McGill said with the staff reductions, one psychologist and social worker would be left between Woodstock and Phoenicia schools; one each at Bennett intermediate school; and a psychologist, social worker and three guidance counselors at the Middle/High School. The reduction of teachers, McGill explained, has more to do with declining enrollment, pointing out that the overall student population is beginning to stabilize and the senior class next year will be the last of a larger bubble. “I do not think we are decreasing in enrollment any longer,” McGill said. “Maybe slightly decreasing, but actually with this senior class that we’ll have next year, that’s the last of the large groups. But we also brought on board 119 kindergartners this year, so we’re pretty stable now.”
During public commentary section, Harris Cohn, an employee with the district voiced concern over the potential elimination of three school monitors. Reading a letter on behalf of himself and two other monitors, he explained that their role is to provide guidance in the hallways, help new students, direct students to classrooms, diffuse heated situations, and help students find staff among other daily occurrences. “In this day and age when young and old people isolate themselves with cell phones and computer technology, it’s extra important for young people to see and have regular people available to them,” said Cohn.
A cut in State aid will also affect the budget, eliminating $547,000 or a 7.6 percent cut due to the High Tax Aid Allocation. Trustee Tony Fletcher obtained information from the New York State School Board Association that the district falls in the bottom four percent of the entire state when it comes to aid. McGill pointed out that 39 percent of Onteora students receive free and reduced lunch, creating an unfair scenario when it comes to aid reduction.
Trustee Rob Kurnit said, “Chappaqua is at 14 percent (additional state aid), one of the wealthiest districts in the State!” School officials and trustees continue to work with the State hoping to change the formula.
Approximately $2.6 million from the released Tax Certiorari fund, a smidgen over half of $4.8 million will be returned to tax payers with the External Auditor recommending the board return it over a period of time. The other $2.2 million is proposed to go into Capital reserve coffers.
Administrative leave for principal
In other news, Phoenicia principal Linda Sella has been placed on administrative leave, with no word given as to why. McGill would not comment on a personnel matter except to confirm that a note was sent home to parents stating that McGill would be in charge of the school. McGill would not say when Sella left the school or would return. She also would not confirm if Sella was employee number 2192013 placed on paid administrative leave beginning February 19. This resolution read by School Board President Ann McGillicuddy was not part of the agenda and was approved unanimously. Trustee Tom Hickey was absent.
Officials will be changing the way the district presents its Facebook page, citing concerns of liability. McGill said it would not be as open ended because it has been a constant disruption to the district over confidential matters with students and staff. “It is too impersonal for that and can usually lead to hostile exchanges and/or misunderstandings, and overall be a distraction to the education environment,” said McGill. “Personally when I look at this district, I think of a very nurturing, loving, caring community and yet unfortunately when I look at Facebook it doesn’t look that way. So I don’t think it is accurately reflecting the district.” She said Facebook “will be getting a facelift,” with changes beginning immediately.
