Ardsley Today

Journal News Covers the School Board Election

The Journal News has an article about the candidates running for the two open seats on the Ardsley Board of Education, Mark Cohen, Jason Sapan and Steve Kastin. Although brief, it's worth a read to start to get a feel for where each of the candidates stand.

The Journal News has also published an editorial with their endorsements of Cohen and Sapan.

PTA School Budget and Board Candidate Meeting Tonight

Don't miss the PTA's annual School Budget and "Meet the Board Candidates" meeting tonight at 7:30 in the Ardsley Middle School Library. You'll have the chance to hear the District Business Manager, David Pritchett and Interim Superinendent Jason Friedman talk about the proposed Budget for next year (coming up for vote on May 20th). In addition, you'll get a chance to meet Mark Cohen, Jason Sapan and Steve Kastin, the three candidates running for the two open seats on the School Board.

Ardsley Board of Education Agenda -- 5/7

Regular Board of Education Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Middle School Auditorium

Agenda

I. Call to Order – Mark Cohen, President

 A. Designation of Emergency Exits
 B. All cell phones silenced

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Acceptance of Minutes – April 29, 2008

IV. Required Public Budget Hearing

V. Presentation:
Five-Year Capital Plan Follow-Up – Joseph Urbanowicz

VI. Recognition of Audience (limited to approximately 30 minutes and to items on the agenda)

VII. Report of the Superintendent – None at this meeting

VIII. Report of the Board President – None at this meeting

IX. Report of Board Committees and Representatives
Communication Council – Stephanie Marquesano and Joanne G. Sold
Task Force on Alternative Funding and Fiscal Reform for Public Education – Joanne G. Sold
Westchester/Putnam School Boards Association - Frank J. Hariton

X. Board Action and Discussion Items

A. Committee on Special Education, Pre-School Special Education and Sub
Committee on Special Education – Resolution

Resolved: That the Board of Education agrees to arrange for the recommendations of the Committee on Special Education that were made at the meetings of: 2/7/2008 – ID# 4899; 2/14/2008 – ID# 12367; 2/28/2008 – ID# 11521; 2/28/2008 – ID# 12625; 3/6/2008 – ID# 11382; 3/6/2008 – ID# 11892; 3/14/2008 – ID# 12185; 3/20/2008 – ID# 12696; 3/20/2008 – ID# 12458; and the recommendations of the Sub-Committee of the Committee on Special Education that were made at the meetings of: 2/28/2008 – ID# 12716; 3/7/22008 – ID# 12717; 3/14/2008 – ID# 12718; 4/11/2008 – ID# 12080; and the recommendations of the Committee on Preschool Special Education that were made at the meetings of: 3/3/2008 – ID# 12088; 3/13/2008 – ID# 100484; 3/13/2008 – ID# 12724; 3/25/2008 – ID# 12346.

B. Approval of Amended Resolution – Resolution

Resolved: That the Board of Education appoints Debi Trias as Acting Clerk for the purpose of personal registration of voters, in the absence of the District Clerk, on May 14 and 15, 2008, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and further appoints Debi Trias for the purpose of inspection of the register of voters of the District on May 14, 15, and 16, 2008, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Saturday, May 17, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and further appoints Debi Trias for the purpose of review of absentee ballot applications and distribution of absentee ballots, and any other duties of the District Clerk that may arise related to the 2008 budget vote and trustee election, on May 14, 15, and 16, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Saturday, May 17, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

C. Future Agenda Items

D. Follow-Up Pending Agenda Items
Board Meeting  Agenda Item  Due Date

2/06/08 CAP follow-up 6/11/08

2/06/08 Board Policy Manual Ongoing

2/06/08 Tri-States Report 

3/12/08 Improvements to the food services operation 4/29/08

4/09/08 CBAC Study Session 9/24/08

4/09/08 Guidance Study Session October 2008

4/09/08 Early Academic Intervention November 2008

4/29/08 Math curriculum 12/10/08

XI. Board Analysis & Discussion Items

XII. Superintendent’s Recommendations
 
A. Tenure Recommendations – Resolution
Resolved: That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following tenure appointments:

Denise Massaro – Teaching Assistant Tenure Area – effective 9/05/08
Kristen Woods – Teaching Assistant Tenure Area – effective 9/25/08
Michael Moffatt – School Psychologist Tenure Area – effective 6/30/08
Amanda Thalman – Speech/Hearing Handicapped Tenure Area – effective 6/30/08
Catherine Gordon – Reading Tenure Area – effective 8/31/08
Patricia Werner – Special Education Tenure Area – effective 8/31/08
Elise Hattem – Health Tenure Area – effective 6/30/08
Diana Jones – Elementary Tenure Area – effective 6/30/08
Tara McMahon – English 7-12 Tenure Area – effective 6/30/08
Jessica Feldman – Social Studies 7-12 Tenure Area – effective 8/31/08

RECEPTION

B. Resignations – Resolution
Resolved: That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following resignations:

Francesco Fratto – Secondary Spanish Teacher (HS) – effective 6/30/08
Claudia Hyland – Spanish Teacher (MS) – effective 6/30/08
Denise McCauley – Special Education Teacher (MS) – effective 6/30/08

C. Appointments – Resolution
Resolved: That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following appointments:

Daniel DiFalco – Initially Certified Physical Education Teacher (MS) - three year probationary appointment in the Physical Education tenure area – Step 1 BA – effective 9/1/08 – 8/31/11
Alex Carballo – CAP Program Greek – Quarter Four - $1,440.55
Enjoli Joseph – CAP Program Debate 5 – Quarter Four - $1,440.55
Enjoli Joseph – CAP Program Debate 6 – Quarter Four - $1,440.55
Marie May – CAP Program Accelerated Math 5 – Quarter Four - $1,440.55
Chris Minio – CAP Program Japanese – Quarter Four - $1,440.55
Chris Minio – CAP Program Foreign Language Proficiency – Quarter Four - $1,440.55
Jessica Morganelli – CAP Program Integrated Algebra – Quarter Four - $1,440.55
Teresa Panagos – CAP Program Cinemania – Quarter Four - $1,440.55
Rosamaria Pellegrino – CAP Program Italian – Quarter Four - $1,440.55
Lisa Ward – CAP Program Accelerated Math 6 – Quarter Four - $1,440.55

The Superintendent of Schools recommends that the following emergency conditional employees’ appointments be renewed and extended:
Ralph Dieterle – Substitute Teacher Aide – effective 5/22/08
Sukhwant Kaur – Part-time Lunchtime Assistant (MS) – effective 6/1/08
Maria Niclosi - Part-time Lunchtime Assistant (CR) – effective 5/15/08

D. Appointment Adjustment – Resolution
Resolved: That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following appointment adjustment:

Ralph Dieterle – Substitute Teacher Aide - Extend appointment indefinitely – effective 2/25/08

E. Board Policy
 1. Approval of Policy 4212-Ardsley Union Free School District Organization
 Chart (Revised) as amended Third Reading

XIII. Business Office Recommendations
A. Approval of Bid – Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education award Bid #2007-07 for Augmentative Communication Device and Components to Dynavox.

B. Acceptance of Donations – Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education accept two donations from the PTA in the amount of $3,000.00 for Ardsley Middle School and $1,666.66 for Concord Road School to be used for Cultural Arts with appreciation.

XIV. Future Board of Education Meetings

May 20, 2008 Administration Building
8:00 p.m. Anticipated Executive Session
9:15 p.m. Regular School Board Meeting
Trustee and Budget Vote

June 11, 2008 Middle School Library
7:00 p.m. Anticipated Executive Session
 8:00 p.m. Regular School Board Meeting
Award Meeting

XV. Recognition of Audience

XVI. Call for Executive Session

XVII. Return to Public Session

XVIII. Adjournment

Village Board of Trustees Agenda -- 5/5

507 Ashford Avenue
Monday, May 5, 2008
Meeting - 8:00 P.M.

Moment Of Silence - Denise Thompson

8:15 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING - (CONTINUATION) 642 Saw Mill River Road (642 Saw Mill River Road) - To modify existing site plan to accommodate the addition of two loading bay doors and one small elevated locating dock. TO BE ADJOURNED

8:30 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING - To amend Sections 190-63 and 190-60 of the Ardsley Village Code regarding parking on Heatherdell Road

8:45 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING - 715 SAW MILL RIVER ROAD - CONTINUATION) - Change of Use to convert the former "Ardsley Produce" into an "Evergreen Cleaner at 715 Saw Mill River Road - TO BE ADJOURNED

 9:00 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING - To amend Sections 143-6 and 190-71 of the Ardsley Village Code regarding parking spaces for individuals with disabilities

I. ANNOUNCEMENTS
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 
Regular Meeting - April 21, 2008
Special Meeting - April 28, 2008

