Minutes May 20, 2020

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, May 20, 2020, 7:00 PM
Education Center - Board Conference Room

Present:  Board of Education (all via Zoom Videoconference)
    Jane Kimmel Shepardson, President
    Holly McCall, Vice President
    Hilary Grasso
    Warren Messner
    Victoria Tipp

Staff Members: (via Zoom Videoconference)
    Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
    John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business
    Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum
    Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
    Liisa Elsner, District Clerk

President Shepardson called for a motion to open the public meeting at 7:02 pm.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to open the public meeting at 7:02 pm.  Seconded by Warren Messner.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss matters of health and safety and to receive advice from counsel.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Holly McCall to reconvene the public meeting at 7:54 pm.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

1.       Information Business Affairs

1.1    President’s Report – President Shepardson gave her report noting the following:

  • Hoping that members of the community are staying healthy and safe
  • Congratulating the three HGHS Seniors who are National Merit Scholar Finalists
  • Highlighting the strengths of the 2020-21 budget and acknowledging that this is a difficult time for all.
  • Reminding the community that the Budget Vote will take place by absentee ballot only on June 9.  All ballots must be received by 5:00 pm on the 9th.
  • Urging the community to take the opportunity to vote.
  • The League of Women Voters will have a candidate night on May 28th.
  • Thanking Dr. Ackerman and her team for their foresight regarding various issues and on their continued and tremendous efforts on behalf of the District.

1.2    Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her report noting the following:

  • Thanking Ms. Shepardson for her kind words and stating that it has truly been a team effort and her appreciation for the support of her team, faculty, staff and the Board.
  • The school year will end as previously scheduled in the last week of June.
  • The District is still planning to hold graduation on the date originally planned and we are working to finalize how that will happen.
  • The District still does not know how/if summer school and camps will run – we are waiting for guidance from the Governor’s office.
  • We are still unsure about how the fall athletic program will be run.
  • The District is continuing to work on a reopening plan in September but again will need guidance from the Governor’s office.
  • Dr. Sinanis spoke about Rosemary Matthews who will serve as the Interim Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services.
  • Kindergarten registration and enrollment is continuing to go well.  As new families may be coming in during the summer we will keep everyone updated.

1.2.1    Tenured Teacher Recognition

Appointment: Tenure

Dr. Ackerman congratulated all of our teachers who are up for tenure and recommended their appointments as follows to the Board.  During their appointments, building principals shared comments with the Board about the successes and qualifications of each candidate.  Candidates were able to participate via videoconference.

Ms. Rebecca Ebstein, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective 
August 31, 2020.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve the tenure appointment of Rebecca Ebstein as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

Ms. Lisa Fitzgerald, Teacher of Elementary Education, Westorchard Elementary School, effective August 30, 2020.

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve the tenure appointment of Lisa Fitzgerald as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

Ms. Yvonnett Glickert, Teacher of Elementary Education, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective September 1, 2020.

Motioned by Holly McCall to approve the tenure appointment of Yvonnett Glickert as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

Ms. Stacy Jacobs, Teacher of Social Studies, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 1, 2020.

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve the tenure appointment of Stacy Jacobs as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

Ms. Theresa Orlandi, Teacher of Reading, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective
September 1, 2020.

Motioned by Holly McCall to approve the tenure appointment of Theresa Orlandi as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Michael Palmieri, Teacher of English, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective 
August 31, 2020.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to approve the tenure appointment of Michael Palmieri as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

Ms. Andrea Schaber, Teacher of Elementary Education, Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective August 31, 2020.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve the tenure appointment of Andrea Schaber as stated above.  Seconded by Warren Messner.  Motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Daniel Valentin, Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective September 1, 2020.
    
Motioned by Warren Messner to approve the tenure appointment of Daniel Valentin as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

2.      Committee Reports

Audit Committee:  Warren Messner said that the Audit Committee will be meeting on May 26th.

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 May 1, 2020 Special Board Meeting.

3.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the May 6, 2020 Board Meeting.

3.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the May 12, 2020 Special Board Meeting.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to accept Items 3.1 through 3.3 as stated above.  Seconded by Warren Messner.  Motion carried 5-0.

3.4    Policy #5086 – Information and Data Privacy, Security, Breach and Notification – 2nd Reading & Adoption.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts Policy #5086 – Information and Data Privacy, Security, Breach and Notification.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to adopt Policy #5086 as stated above.  Seconded by Warren Messner.  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 Director of Professional Learning, Inquiry and Innovation effective for the 2019/2020 school year:
Mary Devane

Resignation for Purposes of Retirement:
Ms. Anne Bonington, Teacher of Reading, Westorchard Elementary School, effective June 30, 2020.

Mr. Steven Warren, Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, effective June 30, 2020.

Appointments:
Mr. Nicholas Potter, Teacher of Mathematics, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Mathematics effective September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2024, subject to receipt of composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education law Section 3012-c and/or 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) proceeding years, and if the probationer receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period he or she shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 1, B(BA+ 30), $69,994.

Ms. Deanna Torrisi, Teacher of Music, Westorchard Elementary School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Music effective September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2024, subject to receipt of composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education law Section 3012-c and/or 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) proceeding years, and if the probationer receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period he or she shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 1, B(BA+ 30), $69,994.

Ms. Desiree Miller, Teacher of Special Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Special Education effective September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2024, subject to receipt of composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education law Section 3012-c and/or 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) proceeding years, and if the probationer receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period he or she shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 9, B(BA+ 30) with Masters, $96,084.

Ms. Angelique Titre-Barnor, Teacher of Special Education, Seven Bridges Middle School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Special Education effective September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2024, subject to receipt of composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education law Section 3012-c and/or 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) proceeding years, and if the probationer receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period he or she shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 5, A(BA) with Masters, $79,651.

Appointment: Long-term Substitute
Ms. Jessica Inglis, Teacher of Special Education, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective May 20, 2020 through June 30, 2020 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), $406.73 per diem.

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District hereby approves the employment of Rosemary Matthews, effective May 26, 2020 through December 31, 2020, as the Interim Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, at a total compensation package of $900 per day, subject to approval by the Commissioner of Education of a waiver under Section 211 of the New York State Retirement and Social Security Law (“RSSL”); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board President is authorized to execute an Interim Assistant Superintendent Agreement with Ms. Matthews, a copy of which agreement is incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to execute and submit the Section 211 RSSL waiver request to the New York State Education Department for the period commencing May 26, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below.

4.2    Non-Instructional

Appointment:
Ellen Caruso, Registered Nurse at Horace Greeley High School, effective July 1, 2020.  Her annual salary will be Step 2, $59,078, in accordance with the nurses’ contract.

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed below as a per diem custodial substitute to be employed on an “as needed” basis, effective May 21, 2020, at a salary of $15.00 per hour:

Frank Galasso

Motioned by Warren Messner to approve Item 4.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  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 May 20, 2020.

5.2    CSE Summaries (2020-21 School Year) reported to the Board on May 20, 2020.

5.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Investigative Services with A.F. Investigations for the 2020-21 school year, at a rate of $65.00 per hour, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.

5.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Independent Contractor Services Agreement with Patricia Sullivan, as Continuing Education Assistant for the 2020-21 school year, at a rate of $25.00 per hour, not to exceed $8,000.00, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.

5.5     BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following individual as a Chairperson of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) for the Chappaqua Central School District, effective May 26, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
Rosemary Matthews

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves Budget transfer #3550 in the amount of $410,026.95 to redistribute salary allocations to cover insufficient balances and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer.

5.7    BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves Budget transfer #3551 in the amount of $100,045.76 to redistribute salary allocations to cover insufficient balances and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer.

5.8    BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves Budget transfer #3552 in the amount of $341,262.77 to redistribute salary allocations to cover insufficient balances and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer.

5.9    BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves Budget transfer #3557 in the amount of $152,469.04 to redistribute budget allocations and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer.

5.10    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement with Sivic Solutions Group, LLC, effective July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, at the rate set by the New York State Education Department, and authorizes the Board President to execute this Agreement.

5.11    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Bid Award Recommendation #B2020-4:  Equipment, Parts & Training for STEAM Center at Horace Greeley High School – recommended award to Allegheny Educational Systems, Inc., in the amount of $235,004.81.

5.12    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Bid Renewal Award Recommendation #B2020-5:  Video Wall Display for STEAM Center at Horace Greeley High School – recommended award KVL Audio Visual Services, in the amount of $122,094.38.

5.13    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the proposal from Kaeyer, Garment + Davidson Architects, PC for Architectural/Engineering/Building Condition Survey Services as a result of CCSD RFP #2020-2, and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.

Motioned by Holly McCall to approve Items 5.1 through 5.13 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

6.      Facilities 

7.      Financials

8.      Notice of Future Meetings

Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 7:00 pm
Budget Hearing
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 7:30 pm
Ave Atqe Vale – Honor Retirees
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

9.      Adjournment

Motioned by Holly McCall to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 pm.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.
 

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke