Minutes January 27, 2016

Feb. 24, 2016
Encl. 3.2

MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

January 27, 2016
Horace Greeley High School

(click here for a printable copy of the official signed minutes)

Present:

Board of Education
Warren Messner, President
Victoria Tipp, Vice President
Alyson Gardner
Jeffrey Mester
Karen Visser

Present:

Staff Members

Dr. Lyn McKay, Superintendent

Eric Byrne, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Kusum Sinha, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Leadership Development

Mr. John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business

Terry Dell'olio, District Clerk/Executive Assistant to Superintendent

Visitors Present:

Members of the community, PTA and administration and staff

 

President Messner convened the public meeting at 5:15 p.m.

Moved by Victoria Tipp to convene public meeting with administrators for Administrative/Board Retreat, which we anticipate will go into Executive Session at 7:15 to seek legal advice. Seconded by Karen Visser. Motion carried 5-0.

Moved by Alyson Gardner to reconvene the public board meeting at 7:43 p.m. Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 5-0.

Presentations:

Science Education in Chappaqua: Elementary Maker Spaces

Ellen Moskowitz, Elementary Instructional Technology Coach, Allison Turner, Library Media Specialist at Grafflin Elementary School, and Jessica Marchetti, District-wide Staff Developer, gave a presentation about the Elementary Makerspaces in Chappaqua. They spoke to the Board about what a Makerspace is, why they are important, how students and teachers are currently engaging with them, and plans for the Makerspace program in the future. The presentation opened with a Maker challenge and closed with a video of students speaking about their experiences in the Makerspaces so far this year. The group presented on the elements of design thinking, and the development of collaborative, creative, and problem solving skills that are intrinsic to these Maker experiences. Continued development of Makerspaces, at each of the three elementary schools, and on-going professional development around curriculum design are next steps.

(Click here to view the full discussion of the Science Education in Chappaqua Elementary Maker Spaces presentation, and move cursor to 11m05s)

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Bond

President Messner commented that the Board of Education discussed a potential bond at the last Board meeting. They discussed the need to address short and long-term capital projects. He mentioned the bond would include all six Chappaqua schools and the Library. The District is considering a bond while remaining tax neutral.

Mr. Mester shared that the next Facilities Committee meeting will be February 1 at 5:00 p.m. at the Education Center. The public are welcome. He stated that the Committee will consider 5 categories, which include (1) classrooms with walls, (2) classrooms without walls, (3) Chappaqua's building use survey results, (4) buildings and grounds wish list, and (5) the Chappaqua Library, which is a subdivision of the District.

Mr. Mester stated the Committee is looking at a timeframe, which may be June, September, or October of 2016.

John Chow added that classroom with walls will probably be the largest plan and the most time consuming. The other 4 categories can be put together pretty quickly.

 

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Proposed District Calendar 2016-2017

Dr. McKay stated that we are waiting for the last day of school to be determined by the State, which should occur in the next few weeks. If last day is June 23 and students are required to attend school on April 17, it is possible to start school after Labor Day and allow for 185 school days, which are important to maintain. It makes no difference whether we start on September 1st or 6th in regard to athletics.

Dr. McKay congratulated Greeley students who serve as probationary firefighters with the Chappaqua Fire Department. She also shared excited upcoming events, including the Little Westorchard Circus on January 30th at 1pm and the Harlem Wizards CSF fundraiser at Greeley on January 31st at 1:30pm.

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals & Ratification

3.1

Minutes of January 13, 2016

Jeffrey Mester motioned to approve Item 3.1. After some discussion, Warren Messner motioned to withdraw the approval. Jeffrey Mester moved to table the minutes from the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education held January 13, 2016, as presented. Seconded by Karen Visser. Motion carried 5-0.

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

4.1

Instructional

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations:

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:

Denise Plume and
Briggs Sgaglio.

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby increases the rate of pay for the following positions as follows, effective February 1, 2016:

Per Diem Substitute Teachers: $110/day;

Certified Per Diem Substitute Teachers: $115/day after 15 days;

Retiree Substitute Teachers: $120/day

Teaching Assistant Substitute: $110/day when serving as a substitute for a teaching assistant for an extended period of time

Clerical/Aide Substitute: $15/hour

Cleaner/Custodial Substitute: $15/hour

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:

Ms. Regina Luersen, Library Media Specialist, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2016.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Karen Visser to approve all items in 4.1 Recommended for Action, Personnel, Instructional, in one omnibus motion. Motion carried 4 Yes, 1 No. Mr. Mester voted against. Mr. Mester stated that his vote specifically pertained to the rate of pay resolution.

(Click here to view the full discussion of item 4.1, and move cursor to 1h17m)

 

4.2

Non-Instructional

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations:

Appointment:

Paul Barilla - Custodial Worker/Groundskeeper, effective February 16, 2016. His salary will be $44,090.

Jacqueline Silipigni - Payroll Clerk at the Education Center, effective February 1, 2016. Her salary will be $32,550. This is a provisional appointment made in accordance with Section 65 of the Civil Service Law.

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed below as a per diem clerical substitute to be employed on an "as needed" basis, effective January 28, 2016. The salary is $14.00 per hour:

Jennifer Del Rosario
Jeanne Wilson

 

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Jeffrey Mester to approve Item 4.2 Recommended for Action, Personnel, Non-Instructional. Motion carried 5-0.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

CSE summaries dated January 27, 2016.

Moved by Karen Visser, seconded by Victoria Tipp to approve all CSE Summaries dated January 27, 2016, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.2

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a Contract with Bayada Home Health Care, Inc. to provide nursing services to students at the rate of $50-$60/hour during the remainder of the 2015-16 school year, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education approves a Contract with Bayada Home Health Care, Inc. to provide nursing services to students at the rate of $50-$60/hour during the remainder of the 2015-16 school year, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.3

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves an Amendment to the termination date of the current contract with J & D Ultra Care Corp., and authorizes the Board President to execute this Amendment.

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education approves an Amendment to the termination date of the current contract with J & D Ultra Care Corp., and authorizes the Board President to execute this Amendment, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.4

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health and Welfare Services with Dobbs Ferry School District for 7 students at a rate of $1,034.45 per student, effective September 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, and authorizes the Board President, Superintendent, and District Clerk to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Victoria Tipp seconded by Alyson Gardner that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health and Welfare Services with Dobbs Ferry School District for 7 students at a rate of $1,034.45 per student, effective September 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, and authorizes the Board President, Superintendent, and District Clerk to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.5

BE IT RESOLVED that the Chappaqua Central School District, location code 75336, hereby establishes the following standard work days for these titles and will report the officials to the New York State and Local Retirement System based on time keeping records or their records of activity, per the attached form.

Victoria Tipp offered the Standard Work Day Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Chappaqua Central School District, location code 75336, hereby establishes the following standard work days for these titles and will report the officials to the New York State and Local Retirement System based on time keeping records or their records of activity, per the attached form. Seconded by Jeffrey Mester. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.6

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a gift of $1,514.40 from General Mills Box Tops for Education Program to Seven Bridges Middle School to be deposited in the direct account for energy-related projects.

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education approves a gift of $1,514.40 from General Mills Box Tops for Education Program to Seven Bridges Middle School to be deposited in the direct account for energy-related projects. Ms. Visser thanked the PTA and parents for all their box tops. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.7

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer of $117,686.44 for Chappaqua Transportation additional billings for School Year 2015-16, and authorizes the Board President and Superintendent to execute this transfer.

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Alyson Gardner that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer of $117,686.44 for Chappaqua Transportation additional billings for School Year 2015-16, and authorizes the Board President and Superintendent to execute this transfer. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.8

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant gift of $2,500 for the expansion of an area to allow students to practice their research skills using both print and digital sources. Requested by Ms. Sharon Wiggins, Robert E. Bell Middle School.

Moved by Victoria Tipp, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant gift of $2,500 for the expansion of an area to allow students to practice their research skills using both print and digital sources. Requested by Ms. Sharon Wiggins, Robert E. Bell Middle School, as presented. Ms. Visser thanked the Chappaqua School Foundation for their generosity. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.9

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the following individuals as Sub-Committee Chairpersons of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) for the remainder of the 2015-16 school year. These individuals may assume the role as the Sub-Committee Chairperson for one or more CSE Annual Review meetings.

