Minutes September 27, 2012

Date:

September 27, 2012

Time:

8:15 p.m.

Place:

Horace Greeley High School

Present:

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

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 Tipp called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Karen Visser moved to convene the public session and move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of labor negotiations with all unions. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Tipp welcomed the community and asked for a motion to reconvene the public session. Karen Visser moved to reconvene the public session at 8:39 p.m. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Presentations:

Chappaqua Education for the Future (CEFF)

Dr Mckay gave an overview of this 26-member advisory group composed of every constituent group in our community. She introduced several of the members who provided insight.

Seven Bridges Principal Martha Zornow provided a more specific context. How do we address 21^st century skills and what will our students be asked to perform in the work place. We need vital skills of communication and collaboration, creativity and a healthy sense of self.

Greeley senior Ariel Kahn, reported that it has been one of the most rewarding experiences to see what goes on behind the scenes of teaching. She felt that her voice is heard and that the district values the voices of its students.

Lisa Levinson - empty nester and former PTA president, feels the group is very focused on learning, education, and developing a more precise, working definition of each topic to determine how we measure strengths and weaknesses and target instructional practices to ensure our students become even stronger in all areas.

Jim Skoog - Westorchard principal commented on the independent reading levels for accuracy, fluency, and comprehension and the challenge to de-emphasize reading level importance. He noted that even the very young students compare reading levels.

President Tipp thanked the members of the committee and their commitment to these ideals to promote a lifelong learning and how do you do that with the importance of high test scores and how to deal with the pressure and stress.

Dr. McKay added that Dr. Sam Wang, Professor of Neuroscience and Molecular Biology at Princeton University will also be working with this group. Dr. Wang will speak to parents and talk about your child's brain on October 22, at Bell School. This is sponsored by the PTA.

Teaching and Learning Priorities 2012-13

Dr McKay enthusiastically reported that it is incredibly exciting times moving beyond our curriculum and testing practices. There is more evidence-based argument writing in K-12 grades and a development of consistent research practices.

Assistant Superintendent Eric Byrne noted inquiry research based protocol is a valuable tool in our system. There are literacy and math common core standards and an alignment of units across all levels because of the common core shifts. We have received good feedback on the 55 minute schedules. He explained the concept of the flipped classroom where the student has the opportunity to access more information outside the classroom. Students learn how to collaborate.

Assistant Superintendent Andrew Selesnick explained the development of the Dignity for All Students Act in response to some of the tragedies that have occurred over the state and country to be respectful to all students and it's implementation in the district.

Eric Byrne thanked the teachers, administrators, and staff developers for designing the new local assessments that have the possibility of transforming teaching and learning for years to come. January 23, 2013 is the next Knowledge Cafe with Diane Cunningham that promises to be very exciting.

Andrew Selesnick reported the new teacher and principal evaluation system, APPR, had to be in place by all districts as of July 1, 2012. Every teacher is evaluated throughout the year. He noted that fewer than half of the districts have complied with submitting a plan. We have an approved plan - for one year.

Victoria Tipp noted that it was handled in such a productive, and constructive way and elevated teaching standards to a level that is meaningful to our district.

School Report Card

Eric Byrne and Staff Developer Mary Ford provided a detailed analysis of the New York State district school report card for 2011. They explained the impact of the cut scores and detailed the process for determining student's reading level including a one-on-one assessment given three times a year to determine accuracy and in-depth comprehension.

Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES

Assistant Superintendent John McCarthy, Director of Business Todd Currie, and Paul Tozzi of Arris Contracting Co., Inc. presented the reduced scope and major revisions to their renovation project that was originally presented in January and submitted to the component school boards for a vote. It was voted down mainly because of the cost and effect on the 2% tax cap to the individual districts.

The total cost is now: $16,944,701 reduced from $19,050,000, reflecting a $2,105,299 decrease Mr. McCarthy explained the project in great detail and pointed out that it is the first time P/NWBOCES has asked the component school districts for help in the past 40 years. It was established as a cooperative board to provide services at a cheaper rate. Legally, component districts cannot pull out of the original contract and are obligated to provide support. If the project is voted down again on October 9, the individual districts will be billed for the repairs that are needed as they occur. This could be more costly than voting for the project and allowing it to go forward. Board members have requested increased future communication on projects, use of maintenance agreements to prevent large repair bills, and suggested a facility committee composed of facility directors from the component districts to help organize a better system of maintenance and long range planning. The current proposal will cost Chappaqua $1.2M.

1.

Information

Questions and Comments

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals

Victoria Tipp moved to approve the minutes of September 24, 2012 and Executive Session of April 24, 2012. Karen Visser seconded. Jeffrey Mester voiced objections to approve the executive session of April 24 in the existing format. Victoria Tipp withdrew her motion. Alyson Kiesel moved to approve the minutes of September 4, 2012. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations:

5.

Recommended Action: Other

6.

Facilities - none

7.

Financials

8.

Notice of Future Meetings -

9.

Adjournment

At 12:02 a.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.