Chappaqua Central School District
Minutes May 19, 2022
OFFICIAL MINUTES
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Thursday, May 19, 2022, 7:30 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
Present: Board of Education
Hilary Grasso, President
Alyson Gardner
Cailee Hwang
Jane Kimmel Shepardson
Absent:
Warren Messner, Vice President
Staff Members:
Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Jamie Edelman, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business (via Zoom)
Josh Culwell-Block, Director of Technology, Innovation & Mathematics
David Leis, Associate Director of Technology & Communications
David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
5:00 pm Call the meeting to order
President Grasso called for a motion to open the public meeting.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to open the public meeting at 5:02 pm. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 3-0. Board Member Warren Messner was absent.
1.1 President’s Report
1.1.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby ratifies the report of the May 17, 2022 School Budget Vote & Election.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to ratify Item 1.1.1 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 3-0.
1.1.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the resignation of Warren Messner, effective May 19, 2022, from the office of member of the Board of Education, so that he can be sworn into the unexpired term Board seat to which he was elected on May 17, 2022.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 1.1.2 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 3-0.
1.1.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints Alyson Gardner to fill the unexpired term as a result of the resignation of Warren Messner, effective May 19, 2022 through June 30, 2022.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 1.1.3 as stated above. Seconded by Hilary Grasso. Motion carried 3-0.
District Clerk, Liisa Elsner, administered the Oath of Office to Alyson Gardner.
5:00 pm Proposed Executive Session to discuss litigation, contract negotiations, the employment history of particular persons, matters of health and safety and to receive advice from counsel subject to Board approval.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss litigation, contract negotiations, the employment history of particular persons, matters of health and safety and to receive advice from counsel at 5:04 pm. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 4-0.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to appoint Dr. Christine Ackerman as District Clerk Pro Tempore. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 4-0.
Reconvene the public meeting at 5:30 pm.
5:30 pm Tenured Teacher/Administration Recognition
Motioned by Alyson Gardner to reconvene the public meeting at 7:32 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 3-0. Board members Warren Messner and Cailee Hwang were absent.
1. Information Business Affairs
1.1 President’s Report
1.1.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association (WPSBA) Proposed 2022-23 Budget and Nominating Committee Slate, and authorizes the Board President to sign the WPSBA Annual Meeting Ballot.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Item 1.1.4 as stated above. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 3-0.
President Grasso continued her report noting the following:
- Thanking the community for its support of the school and library budgets.
- Congratulating all the tenure recipients.
- The Senior Musical is upcoming and she encouraged the community to get tickets.
1.2 Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her report noting the following:
- Thanking the community and Board for their support of the budget.
- Vaccination rates
- Positive Covid numbers
- K-2 Remote Instruction Update
- Zauderer Property update on the timeline
- Greeley Security Update
- CommUNITY Day will be on June 6
- Dr. Sinanis gave an update on Administrative appointments regarding Adam Schoenbart, Geoff Curtis, Jennifer Kean-Thompson and Jamie Block
- Dr. Pease highlighted the CSF Grant on the agenda
- Dr. Pease also highlighted the Curriculum & Instruction website and he and Josh Culwell-Block went on to give an Algebra update.
2. Committee Reports
Green Committee: President Grasso spoke about initiatives including the inclusion of mountain bikes in the PE curriculum, electric buses and a potential District-wide sustainability audit.
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 May 4, 2022 Board Meeting.
3.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the Minutes of the May 11, 2022 Special Board Meeting.
Motioned by Alyson Gardner to accept Items 3.1 and 3.2 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 3-0.
3.3 Policy #6085: Purchasing & Bidding –2nd Reading & Adoption.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #6085: Purchasing & Bidding.
3.4 Policy #6090: Purchasing Authority –2nd Reading & Adoption.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #6090: Purchasing Authority.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adopt Policy #6085: Purchasing & Bidding and Policy #6090: Purchasing Authority as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 3-0.
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:
Haroula Argiros
George Weiss
Dylan Wit
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached Agreement for Services for the individual and agencies listed below effective for the 2021/2022 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education:
Jewish Child Care Association of New York (JCCA)
Isa Marrs (Addendum to Schedule A)
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 2022-2023 school year, with compensation at the rate of $75 per student, effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a supplemental agreement with James Block, effective July 1, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3031 and 3019-a of the NYS Educational Law, the probationary service of Mr. Robert Krausz shall be terminated effective close of business on June 30, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.
Resignation:
Mr. Geoffry Curtis, Director of Athletics, Physical Education & Health, District-wide, effective June 30, 2022.
Ms. Nichole Kelly, Assistant Principal, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective June 30, 2022.
Mr. David Leis, Associate Director of Technology & Communication, District-wide, effective June 30, 2022.
Dr. Adam Schoenbart, Assistant Principal, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2022.
Mr. Joseph Wiener, Principal, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective June 30, 2022.
Request for Extension of Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Tara Miozzi, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:
Ms. Jennifer Kean-Thompson, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
Appointment: Tenure
Ms. Natasha Allison, Guidance Counselor, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective August 29, 2022.
Ms. Carol Bartlik, Elementary Principal, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 1, 2022.
Ms. Kayla Castaneda, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective October 27, 2022.
Mr. Nicholas Clair, Teacher of Mathematics, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 29, 2022.
Mr. Andrew Corsilia, High School Principal, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 1, 2022.
Ms. Marissa DeFranca, Teacher of English, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective August 29, 2022.
Dr. Ronald Gamma, Assistant Principal, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 27, 2022.
Ms. Jennifer Kean-Thompson, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 30, 2022.
Ms. Tammy Korman, Teacher of Mathematics, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2022.
Mr. Conor Lander, Guidance Counselor, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2022.
Ms. Sara Lewis, Guidance Counselor, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 29, 2022.
Mr. Madison Martineau, Teacher of Music, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective August 29, 2022.
Ms. Caitlin Murphy, Teacher of Foreign Language, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective August 30, 2022.
Ms. Ellen Paradiso, Library Media Specialist, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective August 31, 2022.
Dr. Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, District-wide, effective July 1, 2022.
Ms. Kristan Pozzuto, Teacher of Art, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective August 29, 2022.
Dr. Antony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development, District-wide, effective July 16, 2022.
Mr. Ryan Spillane, Teacher of Physical Education, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2022.
Ms. Lindsay Stevens, Teacher of Mathematics, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective August 30, 2022.
Ms. Alissa Stoever, Assistant Principal, Westorchard Elementary School, effective July 1, 2022.
Mr. Libardo Valencia, Teacher of Mathematics, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 29, 2022.
Ms. Jessica Wrenn, Teacher of Mathematics, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2022.
Appointment: Probationary
Mr. Geoffry Curtis, Principal, Robert E. Bell Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Middle School Principal, effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, $207,211.
Mr. James Block, Director of Athletics, Physical Education & Health, District-wide, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Director of Athletics, Physical Education & Health, effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, $205,000.
Dr. Adam Schoenbart, Associate Director of Technology & Communication, District-wide, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Associate Director of Technology & Communication, effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026, 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, $185,000.
Ms. Jennifer Kean-Thompson, Assistant Principal, Robert E. Bell Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Assistant Principal, effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, $153,000.
Ms. Joan Planchart-Becher, Teacher of Speech Language, Seven Bridges Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Speech, effective August 31, 2022 through August 30, 2026, 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, C(BA+75) with Masters, $100,230, pending contract negotiations.
Mr. Sean Halloran, Teacher of Special Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Special Education, effective August 31, 2022 through August 30, 2026, 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, A(BA), $73,377, pending contract negotiations.
Appointment: Long-term Substitute
Mr. Mitchell Samet, School Psychologist, Westorchard Elementary School, effective May 16, 2022 through June 30, 2022 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $434.00 per diem.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Item 4.1 as stated above. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 3-0.
Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.
4.2 Non-Instructional
Resignation for the Purpose of Retirement:
David Fernandes, Head Custodian, Douglas G. Grafflin Elementary School, resigns for the purpose of retirement, effective the end of the day June 30, 2022.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual below as a substitute cleaner to be employed on an “as needed” basis, effective May 20, 2022, at a salary of $15.00 per hour:
Carmen R. Cornejo
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 4.2 as stated above. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 3-0.
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 May 19, 2022.
5.2 CSE Summaries (2022-23 School Year) reported to the Board on May 19, 2022.
5.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant (IG21-22-08) Tercia Brook 8th Grade Capstone Project, in the amount of $2,433.15, submitted by Robert E. Bell Middle School Teachers Patrick Liu & Annie Madden.
5.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes its attorneys, Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert, LLP to execute a Consent Judgment in a tax certiorari proceeding captioned Whippoorwill Club Inc. v. Town of New Castle and Chappaqua CSD;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the increase to the Refund on Real Property Taxes (A1964-400-36) utilizing the Tax Certiorari Reserve Fund and the refund of taxes as required by the terms of the Consent Judgment.
5.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a new four year hardware Schedule (No. 2) dated July 1, 2022 under the Master Lease Purchase Agreement dated July 1, 2019, with Apple, Inc. for the acquisition of the following items:
| 31 | 13-inch MacBook Air: Apple M1chip with 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU, 256 GB – Space Gray with 3-year AppleCare + for Schools (5 Pack) |
| 790 | 10.2 inch iPad Wi-Fi 64 GB- Space Gray |
| 790 | 3-year AppleCare + for Schools – iPad 9th Gen. no service fees |
| 790 | Logitech Rugged Combo 3 Case with Integrated Smart Connector Keyboard for 10.2 inch iPad, Blue |
| 119 | Apple Pencil (1st Generation) |
| 60 | Apple TV HD 32GB |
Lease payments will be $132,200.38 per year for the first two years and $132,200.37 for the second two years, and authorizes the President to execute this Agreement.
5.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation B2021-17: Driver’s Education to 4 Wheels Driver Training Center, for the 2022-23 school year in the amount of $510.00 per student, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.
5.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Recommendation B2022-05: Cleaning Supplies and Equipment to Imperial Bag & Paper Co., LLC,, for the 2022-23 school year at various amounts.
5.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Bid Award Renewal Recommendation B2021-03: Construction Labor and Materials: General Construction to Empire Core Group, LLC, for the 2022-23 school year at various amounts.
5.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an Agreement with Student Assistance Services for the 2022-2023 school year for a five-day per week Student Assistance Counselor at Horace Greeley High School, in the amount of $78,380.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.
5.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes its President to sign an agreement with the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Chappaqua, regarding the continuation of the District’s use of parking spaces on Church property in consideration for the extension of, snow removal, mowing, water and waste related services, effective May 19, 2022. A copy of said Agreement as presented to the Board at this meeting shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
5.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an equipment addendum to Product Schedule #1829325 of Master State & Local Government Lease Agreement No. 460977 with Lenovo Financial Services dated 4/29/22, for a four year lease on the following items:
| 27 | BenQ RP8602 86” Diagonal Class LED-backlit LCD display – interactive – with touchscreen (multi touch) – 4K UHDF (2160p) 3840x2160 – D-LED Backlight |
| 27 | Whiteboard Interactive Display Mount |
| 27 | Installation of BenQ Interactive Displays |
Lease payments will be $30,759.02 per year, and authorizes the Board President to execute the amended agreement.
5.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves an equipment addendum to Product Schedule #1820424 of Master State & Local Government Lease Agreement No. 460977 with Lenovo Financial Services dated 4/29/22, for a four year lease on the following items:
| 351 | UAG Surface Laptop PLYO Series Case |
| 200 | Microsoft Surface Pen |
| 170 | MS Complete for Business Plus 3YR |
| 170 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13IN |
| 351 | Microsoft Complete for Business 2YR |
| 351 | Microsoft Surface Laptop Go EDU |
Lease payments will be $129,879.32 per year, and authorizes the Board President to execute the amended agreement.
5.13 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby affirms the decision of the Superintendent of Schools to suspend Policy #5090: Student Residency, as the result of an appeal by a parent as set forth in correspondence dated May 9, 2022 and presented to the Board at this meeting.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the District Clerk advise the parents of this determination.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Items 5.1 through 5.13 stated above. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 3-0.
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 Rhoda Maurer for the 2022-23 school year.
6.2 An Agreement for Services with Samuel North for the 2022-23 school year.
6.3 An Agreement for Services with Jillian McRae for the 2022-23 school year.
Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.3 as stated above. Seconded by Alyson Gardner. Motion carried 3-0.
7. Facilities
8. Financials
8.1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for April 2022.
8.2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Appropriation Status Report for April 2022.
8.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Revenue Status Report for April 2022.
Motioned by Hilary Grasso to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 through 8.3 as stated above. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 3-0.
9. Notice of Future Meetings
Wednesday, June 8, 2022, 7:30 pm
Ave Atque Vale – Retiree Recognition
Special Education Strategic Plan
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
Wednesday, June 22, 2022, 7:30 pm
Strategic Plan Progress – Community Update
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium
10. Adjournment
Motioned by Alyson Gardner to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 pm. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson. Motion carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent
/lke