Minutes November 16, 2010

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

November 16, 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
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.

 

President Janet Benton convened the public session at 7:00p.m. Janet Benton moved to reconvene to Executive session to discuss negotiations, personnel and real property. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 8:25 p.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene the public session. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Benton welcomed everyone. She explained the new Questions and Comments periods after each section and asked that each speaker restrict comments to each segment with a final opportunity to ask questions at the end of the meeting. 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 this fall with new releases promised for each board meeting.

Presentation:

  1. Classroom Clips: Art in the Middle Schools

    Dr. McKay introduced Art in the Seven Bridges Middle School with art teachers Terry Koshel and Zack Arnold. She expressed her particular pleasure in relating this back to our Strategic Question on Learning because most people think that the question only relates to academics, but it is as true for the arts such as music, or physical education, as it is for other classroom subjects. Critical and independent thinking skills are necessary for all subjects to help students learn to think deeply and creatively, to problem-solve, and to work together collaboratively.

  2. 2011-2012 Budget Preview

    President Benton offered her comments on the budget development process and the Board's outreach to the community to appoint a Finance Advisory Committee. She noted that Chappaqua is a community committed to excellence in education and the challenge to find a way to deliver the highest quality education to our children at a cost the community can afford. Tax increases of the past are not possible or sustainable going forward. She stated more than once that budget development in the current economic environment is a daunting task adding that it will take all stakeholders in the community to work together to create a budget that provides excellence in education for our children and is also acceptable to district tax payers.

    Interim Superintendent John Chambers thanked Janet Benton for her comments and emphasized that the preview is a rollover of this year's budget, increasing or decreasing only those factors that we know are prescribed such as contracts or mandates set by state legislature. He stressed that the numbers must get smaller and this is not a proposed budget. Mr. Chambers began with the reference to the Strategic Question, ""How can the District ensure continuing excellence in academic and extracurricular programs while developing a budget that is fiscally responsible?"

    Mr. Chambers asked John Chow to enumerate on what information is known already - Reduction in Federal / State Aid, Slight Enrollment Decline, Debt Service, Teachers Contract, Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Employee Retirement System (ERS) - and what information is not yet known, - Percentage Increase in Health Insurance Contract for Custodians, Support Staff and Administrators, Transportation Costs, Special Education Placements, Contingency Budget, Assessed Tax Value, Tax Certiorari Settlements. Mr. Chow reviewed recent budget increases, the major budget expense components and revenues for the current budget.

    Mr. Chambers presented a budget estimate for 2011-12 assuming the current year program (same staffing levels, same course offerings) was simply moved forward. The resulting budget estimate was $116,624,755 an increase of 6.6%, an unacceptable number, but a starting point from which to work downward. This increase was driven primarily by higher employee benefits, debt service and employee salaries.

    Mr. Chambers reminded everyone of the Four Pillars of a School Budget and reviewed the operating standards for 2010-11 and compared them to 2011-12 with suggested changes. He emphasized "maintaining contractual" standards rather than keeping "existing" standards. In addition, he returned to some items that former Superintendent David Fleishman brought to the board last May. Items such as increasing class sizes to contractual levels, careful study of programs, reducing options for course offerings, and very careful study of possible restructuring of middle school some time after 2011-12 were worth further discussion. He reiterated some of the serious considerations and noted that they will have affect on students and teachers. He then asked for board members questions and advice on direction of the budget. Board members offered comments and agreed with Ms. Benton's previous assessment that the development of the 2011-12 budget will be a difficult task.

    Refunding Analysis

Questions and Comments on Presentation

There were several statements made by members of the audience.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Superintendent Search

President Benton reported that Hazard Young Attea consultants are busy advertising and recruiting candidates at this time. The consultants, Bruce Dennis and Deborah Raizes will attend the next board meeting to provide an update.

1.1.2

Finance Committee Report: Finance Advisory Group

Randall and Katchis Jeffrey Mester presented the information on the Finance Advisory Group including the charge, committee work, timeline, and process for obtaining volunteers. Jeffrey presented a resolution for the board to establish a Finance Advisory Group, as provided for in Board Policy 2005, "Advisory committees may be established from time to time by the Board of Education for the purpose of studying significant issues within the school community" and to charge the Committee:

Charge to Advisory Group:

  1. Assist the Board Finance Committee (and therefore, the Board as a whole) by helping to identify what members of the Chappaqua School District community want and need to know about the school budget. Provide feedback on the budget to the Board.
    1. Consider the possible usefulness of a community survey on these budget questions, and if warranted, assist in the development, dissemination, and interpretation of such survey.
  2. Offer advice specific to the development of the 2011-2012 budget on the Board's Strategic Question #1 (budget / operations): "How can the District ensure continuing excellence in academic and extracurricular programs while developing a budget that is fiscally responsible?"
    1. Consider budget data trends and ideas from comparison districts, 2008 to present. (See "Contract Analysis 2009-2010" from Putnam - Northern Westchester BOCES Negotiations Clearinghouse, and "Contract Analysis 2010-2011" when published in February, 2011)
  3. Provide other assistance and advice to the Board Finance Committee in areas mutually agreed to hold potential for insight.
    1. Review and provide insight and ideas on cost implications of State and federal mandates (e.g. retirement system contributions; all other mandates)?
    2. Review and provide insight and ideas on benefit costs, projections (e.g. health insurance, other benefits)?
    3. Assist in development of "Q and A" portion of the Board's annual budget publication for April, 2011.

Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Mester further resolved that the following members of the community be appointed to such committee, again as directed in Policy 2005, "Appointments to advisory committees shall be on the basis of interest, experience, and expertise. The Board shall make every effort, when it is appropriate, to form committees that are representative of the entire school community." Steve Altman, Amy Ansehl, Roy Behren, David Bonington, Andrew Catapano, Haley Ferraro, Judy Hamerschlag, Warren Hart, Thomas Hiebert, Marc Hirschfield, Harvey Kerrich, Robin Klein, Roger Klepper, David Kogan, Nick Kory, Larry Kret, Richard Laster, Judy McGrath, Kenneth Shriber, Larry Smith, and Kathy Thorsberg.

Janet Benton seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

1.1.3

WPSBA dinner on Educational Reform

President Benton reported on the dinner and round table discussion that she and Gregg Bresner attended in October. Jointly sponsored by Westchester Putnam School Boards' Association and Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents, the topic was Education Reform, but focused on Race to the Top, New Professional Performance Reviews for Teachers, and Charter Schools. Featured speakers were Robert Reidy of NYSCOSS (New York State Council of School Superintendents), Tim Kremer of NYSSBA (New York State School Boards Association), and Richard Iannuzzi, President of NYSUT (New York State Teachers Union).

1.1.4

WPSBA Community Engagement Forum

A forum attended by Janet Benton and Gregg Bresner, sponsored by Westchester Putnam School Boards Association, discussed emerging techniques for engaging the community, building critical friendships and partnerships.

1.1.5

New Castle Cares liaison

Randall Katchis reported on the various social and recreational after school activities supported by this diverse representation of almost all of the groups in the community. He noted that it is good and challenging work on a limited budget and faces many of the communication challenges as the district.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Report on November 2 - Professional Development Day

Dr. Lyn McKay reported on the November 2, staff development day. Middle and high school teachers worked on department and building goals. Teachers also had the opportunity to view the film "Race to Nowhere". Elementary schools held parent-teacher conferences utilizing a new reporting format rather than traditional report cards.

1.2.2

Student Social-Emotional Well Being

Interim Superintendent John Chambers reported on an informal school-community collaborative group of organizations (representatives from library, town, clergy, administrators, PTA, New Castle Cares, R21K) with shared concerns for the community's children.

1.2.3

Bonds Refinancing

John Chow reported on the refinancing of three serial bonds resulting in a savings of $6 million dollars in interest over the life of the bonds. We also have received a triple AAA rating from Moody's.

1.2.4

Enrollment Update

Mr. Chambers reported that enrollment is 4100 students, down from 4156 last year, and that a smaller number of kindergarten children have started this year. It was thought this could be a reflection of the lower number in housing turnover.

1.2.5

Suburban School Superintendents Conference Report

John Chambers reported that about 100 superintendents from high performing districts across the country attended this annual conference featuring presentations on change, technology, and sustainability. The most remarkable presenter was 16-year old Alec Loorz of Climate Change Council for Youth who developed "Kids vs. Global Warming" at age 13 and has organized a World-wide Kids March for Sustainability scheduled for May 8, 2011.

Question and Comments on Report Items - none

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve the following minutes, as amended. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.1

Minutes of October 12, 2010

3.2

Minutes of October 26, 2010

3.3

Minutes of June 1, 2010

3.4

Minutes of June 15, 2010

3.5

Minutes of November 1, 2010

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 appoints the individuals listed as per diem substitute teachers to be employed on an "as needed" basis":

Joyce Federiuk.

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached Agreements for Services for the individuals and agencies listed below effective for the 2010/2011 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education":

Westchester ARC.

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:

Ms. Toby Osinski, (.5) Teaching Assistant, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective November 8, 2010 through November 23, 2010.

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:

Ms. Megan Emerson, Teacher of Special Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective December 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.

Request for Parental Leave of Absence:

Ms. Katie King, Guidance Counselor, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective December 13, 2010 through May 26, 2010.

Ms. Stephanie Lia, Psychologist, Horace Greeley High School, effective December 9, 2010 through January 28, 2011.

Resignation:

Ms. Jessie Borsinger, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective November 19, 2010.

Appointment: Regular Substitute

Ms. Lisa Goldstein, Regular Substitute Guidance Counselor, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective October 28, 2010 through May 26, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, B(BA+30) with Masters, $70,512, prorated.

Appointment: Part Time

Ms. Adriana Del Pozzo, (.04) Teacher of Elementary Education to provide Academic Intervention Services as per the Teachers' Contract, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+30) with Masters, $52.92/hour.

Ms. Heather Butler, (.04) Teacher of Elementary Education to provide Academic Intervention Services as per the Teachers' Contract, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, A(BA), $50.09/hour.

Appointment: Coaching

Mr. Robert Raguette, 7-8th Grade Track, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective November 29, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,233.

Mr. Charles McKenna, 7-8th Grade Track, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective November 29, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $4,707.

Mr. Jason Lummel, (.5) 7-8th Grade Bowling, Robert E. Bell Middle School and Seven Bridges Middle School, effective November 29, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $2,291.

Mr. Jeff Knisely, (.5) 7-8th Grade Bowling, Robert E. Bell Middle School and Seven Bridges Middle School, effective November 29, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $2,291.

Mr. Stan Sotherden, 7-8th Grade Wrestling, Robert E. Bell Middle School and Seven Bridges Middle School, effective November 29, 2010 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,233.

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

4.2

Non-Instructional

Interim Superintendent John Chambers made the following recommendations:

Resignation for Retirement Purposes:

Kathleen McGowan - Senior Stenographer at Westorchard Elementary School, retiring effective December 31, 2010.

Leave of Absence:

Vicki Devine - Teacher Aide at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, has requested aleave of absence, without pay, from November 15, 2010 through November 19, 2010.

Randall Katchis moved to approve the recommendations. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Chambers also noted that today is School-Related Professionals Day and it is appropriate that we note that Kathy McGowan has served the district for 27 years will be retiring from her position as Senior Stenographer at Westorchard. We wish her a healthy and happy retirement.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve CSE summaries reported to the Board on November 12, 2010. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve gift of $1,000 from Scholarship America, a Mathmovesu Middle School Scholarship to be deposited in a Seven Bridges gift account for future initiatives. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve gift of $1,000 from Raytheon grant program in the name of Alexandra King and Riya Verma, to be deposited in a Seven Bridges gift account for future initiatives. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Randall Katchis moved to approve service provider agreement with AssetWorks, effective December 1, 2010 - November 30, 2011 in the amount of $1,300 plus any special service fees. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.5

Gregg Bresner moved to approve contract with Tobin and Company, as internal auditors ending June 30, 2011. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.6

Jeffrey Mester offered the following 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.

Addendum:

5.

Recommended Action: Other

Jeffrey Mester moved to add Monday, November 29, 2010 to Board Calendar, a special meeting to elect a candidate to fill vacancy on BOCES Board. (Election on November 9 ended in tie vote.) Alyson Kiesel 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 October 2010

7.2

Expenditures Report - October 2010

7.3

Revenue Report - October 2010

7.4

Claims Auditor Report - October 2010

7.5

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve a Budget Transfer (over $50,000 needs board approval) from Special Ed. Instructional line to Non-Instructional - Occupational Therapist, a redistribution in the amount of $68,024.00. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Questions and Comments - there was one.

8.

President Benton gave Notice of Future Meetings -

 

8:00 a.m. Monday, November 29, 2010 - at Education Center

To vote for BOCES board candidate

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at Horace Greeley High School - 8:15 p.m.

Presentation:

Response to Intervention (RTI) - academic strategies

Elementary Report Card Changes / Elem. Principals' Goals

9.

Adjournment

At 10:45 p.m. President Benton asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting and return to Executive Session for further discussion of a personnel item. Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn the meeting. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 11:00 p.m. Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn the Executive session and return to public session for the purpose of adjournment. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Janet Benton, Board President

tm/jb