Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes September 30, 2020
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 6:15 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
Per Governor Cuomo’s executive order, in-person attendance at this meeting may not exceed 50 people.
(A Livestream Video Link was also provided)
Presiding Officer: Victoria Bayard Tipp
Pledge of Allegiance: Holly McCall
Present: Board of Education
Victoria Bayard Tipp, President
Holly McCall, Vice President
Hilary Grasso
Warren Messner
Jane Kimmel Shepardson
Staff Members:
Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business
Ellen Doherty, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
President Tipp called for a motion to open the meeting at 6:20 pm.
Motioned by Holly McCall to open the meeting at 6:20 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to appoint Christine Ackerman clerk pro tempore. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss matters of health and safety, the employment history of particular persons and to receive advice from counsel at 6:21 pm. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 5-0.
President Tipp called for a motion to reconvene the public meeting.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to reconvene the public meeting at 8:12 pm. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Tipp gave her report noting the following:
- Thanking all District faculty and staff for their continued hard work and flexibility.
- Thanking parents and students for their patience and partnership.
- The Board discussed the Town of New Castle’s proposed Form Based Code and its potential ramifications for the District. Ms. Tipp stressed that the Board of Education has not been given the opportunity to provide input/feedback to the Town.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her Community Update noting the following:
- Reviewing the schools’ schedule update beginning the week of 10/5.
- Dr. Sinanis updated the Board on new hires and staffing.
- Dr. Ackerman showed a video rendering of the Sustainability Research Center provided by KG&D.
- Mr. Chow explained the BOCES cross contract item on the agenda regarding District security.
- Dr. Sinanis spoke about author Dolly Chugh who will be addressing staff during professional development on November 3.
Presentation: Audit Approval – Alan Kassay of PKF O’Connor Davies presented the Auditor’s Report for year ended June 30, 2020.
Motioned by Warren Messner to accept Items 5.2 and 5.3 as stated below. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
2. Committee Reports
Policy – Policies 7003, 5020 and 3005 are on the agenda for a first reading below.
Communications – Thanked Dr. Ackerman for continued communication regarding Covid-19 related updates. The Committee will be scheduling a meeting with the Advisory Committee in October/November.
Facilities – will also be scheduling a meeting with its Advisory Committee in October/November.
Community Advisory Committee on Antiracism, Equity and Social Justice (CARES) – will have its first meeting on Monday, October 5.
Public Comment Period:
We welcome public comments, and in respect for each other's time, we ask that you limit your comments to three minutes. Board members may be contacted via email or phone. After the public comment period has been completed, Board members may have a discussion among themselves regarding comments presented.
3. Approvals & Ratifications
3.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the September 16, 2020 Board Meeting.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to accept Item 3.1 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5.0.
3.2 Policy 7003: District Buildings and Grounds – 1st Reading
3.3 Policy 3005: Appeals Process – 1st Reading
3.4 Policy 5020: Bill of Rights and Responsibilities of Students – 1st Reading
4. Recommended Action: Personnel
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.1 as stated below.
4.1 Instructional
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as Interim Department Chairpersons:
Robert E. Bell Middle School
| Department | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| Social Studies | Dana House (effective Sept. 21) |
| World Language | Samantha Darling (effective Sept. 1) |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed below as per diem substitutes:
Yvonne Cognac
Christine Gambino
Katherine Schlosser
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as per diem substitutes at the Building Specific substitute teacher rate:
Victoria Zuccaretti – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
Danielle Stangarone – Roaring Brook Elementary School
Justine Huber – Westorchard Elementary School
Anna Nardelli – Westorchard Elementary School
Kristen Aviles – Westorchard Elementary School
Kathleen Stack – Westorchard Elementary School
Kimberly Zilempe – Westorchard Elementary School
Angjelina Burke – Robert E. Bell Middle School
Brian Donahue – Robert E. Bell Middle School
Nicole Krumbholz – Robert E. Bell Middle School
Trevor Latasa – Robert E. Bell Middle School
Caleigh Scanlon – Seven Bridges Middle School
Kelly Salvati – Seven Bridges Middle School
Peter Ullian – Horace Greeley High School
Avery Williams – Horace Greeley High School
Rachel O’Mara – Horace Greeley High School
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as paid interns at the daily rate of $85.00 for the 2020/2021 school year through the PNW BOCES Internship Program:
Christine Marra
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teachers, interns and/or classroom observers for the 2020/2021 school year:
Antonia Maglic
Dominique Piccolino
Amanda Dolan
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 2020/2021 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
JCCA
NPORT
Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Mr. Brian Donahue, Teaching Assistant, Bell Middle School, effective September 3 through October 30, 2020.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools and Board President to execute an Agreement, dated September 14, 2020, on behalf of the School District, with Ms. Anna Gavin, as presented to the Board at this meeting, whereby Ms. Gavin shall perform contract services as an Art Education teacher for the School District for the period commencing October 5, 2020 and terminating June 30, 2021. A copy of this Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Appointment: Probationary
Ms. Caroline Segarra, Teacher of Family and Consumer Sciences, Robert E. Bell Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Home Economics effective November 2, 2020 through November 1, 2024, subject to receipt of composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education law Section 3012-c and/or 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) proceeding years, and if the probationer receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period she shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 10, (BA+ 45) with Masters, $103,761.
Appointment: Teaching Assistant
Ms. Aneta Bilinski, Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective October 1, 2020, $23,357 (prorated).
Mr. John Mullen, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 17, 2020, $23,357 (prorated).
Appointment: Coaching - Effective September 29, 2020 through December 5, 2020
| Sport | Level | Coach |
|---|---|---|
| Boys Soccer | JVB | Daniel Fanelli |
| Girls Soccer | JVA | Travis Edwards |
Motioned by Holly McCall to approve Item 4.1 as stated above. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 5-0.
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.
4.2 Non-Instructional
Appointments:
Michelle Antonecchia, Health Aide (Session) at Westorchard Elementary School, 17.5 hours per week, effective October 1, 2020, at a salary of $13,132 (pro-rated).
Frank Galasso, Cleaner at Horace Greeley High School, effective October 1, 2020. His salary will be Step 1, $41,808, with an additional night differential stipend of $2,074, in accordance with the custodial contract.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Item 4.2 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
5. Recommended Action: Other
Use of the Consent Agenda permits the Board of Education to make more effective use of its time by adopting a single motion to cover those relatively routine matters, which are included. Any member of the Board who wishes to discuss individually a particular piece of business on the Consent Agenda may so indicate and that item will be considered and voted on separately, thus preserving the right of all Board members to be heard on any issue. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the following Consent agenda as submitted by the Superintendent of Schools.
5.1 CSE Summaries (2020-21 School Year) reported to the Board on September 30, 2020.
5.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the recommendations of the Audit Committee to: 1) Accept the Updated Risk Assessment Report covering the State mandates for the year ending June 30, 2021, and 2) Select “Capital Projects” and “Purchasing and Payables” as the intensive review areas for the 2020-21 school year.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the external audit report for year ending June 30, 2020.
Items 5.2 and 5.3 were approved earlier in the meeting.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Aramark Contract Extension required by The Stated Education Department for the 2020-21 school year and authorizes the Board President to execute the extension of agreement.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Independent Contractor Agreement for Services with James Fatigate for Driver Education Lectures for students during the 2020-21 school year, at a rate of $45.00 per student, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.6 WHEREAS, the District owns the attached list of items which are no longer useful or necessary for school district purposes and of no value to the School District;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby declares such items 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.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement with the HarperCollins Speakers Bureau for Dolly Chugh, author of The Person You Mean To Be: How Good People Fight Bias to speak during the Superintendent’s Conference Day on November 3, 2020, in the amount of $5,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Bid Award Recommendation CCSD RFP #2019-8: Architectural, Engineering & Design Services for the Plant Sciences & Bioclimatic Center (Sustainability Research Center) at Horace Greeley High School, to KG&D Architects, in the amount of $116,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.9 JOINT MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE BIDDING PROGRAM SCHOOL YEAR 2020-21
WHEREAS, various educational and municipal corporations located within the State of New York desire to bid jointly for generally needed services and standardized supply and equipment items; and
WHEREAS, the Chappaqua Central School District, an educational/municipal corporation (hereinafter the “Participant”) is desirous of selectively participating with other educational and/or municipal corporations in the State of New York in joint bidding in the areas mentioned above pursuant to General Municipal Law § 119-o and Education Law Section 1950; and
WHEREAS, the Participant is a municipality within the meaning of General Municipal Law § 119-n and is eligible to participate in the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, First Supervisory District of Suffolk County (hereinafter Eastern Suffolk BOCES) Joint Municipal Cooperative Bidding Program (hereinafter the “Program”) in the areas mentioned above; and
WHEREAS, the Participant acknowledges receipt of the Program description inclusive of Eastern Suffolk BOCES’ standard bid packet and the general conditions relating to said Program; and
WHEREAS, with respect to all activities conducted by the Program, the Participant wishes to delegate to Eastern Suffolk BOCES the responsibility for drafting of bid specifications, advertising for bids, accepting and opening bids, tabulating bids, awarding the bids, and reporting the results to the Participant.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Participant hereby appoints Eastern Suffolk BOCES to represent it and to act as the lead agent in all matters related to the Program as described above; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Participant hereby authorizes Eastern Suffolk BOCES to place all legal advertisements for any required cooperative bidding in Newsday, which is designated as the official newspaper for the Program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Participant Meeting shall be held annually consisting of a representative from each Program Participant. Notice of the meeting shall be given to each representative at least five (5) days prior to such meeting; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an Advisory Committee will be formed consisting of five to ten representatives of Program Participants for a term of three (3) years as authorized by General Municipal Law §119-o.2.j.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Agreement with the Participant shall be for a term of one (1) year as authorized by General Municipal Law §119-o.2.j.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Participant agrees to pay Eastern Suffolk BOCES an annual fee as determined annually by Eastern Suffolk BOCES to act as the lead agent for the Program.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation B2019-16: Construction, Labor & Materials – Painting Services to HG Painting, for the 2020-21 school year at various rates.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Item 5.1 and Items 5.4 through 5.10 as stated above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
6. Facilities
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges Change Orders approved by the Superintendent per Board Resolution adopted at June 14, 2017 Board of Education meeting.
6.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Board President to execute the following Change Order:
Change Order FNI #001
Project: Construction Administration Services for Bond Projects – Horace Greeley HS
Contractor: Fielding International, Inc.
Description: Construction coordination, punch list review, attendance at authorized on-site construction meetings, and coordination of furnishings when installed, for the Upper L wing, the Lower L wing and the remaining work to complete the STEAM Center.
Amount: $12,000.00
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge Item 6.1 as state above. Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Financials
7.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for August 2020.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge receipt of Item 7.1. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
8. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 - 7:30 pm
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 7:30 pm
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
9. Adjournment
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke