Minutes March 18, 2020

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, March 18, 2020, 6:30 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
    Victoria Tipp

Staff Members:
    Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
    John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business (via Zoom)
    Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum
    Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources (via Zoom)
    Josh Culwell-Block, Director of Technology, Innovation & Mathematics (via Zoom)
    Kristie Evers, Director of Special Education (via Zoom)
    Liisa Elsner, District Clerk

President Jane Kimmel Shepardson called for a motion to convene the public meeting at 6:41 pm.  

Motioned Jane Kimmel Shepardson to convene the public meeting at 6:41 pm.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular person, health & safety measures, contracts, and to receive advice from counsel.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

President Jane Kimmel Shepardson to reconvene the public meeting at 7:48 pm. 

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to reconvene the public meeting at 7:48 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

1.    Information Business Affairs

1.1    President’s Report – President Shepardson began by thanking District Administration and staff for their hard work and leadership at this time and their preparations for iLearning.  She acknowledged these difficult times and wished everyone well as the community navigates through hardship.

1.2    Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman began by sending her best wishes to our students and letting them know that the District team is looking forward to welcoming them back into our buildings as soon as that is possible.  She went on to thank the faculty and leadership team for their diligence and hard work in moving to the iLearning platform.  She went on to note the following:

  • The revised 2019-20 District Calendar is now on the website.
  • Kindergarten registration has been moved to May 4 in the Education Center.
  • Dr. Sinanis spoke about child care for First Responders
  • Students receiving free/reduced lunch have a grab and go pick up at HGHS 3 times per week.  Dr. Ackerman thanked Deirdre McManus and the Aramark team for facilitating.
  • Dr. Pease spoke about the 3/13 Superintendent Conference Day and the work to have iLearning ready to begin on 3/19.
  • Dr. Pease also spoke about the 3/17 Remote Basecamp initiative
  • Dr. Sinanis spoke about the recent Diversity Fair and thanked all involved.
  • The Senior Musical and Bell performances were all a success
  • Dr. Ackerman gave a “shout out” to the Greeley Boys basketball team and congratulated them on their success.
  • She then stated that students would be able to access the schools between 8:00 am and 10:00 am on Friday, 3/20 to gather any items they might need from their lockers.
  • Finally, she said that District Facilities (fields, track) would be closed to the public in an effort to comply with social distancing.

Presentations:
Curriculum/Technology/Special Education Budget Presentations – Adam Pease, Josh Culwell-Block and Kristie Evers presented their component budgets to the Board and community.

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 March 3, 2020 Board Meeting.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to accept Item 3.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  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 appoints the individual listed as AP proctor/coordinator to be employed on an "as needed" basis effective for the 2019/2020 school year:

Raquel Moskovitz    

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of Art Teacher, Kristan Pozzuto, shall be amended to terminate on August 28, 2022, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.

Resignation for Purpose of Retirement:
Ms. Monica Mandel, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective June 30, 2020.

Resignation:
Ms. Kelly Keogan, Teacher of Art, Robert E. Bell and Seven Bridges Middle Schools, effective June 30, 2020.

Request for Childcare Leave of Absence:
Ms. Tiffany DePeralta, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective April 6, 2020 through June 30, 2020.

Appointment: Part Time
Ms. Jennifer Kuo, (.4) Teacher of Foreign Language, at Horace Greeley High, effective 
March 4, 2020 through June 30, 2020 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education).

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

4.2      Non-Instructional 

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 18, 2020.

5.2    CSE Summaries (2020-21 School Year) reported to the Board on March 18, 2020.

5.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health & Welfare Services with the Yorktown Central School District for 2 students at a rate of $644.83 per student, effective September 3, 2019 to January 31, 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 Somers Central School District for 3 students at a rate of $1,188.11 per student, effective September 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, and authorizes the Superintendent, Board President and District Clerk to execute this agreement.

5.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health & Welfare Services with the Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School District for 11 students at a rate of $1,288.18 per student, effective September 4, 2019 to June 26, 2020, and authorizes the Board President and District Clerk to execute this agreement.

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an amended Contract for Educational Services with the Hendrick Hudson Central School District for special education services for one student (ID# 702989) during the 2018-19 school year in the amount of $82,953.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

5.7    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Tuition and Support Services Agreement with Chamberlain International School for one student (ID# 703449) effective February 13, 2020 to June 30, 2020, in the amount of $6,166.50 per month, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

5.8    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a gift of $500.00 from Exxon Mobil courtesy of New Castle Auto Center, to Douglas Grafflin Elementary School as part of the Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance Program.

5.9    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a gift from the Society for Science & The Public, in the amount of $4,000.00, in honor of 2 Horace Greeley High School students who were Regeneron Science Talent Search 2020 scholars.  This gift will be used for science research.

5.10    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.

