Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes August 30, 2021
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Tuesday, August 30, 2021, 10:00 AM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
Present: Board of Education
Hilary Grasso, President
Warren Messner, Vice President
Cailee Hwang
Jane Kimmel Shepardson
Victoria Bayard Tipp
Staff Members:
Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
Ellen Doherty, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business
Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
Board President Hilary Grasso called for a motion to open the meeting.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to open the meeting at 9:45 am. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 4-0. Board Member Warren Messner was absent.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to adjourn into Executive Session at 9:45 am to discuss matters of health & safety and the employment history of particular persons. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 4-0.
Board Member Warren Messner joined the meeting at 9:47 am.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to reconvene the public meeting at 10:11 am. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Grasso began her report by welcoming everyone to the District’s Opening Day and to the 2021-22 school year. She remarked on the Opening Day events on the Greeley competition field earlier in the morning and thanked administration and staff for their efforts over the summer. She ended by reminding the community to be aware of and read all communications coming from the District as important school and Covid-related information will be disseminated frequently and as new guidance is received.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman began her community update by thanking administration and staff for their efforts over the summer. She reviewed Covid related information, staff vaccination status, and quarantine and testing protocols. She went on to briefly discuss items on the agenda.
2. Committee Reports
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 hereby adopts the revised 2021-22 Student Code of Conduct (Policy #5030).
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to adopt the revised 2021-22 Student Code of Conduct. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the 2021-22 District Safety Plan.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adopt the 2021-22 District Safety Plan. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
3.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the August 11, 2021 Board Meeting.
3.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the August 17, 2021 Special Board Meeting.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to accept Item 3.3 as presented and Item 3.4 as amended. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
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 individual listed as a per diem substitute teacher to be employed on an “as needed” basis:
Nicole Asch
Janet Fletcher
Christina Proia
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 2021/2022 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
Accucare Nursing and Home Care
Nelson J. Dorta, PhD.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as High School Department Facilitators for the 2021/2022 school year:
| Department | Co-Facilitator |
|---|---|
| Counseling | John Brennan |
Resignations:
Ms. Danielle Gomes, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective
August 20, 2021.
Mr. Brian Donahue, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective
August 27, 2021.
Ms. Kristen Pyrch, Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective
August 25, 2021.
Ms. Kristen Pyrch, Varsity Cheerleading Coach, effective August 9, 2021.
Mr. Jean-Benoit Belin, Junior Varsity (A) Girls Tennis Coach, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective August 19, 2021.
Ms. Tinuke Colpa, Counseling Facilitator, Horace Greeley High School, effective
August 27, 2021.
Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Ms. Leidy Valencia, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective September 1, 2021 through September 3, 2021.
Request for Extension of Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Tiffany DePeralta, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2021 through January 21, 2022.
Appointment: Probationary
Ms. Kaitlin Englert, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Elementary Education, effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, 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 they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 3, B(BA+30) with Masters, $78,508.
Ms. Kaitlin Podlovits, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Elementary Education, effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, 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 they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 5, B(BA+45) with Masters, $88,741.
Ms. Amanda Turkel, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Elementary Education, effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, 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 they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 6, B(BA+60) with Masters, $96,085.
Mr. Adolfo Godinez, Teacher of Foreign Language, Robert E. Bell Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Foreign Language, effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, 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 they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 3A, B(BA+45) with Masters, $83,929, (pending background check).
Ms. Lauren Olmo, Teacher of Dance, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Art Education, effective September 9, 2021 through September 8, 2025, 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 they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 12, B(BA+60) with Masters, $115,979 (pending background check).
Mr. Daniel Fanelli, Teacher of Physical Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Physical Education, effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, 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 they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 2, B(BA+45) with Masters, $79,120.
Ms. Doriann Dell’Olio, Teacher of Foreign Language, Robert E. Bell Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Foreign Language, effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, 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 they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 3, B(BA+30) with Masters, $78,508, (pending background check).
Ms. Genevieve Julich, Teacher of English, Robert E. Bell Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of English, effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, 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 they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 8, B(BA+30) with Masters, $93,997, (pending background check).
Appointment: Leave Replacement
Ms. Diane Tual, Leave Replacement Teacher of Special Education, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2021 through June 30, 2022 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 8, C(BA+60) with Masters, $102,721.
Appointment: Part Time
Ms. Luisa Romano, (.5) Teacher of Special Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective August 30, 2021 through June 30, 2022 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+30) with Masters, $36,153.
Ms. Njeri Semaj, (.6) Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2021 through June 30, 2022 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 16, B(BA+30) with Masters, $71,275.
Ms. Rachel Marino, Athletic Coordinator, District-Wide, effective August 31, 2021 through June 24, 2022, $13,900, prorated.
Appointment: Coaching - Effective August 23, 2021 through November 1, 2021
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football | Asst. Modified | Ray LaLuna | 2 |
| Field Hockey | JV – Co-Coach | Sukhwinder Singh Sandhu | 3 |
| Field Hockey | JV – Co-Coach | Brittany Paulus | 3 |
| Field Hockey | Asst. Modified - Bell | Natalie Laskowski | 1 |
| Girls Soccer | JV - B | Billy Rose | 1 |
| Girls Tennis | JV - A | Bob Clark | 3 |
| Cheerleading | Varsity/JV Co-Coach | Lauren Mazza | 1 |
| Cheerleading | Varsity/JV Co-Coach | Amanda Fraoli | 1 |
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Item 4.1 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.
