Minutes June 7, 2011

Minutes

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chappaqua, New York

 

Date:

June 7, 2011

 

Time:

8:15 p.m.

 

Place:

Horace Greeley High School 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. 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 Janet Benton convened the public session at 7:00p.m. and moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of negotiations (employee contracts) personnel, and legal issue.

At 7:45 p.m., the meeting recessed to join the public for light refreshments to celebrate district retirees.

At 8:20 p.m. Jeffrey Mester moved to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene the public session. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

President Benton welcomed the community and stated that tonight we recognize staff who are retiring and thank them for giving so many years of service to our district. She noted that their many contributions are woven into the fabric of our schools and will remain even after they have moved on. She encouraged them to come back to visit, to teach, to substitute and, facetiously added, to grade tests, which elicited much laughter from the community.

Presentation: Special Report Personnel - Honor Retirees

Interim John Chambers added his congratulations and advised the retirees to enjoy retirement and remember that they will have many choices in the next phase of their lives. He invited Deputy Superintendent Lyn McKay and each of the building principals to introduce their retirees and share some of the retirees many accomplishments, talents, and contributions to the district.

Leslie Koch, PTA Chair, offered the gratitude of the Chappaqua PTA for their years of service and noted that the PTA had made contributions to the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund and the Chappaqua School Foundation on behalf of the retirees.

1.

Information Business Affairs

1.1

President's Report

1.1.1

Draft of Board Calendar for 2011-2012

President Benton reopened the motion tabled from the previous meeting to change the day of the week scheduled for board meetings. Jeffrey Mester moved to change meeting dates to Wednesday instead of Tuesday beginning July 1, 2011. Gregg Bresner seconded. A discussion followed expressing concern that such a change at this time would be disruptive for the coming year. Calendar dates were set around the Tuesday Board dates, including Open Houses, concerts, conferences, etc. Jeffrey Mester noted that it would allow residents to attend both Town and School Board meetings. It was suggested that it might be better to begin this type of discussion of calendar issues in January to allow more input from all parties. When put to a vote, four board members opposed the resolution, Benton, Bresner, Katchis, Kiesel. Mester voted in favor. The motion to move meeting days to Wednesday did not pass. Alyson Kiesel moved to adopt the board calendar draft two with September 27 added as an additional work session, with no business transacted. Randy Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

1.1.2

Report on Westchester Putnam School Boards Dinner

Gregg Bresner reported on one of the best meetings of the West Put School Boards Association that he's attended. Retiring Regent Saul Cohen addressed his long term perspectives on mandates. EJ McMahon discussed tax caps.

1.1.3

Tax Cap Proposal / Advocacy Issues

In follow up to the email blast sent by the Board to the community restating the Board's January 11 position on a New York State property tax cap, board members shared their current thinking regarding the issue as well as thoughts about how the board can best arrive at advocacy positions in the future. Board members offered their individual opinions on the number of mandates that continue to be legislated and their affect on the community.

The community was asked to comment. Several community members reported on their recent trips to Albany to meet with legislators and expressed their support for the board's January 11, 2011 statement that the tax cap should include mandate relief.

(A motion to rescind the board statement was made by Jeffrey Meter, seconded by Gregg Bresner. After the discussion that ensued, Jeffrey Mester withdrew the motion.)

1.2

Superintendent's Report

1.2.1

Leadership Transition Update

Deputy Superintendent Lyn McKay discussed the search process for Roaring Brook principal and assistant superintendent for human resources.. Interims will be hired to begin the school year with a full search to go forward in February or March. She mentioned a redistribution of responsibilities and possible change in titles for central office administration.

1.2.2

Administrative Response to Finance Advisory Group

Interim Superintendent John Chambers presented an administrative response to the Finance Advisory Group recommendations. He suggested in addition to providing an opportunity for dialogue about the comments with the board members, it should be considered a work in progress and that certain recommendations could be revisited. He expressed his thanks to the whole committee and in particular to the two chairs, Jeffrey Mester and Randall Katchis. John Chambers noted the importance of volunteers to provide guidance in certain areas.

John Chow explained where the research was obtained and recommendations on how it is reported. He provided an example of the disparity in the use of certain information such as transportation costs. He used a comparison of transportation costs of Chappaqua, who has a large area that is not really walkable to a district with a comparable number of students, but in a much smaller area and does not provide bussing. Mr. Chow noted that some areas can be improved upon, but not all recommendations can be implemented.

Lyn McKay provided an explanation of the use of assessments and multiple sources of information as an indicator of how we are spending our curriculum dollars. It was noted that just as the cost of doing business has increased, so has the cost of education.

Jeffrey Mester moved to accept the document submitted by the Financial Advisory Group. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

In addition, Lyn McKay will be working over the summer on the question of how do we get a broad-based response to a survey from the community.

1.2.3

John Chow reported that a $100,000 grant is being offered by Senator Susie Oppenheimer's office to fund curriculum development.

Question and Comments on Report Items

2.

Organization

2.1

After the Second Reading of the Draft Animal Dissection Policy, Jeffrey Mester moved to adopt the policy. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Alyson Kiesel moved to adopt the two revisions, items 2.2 and 2.3, to remove the references to "Deputy" but keep the reference to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum to the two policies:

2.2

Policy Revision: 9040 Non-aligned Administrators

2.3

Policy Revision: 9055 Superintendent of Schools: Powers and Responsibilities

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3.

Approvals

3.1

Jeffrey Mester moved to approve the Minutes of May 3, 2011, as amended. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.

Recommended Action: Personnel

John Chambers made the following recommendations, (with the exception of the appointment of Eric Byrnes):

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":

Lori Cox, and

John Russo.

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 2011/2012 school year, or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education":

All About Kids,

Bayada Nurses,

Bayada Nurses,

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,

Creative Tutoring,

Donna Klein & Associates,

Donna Klein & Associates,

Andrea Rauso Eckerle,

Tara Gallagher,

Lisa Giacomini-Essell,

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.,

Interim Healthcare Staffing,

Laurie McCauley,

The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary/Ear Institute,

Colleen O'Sullivan,

Mario F. Pellegrino Pediatric OT PC,

Pleasantville Physical Therapy,

Aaron Sachs, and

Jeffrey H. Sacks, D.O.

Resolution:

"WHEREAS, the Board of Education for reasons of economy and efficiency, has determined that it is appropriate to abolish certain pedagogical positions in the District;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby abolishes the following positions, effective close of business on June 30, 2011."

.4 FTE Business position at Horace Greeley High School,

2.0 FTE Elementary positions (1.0 at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School and 1.0 at Westorchard Elementary School),

1.0 FTE Mathematics position at Seven Bridges Middle School,

.8 FTE Foreign Language position at Horace Greeley High School,

.6 Music position at the Middle Schools,

1.1 FTE Special Education positions (1.0 at Seven Bridges Middle School and .1 at Robert E. Bell Middle School),

1.4 FTE Social Studies positions (.4 at Horace Greeley High School and 1.0 at Seven Bridges Middle School),

1.0 FTE English position at Seven Bridges Middle School,

1.0 FTE Science position at Seven Bridges Middle School,

.6 FTE Physical Education position at Horace Greeley High School, and

.8 FTE CSE/CPSE Chairperson at Education Center.

Resolution:

"BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education has determined that the services of the following individuals shall be discontinued at close of business on June 30, 2011 in accordance with Section 3013 of the Education Law as they are determined to be the least senior teachers in their respective tenure areas, they do not have tenure or probationary status in any additional tenure area created by Part 30 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, and thus have no right to transfer to any position in a different tenure area; and they shall be placed upon a preferred eligible list for recall to a position for a period of seven (7) years from the effective date of layoff pursuant to Education Law Section 3013; and each individual will be notified in writing by the District Clerk of the information contained in this resolution, including placement of their name on a preferred eligible list for re-employment:"

Business Education: Jeanne Hurgin

Social Studies: Patrick Healy

Request for Extension of Parental Leave of Absence:

Ms. Katie King, Guidance Counselor, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective May 26, 2011 through May 27, 2011.