IV. DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Legal, Mayor's Announcements, Manager, Committee & Board Reports, Treasurer 

IV. VISITORS:
V. OLD BUSINESS:

1. Res. Regarding References-Individuals with Disabilities in the Ardsley Village Code
2. Resolution Regarding Parking Spaces for Individuals with Disabilities
3. Resolution to Amend Sections 190-63 and 190-60 Regarding Parking on Heatherdell

VI. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Resolution Recognizing Grant for Buckle Up New York Campaign
2. Resolution Recognizing Grant for Child Passenger Safety Program

VII. CALL FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION

VIII. ADJOURNMENT OF BOARD MEETING

Today's Traffic Alert Becomes Tomorrow's Traffic

The work that the NY Department of Transportation was supposed to do on the Ashford Avenue Bridge today has been postponed until tomorrow due to the weather. You may want to adjust tomorrow's travel plans accordingly.

Board of Education Agenda -- 4/29

Anticipated Executive Session  7:00 p.m.
Regular Board of Education Meeting  8:00 p.m.
Concord Road School Library

Agenda
I. Call to Order – Mark Cohen, President
A.  Designation of Emergency Exits
B.  All cell phones silenced

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Acceptance of Minutes – April 9, 2008

IV. Presentation -- Internal Auditor

V. Recognition of Audience (limited to approximately 30 minutes and to items on the agenda)

VI. Report of the Superintendent – None at this meeting

VII. Report of the Board President – None at this meeting

VIII. Report of Board Committees and Representatives
Meeting with Nita Lowey – Frank J. Hariton and Stephanie Marquesano
Meeting with Regent Harry Phillips – Frank J. Hariton and Joanne G. Sold
Westchester-Putnam School Boards Association – Frank J. Hariton
Audit and Finance Committee – Mark Cohen and Lee H. Lew

IX. Board Action and Discussion Items
A. 2008-2009 Estimated Administrative Budget for the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services – Resolution
Resolved:  That the Board of Education approves the 2008-2009 Estimated Administrative Budget, in the amount of $8,058,073 for the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services.
B. Trustees of the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services – Resolution
Resolved:  That the Board of Education casts two votes, one for John DeSantis, and one for Beverly A. Levine, to serve as Trustees on the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services for the time period July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011.

C. Appointment of Board of Registration – Resolution
Resolved:  That the following persons are hereby appointed by the Board of Education as members of the Board of Registration and Canvass, and that their compensation will be at the rate of $9.25 per hour: Gloria Cheperak, Madeline Piscitelli*, Dorothy Kaufman**, Emily Presbyto
Be It Further Resolved:  That the Chairperson/Chief Inspector* and the Assistant Chief Inspector** shall receive compensation at the rate of $10.25 per hour.

D. Appointment of Inspectors of Election and/or Election Clerks – Resolution
Resolved:  That the following persons are hereby appointed by the Board of Education as Inspectors of Election and/or Election Clerks, and that their compensation will be at the rate of $9.25 per hour.
Marie Agnano, Louise Cioppa, Judith Greenburg, Mary Guttridge, Winnie Longobardi, Carl Mirsky, Phyllis Mirsky, Elizabeth Morrison, Raoji Patel, Evelyn Perry, Vincent Piscitelli, Sybil Robins, Richard Staff, Fannie Tirella, Amelia Vellozzi, Christine Verber, Lee Whitehead

E. Approval of Proposed Trip for the Select Chorus – Resolution
Resolved:  That the Board of Education approve the proposed trip for the Select Chorus to travel on a singing tour of Italy from February 12, 2009 to February 20, 2009.

F. Future Agenda Items

G. Follow-Up Pending Agenda Items
Board Meeting             Agenda Item           Due Date
1/09/08  Five-Year Capital Plan Follow-up    5/07/08
2/06/08  CAP follow-up                       6/11/08
2/06/08  Board Policy Manual                 Ongoing
2/06/08  Tri-States Report                  
3/12/08  Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee Follow-up  August 2008
3/12/08  Improvements to the food services operation    4/29/08
4/09/08  CBAC Study Session               August 2008
4/09/08  Guidance Study Session           October 2008
4/09/08  Early Academic Intervention      November 2008

X. Board Analysis & Discussion Items

XI. Superintendent’s Recommendations
A.  Resignations - Resolution
Resolved:  That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following resignation: Katherine D’Alto – Part-time Lunchtime Assistant (CR) – effective 4/7/08

B. Appointments - Resolution
Resolved:  That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following appointments: Brian Cestone – Initially Certified Students with Disabilities Teacher (Social Studies 7-12) (HS) - Step 1 MA – three year probationary appointment in the Special Education Tenure Area - effective 9/1/07 – 8/31/10
Kimberly Gossett – Teacher Aide (MS) – Step 2 Aide + hourly stipend – emergency conditional upon NYSED clearance – effective 4/7/08
Maria Nicolosi – Part-time Lunchtime Assistant (CR) – emergency conditional upon NYSED clearance - effective 4/10/08
Amie Getis – Temporary Teaching Assistant (MS) – Level I Teaching Assistant – Temporary Teaching Assistant rate – effective 4/14/08 – 6/27/08
Sunny Ahn – Temporary Teacher Aide (CR) - emergency conditional upon NYSED clearance – Temporary Teacher Aide rate -  effective 4/14/08
Mary Ann Tina – Senior Externship Advisor – 2007-08 School Year – prorated – effective 5/15/08
Andrew Beames – After-School Recreation Program Coordinator – Spring 2008
Enjoli Joseph – After-School Recreation Program Instructor – Spring 2008
Andrew Nappi – After-School Recreation Program Instructor – Spring 2008
Stacy Vlad – After-School Recreation Program Instructor – Spring 2008

C. Appointment Adjustments - Resolution
Resolved:  That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following appointment adjustments:
Daniel Barnett – From Step 5 MA to Step 5 MA+15 – effective 2/1/08
Claire Cocco – From Step 5 MA to Step 5 MA+15 – effective 2/1/08
John Tina – From Step 7 MA+15 to Step 7 MA+30 – effective 2/1/08

D. Leaves of Absence – Resolution
Resolved:  That upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following leaves of absence:
Julie Choi – FMLA paid leave – 4/14/08 – 5/28/08; FMLA unpaid leave – 6/30/08
Melanie Fatiuk – FMLA paid leave – on or about 5/30/08 – 6/27/08
Susan Lombardo - Unpaid leave of absence for child care – 4/10/08 – 4/18/08
And adjusts the previously approved Leaves of Absence as follows:
Donna Drake – FMLA paid leave – 2/8/08 – 4/7/08; FMLA unpaid leave 4/8/08 – 5/15/08; unpaid leave for child care 5/16/08 – 6/5/08
Susan Lombardo – FMLA paid leave 1/8/08 – 2/26/08; FMLA unpaid leave 2/27/08 – 4/9/08
Heather Roy Schlosser – FMLA paid leave 2/4/08 – 4/4/08; FMLA unpaid leave 4/7/08 – 5/9/08; unpaid leave for child care 5/12/08 – 6/30/09

E. Board Policy
1.  Policy 4212–Ardsley Union Free School District Organization Chart (Revised)               Second Reading

XII. Business Office Recommendations
A. Treasurer’s Report – March, 2008 - Acknowledgement
B. Approval of 2008-2009 BOCES Contract – Resolution
Resolved:  That the 2008-09 Installment Purchase Agreement Contract with Southern Westchester BOCES be approved and the District Clerk is authorized to sign the contract document.
C. Appointment of Independent Contractors - Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following independent contractor for the 2008 Spring After School Program: Ashley Auchmoody- Instructor

D. Agreement with Education Data Services – Resolution
Resolved:  That the Business Manager is authorized to sign the Letter of Agreement with Educational Data Services for the provision of bid purchasing services for the following school year purchases at a cost of $4,680 annually, effective 7/1/08-6/30/09.

E. Approval of Bid – Resolution
Resolved: That the Board of Education award Bid # 2007-05 for HVAC Equipment Purchase to Carrier Northeast.

F. Budget Transfer – Resolution
TO:                        
A2250470140000
Tuition
$140,000.00

FROM:
A2250490050000
BOCES - Spec Ed
$140,000.00

G. Approval of Lease Agreement with Southern Westchester BOCES - Resolution
Resolved:  That the Lease Agreement with Southern Westchester BOCES be approved by the Board of Education.

XIII. Future Board of Education Meetings
May 7, 2008
Middle School
7:00 p.m.
Regular School Board Meeting

Required Public Budget Hearing
May 20, 2008                                                
Administration Building      
8:00 p.m.               
Anticipated Executive Session
9:15 p.m.               
Regular School Board Meeting
Trustee and Budget Vote

June 11, 2008
Middle School Library
7:00 p.m.
Anticipated Executive Session
Regular School Board Meeting
Award Meeting         

XIV. Recognition of Audience

XV. Call for Executive Session

XVI. Return to Public Session

XVII. Adjournment

Ardsley Traffic Alert for Tomorrow (4/29)

The New York Department of Transportation has alerted the Village that they are planning to do work at the intersection of 9A and Ashford Avenue starting tomorrow morning at 10am. They'll be grinding the pavement on the Ashford Avenue Bridge from 10am until around 3pm, and then will resume after the evening rush hour to paint new lines. This work is intended to improve traffic flow along Ashford Avenue. So, you know what this means...short term pain (expect traffic backups tomorrow) brings some long term gain.

Ardsley Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda -- 4/23

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 8:00 P.M. in the Boardroom of the Ardsley Village Hall at 507 Ashford Avenue, Ardsley, New York  10502.
I.  Announcements and Approval of Minutes

II. Public Hearings on Applications for Variances from Village Code Requirements (order subject to change)

Christopher and Kelly McNerney, 11 Prospect Avenue, Ardsley, New York (Continuation)
Section 18, Sheet 10, Block 1125, Lots 30, 31 & 32, in an R-3 One-Family Residential District
For a proposed rear deck, where existing and proposed west side yard widths are less than 15 feet (Code § 200-26B).

Jorge Alcivar, 43 Riverview Avenue, Ardsley, New York (Continuation)
Section 18, Sheet 09, Block 1118, Lots 21A, 22, 23 & 24, in an R-3 One-Family Residential District
For a proposed rear addition, where existing and proposed south side yard widths are less than 15 feet (Code § 200-26B).

Sylvia Love Trustee 50% / B. Katz & F. R. Stern 50%, 715 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, New York
Section 17, Sheet 04, Block 0000/0, Lot P19P, in the B-1 General Business District (Lessee: Evergreen Cleaner)
For provision of less than 13 off-street parking spaces, for a proposed new wet cleaning business use (Code § 200-71D).

Estate of Sam Ciampi, Saw Mill River Road (East Side, 25-100 ft south of Sylvia Ave.), Ardsley, New York Section 16, Sheet 01, Block 0000/0, Lot P4, in the CCH-2 Clustered Housing District
For a proposed 2-family dwelling, with less than the minimum required north side yard width, buffer depths, street frontage & lot area, and exceeding the maximum permitted density of dwelling units, number of bedrooms & building coverage (Code §§ 200-32A, -35B, -36, -45, -48, -49, -62).

Steven M. Cooperman and Judy Stratton, 14 Flintlock Lane, Ardsley, New York
Section 16, Sheet 03B, Block 0003, Lot 26, in an R-3 One-Family Residential District
For a proposed roof over a front landing, with a proposed front yard depth of less than 20 feet (Code § 200-26A).

Journal News Report on Proposed School Budget

The Journal-News did a little write up on the proposed 2008-2009 Ardsley Schools Budget.

Ardsley Village Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda -- 4/21

Meeting at 8:00PM, 507 Ashford Ave.

8:15. P.M. – Public Hearing – 642 Saw Mill River Road  (642 Saw Mill Properties) – To modify existing site plan to accommodate the addition of two loading bay doors and one small elevated loading dock – to be adjourned

8:45 P.M. – 715 Saw Mill River Road - (Continuation) - Change of Use to convert the former “Ardsley Produce” into an “Evergreen Cleaner at 715 Saw Mill River Road – TO BE ADJOURNED

I. ANNOUNCEMENTS

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Regular Meeting – April 7, 2008

IV. DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
LEGAL
BUILDING/FIRE/POLICE REPORTS
MANAGER
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
TREASURER
COMMITTEE & BOARD REPORTS

V. VISITORS:

VI. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Resolution Rescinding Notice to Bidder Re:  Construction of Addition to Library

VII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Resolution Scheduling Public Hearing Re:  686 Saw Mill River Road (Ardsley Hardware)
2. Resolution Supporting The Acquisition of Parcel Q by the Town of Greenburgh
3. Resolution Authorizing Attendance of Deputy Highway Foreman at Highway School
4. Res.to Schedule Public Hearing-Amend Village Code Re: Parking on Heatherdell Road
5. Resolution Modifying 2007-08 Village Budget Re:  Playground Grant
6. Res. Scheduling Public Hearing Re: References to Individuals with Disabilities in the Ardsley Village Code

VIII. CALL FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION

IX. ADJOURNMENT OF BOARD MEETING