Minutes March 3, 2020

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, March 3, 2020, 5:30 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
Absent:  Victoria Tipp

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

President Jane Kimmel Shepardson called for a motion to convene the public meeting at 5:32 pm.

Motioned Warren Messner to convene the public meeting at 5:32 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0.   Board Member Victoria Tipp was absent.

Motioned by Holly McCall to appoint Jane Kimmel Shepardson clerk pro tempore.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 4-0.

Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss litigation, the employment history of particular persons and to receive advice from counsel at 5:33 pm.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

President Shepardson called for a motion to re-convene the public meeting at 7:37 pm.

Motioned by Warren Messner to re-convene the public meeting at 7:37 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0. 

1.    Information Business Affairs

1.1    President’s Report – President Shepardson began by acknowledging the loss of one of our students and sending deepest condolences to the family.  She mentioned that Victoria Tipp was not in attendance due to the recent illness of her father and sent best wishes to Ms. Tipp and her family.  Ms. Shepardson went on to point out the Bell Sound of Music and Greeley Senior Musical performances coming up along with the HG Basketball semi-final sectional game at the County Center, wishing both performers and athletes well. 


1.2    Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman began by thanking the community for their support of staff and students at Bell and sending deepest condolences to the family.  She mentioned that the Bell Student Presentation would now take place at the March 18th meeting.  She went on to highlight the following:

  • Communication with the Departments of Health, NYSED and Governor’s Office are constant regarding Covid-19.
  • Jean Twenge, author of iGen will be speaking to parents on 3/11 and faculty on 3/12
  • Adam Pease gave an overview of Superintendent Conference Day plans for 3/13
  • Fellowships – Dr. Ackerman gave brief details about the SMOA on the agenda.
  • John Chow explained the KG&D agreements on the agenda and the JAC contract for the 7B ramp.
  • BOCES cross-contract re. pricing on security services
  • Student Assistance Services Contract renewal
  • Adam spoke briefly about the Westorchard PTA’s gift to the Sensory Room

Presentations:
Superintendent’s Budget Proposal – Dr. Ackerman and Mr. Chow presented the Superintendent’s Budget Proposal and indicated that component budgets will be presented to the Board at the next two meetings on March 18 and 25.

Financial Update – Zauderer Property Subdivision – Dr. Ackerman and Mr. Chow gave a presentation detailing the Zauderer Property subdivision and sale process along with information about the District’s process moving forward.

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

3.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the February 12, 2020 Board Meeting.

3.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the February 24, 2020 Special Board Meeting.

Motioned by Holly McCall to accept Items 3.1 and 3.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 4-0.

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 appoints the individual listed as a Building Specific substitute teacher for the 2019/2020 school year:

Nicole Gerringer – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School (effective February 24, 2020)

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teachers, interns and/or classroom observers for the 2019/2020 school year:

Pasquale Arbitrio
Brett Ward

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools and Board President to execute an Agreement, dated February 25, 2020, on behalf of the School District, with Mr. Eric Volaski, as presented to the Board at this meeting, whereby Mr. Volaski shall perform contract services as an Music teacher for the School District for the period commencing March 2, 2020 and terminating June 30, 2020.  A copy of this Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

Appointment: Long-term Substitute
Ms. Elizabeth DeLessio-Neubauer, School Psychologist, Horace Greeley High School, Robert E. Bell and Seven Bridges Middle Schools, effective March 3, 2020 through June 30, 2020 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $630 per diem.

Appointment: Part Time
Ms. Naicy Pretill, (.6) Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective February 24, 2020 through June 30, 2020 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 4, B(BA+45) with Masters, $50,705, prorated.

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

Name Position Sport Step Salary
Anthony Garbarino  Junior Varsity Baseball 1 $5,313.00
Ellen Mager Assistant Varsity Girls Lacrosse 3 $7,300.00

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

Name Position  Sport Step Salary
Timothy Panetta Freshman Baseball 1 $4,728.00
John Mullen Modified – SB Baseball 1 $4,728.00
Raymond LaLuna Modified – Bell Baseball 1 $4,728.00

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0.

Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.

4.2    Non-Instructional 

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed below as a per diem clerical/aide substitute to be employed on an “as needed” basis, effective March 4, 2020, at $15.00 per hour:

Maria Wade

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

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 March 3, 2020.

5.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District, Westchester County, New York, hereby authorizes and directs the District Clerk to give notice to the qualified voters of the School District of the Annual Public Hearing on the Budget and Annual Meeting, School District Election, Library Election and Vote, as follows:

NOTICE OF ANNUAL PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET, ANNUAL MEETING, SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION, LIBRARY ELECTION AND VOTE

5.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health & Welfare  Services with the White Plains City School District for 11 students at a rate of $1,044.27 per student, effective September 3, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and authorizes the Superintendent, Board President and District Clerk to execute this agreement.

5.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health & Welfare Services with the Irvington Union Free School District for 1 student at a rate of $1,165.40 per student for the 2019-20 school year, and authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to execute this agreement.

5.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves and Agreement with Michael Blueglass - STEM Research Consulting, for review, advice and recommendations regarding the Science Research Program at the Horace Greeley High School during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years in the amount of $200 per hour, not to exceed 40 hours, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers (CCT) bargaining unit regarding the following fellowships:

  • Greeley Inc:  Social Emotional Learning Alignment (2020-21 school year)
  • Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice (2020-21 and 2021-22 school years)
  • SHIFT 21:  Shaping the Future of Teaching in the 21st Century (2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years)
  • Wilson Level 1 Certification Program (2020-21 school year)
  • Wilson Level 2 Certification Program (2020-21 school year)
  • as presented to the Board at this meeting.  A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

5.7    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a proposal for professional services from KG&D Architects, PC for the Westorchard Elementary School roof replacement project, in the amount of $79,375.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.

