Minutes January 28, 2015

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

January 28, 2015

 

Time:

5:15 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School - Commons

 

Present:

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

 

Staff Members
Present:

Dr. Lyn McKay, Superintendent

Mr. Eric Byrne, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Mr. John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business

Mr. Andrew Selesnick, Assistant Superintendent for Leadership Dev. & HR

 

Absent:     

Theresa Markley, District Clerk / Adm. Asst. to Superintendent

 

Visitors Present:

Representatives of the Chappaqua PTA, school PTAs, building administrators, faculty, and other interested citizens.

 

President Visser called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to enter into a Retreat with the administrators. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 7:40 p.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn the Retreat Session and reconvene public session. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Pledge of Allegiance - Vice President Alyson Gardner

President Visser noted the absence of District Clerk Theresa Markley and requested a motion to appoint Vice President Alyson Gardner as District Clerk Pro Temp. Jeffrey Mester so moved and Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Presentation:

K-8 Mathematics

President Visser asked Eric Byrne to introduce the presentation. Eric noted that we have talked about a math pilot that we have been working on along with a K-12 committee who began with the basic process of teaching and learning mathematics. We would like to share the process we engaged in this past year, additional steps going forward, and some of the committee recommendations. Staff Developer Josh Block, Ginger Hanlon who just retired, Jen Halliday and Jim Skoog have been instrumental in developing the mathematics pilot.

Josh Block reported the committee began with the board question and the Chappaqua Thinking Standards. Research led to the creation of Chappaqua's Comprehensive Approach to Mathematics, We used these core values along with Common Core Standards, NCTM standards, and current university-based educational research. We looked at brain-based research, the concept of how the brain compresses information and then recalls it. There needs to be an understanding of what needs to be taught and shifted because of the digital world we live in. They came up with five categories that permeate their assessment-equity, curriculum, teaching, learning, assessment. He explained each step of the program as they implemented and analyzed data and how the program will move forward.

1.

Information Business Affairs

President Visser thanked everyone, especially Joe Gramando and his crew for working through our last snowstorm non-event - at least it was not as bad as it was supposed to be. Our buildings and grounds were well taken care of and there were volunteers who stayed overnight in their buildings. We have used four snow days.

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

BOCES's update - Jeffrey Mester

Jeffrey reported he has been to three board meetings and services guide dinner. BOCES were created throughout the state to save their component school districts money. We interact with them in three ways: sending ten students, a number of administrative services, and we are allocated part of the administrative expenses. Districts are given a draft of their budget so we know what to allocate in our own budgets. Our allocation has been reduced and it is approximately $661,000. He also reported that there are three vacancies on the board for next year. He also commented on the idiosyncratic process used by the board that does not allow questions. He commented very positively on the service dinner where he met the parents of students who have succeeded so well in their programs as well as the delicious dinner prepared by the culinary students.

Before beginning the Audit report, President Visser thanked the administrators Robert Rhodes and Martin Fitzgerald who provided an informative and enlightened retreat. It gives the board an insight into what our students are learning.

1.1.2

Audit RFP update - Warren Messner

Warren reported as the Chair of the Audit Committee. They met last week to discuss the results of the RFP's. The district sent out 10 Request For Proposals and received three responses. He explained the reasoning for making the recommendation to appoint O'Connor Davies: number of audits performed, proximity, and will provide financial statements, worked for the district so familiar with district. Board members thanked community members, Karen Kowgios, Michael Greenstein, and Sam Shimer for their participation. (Skipped to 5.10 for appointment.)

1.1.3

Chap App Update

Alyson Gardner reported that she hasn't received much feedback, but Lyn did send another notice for the snow day and it was pushed. Darleen is looking into more information requested and feedback.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

Dr. McKay wanted to thank the Town, Joe Gramando, and Seth Corwin for their superb job at making our schools safe and returning to school without a delay today.

1.2.1

Curriculum

Dr. McKay asked Eric to report on change in curriculum. He noted that we have been offering AP courses, but we have been looking into additional opportunities across all departments. We have been invited to offer Supachem or AP and college chemistry, 8 credits for about $800, through Syracuse University. (It covers AP content without taking it as AP course.) It will also provide training and professional development for our teachers during the summer.

1.2.2

Draft Proposed Calendar 2015-2016

Dr. McKay noted that we made only one change to the calendar presented, moving the May date to May 20 to accommodate assessments scoring.

Karen Visser reported that she received 27 letters, 13 opposed, 13 for and one who didn't care - which we responded to but came down to considering their responses, but after looking at all the items to review including input from staff and administration, we feel this is the best one. Dr. McKay explained that summer is the same number of weeks as last year and the start date is only one day earlier than last year. One board member felt that we have to vote for what is best academically, not personal vacation schedules.

Jeffrey Mester moved to adopt the calendar. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

2.

Organization

2.1

Victoria Tipp read the Draft second reading new Health Insurance Policy that covers all employees who are not covered by contractual agreements.

Victoria moved to adopt the Health Insurance Policy. Alyson Gardner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

2.2

Victoria Tipp read the Draft second reading new Grade Placement and Promotion Policy. Warren Messner moved to adopt the policy. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Questions and Comments

We welcome public inquiries, and in respect for each other's time, we ask that you limit your inquiry to three minutes. Board members may be contacted via email or phone.

 

3.

Approvals

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

Superintendent McKay made the following recommendations:

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":

Robert Bowen, Margaret Hill, Stanley Indig, Elyse Knobloch, and Susan Liss.

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:

Mr. H. Davis Knobloch, Teacher of Music, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 26, 2015.

Ms. Sally Cochran, Library Media Specialist, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2015.

Mr. Gerard Furey, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2015.

Mr. Charles Sehulster, Teacher of Science, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2015.

Ms. Joanne Wynne, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective June 30, 2015.

Appointment: Probationary

Ms. Jessica Marchetti, Teacher of Science, District wide Schools, effective February 3, 2015, Step 13, C(BA+60) with Masters, $114,008, prorated.

Appointment: Teaching Assistant

Mr. Robert Bowen, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective January 26, 2015, effective January 26, 2015, $21,256, prorated.

Appointment: Part Time

Ms. Beth Connors, (.04) Teacher of Special Education to provide Academic Intervention Services, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective January 27, 2015 through June 1, 2015 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, A(BA), $52.36/hour.

Jeffrey Mester moved that we approve Dr. McKay's recommendations. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Superintendent McKay and the Board offered congratulations to the retirees and wished them well in their retirement.

4.2

Non-instructional

Superintendent McKay made the following recommendation:

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed below as per diem custodial substitute to be employed on an "as needed" basis, effective January 3, 2015. The salary is $14.00 per hour.

Anthony Castagna

Alyson Gardner moved to approve Dr. McKay's recommendation. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Alyson Gardner moved to approve CSE Summaries for Board approval on January 28, 2014. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Alyson Gardner moved to approve a gift of $2,550 from Friends of Greeley Theatre for for purchase of lumber to build the set and assorted fabric and drapery to be used for the March production of The Mousetrap and future Greeley Theatre Company productions. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Victoria asked that Joe Gramando might look into how the lumber is saved or reused.

5.3

Victoria Tipp moved to approve a gift from Chappaqua School Foundation of $10,850 for the attached nine InstaGrants approved for Bell, Greeley, Westorchard, and Seven Bridges Schools. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Alyson Gardner moved to approve agreement for Health and Welfare Services with Dobbs Ferry School District for 7 students at a rate of $1,139.80 per student, effective September 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.5

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve agreement for Health Services with Irvington School District for 1 student at a rate of $1,276.74 per student,for the 2014-15 school year. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.6

Victoria Tipp moved to approve agreement for Special Education Services with Mt. Pleasant School District for 1 student at a rate set by NYS Education Dept. for 2014-15, (Currently $3,972 per student, effective July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.) Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.7

Warren Messner offer a resolution,

"Resolved, that the Board of Education authorizes tis attorneys, Shaw, Perelson, May and Lambert, LLP to execute a Consent Judgment in a tax certiorari proceeding captioned, Willowbrook Swim Club, Inc. V. Town of New Castle and the Chappaqua CSD;

And it is further resolved, that the Board authorizes the refund of taxes as required by the terms of the Consent Judgment."

Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.8

Alyson Gardner offered a Resolution to re-open the Bell petty cash account in the amount of $100. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.9

Warren Messner offered the Standard Work Day Resolution -

Be it resolved, that the Chappaqua Central School District, location code 75536, 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 seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.10

RFP #5: for External Auditing Services - Recommendation

Warren Messner moved to appoint O'Connor Davies, LLP be appointed external auditor for the Chappaqua Central School District for fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, with option to renew for years ending June 30, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Fee schedule attached. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.11

RFP #06: Architectural/Engineering/Building Condition Survey Services -

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the Recommendation that Kaeyer Garment Davidson (KG&D), be appointed for architectural/engineering/building condition survey services for the Chappaqua Central School District projects for the remaining 2014-15 school year and the 2015-2016 school year and may be extended annually for up to four additional years pending written approval by the District. BCS & 5-year plan fee is $56,000 (same as 2010); Architectural/Engineering Services per fee schedule. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.12

Item 5.12 from December 10, 2014 was TABLED to January 14, 2015. And tabled from January 14 until final preparation.

Jeffrey Mester offered the Resolution to approve Intermunicipal Agreement for use of School District Fields and Related Facilities for calendar year 2015 and 2016. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

Jeffrey Mester reported on the tours of Roaring Brook and Horace Greeley. He noted the fine job by Joe Gramando and the custodians at keeping the schools well maintained.

7.

Financials

Karen Visser moved to accept items 7.1-7.4 financial reports. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Treasurer's Report - December 2014

7.2

Central Treasurer's Report - Extraclassroom Activity Accounts - December 31, 2014

7.3

Central Treasurer's Report - Team Accounts - December 31, 2014

8.

Communications

9.

President Visser gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m.

Presentation:

Superintendent's Budget Proposal

Budget discussion (school programs & staffing)

10.

Adjournment

Alyson Gardner moved to adjourn at 10:11 p.m. to reconvene in Executive Session to discuss negotiations. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

At 11:00 p.m. Karen Visser adjourned the Executive Session and moved to reconvene in public session for the purpose of adjournment. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Alyson Gardner, Vice President Karen Visser, Board President

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