Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: April 23, 2020
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:02 PM
Where: Livestream
Board Members Present:
President Sheri Senecal
Vice President Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Steven Hoffman
Amanda Cavanaugh
Superintendent: Dr. Lori S. Caplan
Student Council Rep: Miranda Luck
The meeting was opened at 6:02 P.M., with President Sheri Senecal officiating.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Old Business
There was no old business to be discussed.
Administrative Reports/Presentations
Keith Heid, Business Manager, provided a brief report on the budget, noting that there is currently a $2.5-million-dollar budget gap. Mr. Heid also noted that the district is awaiting the governor’s look back on April 30, before the budget is finalized.
Mrs. Senecal thanked Mr. Heid for the information and suggested that anyone who wants to can send a letter to Federal representatives asking for more money for education.
Dr. Caplan noted that she has a sample letter that she would be willing to share with everyone.
Mrs. Senecal suggested that it be put on the website for any parents to complete and send in as well.
Student Council Report
Miranda Luck, Student Council Representative, shared the following:
- Thank you to the school district and everyone who has provided meals for the children. It has been a great help to everyone in the community.
- Seniors miss school.
- I have decided to stay local and go to RPI in the fall.
- The Blood Drive will be held on May 7 at WJSHS.
Dr. Caplan noted that, because of the pandemic, Mr. Wareing will be in charge of the blood drive on May 7, 2020 because we can’t have too many outside volunteers to work the blood drive, they may have to use their own people.
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board suspended the provisions of Board Policies 1510 “Regular Board Meetings and Rules (Quorum and Parliamentary Procedures)” and 1520 “Special Meetings of the Board of Education,” regarding public attendance at meetings, videoconferencing and public participation at meetings for tonight’s Board Meeting and for all future Board and other meetings held until the state of emergency no longer exists in New York State due to COVID-19.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting held March 12, 2020, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held March 18, 2020, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held March 3, March 5, March 10, March 12, March 18, March 27, March 30, April 1, April 2, April 3, April 6, and April 7, 2020, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following Election Inspectors to work the June 2020 School District Election and Budget vote, (exact date TBD), at the rate of $125.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Watervliet Elementary School: Judith Ethier, Maria Razzano, Tracy Maloney
Elks Club: Deborah Edwards, Elizabeth Sedgwick
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Mark Gilchrist as District Election Machines Supervisor for the June 2020 School District Budget Vote and Election (exact date TBD), at a pay rate of $300.00 per assignment, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Treasurer’s Reports for the months of February 2020, 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 Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the establishment of a Retirement Contribution Reserve Fund authorized by Section 6-r of the General Municipal Law to cover a portion of the amount of the District’s potential future liability for employer contributions to the New York State Local Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) for 2020-21 and beyond, and hereby authorizes the Business Manager to transfer the amount of $100,000 into the reserve.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the establishment of a Retirement Contribution Reserve Sub-Fund within the Retirement Contribution Reserve Fund authorized by Section 6-r of the General Municipal Law to cover a portion of the amount of the District’s potential future liability for employer contributions to the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) for 2020-21 and beyond, and hereby authorizes the Business Manager to transfer the amount of $400,000.00 into the reserve.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the establishment of a Debt Service Reserve Fund as allowed by the School District Accounting and Reporting Manual published by the Office of the State Comptroller to cover future debt service payments on outstanding obligations payable in 2020-21 and beyond, and authorizes the Business Manager to transfer the amount of $500,000.00 into the reserve.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Fee and Services Agreement – Hazardous Materials Consulting Services between the Watervliet City School District and Barton & Loguidice, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Roof Scan Proposal and Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Roof Scan, Inc., as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Use of Zoom Video Communications, Inc. Videoconferencing Services Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Zoom Video Communications, Inc., as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and accepted the Survey & Mapping Proposal, submitted by Weston & Sampson, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, 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 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 administrative services in Co-Ser 604.
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 $49,198.00 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 3 years commencing on or about May 18, 2020 and continuing through June 30, 2023
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area as the community based organization (CBO) partner for the Watervliet City School District’s UPK Program for the 2020-21 school year, pending contract approval, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Amanda Cavanaugh, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted 4-0 (Mary Beth Whited abstained), the Board approved the following resolution:
Resolved that the Board of Education of the Watervliet City School District, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, does hereby create and appoint Darryl Whited to the position of Permanent Cook Manager (non-competitive), effective August 23, 2005. This appointment is intended to correct and supersede the previous appointment of Mr. Whited, made on August 23, 2005.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the status of tenure to Kelly Webster, in the area of Administration, effective September 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the status of tenure to Stephanie Maes, in the area of Special Education K-6, effective September, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the status of tenure to Diane Jacob, in the area of Childhood Education 1-6, effective September, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the status of tenure to Samantha Walsh, in the area of Childhood Education 1-6, effective September, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the status of tenure to Christa Farruggio, in the area of Secondary English, effective September, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the status of tenure to Kelsey Logan, in the area of Physical Education, effective September, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the status of tenure to Lyndsay Moore, in the area of Secondary Special Education effective September, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked the following employees for their contributions to the Essential Education website:
- Ashleigh Fraley
- Christa Farruggio
- Michelle Brown
- Samantha Walsh
- Kristin LoFink
- Jeanne Lance
- Jennifer Hoefer
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the home schooling request of Alexis Epps for her child, Charlize M’Kayla-Raye Epps, Grade 3, for the remainder of the 2019 -2020 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the award of a $1,000.00 Education Assistance Product Voucher from Bill and Melinda Gates, to the Watervliet City School District, to be used to purchase books, learning materials, and other essential items to keep students learning at home, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Amanda Cavanaugh, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the award of $500.00 from Stewarts Shops Holiday Match Program, to the Watervliet City School District, to be used for outreach efforts, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the award of $750.00 from Stewarts Shops Holiday Match Program, to the Watervliet City School District, to the athletic 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 $500.00 from Dan Woodside and CSArch, to be used to assist students with access to Wi-Fi, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of obsolete/damaged TV, VCR and DVD equipment, as outlined in the attached documents, submitted by Donald Stevens, as recommended by the Superintendent.
Board Discussion
Mrs. Senecal shared the following:
- Congratulations to all staff receiving tenure tonight.
- Thank you to all of the staff, administrators and cafeteria workers for their extra effort and for providing food to the community. 750 tee shirts were sold.
- Mrs. Cavanaugh and Mrs. Fronczek put together a successful t-shirt and mask drive, that helped both small businesses and the community.
- Thank you to Mayor Patricelli and Mrs. Cavanaugh for recognizing students’ birthdays.
- Schools are closed until May 15.
- Mrs. Webster’s Way and the Lean On Me video are great.
Mrs. Whited added that everyone is doing a great job.
Mrs. Cavanaugh shared the following:
- I am proud of Miranda for being accepted into RPI.
- 750 t-shirts were sold, which raised $14,000.00. I can’t say enough good things about Meg Fronczek.
- The support from the staff has been incredible.
- Mr. Stevens and Emma Eames helped with the list of students celebrating birthdays, so we could deliver balloons to them.
- We are researching more ideas on how we can help with food.
- Anyone can call 211 to get services. We learned about that on a conference call today.
Mr. Hoffman stated that the community has been great. He asked if there is anything we need to do about his Board seat.
Dr. Caplan responded that we do not have answers yet.
Mr. Hoffman noted that he would be willing to stay on and serve, as needed.
Mrs. Senecal thanked Mr. Hoffman for his willingness to serve.
New Business
There was no new business discussed.
Superintendent’s Report/Administrator’s Comments
Dr. Caplan noted the following:
- Tenure is earned in this district through hard work, dedication and resisting the urge to do what’s easy as opposed to what’s right. Congratulations to Stephanie Maes, Diane Jacob, Samantha Walsh, Christa Farruggio, Kelsey Logan and Lyndsay Moore.
- Congratulations also to Kelly Webster, a phenomenal teacher who quickly moved up the ranks. Mrs. Webster has not only met, but exceeded expectations and it is an honor to recommend her for tenure. I am proud to work side-by-side with her.
Ms. DeMento noted the following:
- Thank you to Darryl Whited and the cafeteria staff for all of their efforts to get food to the students. Cafeteria staff is on a weekly staff rotation so everyone can stay safe.
- Condolences to the families of Flo Sgambelluri and Donna Gillespie, who both passed away in March. Both will be missed by students and staff.
- The cafeteria has provided breakfast and lunch since March 17. They have made a total of 8,504 meal kits (one breakfast and one lunch in each bag).
- There are two pickup locations: WES and the Civic Center. Additionally, three buses deliver to stops across the city. Please see the district web site for more information. Administration has done a great job of riding buses to deliver food and other supplies.
- Thank you for approving our new community-based partner for UPK. I am looking forward to our new partnership.
- Current UPK classes have been moved to an online private UPK only Facebook page. I post daily lessons, activities and information for parents each morning. Parents and teachers submit pictures and other items for all in the group to see. It is great to see all the kids.
- Lots of people have been asking about how to register for the EPK and UPK lotteries. Details about the process will be posted to the web site by the end of next week.
Mr. Stevens shared the following:
- Thank you to the “rock star” teachers who worked on the regionally developed web site. It was a huge undertaking and we are grateful. It is essentialed.capregionboces.org.
- NYS 3-8 assessments, NYSESLAT, alternative assessments and NYS Regents exams are cancelled. In alignment with that cancellation, the region of districts, including Watervliet City Schools, have cancelled all final exams for this school year as well as end of the year benchmarking.
- We are currently exploring grading options for the fourth quarter and how we will assign final grades and course credit. WES was able to share trimester 2 achievement reports and the WJSHS will be posting quarter 3 report cards tomorrow. Quarter 3 will cover grades from January to March 13. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
- All students are engaged through technology via virtual classes, Google Meet, Zoom, as well as paper packets.
- Right now, grading is called “evidence of learning” and “not yet learned.” We are adapting to the new way of learning and accommodating our students as they try to adapt.
- Congratulations to all educators who received tenure tonight.
- Acknowledged Dr. Caplan for her leadership and guidance. I have literally been by her side since this closure began. I have learned so much from her and I would be remiss if I did not thank her for everything she is doing and has done for Watervliet.
Mrs. Senecal thanked Dr. Caplan for her leadership.
Mrs. Webster shared the following:
- Thank you to the Board for accepting Dr. Caplan’s recommendation for my tenure. Thank you to Dr. Caplan for her guidance and leadership. I look forward to a bright future here.
- Congratulations to newly-tenured teachers. I’ve worked alongside all of these educators and I’m grateful for their service to our students.
- I am in awe of the community and am appreciative to the staff for continuing to find engaging avenues to educate our children.
- Shoutout to the teachers who contributed to the regional website. It was a tremendous effort and everyone is very appreciative.
- I’m grateful to the administrators, especially Dr. Caplan and Mr. Stevens, for their continued guidance.
- Every morning the food service workers, under the guidance of Ms. DeMento and Mr. Wareing making hundreds of meals to give to Miss DeNovio, Mr. Foust and Mr. Wareing, who ride the bus alongside our amazing bus drivers and deliver the meals.
- Thank you to Mr. Groat and Mrs. Yanni who show up and pass out food for fuel meals.
- On a daily basis, our support staff, teachers, TA’s, counselors, etc. are reaching out to families to ask what they need. We are here to meet the needs, whether it is technology, support, learning, mental health, etc. We are Viet and I am honored to be a part of this community.
- Thank you to BOCES for everything they’ve done to support the teachers.
- Thank you to We Care Vliet for the donations they have raised. I see, first-hand, the impact the donations have made.
- Thank you to the Board for supporting us and leading us.
- I hope everyone is well and safe and we are all back together soon.
Mr. Groat shared the following:
- Thank you to the Board, the Superintendent and all of my colleagues. Thank you to everyone who has stepped up during this time.
- Congratulations to those who were granted tenure tonight.
- Thank you to everyone who allowed us to continue educate our students and provide them with a sense of normalcy, and allowing us to do things like recognizing birthdays, moving forward with yearbooks, planning a virtual national honor society induction, virtual talent show, etc. There is a lot more to come and I’m excited to be a part of it.
Mrs. Yanni shared the following:
- Spring is the busiest time for the special education department. We are holding all of our meetings via Google Meets and they have been running very smoothly. Parents join in via their computer or they can phone conference in.
- I have been involved in BOCES CSE Chair meetings twice a week. They are keeping us updated on the constant changes in special education services. We are being granted a great deal of flexibility in how we are providing services, but we must meet the mandates in the IPE to the greatest extent possible.
- Our related service teachers are providing their services through teletherapy where they use a particular platform such as Google Meets or Zoom to work with their students. For OT and PT, they have created blogs, popped into Google Classrooms and created activities where the parents can support their children.
- I am meeting with the SPED staff once a week through a zoom breakout room and we are all bouncing ideas off one another. Tomorrow we will be discussing how to incorporate Google breakout sessions where sped teachers are able to meet with their students and provide their accommodations and modifications in a small group setting.
- We are working with students in private placements at BOCES as well.
- Congratulations to all teachers receiving tenure this year. It is a hard journey.
- I enjoy working with Mrs. Webster, who is my right hand many days.
Mr. Groat shared the following for Miss DeNovio:
- Miss DeNovio and Miss Clickner have been working closely to develop social emotional curriculum for next year. It’s exciting.
Mr. Wareing shared the following:
- At this time, neither Section 2 nor NYSPHAA have formally shut down the idea of having an abbreviated spring season. Long Island was the first Section in New York to formally cancel the spring season. Our league and presidents are meeting with Section2 and NYSPHAA representatives Monday morning. It is presumed that we will follow Long Island and cancel the spring season.
- If the season is cancelled, we will turn our attention to the end of the school year and making sure we assist our student athletes in all that they need to move on to the next level. We are compiling a list of athletes from each sport that have or will be signing letters of intent to play at different colleges or universities. We will schedule a virtual signing day.
- We will also be organizing and planning a virtual awards night in lieu of the scheduled Varsity Banquet. If we are unable to return to school, we will establish a virtual room for each Varsity team and their parents to log in and share season recaps and team awards. We will have a separate virtual room to issue awards for the full program, including athletes of the year.
- For the Fall season, we will be planning for business as usual, but will be following the daily state of the pandemic and how it will or will not affect the season. We will keep you all up to date with any decisions made.
- The Blood Drive will be held on May 7. The Red Cross asked us to provide students to assist with snacks.
Dr. Caplan added the following:
- Congratulations to Miranda on her decision to go to RPI.
- We will have a full-blown graduation at some point, with caps and gowns and students walking the stage. The date is to be determined.
- We will have a moving up ceremony for 6th grade, as well.
- Thank you to the Board of Education for all of your support. It is appreciated.
- Thank you to Anita Murphy, BOCES District Superintendent. All that has happened has been under her leadership, using a regional approach in collaboration with other districts. She is a strong leader. Mr. Heid, Ms. DeMento, Mrs. Yanni and Mr. Stevens have all been on calls with their counterparts. All of it is orchestrated by Anita.
- Administrators meet up two times per week and report what they are learning.
- Thank you to our rock star teachers who came together for the BOCES page.
- Thank you to Mr. Whited and the cafeteria workers and bus drivers for all of their efforts to feed the kids.
- Our maintenance staff have been working around the clock on a rotating basis. They have cleaned and sanitized every square inch of the district, while also maintaining the outside facilities. Thank you to our cleaners.
- I want to recognize and thank Amanda Cavanaugh and Meg Fronczek for their efforts. Both will be profiled in “On Board” magazine next month.
- Thank you to CSArch for their donation, which will be used to provide food for our students.
- Thank you to our unsung hero, Judy Frost. We are together every day. She is scheduled to work three days per week, but BOCES allows us to have her five times per week during the crisis. She is my rock, moral compass and sounding board.
- Teachers, staff and administrators have worked so hard during this time – thank you. Everything changed on a dime and the administrative team led the charge in getting everyone to rise to the challenge of online learning.
- Mr. Stevens has been instrumental in leading the teachers, administrative and support staff through creating and executing online learning, and establishing resources for children throughout the state. He meets virtually with district teachers as well as assistant superintendents in the capital district. I’m grateful for the assistant superintendent and I’m grateful that we created that position this year, as Mr. Stevens has become my rock and has navigated these unchartered territories alongside me.
- I want to let everyone know that it’s okay not to be okay. We are trying to be strong for our teachers, students and families and sometimes you have to take care of yourself. I had a moment on Saturday. I broke down and I cried. But then I realized that we are in this situation and we have no choice but to get through it. I am grateful, I have a job I love, I have food on the table and my family and friends are healthy.
- Thank you to school and community members. I appreciate everyone and congratulations again to everybody who earned tenure this evening.
Mrs. Senecal stated that the Board appreciates all that the staff is doing, even though many of them have their own children, family and parents to worry about. This community never gives up and we do whatever it takes for every student, every day.
Adjournment
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited, and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board