Minutes June 3, 2020

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 6:30 PM
Education Center - Board Conference Room

Present:  Board of Education (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
    Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum
    Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
    John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business
    Andrew Corsilia, Principal - Horace Greeley High School
    Liisa Elsner, District Clerk

President Shepardson asked for a motion to open the meeting at 6:36 pm. 

Motioned  by Victoria Tipp to open the meeting at 6:36 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

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

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to reopen the public meeting at 7:43 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

1.       Information Business Affairs

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

  • Thanking all for attending this special meeting where we get to honor our retirees and thank them for their dedicated service to the District.
  • Reminding the community of the budget vote timelines and urging people to exercise their right to vote.
  • Indicating that graduation plans are still underway and that administrators are doing their best to plan a celebratory event for our seniors within the current constraints.
  • Thanking the CSF for their continued generosity to, and support of, the District.
  • Thanking the Superintendent for her letter to the community in the wake of the most recent act of racial violence and expressing her wish that the community engage in learning, listening and advocacy to help the nation overcome continued systemic racism.  Ms. Tipp expressed a desire for the District to continue to review curriculum and the way history is taught, using the misrepresentation of the tragic and terrible 1921 events in Tulsa as an example.  Mr. Messner echoed Ms. Tipp’s interest in a District resolution.  Ms. Grasso urged community members to reach out to the Board and Administration if they are having difficulty processing this large amount of difficult news and to not feel isolated.  Ms. McCall expressed that education is the way forward for all and committed to open and honest dialogue.

1.1.1      BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adopts the 2020-21 Board of Education Meeting Calendar.

Motioned by Holly McCall to approve Item 1.1.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

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

  • Graduation – We are working on a plan to have graduation on 6/20 but are flexible should we receive additional information from the Governor.
  • Locker Clean-out – there is a plan being developed.
  • September – a preliminary plan is being worked out but, of course, much is dependent upon guidance from the Governor.
  • CSF Grants – Dr. Pease highlighted the many CSF grants on the agenda also thanking them for their generous support.
  • The Guidance Department review is still going forward albeit “virtually” which necessitated some revisions to that contract.
  • Dr. Sinanis gave an update on the RB principal search

Presentations:  Ave Atque Vale - Honor Retirees – Principals and Administrators thanked our retirees for their service to the District and our students and wished them well on their next journey.  Retirees gave last pieces of advice to whoever will be taking their place.

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 May 19, 2020 Special Board Meeting.

3.2   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the May 20, 2020 Board Meeting.

3.3   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the minutes of the May 27, 2020 Special Board Meeting & Budget Hearing.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to accept Items 3.1 through 3.3 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 creates a 1.0 (FTE) Science position.  This action results in the creation of a 1.0 (FTE) Science position at Horace Greeley High School effective September 1, 2020.

Appointment: Probationary
Mr. Joseph Drew, School Psychologist, District Wide, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of School Psychologist 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 8, C(BA+ 60) with Masters, $101,708 (pending fingerprint clearance).

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  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 June 3, 2020.

5.2   CSE Summaries (2020-21 School Year) reported to the Board on June 3, 2020.

5.3   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes an increase to the 2019-20 budget in the amount of $266,798.00 for transfer to the Special Aid Fund to fund the portion of the summer special education program from summer 2014 that is not being paid by New York State.

5.4   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Agreement for Health & Welfare

Services with The Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns for 25 students at a rate of $1,046.52 per student, effective September 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and authorizes the Board President and Superintendent to execute this Agreement.

5.5   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Services Agreement Reinstatement regarding 3rd party administrative services for the employer sponsored 403(b) plan for the 2020-21 renewal year from Omni in the amount of $12,802.00.

5.6   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation traditional grant of $9,433.00, for the installation of a traverse climbing wall with a mat system and versa challenge course in the west gym of Douglas Grafflin elementary school. Requested by Ryan Spillane, Physical Education teacher, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School.

5.7   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation traditional grant of $32,637.97, for the upgrade of the sound and video system in the Westorchard cafetorium.  Requested by James Skoog, Principal, Westorchard Elementary School.

5.8   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation traditional grant of $30,500.00, for funding to enable the diversification of elementary classroom libraries across the District.  Requested by Adam Pease, CCSD Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction; Jamie Edelman, Director of Literacy; Alissa Stoever, Assistant Principal, Westorchard Elementary School; Jennifer Thompson, Staff Developer.

5.9   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation traditional grant of $24,173.00 for adding large format displays on both sides of the Westorchard gymnasium, allowing students and teachers to share work they have done on their iPads, and use a broad range of teaching tools such as videos, images and diagramming to deliver curriculum.  Requested by Mike McNeece, Tom Williams, Physical Education Teachers, Westorchard Elementary School.

5.10   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation traditional grant of $50,000.00 for the Horace Greeley High School Academic Commons Repurposing Project.  Requested by Matthew Friedler, Horace Greeley Student Life Coordinator; Priya Ma, Science Teacher, Daniel Valentin, English Teacher and the Horace Greeley Academic Commons Redesign Committee.

5.11   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Instagrant of $2,469.42 for floor chairs and desks at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School.  Requested by Mara Cohen, Warren Whitney, Laurie Ende, Karen McNally and their 3rd grade students Douglas Grafflin Elementary School.

5.12   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Instagrant of $2,499.89, for the purchase of a drum kit and additional accessories for the orchestra at Seven Bridges Middle School. Requested by Kim Meade, Music Teacher and 7th and 8th Grade Orchestra Students, Seven Bridges Middle School.

5.13   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Instagrant of $1,315.05 for the purchase of Scholastic magazines and display maps to learn about the electoral college and about US geography and regions.  Requested by Warren Whitney and Karen McNally, Teachers, Grafflin Elementary School.

5.14   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Chappaqua School Foundation Instagrant of $2,630.10 for the expansion of Item 5.13 to include Roaring Brook and Westorchard Elementary Schools.  Requested by Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Mary Devane, Staff Developer.

5.15   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $134,000.00 for the construction of a handicap ramp at Seven Bridges Middle School by J.A.C. Construction and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer.

5.16   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $130,000.00 for Stratagem Security systems at all six schools and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer.

5.17   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a budget transfer in the amount of $253,000.00 to cover the cost of Westorchard gym roof replacement and additional repairs at the other schools and authorizes the Board President to sign the transfer.

5.18   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Contract Amendment with Public Consulting Group, dated May 26, 2020 and authorizes the Board President to execute this amendment.

5.19   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of election personnel for the June 9, 2020 School Budget Vote & Election.

5.20   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves services agreement with Fantasy Flash Videos for Horace Greeley High School Senior Award videos in the amount of $2,732.00 and authorizes the Board President to execute this agreement.

Motioned by Holly McCall to approve Items 5.1 through 5.20 as stated above.  Seconded by Warren Messner.

Motioned by Holly McCall to rescind her motion to approve Items 5.1 through 5.20 as stated above.  Seconded by Warren Messner.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to approve Items 5.1, 5.2 and 5.4 through 5.20 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5.0.

Motioned by Victoria Tipp to approve item 5.3 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  After lengthy discussion spearheaded by Warren Messner and Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

6.        Facilities

7.       Financials

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

7.2   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor’s Report for April 2020.

7.3   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Quarterly Report of Extraclassroom Activity Accounts for March 31, 2020.

7.4   BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Quarterly Report of Team Accounts for March 31, 2020.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge receipt of Items 7.1 through 7.4 as stated above.  Seconded by Holly McCall. 

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to rescind her motion.   Seconded by Holly McCall. Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge receipt of Items 7.1, 7.3 and 7.4 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge receipt of Item 7.2 as amended above.  Seconded by Victoria Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

8.      Notice of Future Meetings

Tuesday, June 9, 2020, 5:00 pm
Annual Budget Vote and Election
Horace Greeley High School Gymnasium – Absentee Ballot Voting Only

Tuesday, June 23, 2020, 7:30 pm
Horace Greeley High School – Academic Commons

9.      Adjournment

Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 pm.  Seconded by Holly McCall.  Motion carried 5-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke