Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: April 4, 2023
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:05 p.m.
Where: Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School
Board Members Present:
President Sheri Senecal
Vice President Mary Beth Whited
Heather Soroka
Timothy Delisle
Brian White
Superintendent: Dr. Donald Stevens Jr.
Student Council Rep: Cassandra Zawistowski
The meeting opened at 6:05 p.m., with President Senecal officiating.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Reports/Comments
2023-24 Budget Presentation Dr. Donald Stevens Jr. & Keith Heid
A. Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Stevens shared the following:
- There will be a Special Person’s Night at WES on the night of the election, May 16, 2023.
- Congratulations to the three teachers earning tenure tonight. Thank you for your time and dedication to Watervliet. You should be extremely proud. We are proud to have all of you as teachers with our district. Please feel free to stay afterwards for snacks and to have your photo taken.
- Thank you to Mr. Heid and Mr. Heid, Sr. for helping to develop a sound budget that meets the needs of our community and our current fiscal situation.
- On the agenda tonight is the appointment of Danielle McKee to a new position via a grant we secured with the Civic Center. We are excited to hire Danielle in a role dedicated as a school counselor focused on family outreach and working with students in school and students and families outside of school.
- Have a great spring break next week. When we return, we will have grades 3-8 ELA testing.
- Reminder to the board that we have a special board meeting at 7:30 a.m. on April 19, 2023 to vote for the BOCES budget and election.
- Huge thank you to Mrs. Webster for holding down the district last week while I took a vacation. It was a job well-done. I am grateful for the restful week.
B. Student Council Report
Cassandra Zawistowski shared the following:
- We held a Spirit Week from March 20 -24.
- Seniors received their Class of 2023 shirts. We had the opportunity to tie-dye the shirts on a nice day, outside. Thank you to Mrs. Farruggio for setting it all up.
- The week concluded with a boxing glove basketball game on Friday, March 24. Once again, teachers and staff won. Special thanks to Mrs. Fronczek for putting it together.
- Senior Superlative pictures and senior class group pictures were taken.
- Prom is May 20 at Wolfert’s Roost. The theme is Hollywood.
C. Committee Reports
Audit Committee
There was no report.
Policy Committee
There was no report.
Board of Education Discussion
Mrs. Senecal shared the following:
- Thank you to Mr. Heid and Dr. Stevens for providing tonight’s budget presentation and for always ensuring funding for the best programs for our students and staff. It’s no small feat and we appreciate all the work that has been put into this budget.
- Thanks to everyone for keeping our students staff safe during last week’s swatting incidents. Even though our district was not named, the district did a great job being cautious.
- Happy Assistant Principals Week to Miss Casey, Mr. Foust and Mr. Wareing.
- It is National School Librarian Day, so thank you to our library aides and librarian.
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the status of tenure to Daniel Ciaramella, in the area of Elementary Education, effective September 1, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the status of tenure to Madeline Rehm, in the area of English as a Second Language, effective September 1, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the status of tenure to Rachel Alric, in the area of Elementary Education, effective September 1, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded the emergency probationary appointment of Ralph RedCloud-Owen to the position of Full-Time Bus Driver for the Watervliet City School District, at a rate of $25.00 per hour, effective February 21, 2023, pending fingerprint clearance, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Andrew Marro, from the position of Social Studies Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective June 30, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Danielle McKee to the Family Opportunity Grant-funded position of School Counselor, in the tenure area of School Counselor at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning April 3, 2023, at a Step 4 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on April 3, 2027, unless extended in accordance with the provisions of Section 2509(2)(b) of the Education Law.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Alexa Giardino to the position of Social Worker, in the tenure area of Social Work at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning April 17, 2023, at a Step 3 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on April 17, 2027, unless extended in accordance with the provisions of Section 2509(2)(b) of the Education Law.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Joseph Navojaski to the position of Cafeteria Worker, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, at an hourly rate of $15.00, effective March 13, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Heather Soroka and accepted 4-0 (Brian White abstained), the Board approved the appointment of Heather White to the position of Lunch Monitor, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, at an hourly rate of $15.00, effective April 17, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Julia Ryan to the position of Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher, Grade 4, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning April 17, 2023, at a rate of $150.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Agustin (Jeremy) Valdes-Riccardi to the position of Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher, Grade 6, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning April 21, 2023, at a rate of $150.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packet #12).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of March 2023, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Treasurer’s Report for the month of February 2023, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Schedule of Warrants & Payrolls
- Revenue Status Report
- Cash & Investments
- Appropriation Status Report
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board adopted the tentative 2023-24 School District Budget in the amount of $37,759,000.00, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the 2023 Property Tax Report Card, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved placing the 5-year Bus Lease Proposition on the ballot of the May 16, 2023 Annual Budget Vote, allowing for the purchase of one 24C Passenger School Bus at the total purchase price of $76,217.95 or the annual lease price pending bid results for each of five years, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Watervliet City School District (hereinafter referred to as the “District”) desires to enter into a three (3) year service agreement with the Albany-Schoharie-Schenectady-Saratoga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (hereinafter referred to as “CR BOCES”) in order for the CR BOCES to furnish certain services to the District pursuant to New York State Education Law §1950(4)(jj), those services being an Installment Purchase services in Co-Ser 512.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Watervliet City School District agrees to enter into a contract with the CR BOCES for the provision of said services to the District and not to exceed in total over the life of this agreement the total amount of $99,225.00 and associated CR BOCES charges with such amount to include annual CR BOCES support costs and applicable taxes and surcharges, and with such support costs and applicable taxes and surcharges included at the current rate and subject to change as established in the CR BOCES budget or mandated by any federal, state or local authority.
