Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York

Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: July 5, 2022
Type of Meeting: Organizational Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6 p.m.
Where: Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School

Board Members Present:

Sheri Senecal
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited (virtually via Zoom)
Brian White

Board Members Absent: Timothy Delisle

Superintendent: Dr. Donald Stevens Jr.

The meeting was opened at 6:03 p.m., with Superintendent Stevens officiating.

Appointment of District Clerk Pro Tem

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board appointed Jill O’Connell as District Clerk Pro-Tem for the purpose of taking the minutes of the meeting.

Oath of Office

Superintendent Stevens administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Brian White. Mr. White will serve a three-year term of office.

Public Comment

There were no public comments.

Election of Board Officers

On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board appointed Sheri Senecal as President of the Board of Education.

On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board appointed Mary Beth Whited as Vice President of the Board of Education.

Mrs. Senecal took over officiating the meeting.

Reports/Comments:

A. Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Stevens shared the following:

• Thank you to the Board of Education and the administrators for allowing me to take a week of vacation and for keeping things moving in my absence.
• The Board has t-shirts at their place setting and all staff members were also given one. All are asked to wear them to school on September 6 for the Superintendent’s Conference Day. The shirt says “United in Kindness,’ which is going to be the 2022–2023 motto. As a reminder, nobody can wear them until September 6, so keep them somewhere safe.
• Kudos to Mr. Groat and his entire team at the high school, for a terrific graduation. Congratulations to all of the graduates.
• Summer school began today and it went off without a hitch. We look forward to providing enrichment, extended school year, credit recovery and ExTRA help programming to roughly 200 K-12 students.
• Breakfast and lunch is available at various sites this summer throughout the city. Any individual under the age of 18 can stop and pick up a bag. Complete information on the program is posted on the district’s web site.
• COVID protocols have been updated. Daily reporting is no longer required. Positive cases do not need to be reported anymore. Unvaccinated staff no longer need to be routinely tested. Isolation and quarantine protocols will continue to be followed. We need to continue to promote vaccinating and continue distributing test kits to anyone who needs them. More COVID updates are expected throughout the summer for the upcoming school year. As information comes in, I will be sure to share it with the Board.
• I will be at the BOCES Superintendent’s Retreat on the afternoon of July 11 and the morning of July 12. I will be at the NERIC Executive Briefing on the afternoon of July 26 and the morning of July 27. I will also be attending the NYSSBA Law Conference virtually on the 28th and 29th. All Board members are welcome to attend the Law Conference.

B. Student Council Report

There was no student council report.

C. Committee Reports

i. Audit Committee

There was no Audit Committee report.

ii. Policy Committee

First Reading of Revised Policies:

Code of Conduct

Board of Education Discussion

Mrs. Whited noted that the husband of Louise, one of our WES staff members, suffered a medical emergency over the weekend. Please keep him in your prayers.

Mrs. Senecal stated that she thought graduation went very well. She added that the new format was nice and it was also nice to get back to normal.

Mrs. Senecal also noted that the District Code of has been uploaded to the web site and is available for public viewing/comment for 30 days. If the public has any comments, they can send them to the boepubliccomment@vlietschools.org.

Items Requiring Board Action

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Catherine Choi from the position of School Counselor at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective July 7, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the leave of absence request of Beth Jones from her position as Teaching Assistant at the Watervliet Elementary School, for the 2022-2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Kelly Webster to the position of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the Watervliet City School District, effective July 5, 2022, per the terms outlined in the attached contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following ExTRA Summer Academy 2022 appointment at a salary as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• Kerry Degnan Grade 7/8 Math

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Extended School Year (ESY) 2022 appointments at a salary as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• Kimberly Tallmadge Substitute Teacher
• Shelley Palkovic Substitute Teaching Assistant

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 positions outlined below for the 2022–2023 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Health Coordinator: Dennis Lane
Computer Coordinator WES/WJSHS: Allison Novotarski
Computer Coordinator WES: Samantha Walsh
Computer Coordinator WJSHS: Rebecca Sweeney

On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Catherine Casey to the position of Assistant Principal, in the tenure area of Administration, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning August 1, 2022, at a Step 2 (Director) salary, per contract, pending receipt of certification. The probationary period shall expire on August 1, 2026, contingent upon satisfactory compliance with Education Law Sections 3012 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 Courtney Unser to the position of Special Education Teacher, in the tenure area of Students with Disabilities, 1-6, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 6, 2022, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 6, 2026, 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. Courtney Unser holds a Students with Disabilities (1-6) certification (certificate #1468347211).

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Colin Eletto to the position of Physical Education Teacher, in the tenure area of Physical Education, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 6, 2022, at a Step 5 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 6, 2026, 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. Colin Eletto holds a Physical Education (K-12) certification (certificate #1120113171).

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Leah Karn to the position of Elementary Teacher, Grade 1, in the tenure area of Childhood Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 6, 2022, at a Step 2 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 6, 2025, 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. Leah Karn holds a Childhood Education (1-6) Emergency COVID-19 certification (certificate #1460693211).

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Shannon Rodriguez to the position of Elementary Teacher, Grade 3, in the tenure area of Childhood Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 6, 2022, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 6, 2026, 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. Shannon Rodriguez holds a Childhood Education (1-6) certification (certificate #1524116211).

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Brian Brancato to the position of Band Teacher, in the tenure area of Music, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 6, 2022, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 6, 2026, 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. Brian Brancato holds a Music Education (K-12) certification (certificate #1350015191).

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Caitlyn Lediger to the position of Art Teacher, in the tenure area of Art, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 6, 2022, at a Step 9 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 6, 2026, 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. Caitlyn Lediger holds a Visual Arts (K-12) certification (certificate #2303822).

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Daniel Bentley to the position of Physical Education Teacher, in the tenure area of Physical Education, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 6, 2022, at a Step 2 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 6, 2026, 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. Daniel Bentley holds a Physical Education (K-12) certification (certificate #1479040211).

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the provisional probationary appointment of Rebecca Phillips to the position of School Psychologist, in the tenure area of School Psychologist, for the Watervliet City School District, beginning September 6, 2022, at a Step 1 salary, per contract, pending receipt of certification. The probationary period shall expire on September 6, 2026, contingent upon satisfactory compliance with Education Law Sections 3012 and/or 3012-d.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Beth Jones to the position of Long Term Substitute Teacher, Grade 4, at the Elementary School, effective September 6, 2022, at a Step 1 salary per WTA contract, 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 John Szkopiec to the position of Night Cleaning Supervisor at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School for a period beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023, at a salary of $13,360.00, 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 Dave McFarland to the position of Night Cleaning Supervisor at the Watervliet Elementary School for a period beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023, at a salary of $13,360.00, 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 Cory Viscosi to the position of Part-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, at a rate of $15.00 per hour, effective June 24, 2022, 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 approved the following Treasurer’s Reports for the month of May 2022, 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 2021 CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS

Atlantic Testing Laboratories
Invoice # 238727
$322.36
Barton & Loguidice
Invoice # 125603
$2,892.45
CSArch – A/E (5/22)
Invoice # 4303
$3,921.10
CSArch – CM (5/22)
Invoice # 4313
$7,602.58
DLC Electric, LLC
Payment App. # 014
$68,288.84
Gallo Construction
Payment App. # 013
$8,595.40
Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC
Statement # 19
$258.00
Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC
Statement # 20
$344.00

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $927.93 for seventy-one (71) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the City School District of Albany during the 2021-22 school year for a total cost of $65,883.03, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $784.97 for six (6) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District during the 2021-22 school year for a total cost of $4,709.82, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Bid Results, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:

LEASE OF THREE (3) 2022 IC CORPORATION CE3102 66 PASSENGER DIESEL BUSES

• Leonard Bus Sales, Inc. $58,500.00 per year

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the short-term lease for three (3) sixty-six passenger buses for a period of five (5) years from the date of said agreement at an annual cost of $58,500.00 to Leonard Bus Sales, Inc. as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board designated Utica National Insurance Group (OneGroup) as the property & casualty insurance carrier for the Watervliet City School District for the 2022-2023 school year, 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 designated Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. as the Student Accident insurance carrier for the Watervliet City School District for the 2022–2023 school year, 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 designated the following banks as Official Depository of Funds, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• Bank of America
• JP Morgan Chase Bank
• Pioneer Savings Bank

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the establishment of mileage reimbursement for district employees authorized to travel in performing official school district business based upon the “IRS Standard Mileage Rates,” as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the designation of The Troy Record as the official newspaper, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the establishment of the following Petty Cash Funds, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Business Office – $100
Cafeteria WHS – $100
Cafeteria WES – $100
WHS Main Office – $40
WES Main Office – $40

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following appointments, effective July 1, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent:

District Treasurer, Part-Time – John Heid
Assistant District Treasurer – Keith Heid
Assistant Clerk of the Board – Jill O’Connell
Financial Consultant – Capital Market Advisors, LLC
Bond Counsel – Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP
Independent Auditor, CPA – Teal, Becker and Chiaramonte
School District Physician – Whitney Young Health
Internal Claims Auditor – Michaeleen Backus
Attorneys – Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC and Ferrara, Fiorenza, Barrett & Reitz
Purchasing Agent – Dani Jones
Pesticide Representative – David McFarland
Asbestos LEA Designee – David McFarland
FOIL Officer – Bernadette Boardman
Residency Determination Officer – Donald Stevens

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following appointments, effective July 1, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• Name: Bernadette L. Boardman
  Position: Clerk of the Board
  Stipend: $2,000.00
• Name: Keith Heid
  Position: Tax Collector
  Stipend: $1,500.00
• Name: Roni O’Brien
  Position: Transportation Coordinator
  Stipend: $1,500.00
• Name: Danielle Jones
  Position: Activity Treasurer WCSD
  Stipend: $1,500.00

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the bonding of District employees, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• District Treasurer – $1,100,000.00
• Tax Collector – $1,100,000.00
• Internal Claims Auditor – $1,100,000.00
• Assistant District Treasurer – $100,000.00
• Central Treasurer – $100,000.00
• Other Staff – $100,000.00

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board authorized the signature on checks issued against all accounts of the school district to be that of the District Treasurer or, in his/her absence, the Assistant District Treasurer, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board authorized the District Treasurer or his/her designee to invest and/or deposit funds according to the District’s investment policy, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board authorized the Superintendent of Schools to:

• Sign all applications for Federal Grants and Programs;
• Transfer funds within the budget, up to $5,000, upon the recommendation of the Business Manager;
• Certify Payrolls;
• Sign all contracts pertaining to disabled students; and
• Approve attendance at educational meetings, conferences, graduate courses for administrative, instructional and support staff.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Memorandum of Agreement between The Watervliet Teachers’ Association and the Watervliet City School District, 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 Memorandum of Agreement with Achievements PLLC, for the New York State Universal Early Kindergarten Program, effective July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023, 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 Special Education Services Agreement with St. Colman’s Home, effective July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023, 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 School District Tuition Agreement with Northern Rivers, for services provided to students placed in the Neil Hellman School Program operated by Parsons Child and Family Center, effective July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023, 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 School District Tuition Agreement with Northern Rivers, for services provided to students placed in the School Program operated by Northeast Parent and Child Society, effective July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023, 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 Agreement for Services with Wildwood School, for services provided to students placed in the Wildwood School Year Program and/or the Wildwood Summer Extension Program, effective July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023, 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 meeting held June 9, 2022, 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 May 4, May 6, May 10, May 11, May 12, May 13, May 16, May 17, May 19, May 20, May 23, June 1, June 2, June 9, June 10, June 13, June 14, June 15, June 16, and June 22, 2022, submitted by Veronica Bedard, CSE 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 meetings held June 10, June 15, and June 22, 2022, submitted by Veronica Bedard, 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 504 Committee’s recommendations for the meetings held June 1, June 8 and June 20, 2022, submitted by Veronica Bedard and Danielle Tetrault, 504 Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Committee on Pre-School and Special Education (CPSE) appointments, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE)

Sarah Horaczek Chairperson
Albany County Rep. Designated by the County
Student’s Regular Ed. Teacher
Student’s Special Ed. Teacher
Parents of Student
Related-Services Personnel (If applicable)

Committee on Special Education (CSE)

Veronica Bedard CSE Chairperson/School Psychologist (Grades 7-12)
Daniele Tetrault CSE Chairperson /School Psychologist (Grades K-6)
Becca Phillips School Psychologist (Grades K-12)
Kelly Bariteau School Counselor – (Grades K-5)
Chelsea Clickner School Counselor – (Grades 6-8)
Dave Olszewski School Counselor – (Grades 9-12/A-K)
Katelyn McAvoy School Counselor – (Grades 9-12/M-Z)
Beth Lipson, Louisa Vaughan Social Workers (Grades 6-12)
Alison Santiago, Laura Zasada Social Workers (Grades K-5)
Student’s Regular Ed. Teacher
Student’s Special Ed. Teacher
Parents of Student
School Physician (If requested)
Related-Service Personnel (If applicable)
Student (If applicable)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Veronica Bedard Chairperson (Grades 7-12)
Daniele Tetrault Chairperson (Grades K-6)
Becca Phillips School Psychologist
Student’s Regular Ed. Teacher
School Counselor
Other persons having knowledge or special expertise regarding student (ex: related services personnel)
Parents of student
Student (If applicable)

Impartial Hearing Officers:

To be selected from a rotational selection list. Pursuant to section 200.1(x) of the Regulations of the Commissioner, these individuals are certified by New York State. This list, provided by the New York State education Department, is in alphabetical order and the officers are listed by county. An IHO must be selected from the school district’s list of IHO’s beginning with the first name appearing on the list. After an IHO has been selected by the district, the district continues down the list in alphabetical order upon request of any further impartial hearings.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Scott O’Brien as the surrogate parent for the 2022–2023 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 following District-wide School Safety Team as recommended by the Superintendent:

Don Stevens, Superintendent
Kirsten DeMento, Administrator
Kelly Webster, Administrator
Ryan Groat, Administrator
Nicholas Leone, Administrative Assistant, WJSHS
Debby Grimmick, Administrative Assistant, WES
TBD, Chemical Hygiene Officer/Teacher
Joseph Centanni, Watervliet Police Chief
Tim Murphy, BOCES, Health, Safety, and Risk Management Consultant
Dennis Lane, Teacher/Health Coordinator
Thomas Garrett, Fire Chief
Allison Santiago, Social Worker
Beth Lipson, Social Worker
Sue Vogel, School Nurse
Racheal Thomas, School Nurse
Sheri Senecal, School Board Member

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the confidential Building Level Emergency Response Plan 2022–2023 for the Watervliet Elementary School, 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 confidential Building Level Emergency Response Plan 2022–2023 for the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, 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 attached Professional Development Plan 2022–2025 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 set the following dates as Regular Board of Education Meetings for 2022–2023:

• July 5 (Organizational Meeting)
• August 9
• September 13
• October 11
• November 8
• December 13
• January 10
• February 7
• March 14
• April 4 (Budget Adoption)
• April 19 (BOCES Budget Vote – 7:30 a.m.)*
• May 2 (Regular Board of Education Meeting/Budget Hearing)
• May 16 School District Budget Vote & Election (Board meets to receive and accept results – 8:30 p.m.)
• June 13

Board Discussion

Mrs. Senecal noted the following:

• The next Board meeting will be held August 9.
• Asked if there were plans for a retreat.
• Thank you to the Board for the opportunity to serve as the Board President.
• Congratulations to Mrs. Whited on being elected Vice President.
• Congratulations to Mr. White and welcome to the Board.
• Asked if Dr. Stevens could share some information on some of the staffing changes.

Dr. Stevens responded to Mrs. Senecal, noting that plans for a retreat are being made. He also noted that with Mrs. Webster’s shift into the role of Assistant Superintendent, some shifts in the administrative team would take place, beginning with the hiring of Ms. Casey. Mr. Groat will be transitioning to the role of Elementary Principal. Mr. Foust will move into the Middle School Assistant Principal position, and we will conduct a search for a new High School Principal. He added that Mr. Groat and Mrs. Webster will assist with the transition to ensure it is seamless.

Mrs. Soroka suggested that transparent conversations with WES staff to ensure that they are comfortable with the changes.

Dr. Stevens stated that a notification went out to staff today, and while personnel issues are typically confidential, changes will be as transparent as possible.

Adjournment

On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 6:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board