Resignation:

Dr. Marilyn McKay, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Education Center, effective June 30, 2011.

Ms. Kristin Maurer, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective July 20, 2011.

Mr. Fred Ende, Teacher of Science, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective July 31, 2011.

Interim John Chambers asked Lyn McKay to make the recommendation for Eric Byrne's appointment. Dr. McKay explained the rigorous process that screened over 150 applicants, met with the advisory committee composed of parents, teachers, administrators, and final walk through with the final two candidates. She recommended Eric Byrne for this appointment with great anticipation and excitement. Alyson Kiesel moved to accept the recommendation. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Appointment: Probationary

Mr. Eric Byrne, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Education Center, effective July 1, 2011, in the tenure area of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.

Appointment: Regular Substitute

Ms. Lisa Goldstein, Regular Substitute Guidance Counselor, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective May 26, 2011 through May 27, 2011 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

Gregg Bresner moved to accept the recommendations. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4.2

Non-Instructional

John Chambers recommended the following:

Resolution:

WHEREAS the Board, for reasons of economy and efficiency, has determined that it is appropriate to abolish certain non-pedagogical positions in the District;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby abolishes the following positions, effective close of business on June 30, 2011:

One (1) .5 FTE Audio Visual Assistant

One (1) .5 FTE Data Entry Operator, thereby reducing this position from 1.0 FTE to 0.5 FTE

One (1) 1.0 FTE Computer Aide

Two (2) 1.0 FTE Library Clerks

One (1) .5 FTE Library Clerk

One (1) 1.0 Maintenance Laborer

One (1) .5 FTE Receptionist

One (1) 1.0 FTE Typist

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the District Clerk is hereby directed to provide written notice to those employees whose positions are hereby abolished, as presented at this meeting; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that to the extent that there are more employees in the job title than there are remaining positions, the District Clerk is hereby directed to provide written notice to those employees who shall be excessed of the termination of their employment effective close of business on June 30, 2011. With further notice regarding recall rights, if any; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following employees identified below who are in the competitive class of the civil service shall be notified, in writing, of their placement on a preferred list regarding their entitlement to recall for a period of four years from the date of the abolition of their position and termination of their employment in accordance with Sections 80 and 81 of the Civil Service Law:

Data Entry Operator (0.5 FTE) - Claudine Howson

Library Clerk (2.0 FTE) - Colette Briody and Karen Sullivan

Library Clerk (0.5 FTE) - Denise Weiss

Receptionist (0.5 FTE) - Laura Ippolito

Typist (1.0 FTE) - Donna McBride

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following employees who are in the non-competitive class of the civil service shall be notified, in writing, by the District Clerk, of the abolition of their positions and the termination of their employment effective June 30, 2011:

Computer Aide (1.0 FTE) - Diane Wendel

Maintenance Laborer (1.0 FTE) - Sergio Pereira

Resignation:

Theresa Flora - Health Aide at Westorchard Elementary School, resigning effective June 24, 2011.

Resignation for the Purpose of Retirement:

Louise Lubin - Audio Visual Assistant at Robert E. Bell Middle School, retiring effective June 30, 2011.

Randall Katchis moved to accept the recommendations. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.

Recommended Action: Other

5.1

Alyson Kielsel moved to approve the CSE summaries reported to the Board on June 3, 2011. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.2

Alyson Kiesel offered the following resolution,

"BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby ratifies the attached provisions of the June 2, 2011 Memorandum of Agreement executed by the negotiators for the District and the CCT Bargaining Units (Teaching Assistants); and hereby approves those expenditures necessary to implement the provisions."

Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.3

Alyson Kiesel offered the following resolution,

"BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby ratifies the attached provisions of the May 31, 2011 Memorandum of Agreement executed by the negotiators for the District and the CCT Bargaining Units (Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Athletic Trainer, Licensed Practical Nurse and Physical Therapist); and hereby approves those expenditures necessary to implement the provisions."

Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.4

Randall moved to approve a gift of eleven Orcaboard Raised Bed Garden Kits including installation, topsoil for a total of $3,093 from Grafflin PTA to Grafflin Elementary School. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Board members thanked the PTA for their generous gift.

5.5

Gregg Bresner moved to approve a service contract with Educational Data Services, Inc., for licensing and maintenance fees for 2011-12 school year in the amount of $9,400. Randall Katchis seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Randall Katchis moved to approve items 5.6 through 5.16. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

5.6

Approve U.S. Sports Video as Sole Source Manufacturer and Provider Skyhawk End Zone Camera System and related custom components.

5.7

Approve Agreement for Investigative Services for the 2011-12 school year at the rate of $65 per hour per investigator plus mileage.

5.8

Approve Agreement for Consulting Services with Sustainable Food Systems effective June 1, 2011 - May 30, 2012 at the rate of $1,000 per day (estimated 3 days total), plus travel expenses.

5.9

Approve contract with HPN Technologies for basic web service maintenance estimated at $6,900 for 2011-12 school year.

5.10

Approve Agreement for Services with Technical Directions, LLC to provide Technical Director at the Seven Bridges Middle School effective July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012 at the hourly rate of $55/hour, four-hour minimum and according to the terms and conditions of contract.

5.11

Approve Government Liability Authorization required by Verizon Wireless for payment and to authorize contact personnel.

5.12

Approve proposal for Educational and Management Services, Inc., effective July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012, at the annual fee of $16,500 plus travel expenses not to exceed $600.

5.13

Approve Agreement for Services with consultant Cost Management Services (medicaid billing) effective July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012. (Payment based on 3.75% gross accepted/approved claims collected.)

5.14

Approve Agreement for Services with Rebecca School for educational services for student 00485 for school year 2011-12.

5.15

Approve A La Carte Price List for 2011-12.

5.16

Resolution for a list of items to be declared Obsolete

WHEREAS, the District owns the attached list of items which are no longer useful or necessary for school district purposes and is of no value to the School District;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby declares such equipment to be surplus property and of no value to the School District and authorizes the disposal of such equipment in a prudent manner in accordance with law.

6.

Facilities

6.1

Facilities Committee Report

Jeffrey Mester reported that the Committee will have regularly scheduled meetings and members of the community are invited to attend. He added that the committee has met with approximately ten community members who are interested in creating a new artificial turf committee under the auspices of the Sports Boosters. Jeffrey Mester suggested that the expired Memorandum of Understanding with the Sports Boosters that covered a fund raising process for artificial turf could become the basis for a new document. Jeffrey also reported a need to expand the fundraising policy to address new issues. The district has also been asked to address an issue on use of space and possible rental of extra space in district buildings. He also reported that CERT, Chappaqua Emergency Response Team, no longer exists. CERT has asked the district to adhere to the law that now requires shelters to provide cages, facilities for animals. Since the district is only a temporary shelter, this new law does not apply. It is hoped that some of the Energy Project items may be completed this summer if approvals come from SED (State Education Department).

In addition, the district has a ten-year plan to replace all the roofs in the district. Randall Katchis reported on the system utilized to report and track facilities overtime usage. He congratulated Joe Gramando for implementing this new system which provided a $150,000 reduction in district overtime costs.

7.

Financials

Alyson Kiesel moved to approve or accept the following items 7.1 through 7.4. Gregg Bresner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

7.1

Bid #839 - Door and Door Replacement (Renewal Award Recommendation) - Hudson Valley Door and Hardware based on average rate, $130.63 and average charge for parts $317.51.

7.2

Bid #854 - Grass Cutting Services - rescind previous award per attached, and recommend Maxner Landscaping, LLC for the average cost of $84,044.87.

7.3

Expense Report - May 31, 2011

7.4

Revenue Report - May 31, 2011

Questions and Comments

8.

President Benton gave Notice of Future Meetings -

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 - at 8:15p.m. Horace Greeley High School Commons

Presentation:

Ave Atque Vale

9.

Adjournment

At 11:35 p.m. Randall Katchis moved to adjourn. Jeffrey Mester seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Theresa M. Markley, District Clerk / Admin. Asst. To Superintendent Janet Benton, Board President

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