This amount may be amended with the approval of both parties. The District will be liable to CR BOCES for early cancellation or withdrawal from this agreement to the same extent that CR BOCES is liable to any vendor(s) of these services, including liability for applicable penalties or liquidated damages, and the District will also be liable for costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, incurred by CR BOCES as consequence of any such early cancellation or withdrawal. The District further agrees to indemnify, defend and hold BOCES, its elected officials, its employees, and agents, harmless from any and all liability, claims including bodily injury or property damage, causes of action, damages and expenses, including attorney fees, which may arise out of the negligent actions of the District, its elected officials, employees, agents, invitees, and volunteers while using this service.
Payment will be made as part of a regular annual CR BOCES contract for services. Further, this agreement is subject to the approval of the Board of Education of CR BOCES. This contract will be for a maximum period of three (3) years commencing on or about July 1, 2023 and continuing through June 30, 2026.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Bernadette Boardman, Danielle Jones and Roni O’Brien as Election Registrars for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board designated Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School as the Registration location on April 19 and April 28, 2023 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Judy Ethier as District Election Supervisor on May 16, 2023 at a pay rate of $300.00 per assignment, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following Election Inspectors to work May 16, 2023, for the School District Election and Budget vote, at the rate of $125.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Watervliet Elementary School: Maria Razzano, Deborah Edwards
Elks Club: Barbara Crowley
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the building use agreement between Grace Fellowship and the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting held March 16, 2023, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held March 7, March 8, March 9, March 10, March 13, March 15, March 16, March 20, March 21, and March 22, 2023, submitted by Molly McGrath, Veronica Wilson and Daniele Tetrault, CSE Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held March 8, March 9 and March 27, 2023, submitted by Molly McGrath, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Brian White, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Student Teacher request at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Name(s): Noelle LeBlanc
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Professional: Tami Karbowski
Dates: Spring 2023 Semester - Name(s): Daniel Cunniffe
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Professional: Carrie Huntley
Dates: March 13, 2023–May 1, 2023
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Student Teacher request at the Watervliet Elementary School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Name(s): Benjamin Candib
Role: Student Teacher/Intern
Cooperating Professional: Alison Santiago
April 1, 2023–June 23, 2023 - Name(s): Amanda Ciampi
Role: Administrative Intern
Cooperating Professional: Ryan Groat
Dates: June 1, 2023–December 31, 2023
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks, a check from the BelleJar Foundation in the amount of $10,000.00, to fund college visits for the Pivot Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks, the donation of Two Sheets of Poutine from Diner Time, to be served at International Night, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks, the donation of a Bass, Electric Guitar and Small Violin from Alan Gottesman, as recommended by the Superintendent.
Board Discussion
Mrs. Whited noted that International Night was awesome. It was very well-attended, there were a lot of participants, and there was great food and great dancers.
Mrs. Senecal added the following:
- Congratulations to all receiving tenure this evening. Thank you for educating and caring for our students every day.
- A reminder to board members about the meeting on April 19 at 7:30 a.m. for the BOCES budget vote.
- A reminder that our public budget hearing is 6:00 p.m. on May 2. Candidates running for the board will have an opportunity to introduce themselves.
- On May 16, we will meet to receive the results of the budget vote and election.
Adjournment
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board