Minutes September 21, 2010

1.1.1

Superintendent Search Update

President Benton reported that the Board interviewed two superintendent search firms on September 7. She thanked the firms, community members, and media representatives for their participation in the process. After careful consideration in Executive Session and reference checks, the Board selected Hazard, Young, and Attea. A contract should be on the October 12 agenda. Bruce Dennis and Deborah Raizes will meet with the board on September 30. In response to a question from the community, President Benton promised to look into the procedure for discussion of the search process in public session.

President Benton added that she and Jeffrey Mester will be meeting with other school districts at a breakfast sponsored by the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association. The timely topic is "Superintendent Search Processes". She noted the number of openings in neighboring districts.

1.1.2

Development Proposal for Chappaqua Crossing

President Benton reported that a letter was sent to the Town Board on September 16, requesting an extension of time to respond to the FEIS. We have also notified them that we have retained the firm of Keane and Beane, P.C. who may also be retaining other firms to aid the board in formulating a response to the FEIS.

1.1.3

Communications Committee Report

Alyson Kiesel and Randall Katchis reported that they are researching different venues to reach the community with education information. They welcome input from members of the community who might be expert in the area of using the new technologies that are available.

Dr. McKay notes that in line with this goal, 3-4 minute videos titled 'Classroom Clips' will be posted on the district website. They will focus on specific topics and feature classroom activities, student learning, and teacher and staff developer interviews.

1.1.4

Finance Committee Report

Jeffrey Mester and Randall Katchis reported that they would like to work with the Communication Committee to look into ways to include the community more in the budget process.

Facilities

Jeffrey Mester also mentioned that although the Facilities Committee has not met formally, he wanted to thank Joe Gramando and his staff for the outstanding job that they have done for making improvements in the buildings and facilities and getting them ready for the opening of school and with a very small budget. Steve Young has also reached out to the community organizations for a dialogue on field use and improving communications.

1.1.5

Board calendar - Topics draft

John Chambers suggested that we have collected various topics for meetings throughout the year. This will probably remain a draft as changes will be made throughout the year and we are looking for suggestions and improvements as we go forward.

1.1.6

NCCTV

Randall Katchis and Jeffrey Mester met with NCCTV staff and reported that it is now the New Castle Media Center. The NCMC wants the community to know that they are an education center and would like to teach individuals how to produce film and use various equipment or they will do it for you for a fee. There was additional information provided for live broadcast of board meetings, but more research needs to be done.

1.1.7

Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund liaison report

Jeffrey Mester reported that a former Horace Greeley teacher originally established a .5 million dollar endowment to provide scholarships for needy students in the district. Volunteers raise additional funds each year to add to the fund. Last year $150,000 was given to a number of students in varying amounts to help with their educational pursuits.

1.1.8

Community Day - September 25

Alyson Kiesel enthusiastically invited community members to drop by the Board table on Community Day to have a look at the new website, sign up for email blasts, and ask board members questions. Superintendent John Chambers may have some trivia questions prepared as well.

1.2.1

Opening of School Report

Interim Superintendent John Chambers reported that it was a very good opening of school - his eighteenth. Some statistics: 375 teachers were in place, and more than 200 of those teachers participated in summer courses, 4098 students showed up for the opening as well as 24 administrators. Mr. Chambers also thanked Joe Gramando, teachers and support staff, the transportation company for their efforts for a smooth opening.

Deputy Superintendent Lyn McKay addressed the issue of class size, specifically at Westorchard. She provided the details of their findings including the amount of support necessary for each classroom. Principal Skoog attended the PTA coffees and reported to the parents what additional support would be available.

Dr. McKay noted that over 200 teachers and administrators from all levels and many subject areas participated in summer work or in-service this past summer. Work topics ranged from curriculum map revisions consistent with the new Common Core Standards to social studies and science teachers collaborating to create new integrated units for middle school students. In-service offerings included technology courses such as Digital Story Telling, executive functioning workshops, and teacher action research. Follow-up to the summer work are plans (1) to continue to work with Mary Ehrenworth, literacy consultant from Columbia University, (2) to survey Greeley graduates regarding their preparation for college, and (3) to form a task force to look at important ways students might engage in research.

1.2.2

Entry Interview Report

John Chambers reported that he has met with more than sixty people, including board members, custodians, administrators, taxpayers, teachers, parents, local officials and empty-nesters. He conducted entry interviews over the summer months to determine where work needed to be done, what should be maintained, and expectations for the transition. Two points were quite clear; the pride in the Chappaqua Schools, and concern over school budgets. Lesser mentioned, but equally important themes were communication, teamwork, special education. In response to his question on how he can help with transition, people responded that they want the momentum to continue in curriculum and instruction, support for staff efforts, and attention to other leadership transitions. The district's two strategic questions; one, focuses on teaching and learning and the other focuses on balancing the budget, are on target and will continue to guide the district.