Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: May 11, 2021
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:01 PM
Where: Livestream
Board Members Present:
President Amanda Cavanaugh
Vice President Sheri Senecal
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Timothy Delisle (until 6:40 p.m.)
Superintendent: Dr. Lori S. Caplan
The meeting was opened at 6:01 p.m., with President Cavanaugh officiating.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Reports/Comments
BOCES Food Services Presentation Jeff Bradt, Eric Bush and Anita Murphy
Mrs. Senecal asked if the presentation they are giving could be shared with the Board. She also asked what sun butter was.
Mr. Bradt, Mr. Bush, and Ms. Murphy noted that they would share the presentation with Dr. Caplan and explained that it is an alternative to peanut butter, noting that there are a lot of students with peanut allergies who are in nut-free zones.
Mrs. Senecal stated that it was noted that chocolate milk was brought back to the elementary school, but asked if it is also served at the high school.
Mr. Bush responded that it was being served at the high school, but not at WES, so it was brought back there.
Mrs. Senecal also asked how close we are to achieving the 30% initiative for reimbursement.
Mr. Bush stated that it is a hard number to reach and he does not know what Watervliet’s number is.
Mr. Delisle stated that he would like to know, as well, since it seems like an unattainable goal, and we have to spend more money on NYS products, which are much higher in cost.
Mr. Bush stated that he did not know the number, but he believes it is worth the cost due to the taste and quality of the products.
Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if they had any idea where we are.
Mr. Bradt stated that he would check with the farm-to-school coordinator, who tracks it on a monthly basis, and he will let Dr. Caplan know so she can report it back to the Board. Mr. Bradt stated that it is a challenge for a district the size of Watervliet, but Berne Knox Westerlo hit it. He added that a lot of vendors are interested in working with them now.
Mrs. Senecal stated that she is happy to see that they will start bringing in the local products, because she knows that is something Darryl did prior to the shared service. She added that Cornell Cooperative was something they did prior, as well, because her daughter took part in it in elementary school. She asked if there were other partnerships Food Services could provide.
Mr. Bush stated that he would love to have guest chefs come in and add educational and cooking programs.
Ms. Murphy added that the Food Services staff can do that, whereas the staff in our cafeterias won’t have to. She also added that, when the pandemic ends, there are lots of potential things that can be done to bring it together.
Mrs. Senecal asked about the diverted commodities and what can be done with the money that is made. Is there an opportunity to increase food service staff salaries?
Ms. Murphy stated that it is up to the Board and the Superintendent, along with collective bargaining agreements, but when they operate in the black, there is always that potential.
Mrs. Senecal stated that she has been on the Board a long time and she does not ever remember a time when they operated in the red, and many of the other things being mentioned were already being done, aside from the CEP application.
Mr. Bush stated that using the entitlement money in the best way possible, to get the best products, to build the program and drive participation, allows you to hire staff and pay them more. Changing the avenues of how the money is used and getting in a better product, whether it is NYS or a name-brand product, it tastes better and it gets kids to eat. Kids want options, and if you don’t give it to them, they will bring it from home, which doesn’t benefit the school at all. He stated that his outlook is how to build the program and drive it forward.
Timothy Delisle left the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if we are thinking of gluten-free and dairy-free options.
Mr. Bush stated that Darryl does a great job with the menu and offering gluten-free pizza and we can always grow it from there. He added that gluten-free is a big thing to tackle, but Darryl and he met with a focus group and there are plans to meet in the future to get input from students, parents and nurses.
Jeff Bradt added that, as part of Food Services, they have a registered dietitian, which most schools don’t have. He added that parents are often cautious about what their child can eat from the school menu, but the parent could be directed to the registered dietician, who can tell them what days they can eat from the school lunch menu. Hopefully next year, we will be able to identify gluten-free items on the menu. Parents appreciate having someone to talk to about their child’s dietary needs.
Mrs. Cavanaugh asked what, besides milk, has been added for students to drink.
Mr. Bush stated that students get juice with breakfast and milk with lunch.
Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if there is any consideration to offer bottled water.
Mr. Bush responded that we ordered a vending machine to offer bottled water to students at WJSHS, but it will take a few weeks to come in. He added that they will look at options for the elementary school.
Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if the food students receive in the weekly backpack program comes from food services, or if that is a separate program.
Dr. Caplan responded that the food for the backpack program comes from a grant.
Mrs. Cavanaugh thanked everyone for the discussion and noted that the conversation is to be continued.
A. Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Caplan asked Mr. Stevens to provide his report.
Mr. Stevens shared the following:
- Pfizer has been approved for use in individuals 12-15 years of age.
- We have been working with Whitney Young to set up a vaccination clinic. Details will follow
- We are working on plans to return all students, K-12, to in-person learning for the fall. It is a large task, but as soon as we have guidance, the sooner we will have answers.
Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if a parent will be allowed to accompany a child of that age group to their vaccination.
Mr. Stevens responded that they could accompany their child, if needed.
Dr. Caplan shared the following:
- We signed on for another shared service, the Cyber-risk Security, and the timing was right, as several districts and businesses have been hit. This service will partner with us and protect our information. We have our team and we are beginning to write our plan.
- Remember to vote next Tuesday between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. There are two open seats, Mrs. Cavanaugh and Mrs. Soroka, and I’m pleased they are both running again.
B. Student Council Report
Mrs. Cavanaugh noted that we did not have a Student Council representative with us for the meeting tonight, but she did attend the blood drive today, which is a Student Council initiative, and it seemed like it was going really well, so great job and hats off to them.
C. Committee Reports
i. Audit Committee
There was no Audit Committee report.
ii. Policy Committee
Mrs. Soroka stated that the Committee met April 28, and she shared policies they reviewed with the Board via e-mail.
- First Reading of New / Revised Policies:
- Education of Students in Foster Care
- Title IX Sex Discrimination
- Second Reading of New / Revised Policies:
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Remote Working
- Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy
- Immunization of Students
- Child Abuse and Maltreatment
- Suicide
- Dignity for all Students
- Independent Educational Evaluations
- Safety Conditions and Prevention Instruction
- Patriotism, Citizenship and Human Rights Education
- Sexual Harassment of Students
- Gender Neutral Single-Occupancy Bathrooms
- Charter Schools
- Code of Conduct
- Probation and Tenure
- Entitlement to Attend – Age and Residency
- Participation in Graduation Ceremonies and Activities
- Student Records: Access and Challenge
- Designation of Person in Parental Relation
- Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, and Other Substances (Students)
- Extracurricular Activities
- Student Voter Registration and Pre-Registration
iii. SAVE Committee
There was no SAVE Committee report.
Meet the Candidates
Heather Soroka and Amanda Cavanuagh introduced themselves and shared information about themselves and why they are seeking re-election to the Board of Education.
2021–22 Budget Hearing
Keith Heid shared a brief summary of the overall proposed budget. There were no questions or comments from the public regarding the proposed budget.
Board of Education Discussion
There was no Board of Education Discussion.
Timothy Delisle left the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and accepted 4-0, the Board accepted the resignation of Crystal Kvinlaug, from the position of Cafeteria Worker at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective April 30, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and accepted 4-0, the Board rescinded the appointment of Melique Garcia to the position of Varsity Boys’ Outdoor Track and Field Coach for the 2020 – 2021 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Jasmine Mattock to the position of Lunch Monitor, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning May 14, 2021 and ending May 14, 2022, at an hourly rate of $12.50, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the appointment of Geraldine Ferris to the position Garden Club Advisor, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for the 2020 – 2021 school year, at a prorated stipend of $500.00, funded by the ExTRA Grant, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the following Extended School Year (ESY) 2021 appointments at a salary as per contract:
Denise Cusack, Elementary Self-Cont. Special Ed. Teacher, Grades K-2
Kaitlin Shannon, Elementary Self-Cont. Special Ed. Teacher, Grades 3-4
Daniel Mueller, Elementary Self-Cont. Special Ed. Teacher, Grades 5-6
Lyndsay Moore, Elementary Self-Cont. Special Ed. Teacher, Grades 7-8
Kelly Gilchrist, Teaching Assistant, Grades K-2 & Bus Monitor
Janice Sogoian, Teaching Assistant, Grades 3-4
Marie Schlosser, Teaching Assistant, Grades 5-6
Juliana Chromik, Teaching Assistant, Grades 7-8
Beth Lipson, Social Worker, 3 days per week
Alysa Chartrand, Speech and Language Pathologist, 2 days per week
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the appointment of the following Co-Coaches for the 2020– 2021 school year, pending fingerprint clearance and fulfillment of NYSED coaching requirements, at a split stipend, pro-rated, for a shortened season, as recommended by the Superintendent:
WATERVLIET JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Varsity Girls’ Outdoor Track and Field: Melique Garcia and Angela Wareing
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the appointment of the following Election Inspectors to work May 18, 2021, for the School District Election and Budget vote, at the rate of $125.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Watervliet Elementary School: Deborah Edwards, James Edwards, Maria Razzano
Elks Club: Elizabeth Sedgwick, Karen Pelech, Dayna Kain
Alternates: Susan Keefer, Tracy Maloney
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packet #8).
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the following Treasurer’s Reports for the month of February 2021, 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 Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board accepted the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of April 2021, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the Memorandum of Agreement with the The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area, for the New York State Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program, effective July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the Memorandum of Agreement with Achievements PLLC, for the New York State Universal Early Kindergarten Program, effective July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the request for Donald Stevens to take EDL 744 – Foundations of Inquiry IV, EDL 756 – Doctoral Research II and EDL 774: Dissertation Writing IV courses at Sage College beginning May 17, 2021, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meetings held April 21, April 22 and April 27, 2021, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held April 12, April 13, April 14, April 21, April 22, April 23, and April 27, 2021, submitted by Veronica Bedard, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held April 21, 2021, submitted by Veronica Bedard, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the request to Permanently Relocate 6th Grade from the Watervliet Elementary School to the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective September 1, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board deleted the following policies, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Safety and Security
- Professional Services Providers
- Prevention Instruction
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board adopted the following policies, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Remote Working
- Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy
- Immunization of Students
- Child Abuse and Maltreatment
- Suicide
- Dignity for all Students
- Independent Educational Evaluations
- Safety Conditions and Prevention Instruction
- Patriotism, Citizenship and Human Rights Education
- Sexual Harassment of Students
- Gender Neutral Single-Occupancy Bathrooms
- Charter Schools
- Code of Conduct
- Probation and Tenure
- Entitlement to Attend – Age and Residency
- Participation in Graduation Ceremonies and Activities
- Student Records: Access and Challenge
- Designation of Person in Parental Relation
- Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, and Other Substances (Students)
- Extracurricular Activities
- Student Voter Registration and Pre-Registration
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the following paid holidays for Full-Time, 12-Month Administrators (WAA) and Full-Time, 12-Month Central Office Clerical Staff of the Watervliet City School District, effective July 1, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Independence Day (7/5)
- Labor Day (9/6)
- Columbus Day (10/11)
- Veterans Day (11/11)
- Wednesday before Thanksgiving (11/24)
- Thanksgiving (11/25)
- Friday after Thanksgiving (11/26)
- December (12/24, 12/27, 12/30)
- New Year’s Day (12/31)
- Martin Luther King Day (1/17)
- President’s Day (2/21)
- February (2/25)
- Good Friday (4/15)
- April (4/18, 4/22)
- Memorial Day (5/30)
- Juneteenth (6/20)
On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Mary Beth Whited and accepted 4-0, the Board approved the donation of playground mulch from SM Gallivan, L.L.C., to be used on the Watervliet Elementary School Playgrounds, as recommended by the Superintendent.
Board Discussion
Sheri Senecal asked why the 6th grade moving-up ceremony is slated to be on the football field, when the senior class asked to have their graduation ceremony on the field and they were told they could not.
Mr. Groat clarified that the 6th grade event is more of a field day and a similar type of activity will be held for the seniors on the 24th.
Amanda Cavanaugh noted that she spoke to Miss Clickner and because of the confusion, they decided to move the ceremony portion of the 6th grade event to the gym and it will be livestreamed.
Adjournment
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal, and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board