Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York

Board of Education

Regular Meeting
Date: October 10, 2019
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:00 P.M.
Where: Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School

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

Superintendent: Dr. Lori S. Caplan

Student Council: Miranda Luck

The meeting was opened at 6:00 P.M., with President Senecal officiating.

Public Comment

There were no public comments.

Old Business

There was no old business to be discussed.

Administrative Reports/Presentations

• Building Project Update: CSArch
• 2019 Assessment Data and What We Are Doing With It Presentation: Donald Stevens
• First Reading of Revised Policies:
  >Students with Life-threatening Health Conditions
  >Immunization of Students
  >Education of Students in Temporary Housing

Student Council Report

Miranda Luck shared the following:

• Picture day was successful. Pictures will be distributed in the coming days. Picture retake day will be Monday, November 4 in the small gym.
• Student Council met today to plan the annual November cancer fundraiser. More details will be available at next month’s meeting.
• The first Game Night of the year is tentatively scheduled for Friday, November 1, after school. Similar to last year, it will only be board games, there will be no video games allowed.
• Students throughout the school are getting out in the community and volunteering. Some of the events include: Arsenal Family Day, Arsenal City Run, Food is Fuel program, and will be helping with upcoming Halloween festivities.

Board Discussion

• Amanda Cavanaugh thanked Charles Patricelli and the City of Watervliet for the newly-installed flashing signs, alerting drivers that they are in a school zone.
• Sheri Senecal thanked the Board members, in honor of School Board Recognition Week.

Items Requiring Board Action

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting held September 12, 2019, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held September 18, 2019, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held September 20, September 24, and September 26, 2019, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packet #2)

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Watervliet City School District and the Watervliet Police Department, to address children’s exposure to violence and trauma, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Treasurer’s Reports for the months of June, July and August 2019, 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 Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved one (1) 2019 Summer School Special Education Transportation Contract Extension between Star & Strand and the Watervliet City School District at a cost of $35,768.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved thirty (30) 2019-2020 Regular School Year Special Education Transportation Contract Extensions between Star & Strand and the Watervliet City School District at a cost of $1,130,720.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the one (1) 2019-2020 Regular School Transportation Contract Extensions between Durham Transportation and the Watervliet City School District at a cost of $253,873.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the request to revise the appointment of Alex Rivera, Hall Monitor at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, to a part-time, hourly position, at an hourly rate of $11.80, submitted by Ryan Groat, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following teaching overage for the 2019 – 2020 academic school year at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• Ralph Carotenuto (+.2) Special Education

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded the appointment of Kate Choi from the position of Art Club Advisor, ExTRA Grant, at the Watervliet Elementary School for the 2019 – 2020 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Shelly Palkovic from the position of Pivot Program Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective September 19, 2019, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Christine Miller from the position of Food Service Worker at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 6, 2019, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Michaeleen Backus to the position of Long-Term Substitute Teacher, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 9, 2019, and ending on October 11, 2019, at a rate of $125.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Cayla Ann Pratt to the position of Long-Term Substitute English Teacher, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 9, 2019, at a Step 1 salary, per the WTA contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Monique Anastahas to the position of Teaching Assistant, in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 9, 2019, at a Step 1 salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 9, 2023, contingent upon positive evaluations from his/her direct supervisor throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d. Monique Anastahas holds a Teaching Assistant, Level III certification (certificate #1118991171).

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Alaina Lange to the position of Teaching Assistant, in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 16, 2019, at a Step 1 salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 16, 2023, contingent upon positive evaluations from his/her direct supervisor throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d. Alaina Lange holds a Teaching Assistant, Level I certification (certificate #1292483191).

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Kaylee Maldonado to the position of Teaching Assistant, in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning October 1, 2019, at a Step 1 salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on October 1, 2023, contingent upon positive evaluations from his/her direct supervisor throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d. Kaylee Maldonado holds a Teaching Assistant, Level I certification (certificate #135711391).

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Michaeleen Backus to the position of Teaching Assistant, in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning October 15, 2019, at a Step 1 salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on October 15, 2023, contingent upon positive evaluations from his/her direct supervisor throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d. Michaeleen Backus holds a Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), Professional Certificate, (certificate #317212091).

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Alyssa Palladino to the position of Lunch Monitor, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning September 23, 2019 and ending September 23, 2020, at an hourly rate of $11.10, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Tina Defrain to the position of Food Service Worker, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning September 16, 2019 and ending September 16, 2020, at an hourly rate of $11.10, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Misty Meacham to the position of Food Service Worker, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning October 21, 2019 and ending October 15, 2020, at an hourly rate of $11.10, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Robina Hussain to the position of Teaching Assistant, PIVOT Program, for the 2019 – 2020 school year, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 10, 2019, at a rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Briana DelBene to the position of Teacher, PIVOT Program, for the 2019 – 2020 school year, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, at a rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Rosie Sharpe to the position of Art Club Advisor, ExTRA Grant, for the 2019 – 2020 school year, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, at a rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Tina Spenard to the position of Student Council/Ambassador Co-Advisor, for the 2019 – 2020 school year, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 10, 2019, at a rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following coaches for the 2019–2020 school year, pending fingerprint clearance and fulfillment of NYSED coaching requirements, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Watervliet Junior-Senior High School

• Modified Girls’ Basketball Coach: J’Neil Sharpe
• Modified Football Assistant Coach: Larry Truscello
• Modified Girls’ Softball Coach: Elizabeth Jones
• Girls’ Outdoor Track Coach: Zachary Funk
• Girls’ Indoor Track Coach: Zachary Funk

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited 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 re-certified as lead evaluators of classroom teachers;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby re-certifies the following individual as a lead evaluator of classroom teachers:

• Maria DeNovio

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the employee benefits document for Cafeteria Workers & Lunchroom Monitors of the Watervliet City School District, effective January 1, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and accepted 4-0 (Sheri Senecal abstained), the Board approved the following Student Teacher/Observer requests at the Watervliet Elementary School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• Name: Belle Bourke
  Role: Observer
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Samantha Walsh
  Dates: October 11 – December 6, 2019
• Name: Vanessa Fulmore
  Role: Observer
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Samantha Walsh
  Dates: October 11 – December 6, 2019
• Name: Emily Freer
  Role: Observer
  Cooperating Teacher(s):Pre-K through Grade 2 Classrooms
  Dates: October 11 – December 6, 2019
• Name: Julianna McCabe
  Role: Observer
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Pre-K through Grade 2 Classrooms
  Dates: October 11 – December 6, 2019
• Name: Hannah Brown
  Role: Observer
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Ena Minnick
  Dates: October 11 – December 6, 2019
• Name: Hope Connors
  Role: Observer
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Marypat Murtagh
  Dates: October 11 – December 6, 2019
• Name: Jessica Senecal
  Role: Observer
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Rachel Manning
  Dates: October 11 – December 6, 2019

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

• Name: Aimee Becker
  Role: Student Teacher
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Scott Emerson
  Dates: October 28 – December 20, 2019
• Name: Meredith Goldstein
  Role: Student Intern
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Louisa Vaughan
  Dates: October 1, 2019 – June 2020

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of broken/irreparable equipment, as outlined in the attached, from the Watervliet Elementary School, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of 45 outdated textbooks, as outlined in the attached, from the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks, a check from the BelleJar Foundation in the amount of $84,040.00, to fund the Pivot Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the donation of time and materials from Kelly Shea, to create a sensory path for students at the Watervliet Elementary School, 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 donation of vinyl from The Watervliet PTA, to be used to create a sensory path for students at the Watervliet Elementary School, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the donation of books, notebooks and various school supplies from Amanda Cavanaugh, on behalf of Target, to be given to students in need, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the donation of $1,000.00 from Arsenal City Kids, to be used to support after school programs, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the donation of various school supplies from Diana Gustah, to be given to students in need, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of September 2019, submitted by Roni O’Brien, as recommended by the Superintendent.

New Business

There was no new business to be discussed.

Administrators’ Comments

Janelle Yanni shared the following:

• Approximately 60 staff members received their flu shot during our flu clinics in September.
• Better Lessons has started for all of our special education teachers. They will receive this virtual professional development throughout the school year. Feedback from teachers has been very positive. I think we are off to a good start!

Mrs. Webster shared the following:

• The Halloween Parade will move back to 1:40 on the softball field unless there is rain, then it will be in school for students and staff only. Board members are welcome.
• All are invited to attend the Halloween Dance on October 25th at the Dome, 6-8 p.m.
• No Place for Hate week is October 21–25. A note will be coming home with different activities we will offer.
• There are currently two fundraisers going on. Sixth grade is doing a Yankee Candle fundraiser and Kindness Corner for Ronald McDonald House.

  Ms. DeMento noted the following:

• The Smart Bond order finally went through. Chromebook and 3-D printers are among the items being ordered.
• The 4th UPK classroom is now open. New staff will start on Wednesday morning.

Mr. Wareing shared the following:

• All are invited to tomorrow’s football game. A special celebration of the 1979 Championship team will take place.
• All are also invited to attend next week’s football game for Military Appreciation Night.
• Various end of season celebrations/senior nights are coming up.
• Small groups have been assembled for discussions on issues/hurdles individuals in each group have faced. All groups will come together at a future date for a forum.

Miss DeNovio shared the following:

• We will be holding another Mix-It-Up lunch on Thursday, October 24, during No Place for Hate Week.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Caplan shared the following:

• Thank you to the Board of Education for their continued support of the school district and programs.
• Anita Murphy, BOCES Superintendent, sat in to offer support at CSE meetings. She will be back to work with Special Education employees during staff development on Election Day.
• Thank you to Amanda Cavanaugh and Sheri Senecal for working the Food for Fuel phone-a-thon. A total of $14,000.00 was raised for our program.
• The circles have been so moving. It is great to be a part of them and to watch the students share and meld together.
• The Watervliet City School District has been used as an example for how we have rolled out the Next Generation Standards and curriculum writing.

Adjournment

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka, and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board