Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York 12189
Board of Education
Organizational Meeting
July 5, 2022
6 P.M.
Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School
A G E N D A
I. Call to Order
Superintendent Dr. Donald Stevens Jr.
II. Board Members
Sheri Senecal
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Timothy Delisle
Brian White
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Appointment of District Clerk Pro Tem
1. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Keith Heid as District Clerk Pro-Tem for the purpose of taking the minutes of the meeting.
V. Oath of Office
Superintendent Stevens will administer the Oath of Office to Mr. White. Mr. White will serve a three-year term of office.
VI. Public Comment
In accordance with Board Policy Number 1510, the privilege of speaking from the floor will be extended to any person in attendance. Persons desiring to speak shall be required to give their name and address and will be limited to three (3) minutes for their presentation. The time allowed each speaker may be adjusted by the chair. The speaker’s privilege may also be terminated by the chair if found to be out of order.
VII. Election of Board Officers
2. Resolved that the Board appoint a President and Vice President as selected by the Board of Education.
VIII. Reports/Comments
- Superintendent’s Report
- Student Council Report
- Committee Reports
- i. Audit Committee
- ii. Policy Committee
- First Reading of Revised Policies:
- Code of Conduct
IX. Board of Education Discussion
The Code of Conduct has been uploaded to the web site and is available for public viewing/comment for 30 days. There will be a hearing at the August 9 Board of Education Meeting, or comments can be sent to boepubliccomment@vlietschools.org.
X. Personnel Items
3. Resolved that the Board accept 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.
4. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
5. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
6. Resolved that the Board approve the following ExTRA Summer Academy 2022 appointment at a salary as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Kerry Degnan Grade 7/8 Math
7. Resolved that the Board approve 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
8. Resolved that the Board appoint 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
9. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve 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.
10. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve 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).
11. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve 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).
12. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve 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).
13. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve 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).
14. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve 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).
15. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve 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).
16. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve 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).
17. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve 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.
18. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
19. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
20. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
21. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
22. Resolved that the Board approve the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packet #12).
XI. Business Items
23. Resolved that the Board approve 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
24. Resolved that the Board approve 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
$3921.10 - 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
25. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
26. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
27. Resolved that the Board approve 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
28. Resolved that the Board award 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.
29. Resolved that the Board designate 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.
30. Resolved that the Board designate 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.
31. Resolved that the Board designate the following banks as Official Depository of Funds, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Bank of America
- JP Morgan Chase Bank
- Pioneer Savings Bank
32. Resolved that Board approve 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.
33. Resolved that the Board approve the designation of The Troy Record as the official newspaper, as recommended by the Superintendent.
34. Resolved that the Board establish 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
35. Resolved that the Board approve 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
36. Resolved that the Board approve 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
37. Resolved that the Board approve 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
38. Resolved that the Board authorize 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.
39. Resolved that the Board authorize 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.
40. Resolved that the Board authorize 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.
41. Resolved that the Board approve the Memorandum of Agreement agreement between The Watervliet Teachers’ Association and the Watervliet City School District, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
42. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
43. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
44. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
45. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
46. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
XII. Other Items
47. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
48. Resolved that the Board approve 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.
49. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held June 10, June 15, and June 22, 2022, submitted by Veronica Bedard, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
50. Resolved that the Board approve the 504 Committee’s recommendations for the meeting held June 1, June 8 and June 20, 2022, submitted by Veronica Bedard and Danielle Tetrault, 504 Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.
51. Resolved that Board approve 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.
52. Resolved that the Board appoint Scott O’Brien as the surrogate parent for the 2022–2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
53. Resolved that the Board approve 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
54. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the confidential Building Level Emergency Response Plan 2022–2023 for the Watervliet Elementary School, as recommended by the Superintendent.
55. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the confidential Building Level Emergency Response Plan 2022–2023 for the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as recommended by the Superintendent.
56. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the attached Professional Development Plan 2022–2025 for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
57. Resolved that 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