5.11    WHEREAS, on March 7, 2020, the Governor of New York State declared a state of
emergency due to the outbreak of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19); and

WHEREAS, on March 14, 2020 the Governor issued Executive Order No. 202.2 describing certain school calendar requirements and the need for school districts to establish critical educational supports for students and distance learning options; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RSOLVED that the Board hereby adopts a revised school calendar for the 2019-20 school year, as presented by the Superintendent of Schools at this meeting, and the Chappaqua Central School District iLearning Guidance Document as Revised on March 8, 2020, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of the revised school district calendar for the 2019-20 School Year and said iLearning Guidance Document shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

Motioned by Holly McCall to approve consent agenda items 5.1 through 5.11 as stated above.  President Shepardson read Item 5.11 aloud to the community.  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:  GC-010R2-SB 
Project:   Capital Improvements – Seven Bridges Middle School
Contractor:  Accredited Surety and Casualty Co. 
Description:  Labor, equipment and materials related to providing entrance doors at Vestibule 033, leading into the STEAM center.
Amount:  $1,665.30

6.2    Change Order:  GC-011-SB 
Project:   Capital Improvements – Seven Bridges Middle School
Contractor:  Bondex Insurance Co. as 3rd party administrator for Accredited Surety S&C Co.
Description:  Funds for all labor, equipment and materials related to providing (4) base cabinets to match existing at the outside wall of Fabrication Ship #043.
Amount:  $6,955.20

6.3    Change Order:  GC-012-RB 
Project:   Capital Improvements – Robert E. Bell Middle School
Contractor:  Accredited Surety & Casualty Co., Inc. (Dobtol)
Description:  Labor, equipment and materials related to providing 4 penetrations to slate roof above Room #303 for ductwork, including patching of slate around openings.
Amount:  $20,407.92

6.4    Change Order:  GC-013R-RB 
Project:   Capital Improvements – Robert E. Bell Middle School
Contractor:  Bondex Insurance Co. as 3rd party administrator for Accredited Surety S&C Co.
Description:  Per the takeover agreement with Accredited Surety for all labor, equipment and materials related to providing the following:  PCO #RBA-9R – two (2) pitch pockts and patch on the roof, and patch holes in finished plaster ceiling of Rm. 303; PCO #16R – additional asbestos abatement of pipe fittings in Toilet Rms. 107 & 108; PCO #18R – three (3) additional lintels in Toilet Rm. 108; PCO #25R – demo of ceiling & soffit in Rms. 303 & 303A; PCO #26R – demo of soffit in Rm. 305; PCO #28 – three (3) additional columns at the third floor.
Amount:  $30,709.23

6.5    Change Order:  GC-014R-RB 
Project:   Capital Improvements – Robert E. Bell Middle School
Contractor:  Bondex Insurance Co. as 3rd party administrator for Accredited Surety S&C Co.
Description:  Per the takeover agreement with Accredited Surety for all labor, equipment and materials related to providing nailers, cabinet cove base and additional trenches for Science Room as detailed in revised PCOs #21-23.
Amount:  $33,864.77

6.6    Change Order:  GC-015-RB 
Project:   Capital Improvements – Robert E. Bell Middle School
Contractor:  Bondex Insurance Co. as 3rd party administrator for Accredited Surety S&C Co.
Description:  Per the takeover agreement with Accredited Surety for all labor, equipment and materials related to providing the following:  PCO #27R – surplus VCT for Science Room; PCO #31 – additional butcher block and countertop T-mold; PCO #36 – access doors at Toilet Rooms 107 & 108, larger opening in block wall for sink, ACT ceiling in Corridor 105A and in Faculty Toilet Room, fur out walls at Rooms 304-306, and relocate soffit across window in Rms. 304-306.
Amount:  $16,504.37

6.7    Change Order:  GC-016-SB 
Project:   Capital Improvements – Seven Bridges Middle School
Contractor:  Bondex Insurance Co. as 3rd party administrator for Accredited Surety S&C Co.
Description:  Per the takeover agreement with Accredited Surety for all labor, equipment and materials related to providing the following:  PCO #RBA-9R – removal of saddles & replacement sweeps on (8) doors; PCO #15R1 – concrete equipment pad; PCO #19 – floor protection; PCO #30R1 – additional cabinets.
Amount:  $23,444.11

6.8    Change Order:  GC-017-SB 
Project:   Capital Improvements – Seven Bridges Middle School
Contractor:  Bondex Insurance Co. as 3rd party administrator for Accredited Surety S&C Co.
Description:  Per the takeover agreement with Accredited Surety for all labor, equipment and materials related to providing the following:  PCO #20R3 – ceiling tile; PCO #28 – convert countertop from fixed to removable; PCO #32 – modification of louver; PCO #37 – new soffits at STEAM entrance and in Rooms 042, 043 and 048, and access doors to electrical connections.
Amount:  $24,667.25

Motioned by Holly McCall to acknowledge Items 6.1 through 6.8 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

7.       Financials

7.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for February 2020.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to acknowledge receipt of Item 7.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

8.      Notice of Future Meetings

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

Wednesday April 15, 2020
Budget Adoption
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

9.      Adjournment 

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke