Minutes January 8, 2020

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 6:00 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Academic Commons

Presiding Officer: Jane Kimmel Shepardson
Pledge of Allegiance: Holly McCall

Present:  Board of Education
    Jane Kimmel Shepardson, President
    Holly McCall, Vice President
    Hilary Grasso
    Warren Messner
    Victoria Tipp

Staff Members:
    Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
    John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business
    Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
    Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
    Liisa Elsner, District Clerk

President Jane Kimmel Shepardson called for a motion to convene the public meeting at 6:00 pm.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to convene the public meeting at 6:00 pm.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 4-0.  Board Member Warren Messner was absent.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to appoint Holly McCall clerk pro tem.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp. Motion carried 4-0.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss litigation, contracts, real estate, the employment history of particular persons and to receive advice from counsel at 6:03 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0.

Board Member Warren Messner joined the meeting at 6:04 pm.

President Shepardson called for a motion to re-convene the public meeting at 7:41 pm.

Motioned by Holly McCall to re-convene the public meeting at 7:41 pm.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0. 

1.       Information Business Affairs

1.1    President’s Report – President Shepardson welcomed everyone back from the holiday Recess.  She pointed out upcoming events:  1) Dr. Lisa Damour’s visit to the District on 1/9 which includes events for students, staff and parents.  She thanked the PTA for their continued support and partnership with these events, and 2) the annual Harlem Wizards event to benefit the CSD on 1/26.  She also highlighted the retirements on the agenda, expressing gratitude for these staff members’ dedication to our students and contributions to the District.  She also pointed out that all of our retirees will be officially recognized at the June 3 Board meeting.  Lastly, she thanked District administrators, John Chow in particular, for their tremendous efforts during the budget process.

1.2    Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman began by inviting Athletic Director Jason Semo to introduce the HGHS girl swimmers who won the NYS championship in the 400 meter freestyle relay in All American consideration time.  Each student-athlete spoke briefly about their experiences and teammates.  The swimmers were congratulated for their success and continued dedication.  Dr. Ackerman then went on to highlight the following:

  • The creation of an Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Personnel Services and the hiring of a search firm to help identify candidates
  • Dr. McGuffog will attend the 2/12 BOE meeting to discuss her findings
  • Cyber Security contract – the District does not have current issues but the purpose of this process is to help strengthen any potential weak spots
  • The hiring of a PR specialist to help the District with communication efforts
  • There will be a draft of the 2020-21 District Calendar presented at the 1/22 meeting
  • She will present the Safety Task Force recommendations at the 1/22 meeting

Presentations:  Budget Preview – Dr. Ackerman and John Chow gave the Board and community a preview of the 2020-21 Budget process. The Superintendent’s proposed budget and component budgets will be presented at additional meetings in the spring.

2.      Committee Reports  

Public Comment Period:
We welcome public comments, and in respect for each other's time, we ask that you limit your comments to three minutes. Board members may be contacted via email or phone.  After the public comment period has been completed, Board members may have a discussion among themselves regarding comments presented.

3.      Approvals & Ratifications 
    
Motioned by Victoria Tipp to remove Item 3.1 from the table.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the November 13, 2019 Board Meeting.
Tabled at Board of Education Meeting on December 11, 2019

Item 3.1 was motioned by Victoria Tipp. Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  During discussion, Ms. Tipp objected to having been listed as “absent” at the beginning of the 12/11/19 meeting as she was in the building, but not in the Academic Commons, at the time, and asked that her objection be reflected in the minutes.  Motion carried 4-1 with Victoria Tipp voting “Nay.”

3.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the December 11, 2019 Board Meeting.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to accept Item 3.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.3    Policy #5052:  Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention – 2nd Reading & Adoption

BE IT RESOLVED, that upon the second reading of this policy as presented at this meeting, the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #5052:  Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention.

Motioned by Holly McCall to table Item 3.3 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-1 with Warren Messner voting “Nay.”

