Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes February 9, 2022
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 7:30 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
Present: Board of Education
Hilary Grasso, President
Warren Messner, Vice President
Alyson Gardner
Cailee Hwang
Jane Kimmel Shepardson
Staff Members:
Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
Jamie Edelman, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business
David Leis, Associate Director of Technology & Communications
David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
President Grasso called for a motion to open the meeting.
Motioned by Warren Messner to open the meeting at 6:00 pm. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Warren Messner to appoint Dr. Ackerman as District Clerk Pro Tempore. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:01 pm to discuss litigation, contract negotiations, the employment history of particular persons, matters of health and safety and to receive advice from counsel. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 5-0.
Motioned by Warren Messner to reconvene the public meeting at 7:37 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 5-0.
Presentations:
BOCES Student of Distinction
Anika Puri - Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Horace Greeley High School Presentation
HGHS Counseling Review Presentation
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report - President Grasso gave her report noting the following:
- Recent mask mandate changes do not apply to schools.
- She encouraged parents to communicate with their children regarding bullying of other children who may or may not continue to wear masks when the mandates do change.
- She participated in a WPSBA legal forum where Covid, zero emissions buses and foundation aid were topics covered.
- The CSF had another successful zoom cooking event on 2/7.
- HGSF will have their Virtual Spring Event on 3/31.
- She ended by wishing everyone a restful winter recess period.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report - Dr. Ackerman gave her community update noting the following:
- Student Vaccination Update
- Positive Covid case numbers
- Updated testing information
- Home testing program
- New Covid procedures
- Snow day update
- SMOA on the agenda regarding CCT fellowship opportunities
- PCG/Special Education next steps (immediate and long term
1.2.1 2022-23 District Calendar
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the 2022-23 District Calendar.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adopt the 2022-23 District Calendar as stated above. Seconded by Warren Messner. Motion carried 5-0.
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 accepts the Minutes of the January 26, 2022 Board Meeting.
Motioned by Alyson Gardner to accept Item 3.1 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 appoints the individuals listed as per diem substitute teachers to be employed on an “as needed” basis:
Rachel Crognale
Anna Ostrofsky
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teachers, interns and/or classroom observers for the 2021/2022 school year:
Helen Bock
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as Department Chairpersons for the 2021/2022 school year:
Robert E. Bell
| Department | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| Social Studies | Anthony Germani (effective January 31, 2022) |
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education employs Vera G. Allen, as a driver education instructor to provide the classroom instruction portion of the Driver Education Program during the 2021-2022 school year, with compensation at the rate of $65 per student, effective July 1, 2021 through February 28, 2022 and $70 per student, effective March 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022.
Resignation:
Ms. Victoria Moreno, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective February 11, 2022.
Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Tara Miozzi, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective February 10, 2022 through June 30, 2022.
Request For Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Ms. Kristin McGurl, Teacher of Health, Horace Greeley High School, effective February 28, 2022 through June 30, 2022.
Appointment: Teaching Assistant
Ms. Lisa Berlenbach Dixon, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective February 1, 2022, $23,591, prorated.
Ms. Jessica Kocher, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective February 14, 2022, $23,591, prorated.
Appointments: Coaching - Effective March 12, 2022 through May 31, 2022
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track and Field | Varsity Assistant – Boys | William Rose | 1 |
| Boys Lacrosse | Varsity Assistant | Benjamin Potash | 1 |
| Boys Lacrosse | Junior Varsity – B | Wallace Maher | 1 |
| Boys Lacrosse | Junior Varsity – A | Anthony Stewart | 2 |
Appointments: Coaching - Effective March 28, 2022 through May 31, 2022
| Sport | Level | Coach | Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseball | Modified Seven Bridges | Luis Gonzalez | 1 |
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 4.1 as stated above. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 5-0.
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.
4.2 Non-Instructional
Resignation:
Maura Olson, Clerk-School Monitor at Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective February 8, 2022.
Resignations for the purpose of retirement:
Maryanne Ragonesi, Teacher Aide at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective June 24, 2022.
Pam Woodward, Teacher Aide at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective June 24, 2022.
Appointments:
Maura Olson, Senior Office Assistant – Automated Systems (10 mos) at Horace Greeley High School, 35hour/week, at an annual salary of $46,335 (prorated), Step 11 of the COSA Contract, effective January 10, 2022.
Abraham Bejarano, Office Assistant – Automated Systems, at the Education Center, 35 hours/week, at an annual salary of $48,253 (prorated), Step 7 of the COSA Contract, effective January 17, 2022.
Oscar Cifuentes, Cleaner at Douglas G. Grafflin Elementary School, 40 hours/week, at an annual salary of $42,226 (prorated), Step 1 of the CSEA Contract, plus the night differential of $2,095, effective March 7, 2022.
James Molinari, Cleaner at Westorchard Elementary School, 40 hours/week, at an annual salary of $42,226 (prorated), Step 1 of the CSEA Contract, plus the night differential of $2,095, effective March 7, 2022.
Resolutions:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby authorizes an administrative leave of absence without pay, from her Senior Office Assistant – Automated Systems appointment, for Maura Olson, effective January 10, 2022 through February 8, 2022, based on Civil Service regulation.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment of Laurie Pecora, Teacher Aide at Douglas G. Grafflin Elementary School, from 32.5 hours/week to 27.5 hours/week, effective January 13, 2022.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby authorizes an administrative leave of absence, without pay, for Abraham Bejarano, effective January 17, 2022 through February 8, 2022, based on Civil Service regulations.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the administrative leave of absence, without pay, for Mary Miele, Senior Office Assistant -Automated Systems at Horace Greeley from January 28, 2022 through January 31, 2022 to January 28, 2022 through January 30, 2022.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education amends the appointment of Mary Marra, Teacher Aide at Roaring Brook Elementary School, from 25 hours/week to 27.5 hours/week, effective February 10, 2022.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education amends the appointment of Rosemaria Balic, Teacher Aide at Robert E. Bell Middle School from 18.75 hours/week to Roaring Brook Elementary School at 25 hours/week, effective February 10, 2022.
Motioned by Alyson Gardner to approve Item 4.2 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. 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 February 9, 2022.
5.2 CSE Summaries (2022-23 School Year) reported to the Board on February 9, 2022.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves CCSD Bid Award Renewal B2020-12: Construction, Labor & Materials – Districtwide Fencing Maintenance & Repair for the 2021-22 school year to Mancon, LLC.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #210374, in the amount of $79,875.00, to cover payment of the contract to Insight Education, which was approved at the June 17, 2021 Board of Education meeting, and authorizes the Board President to sign the increase document.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an increase to Purchase Order #211508, in the amount of $7,650.80, to cover the remaining two months of the Horace Greeley High School copier lease with Xerox, and authorizes the Board President to sign the increase document.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a contract with the Yorktown Central School District for Health & Welfare Services for 2 students in the amount of $1,480.05 per student effective September 9, 2021 through June 23, 2022, and authorizes the Board President, Superintendent and District Clerk to execute the contract.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby ratifies the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with Chappaqua Congress of Teachers (CCT) bargaining unit, dated February 1, 2022, regarding the addition of one fellowship opportunity for April 2022 through March 2024, two fellowship opportunities for the 2022-23 academic year and two fellowship opportunities for the 2023-24 academic years, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Agreement between the Chappaqua Central School District and Liffey’s Moving & Storage dated for the delivery and retrieval of the voting machines and privacy booths for the May 17, 2022 Annual Budget Vote and Election.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the use of Phoenix Graphics for the printing and binding of the ballots for the May 17, 2022 Annual Election and Vote, in the amount of $1,725.00.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Agreement between the Chappaqua Central School District and The County of Westchester for the use of electronic voting machines, including the technicians, and privacy booths for the May 17, 2022 Annual Vote, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Items 5.1 through 5.10 as stated above. Seconded by Warren Messner. 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 Christina Schoonmaker of Sustainable Solutions for Photography during the 2021-22 school year.
6.2 An Agreement for Services with Kyle Lukoff for keynote address and presentations on Unity Day, February 16, 2022.
6.3 An Agreement for Services with Executive Skills LLC for professional learning and presentations to staff and parents on February 1, 2022.
6.4 An Agreement for Services with the Harper-Collins Speakers Bureau for Sandra Uwiringiyimana, author of How Dare the Sun Rise: A Memoir of a War Child, to speak at the Board/Administrative Retreat on January 26, 2022.
Motioned by Alyson Gardner to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.4 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. 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 GH-01 approved by the Superintendent:
Project: Horace Greeley High School Sustainability Research Center
Contractor: Prospiant, Inc.
Description: Labor, equipment and materials related to providing four Munters Drive Units with Argus control points to act as VFD units in lieu of specified exhaust fan units
Amount: $10,938.00
7.2 Change order GC-01 approved by the Superintendent:
Project: Horace Greeley High School Boiler Room
Contractor: Empire Core Group, LLC
Description: Labor, equipment and materials related emergency repairs to the mechanical room septic ejector pump and controls including premium time.
Amount: $35,215.04
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge Items 7.1 and 7.2 as stated above. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 5-0.
8. Financials
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, March 2, 2022, 7:30 pm
Superintendent’s Budget Proposal
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium
Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 7:30 pm
Curriculum & Technology/Special Education/Athletics Budget Presentations
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 9:39 pm. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke