Minutes August 7, 2013

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

August 7, 2013

 

Time:

7:30 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School Commons

 

Present:

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

 

Absent:

Warren Messner

 

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

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 Mester convened the public session at 6:30 p.m. Alyson Kiesel moved to reconvene in Executive Session to discuss a legal settlement. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously. At 7:40 p.m. Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn the Executive session and reconvene the public session. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Mester welcomed the community.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Board schedule change- May 21 conflict; time change

President Mester reported that when the board schedule of meetings was adopted, it was noted that a possible conflict with the May 21 board meeting existed and both May 21 and 28 were scheduled for the last meeting in May until we had confirmation. The conflict with May 21 has been confirmed and will be omitted from the schedule. May 28 is the last meeting in May. The board has also reached consensus that the time to begin meetings will be moved back to 7:30 p.m. instead of 8:15 p.m. With the intention of starting meetings earlier, comes the goal of also ending earlier.

1.1.2

Karen Visser reported on the new online calendar format with capabilities to personalize for your child's individual school, print, and download to your smartphone. The calendar will be updated regularly by the webmasters. It has virtually eliminated the costly and less efficient paper calendar, although some will be distributed to each school, the Chappaqua Library, Town of New Castle office, and the Education Center. She thanked the PTA President Susan Fisher and chairs who input data, Darleen Nicolosi, Webmaster Robert Sendek, and David Hayes and Theresa Markley for all the meetings with fellow Communication Committee member Alyson Kiesel, and work that went into the project for the past year.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Dr. McKay reported on four items:

  1. As of today, there are 58 more students enrolled than projected. Elementary has 39 more, middle school 19 more, high school is the same. Kindergarten has 19 more students and we have used our contingency position at Westorchard. We are closely monitoring the other grades.
  2. iLab or space at Greeley in E wing as well as professional development work. Renovation and redesign of space will be completed by January. The group of teachers, Innovation of Fellows and FNI, the design company, have been working on uses for the space. Dr. McKay also thanked Chappaqua School Foundation (CSF) President Allison Wintner, David Gefsky, Leslie Kuhn, Rachel Rader for their support and work and remarked that it is a really nice partnership
  3. Eric Byrne reported on the summer work in the district including the staff development work of the Innovation Fellows. Literacy work, math teachers restructuring algebra courses to align with the state standards and an instrumental music program for staff members has also been progressing to prepare for the shift at the elementary level.
  4. Dr. McKay commented on the Grade 3-8 ELA and math scores released by the state today. It was a very different assessment with a significant drop in test scores across the state that approximately 31% of the students on an average received 3's and 4's. The district also dropped but when comparing to those we benchmark, we are still very strong. Eric noted that we don't have individual results yet so it is difficult to analyze the data to see where we might need to make changes. We should not be comparing this year to last year's scores because it is very different test that the state created. We use multiple data points and this is only one assessment.

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.

 

2.

Organization

President Mester gave second reading of each policy.

2.1

Alyson Kiesel moved to adopt the Draft Policy Revision: Second Reading 2065 Policies, Bylaws, and Regulations. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

2.2

Alyson Kiesel moved to adopt the Draft Policy Revision: Second Reading 9045 Non-aligned Confidential. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.

Approvals

3.1

Victoria Tipp moved to adopt the Minutes of June 5, 2013. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

Superintendent Lyn 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":

Tara Albaum

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached Agreements for Services for the individuals and agencies listed below effective for the 2013/2014 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education":

Shelley Harwayne,

Monique Scollan,

Dr. Donna Geffner, and

Westchester Therapy Solutions - Occupational, Physical & Speech Therapy, PLLC.

Resignation:

Mr. Madison Martineau, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 1, 2013.

Ms. Danielle Oliveri, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 1, 2013.

Appointment: Part Time

Ms. Elizabeth Belanfante, (.4) School Psychologist, Westorchard Elementary School, effective August 29, 2013 through June 30, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, D(BA+90) with Masters, $32,736.

Appointment: Coaching

Ms. Jennifer Hershman, Junior Varsity Field Hockey, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 19, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $4,472.

Mr. Robert Raguette, 7-8th Grade Cross Country, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Ms. MaryEllen DeLillo, 7-8th Grade Field Hockey, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,838.

Ms. Patricia Adams, 7-8th Grade Field Hockey Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $3,729.

Mr. Daniel Perito, 7-8th Grade Football, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,904.

Mr. Brendan Kitson, 7-8th Grade Football Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $5,591.

Mr. Jason Sclafani, 7-8th Grade Volleyball, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $4,349.

Mr. Anthony Germani, 7-8th Grade Volleyball Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,141.

Ms. Annamarie Marasco, 7-8th Grade Cross Country, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Ms. Christine DiDomenico, 7-8th Grade Field Hockey, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,838.

Mr. Charles McKenna, 7-8th Grade Football, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,904.

Mr. William Woolard, 7-8th Grade Football Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,218.

Ms. Nancy Soliz, 7-8th Grade Volleyball, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,838.

Mr. Brady Kittredge, 7-8th Grade Volleyball Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $4,141.

Ms. Tina Nicodemo, 7-8th Grade Field Hockey Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 5, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $3,729.

Ms. Janine Pergola, 9th Grade Volleyball, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 19, 2013 through November 8, 2013 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, $3,905.

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the recommendations. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.2

Non-Instructional

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Karen Visser moved to approve CSE summaries reported to Board on August 2, 2013. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Alyson Kiesel moved to accept a gift from Greeley PTA to Horace Greeley High School in the amount of $2,874.00 for the purpose of purchasing three Epson PowerLite LCD Projectors. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve a proposal with KG&D for Learning Commons at Horace Greeley High School, copy of task/fee worksheet attached. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a contract with Chappaqua Transportation for summer transportation effective July 1, 2013 through August 31, 2013 in the amount of $219,477.51. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.5

Alyson moved to approve a contract with Pleasantville Union free School District for Summer School Services 2013-14 for two students at the rate set by New York State Education department. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.6

Karen Visser moved to approve an Agreement for Services with Bedford Central School District for the SAIL II Program, beginning September 3, 2013 through June 26, 2014, for one student at the most current special education non-resident tuition rate approved by NY State, per contract. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.7

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve Release and settlement agreement for student #600592. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.8

Victoria Tipp moved to approve Supplemental Agreement with David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant, effective September 1, 2013. A copy of the agreement will be referenced within the minutes of this meeting. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.9

Alyson Kiesel offered a Resolution authorizing the District Clerk to notify Department of State re: Notice of Claim,

"Be it resolved that the Board hereby authorizes the District Clerk to notify the Department of State pursuant to the requirements of newly enacted Section 53(3) of the General Municipal Law that a copy of every Notice of Claim served upon the Secretary of State regarding this School District must be transmitted to the office of the District Clerk in accordance with the provisions of Section 50-e(3)(f) of the General Municipal Law; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the District Clerk is hereby authorized to take those actions necessary to complete the filing of the District's Certificate of Designation for Service of Notice of Claim with the Department of State."

Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.10

Karen Visser offered a Resolution for requirements of State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) for the proposed Learning Commons at Horace Greeley High School.

"Whereas, the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District is planning an interior renovation of four existing classrooms and corridor area into an open learning commons at their Horace Greeley High School (the "Proposed Project"); and

Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to comply with the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA); and

Whereas, the Board of Education has reviewed the components, phases and aspects of the Proposed Project; and

Whereas, the Board of Education has reviewed the Proposed Project with respect to the Type II criteria set forth in the SEQRA Regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617.5 and has determined that the Proposed Project is a Type II Action pursuant to Section 617.5(c)(1), (2) & (8) of the SEQRA Regulations;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District is hereby designated lead agency under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) for the Proposed Project; and

Be it further resolved, that the Board of Education hereby determines that the Proposed Project is a Type II action pursuant to Section 617.5(c)(1), (2) & (8) of the SEQRA Regulations and will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment and that no further review of the Proposed Project is required."

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Notes:

617.5 (c) (1) states: "maintenance or repair involving no substantial change in an existing structure or facility;"

617.5 (c) (2) states: replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site, including upgrading buildings to meet building or fire codes, unless such action meets or exceeds any of the thresholds in section 617.4 of this Part;"

617.5 (c) (8) states: "routine activities of educational institutions, including expansion of existing facilities by less than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area and school closings, but not changes in use related to such closings;"

5.11

Bid #908 Food Service Program Operation - Aramark

Jeffrey Mester offered the following resolution,

"WHEREAS, the Board of Education had requested bids for Food Service Management Program Operation to manage the school lunch program, effective September 1, 2013 in Bid #908; and

WHEREAS, an evaluation was done by John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Michael Trnik, District Purchasing Agent; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education awards the bid for Food Service Management Program Operation to Aramark Educational Services, based upon the recommendation made by John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Michael Trnik, District Purchasing Agent, as the lowest responsible bidder responsive to the specifications as stipulated in the bid documents for Bid #908."

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.12

Victoria Tipp moved to approve the Proposed School Lunch Budget for 2013-2014. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.13

Jeffrey Mester offered a Resolution to increase 2012-13 budget in the amount of $51,390 for Transfer to Special Aid to fund the portion of the summer special education program from summer 2008 that is not aidable. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.14

Victoria Tipp moved to approve Facilities Inspection Services, LLC to perform the annual NYSED fire inspection of all buildings between September 15, 2013 and October 31, 2013 in the amount of $2,750. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

President Mester thanked everyone for the work that has been completed in the compressed time frame of summer and under extreme conditions of heat, humidity, and no air conditioning. He also noted that solar panels have been installed on the high school gym roof. Dr. McKay added her appreciation to all staff, teachers, administrators, clerical and custodial staff.

Presentation:

Assistant Superintendent for Business John Chow gave a small presentation of the 2013-14 budget, tax rates and tax levy final numbers versus estimated numbers. He pointed out that they are very close.

7.

Financials

7.1

Resolution to confirm tax rolls and authorize tax levy.

Alyson Kiesel offered the following resolution,

"WHEREAS, the Board of Education has been authorized by the voters of the School District at the Annual Meeting to raise for the budget for the 2013-2014 school year a sum not to exceed $114,828,088 for School District purposes a sum not to exceed $2,899,729 for Library purposes;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby fix the equalized tax rates by towns and confirm the extension of the taxes as they appear on the following described tax roll.

School Tax Levy

Name of Town

Total Taxable Assessed Valuation by Towns

Equalized Tax Rate by Towns

Total Tax Levy by Towns

New Castle

$915,675,619

20.14%

$94,018,910

Mount Pleasant

$6,727,006

1.53%

$9,092,083

TOTALS:

$922,402,625

 

$103,110,993

Library Tax Levy

Name of Town

Total Taxable Assessed Valuation by Towns

Equalized Tax Rate by Towns

Total Tax Levy by Towns

New Castle

$915,675,619

20.14%

$2,594,343

Mount Pleasant

$6,727,006

1.53%

$250,886

TOTALS:

$922,402,625

 

$2,845,229

   

     

 

 

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the tax warrant of this Board, duly signed, shall be affixed to the above-described tax rolls authorizing the collection of said taxes to give notice that taxes will be collected in two installments, due on September 30, 2013 and January 31, 2014, and collection will end April 30, 2014, at the expiration of which the tax collector shall make an accounting in writing to the Board;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that delinquent tax penalties shall be fixed as follows:

 

1st half

2nd half

During September

none

none

During October

2%

none

During November

5%

none

During December and January

7%

none

During February and March

10%

10%

During April

12%

12%

Thereafter

add'l. 1% per month on delinquent tax

 

 

Record Date of Adoption: August 7, 2013

Record Hour of Adoption: 8:47 p.m.

Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.2

Resolution issuing a tax warrant.

Victoria Tipp offered the following resolution.

WHEREAS, Chapter 73 of the Laws of 1977 amended Section 1318, subdivision 1, of the Real Property Tax Law; and

WHEREAS, the unencumbered, unreserved fund balance at the close of the last fiscal year must be applied in determining the amount of the school tax levy, except for an amount not to exceed 4% of the current school year budget; and

WHEREAS, this latter amount may be held as surplus funds during the current school year;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education retain as surplus funds $3,514,116 from the fund balance of $5,260,259 thereby applying $1,746,143 to the reduction of the tax levy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District hereby commands the Tax Collectors for the Towns of New Castle and Mount Pleasant to collect the amounts of the levy apportioned in Appendix "A" to the Tax Warrant, annexed hereto and made a part of this resolution, as follows:

To the Tax Collector(s) of the Chappaqua Central School District, Towns of New Castle and Mount Pleasant, County of Westchester, State of New York;

You are hereby commanded:

  1. To give notice and start collection on September 30, 2013, in accordance with the provisions of Section 1322 of the Real Property Tax Law;
     
  2. To give notice that taxes will be collected in two installments, due on September 30, 2013 and January 31, 2014, and collection will end on April 30, 2014;
     
  3. To collect taxes in the total sum of $103,110,993 on behalf of the School District and $2,845,229 on behalf of the Chappaqua Library, in the same manner that collectors are authorized to collect town and county taxes in accordance with the provisions of Section 1318 of the Real Property Tax Law;
     
  4. To make no changes or alterations in the tax warrant or the attached tax rolls but shall return the same to the Board of Education. The Board may recall its warrant and tax roll for correction of errors or omissions in accordance with the provisions of Section 1316 of the Real Property Tax Law;
     
  5. To receive from each of the taxable corporations and natural persons the sums listed on the attached tax rolls without interest penalties when such sums are paid before the end of the first month of the tax collection period. To add 2% interest penalties to all taxes collected during the second month of the tax collection period; to add 5% interest penalties to all taxes collected during any part of the third month of the tax collection period; to add 7% interest penalties to all taxes collected during any part of the fourth and fifth months of the tax collection period; to add 10% interest penalties to all taxes collected during any part of the sixth and seven months of the tax collection period; and 12% interest penalties to all taxes collected during any part of the fourth and fifth months of the tax collection period; and to account for such sums as income due to the School District;
     
  6. To issue press-numbered receipts only on forms provided by the School District in acknowledgment of receipt of payments of taxes and to retain, preserve and file exact carbon copies of all such receipts issued as required by Section 987 of the Real Property Tax Law; and
     
  7. To promptly return the warrant at its expiration and if any taxes on the attached tax rolls shall be unpaid at that time, deliver an accounting thereof on forms showing by town the total assessed valuation, tax rate, the total tax levy, the total amounts remaining uncollected as required by Section 1330 of the Real Property Tax Law.

The warrant is issued pursuant to Sections 910, 912 and 914 of the Real Property Tax Law and is delivered in accordance with Sections 1306 and 1318 of this law. It is effective immediately after it is properly signed by a majority of the Board of Education. The warrant shall expire on the date stated above, unless a renewal or extension has been endorsed on the face of this warrant, in writing, in accordance with Section 1318, subdivision 2 of the Real Property Tax Law.

Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Whereupon each board member present, signed, voted aye, and it was sealed by the district clerk.

7.3

Karen Visser moved to accept the Expenditure Report - June 30, 2013. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.4

Victoria Tipp moved to accept the Revenue Report - June 30, 2013. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.5

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the Treasurer's Report - June 2013. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.6

Victoria Tipp moved to accept the Central Treasurer's Report - June 30, 2013. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.

President Mester gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Thursday, August 29, 2013, at Horace Greeley High School, 10:30 a.m.

Monday, September 16, 2013, Audit Committee meeting at Education Center, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013, at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m.

Presentation:

Audit Presentation and Report

9.

Adjournment

At 8:50 p.m. Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Jeffrey Mester, Board President

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