Minutes January 25, 2011

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

January 25, 2011

 

Time:

8:15 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley Commons

 

Present:

Board of Education
Janet Benton, President
Gregg Bresner, Vice President
Alyson Kiesel
Jeffrey Mester
Randall Katchis

 

Staff Members
Present:

Mr. John Chambers, Interim Superintendent

Dr. Lyn McKay, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Mr. Thomas Cardellichio, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Mr. John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business

 

Absent:

Theresa Markley, District Clerk

 

Visitors Present:

Representatives of the Chappaqua PTA, school PTAs, building administrators, faculty, and other interested citizens.

 

President Janet Benton convened the public session at 6:00p.m. for the purpose of a meeting with the administrators for a Board / Administrator Retreat to discuss leadership.

At 7:45 p.m. President Benton moved to enter into a brief Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue and a student issue. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

At 8:15 p.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene the public session. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Benton asked for a motion to appoint Greg Bresner District Clerk Pro Tem. Jeffrey Mester so moved, Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Benton welcomed everyone and noted that the agenda items would be re-arranged.

Presentations:

  1. Board debriefing of Retreat for public meeting.

    President Janet Benton gave an overview of the evening's retreat activities with district administrators. The board and administrators read two books about motivation in preparation for the retreat: The Dot by Peter Reynolds and Drive by Daniel Pink. Board members and administrators broke out in small groups then came together as one large group to discuss two questions: 1) How can we ensure that our teachers, administrators, support staff and students sty motivated and excited about their work? and 2) How can we ensure continued motivation in light of the new evaluation requirements for teachers and administrators.

    Board members expressed thanks to Lyn McKay for organizing the retreat and to all administrators for the interesting ideas and conversation that took place.

  2. Teachers' Contract

    President Janet Benton announced that the Board of Education and the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers (CCT) have come to an agreement to amend the current teacher contract, resulting in a savings of over $1 million in the 2011-12 operating budget. In the agreement, salary increases are reduced, step advancement is slowed, and heath insurance premium contributions are increased. The agreement extends the CCT contract one additional year. For 2011-12, base pay increases are reduced from the previously agreed 3.5% to 2.5%, step increases are postponed to mid-year, and heath insurance contributions increase to 10% on July 1, 2011 rather than January 1, 2012. In 2012-13, base pay increases will be 2% with step increases postponed to mid-year and heath insurance contributions increased to 11%.

    0 On behalf of the Board, Ms. Benton thanked CCT President Ellen Pincus and Vice President Ray Lucia for their leadership in working with district administrators to craft this agreement and in bringing the agreement to the CCT membership for approval. She noted the overwhelmingly positive vote by the CCT membership, recognizing the commitment of district teachers to preserving the high quality educational program in Chappaqua. She also thanked John Chambers, Lyn McKay, Tom Cardellichio and John Chow for their hard work, creativity and patience in guiding the contract discussions to a successful conclusion.

Addendum items:

5.0

Recommended Action: Other

Randall Katchis offered the following resolutions,

5.6

"BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby ratifies the modified provisions executed by the negotiating teams for the District and the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers of the existing Collectively Negotiated Agreement covering the term commencing July 1, 2008 and terminating on June 30, 2012, in the Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement, effective January 11, 2011."

5.7

"BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby ratifies the terms of the successor one-year agreement, entered into by the District and Chappaqua Congress of Teachers, to incorporate the provisions of their 2008-2012 Collectively Negotiated Agreement, inclusive of a Supplemental Agreement (SMOA), dated January 11, 2011, effective July 1, 2012 and terminating on June 30, 2013 and authorizes the expenditure of those monies necessary to implement the provisions of the 2012-2013 CCT Collectively Negotiated Agreement."

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Individual board members shared their thoughts regarding the importance and unprecedented nature of the contract reopening and agreement. They thanked the CCT leadership, the district teachers and the administrators involved.

CCT President Ellen Pincus shared her thoughts on the new agreement and thanked district administration, the CCT executive committee, and the teachers.

 

 

Questions and Comments on Presentation - There were a number of positive comments on the teacher contract.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Superintendent Search

Janet Benton reported that search consultants Hazard Young & Attea had presented the board with a slate of highly qualified candidates and that the board had begun initial interviews. The board is on schedule to have a final candidate selected in March. She reiterated the board's goal of finding the best candidate for Chappaqua and maintaining the confidentiality of all candidates throughout the process.

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Calendar Matters: This year, next year

John Chambers presented his scorecard on snow closings and cancellations, and summary of how the decision is made by school superintendents. He explained the district's status on snow days, and makeup snow days.

1.2.2

Elementary School Report Card

Deputy Superintendent Lyn McKay presented a detailed updated report on the new Elementary Report Card. She noted that PTA representatives, teachers from all grade levels, and administrators have worked together to produce a report card template that now reflects a consistent format across all schools and grade levels. The first one will be mailed and available via the Infinite Campus portal on the website February 18.

Question and Comments on Report Items

2.

Organization

3.

Approvals

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

4.1

Instructional

President Benton asked that the tenure recommendations become the first item. Interim Superintendent John Chambers noted the serious commitment of the district to review of probationers throughout their employment. He introduced the principals and Director of Special Education to make their recommendations.

Martha Zornow and Heidi McCarthy spoke in favor of a tenure appointment for Caren Reinhardt, Teacher of Speech/Language at Seven Bridges.

Eric Byrne and Heidi McCarthy spoke in favor of a tenure appointment for Ellen Moskowitz, Teacher of Special Education at Roaring Brook.

Appointment: Tenure:

Ms. Linsy Kochupaul, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective March 15, 2011.

Ms. Caren Reinhardt, Teacher of Speech/Language, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective March 17, 2011.

Ms. Wendy Kauffman, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective March 22, 2011.

Ms. Ellen Moskowitz, Teacher of Special Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective March 31, 2011.

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve tenure appointments. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Interim Superintendent John Chambers made the remaining recommendations.

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":

Jacquelyn DeFina.

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 2010/2011 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education":

Westchester Institute for Human Development.

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:

Mr. Walter Hartsburg, Teacher of Foreign Language, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective June 30, 2011.

Ms. Marjorie Milstein, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective June 30, 2011.

Request for Discretionary Leave of Absence:

Ms. Stephanie Lia, Psychologist, Horace Greeley High School, effective January 31, 2011 through April 1, 2011.

Appointment: Volunteer Coaching

Mr. Lamont Watkins, Varsity Boys' Basketball Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective January 1, 2011 through March 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Addendum item:

4.1

Recommended Action: Personnel

Appointment: Part Time

Ms. Stephanie Lia, (.6) School Psychologist, Horace Greeley High School, effective January 31, 2011 through April 1, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 8, D(BA+90) with Masters & Doctorate, $102,506, prorated.

 

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve the recommendations. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.2

Non-Instructional

Interim Superintendent John Chambers made the remaining recommendations.

Resignation for Retirement Purposes:

Elizabeth O'Toole - Registered Nurse at Westorchard Elementary School, retiring effective June 30, 2011.

Resignation:

Thomas Williams - Athletic Trainer, resigning effective January 21, 2011.

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve the recommendation. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve CSE summaries reported to the Board on January 21, 2011. Gregg Bressner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Randall Katchis moved to accept a gift from Friends of Greeley Theater in the amount of $3,550.98 for: 1. $2,000 - Assorted lumber and construction supplies to build the set of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, 2. $154.99 - (1) Snow Flurry - High Output Snow Machine to create a mist/snow effect on stage, an element of the production design for The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, 3. $20.99 - (1) Gallon Snow/Foam Fluid to use with the snow machine. 4. $1375.00 - (3) Morpheus PS-6 Power Supplies to operate the color scrollers previously purchased with FGT grant funds. (The goal is to own enough power supplies to operate all 30 scrollers, eliminating the need to rent the equipment. With this purchase, Greeley Theatre Company will need only 2 more power supplies to complete its required inventory.)

Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously. President Benton thanked the Friends of Greeley theater for their continued support.

5.3

Alyson Kiesel offered the following Resolution for initial referral to the Committee on Special Education.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District designate school Principals, school Assistant Principals, the Committee on Special Education Chairpersons and the Director of Special Education and Related Services as the District representatives with authority to initiate referrals to the Committee on Special Education pursuant to Education Law §4401-a (1). All other professional staff shall be authorized to request a referral to the above-referenced Board of Education designees, which shall be made on the form approved by the Director of Special Education and Related Services.

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Jeffrey Mester moved to appoint Ari Linder, Bhavin Shah and Andrew Stillman to the finance advisory group. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.5

Jeffrey Mester moved to appoint the following individuals as Sub-Committee Chairpersons of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) for the remainder of the 2010-2011 school year. These individuals may assume the role as the Sub-Committee Chairperson for one or more CSE Annual Review meetings.

Debra Alspach,

Karen Caliendo,

Lauren Andrews,

Ellen Pincus,

Lisa Tighe,

Ali McCarville,

Colleen Kourakos,

Dr. Nancy Chapar,

Amy Fishkin,

Faye D'Ambrosio,

Doreen Callendrella,

Ellen Moskowitz,

Kathryn Rowland,

Dr. Joe Schippa,

Gerard Shine,

Anne DeCora,

Tammy Ghirardi,

Felice Gittleman,

Mary Ellen Ferricane,

Theresa Zuckerberg,

Barbara Fingeroth,

Kristin Mongiello,

Phyllis Miller,

Dr. Sue Costantini,

Dr. Annemarie Giannettino,

Meredith Greene,

Heather Strickland,

Jamie Hariegel,

Sherri Huffman,

Clint Keegan,

Sara Kenney,

Jen Cioppa,

Mary Comparetto,

Amy Rubenstein,

Dr. Sherry Schur,

Tricia Greco,

Lilli Ross,

Laura Triglia,

Shelly Langton,

Kristen Fontanes,

Kerin Heim,

Jeff Cole,

Karin Pelletier,

Dr. Patrick McAuliffe,

Dr. John Alkalay,

Dr. Stephanie Lia,

Michael Abulencia,

Mary Callaghan,

Janet Fletcher,

Jonathan Hirsch,

Patricia Janecka

Mary Ellen Kelly,

Jessica Letiman,

Annamarie Marasco,

Charles Mckenna,

Teresa McKenna,

Susan Miller,

Chris Parke,

Dr. Gail Schlenger,

Jacqueline Simone,

Cara Stirpe,

Yvette Sullivan.

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

6.

Facilities

6.1

Tabled from January 11, 2011 and tabled to February 15, 2011 - Report on Board Facilities Tour of Bell Middle School, December 15, 2010, 7:15 a.m. and Douglas Grafflin Elementary School at 8:00 a.m.

6.2

Jeffrey Mester noted the rescheduled Board Facilities Tour of Seven Bridges Middle School to January 26, 2011, 7:15 a.m. and Westorchard Elementary School at 8:00 a.m.

7.

Financials

Alyson Kiesel moved to accept the following financial reports.

7.1

Claims Auditor Report - December 2010

7.2

Revenues Report - December 31, 2010

7.3

Expenditures Report - December 31, 2010

7.4

Treasurer's Report - December 2010

7.5

Central Treasurer's Quarterly Report - Extraclassroom Activity Accounts - September 1 - December 31, 2010

7.6

Central Treasurer's Quarterly Report - Team Accounts - September 1 - December 31, 2010

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

8.

President Benton gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at Horace Greeley High School - 7:00 p.m.

Which we anticipate will go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at Horace Greeley High School - 8:15 p.m.

Presentation:

Budget Discussion - School Programs and Staffing

9.

Adjournment

At 9:30 p.m. President Benton asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting to Executive session to continue a personnel discussion. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn the meeting. Alyson Kiesel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

At 10:15 p.m. Alyson Kiesel moved to adjourn the Executive session and reconvene the public session for the purpose of adjournment. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Gregg Bresner, District Clerk Pro Tem

Janet Benton, Board President

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