3.4    Policy #6095:  Travel Conference and Meeting Expenses – 2nd Reading & Adoption

BE IT RESOLVED, that upon the second reading of this policy as presented at this meeting, the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #6095:  Travel, Conference and Meeting Expenses.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to adopt Policy #6095:  Travel, Conference and Meeting Expenses as amended above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

4.      Recommended Action:   Personnel

Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.1 as stated below.

4.1    Instructional

Resolution:  
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby creates the 1.0 FTE position of Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, a position in the Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Tenure Area.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby abolishes the 1.0 FTE position of Director of Pupil Personnel Services, effective April 27, 2020.
        
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:

Michelle Esposito

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as paid interns at the daily rate of $85.00 for the 2019/2020 school year through the PNW BOCES Internship Program:

Theresa Swertfager

Resignations:
Mr. Charles Riggs, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective January 3, 2020.

Ms. Katherine Schaeffler, Teaching Assistant, Horace Greeley High School, effective December 27, 2019.

Ms. Ingrid Tavarez, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective January 20, 2020.

Ms. Laura Zolotorofe, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective January 1, 2020.

Resignations for Purposes of Retirement:
Mr. George Benack, Teacher of Mathematics, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2020.

Ms. Patricia Donovan, Teacher of Science, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2020.

Dr. Martin Fitzgerald, Principal of Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective June 30, 2020.

Ms. Mary Ellen Ferricane, Teacher of Special Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective June 26, 2020.

Ms. Patricia Greco, Teacher of Special Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective August 14, 2020.

Ms. Lisa (Buitekant) Izbicki, Teacher of Mathematics, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2020.

Ms. Diane Madaio, Teacher of Elementary Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective June 26, 2020.

Mr. Joseph Montuori, Teacher of Social Studies, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2020.

Ms. Doris Pugliese, Teacher of Reading, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective June 30, 2020.

Ms. Laura Triglia, Teacher of Special Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective June 30, 2020.

Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Pamela Worth, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective January 6, 2020 through February 28, 2020.

Appointment: Teaching Assistant
Ms. Stephanie Seveland, Teaching Assistant, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective January 6, 2020, $23,107, prorated.

Appointment: Long-term Substitute Extension
Ms. Susan Buchman, Guidance Counselor, Horace Greeley High School, effective January 6, 2020 through January 24, 2020 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $500 per diem.

Appointment: Coaching - Effective March 9, 2020 through May 31, 2020

Name Position Sport Step
Michelle Mazzocchi Varsity Softball 1
David Fernandes Assistant Varsity Softball 3
Bennett Romney Varsity Boys Tennis 3
Gerard Sulli  JV A Boys Tennis 3
James Howard Varsity Girls Track & Field 3
Steven McKenny Varsity Boys Track & Field 3
Nicholas Clair  Asst. Varsity Track & Field 1
Kimberly Lindner Asst. Varsity Track & Field 2
Brian Zusi Varsity Boys Lacrosse 3
William Woolard JV Boys Lacrosse 3
Brady Kittredge  Varsity Golf 3

Appointment: Coaching - Effective March 23, 2020 through May 31, 2020

Name Position Sport Step
Elizabeth Lops Modified – SB Softball 3
Jason Sclafani Modified - Bell Softball 3
Charles McKenna Modified - 7B Track & Field 3
Robert Raguette Modified - Bell Track & Field 3
Christopher Strahley Asst. Modified – 7B Boys Lacrosse 1
Nathan Loeb Modified – Bell Boys Lacrosse 3
Jason Lummel Asst. Modified – Bell Boys Lacrosse  3

Motioned by Holly McCall to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.

4.2    Non-Instructional 

Resignation for the purpose of retirement:
Vincent Casino, Custodial Worker, Roaring Brook Elementary School, retiring effective January 30, 2020.    

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby amends the effective date of the change in hours to the appointment of Susana Perez, Health Aide at Westorchard Elementary School, from 24 hours/week to 17.5 hours/week, from December 12, 2019 to December 19, 2019.

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.    Recommended Action:  Other
Use of the Consent Agenda permits the Board of Education to make more effective use of its time by adopting a single motion to cover those relatively routine matters, which are included. Any member of the Board who wishes to discuss individually a particular piece of business on the Consent Agenda may so indicate and that item will be considered and voted on separately, thus preserving the right of all Board members to be heard on any issue. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the following Consent agenda as submitted by the Superintendent of Schools.

5.1    CSE Summaries (2019-20 School Year) reported to the Board on January 8, 2020.

5.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Services with Phyllis Fagell, for Professional Development on February 4, 2020, in the amount of $3,000.00  plus travel and lodging expenses for one night, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Letter of Agreement with Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates dated December 17, 2019, in the amount of $15,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

5.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement with KG&D Architects dated December 18, 2019, in the amount of $28,000.00, for Professional Services related to the Horace Greeley High School Building L Cooling System and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.

5.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Contract for Services with Core BTS for Security Assessment Services – Computer Threat Hunting, in the amount of $7,500.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement. 

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Consultant Services Agreement with Courtney Davis Walker for Public Relations/Communications services for the 2019-20 school year, effective January 9, 2020, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Consent Agenda Items 5.1 through 5.6 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

6.    Facilities
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges Change Orders approved by the Superintendent per Board Resolution adopted at June 14, 2017 Board of Education meeting.

6.1    Change Order:  HGHS PC-013
Project:   Chappaqua Library & Horace Greeley High School Capital Improvements
Contractor:  S&L Plumbing and Heating Corp.
Description:  Upcharge for replacing white sprinkler head covers with bronze sprinkler head covers in the ceiling of the Upper L Level at HGHS, per the attached PCO no. 16 dated 7/18/19
Amount:  $510.46

6.2    Change Order:  HGHS PC-014
Project:   Chappaqua Library & Horace Greeley High School Capital Improvements
Contractor:  S&L Plumbing and Heating Corp.
Description:  Additional costs for the installation of Hose Bibbs and roughing performed in the staff restroom and gang restrooms in the Upper and Lower Levels of the L Building at HGHS, per the attached PCO No. 18-Rev. dated 9/18/19
Amount:  $3,712.82

6.3    Change Order:  HGHS PC-015
Project:   Chappaqua Library & Horace Greeley High School Capital Improvements
Contractor:  S&L Plumbing and Heating Corp.
Description:  Credit for the Pressure Reducing Valve on the sprinkler backflow piping, that was deleted from scope of work, per the attached PCO No. 22 dated 10/28/19 and RFI dated 10/21/19
Amount:  Credit of $1,684.42

6.4    Change Order:  S&L Library PC-001
Project:   Chappaqua Library & Horace Greeley High School Capital Improvements
Contractor:  S&L Plumbing and Heating Corp.
Description:  Cost to re-route fin tube piping in Toilet rooms 137, 137A, 138, 138A per the attached PCO No. 17 dated 8/9/19
Amount:  $999.13

6.5    Change Order:  S&L Library PC-002
Project:   Chappaqua Library & Horace Greeley High School Capital Improvements
Contractor:  S&L Plumbing and Heating Corp.
Description:  Cost to disconnect drinking fountain, demo and re-rough piping at Chappaqua Library due to wall changes in Toilet room 138 per the attached PCO No. 19 dated 9/8/19
Amount:  $3,048.21

Motioned by Holly McCall to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.5 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

7.      Financials

7.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Claims Auditor’s Report for November 2019.

7.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Revenue Status Report – November 2019

7.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Appropriation Status Report – November 2019

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to accept Items 7.1 through 7.3 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

8.      Notice of Future Meetings

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 7:30 pm
Westorchard Student Presentation
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

Wednesday, February 12, 2020 7:30 pm
Roaring Brook Student Presentation
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

9.      Adjournment 

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to adjourn the meeting at 8:51 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.  

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke