Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: September 12, 2023
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:00 p.m.
Where: Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School
Board Member Present:
President Sheri Senecal
Vice President Mary Beth Whited
Heather Soroka
Brian White
Victoria Donnelly
Superintendent: Dr. Donald Stevens Jr.
The meeting opened at 6:00 p.m., with President Senecal officiating.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Reports/Comments
Summer Academy & ESY Presentation Catherine Casey, Michael Foust, & Molly McGrath
A. Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Stevens shared the following:
- Thank you to our Administrators for not only sharing a snapshot of what summer looked like, but for spending their summer with me. Aside from what they shared today, they have been busy with bi-weekly meetings, team-building activities and preparing for the school year.
- One group not represented in the presentation are the summer workers, who are hired by Albany County to work here. Shout out to all of them for their support. They did a great job and have been extended for a few weeks.
- Asked Mr. Groat and Ms. Richards to share provide a short update on what has happened over the last four days:
- Mr. Groat noted that it has been a remarkable start to the school year. All of last year’s work paid off. Last year, transitioning was a struggle and we had to make some adjustments. Now good routines are in place. Collaboration turned into planning and preparation. Thank you to everyone across the board, including teachers and the administrative team for their patience and support.
- Ms. Richards stated that it was really nice this summer to work together as a team. Our biggest change this year was the Yondr pouches. They have been amazing. We had grade-level meetings today and we celebrated their success. Students are seeing that we are united as administrators and teachers. A “seasoned” teacher came to see me to express how the use of the Yondr pouches has had such a positive effect on her classroom. As I noted in my parent square last week, the cafeteria is loud, which means students are socializing. This is what we wanted to accomplish.
- She added that the EVOLVE program was another big change this year. Those students are thriving down there. I have been down there multiple times. What we are trying to accomplish with the program, by giving them a safer space that meets their educational needs, has really been successful. We are working with them on discussing why that is a better environment for them and preparing for post-graduation plans and how to deal alternate environments.
- She also noted that the administrative team is a strong team and she feels that it is going to be a tremendous year.
- Mr. Foust added that we had 75 out of approximately 115 families show up for 6th grade orientation. It was incredible. We handed out Yondr pouches, first-day folders, schedules, and locker assignments. Sixth grade is the only transition in our district, and the students are doing incredible.
- Dr. Stevens continued, by noting that our two superintendent’s conference days had time built in for orientations and opportunities for many of our students to reduce anxiety and start building relationships with teachers, which I hope set the stage for the beginning of a good school year.
- I echo what everybody has said. So far everything is going great. Our extra time is paying off already. Our bus drivers are running non-stop in order to get all our transportation done. Thank you to our transportation team for pulling it off. Thank you to all our administrators for putting in the extra time and effort to make sure everything is running as smoothly as possible.
- Thank you to all teachers for their hard work. Not only was it two days of PD, but also faculty meetings, setting expectations, setting up classrooms, and orientations. I thank them for setting the tone for what it looks like to be a Cannoneer.
- On the first day of PD, we did an activity where the Arts Center of the Capital Region came in and everyone worked on a square tile – kind of like a patchwork quilt. The Arts Center will come back when the tiles are done and pick them up so they can create a mural. Some of the tiles have a positive word, some show teachers’ artistic creativity. We look forward to when it is done and I will share pictures with everyone.
- Membership for the PTA is at your place setting. This year, the PTA has been expanded to be a UPK-12 organization. Activities and programs might look different, depending on the grade level, but we look forward to all the PTA has in store. We invite everyone to join.
- A profile of the graduating class of 2023 is also at your place setting. This is put out by our counseling office and it shows a snapshot of the class. We waited until the end of summer, because we had two August graduates who were not able to complete all the necessary credits before the end of the school year, but were able to do so over the summer. Congratulations to the graduates. We wish them all the best.
- We had our Welcome Back Celebration on Saturday. The event was well-attended with 851 guests coming through the door and another 50-100 inside the gym and cafeteria. Thanks to Ms. DeMento for working with CDPHP, who sponsored the event. We are looking forward to doing a couple more large events, including a Wellness Night and International Night.
- The cell phone-free environment is going great. There has been a few instances where students have to be reminded, but it has been really positive. Seeing students walking through the hall and socializing rather than looking at their device, is inspiring. I’m excited to see what is in store as the year progresses.
- I have been to the EVOLVE site every day. I am excited and hopeful for the 18 students in the program. We are going to make sure the program is totally supported and the students are successful.
- As you leave today, please feel free to stop at either the volleyball or soccer games going on tonight.
- There are a few construction projects still going on, including the front steps, a few classrooms are waiting on some ductwork, and the small gym will be completed to become a breakaway space for students that earn it. I will update you once things are finished. The new loading dock and electronic sign are complete at WES, along with the sign on the back of the scoreboard at WJSHS.
- Laura McDaniel from BOCES is here with us tonight. Laura is doing her doctoral work with Sage so she will be observing.
- Lanyards were given out to all staff on the first day of school, and I have some for the Board members, as well.
B. Committee Reports
Audit Committee
There was no report.
Policy Committee
There was no report.
Board of Education Discussion
Mary Beth Whited thanked Dr. Stevens, Mrs. Webster, Administrative Team, and all staff of summer programs for working with the Civic Center this summer. She noted that it was her and Josh White’s firs time running the summer program at WES and it went great. Thank you to Chris as well for keeping up with our busy and ever-changing transportation schedule.
Mrs. Webster expressed thanks to Mary Beth and Josh for their open lines of communication and for their quick responses as issues arose.
Mrs. Whited continued by noting that everyone did a great job switching gears on Saturday for the Welcome Back Celebration. Everyone stated that they had a great time.
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Nicholas Yatrakis, from the position of Mathematics Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective September 1, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Allan Gadsden, Jr., from the position of Family Outreach Coordinator at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective September 1, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded the appointment of Seven Chandler, from the position of Volunteer Assistant Football Coach for the spring 2023 season, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded the appointment of Christopher Brooks, from the position of Volunteer Assistant Football Coach for the spring 2023 season, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency voluntary transfer of Eric Brady from the position of Part-Time Bus Driver to the position of Full-Time Bus Driver for the Watervliet City School District, at his current hourly rate, effective September 5, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Allison Fried to the position of Elementary Teacher, in the tenure area of Elementary Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 2027, 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. Allison Fried holds a Childhood Education certification, (certificate #1710821231).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Jania Dockery to the position of Special Education Teacher (7-12), in the tenure area of Special Education, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 3 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 2027, 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. Jania Dockery holds a Students with Disabilities 7-12 certification, (certificate #1700663231).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Alicia Chan to the position of Math Teacher (7-12), in the tenure area of Math, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 4 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 2027, 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. Alicia Chan holds a Mathematics 7-12 certification, (certificate #1674576221).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Jordanne Stanley to the position of Teaching Assistant, in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 7, 2023, at a Step 1 salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on January 6, 2027, 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. Jordanne Stanley holds a Teaching Assistant, Level I, certification (certificate #1745195231).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Sara Mikula to the position of Long-Term Substitute Art Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 5, 2023, at a Step 1 rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency voluntary transfer of the following Part-Time Cafeteria Workers to the position of Full-Time Cafeteria Workers for the Watervliet City School District, at their current hourly rates, effective September 5, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School:
Sergio Najera Sanchez
Rebecca Sutherland
Watervliet Elementary School:
Theresa Lewis
Adrian Orozco
Carol Waters
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Shaquille Mayo to the position of Hall Monitor, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, for a probationary period beginning September 5, 2023 and ending September 5, 2024, at a Step 1 Teacher Aide salary, per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Jazmin Givens to the position of Part-Time Cafeteria Worker, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, at an hourly rate of $17.00, effective September 1, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following teaching overages for the 2023–2024 academic school year at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as outlined in the attached, effective September 7, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Madeline Rehm (+.2 FTE)
- Meg Matuszek (+.2 FTE)
- Dan Lindemann (+.2 FTE)
- Rebecca Sweeney (+.2 FTE)
- Claudia Bunting Marshall (+.1 FTE)
- Dan Mueller (+.1 FTE)
- Ralph Carotenuto (+.1 FTE)
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following Coaches for the 2023–2024 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
Coaching Winter:
Varsity Boys Basketball: Marc Fruscio
Varsity Girls Basketball: Kelsey Logan
Varsity Girls Basketball Assistant: Brian Hoefer
JV Girls Basketball: J’Neal Sharpe
Varsity Wrestling: Jeremy Boyd
Boys Indoor Track: Melique Garcia
Indoor Track Assistant: Olivia Skylstad
Girls Indoor Track: Jodi Fowler
Varsity Bowling: Paul Travers
Cheerleading: Paige Martin
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Brenda Zawistowski to the position of Student Ambassador Advisor at the Watervliet Elementary School for the 2023–2024 school year, 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 approved the following ExTra Club Advisors at the for the 2023–2024 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Watervliet Elementary School
Art Club: Brenda Zawistowski
Substitute: Kelly Gilchrist
Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School
Substitute: Jaclynne Bishop
Substitute: Margaret Angie
ENL Study Tables: Madeline Rehm
Art Club: Brittany Ableman
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Araela VanWagner to the position of Records Management Officer for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the months of July and August 2023, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following payment requests, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
WATERVLIET 2022 ARPA CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
- DLC Electric, LLC
Payment App. #005
$45,875.80 - Duncan & Cahill, Inc.
Payment App. #004
$201,972.28 - R.F. Gordon Mechanical, LLC
Payment App. #001
$44,113.49
WATERVLIET 2020 CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
- DLC Electric, LLC
Payment App. #024
$22,164.35 - R.F. Gordon Mechanical, LLC
Payment App. #015
$52,167.34
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the establishment of a new Just Run Club for students at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 7, 2023, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the establishment of an After-School Junior High School Band for students in grades 6-8 at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, effective September 7, 2023, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Contract between the Watervliet City School District and Crossroads Center for Children to provide Special Education Services for a Student, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Instruction Contract, 2023-2024 School Year between the Watervliet City School District and the Menands Union Free School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Cooperative Bidding Cafeteria Commodities for Use in the Regional Food Service Management Program resolution for the 2023-2024 school year, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the 2023-24 School Tax Warrant for the total amount of $7,588,057.02, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Tax Rates for the collection of 2023-24 School Taxes, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- City of Watervliet: 16.6430
- Town of Colonie (Mannsville): 22.6790
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following resolution:
RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Watervliet City School District that Retention and Disposition Schedule for New York Local Government Records (LGS-1), issued pursuant to Article 57-A of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, and containing legal minimum retention periods for local government records, is hereby adopted for use by all officers in legally disposing of valueless records listed therein.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that in accordance with Article 57-A:
(a) only those records will be disposed of that are described in Retention and Disposition Schedule for New York Local Government Records (LGS-1), after they have met the minimum retention periods described therein;
(b) only those records will be disposed of that do not have sufficient administrative, fiscal, legal, or historical value to merit retention beyond established legal minimum periods.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting August 8, 2023, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held August 8 and August 10, 2023, submitted by Veronica Wilson and Daniele Tetrault, CSE Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held July 26 and August 22, 2023, submitted by Molly McGrath, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the home schooling request of the parents/guardians of the following students, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Student ID 900014631 – grade 1
- Student ID 900014420 – grade 1
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Student Teacher/Observer request at the Watervliet Elementary School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Name(s): Grace Wayland-Smith
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher(s): Sharon Foglia
Dates: Fall 2023 Semester - Name(s): Shyda Gay
Role: Social Worker Intern
Cooperating Teacher(s): Alison Santiago
Dates: Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 Semesters
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the attached Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School Athletic Handbook 2023-2024, as recommended by the Superintendent.
Board of Education Discussion
Mrs. Senecal shared the following:
- Thank you to Mr. Yatrakis and Mr. Gadsden for their service.
- Welcome to our new staff members.
- The new signs at both buildings look great. I am excited to see them put to good use.
- I am excited to see the additional clubs on the agenda. Students will be given opportunities to be active and participate in music.
- I encourage everyone to join the PTA. The PTA has its first meeting tomorrow night in the WJSHS conference room.
- Kudos to all who put together, sponsored and planned the Welcome Back Celebration.
- Our next Board meeting is October 17.
Adjournment
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 6:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board