Minutes February 26, 2014

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

February 26, 2014

 

Time:

7:30 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School

 

Present:

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

 

Staff Members
Present:

Dr. Lyn McKay, Superintendent

Mr. Eric Byrne, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum

Mr. Andrew Selesnick, Assistant Superintendent for Leadership, and Instruction

Mr. John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business

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 called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Alyson Kiesel moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of security, the employment history of particular persons, and settlement. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Alyson moved to adjourn the executive session. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7:00 p.m.    

Public Hearing on Adoption of Alternative Veterans' Exemption
(Resolution must be adopted prior to March 1, 2014, if it is to be accepted.)

Alyson Kiesel moved to reconvene the public meeting at 7:30 p.m. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Mester welcomed everyone and asked Superintendent Dr. Lyn McKay to begin the Budget Proposal for 2014-2015.

Presentation:

Superintendent's Budget Proposal 2014-2015

Dr. McKay expressed excitement over the budget this year. A rollover budget was provided to the board and community and tonight we will be presenting a budget to the board and making recommendations. She repeated the guidelines for the budget. They are the two Strategic Questions, the four pillars of the budget; the operating standards, and considered pieces of the community survey when we put together our budget for this year. Each of the March meetings will be devoted to sections of the budget for the board and community to review. We are under the 2% tax cap. We are making personnel cuts that are linked to enrollment. Our programs and infrastructure are in a good place. There will be a psychologist in each of our elementary schools and a social worker. At the high school, we are adding a student life coordinator for all students to help make connections in their life outside of the classroom, with self-regulation, to support social and emotional well being . We will be adding some modified sports in the middle schools. We will maximize efficiency wherever possible.

John Chow reviewed what we know about specific items such as enrollments, contracts, CPI for tax cap calculations, health insurance premiums, employee retirement system and their impacts. He then reviewed some of the items that we didn't know back in January such as the transportation costs, special education placements, and tax certiorari.

The proposed budget of $116,856,988 reflects a budget increase of $2,028,900 or 1.77%. The tax levy increase is $1,888,232 or 1.83%. He reviewed recent budgets and noted that Chappaqua's per pupil cost is 13th in Westchester and Putnam out of 46 districts. He explained how we got to these numbers through personnel and non-personnel reductions for a total of $84,000.

He reviewed the dates and topics to be discussed on the budget calendar and PTA-supported community forums on March 3 at Bell Middle School at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The question of selling Bell Middle School arises each year, but it doesn't make sense. In 2020 the enrollment numbers will increase and the school will be needed again. If we sell Bell, they will turn it into condos and the district will have more students.

Dr. McKay noted that In the meantime, it would be difficult to squeeze all the students and programs into one middle school without affecting program quality.

Board members commented and asked questions.

President Mester asked for comments or questions from the public and noted that there were a number of students and allowed them to speak first.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Alternative Veterans' Exemption
See item 5.2

1.1.2

Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA)

Victoria Tipp explained that Westchester Putnam School Boards is spearheading a campaign with a proposed resolution for school boards to adopt and letters to write to legislators by both boards and community members to oppose the Gap Elimination Adjustment. Sample letters will be posted on the website. In 2009-10 it was introduced as the Deficit Reduction Assessment to partially offset the state's own $10 billion budget deficit. It has negatively impacted districts reducing state aid by approximately $8.9 billion statewide. It has affected Chappaqua for 2013-14 by reducing aid by $1.1 million and cumulative that's $4.5 million. Ms. Tipp also brought a short video produced by PNWBOCES which further explained the issues. John Chow, Warren Messner, and Victoria Tipp will be joining various delegation meetings in Albany to eliminate the GAP.

Warren Messner offered the following Resolution to Restore our School Aid

"Whereas, the NYS Deficit Reduction Assessment was originally instituted (in 2009) to reduce the State's $10 Billion deficit, and

Whereas, for the past three years this reduction has gone under the name Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) and has lowered state aid in our area by 16% on average by taking $586 Million of owed State Aid education monies and re-allocating it to other areas of the State Budget, and

Whereas, this State strategy to "seize" education dollars has happened at the same time that State-imposed financial demands on our school district have continued to grow, common core standards and new high-stakes assessments have been implemented, and the local tax levy has been capped, despite minimal State mandate relief and

Whereas, the NY State Budget now projects a $2.2 Billion surplus while schools across the state have already cut 10,000 teachers in addition to other personnel, programs & services which support our students,

Therefore, Be it Resolved that, we the People demand an end to this grievous wrong by eliminating the GEA deduction from the final State Aid calculation for every school district in NYS. The NYS constitutional right of our children to a "sound basic education" has been seriously compromised for too long. Eliminate the GEA and Restore our School Aid."

The motion was seconded by Alyson G. Kiesel. The motion passed unanimously. The District Clerk was directed to send the letter and resolution to our state legislators and post on website.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Summer camps

Dr. McKay asked Eric Byrne to provide an update. Eric announced that we will have writing camp again. Due to enthusiastic response we will have two camps, the week of August 11 and August 18.

Dr. McKay announced some highlights of the winter sports season and wished a lot of luck to girls basketball team who have reached Section 1 semi-finals, first time in ten years. She congratulated all of our student athletes and coaches for another successful season.

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals

3.1

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve Minutes of January 15, 2014. Warren Messner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

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":

James Howard and

Caitlin McCarron

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the attached Agreements for Services for the individuals and agencies listed below effective February 11, 2014 through March 7, 2014, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education":

Barbarann Tantillo.

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as AP proctors to be employed on an "as needed" basis effective for the 2013/2014 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education":

Dennis Corcoran

Carol Malino Madole

Jill Jason-Wainer

Caryn Resnik

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby removes Regina Luersen from the list of participants of the Teacher Action Research Project effective for the 2013/2014 school year which was originally voted upon at the Board of Education meeting of October 9, 2013".

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, in order to facilitate transition in Special Education, the Board of Education hereby creates a 1.0 FTE CSE/CPSE Chairperson position. This action results in the creation of a 1.0 FTE CSE/CPSE Chairperson position district wide effective March 24, 2014."

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby rescinds the resignation of Lynn Lubow, CSE/CPSE Chairperson, District wide, effective April 1, 2014, that was voted upon at the September 25, 2013 Board of Education meeting."

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:

Ms. Lynn Lubow, CSE/CPSE Chairperson, District wide, effective April 14, 2014.

Ms. April Carpenter, Teacher of Music, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective June 30, 2014.

Resignation:

Ms. Kristin Turco, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective February 7, 2014.

Ms. Annemarie DeLucia-Piekarski, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective June 30, 2014.

Ms. Amanda Franco, Teacher of Special Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective June 30, 2014.

Request for Parental Leave of Absence:

Ms. Nicole Curran, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective February 7, 2014 through March 31, 2014.

Ms. Laurie Ende, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective February 10, 2014 through March 14, 2014.

Appointment: Probationary

Ms. Catherine Bento, CSE/CPSE Chairperson, District wide, effective March 24, 2014, in the tenure area of CSE/CPSE Chairperson, $140,500, prorated.

Appointment: Regular Substitute

Ms. Jennifer del Rosario, Regular Substitute Guidance Counselor, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 10, 2013 through April 1, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, C(BA+60) with Masters, $81,269, prorated.

Ms. Yvonett Glickert, Regular Substitute Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective September 25, 2013 through March 14, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, B(BA+30) with Masters, $73,733, prorated.

Ms. Danielle, Schiavone-Marsenison, Regular Substitute Teacher of Elementary Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective December 4, 2013 through June 30, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 5, B(BA+30) with Masters, $79,847, prorated.

Ms. Denise Mincin, Regular Substitute Library Media Specialist, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective February 3, 2014 through June 30, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 1, B(BA+30) with Masters, $67,610, prorated.

Appointment: Coaching

Mr. Kevin Kuczma, Junior Varsity Boys' Lacrosse, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,904.

Mr. Nathan Loeb, Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,904.

Mr. Robert Raguette, 7-8th Grade Track, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective March 24, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Mr. Anthony Marino, Varsity Baseball, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $8,976.

Mr. Joseph Kearns, Varsity Baseball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,218.

Mr. Jonathan Pollock, Junior Varsity Baseball, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,218.

Mr. Tom Kehrer, 9th Grade Baseball, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Mr. Brady Kittredge, Varsity Boys' Golf, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Mr. Vincent DeGregorio, Varsity Boys' Lacrosse, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,670.

Mr. William Woolard, Junior Varsity Boys' Lacrosse, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,904.

Ms. Annamarie Marasco, Varsity Girls' Lacrosse, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $9,670.

Mr. Art Bonifati, Varsity Girls' Lacrosse Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,904.

Ms. Angela Russo, Junior Varsity Girls' Lacrosse, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,904.

Mr. Mitchell Cheser, Varsity Softball, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $8,976.

Mr. Dave Fernandes, Varsity Girls' Softball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,218.

Ms. Frances Boone, Junior Varsity Softball, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, $5,591.

Mr. Bennett Romney, Varsity Boys' Tennis, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,904.

Mr. Robert Clark, Junior Varsity Boys' Tennis, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Mr. Charles Sehulster, Varsity Track Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,904.

Mr. Matthew Ketterer, Varsity Track, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $8,976.

Ms. Susan Miller, Varsity Track Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $6,904.

Mr. Charles McKenna, 7-8th Grade Track, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective March 24, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 3, $5,526.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching

Mr. Kyle DeVito, Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Peter Morgan, Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Joseph Morgan, Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Mr. Richard Marasco, Varsity Girls' Lacrosse Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 10, 2014 through June 6, 2014 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Victoria Tipp moved to approve the recommendations. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Mester thanked Lynn Lubow for her years of service and Dr. McKay also noted April Carpenter's years of service to the district.

4.2

Non-Instructional

Superintendent McKay made the following recommendations:

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby amends its grant of a leave of absence, without pay, to Jennifer Greco, Teacher Aide at Roaring Brook Elementary School, from December 28, 2013 to March 23, 2014.

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve the recommendations. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve CSE summaries reported to Board on February 14, 2014. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Karen Viser offered the following Resolution,

"WHEREAS, the Board of Education wishes to adopt the provisions of Section 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law which would grant a partial exemption from taxation for school district purposes of certain real property situated in the School District and owned and used as the primary residence by eligible veterans (Alternative Veterans' Exemption); and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board, after having conducted a public hearing on February 26, 2014 and having given the public an opportunity to be heard on the issue of the Board's proposed adoption of the Alternative Veterans' Exemption pursuant to Section 458-a of the Real Property Tax law, hereby adopts the Alternative Veterans' Exemption for assessment rolls prepared on the basis of the taxable status date occurring on or after January 1, 2014, at the following basic maximum levels:

1. Basic Exemption - Tax exemption of 15% of the assessed value of the property, not to exceed $12,000 or the product of $12,000 multiplied by the latest state equalization rate for the assessing unit, whichever is less.

2. Combat Zone - An additional tax exemption of 10% of the assessed value of qualifying residential property of veterans who are documented to have served in a combat zone, not to exceed $8,000 or the product of $8,000 multiplied by the latest state equalization rate, whichever is less.

3. Disabled Veterans - In addition to the above exemptions, where the veteran received a compensation rating from the Veterans' Administration or Department of Defense based upon a service related disability, the qualifying residential property will be exempt to the extent of the product of the assessed value multiplied by 50% of the veteran's disability rating, not to exceed $40,000 or the product of $40,000 multiplied by the latest state equalization rate, whichever is less; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board directs the District Clerk to provide a certified copy of this resolution to Westchester County and the assessors for the other taxing jurisdictions located within this School District."

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The Board agreed that this is one way we should recognize the veterans service to our country.

5.3

Jeffrey Mester moved to appoint David Forsberg to replace Alison Guerra as a member of the Chappaqua Central School District's Health & Safety Committee. Victoria Tipp seconded The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Karen Visser moved to approve gift from Roaring Brook PTA in the amount of $7,500 to purchase a new monitor and studio equipment for Roaring Brook School. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.5

Warren Mester moved to approve Agreement for Services with Ellen Pincus to perform middle level CST & Pre-referral process review per terms of contract effective for five school days, spring 2014 at a rate of $500 per day. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Karen Visser moved to approve items 5.6 and 5.7. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.6

Approve a contract with Greenburgh Central School District for Health and Welfare Services effective September 4, 2013 thru June 27, 2014 for three children at an estimated rate of $865.66 per child.

5.7

Approve a contract with Irvington Union Free School District for Health and Welfare Services effective 2013-14 school year for two children at an estimated rate of $1089.87 per child.

6.

Facilities

7.

Financials

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve financial reports, items 7.1-7.4. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Treasurer's Report - January 2014

7.2

Claims Auditor Report - January 2014

7.3

Expenditure Report - January 31, 2014

7.4

Revenue Report - January 31, 2014

8.

President Mester gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at Horace Greeley High School, 7:30 p.m.

Budget Work Session (minimum business, emphasis on budget)

Presentation:

Curriculum/Technology

He also noted there is a possibility of a rescheduled Joint Town / School Boards meeting for next Wednesday.

9.

Adjournment

Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:47 p.m. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Jeffrey Mester, Board President