Michael Abulencia

Kayla Anderson

Lauren Andrews

Kristen Fontanes-Betterton

Doreen Calandrella

Mary Callaghan

Mary Comparetto

Faye D'Ambrosio

Cara DiNapoli

Megan Emerson

Mary Ellen Ferricane

Jennifer Cioppa Fleisher

Janet Fletcher

Felice Gittelman

Patricia Greco

Meredith Green

Jamie Hariegel

Kerin Heim

Patricia Janecka

Karen Kavy

Clint Keegan

Sara Kenney

Shelley Langton

Jessica Leitman

Annamarie Marasco

Charles McKenna

Teresa McKenna

Susan Miller

Karin Pelletier

Shannon Pezzullo

Lillian Ross

Kathryn Rowland

Gail Schlenger

Jacqueline Simone

Heather Strickland

Yvette Sullivan

Lisa Tighe

Laura Triglia

Jacqueleen Zamora

Theresa Zuckerberg

Dr. John Alkalay

Rosa Amendola

Dr. Nancy Chapar

Dr. Annemarie Giannettino

Dr. Stephanie Lia

Dr. Patrick McAuliffe

Jennifer Mezzancello

Dr. Sherry Schur

Anne DeCora

Gail Fuld

Colleen Kourakos

Mary Ellen Kelly

Alison McCarville

Kristin Mongiello

Gerard Shine

Amy Fishkin

James Skoog

Jamie Edelman

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Warren Messner that the Board of Education approves the above listed individuals as Sub-Committee Chairpersons of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) for the remainder of the 2015-16 school year. These individuals may assume the role as the Sub-Committee Chairperson for one or more CSE Annual Review meetings. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.10

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the Building Usage Fees for 2016-2017, effective July 1, 2016.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester, seconded by Karen Visser that the Board of Education approves the Building Usage Fees for 2016-2017, effective July 1, 2016. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.11

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education accepts the FNI Agreement dated January 21, 2016 for a STEAM Learning Center at Horace Greeley High School in the amount of $57,300, with expenses not to exceed $6,000, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Jeffrey Mester that the Board of Education accepts the FNI Agreement dated January 21, 2016 for a STEAM Learning Center at Horace Greeley High School in the amount of $57,300, with expenses not to exceed $6,000, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.12

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the Release and Settlement Agreement regarding student #701616 and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement. Said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester, seconded by Warren Messner that the Board of Education approves the Release and Settlement Agreement regarding student #701616 and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement. Said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference into the minutes of this meeting. The motion passed 5-0.

ADDENDUM
January 27, 2016

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.13

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves an Agreement dated December 8, 2015 with OLA Consulting Engineers & KG&D Architects to install a Maker Space Classroom Laser Cutter at Horace Greeley High School in the amount of $6,000, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester to table Item 5.13, as described above to discuss additional items. Seconded by Karen Visser. Motion carried 5-0.

 

5.14

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a Proposal submitted by KG&D Architects dated January 14, 2016 and an Addendum dated January 25, 2016 for Pre-Bond Planning Services in the amount of $49,500.

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Warren Messner that the Board of Education approves a Proposal submitted by KG&D Architects dated January 14, 2016 and an Addendum dated January 25, 2016 for Pre-Bond Planning Services in the amount of $49,500, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

ADDENDUM #2
January 27, 2016

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.15

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a Proposal submitted by Sive, Paget & Riesel, P.C., dated January 27, 2016 for SEQRA review at the following rates, $390 per hour for partners, $320 per hour for associates, $115 per hour for paralegals, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Proposal.

Moved by Jeffrey Mester, seconded by Victoria Tipp that the Board of Education approves a Proposal submitted by Sive, Paget & Riesel, P.C., dated January 27, 2016 for SEQRA review at the following rates, $390 per hour for partners, $320 per hour for associates, $115 per hour for paralegals, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Proposal. The motion passed 5-0.

President Messner stated that this was a last minute addition to the agenda and is somewhat related to the bond research.

6.

Facilities

Mr. Mester repeated that the next Facilities Committee meeting will be at the Education Center, Monday, February 1, at 5pm. The public are invited.

7.

Policy Committee

Ms. Gardner stated nothing from the Policy Committee for tonight.

8.

Financials

9.

Communications

Ms. Visser shared that the Communications Committee is in the process of scheduling a meeting.

10.

Notice of Future Meetings

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

7:30 p.m., Regular Board of Education Meeting, Horace Greeley High School/Academic Commons

Superintendent's Budget Proposal

11.

Adjournment

Moved by Alyson Gardner, seconded by Jeffrey Mester to adjourn this meeting at 9:50 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Therese Dell'olio
District Clerk / Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

Warren Messner
Board President

/tkd