5.8    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a proposal for professional services from KG&D Architects, PC for bidding and construction administration phases of the Horace Greeley Gym Boiler Plant & Security Office projects, in the amount of $24,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.

5.9    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Contract with the Eastchester Union Free School District for special education services for one student (ID# 602275) during the 2019-20 school year in the amount of $64,970.00, and authorizes the Board President or District Clerk to execute this Agreement.

5.10    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Contract with the Pleasantville Union Free School District for special education services for one student (ID# 701081) during the 2019-20 school year, in the amount of $94,039.41, and authorizes the Superintendent to execute this Agreement.

5.11    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Contract with the Pleasantville Union Free School District for special education services for one student (ID# 700952) during the 2019-20 school year, in the amount of $98,170.81, and authorizes the Superintendent to execute this Agreement.

5.12    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Contract with the Pleasantville Union Free School District for special education services for one student (ID# 603055) during the 2019-20 school year, in the amount of $64,027.22, and authorizes the Superintendent to execute this Agreement.

5.13    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Contract with the Pleasantville Union Free School District for special education services for one student (ID# 704479) during the 2019-20 school year in the amount of $85,037.70, and authorizes the Superintendent to execute this Agreement.
5.14    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a grant from the Westorchard PTA, In the amount of $4,800.00 for Sensory Room materials in the 2019-20 school year.

5.15    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Bid Award Renewal Recommendation #B2018-2:  Construction Labor and Materials:  Plumbing  – recommended award to Anthony M. Notaro Plumbing & Heating, effective March 16, 2020 through March 15, 2021, at various rates.

5.16    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement with Student Assistance Services for the 2020-2021 school year for a five-day per week Student Assistance/Project SUCCESS Program at Horace Greeley High School, in the amount of $75,485.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

5.17    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Bid Award Recommendation #B2020-2:  Autonomous Auto Scrubber  – recommended award Strauss Paper Co., Division of Imperial Dade, effective March 4, 2020 through March 3, 2021, in the amount of $1,012.98.

5.18    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Bid Award Recommendation #B2020-3:  Graduation Tent and Chair Rental  – recommended award to Cantele Tent Rentals, for the 2019-20 school year, in the amount of $23,599.15.

5.19    JOINT MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE BIDDING PROGRAM  
WHEREAS, various educational and municipal corporations located within the State of New York desire to bid jointly for generally needed services and standardized supply and equipment items; and 

WHEREAS, the Chappaqua Central School District, an educational/municipal corporation (hereinafter the “Participant”) is desirous of selectively participating with other educational and/or municipal corporations in the State of New York in joint bidding in the areas mentioned above pursuant to General Municipal Law § 119-o and Education Law Section 1950; and 

WHEREAS, the Participant is a municipality within the meaning of General Municipal Law § 119-n and is eligible to participate in the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, First Supervisory District of Suffolk County (hereinafter Eastern Suffolk BOCES) Joint Municipal Cooperative Bidding Program (hereinafter the “Program”) in the areas mentioned above; and 

WHEREAS, the Participant acknowledges receipt of the Program description inclusive of Eastern Suffolk BOCES’ standard bid packet and the general conditions relating to said Program; and   

WHEREAS, with respect to all activities conducted by the Program, the Participant wishes to delegate to Eastern Suffolk BOCES the responsibility for drafting of bid specifications, advertising for bids, accepting and opening bids, tabulating bids, awarding the bids, and reporting the results to the Participant.   

BE IT RESOLVED that the Participant hereby appoints Eastern Suffolk BOCES to represent it and to act as the lead agent in all matters related to the Program as described above; and  

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Participant hereby authorizes Eastern Suffolk BOCES to place all legal advertisements for any required cooperative bidding in Newsday, which is designated as the official newspaper for the Program; and   

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Participant Meeting shall be held annually consisting of a representative from each Program Participant.  Notice of the meeting shall be given to each representative at least five (5) days prior to such meeting; and    

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an Advisory Committee will be formed consisting of five to ten representatives of Program Participants for a term of three (3) years as authorized by General Municipal Law §119-o.2.j.   

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Agreement with the Participant shall be for a term of one (1) year as authorized by General Municipal Law §119-o.2.j.   

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Participant agrees to pay Eastern Suffolk BOCES an annual fee as determined annually by Eastern Suffolk BOCES to act as the lead agent for the Program.

5.20    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a proposal from J.A.C. Building & Development Group, Inc. for construction of a handicap ramp at the Seven Bridges Middle School according to General Contracting Bid #B2017-13, in the amount of $134,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement.

5.21    BE IT RESOLVED that the District’s school law firm, Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert, LLP, is authorized to engage the services of Convent Advisory, LLC  for pre- litigation and litigation support services pursuant to an engagement letter dated November 6, 2019.

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

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby declares such items 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.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Items 5.1 through 5.22 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall. At the request of Warren Messner, Item 5.2 was read aloud to the community.  Motion carried 4-0.

6.      Facilities 

7.      Financials

7.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor Report for January 2020.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge receipt of Item 7.1 as amended above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0.


8.      Notice of Future Meetings

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 7:30 pm
Curriculum, Technology & Special Education Budget Presentations
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

Wednesday, March 25, 2020 7:30 pm
Athletics/Operations & Maintenance/Non-instructional/Revenue/Tax Rates/Contingency Budget Presentations
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

9.      Adjournment 

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 4-0.  

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke