seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Board members then took a moment to rearrange seating.

Janet Benton thanked Jeffrey for his leadership as president for the past year. She noted the time and effort it takes for the board president to keep everyone organized, listen to the different voices in the district, and respond to the many requests. On behalf of the board, she thanked Jeffrey for moving them forward, listening, keeping them focused on the teaching and learning in the district while grappling with budget issues and for his success in leading the search for an interim superintendent.

3.

Presiding Officer - Janet Benton

3.1

Appointments for 2010/2011 school year.

President Benton moved that Gregg Bresner be appointed to serve as Vice President of the Board of Education of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011. He shall have the power to exercise the duties of the President in case of absence or disability of the President. In the absence of the President and Vice President, Jeffrey Mester is authorized to act in the capacity of President.

Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

School District Clerk

Gregg Bresner moved that Theresa Markley be appointed School District Clerk of the Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011.

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

School District Treasurer

Gregg Bresner moved that Blanche Blair be appointed School District Treasurer of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011.

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

School District Deputy Treasurer

Jeffrey Mester moved that John Chow be appointed School District Deputy Treasurer of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011.

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Central Treasurer - Extracurricular Activity Fund

Alyson Kiesel moved that Blanche Blair be appointed Central Treasurer - Extracurricular Activity Fund of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011.

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Attendance Officers

Randy Katchis moved that building administrators, or their designees shall be appointed Attendance Officers for the 2010/2011 school year.

Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Audit Committee

Gregg Bresner moved that Karen Kowgios, Sam Shimer, and Michael Greenstein be appointed to serve on the Audit Committee for the 2010/2011 school year.

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Claims Auditor

Jeffrey Mester moved that Christopher H. Weir shall be appointed Claims Auditor for the 2010/2011 school year.

Randy Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Homeless Liaisons

Gregg Bresner moved that Lynn Lubow be appointed homeless liaison for the Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011 and that Jerry Wishner be appointed homeless liaison until August 31, 2010; Heidi McCarthy be appointed homeless liaison effective September 1, 2010 for the school year 2010/2011.

Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Medicaid Compliance Officer

Alyson Kiesel moved that Tom Cardellichio be appointed Medicaid Compliance Officer for the 2010/11 school year.

Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Payroll Certification Officers

Jeffrey Mester moved that John Chow and Tom Cardellichio be appointed Payroll Certification Officers of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011.

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Property Control Manager

Gregg Bresner moved that Michael Trnik be appointed Property Control Manager of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011.

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Purchasing Agent and Alternate Purchasing Agent

Alyson Kiesel moved that Michael Trnik be appointed Purchasing Agent and John Chow be appointed Alternate Purchasing Agent for the 2010/2011 school year.

Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Records Management and Access Officer

Jeffrey Mester moved that John Chow be appointed Records Management and Access Officer of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011.

Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

School District Attorney

Gregg Bresner moved that the firm of Shaw, Perelson, May and Lambert, LLP be appointed School District Attorney of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011.

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

School District Auditor

Alyson Kiesel moved that the firm of Bennett Kielson Storch DeSantis Division of O'Connor Davies Munns and Dobbins LLP be appointed as Auditors of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011.

Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Title IX Compliance Officer

Randy Katchis moved that Tom Cardellichio be appointed Title IX Compliance Officer for the 2010/2011 school year.

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Depositories

Gregg Bresner moved that Bank of New York, Chase, Wachovia, Bank of America, Commerce Bank, TD Banknorth, Webster Bank, Signature Bank, and HSBC are designated as depositories for the funds of Chappaqua Central School District for the school year 2010/2011, beginning July 1, 2010, and ending June 30, 2011.

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Investments

Jeffrey Mester moved that Blanche Blair, Treasurer, and John Chow, Deputy Treasurer, be authorized to take appropriate action in the investment of school district funds during the 2010/2011 school year.

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Newspapers

Randall Katchis moved that for the purpose of advertising bids and other legal notices during the school year 2010/2011, The Journal News, The Northern Westchester Express, or The New York Times be designated.

Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Petty Cash

Alyson Kiesel moved that Petty Cash Accounts, in accordance with policy, be approved for the school year as follows:

 

Superintendent's Office

$100

Business Office

$100

Douglas G. Grafflin School

$100

Roaring Brook School

$100

Westorchard School

$100

Robert E. Bell School

$100

Horace Greeley High School    

$100

Seven Bridges School

$100

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Bond

Gregg Bresner moved that the Treasurer's Bond in the amount of $100,000 as executed by NYSIR be approved as to form and sufficiency for the school year 2010/2011.

Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.

Oaths/affirmations of appointees

District Clerk Theresa Markley administered the oath of office to Janet Benton as Board President.

Janet Benton administered the oath of office to District Clerk Theresa Markley, who in turn administered the oath of office to the new appointees.

5.

Approvals

6.

Recommended Action: Personnel

John Chambers made the following recommendations, as stated:

 

6.1

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":

Margaret Dwyer,

Suzanne Michel, and

Amanda Popoli.

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 28, 2010 through August 13, 2010, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education."

Charles Buchanan, Teaching Assistant,

Joanna Cloherty, Teaching Assistant, and

Laurie Dellolio, Teaching Assistant.

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby abolishes a .2 FTE Science position. This action results in the decrease of .2 FTE Science at Horace Greeley High School effective July 1, 2010."

Request for Parental Leave of Absence:

Ms. Alison Guerra, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective September 1, 2010 through December 23, 2010.

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:

Mr. Paul Swiatocha, Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective May 17, 2010 through May 18, 2010 and June 14, 2010 through June 18, 2010.

Resignation:

Ms. Iana Hardeman-Malcolm, Teaching Assistant, Chappaqua Summer Extended Year Program, effective June 16, 2010.

Ms. Kristin Turco, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 15, 2010.

Ms. Christine Waller, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 15, 2010.

Appointment: Probationary

Ms. Tammy Ghirardi, Assistant Principal, Westorchard Elementary School, effective July 7, 2010, in the tenure area of Assistant Principal PreK-4, $120,500, prorated..

Ms. Nicole Curran, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective September 1, 2010, Step 2, B(BA+30) with Masters, $67,586.

Appointment: Part Time

Mr. Jason Cuvelier, (.67) Teacher of Art, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, D(BA+90) with Masters, $52,438.

Ms. Gina Gomes, (.6) Teacher of Physical Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective September 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 6, C(BA+60) with Masters, $52,265.

Ms. Tammy Korman, (.6) Teacher of Mathematics, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 9, C(BA+60) with Masters, $57,898.

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve the recommendations, as stated. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.2

Non-Instructional

Superintendent John Chambers made the following recommendations, as stated:

Resolutions:

BE IT RESOLVED, that due to increased student need, the Board of Education hereby creates a Teacher Aide position (30 hours per week) at Westorchard Elementary School.

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 July 8, 2010:

Carlos Del Solar

Sheilah Harvey

Ulrich Spruill

Blanca Toro

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

 

7.

Recommended Action: Other

7.1

Gregg Bresner moved to approve CSE summaries reported to Board on July 2, 2010. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.2

Gregg Bresner moved to approve the retainer for legal services for 2010-2011 from Shaw Perelson, May, Lambert, LLP, in the amount of $125,000 annually, and amended to include that a copy of which shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.3

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the Agreement of Services with Claims Auditor, Christopher H. Weir, July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011 in the amount of $75 per hour. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.4

Alyson Kiesel offered the following resolution,

RESOLVED, the President of the Board of Education is authorized and empowered to execute a retainer agreement with Keane & Beane, P.C. for special counsel services relating to the collection of amounts due pursuant to statute.

President Benton noted that this was discussed in Executive Session. Due to a Conflict of interest with Shaw Perelson May and Lambert, we will retain Keane and Beane, PC to act on behalf of the district in this matter. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.5

Gregg Bresner moved to approve an Extension of the Transportation Contract with Chappaqua Transportation, September 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011, in the amount of $5,147,897.01. Jeffrey Mester seconded. It was noted this is a 2.2% increase based on the CPI, Consumer Price Index for the school year. The last three years were a zero increase. The motion passed unanimously.

7.6

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve an Intent/Request for Services with Student Assistance Services Corp. in the amount of $63,900 for 2010-11. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.7

Gregg Bresner moved to approve the amendment for voice services to the Infinite Campus Agreement for 2010-11, in the amount of $9,540. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.8

Jeffrey Mester offered a Resolution for car allowance,

"BE IT RESOLVED, in accordance with Policy 9040, that based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, employees in the following positions who are required to travel regularly among the buildings of the School District shall be entitled to a monthly car allowance of $200 for the 2010-11 school year as set forth below:

Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum,

Assistant Superintendent for Business,

Director for Special Education,

Director for Technology"

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.9

Gregg Bresner moved to approve an Extension of the Food Service Contract with Aramark, Educational Services, Inc. for 2010-11 as set forth in the contract. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.10

Jeffrey Mester offered the following Supplemental Defense and Indemnification Resolution,

"WHEREAS, Section 18 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York authorizes municipal corporations, including Boards of Education, to adopt supplemental defense and indemnification provisions to those contained in the Education Law; and

WHEREAS, the statute authorizes Boards of Education to defend, indemnify and save harmless, members of boards of education and officers, agents and employees of the Boards of Education and parent volunteers in connection with any claims asserted or judgment obtained against such board members, officers, agents or employees in any State or Federal Court, or in the amount of any settlement of any such claim, provided the act or omission from which such judgment or claim arose occurred while the Board member, officer, agent or employee was acting within the scope of his or her office of employment;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District hereby adopts the supplemental defense and indemnification provisions contained in Section 18 of the Public Officers Law for its Board members, officers, agents and employees, and parent volunteers on school-based planning and shared decision making committees or other community volunteer performing volunteer service with the consent of the Board and/or Superintendent of Schools. This coverage shall supplement and shall be in addition to the coverage available to such employees under other enactments, including but not limited to the Education Law of the State of New York."

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.11

Gregg Bresner offered a resolution to approve the Court Order Consent Judgment refund to William and Carolyn Banfield for assessment years 1996-97 in the amount of $8,286.71. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.12

Randall Katchis moved to approve a "revocable permit" with State University of New York at Purchase College for use of pool facilities from August 15, 2010 - December 31, 2010 in the estimated amount of $9,500. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.13

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a gift from Academic Challenge to Horace Greeley High School in the amount of $12,500 and will be deposited into the Gifts/Donations HGHS Account. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.14

Gregg Bresner moved to approve a gift from Grafflin PTA in the amount of $3,350 for shelves and supplies for the Peer Mediation program at Douglas Grafflin. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.15

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a gift from Chappaqua School Foundation in the amount of $70,000 to be used with funds from the Chappaqua PTA for SMART boards and digital document cameras in all third grade classrooms for 2010/11. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.16

Randall Katchis moved to approve a gift from Chappaqua PTA in the amount of $5,000 to be used with funds from Chappaqua School Foundation for SMART boards and digital document cameras in all third grade classrooms for 2010/11. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.17

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve a gift from Roaring Brook PTA in the amount of $6,139 to be used to purchase and install a tire swing on the RB playground. (This includes several inches of protective mulch and installation costs.) Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Benton thanked the PTA's and Chappaqua School Foundation for their generosity and support of the schools.

7.18

Jeffrey Mester offered a resolution for a list of items to be declared Obsolete,

"WHEREAS, the District owns the attached list of items which are no longer useful or necessary for school district purposes and is of no value to the School District;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby declares such equipment to be surplus property and of no value to the School District and authorizes the disposal of such equipment in a prudent manner in accordance with law."

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.

Information Business Affairs

8.1

President's Report

8.1.1

Report on Board / Administrators' Retreat

Janet Benton reported that the board, along with several teachers and staff developers, joined district administrators during their annual summer retreat this morning. The focus of the session was on how to use technology to address our strategic question about ensuring our students are acquiring 21st century thinking skills. After a presentation by Harvard Graduate School of Education Professor Chris Dede, retreat participants broke into small groups for discussions about implications and opportunities for new and more effective use of technology in our schools. Board members thanked Deputy Superintendent Lyn McKay and Director of Technology Darleen Nicolosi for their work in setting up such an interesting session and noted the importance of this work going forward.

8.1.2

President Benton announced the Board Committees / Liaisons for 2010-11.

Janet Benton, President

Audit Committee;

Policy Committee;

Wellness Committee - liaison

Gregg Bresner, Vice President

Audit Committee, Chair;

Westchester Putnam School Boards - liaison;

Green Committee - liaison

Randall Katchis,

Audit Committee;

Communication Committee;

Facilities Committee;

Finance Committee;

New Castle Cares - liaison

Alyson Kiesel,

Audit Committee;

Communication Committee;

Policy Committee;

Chappaqua School Foundation - liaison

Jeffrey Mester,

Audit Committee, Vice Chair;

Facilities Committee;

Finance Committee;

Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund - liaison;

Green Committee - liaison

8.1.3

Audit Committee report. Audit Committee Chair Gregg Bressner reported that we plan to interview internal audit firms. John Chow will advertise for firms and send a termination letter to our current internal auditor as 90 days notice is required. The board discussed the internal audit report on food service and determined to accept the report as it is currently written. John Chow will finalize the report for acceptance at the August meeting. Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the report as written. It was seconded by Randall Katchis. The motion passed unanimously.

8.1.4

President Benton gave some history on the Zauderer property, one of several pieces of land donated to the school district over the years. At one time it was thought to be a good site for a school. It was one of the pieces considered for the Seven Bridges site, but deemed too small and inaccessible for a school. John Chow presented information on the property, current school building capacities, and future enrollment projections. After some discussion, the board agreed that the property is not needed by the school district and to begin exploring sale of the property.

8.1.5

The Board was invited to participate in the NCCTV Strategic Planning process. Jeffrey Mester and Randall Katchis volunteered to work on the committee.

8.1.6

Consideration of televising Board of Education meetings live was discussed. The new digital cameras introduced into service this evening will make the process of capturing better quality video and audio and carrying it directly to NCCTV. Although live broadcasting was received favorably, it was noted that NCCTV has moved the studio out of Greeley which may make the process problematic. More information will be obtained and brought back to a future meeting.

8.1.7

Consideration of a Student Liaison to the BOE was discussed. Alyson and Gregg will pursue this.

8.1.8

Restructuring Possibilities - The board discussed the restructuring options presented by Superintendent David Fleishman at the May 25 meeting. After discussion, the board asked the administration to revisit the options looking at educational impact and report back in the fall.

8.1.9

The Superintendent Search Process was discussed. The board expressed its appreciation of the work already done by Chuck Fowler of School Leadership, LLC but determined to interview additional search firms before selecting a firm to lead the search going forward. It was also agreed that the interviews of search firms will be open meetings with community members invited to attend.

8.1.10

President Benton presented the information for Nomination of the Area 10 representative, Peggy Zugibe, to New York State School Boards Assoc. Board of Directors. Gregg Bresner so moved to nominate Peggy Zugibe. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Addendum Item:

8.1.11

President Benton proposed the 2010-11 Board meeting schedule. After some discussion, Jeffrey Mester moved to adopt the attached, amended meeting schedule for 2010-11. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.2

Superintendent's Report

8.2.1

Report on Administrators/Board Retreat

Interim Superintendent John Chambers reported that this was one of the best retreats that he has attended because of the interaction with the board, teachers, and administrators. He thanked the board members for attending and explained that the teachers and administrators are thrilled to have their participation. This is how we get to know each other and what we care about and serves as a catalyst for moving to the board strategic question. He also thanked Lyn McKay and her team for organizing.

8.2.2

Interim entry process.

John Chambers explained that he had to know what initiatives are in place in the district before taking any action. He will work with key people and different organizations to discuss an entry conversation centered around three questions:

  1. Where does the interim superintendent need to devote special attention?
     
  2. How can we best work toward a successful transition to the new superintendent?
     
  3. Are there other areas of your own continuing growth where I might be helpful?

He would like to help build the bridge for the new superintendent. He extended an invitation to the community to email or visit him.

9.

Finance

9.1

The Claims Auditor Report for May 2010 was accepted at the June meeting.

9.2

Alyson Kiesel offered the following resolution,

"Be it resolved that the Board of Education authorizes the transfer of unexpended funds following the satisfactory completion of the Horace Greeley Bleachers Project from the Capital Projects Fund to the General Fund in the amount of $223.301.

Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Gregg Bresner moved to accept the

9.3

Revenue Report - June 30, 2010

9.4

Expenditure Report - June 30, 2010.

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

9.5

Alyson Kiesel moved to accept Bid #840 for Work Uniforms to Fesco, Inc. for $41.30 low sizes; $49.56 high sizes. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Addendum Item:

9.6

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve Bid #847 for the Lintel replacement at Westorchard and masonry repair to Plato Construction Corp. The West elevation cost is $33,123; North elevation is $19,300. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

10.

Organization

10.1

Randall Katchis moved to adopt the revision after the second reading of the Draft Revision Policy 6005 Audit Committee. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

10.2

After some discussion, of the First Reading: Draft Revision Policy 5010 Student Application To and Selection of Colleges, it was decided to check further with guidance department.

10.3

Alyson Kiesel offered a resolution to affirm all policies previously adopted by the Board. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

11.

Questions and Comments

After some questions from the community, it was suggested that specific questions be addressed to Assistant Superintendent for Business, John Chow. More financial information will be available on the website as well.

12.

President Benton gave Notice of Future Meetings:

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - 8:15 p.m. at Horace Greeley High School

13.

Adjournment

At 10:40 p.m. President Benton asked for a motion to adjourn the public meeting. Alyson Kiesel so moved. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Janet Benton, Board President

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