Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes October 27, 2021
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 7:30 PM
Seven Bridges Middle 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
Colleen Kelly, District Clerk Pro Tempore
David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
David Leis. Assistant Director of Technology and Communications
James Skoog, Principal – Westorchard Elementary School
Alissa Stoever, Assistant Principal – Westorchard Elementary School
Board President Hilary Grasso called for a motion to open the meeting.
Motioned by Warren Messner to open the meeting at 5:04 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 4-0. Board Member Victoria Bayard Tipp was absent.
Motioned by Warren Messner to appoint Christine Ackerman District Clerk Pro Tempore. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 4-0.
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn into Executive Session at 5:04 pm to discuss the employment history of particular persons and to receive advice from counsel. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 4-0.
Board Member Victoria Bayard Tipp joined the meeting at 5:10 pm.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to reconvene the public meeting for a work session in the Orange Room at Seven Bridges Middle School at 6:29 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to re-adjourn into Executive Session at 7:02 pm. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Warren Messner to reconvene the public meeting at 7:38 pm. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
Presentation: Westorchard Elementary School Presentation
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report – President Grasso gave her report by including the following:
- Thanking Westorchard students and administrators for their lively presentation.
- Expressing her hope that all in the community managed the last storm without any lasting damage.
- Reminding those with children in the District that notifications are regularly sent out in the event of school closings or delays.
- Wishing everyone a happy and safe Halloween weekend.
- Noting that the Board had a meeting with Insight during their work session regarding the Equity audit.
1.1.1 Discussion of Town of New Castle’s proposed Form Based Code – President Grasso relayed to the Community that an email would be going out on the 28th with links to information regarding the Board’s communications with the Town of New Castle. She noted that the Board of Education takes no position on the proposed adoption of the Form Based code but, as fiduciaries of the District, reviewed all aspects of the FBC and submitted comments and communications outlining concerns about both the Draft and Final Generic Environmental Impact Statements.
- Finally, she wished Dr. Ackerman a happy birthday.
- Ms. Shepardson spoke about a recent Westchester-Putnam School Boards Association workshop “Clarifying the Culturally Responsive Framework.”
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her Community Update, including the following:
- Vaccination rate information
- District Covid Testing information
- Quarantine numbers
- Adjustments at Horace Greeley regarding lunch and Instrumental Music
- Mr. Lennon gave an update on the Horace Greeley Gym floors and Auditorium ceiling repairs.
2. Committee Reports
Wellness – Ms. Hwang said the Committee had its first meeting on 10/19 where they covered topics including school lunch, school gardens, mindfulness and sports nutrition. The Committee will meet again on 11/9.
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 October 13, 2021 Board Meeting.
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the October 20, 2021 Special Board Meeting.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to accept Items 3.1 and 3.2 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. 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 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:
Westchester Institute for Human Development (Applied Behavior Analysis Services)
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as Algebra 8 Coordinators effective for the 2021/2022 school year:
Cheri Neuman (.5)
Lindsay Stevens (.5)
Resignation:
Mr. Steven Metzger, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective October 15, 2021.
Mr. Robert Alspach, Junior Varsity Assistant Football Coach, Horace Greeley High School, effective October 8, 2021.
Ms. Caroline Segarra, Teacher of Family and Consumer Sciences, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective January 31, 2022.
Appointment: Tenure
Ms. Jamie Edelman, Director of K-12 Literacy, District-wide, effective October 28, 2021.
Ms. Sara Cury, Teacher of Art, Westorchard Elementary School, effective November 10, 2021.
Ms. Linda Ryan Dehejia, Social Worker, Horace Greeley High School, effective November 20, 2021.
Appointment: Teaching Assistant
Ms. Victoria Moreno, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective October 22, 2021, $23,591, prorated.
Ms. Samantha Marinovic, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective October 28, 2021, $23,591 prorated.
Appointment: Coaching - Effective November 15, 2021 through March 14, 2022
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor Track | Asst. Varsity Boys | William Rose | 1 |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Board President to execute an Employment Related Agreement regarding Employee #4285, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Motioned by Warren Messner 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:
Marcie McMahon, Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems at Horace Greeley High School, effective October 19, 2021.
Resignation for the Purpose of Retirement:
Marianne Salustri, Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems at Horace Greeley High School, effective January 1, 2022.
Appointment:
Marcie McMahon, Office Assistant-Automated Systems at Horace Greeley High School, effective October 20, 2021. At an annual salary of $32,642, Step 15 of the COSA Contract.
Resolutions:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment date of
Leonora Shabani, Teacher Aide at Roaring Brook Elementary School, from October 14, 2021 to October 18, 2021.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment date of Arnoldo Ramirez, Teacher Aide at Seven Bridges Middle School, from October 14, 2021 to October 15, 2021.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual below as a substitute clerical/teacher aide to be employed on an “as needed” basis, effective October 28, 2021, at a salary of $15.00 per hour:
Hallie Goetz
Motioned by Warren Messner 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 (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on October 27, 2021.
5.2 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.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the renewal of an agreement with Auctions International for sale of institutional assets and obsolete items, effective October 28, 2021.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an agreement with Brewster Ice Arena for the use of facilities during the 2021-22 school year in the amount of $25,850.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract for special education services with North Salem Central School District for 1 student (#xxxxx1), effective September 9, 2021 to June 23, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract for special education services with North Salem Central School District for 1 student (#xxxxx4), effective September 9, 2021 to June 23, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract for special education services with North Salem Central School District for 1 student (#xxxxx0), effective September 9, 2021 to June 23, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a purchase order increase for WSP USA (P.O. #202136) in the amount of $13,800.00, in accordance with agreements for support related to the Zauderer Subdivision project previously approved by the Board on February 10, 2021 and August 11, 2021, and authorizes the Board President to sign the increase document.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a budget transfer dated October 22, 2021, in the amount of $250,000.00 from Budget Code s A9020-800-36 and A9030-800-36 to A1621-400-34 CAPITAL to cover estimated costs for the second phase of work needed for repairs to the Horace Greeley High School Auditorium ceiling and authorizes the Board President to sign the budget transfer.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to implement a screening testing program for student-athletes who have not been fully vaccinated against the 2019 novel coronavirus, beginning with weekly testing and continuing with periodic testing thereafter, so long as the community transmission levels for Westchester County are either substantial or high; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent may expand the screening testing program to include student-athletes who have been fully vaccinated if recommendations to do so are issued by the New York State Department of Health, the Westchester County Health Department or the District’s medical director; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools is hereby authorized to make arrangements in order to implement the above-referenced screening testing program for winter student-athletes.
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Items 5.1 through 5.10 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. 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 Robert Dillon of Sustainable Education Solutions, for professional development during the November 2, 2021 Superintendent’s Conference Day.
6.2 An Agreement for Services with Rosa Sarcone, for translation services, District-wide during the 2021-22 school year.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge Items 6.1 and 6.2 as stated above. Seconded by Cailee Hwang. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Facilities
8. Financials
8.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor’s Report for September 2021.
8.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for August 2021.
8.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for August 2021.
8.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for September 2021.
8.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for September 2021.
8.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Extraclassroom Activity Fund Report for September 2021.
8.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for September 2021.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 through 8.7. Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, November 17, 2021, 7:30 pm
Douglas Grafflin Elementary School Presentation
Seven Bridges Middle School – Auditorium
Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 7:30 pm
Seven Bridges Middle School Presentation
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke