Board of Education Meeting Minutes: October 15, 2020

Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York

Board of Education

Regular Meeting
Date: October 15, 2020
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:10 p.m.
Where: Livestream

Board Members Present:
President Amanda Cavanaugh
Vice President Sheri Senecal
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited

Board Members Absent: Timothy Delisle

Superintendent: Dr. Lori S. Caplan

Student Council Reps: Morgan DelSignore
Elle Garci

The meeting was opened at 6:10 p.m., with President Cavanaugh officiating.

Public Comment

There were no public comments.

Reports/Comments

A. Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Caplan asked the administrators to provide reports.

Mr. Groat shared the following:

•  We just concluded our first five weeks and we put out a second waiver. It’s nice to see that we have more students coming back to school going into the second five weeks at the high school. We have sixty new students coming in for in-person learning, and we had 36 students choose remote learning. We are going to continue to work on those numbers. We have been reaching out to families to ask why they made the decisions they made, so we can make any necessary changes to make people feel more comfortable about joining us in person at the high school.
• Starting next Wednesday, juniors and seniors will have an additional day of in-person learning. Juniors will be coming in on Mondays and Wednesdays and seniors will be coming in on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Arrangements have been made with cafeteria and transportation staff to accommodate these changes.

Miss DeNovio shared the following:

• Next week is “No Place for Hate” week in the middle school. We will be splitting it up into two weeks because there are a lot of activities we wanted to do. We will once again be holding the “Mix It Up Lunch.” Community members and board members were invited to participate via zoom. We will be holding door decorating challenges, games to meet new friends, etc. All activites will be COVID-safe.
• Mr. Groat elaborated on what Miss DeNovio shared regarding the “Mix It Up Lunch.” He stated that we want to make sure that COVID does not interfere with the traditions we have. Invitations were sent and if you can participate, please do.

Mrs. Webster shared the following:

• We welcomed back about 121 students to in-person learning. Right now, we have 468 in-person students and 191 virtual students. There are 48 UPK students, which brings the total number of students at WES to 707 students.
• Things are going really well! Everybody seems to be acclimating. We have to be cognizant of the fact that many of our students haven’t see the classroom in seven months, but you wouldn’t know. Because classes were livestreamed, students that came back know their teachers and students in their classes, so it’s been a wonderful transition.

Mr. Foust shared the following:

• Mrs. Webster and I are in full swing with observations. We’ve been visiting classrooms and also joining in on virtual instruction. We cannot say enough good things about all the efforts the teachers have made to adjust learning styles to accommodate both in-person and virtual learners.
• Due to COVID restrictions, we weren’t able to do bus drills in person, so we made a video and posted it to social media.
• We were able to work with firefighters Delisle and VanPatten to assist with annual fire safety presentations for “Fire Safety Week,” which will be shared with both in-person and virtual students.

Mrs. Webster added:

• We will be having activities for “No Place for Hate Week,” next week. On Monday, students will wear yellow, which represents practicing “The Golden Rule” of treating others the way you would like to be treated. There will be new activities every day thereafter.
• It is anti-bullying month, so we have been doing lots of great activities.

Mr. Stevens shared the following:

• Transitioning back to school has been a rollercoaster. Dr. Caplan and I have met with our contact at the Albany County Department of Health. We speak to our contact there regularly, as well as staff from our Whitney Young Clinic and the New York State Department of Health.
• We have put protocols and processes into our plans, in case there any positive cases. We are working very closely with DOH to make sure we have all the information ready to go, at a moment’s notice, if we are notified of any concern. This includes things like seating charts, staff information, attendance data, etc. The goal is to minimize a disruption as much as possible.
• There is a new dashboard we regularly report to that includes information on in-person and remote learners, as well as cases, etc.
• There have been a few recent changes to protocols for entering the building. Wording in the attestation app has been updated in regard to symptoms. In addition, if a student is sent home with symptoms, they can return with either a doctor’s note stating that symptoms are not COVID-related – or – they can return with a negative COVID test result. This is a change from previous guidance and applies to both students and staff.
• We have a meeting tomorrow with the Albany County Department of Health, so we will continue to look for changes and things to come and what we need to do next.

Mrs. Yanni noted the following:

• We had a great turnout for the flu clinic this year. Seventy-seven flu shots were given out (47 at WES and 30 at WJSHS). That is the highest ever. Staff who did not get it through the school indicated that they were getting it through their primary physician, CVS, Walgreens, etc.
• This week we had several special education students return to in-person instruction, which, I think, is so important for our students to receive the support that they need.
• Yesterday, Mrs. Bedard and I delivered professional development to TA’s, with a focus on TA responsibilities. There is a TA handbook which outlines 52 responsibilities for our TA’s.
• Teacher observations are well underway.

Ms. DeMento shared the following:

• We had four of our UPK students return to in-person learning. We had several parents state that their students will probably return after the holidays.
• We are still trying to fill up the last UPK classroom. We need to do that before Thanksgiving. So if you know of anybody who will be four years old by December 1, 2020, please send them our way.
• Thank you to CDPHP and Kathy Layton. They contacted me a few weeks ago to donate 100 relatively recent laptops to the school district. We will put them to good use, as we are still waiting for the chrome books we ordered to arrive, as most school districts are.

Mr. Heid noted that we are still waiting to hear from the Governor’s Office on whether the 20% cut will become permanent or not.

Mr. Wareing shared the following:

• As of right now, we are told that winter sports are a go. But, realistically, we are facing some major hurdles. The highest risk is the sport of wrestling. We haven’t heard anything on it. We are getting feedback that local colleges are very reluctant to open doors for use for any type of use for indoor track. That just leaves basketball, which probably has the best chance of running, but there are a number of hurdles there as well. So, right now, there is no new news to give. We are waiting and watching the spikes across the state.

Dr. Caplan shared the following:

• We expect some more guidance in November. Whether or not the section runs, does not necessarily mean we would run basketball in our district. We have a lot of logistical issues, including the 40 desks in the gym and the mat covering the floor, transportation issues, and the limit on the number people allowed in an indoor place. I am keeping an eye on the numbers, especially with flu season starting. We got where we are with safety being #1.
• I would like to express my condolences to Joan Duffey’s family. Joan has been a part of the district and cafeteria staff for a really long time. She will definitely be missed. I’ve known Mrs. Duffey for the entire time I’ve been in this district and it’s sad to see that Joan is no longer with us.
• Welcome to Morgan and Elle, our two new Student Council Representatives. It’s nice to have student faces and their input on making decisions.
• Thank you to the Board of Education for your unwavering support and commitment to our kids. We have been lucky enough to not have a single case as of today. Our plan was executed exactly as we wrote it, we were able to bring back students successfully, our first five weeks were almost seamless, and we overcame obstacles that we were up against. Thank you to the Board for supporting us through this entire endeavor and for checking in on us.
• Thank you to the teachers. They are doing amazing work. We don’t hear anyone say “I can’t do that.” We continue to have teachers ask how they can do better, and how they can do things differently.
• The administrators have been so supportive to the teachers, in the classrooms, advocating for their teachers and their support staff. It has been amazing to watch. In the worst of times, I’ve seen the best of people.
• Thank you to Mr. Stevens, Chief Strock and National Grid for assisting throughout the power outages last week. I am glad everyone was safe and it all worked out.
• I asked Mr. Emerson and Mrs. Lance to join us in case the Board had any questions, but more importantly, I wanted to thank them for leading the teachers through the most challenging time. The agreement allows us to give the students exactly what they need in the classroom. Through their collaboration, we were able to educate children from the very first day of school. Thank you to both of them.

B. Student Council Report

Morgan Delsignore stated that, although this year is different, it does feel normal. For example, we got the seniors to register to vote, which is a normal thing that we would do. I recognize all the effort the teachers have put in to make this school year feel normal.

Elle Garci noted that she agrees with Morgan that this year is different, but all of the students and teachers have been able to recognize that it is different and adapt and overcome and make it feel as normal as possible, which is really great for me and every student. This has been a blessing in disguise because it has opened us up to new and different ways of learning. In previous years, we would play games, such as cahoot, jeopardy, or an online game, as a treat and now it’s more a part of our normal day. I like it because it makes learning easier and more fun.

C. Committee Reports

i. Audit Committee

There was no Audit Committee Report.

ii. Policy Committee

Heather Soroka noted that the committee received and reviewed a revised policy regarding “Privacy and Security for Student Data and Teacher and Principal Data.” We will probably see that on our next agenda.

iii. SAVE Committee

Sheri Senecal noted that the committee discussed accident reports, the reopening at both locations, upcoming required drills and how those might look because of obstacles due to the pandemic. She noted that Mrs. Yanni shared information on the flu clinic. Vaccinations that students are required to have were discussed. Chemical hygiene was discussed as well, specifically the contracts teachers will have to sign and obstacles with participating in labs. It was interesting and I look forward to continuing on the committee.

Board of Education Discussion

Amanda Cavanaugh shared the following:

• Mr. Delisle messaged me to let me know that he is at the firehouse tonight and it is busy, so he cannot join us.
• Thank you to everyone for all the work you’ve been doing. As Dr. Caplan mentioned, she’s been hearing horror stories of things going on in other districts, and I, too, have had conversations with people in other districts. Every day, I am thankful that I am a part of this community with this group of people. I can’t express my gratitude for the teachers enough. I’m happy to see the MOA today and know that all is well in our district.
• I wanted to share my condolences on the passing of Mrs. Duffey. She dedicated a lot of her time to our school and our students and I feel saddened for the students and faculty that will miss her.
• I recently participated in an equity training.

Mrs. Senecal noted that she was not able to participate in that training, but she would like to know more about it.

Mrs. Cavanaugh offered to share the recording of the training.

Mrs. Soroka noted that she would also like to listen to that training as well.

Mrs. Cavanaugh stated that NYSSBA offers various webinars and trainings, which makes it easier than taking time off from work to attend. The diversity and equity training was inspirational. I believe our district is a step ahead on this subject, but there is always room for improvement, so I look forward to working with administration to make sure we have a supportive environment for all of our students.

Items Requiring Board Action

A. Personnel Items

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board discontinued the employment of Joan Duffey, Food Service Worker, effective at the close of business on June 30, 2020. Ms. Duffey began her employment with the district on September 1, 1984. The district extends its deepest condolences to the family.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the resignation of Lisa Hoefer, from the position of Lunch Monitor, at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 1 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the resignation of Michelle Rosario, from the position of Cafeteria Worker, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective September 3, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the resignation of Kathy Smith, from the position of Food Service Worker, at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective October 9, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the leave request for Brittney Garhartt, effective September 1, 2020 through the 2020–2021 school year, to return to work at the start of the 2021–2022 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the leave request for Kelly Bariteau, effective November 9, 2020 through the February 28, 2021, to return to work on March 1, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Ricardo Domena to the position of Part-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, effective September 8, 2020, at a rate of $11.80 per hour, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Racheal Thomas to the position of School Nurse, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 21, 2020, at a prorated salary of $35,109.00, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 21, 2021.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Shawn Lawson to the position of Cafeteria Worker, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, for a probationary period beginning September 21, 2020 and ending September 21, 2021, at an hourly rate of $12.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Kathy Smith to the position of Lunch Monitor, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning October 13, 2020 and ending October 13, 2021, at an hourly rate of $12.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Brielle Majewski to the position of Long-Term Substitute Physical Education Teacher, at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 14, 2020, at a rate of $125.00 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 the following staff as Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School Department Chairs and Club/Class Advisors for the 2020 – 2021 school year, at a prorated rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Clubs/Class Advisors:

• Class of 2021: Roni O’Brien and Emma Eames
• Class of 2022: Tami Karbowski and Lisa Suders
• National Junior Honor Society: Ashleigh Fraley and Lisa Suders
• National Honor Society: Scott Emerson and Lyndsay Moore
• Yearbook Advisor: Rebecca Sweeney
• Yearbook Business Manager: Rebecca Smith
• Health Coordinator: Dennis Lane

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following staff to the position of After-School APEX Program Teacher, for the 2020 – 2021 school year, at a prorated rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• Joanna Beams
• Christa Farruggio

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following staff as Watervliet Elementary School Department Club Advisors for the 2020–2021 school year, at a prorated rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Student Ambassadors Co-Advisors: Tina Spenard and Brenda Zawistowski
Yearbook/Communication Club Advisor: Kelly Gilchrist

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following resolution:

WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirement of Education Law Section 3012-c and Part 30-2.9 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, the individuals named below have completed all the necessary training to be recertified as lead evaluators of classroom teachers;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby recertifies the following individuals as lead evaluators of classroom teachers:

Kirsten DeMento
Michael Foust
Ryan Groat
Donald Stevens
Janelle Yanni
Kelly Webster
David Wareing
Maria DeNovio

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following resolution:

WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirements of Education Law Section 3012-c and Part 30-2.9 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, the individual named below has completed all the necessary training to be recertified as lead evaluator of building principals;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby recertifies the following individual as lead evaluator of building principals:

Dr. Lori S. Caplan

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 #2).

B. Business Items

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Treasurer’s Reports for the months of June, July & August 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 Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the resolution authorizing participation in the Capital Region BOCES Cooperative Bidding (Purchasing) Service for the Disposal of Universal Waste for the 2020-21 through 2022-23 school years, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved one (1) 2020 Summer School Special Education Transportation Contract Extension between Star & Strand and the Watervliet City School District at a cost of $36,269.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved thirty (30) 2020-2021 Regular School Year Special Education Transportation Contract Extensions between Star & Strand and the Watervliet City School District at a cost of $1,146,555.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved one (1) 2020-2021 Regular School Year Transportation Contract Extension between Durham Transportation and the Watervliet City School District at a cost of $257,427.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the accept the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the months of July, August and September 2020, submitted by Roni O’Brien, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Renaissance Learning, Inc. Student Data Privacy Addendum1 with Renaissance Learning, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

C. Other Items

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 September 10, 2020, 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 September 29 and September 30, 2020, submitted by Janelle Yanni, 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 Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held September 15, 2020, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the Memorandum of Understanding between the Watervliet Police Department and the Watervliet City School District, regarding the Handle with Care Program, 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 addition of a new textbook, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” to the 9th grade English Curriculum at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as outlined in the attached, submitted by Donald Stevens, Assistant Superintendent, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following home schooling request for the 2020 – 2021 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Student: Gage Gibson, Grade 10
Parent/Guardian: Michele Merwitz

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Student Teacher requests at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• Name(s): Madison Albright
  Role: Student Teacher
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Christa Farruggio
  Dates: 2020 Fall Semester
• Name(s): Gary Older
  Role: Student Teacher
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Dennis Lane
  Dates: 2020 Fall Semester

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: Amber Scattereggia
  Role: Student Teacher
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Joelle Bird
  Dates: 2020 Fall Semester

On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked The Smeltzer Family for donating 2,000 Brown Paper Bags to be given to students to store and keep their masks clean during lunch and mask breaks, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked Steve Jamrosz for donating 3,000 Brown Paper Bags to be given to students to store and keep their masks clean during lunch and mask breaks, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Sheri Senecal and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked Renee Vincent and Natalie Migliore for donating 2,000 Brown Paper Bags to be given to students to store and keep their masks clean during lunch and mask breaks, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked Amanda Boisvert for donating Brown Paper Bags to be given to students to store and keep their masks clean during lunch and mask breaks, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked Megan Barry Broomfield for donating Brown Paper Bags to be given to students to store and keep their masks clean during lunch and mask breaks, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Sheri Senecal and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked Shawn Smeltzer, on behalf of Fidelis Care, for donating the following items, to be given to students in need, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• 360 spiral notebooks
• 400 kid’s masks
• 200 KN95 masks
• 500 small packs of disinfecting wipes
• 300 school kits, each consisting of clear pencil cases, 2 pencils, 6-inch ruler and a combo eraser/sharpener.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board recognize and thank CDPHP for donating 100 Used Laptops to be given to students in need in grades pre-k through 2, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked Joe Wiley, on behalf of FCU, for donating Five Backpacks to be given to students in need, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Sheri Senecal and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked 518 Masks for donating Handmade Masks to be given to students in need at WES, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked CAPCOM for donating Ten Back Packs Full of Supplies to be given to students in need, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked Kerri McCann for donating Several Boys’ and Girls’ Face Masks to be given to students in need, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked Alexa Ruchell, on behalf of The Class of 2008, for donating Individual Bags of School Supplies to the Class of 2028, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked Brenda Paul for donating a Large Quantity of School Supplies, to be given to students in need, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked S. M. Gallivan for donating Four Yards of Mulch, to be used on the Watervliet Elementary School grounds, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board recognized and thanked the following individuals for donating a total of 101 New Books (Speak, Of Mice and Men, A Long Walk to Water, and the Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian) to the WJSHS English Department, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• The Jamrosz Family
• Fran Decrescenzo
• Lauryn Kowalski
• Renee Vincent
• Katy Tucker
• Tricia Goyette
• The Bisner Family
• Heather and Brian White
• Kathy Martin
• Roni O’Brien
• Ken Dubois
• Wanda Winnie-Evans
• The Boisvert Family
• Kate Quinn Townsend

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of Outdated Testing Materials, as outlined in the attached, submitted by Janelle Yanni, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of Outdated/Damaged Equipment, 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 excision of Broken Calculators, as outlined in the attached, submitted by Donald Stevens, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Watervliet City School District and the Watervliet Teachers’ Association, as outlined in the attached, effective October 15, 2020, for the period of September 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.

Board Discussion

There was no additional board discussion.

Dr. Caplan asked if Mr. Emerson or Mrs. Lance had anything they wanted to say about the MOA.

Mr. Emerson stated that, on behalf of the WTA, they wanted to thank the Board of Education, Dr. Caplan, Mr. Stevens, and all of the administrators for working with us on this MOA. It has been an interesting and challenging year, but the support that we’ve had is humbling, sobering, and amazing. We’ve heard things going on in other districts, and it’s mind-boggling, and for us to be as unified and focused on students and student needs, it’s really wonderful and we can’t thank you enough.

Mrs. Cavanaugh thanked Mr. Emerson and Mrs. Lance for leading our teachers and making sure everyone is getting what they need so that we can have the great relationship that we do.

Mrs. Lance added that, while the whole experience was a learning process for her, she is truly grateful for the positive support and collaboration we’ve had with administration, Dr. Caplan, Mr. Stevens and the Board of Education. I am thrilled to be back in school. It is invigorating and refreshing to be back with the students.

Mrs. Cavanaugh added that it’s is hard to believe we’ve made it this far into the school year and she is thankful for all the work everyone is doing to make sure we stay this way.

Adjournment

On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Heather Soroka, and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board