Minutes May 29, 2013

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

May 29, 2013

 

Time:

8:30 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School

 

Present:

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

 

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 6:00 p.m. Randall Katchis moved to enter into Executive Session with administrators for a discussion of the employment of a particular person and collective bargaining under the Taylor Law. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn the executive session at 8:00 p.m. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Board members joined the community in celebration with our newly tenured teachers and families for some refreshments prior to reconvening the public session.

Karen Visser moved to reconvene the public session at 8:23 p.m. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Tipp welcomed the community, students, and parents.

Presentations:

Tenure Teacher Recognition

Superintendent Lyn McKay noted that this is a very special evening and introduced each of the principals to make their tenure recommendations and brief introductions of each recipient. Westorchard Principal Jim Skoog, Bell Middle School Principal Martin Fitzgerald, and Horace Greeley Principal Robert Rhodes introduced and congratulated staff members on reaching this important step in their teaching careers. Assistant Superintendent Eric Byrne recommended staff developer Karen McNally and Dr. McKay gave her recommendation for Dr. Heidi McCarthy, Director of Special Education and Related Services.

Superintendent McKay recommended all the following tenure recipients to the Board:

Appointment: Tenure

Ms. Eileen Cass, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 13, 2013.

Ms. Danielle Cohen, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 1, 2013.

Ms. Nicole Curran, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective September 1, 2013.

Ms. Jennifer Halliday, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective September 1, 2013.

Mr. Matthew Harz, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective October 18, 2013.

Dr. Heidi McCarthy, Director of Special Education and Related Services, Education Center, effective September 1, 2013.

Ms. Karen McNally, Teacher of Elementary Education, District wide Elementary Schools, effective September 1, 2013.

Ms. Lauren Reisner, Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 1, 2013.

Ms. Monique Scollan, Teaching Assistant, Westorchard Elementary School, effective September 1, 2013.

Ms. Lori Tenefrancia, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 1, 2013.

Ms. Keri Zurlini, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective September 1, 2013.

Jeffrey Mester moved to award tenure to those recommended. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

On behalf of the Board, President Tipp offered congratulations to all tenure recipients upon their successful culmination of the intensive review of their skills during the past three years.

LIFE School Digital Portfolios

Eric introduced John Hirsch of the LIFE school. Ten years ago started they began collections or portfolios of their work to provide opportunity for reflection and help them to get into college. It helps draw conclusions from experiences and allows them to compare and contrast information. Steve Walker explained the process used by the students and the different sections that were negotiated for content. Students Jack Grossman, Zack Krooks, Jared Lipson, and Sasha Byck presented their digital portfolios and explained their individual requirements for projects, resolutions to issues and successes, and their reflections on LIFE school. Their experiences with learning new skills, especially in internships, were positive and insightful helping them to step out of their comfort zones.

Board members were impressed with the program, the student's presentations, ability to share them, and thanked them for their presentations.

1.

Information

1.1

President's Report

President Tipp thanked everyone for passing the budget and congratulated Jeffrey Mester and Warren Messner as beginning their third and first terms respectively. She also thanked Fred Stein for adding to the competitive spirit of the race.

1.1.1

Westchester Putnam School Boards Association

President Tipp reported that the Board needs to cast a vote on the proposed Budget for Westchester Putnam School Boards Association and the proposed slate of officers. Since she is a candidate, she recused herself and asked Vice President Alyson Kiesel to officiate.

Vice President Kiesel requested a motion for the following.

Karen Visser offered the following resolution, "BE IT RESOLVED that the proposed 2013-14 Budget for the Westchester-Putnam School Boards Association be ratified as presented in the amount of $246,227." Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Jeffrey Mester offered the following resolution, "BE IT RESOLVED that the Board approves the proposed 2013-14 slate of officers and members of the Board of Directors." Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Board colleagues thanked Ms. Tipp for her willingness to serve.

As Executive Committee members for a one year term:

President - Susan Elion Wollin (Bedford CSD)

Vice President - Stephen Jambor (Brewster CSD)

Treasurer - Karen Zevin (Croton-Harmon UFSD)

Secretary - Lisa Tane* (Greenburgh Eleven UFSD)

Audit and Finance Committee Chair - Brett Summers (Byram Hills CSD)

As Board of Directors with terms expiring in 2016:

Vince D'Ambroso (Mount Pleasant CSD)

Anita Feldman (P/NW BOCES)

Rita Golden (Mount Pleasant Cottage UFSD)

Richard Kreps (Carmel CSD)

As Board of Directors with terms expiring in 2014:

Robert Johnson* (Port Chester - Rye UFSD)

Victoria Tipp* (Chappaqua CSD)

Karen Visser offered the following resolution, "BE IT RESOLVED that the Board approves the proposed 2013-14 standing committees." Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Nominating Committee members:

Rita Golden (Mount Pleasant Cottage UFSD)

Lynn McBride (SW BOCES)

Audit and Finance Committee members:

Chair - Brett Summers (Byram Hills CSD)

Richard Kreps (Carmel UFSD)

Jennifer Rosen (Briarcliff Manor UFSD)

Karen Zevin (Croton-Harmon UFSD)

 

1.1.2

School Resource Officer (SRO) - update

President Tipp explained that the proposal for a SRO was funded by a grant from the Federal government for two officers with the cost split between the Town and school district, but the Town did not have the funds to pay considering it needed to fund more than one school district. They declined the offer and the expiration date has passed.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Seven Bridges search

Andrew Selesnick reported that the search is moving along with second round candidates and the committee will determine the two who will return for third round and final round.

1.2.2

Under the Tent - (Graduation Tent at Greeley)

Superintendent McKay encouraged everyone to please stop by the tent on the Greeley field on Wednesday, June 12, anytime between 3:30 - 6:30 p.m., to wish Dr. Michael Kirsch, Grafflin principal a fond farewell.

Questions and Comments

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals

Randall Katchis moved to certify the Report of the May 22, 2013 vote and election. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.1

Certification of Report of May 22, 2013 vote and election

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations.

4.1

Instructional

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":

Aaron Sachs,

Bayada Home Health Care, Inc.,

Behavior Analysts of New York, LLC,

Behavior Analysts of New York, LLC,

Behavior Analysts of New York, LLC,

Blythedale Children's Hospital,

Blythedale Children's Hospital,

Blythedale Children's Hospital,

HTA of New York, Inc.,

HTA of New York, Inc.,

HTA of New York, Inc.,

HTA of New York, Inc.,

HTA of New York, Inc.,

HTA of New York, Inc.,

HTA of New York, Inc.,

Isa Marrs Speech Language Pathology, PC,

Isa Marrs Speech Language Pathology, PC,

Jeffrey H. Sacks, D.O.,

Joan Weinstein,

Karen Teters,

Lisa Giacomini-Essell,

The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary / Ear Institute, and

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

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":

Lisa de Castro,

Corrie Donaldson,

Janet Fletcher,

Robert Miltner,

Stephen Orfei, and

Amanda Wilson.

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed to be appointed to work in the Chappaqua Summer Extended Year Program from June 25, 2013 through August 9, 2013, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education."

Felice Gittelman, Teacher of Special Education,

Patricia Greco, Teacher of Special Education,

Sara Kenney, Teacher of Special Education,

Caitlin Lena, Teacher of Special Education,

Karin Pelletier, Per Diem Teacher of Special Education,

Ming-Faye D'Ambrosio, Per Diem Teacher of Special Education,

Susan Miller, Substitute Teacher of Special Education,

Anne DeCora, Teacher of Speech / Language,

Gail Fuld, Teacher of Speech / Language,

Mary Crewe, Per Diem Occupational Therapist,

Laura Cassidy, Per Diem Physical Therapist,

Kathy Brehm, Part Time Nurse,

Pat Pollock, Part Time Nurse,

Shannon Bailey, Teaching Assistant,

Lynne Brennan, Teaching Assistant,

Charles Buchanan, Teaching Assistant,

Jayne Carlson, Teaching Assistant,

Anthony Castaneda, Teaching Assistant,

Craig Colavito, Teaching Assistant,

Matthew Harz, Teaching Assistant,

Ann Marie Masciana, Teaching Assistant,

Jaclyn Nannariello, Teaching Assistant,

Kathleen O'Donnell, Teaching Assistant,

Dana Stein-Dince, Teaching Assistant,

Helen Teevan, Teaching Assistant, and

Janine Brennan, Substitute Teaching Assistant.

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby rescinds the resignation of Brooke Baron, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective June 21, 2013, that was voted upon at the 2/27/13 Board of Education meeting."

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:

Ms. Erin Posner, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective May 3, 2013 and May 13, 2013.

Mr. Matthew Harz, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective May 7, 2013 through May 24, 2013.

Ms. Patricia Patterson, Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective May 15, 2013 through May 20, 2013.

Mr. Madison Martineau, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective May 23, 2013, May 24, 2013, and May 31, 2013.

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:

Ms. Rosalind Mittler, Teaching Assistant, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective June 24, 2013.

Resignation:

Ms. Brooke Baron, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective June 30, 2013.

Appointment: Teaching Assistant

Ms. Ann Marie Masciana, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective May 13, 2013, $21,256, prorated.

Mr. Madison Martineau, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective May 16, 2013, $21,256, prorated.

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve the recommendations. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.2

Non-Instructional

Dr. McKay made the following recommendations with the exception of Mr. Rivera to be tabled for now:

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education amends the retirement date of Susan Cappetta - Senior Office Assistant - Automated Systems at the Horace Greeley High School from June 28, 2013 to July 1, 2013.

Resignation:

Lisa Shirin - Senior Office Assistant - Automated Systems at the Education Center, resigning effective May 24, 2013.

Appointments:

Sally Love - Senior Office Assistant - Automated Systems at the Education Center, effective May 13, 2013. Her salary will be $44,450. Ms. Love will be on administrative leave until June 3, 2013.

Yesid Rivera - Teacher Aide at Seven Bridges Middle School, 17.5 hours per week, effective May 28, 2013. His salary will be $15.32 per hour. (Tabled appointment)

Maria Ruggiero - Teacher Aide at Horace Greeley High School, 22.5 hours per week, effective May 28, 2013. Her salary will be $15.32 per hour.

Micaela Silver to replace Liv Amundsen as a member of the District's Health & Safety Committee, effective September 19, 2013.

Karen Visser moved to approve the recommendations, as amended. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Randall Katchis moved to approve the CSE summaries reported to the board for approval on May 24, 2013, as corrected. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Alyson Kiesel approved a resolution to ratify additional appointment of election workers - Josie Ganek, Diane Thaler, Peggy Macchetto, Laurie Warshofsky, David Kellogg. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Jeffrey Mester offered a Resolution to adopt a Tax Anticipation Note for Chappaqua Central School District, New York, on May 29, 2013, authorizing the issuance of note not to exceed $8,000,000 Tax Anticipation Notes in anticipation of the receipt of taxes to be levied for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014.

"Be it resolved as follows,

Section 1.     Tax Anticipation Notes (herein called "Notes") of Chappaqua Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York (herein called "District"), in the principal amount of not to exceed $8,000,000, and any notes in renewal thereof, are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to the provisions of Sections 24.00 and 39.00 of the Local Finance Law, constituting Chapter 33-a of the Consolidated Laws of the State of New York (herein called "Law").

Section 2.     The following additional matters are hereby determined and declared:

(a) The Notes shall be issued in anticipation of the collection of real estate taxes to be levied for school purposes for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014, and the proceeds of the Notes shall be used only for the purposes for which said taxes are levied.

(b) The Notes shall mature within the period of one year from the date of their issuance.

(c) The Notes are not issued in renewal of other notes.

(d) The total amount of such taxes remains uncollected at the date of adoption of this resolution.

Section 3.     The Notes hereby authorized shall contain the recital of validity prescribed by Section 52.00 of the Law and shall be general obligations of the District, and the faith and credit of the District are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the Notes and unless the Notes are otherwise paid or payment provided for, an amount sufficient for such payment shall be inserted in the budget of the District and a tax sufficient to provide for the payment thereof shall be levied and collected.

Section 4.     Subject to the provisions of this resolution and the Law, and pursuant to Sections 50.00, 56.00, 60.00 and 61.00 of the Law, the power to sell and issue the Notes authorized pursuant hereto, or any renewals thereof, and to determine the terms, form and contents, including the manner of execution, of such Notes, and to execute arbitrage certifications relative thereto, is hereby delegated to the President of the Board of Education, the chief fiscal officer of the District.

Section 5.     The Notes shall be executed in the name of the District by the manual signature of the President of the Board of Education, the Vice President of the Board of Education, the District Treasurer, the District Clerk, or such other officer of the District as shall be designated by the chief fiscal officer of the District, and shall have the corporate seal of the District impressed or imprinted thereon which corporate seal may be attested by the manual signature of the District Clerk.

Section 6.     This resolution shall take effect immediately.

Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve the PNWBOCES contract of services for 2013-14. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.5

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve a contract with PAS Auto School, Inc. to conduct a driver education program effective July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016, per pupil for first year is $440 and determined by mutual agreement for remaining years. Victoria Tipp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve items 5.6 and 5.7, contracts for Health and Welfare services. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.6

Approve contract for Health and Welfare services provided by Bedford School District for Chappaqua students (10) attending non-public schools in Bedford for 2012-13 school year at a rate of $934.41 per student.

5.7

Approve contract for Health and Welfare services provided by White Plains City School District for Chappaqua students (6) attending non-public schools in White Plains for 2011-12 school year at a rate of $839.19 per student. (Contract was never received in 2011-12)

5.8

Randall Katchis moved to approve contract with Purchase College, SUNY for use of facilities August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014, per terms of contract. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.9

Randall Katchis moved to approve gift to Westorchard Elementary School from the Westorchard PTA in the amount of $2,918.40 to purchase and install various murals created by students in the cafetorium. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.10

Jeffrey Mester offered a Resolution for SEQRA Type II Project - roof repairs at Douglas Grafflin and Westorchard Elementary Schools. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Whereas, the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District is planning two roofing repair projects at the Westorchard Elementary School and the Douglas Grafflin Elementary 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.

6.

Facilities

Jeffrey Mester reported that the PNWBOCES $17 million capital project has been approved by the State Education Department with the same scope, but a different timeline. Some projects need to be completed earlier because of storm damage.

Randall Katchis reported a meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on June 12 with the neighbors of the Zauderer property to share with them the modified plan of the property. Notifications were sent to the several residents bordering the property.

7.

Financials

Alyson Kiesel moved to accept the financial reports, 7.1 and 7.2. Karen Visser seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Treasurer's Report - April 2013

7.2

Central Treasurer Report Extraclassroom Activity Accounts - April 2013

8.

Notice of Future Meetings -

Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Horace Greeley High School

Join us for light refreshments at 7:45 p.m. to honor our retirees.

8:15 p.m. - Board meeting

Presentation:

Honor Retirees

9.

Adjournment

Adjournment - Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Victoria Tipp, Board President

tm