Minutes October 26, 2010

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

October 26, 2010

 

Time:

8:15 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley Commons

 

Present:

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

 

Absent:

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

Theresa Markley, District Clerk

 

Visitors Present:

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

 

Governor Patterson has proclaimed October 25-29, 2010 School Board Recognition Week.

President Janet Benton convened the public session at 7:30p.m. Janet Benton moved to reconvene to Executive session to discuss negotiations, personnel and real property. Alyson Keisel seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 8:30 p.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene the public session. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Benton welcomed everyone. She turned the meeting over to Interim Superintendent John Chambers and Deputy Superintendent Lyn McKay to introduce the latest release of Classroom Clips, a new video presentation program launched successfully at the last board meeting.

Presentation:

  1. Classroom Clips: High school writing

    Dr. McKay introduced the high school creative writing classroom clip and asked viewers to be aware of the process, the peer work, small group work, and movement in the classroom. English Department Chair Andrew Corsillia explained the steps and genres utilized by the juniors and seniors in the class. English teacher Elise Chadwick worked with students to define a short story, distinguish it from other forms of writing, and develop the ideas.

     

  2. Middle and High School Principals' Goals

    Interim Superintendent John Chambers introduced Middle School Principals Martha Zornow of Seven Bridges, Martin Fitzgerald of Bell, and Horace Greeley High School Principal Andrew Selesnick who discussed their school goals in light of the Board strategic question, "How can the District ensure that all students think deeply, support their thinking, apply problem-solving skills, and actively participate in their learning as they acquire content knowledge?" Each of the principals has worked with their department chairs to develop school goals to support this question. Seven Bridges was most interested in making students more actively involved in their own learning. The staff at Seven Bridges created their own goal so that "students will independently monitor their thinking and problem solving using self assessment, self-advocacy, and reflection." Bell's goal was similar, but their emphasis included developing a lens for measurement, "how can we improve instructional practices that support our school goal for learning." After sharing their implementation methods, the question segued to Mr. Selesnick, "and then, what do you do with the students?"

    Andrew Selesnick noted that Greeley teachers are working to address the board's strategic question and to develop department goals as well. Teachers are co-designing courses and then visiting each others classrooms to see how they are being taught and the student response. Teachers have always been very good at measuring course content, but now are challenging themselves to measure skills. Teachers are still struggling with how to teach collaboration and problem solving skills and then let go of some of the testing for assessments. Andrew noted that the high school and middle schools have always been very collegial, but now they are working across the buildings including visits to each others classrooms.

Questions and Comments - The principals responded to questions from board and community members.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Superintendent Search

President Benton reported that Hazard, Young, Attea consultants, Bruce Dennis and Deborah Raizes were in district this week to meet with parents, teachers, administrators, support staff, board members, and other community members to collect information for the superintendent profile. She thanked everyone who participated. The consultants will be here on November 3 to meet with students. There is an online survey for everyone to complete through November 1. Next step will advertising for recruiting candidates. On November 30 Dr. Dennis and Ms. Raizes will make a presentation to follow up with findings from focus groups.

1.1.2

Finance Committee Report: Budget Advisory Group

Board member Jeffrey Mester reported that we have 25 people who have indicated that they would like to be on the committee. The committee will include representatives of various community groups including empty nesters, pre-school parents, and parents across the six schools. The challenge will be to find ways to keep a group this size both productive and effective. First meeting will be November 9, 7:30 p.m. in the academic commons at Horace Greeley.

1.1.3

Chappaqua Crossing Development Proposal

The Board received the first phase of its analysis from the real estate consulting group that it retained and submitted the information to the Town of New Castle. Gregg Bresner detailed the background and process for obtaining a firm that had the experience of working with municipalities, towns, and developers to provide the type of information used for this type of report and analyze the data from every angle. The Board has communicated with the Town that it is trying to complete the second part of the report as quickly as possible.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Report on Professional Development Day - October 22

Interim Superintendent John Chambers asked Deputy Superintendent Lyn McKay to report on the Professional Staff Development Day. Dr. McKay noted that over 470 staff members, teaching assistants, teachers, and administrators participated. Chris Dede, Professor of Learning Technologies from Harvard spoke about a virtual learning environment, assessments, and how technology and students' lives might look quite different in the future.

1.2.2

Bonds Refinancing

John Chow reported on refinancing the district's bond debt. Three of the four outstanding bonds, totaling 47,200,000, can be refinanced. Chappaqua is now one of the few districts that Moody's has rated triple A (AAA). This refinance should produce a $6M net savings, after paying all fees.

1.2.3

Collaboration with Harvard University Researchers

Professor Chris Dede and Harvard researchers will be working with our seventh and eighth grade science students in both middle schools studying a virtual learning environment and assessments. Students will work in teams and be able to manipulate the data instantly in the virtual environment, using EcoMove, software.

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals

3.1

Alyson KIesel moved to accept the minutes of September 21, 2010, as amended. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

Interim Superintendent John Chambers made the following recommendations:

 

4.1

Instructional

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby approves the Stipulation of Settlement with employee number 2824 as per the attached agreement."

Addendum Item:
Resignation:

Ms. Brinn Salvatore, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 1, 2010.

Appointment: Part Time

Mr. Anthony Castagna, Athletic Coordinator, District wide, effective November 8, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $4,068.

Appointment: Coaching

Mr. Zachary Dargaty, Varsity Ice Hockey, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 8, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,814.

Mr. Bruce Perlowitz, Varsity Ice Hockey Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 8, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $7,195.

Mr. Dave Fernandes, Varsity Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,814.

Mr. Joseph Kearns, Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $6,475.

Dr. John Alkalay, Varsity Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,814.

Mr. Adam Borman, Junior Varsity Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $5,816.

Ms. Annamarie Marasco, Varsity Bowling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,233.

Ms. Jane Perito, Junior Varsity Bowling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,581.

Ms. Suzanne Guziec, Varsity Boys' Swimming Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,233.

Mr. Mike Darland, Junior Varsity Boys' Swimming, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,233.

Mr. Michael DeBellis, Varsity Wrestling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,157.

Mr. Anthony Marino, Junior Varsity Wrestling, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $5,888.

Mr. William Woolard, Varsity Track, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $7,847.

Mr. Charles Sehulster, Varsity Track Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,888.

Ms. Benedicte Calhoun, Varsity Skiing, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,233.

Ms. Sheila Jacob, Varsity Skiing Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,581.

Ms. Margaret Kaplan, Varsity Boys' Swimming, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $8,500.

Mr. Robert Herodes, 9th Grade Girls' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 29, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,888.

Ms. Elizabeth Lops, 9th Grade Boys' Basketball, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 29, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,888.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching

Ms. Kacie Schulman, Junior Varsity Field Hockey Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective October 8, 2010 through November 10, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Daniel Perito, Varsity Ice Hockey Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 8, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Robert Clark, Varsity Girls' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 15, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the recommendations. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.2

Non-Instructional

Interim Superintendent John Chambers made the following recommendations:

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed below as a per diem clerical substitute to be employed on an "as needed" basis, effective October 18, 2010, at the clerical sub daily rate of $14/per hour : Marisa Cuomo

Gregg Bresner moved to accept the recommendations. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve CSE summaries reported to the Board on October 22, 2010. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Gregg Bresner moved to approve an agreement with The Devereux Foundation for educational services for each school year September 1 - June 30. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve an agreement with Grove School 2010-11, tuition $102,000 for a particular student. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

7.

Financials

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the following financial reports. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Treasurer's Report September 2010

7.2

Expenditures Report - September 2010

7.3

Revenue Report - September 2010

7.4

Claims Auditor Report - September 2010

7.5

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept recommended Bid #849 Graduation Tent and Chair Rental - to Stamford Tent and Event Services in the amount of $24,978.60. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.6

Bid #835 - Printing/Stationary Services - Gregg Bresner offered the following resolution,

"BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education rescinds the award made on June 1, 2010 of Bid #835 to A to Z Printing relating to Item Number 53 contained in the bid specifications, based upon misinterpretation regarding page count as written in description of item.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education awards Item Number 53 to the next lowest responsible bidder, Mount Kisco Printing."

Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.7

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a Budget Transfer in excess of $50,000 - instructional salaries DGG to WO $79,000, due to transfer of personnel. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Questions and Comments

PTA President Leslie Kuhn noted that it is School Board Recognition Week and expressed gratitude on behalf of the parents and PTA. President Benton noted that serving on the board is interesting, challenging, and satisfying and members agreed that they are pleased to continue to work with the parents, teachers, and administrators in the school district on behalf of the students.

8.

President Benton gave Notice of Future Meetings -

 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at Education Center, 7:15 p.m.

Required all BOCES component districts vote to fulfill BOCES board vacancy.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at Horace Greeley High School - 8:15 p.m.

Presentation:

2011-2012 Budget Process Preview

9.

Adjournment

At 10:20 p.m. President Benton asked for a motion to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing a personnel item. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn the meeting. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 10:45 p.m. Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn the Executive session and return to public session for the purpose of adjournment. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Janet Benton, Board President

tm/jb