Watervliet City School District > Board of Education > Meeting Schedule, Agendas and Minutes > Board of Education Meeting: June 11, 2024

Board of Education Meeting: June 11, 2024

Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: June 11, 2024
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 5:59 p.m.
Where: Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School
Board Members Present:
President Sheri Senecal 
Vice President Mary Beth Whited
Heather Soroka
Brian White
Victoria Donnelly
Superintendent: Dr. Donald Stevens Jr.
The meeting opened at 5:59 p.m., with President Senecal officiating.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Presentations/Reports/Comments

The Year at a Glance Presentation, Administrators

A. Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Stevens shared the following:
  • It is hard to believe that it is June and in two weeks we will be recognizing our senior class.
  • A big thank you to the team of administrators for their hard work and working alongside me every step of the way this year.
  • There are lots of new hires on the agenda tonight. We are excited for the upcoming school year.  
  • On your agenda you will see retiree payouts.  One more recognition of the retirees: Mary Collett, Tina Shufelt, Tracy Coffey, Peter Strand, Yuriy Berin.  Lisa Debrule is also retiring.  Thank you to all of them for their commitment to the district.
  • Upcoming events: WES Field Day is Friday, Senior Day is Thursday, no school next Monday (Eid Al Adha) and Wednesday (Juneteenth), moving up ceremonies begin the week of June 24 – Monday is EPK, Tuesday is 5th Grade, and WJSHS graduation is Wednesday.  I would ask the board to join me at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday in my office for flowers and pictures, prior to the graduation ceremony.
  • Presented Mrs. Senecal with a gift to recognize her 11 years of service on the board of education.

Audit Committee

There was no report.

Policy Committee

First Reading of Revised Policy:
  • Student Gender Identity

Board of Education Discussion

Mrs. Senecal shared the following:
  • Recognition of Maria Barsoum and Mrs. Sweeney for being chosen for CASDA’s Class of 2024 Students and Teachers who Make a Difference.
  • Thank you to Mr. Ford for putting together a great varsity sports awards night.  Congratulation to all the awardees.
  • The next PTA meeting is tomorrow night at WES at 6:30 p.m. 
  • The last day of school is June 26. 
  • Congratulations to all students who graduated this week from the BOCES programs.
  • Wished all students and staff a great end of the year.
  • Summer school starts July 8.
Mr. White thanked the faculty and staff that came to the kickball game.  He noted that they raised approximately $2,000.00 and everyone had a great time.

Items Requiring Board Action

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the revised appointment of Mia Rockwell to the position of Long-Term Substitute School Counselor, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective May 8, 2024 – November 1, 2024, at a rate of $200.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded the appointment of the following for the 2023– 2024 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Wrestling Volunteer Coach: Kennon Engelmann
  • Cooking Club Co-Advisor: Rosie Sharpe
  • Game Club Advisor: Rosie Sharpe
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded the appointment of the following for the 2024– 2025 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • JV Volleyball Coach: Thomas Hayes
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Daniel Moore from the position of Part-Time Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, effective May 30, 2024, 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 Brittany Ableman from the position of Art Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective June 30, 2024, 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 Carissa Zuniga from the position of ENL Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective June 30, 2024, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the retirement request of Lisa Dubrule from the position of Library Aide at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective June 30, 2024, 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 Advisors for the 2023– 2024 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Game Club: Kelly Gilchrist (effective January 22, 2024)
  • Cannoneer (Varsity) Club: Meghan Fronczek
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Summer Academy Program 2024 appointments at a salary as per contract:
  • Nurse: Dakota Hewitt
  • Physical Education: Jeffrey Mueller (Level I)
  • Substitutes: Carl Nigro, Samantha McCabe, Sherri Foglia, Tina Shufelt, Michele DeGuire, Valerie Ellison
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Summer School 2024 appointments at a salary as per contract:
  • Grade 8/9 Math: Marc Fruscio (Level III)
  • 9-12 Science: Claudia Bunting Marshall (Level III)
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Extended School Year 2024 appointments at a salary as per contract:
  • Social Worker: Laura Zasada (3/6 weeks, Level II) and Jessica Erickson (2/6 weeks, Level I) 
  • Substitutes: Tina LaVallee, Nick Rivera, Sharon Foglia, Rianna Ferrara
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Summer Lunch Program 2024 appointments, as outlined in the attached, at a salary as per contract:
  • Heather Swinney
  • Lisa Leone
  • Maria Whited
  • Jamie Binkley
  • Chloe Swinney
  • Jasmine Matlock
  • Rebecca Sutherland
  • Joe Navajoski Mary Schoonmaker
  • Theresa Lewis
  • Patricia King
  • Tina Ploof
  • Kathleen Darling
  • Carol Water
  • Adrian Orozco
  • Toni Lewinski
On a motion by Brian White, seconded by Victoria Donnelly and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the voluntary transfer of Rachel Alric to the position of Reading Specialist, in the tenure area of Reading, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 3, 2024, at her current contractual step, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  Rachel Alric holds a Literacy (B-6) certification, (certificate #723126131).
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Marc Fruscio to the position of Mathematics Teacher, in the tenure area of Math, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 18 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 2027, contingent upon achievement of effective or highly effective APPR ratings necessary to receive tenure throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d.  Marc Fruscio holds a Mathematics certification, (certificate #844283141).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Morgan Kurtz to the position of Special Education Teacher, in the tenure area of Special Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 2028, contingent upon achievement of effective or highly effective APPR ratings necessary to receive tenure throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d.  Morgan Kurtz holds a Students with Disabilities (1-6) certification, (certificate #1749792231).
 
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Cassandra Berman to the position of Speech Language Pathologist, in the tenure area of Speech, for the Watervliet City School District, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 4 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 2028, contingent upon achievement of effective or highly effective APPR ratings necessary to receive tenure throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d.  Cassandra Berman holds a Speech and Language Disabilities certification, (certificate #1519820211).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Luke McLaughlin to the position of Earth Science Teacher, in the tenure area of Earth Science, at the Watervliet Jr. –Sr. High School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 2 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 2028, contingent upon achievement of effective or highly effective APPR ratings necessary to receive tenure throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d.  Luke McLaughlin holds a Earth Science (7-12) certification, (certificate #1654105221).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Ehren Lewis to the position of Alternate Education Teacher, in the tenure area of Social Studies, at the EVOLVE Program, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 5 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 2028, contingent upon achievement of effective or highly effective APPR ratings necessary to receive tenure throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d.  Ehren Lewis holds a Social Studies (7-12) certification, (certificate #1068587161).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the voluntary transfer of Alison Callagan from a 0.4 FTE to the 1.0 FTE position of Social Studies Teacher, in the tenure area of Social Studies, at the EVOLVE Program, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 2 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  Ms. Callagan’s current probationary period shall continue and expire on September 3, 2027, contingent upon achievement of effective or highly effective APPR ratings necessary to receive tenure throughout her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Bryan Van Vliet to the position of Technology Teacher, in the tenure area of Technology, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 11 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 2027, contingent upon achievement of effective or highly effective APPR ratings necessary to receive tenure throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d.  Bryan Van Vliet holds a Technology certification, (certificate #1264220181).
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Victoria Donnelly and accepted 4-0 (Sheri Senecal abstained), the Board approved the probationary appointment of Rebecca LaForest to the position of Coordinator of Student Support Services, in the tenure area of Administration, for the Watervliet City School District, beginning August 15, 2024 at a Step 1 (Director) salary, per contract. The probationary period shall expire on August 15, 2028, contingent upon satisfactory compliance with Education Law Sections 3012 and/or 3012-d.  Rebecca LaForest holds a School District Leader certification (certificate #1752216231).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the voluntary transfer of Nicholas Rivera from the position of Teaching Assistant at the Watervliet Elementary School to the position of Teaching Assistant at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, beginning September 3, 2024, at a his current step salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract.  Mr. Rivera’s current probationary period shall continue and expire on September 3, 2025, contingent upon positive evaluations from his/her direct supervisor throughout his probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d.
On a motion by Brian White, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Michaeleen Backus to the position of Long-Term Substitute ELA Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 3, 2024 through June 30, 2025, at a Step 2 rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board appointed the following Coaches for the 2024– 2025 school year, pending fingerprint clearance and fulfillment of NYSED coaching requirements, at a rate as per contract, unless outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
WATERVLIET JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Coaching Fall:
  • Boys’ Assistant Varsity Soccer: Paul Travers
  • Girls’ Modified Soccer: Jason Vasquez
  • Varsity Assistant Football: Jason Wagor, Deson Cooley, Aaron Treacy, Zacharey Johnson, Arthur Mitchum, O’Neil Keels II
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 #16).
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 May 2024, 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 Reports for the month of April 2024, 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 approved the following payment requests, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
WATERVLIET 2022 CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
  • Capital Markets Advisors
    Invoice # 889
    $14,900.00
  • CD Regional Planning Commission
    Invoice # 24-18
    $6,500.00
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following contracts for Health & Welfare Services for students who reside within the Watervliet CSD and attend a private or parochial school within the following school districts during the 2023-24 school year:
School District: Albany City SD
Cost per Student: $1,082.23
# of Students: 59
Total Cost: $63,851.57
School District: Averill Park CSD
Cost per Student: $591.05
# of Students: 1
Total Cost: $591.05
School District: Bethlehem CSD
Cost per Student: $1,118.00
# of Students: 2
Total Cost: $2,236.00
School District: North Colonie CSD
Cost per Student: $925.89
# of Students: 30
Total Cost: $27,776.70
School District: North Greenbush CSD
Cost per Student: $349.09
# of Students: 18.8
Total Cost: $6,562.89
School District: South Colonie CSD  
Cost per Student: $901.38
# of Students: 5
Total Cost: $4,506.90
School District: Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD
Cost per Student: $897.04
# of Students: 3
Total Cost: $2,691.12
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved an Employer Non-elective 403B Contribution of $22,920.00 to Peter Strand for Unused Sick Leave upon retirement from the Watervliet City SD, effective June 30, 2024, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools and the Watervliet Teachers Association, 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 an Employer Non-elective 403B Contribution of $14,265.00 to Yuriy Berin for Unused Sick Leave upon retirement from the Watervliet City SD, effective June 30, 2024, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools and the Watervliet Teachers Association, 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 an Employer Non-elective 403B Contribution of $19,485.00 to Tina Shufelt for Unused Sick Leave upon retirement from the Watervliet City SD, effective June 30, 2024, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools and the Watervliet Teachers Association, 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 an Employer Non-elective 403B Contribution of $36,000.00 to Mary Collett for Unused Sick Leave upon retirement from the Watervliet City SD, effective June 30, 2024, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools and the Watervliet Teachers Association, 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 an Employer Non-elective 403B Contribution of $10,845.00 to Tracy Coffey for Unused Sick Leave upon retirement from the Watervliet City SD, effective June 30, 2024, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools and the Watervliet Teachers Association, 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 established the 2024 Capital Reserve Fund as authorized by the voters of the Watervliet City SD on May 21, 2024, for the purpose of paying the cost of future building projects, in a maximum amount not to exceed $10,000,000, to be raised by the annual transfer of unexpended operating funds for a probable term of 10-years, effective immediately and expiring June 30, 2034, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board authorized the transfer of $3,000,000 from the unreserved, unappropriated fund balance of the 2023-24 school year budget to the 2024 Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of funding voter authorized capital projects and for any purpose authorized under Education Law 3651, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board following bid results, submitted by Darryl Whited, Cook Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Ginsberg’s – Perishables, Frozen and Canned Goods
Hill & Markes – Paper Product and Cleaning Supplies
Sycaway Creamery – Dairy Creamery
Degele Brothers and Ginsberg’s – Pilot Program
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Agreement for Services with Laura Rickard Speech Language Therapy, to provide speech-language support services for two hours per week, effective September 11, 2024 – June 11, 2025, as outlined in the attached, 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 meetings held April 24, May 7, May 21 and May 28, 2024, 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 January 25, April 10, April 16, April 18, April 22, April 25, April 26, April 29, April 30, May 1, May 2, May 3, May 6, May 7, May 8, May 9, May 10, May 14, May 15, May 16, May 17, May 21, May 22, May 23, May 28, May 29, and May 30, 2024, submitted by Molly McGrath, Veronica Wilson, Rebecca Phillips 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 April 10, April 18, April 25, and May 1, 2024, submitted by Molly McGrath, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the New Book Request for the book entitled “Encounter,” by Brittany Luby, to be added to the Grade 4 curriculum at the Watervliet Elementary School beginning in the 2024 – 2025 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the New Book Request for the book entitled “Encounter,” by Jane Yolen, to be added to the Grade 4 curriculum at the Watervliet Elementary School beginning in the 2024 – 2025 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the New Book Request for the book entitled “Hiawatha and the Peacemaker,” by Robbie Robertson, to be added to the Grade 4 curriculum at the Watervliet Elementary School beginning in the 2024 – 2025 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the New Book Request for the book entitled “I Survived: The Joplin Tornado,” by Lauren Tarshis, to be added to the Grade 2-5 curriculum at the Watervliet Elementary School beginning in the 2024 – 2025 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the New Book Request for the book entitled “I Survived: Eruption of Mt. St. Helen’s,” by Lauren Tarshis, to be added to the Grade 4 curriculum at the Watervliet Elementary School beginning in the 2024 – 2025 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the New Book Request for the book entitled “Iroquois Folktales: Native American Short Stories,” by Mabel Powers, to be added to the Grade 4 curriculum at the Watervliet Elementary School beginning in the 2024 – 2025 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the revised 2024 – 2025 School District Calendar, as recommended by the Superintendent.
Mrs. Senecal shared thanks and appreciation to all of the retirees.  She congratulated the graduates of the class of 2024 and thanked the staff and administrators for their support over the years.

Executive Session

On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board entered into Executive Session at 6:53 p.m. to discuss matters related to:
  • the annual evaluation of the superintendent; and 
  • the employment history of a particular person. 

Adjournment

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Sheri Senecal and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board