Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: August 9, 2022
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6 p.m.
Where: Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School
Board Members Present:
President Sheri Senecal
Vice President Mary Beth Whited
Heather Soroka
Timothy Delisle
Brian White
Superintendent: Dr. Donald Stevens Jr.
The meeting was opened at 6:00 p.m., with President Senecal officiating.
Executive Session
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board entered into executive session at 6:01 p.m. to discuss matters related to the appointment of a particular person.
Reconvene
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Timothy Delisle, and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned executive session and reconvened at 6:17 p.m.
Public Comment
On behalf of the WTA, Mr. Emerson thanked Dr. Stevens and Mrs. Webster for the interview process for administrative positions, noting that it was “very collaborative.” He added that the association looks forward to working with them.
Public Hearing
A period of public comment/questions was allotted to discuss:
1. Annual updates and revisions to the District’s Code of Conduct; and
2. Annual updates and revisions to the District-wide Safety Plan.
Mrs. Webster went over some of the revisions to the Code of Conduct.
Reports/Comments
A. Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Stevens shared the following:
- An overview of the revised Board of Education goals.
- We will be having a Welcome Back Celebration on Saturday, September 10 beginning at 1 p.m. at WJSHS. CDPHP is sponsoring the event. There will be a lot of vendors and things to do. It will be a fun afternoon.
- Shared the banners that will be hung on poles in the parking lots of both schools.
- An invite was sent to all parents to join Parent Square. This platform will replace the One Call Now system.
- Plans for September are in full swing. There are some schedule changes. Middle school will be 7:40 a.m. – 1:49 p.m. High School will be from 8:00 a.m. – 2:09 p.m.
- Masks will not be required for returning to school, however there will be similar procedures and mitigation plans to those that were in place at the end of last school year.
Mrs. Soroka asked if there will be random testing. Dr. Stevens responded that there will be recommended testing, but no random testing will be required. He added that if a student is symptomatic, a test will be sent home with that student.
Mrs. Soroka asked if the tests expire. Dr. Stevens noted that they have expiration dates, but the dates keep getting pushed back, as they learn they have a longer shelf life than originally thought.
Mr. Delisle asked if the three-foot social distancing rule still applied. Dr. Stevens responded that social distancing will take place, where possible, but there are no longer any rules, just recommendations.
Mr. Delisle asked about sporting events. Dr. Stevens noted that he would have to get back to him, as he did not have the mitigation plan in front of him to reference.
B. Committee Reports
Policy Committee
Second Reading of Revised Policies:
- WCSD District-Wide Code of Conduct
Board of Education Discussion
There was no discussion.
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded 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 Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Chance Fosmire from the position of Full-Time Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, effective July 22, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Alexa Whyte from the position of Extended School Year Teacher (Grades 2-4), at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective July 25, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Nicholas Leone from the position of Clerk Typist, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective July 26, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Paula Weaver from the position of Lunch Monitor, at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective July 29, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Racheal Thomas from the position of School Nurse, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective August 30, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Sarah Horaczek from the position of Director of Special Education and Student Support Services, for the Watervliet City School District, effective August 28, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Extended School Year (ESY) 2022 appointment at a salary as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Chelsie Clickner (substitute)
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Jessie Richards to the position of Principal, in the tenure area of Administration, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 6, 2022, at a Step 6 (Principal) salary, per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 6, 2026, contingent upon satisfactory compliance with Education Law Sections 3012 and/or 3012-d. Jessie Richards holds a School Building Leader certification (certificate #1460338211).
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Michael Dempsey to the position of Math Teacher, in the tenure area of Math, 7-12, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 6, 2022, at a Step 3 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. Michael Dempsey holds a Math (K-12) certification (certificate #1573386221).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board postponed indefinitely the probationary appointment of Jennifer Vigo to the position of School Counselor, in the tenure area of School Counselor 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, unless extended in accordance with the provisions of Section 2509(2)(b) of the Education Law.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Valerie Ellison to the position of French Teacher, in the tenure area of French, 7-12, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 6, 2022, at a Step 7 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. Valerie Ellison holds a French (7-12) certification (certificate #1582767221).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Sandra Agars to the position of Part-Time Cafeteria Worker, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning September 1, 2022 and ending September 1, 2023, at an hourly rate of $15.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Tanya Mahoney to the position of Part-Time Cafeteria Worker, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, for a probationary period beginning September 1, 2022 and ending September 1, 2023, at an hourly rate of $15.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Jack Ferris to the position of Part-Time Night Cleaner, for the Watervliet City School District, for a probationary period beginning July 28, 2022 and ending July 28 2023, at an hourly rate of $15.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White 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 Fall:
**Varsity Football: Ryan Job
**Varsity Assistant Football: Zack Deering, Marcus Hepp, Anthony Murray, Jake Toomey, Gabe Smith
**Varsity Football Coaches will split the contractual stipend, as outlined in the agenda attachment.
Varsity Football Volunteer: Cory Viscosi, Kyle Nurse, John Bolt, Alexzander Little, Padraic Lyman, Nate Conlen, Fred Job
Modified Football: Melique Garcia
Modified Assistant Football: Tahle Teabout, Ravion Burt
Varsity Cheerleading: Hannah O’Neill
E-Sports: Louisa Vaughan (at a stipend of $2,584.00)
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following staff to the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School Department Chairs and Club/Class Advisors for the 2022 – 2023 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Department Chairs:
Business & Fine Arts: Megan Matuszek
English: Tami Karbowski
Foreign Language: Meghan Fronczek
Mathematics: Camelia Sofrone
Physical Education: Dennis Lane
Science: Walter Bowden
Social Studies: Scott Emerson
Special Education: Daniel Mueller
Guidance: David Olszewski
Clubs/Class Advisors:
Class of 2023: Christa Farruggio
Student Council: Scott Emerson and Chris Curtis
Junior High Student Council: Jackie Bishop
National Honor Society: Scott Emerson and Lyndsay Moore
National Junior Honor Society: Brenda Zawistowski
Yearbook Business Manager: Rebecca Smith
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following staff to the Watervliet Elementary School Clubs for the 2022–2023 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Art Club: Christina Coogan
After School Band: Andrew Cowie
Chorus: Mary Collett
Yearbook: Kelly Gilchrist
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Carrie Huntley to the position of Chemical Hygiene Officer for the 2022–2023 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Joseph Facin to the position of Long-Term Substitute Technology Teacher at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, effective September 6, 2022, at a Step 5 rate per contract, plus 0.2 FTE overage, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board amended the appointment of the following staff from the position of Full-Time Cleaner to Full-Time Maintenance, effective July 1, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- David McFarland
- Donald Ploof
- Bridan Sharpe
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following School District Bus Drivers for the 2022–2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Robin Fryer
- Chris Kowalewski
- Kim Prouty
- Darryl Whited (substitute)
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Final 2021–2022 AS-7 Contract with Capital Region BOCES, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Preliminary 2022 – 2023 AS-7 Contract with Capital Region BOCES, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Tax Collection Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Pioneer Savings Bank for the collection of 2022–2023 school taxes, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board designated Anil Mulchandani, Pioneer Savings Bank – Watervliet Branch, as the Deputy Tax Collector, as recommend by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Cooperative Bidding Cafeteria Commodities for Use in the Regional Food Service Management Program resolution 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 Brian White 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 (6/22)
Invoice # 4386
$3,888.87
CSArch – CM (6/22)
Invoice # 4387
$7,602.58
DLC Electric, LLC
Payment App. # 015
$27,286.74
Facilities Equipment & Service, Inc.
Invoice # 14034-5
$20,479.82
Gallo Construction
Payment App. #
$66,756.50
Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC
Statement # 21
$451.50
Prestige Sealcoating, LLC
Invoice # 4-20-22
$17,229.00
R.F. Gordon Mechanical, LLC
Invoice # 6103
$3,102.00
Roof Services Unlimited
Invoice # 6-23-22
$4,500.00
Trane US Inc.
Invoice # 312578149
$9,564.80
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the 2022 – 2023 School Tax Warrant for the total amount of $7,428,200.68, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following tax rates for the collection of the 2022–2023 School Taxes, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- City of Watervliet: 16.2515
- Town of Colonie (Mannsville): 23.3183
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and St. Catherine’s Center for Children to provide Special Education Services, effective February 18, 2022 – June 30, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Tuition Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Northern Rivers for services provided by the Neil Hellman School Program, effective July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Agreement for Services between the Watervliet City School District and Wildwood Programs for residential placement services, effective July 6, 2022–August 16, 2022 and September 7, 2022–June 23, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Tuition Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Northern Rivers for services provided by the Northeast Parent and Child Society, effective July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the Internal Claims Auditor Reports for the months of June 2022 and July 2022, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting held July 5, 2022, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held June 21, June 23, July 20, and July 21, 2022, submitted by Veronica Bedard, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held June 22 and July 13, 2022, submitted by Veronica Bedard, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the 504 Committee’s recommendations for the meetings held June 9, June 24 and June 27, 2022, submitted by Veronica Bedard and Danielle Tetrault, 504 Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the New Book Request for the book entitled “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” by Erika L. Sanchez, to be added to the Grade 11/12 English curriculum at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School beginning in the 2022–2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the New Book Request for the book entitled “How Dare the Sun Rise,” by Sandra Uwiringiyimana to be added to the Grade 11/12 English curriculum at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School beginning in the 2022–2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the recognize and thank Kelly Webster for procuring $3,224.00 from the Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District, to fund the “Growing Together,” project, and approve the contract outlining the terms and conditions of accepting this funding, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Sport Merger between the Watervliet City School District and Heatly School District (Green Island) for the following sports programs, beginning with the Fall 2022 season, as recommended by the Superintendent:
• Boys’ Indoor Track
• Girls’ Indoor Track
• Boys’ Wrestling
• Girls’ Wrestling
• Boys’ Bowling
• Girls’ Bowling
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the Code of Conduct, for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan (DCIP) for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the approve and adopted the Technology Plan 2022-2025 for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the District-Level Safety Plan for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the 2022–2025 Watervliet City School District Board of Education Goals, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Student Observer requests at the Watervliet Elementary School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Name(s): Kathleen Zito
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher(s): Kim Suedkamp
Dates: Fall 2022 Semester - Name(s): Caitlin Denney
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher(s): Jennifer Williams
Dates: Fall 2022 Semester
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Student Teacher requests at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Name(s): Jarod Bonaro
Role: Student Teacher
Cooperating Teacher(s): Scott Emerson
Dates: Fall 2022 Semester
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the home schooling request of Moet Slaughter for her child, Malachi McQueen, Grade 9, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of broken/irreparable projectors (22) and computers (30), as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of one broken/irreparable shredder (district sticker #501268), as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of 24 outdated speech evaluation kits, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Molly McGrath to the position of Director of Special Education and Student Support Services, in the tenure area of Administration, for the Watervliet City School District, beginning September 12, 2022, at a Step 6 (Principal) salary, per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 12, 2026, contingent upon satisfactory compliance with Education Law Sections 3012 and/or 3012-d. Molly McGrath holds a certification as School District Leader (certificate #1175545171).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Jill Miller to the position of Home and Careers Teacher, in the tenure area of Family and Consumer Science, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 6, 2022, at a Step 8 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. Jill Miller holds a Home Economics certification (certificate #183383081).
Board of Education Discussion
Mrs. Senecal welcomed all the new hires, noting that they are looking forward to working with them.
Dr. Stevens congratulated Molly and Jessie. He stated that he can’t wait to get them here and working with us. He thanked all the staff involved in the hiring process. These are two critical positions and I have no doubt that they will do great.
Adjournment
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board