4.2 Non-instructional
Resignation:
Lauren Rubeo, Teacher Aide at Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective August 9, 2021.
Appointments:
Nicholas DiNapoli, Custodian (12 mo.) at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 31, 2021, at an annual salary of $42,226, Step 1 of the CSEA Contract, plus $2,095 night differential.
Rosemaria Balic, Teacher Aide (Session), Robert Bell Middle School, 18.75 hrs/week, $17 per hour, effective September 1, 2021.
Mary Marra, Teacher Aide (Session), Roaring Brook Elementary School, 25 hrs/week, $17 per hour, effective September 1, 2021.
Patsy Myers, Teacher Aide (Session), Roaring Brook Elementary School, 30 hrs/week, $17 per hour, effective September 1, 2021.
Maria Wade, Teacher Aide (Session), Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, 20 hrs/week, $17 per hour, effective September 1, 2021.
Resolutions:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment of Francesca Migliaccio, Teacher Aide at Roaring Brook Elementary School, from 30 hours/week to 32.50 hours/week, effective September 1, 2021.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment of Maria Shabani, Teacher Aide at Roaring Brook Elementary School, from 31.25 hours/week to 32.50 hours/week, effective September 1, 2021.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment of Jenna Dallacco, Teacher Aide at Roaring Brook Elementary School, from 27.5 hours/week to 31.25 hours/week, effective September 1, 2021.
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 August 30, 2021.
5.2 CSE Summaries (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on August 30, 2021.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Independent Evaluation Agreement with Dr. Suzanne Braniecki, for an independent neuropsychological evaluation and participation in a CSE meeting for student #703942, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Independent Evaluation Agreement with Dr. Suzanne Braniecki, for an independent neuropsychological evaluation and participation in a CSE meeting for student #704996, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves and agreement with the City School District of White Plains for Health and Welfare Services for 18 students for the 2020-21 school year, in the amount of $1,170.88 per student, and authorizes the Board President, Superintendent and District Clerk to execute the agreement.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the agreement with Educational & Management Services Inc. for Special Education Services during the 2021-22 school year, in the amount of $24,720.00, and authorizes the Superintendent to execute the agreement.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Services Agreement Reinstatement regarding 3rd party administrative services for the employer sponsored 403(b) plan for the 2021-2022 renewal year with Omni, in the amount of $12,321.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an amended Independent Evaluation Agreement with Dr. Antonietta Tarnell, for an independent neuropsychological evaluation, previously approved on June 17, 2021, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Office Staff Association (COSA) bargaining unit regarding the stipend position of Special Education and 504 Services Records Coordinator for the 2021-22 school year only. A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Summer Transportation Contract with Chappaqua Transportation, effective July 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021 in the amount of $140,557.14, and authorizes the Board President and Superintendent to execute this agreement.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education hereby approves the District’s 2021-22 School Year Continuity of Learning Plan, as presented to the Board at this meeting.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Recommendation B2021-22: Rental of Tents, to Cantele Tent Rentals, at the rates indicated on the Bid Award document for the 2021-22 school year.
5.13 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a purchase order increase in the amount of $15,400.00, to cover increased costs related to Empire Core Group Change Order #HGHS GC-007, which was approved by the Superintendent on August 23, 2021, and authorizes the Board President to sign the increase document.
5.14 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a purchase order increase in the amount of $33,880.00, to cover increased costs related Empire Core Group Change Order #HGHS GC-006, which was approved by the Superintendent on August 23, 2021, and authorizes the Board President to sign the increase document.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Items 5.1 through 5.14 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
6. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges the following contracts approved by the Superintendent, per Board Policy 6085 – Purchasing and Bidding:
6.1 An agreement for services with Dave Nuttal, for independent evaluation services from August 23 through 27, 2021.
6.2 An agreement with Mohonk Mountain House, for the 2021 Board of Education retreat on September 20 and 21, 2021.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge Items 6.1 and. 6.2 as stated above. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
7. 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.
7.1 Change Order: HGHS GC-007
Project: Horace Greeley High School & Chappaqua Library
Contractor: Empire Core Group
Description: Additional work to provide steel angles for Kiva stares as indicated by PCO and sketch dated 6/14/2021.
Amount: $15,400.00
7.2 Change Order: HGHS GC-006
Project: Horace Greeley High School & Chappaqua Library
Contractor: Empire Core Group
Description: Labor and material costs to install new drainage system to alleviate surface run-off from entering the building at doorways per the attached PCO #5 dated 4/29/2021 and sketch dated 5/25/2021.
Amount: $33,880.00
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to acknowledge Items 7.1 and 7.2 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
8. Financials
8.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the
Claims Auditor’s Report for July 2021.
8.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for June 2021.
8.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for July 2021.
8.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Extraclassroom Activities Report for June 2021.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 through 8.4 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 7:30 pm
District Performance Report
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
Wednesday, September 29, 2021, 7:30 pm
Audit Approval
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to adjourn the meeting at 10:27 am. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke