Minutes May 8, 2013

1.1.1

Chappaqua School Foundation (CSF) Spring Benefit

President Tipp thanked the community for the overwhelming support. Almost 500 people students, parents, teaches, administrators attended.

1.1.2

Westchester Putnam School Boards Association

President Tipp has been nominated to serve the remaining term of the proposed vice president. She feels there is an obligation to help support and serve the needs of the districts by doing more advocacy and collaboration.

1.1.3

Legislative Advocacy

President Tipp reported, as a liaison to Advocacy, that very few recommendations from the group were included in the state budget. It was suggested that they need to be more focused about what each district wants, provide specific data, and to coordinate effort with other districts. Every district needs something different and it dilutes the message. The trend is to collaborate and focus on similar needs.

President Tipp also reported that she, Karen Visser, and Maura Marcon were invited to a meeting sponsored by the Pleasantville PTA. In attendance were PTA/ PTO organizations from neighboring districts, some School Board members from those districts, and representatives from the Lower Westchester Education Consortium. The Consortium, a consortium of 14 districts, were invited to attend and they expect more of a groundswell to work together to lobby for education.

PTA President Maura Marcon reported that our PTA has joined the Lower Westchester Education Consortium and as a result, the PTA organized a new advocacy committee with the goal of working on a mandate relief campaign. Community members, with or without children, are welcome to join in letter writing campaigns on website. Letters that are customized for our district, addressed to our legislators, will be on the website. It's as easy as pressing a button to send the district letter off to legislators for action.

1.1.4

Communication Report

Alyson Kiesel and Karen Visser reported that the Communication Committee has been working with Maura Marcon and the PTA; Darleen Nicolosi and Technology; and District Clerk Theresa Markley to make our calendar "Green", up to date, and electronic. Categories of information that are most relevant to parents can be downloaded to your calendar and can be printed. Some printed calendars will be available in town, schools, and library for those who want them. Karen Visser added that we understand concern of changing from printed paper calendar to electronic. In a need to start moving towards 21^st century, green, and less costly, we would like to simplify calendars, forms, and the process of completing forms on open house nights in the fall. We hope to have a "Chap app" that can be populated with information on sports, lunch menus etc. in a secure environment.

1.2.1

Policy on Substitute Teachers

Andrew Selesnick was asked to clarify policy on use of substitutes lists. He confirmed that there is no cap or no cuts on substitutes. May is the worst month to fill substitute positions because of testing and scoring.

1.2.2

Learning Commons

Dr. McKay reported on the status of the grant provided by Chappaqua School Foundation (CSF). The district contracted with (Fielding Nair International) FNI, architectural and educational design firm, to complete a feasibility study, on the use of the cafeteria, library area to provide several options. We are studying how to use space to help teachers create more project based learning. We have organized a group called the Innovation Fellows composed of 18 teacher applicants to begin the work through the summer and next year to embed longer, more sustained projects in many subject areas. They will work with the architect and education consulting firm at the same time to coordinate space and units of study. This initiative will move our district and students to the next level, allowing our students to be innovative and creative and use more of the skills learned in core subjects. We will maintain our core subjects, but be able to apply to more authentic work.

1.2.3

Partnership with school in China

Dr. McKay reported the District had 30 students and 12 administrators from Beijing visit us in February. We have almost signed an agreement with a school in Beijing to partner with. Late October three administrators will go to China for 8-10 days to visit some schools to see where our students might go during spring break. The liaison group that is helping arrange the partnership will fund all costs for two administrators. The District will pay the $3,000 for the third administrator. We will send approximately 23 students in the spring to Beijing with chaperones; and in the fall, up to 25 students from Beijing will stay here with host families.

1.2.4

COPS proposal

Chief Ferry met with Dr. McKay to determine if we would like to partnership with the Town on a Federal Grant, that pays 75% of the funds for an SRO person in our schools. The 25% remaining cost is split between Town and School for 3 years; the fourth year is paid for by the Town and School. The deadline is May 22 and we will have to discuss further with Chief Ferry.

1.2.5

Seven Bridges Principal Search

Dr. McKay asked Andrew Selesnick to report on SB Search. He noted that close to 170 applicants have applied and when we have finished the initial screening, we have stakeholder groups ready to begin interview process. We will keep you posted.

1.2.6

Writer's Camp

Eric Byrne reported that we have 35 students, equal number of boys and girls in the program and more teacher applicants than positions to fill. We will also open up to other districts for an additional 10 slots. Everyone is very excited about the program.

1.2.7

Teacher Action Research

Dr. McKay noted that there is a Memorandum of Agreement on the agenda for approval tonight. Robert Rhodes is identifying facilitators to work with department chairs utilizing specific protocols to change the structure of some of the learning in the departments.

1.2.8

Dr. Michael Kirsch - retirement - Under the Tent - 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Greeley

Everyone is invited to the farewell to Dr. Michael Kirsch after 38 years in the district.