Minutes March 18, 2015
Minutes
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York
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Date: |
March 18, 2015 |
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Time: |
6:30 p.m. |
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Place: |
Horace Greeley High School - Commons |
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Present: |
Board of Education |
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Staff Members |
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 Theresa Markley, District Clerk / Adm. Asst. to Superintendent |
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Visitors Present: |
Representatives of the Chappaqua PTA, school PTAs, building administrators, faculty, and other interested citizens. |
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President Visser called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Victoria Tipp moved to enter into an Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of a legal issue and negotiations. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 7:40 p.m. Victoria moved to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene public session. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice President Alyson Gardner President Visser thanked everyone for coming. Presentations: Dr. Heidi McCarthy, Director of Special Education stated that what drives our programs and services is the same as all the other departments, that is the strategic question and our Teaching and Learning Vision and Goals. We also use our Commitment to Inclusion that we developed in 2011. She noted 2012-13 data that showed the comparison with other like districts in Westchester County and that 85% of our Chappaqua students were educated in a general education program at least 80% of the time and the next district closest to us is 59.6%. We have developed a learning team across all levels in the district. Many of the members of the team are researching development for all students rather than developing instruction and then modifying. She mentioned several other inclusive practices and how they correlate with student engagement in the classroom. We utilize expert consultants for professional development. New initiatives include supporting students with new graduation requirements. The RCT test is no longer available and to help the cohort that may struggle to pass, a skills class will be offered next year to help them modify their skills to help them understand what they are to do. Dr. McCarthy reviewed classifications by category with 394 students in October 2014 which continue to be similar to other districts. We are required to provide a free and appropriate education. She shared a list of programs and services that we offer to better support our students and help them to be successful. There are also out of district placements and we have consistently reduced those numbers for the past two years from 425 to 394. Dr, McCarthy reviewed the main components of the budget are staffing contractual services, and there is a slight decrease from last year. The total budget is $1,687,452 with a -2.20% decrease. She noted a small revenue stream from state aid, Medicaid reimbursements, and IDEA Part B grants. When there are two teachers in a room, it benefits all students - inclusion does help everyone. Pete Kuczma, Director of Athletics and Physical Education also referenced the Strategic Question for his staff and coaches and how we make these areas meaningful to our kids. We have to teach them and then modify as they are playing. He reviewed the sports offerings for both boys and girls and the student participation by season, with the total number of teams and coaching positions. The new cheerleading team is doing very well and he expressed pride in their accomplishments. They won one of their competitions which was incredible for a brand new team. As a sport, they must follow New York State rules. He reviewed the many achievements of all the teams. Mr. Kuczma presented his budget with regular physical education having no increases. Interscholastic Athletic and Transportation had increases in equipment and the role of athletic trainer, and minor increases elsewhere. The total budget is $97,175. |
1. |
Information Business Affairs
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2. |
Organization |
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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.
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Approvals
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Recommended Action: Personnel Dr. McKay made the following recommendations:
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Recommended Action: Other
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6. |
Facilities There will be a Facilities Meeting on March 20 at 8:00 a.m. at the Ed. Center to discuss the proposals before the Planning Board of New Castle. We will also be opening an RFP for energy proposal. |
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Financials
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Communications |
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President Visser gave Notice of Future Meetings - Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m. Presentations: Operations Maintenance / Non-Instructional |
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10. |
Adjournment Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn at 10:38 p.m. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously. |
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa M. Markley, District Clerk / Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Karen Visser, Board President
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