Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York

Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: October 11, 2022
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:01 p.m.
Where: Watervliet Elementary School Gymnasium

Board Members Present:

President Sheri Senecal
Vice President Mary Beth Whited
Heather Soroka
Timothy Delisle
Brian White

Superintendent: Dr. Donald Stevens Jr.

Student Council Rep: Anthony Bisner

The meeting was opened at 6:01 p.m., with President Senecal officiating.

Public Comment

There were no public comments.

Reports/Comments

Building Project Update Presentation CSArch

A. Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Stevens shared the following:

• Thank you to CSArch for presenting tonight and for working with me and allowing for my attention to detail throughout the building project.
• Thank you to the WPD, Officer Negron and Lt. Strock for doing their due diligence in keeping us safe during the recent threat of gun violence.
• We had a successful homecoming game this past weekend, winning against Rensselaer.
• We had plenty of members from the WPD on site for the game and our alternate SRO was on duty for the homecoming dance on Saturday night. We thank the WPD for their support.
• We used our new Go Fan account to sell tickets. It worked really well and went off without a hitch.
• The homecoming dance, put on by Student Council and the Cannoneer Club, was great. Approximately 130 people attended.
• Congratulations to our 2022 Hall of Fame inductees: Lou Horan, Nick Fitzgerald, Melique Garcia, Gordie Johnson, Moreen Petrella, and Jeremy Smith.
• Thank you to Mr. Wareing for organizing and getting the Hall of Fame Committee together.
• PSATs will be given tomorrow. It is school-sponsored, so it is free of charge for our students.
• The kindergarten Apple Run will be held this Friday afternoon at 1:15 p.m. Fire prevention safety assemblies will also be taking place on Friday at WES.
• On Friday, October 21, please join us in wearing pink for the “Go Pink” campaign, sponsored by student ambassadors. Money collected goes to the American Cancer Society.
• The PTA is sponsoring a Halloween dance on Friday, October 28 at the Dome.
• On Saturday, October 29, we will have a Trunk or Treat in the WJSHS parking lot from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• On Monday, October 31, WES will have their Halloween Parade.
• Mrs. Senecal has copies of the BOCES Annual Report to share with the Board.
• I would like to introduce Emilly Obuya an Associate Professor and doctoral student at Russell Sage College. She is doing some of her doctoral work with our district.

Ms. Richards shared the following:

• Cannoneer Awards were given out to students in grades 6-8 who exhibited being positive, present, productive and proud. They were nominated by their teachers and awards were given out at an assembly.
• During spirit week, we held a pep rally, which went well. Our band played, teachers, athletes and cheerleaders were all involved.

B. Student Council Report

Anthony Bisner shared the following:

• Thank you to Dr. Stevens and the members of the Board for allowing me to represent the Student Council tonight.
• Picture day was September 15. It was very successful. We are waiting on pictures and id’s to come in. Picture retake day will be October 28.
• The Student Council would like to thank Dr. Stevens, Mrs. Webster, Ms. Richards, Mr. Wareing and Mr. Foust, for all they did in planning Spirit Week, Pep Rally and Homecoming Dance. It was nice to see everyone involved and participating.
• Thanks to the Garnet and Grey Bands for their performances at the Pep Rally.
• Extra special shout out to Mrs. Fronczek, who put so many events together for this week.
• We are looking forward to more events.

C. Committee Reports

Audit Committee

There was no report.

Policy Committee

Second Reading of Revised Policies:

Regular Board Meetings and Rules (Quorum and Parliamentary Procedure)

Board of Education Discussion

Mrs. Senecal stated that it sounds like all of the events were really well-attended. It is nice to see the staff putting things on for the kids and getting back to normal. Thank you to everyone who made that possible.

Items Requiring Board Action

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded the appointment of the following Coaches for the 2022 – 2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent:

WATERVLIET JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Coaching Fall:

Varsity Football Volunteer: Alexzander Little, John Bolt

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the revised probationary appointment of Claudia Bunting Marshall to the position of General Science Teacher, in the tenure area of Science, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 26, 2022, at a Step 9 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 26, 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. Claudia Bunting Marshall holds a Generalist in Middle Childhood Education certification, (certificate #16292792211).

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Michael Psomas to the position of Full-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, at a rate of $15.00 per hour, effective September 12, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Lucas Dunn to the position of Full-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, at a rate of $15.00 per hour, effective September 26, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency transfer of Lisa Leone from the position of Part-Time Cafeteria Worker to the position of Full-Cafeteria Worker, effective October 1, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following staff to the position of After-School APEX Program Teacher, for the 2022 – 2023 school year, at a prorated rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Christa Farruggio
Joanna Beams
Kerry Degnan
Kelsey Logan

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following ExTRA Program appointments for the 2022 – 2023 school year, at a prorated rate as per contract, as recommended by the superintendent:

Middle School Homework Help: Kerry Degnan
Samba Drumming: Colin Eletto

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following Clubs/Class Advisors and Detention Monitors at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School for the 2022–2023 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Clubs/Class Advisors:

Best Buddy Program Co-Advisors: Annmarie Gleason, Melissa Kussler

Class of 2024: Dawn Sylvester

Detention Monitor:

Detention Monitor, Middle School: Dana Kowalchyk

On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following Coaches for the 2022– 2023 school year, pending fingerprint clearance and fulfillment of NYSED coaching requirements, at a rate as per contract (unless outlined below), as recommended by the Superintendent:

WATERVLIET JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Coaching Winter:

Varsity Boys Basketball: Orlando DiBacco
Varsity Boys Basketball Assistant: Nick Tambolleo
JV Boys Basketball: Ryan Donlon
Varsity Girls Basketball: Kelsey Logan
Varsity Girls Basketball Assistant: Brian Hoefer
JV Girls Basketball: J’Neal Sharpe
Varsity Wrestling: Dennis Lane
Varsity Wrestling Assistant: Dan Gibson
Boys Indoor Track: Melique Garcia
Varsity Bowling: Paul Travers

On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and accepted 4-0 (Brian White abstained), the Board approved the appointment of Peyton White to the position of Modified Wrestling Coach for the 2022– 2023 school year, pending fingerprint clearance and fulfillment of NYSED coaching requirements, at a rate as per contract as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board tabled the appointment of Hannah O’Neill to the position of Cheerleading Coach for the 2022– 2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (2021-22 packet #13 and 2022-23 packets #1and #2).

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of September 2022, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Treasurer’s Reports for the months of June, July and August 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 Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved one (1) 2022 Summer School Special Education Transportation Contract Extension between Star & Strand and the Watervliet City School District at a cost of $39,788.00 as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved thirty (30) 2022-2023 Regular School Year Special Education Transportation Contract Extensions between Star & Strand and the Watervliet City School District at a cost of $1,257,785.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved one (1) 2022-2023 Regular School Year Transportation Contract Extension between Durham Transportation and the Watervliet City School District at a cost of $282,402.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited 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

• CSArch – A/E (7/22)
  Invoice # 4489
  $5,207.24
• CSArch – CM (7/22)
  Invoice # 4490
  $10,136.76
• CSArch – A/E (8/22)
  Invoice # 4585
  $2,592.58
• CSArch – CM (8/22)
  Invoice # 4586
  $5,068.39
• DLC Electric, LLC
  Payment App. # 017
  $24,410.02
• ESCO Inc. Heating & Cooling
  Invoice # 304333
  $9,520.00
• Gallo Construction
  Payment App. # 016
  $107,352.08
• Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC
  Statement # 22
  $21.50

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the creation of a grant-funded Samba Drumming Club, at a stipend of $2,584.00, for the 2022–2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the reinstatement of the Buddy Program at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, at a stipend of $861.00, for the 2022–2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board appointed Andy Ethier, Michael Hartkern, and Shawn Smeltzer to serve on the Audit Committee for the 2022–23 school year.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited 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 Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Education Law 2-d Opt-In Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Erie 1 BOCES, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting held September 13, 2022, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held September 14, September 16 and September 30, 2022, submitted by Danielle Tetrault, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited 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)

Molly McGrath 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)

Molly McGrath CSE Chairperson
Veronica Wilson CSE Chairperson/School Psychologist
Daniele Tetrault CSE Chairperson /School Psychologist
Becca Phillips CSE Chairperson/School Psychologist
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

Molly McGrath Chairperson
Veronica Wilson Chairperson/ School Psychologist
Daniele Tetrault Chairperson/ School Psychologist
Becca Phillips Chairperson /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 Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the revised Regular Board Meetings and Rules (Quorum and Parliamentary Procedure) policy for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the home schooling request of the parent/guardian of student # 900010573, grade 11, for the 2022–2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited 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): Tiffany Valentin
  Role: Student Observer
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Amanda Ciampi
  Dates: Fall 2022 Semester

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

• Name(s): Camille Faccio
  Role: Student Observer
  Cooperating Teacher(s): Christa Farruggio
  Dates: Fall 2022 Semester

On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks, a check from the BelleJar Foundation in the amount of $49,249.00, to fund the Pivot Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of one broken/irreparable laminator (district sticker #501217), as outlined in the attached, recommended by the Superintendent.

Board of Education Discussion

Mrs. Senecal noted that the next BOE meeting is Tuesday, November 8, which is a Superintendent’s Conference Day.

Executive Session

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board entered into executive session at 6:36 p.m to discuss matters leading to the discipline of a particular person.

Adjournment

On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Sheri Senecal and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned executive session and closed the meeting at 7:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board