Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: February 7, 2023
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:05 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.
Student Council Rep: Anthony Bisner
The meeting was opened at 6:05 p.m., with President Senecal officiating.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Reports/Comment
WJSHS Chorus Singing Valentines, Ashley Dorn
Special Education Presentation, Molly McGrath
A. Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Stevens shared the following:
- Thank you to the WJSHS Chorus for coming in to sing tonight. They will be performing 15-20 more times on Valentine’s Day.
- Thank you to Molly for providing an overview on Special Education and sharing some of the new faces. We are happy to have Molly on board.
- A copy of the BOCES snapshot was provided to each Board member. It outlines the BOCES services we received in the 2021–2022 school year. It shows what we are getting in our partnership with BOCES, and it is a helpful reference during the upcoming budget season.
- The State Comptroller’s Fiscal and Environmental Stress Report is also provided to each Board member. The district’s designation of susceptible to environmental stress is related to environmental factors that are out of our control, such as number of economically disadvantaged students in the district and the percentage of English language learners, both of which are growing in our district. Student-to-teacher ratio is also identified, but I would argue that the more staff we have to support our students – especially as we come back from COVID – is pretty important. We have no designation for the financial stress for the third year in a row, which is a good place to be.
- A few months ago, we approved the use of ARPA funding for some construction work, to install generators, HVAC work, and updating storage for district maintenance vehicles. Those bids are due tomorrow and will be reviewed. We anticipate a special Board meeting on March 1 to accept those bids. We will also have our first budget workshop. Workshop #2 will be March 8 at the WES PTA Meeting. Workshop #3 and Board meeting with Assembly Member McDonald will be March 14.
- Asked Mr. Groat to share information on the upcoming STEAM Night.
- Mr. Groat stated that STEAM Night is Friday from 6 – 8 p.m.
- Asked Mrs. Richards to share upcoming WJSHS events.
- Mrs. Richards stated that Report Card Night for grades 7-12 will be held on Thursday, February 16. We are hoping more parents will attend to meet teachers, discuss their child’s 2nd Quarter report card, and work together to ensure their continued success.
- We also have the girls’ basketball game this evening. It is a big game for them and will determine if they are second or third seed. Stop in after the Board meeting to see the game. Both Boys’ and Girls’ basketball are going to a tournament on Saturday. We also have eight wrestlers who are still competing.
- We also held a spaghetti fundraiser last Friday, which was a great success. Thank you to Meg Fronczek and everybody who volunteered and participated in the spaghetti fundraiser. Several thousand dollars were raised for a family in need and it was much appreciated.
- February recess is right around the corner. I hope everyone enjoys their break and finds a little time to relax.
B. Student Council Report
Anthony Bisner shared the following:
- Cannoneer Club had a very successful dance for middle school students on Saturday, January 21. The dance was well-attended and students had a great time.
- Cannoneer Club and Student Council are planning a dance for students in grades 9-12 on March 10. We hope all will participate.
- Student Council members will be meeting with Ms. DeMento and Mr. Whited on Monday, for our second meeting this year. At the last meeting, we tried some new foods, which went on to the menu. We are hoping to see that again.
- Upstate Images will be here on February 9 to take class and club pictures, as well as the class of 2023 group photo.
C. Committee Report
Audit Committee
There was no report.
Policy Committee
Mrs. Soroka noted that they met on January 24 and the policies discussed are on tonight’s agenda.
First Reading of Revised Policies:
- Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, and Other Substances (Staff)
- Registration and Professional Learning
Board of Education Discussion
Heather Soroka noted that the Steering Committee held a meeting on January 26. We reviewed the district’s comprehensive plan and discussed APPR plan changes that have been updated since the changes to the fourth grade science assessment. We explored potential ESSA accountability metrics for 2022-23 and discussed potential strategies for growth. The Committee will meet again at the end of the year.
Mrs. Senecal echoed Dr. Stevens and Mrs. Richards comments about recent events we’ve had, including the dance. The Cannoneer Club and Student Council are doing a lot of things to make sure the community is involved. It is nice to see so many things going on at the elementary and junior high levels. There were a lot of people at the spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Mr. Delisle was a huge help, as well Mrs. Fronzczek and Mrs. Zawistowski and her family members. There was a lot of staff and community support for the event. The girls’ and boys’ basketball games were well-attended, as well.
Ms. DeMento invited everyone to attend International Night on March 21 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. It is a district-wide event. We are looking for more people to participate in the cultural performances. There will be food sampling and tables representing different nations and cultures.
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the revised appointment of the following Coaches for the Fall 2022 Season, as recommended by the Superintendent;
WATERVLIET JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Matthew McGrath: transfer from Varsity Football Volunteer Coach to Varsity Football Assistant Coach, at a stipend of $1,000.00
Gabe Smith: transfer from Varsity Football Assistant Coach to Varsity Football Volunteer Coach
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Michael Psomas, from the position of Full-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, effective January 3, 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 Janina Rudzinski, from the position of Math AIS/Building Substitute Teacher, at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective January 18, 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 Margaret Bell, from the position of Full-Time Cafeteria Worker at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective January 26, 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 appointment of Heather Swinney to the position of Part-Time Night Cafeteria Worker, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, at her current hourly rate, effective January 9, 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 transfer of John DeGeorge from the position of Part-Time Night Cleaner to the position of Full-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, at a rate of $15.00 per hour, effective January 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 transfer of Kathleen Zito from the position of Math AIS/Building Substitute Teacher to the position of Full-Time Math AIS Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, at a rate of $150.00 per diem, effective January 19, 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 appointment of Jarrod Pierson to the position of Full-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, at a rate of $15.00 per hour, effective January 26, 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 appointment of Chance Fosmire to the position of Substitute Part-Time Night Cleaner, for the Watervliet City School District, beginning January 9, 2023, at rate of $15.00 per hour, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Lauryn Lloyd to the position of Substitute Teacher for the ExTRA Program effective January 17, 2023, at a rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Brian White, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and accepted 4-0 (Heather Soroka abstained), 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, as recommended by the Superintendent:
WATERVLIET JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Coaching Spring:
Boys’ Outdoor Track: Melique Garcia
Girls’ Outdoor Track: Thomas Hayes
Varsity Softball: Michael Bendon
Modified Softball: Beth Jones
Volunteer Softball: John Jones, Josh Bagnardi
Varsity Baseball: Pete Soroka
Volunteer Baseball: Mark Cady
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packets #8 and #9).
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of January 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 Treasurer’s Report for the month of December 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 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 2021 CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
- Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C.
Invoice # 126379
$567.52 - DLC Electric, LLC
Payment App #021
$45,002.08 - Gallo Construction
Payment App #018
$46,162.38 - RF Gordon Mechanical
Payment App #013
$93,382.22
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the request to close out the following defunct extracurricular accounts at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Environmental Club
- Class of 2016
- Class of 2018
- Class of 2019
- Class of 2022
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 held January 10, 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 January 5, January 6, January 11, January 13, January 17, January 18, January 24, January 27, and January 28, 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 meeting held January 11, 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 Sport Merger between the Watervliet City School District and Heatley School District for the following sports programs, beginning with the Spring 2023 season, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Baseball
- Softball
- Outdoor Track
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the 2023–2024 School District Calendar, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, per Education Law §3012-d, the Board approved and adopted the Revised APPR Plan, effective September 6, 2022 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 approved the following Student Teacher requests at the Watervliet Elementary School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Name(s): Gabrielle Lupe
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher(s): Samantha Walsh
Dates: Spring 2023 Semester
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of old/outdated/damaged books from the Watervliet Elementary School Library, recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board, pursuant to §1950 of Education Law, approved the Watervliet City School District’s nomination of John (Jack) Phelan as a candidate to serve a three-year term as a Capital Region BOCES Board Member for the period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026 representing Albany County.
Board of Education Discussion
Mrs. Senecal noted that the next meeting is March 1. Assemblymember McDonald is on the schedule to attend the meeting. She asked Dr. Stevens to share information on a legislative event he attended.
Dr. Stevens shared information on the Capital Region BOCES Legislative Committee efforts, including hosting a Legislative breakfast for elected officials and their staff members, where they shared some of the committee’s advocacy efforts and priorities including fully-funded foundation aid, UPK regulatory and funding changes, the need for more mental health treatment centers and beds, and concerns with electric buses and the deadline being imposed on districts. The legislators in attendance echoed our concerns and have asked us to draft some bills that they can take a look at and share with their colleagues and move through the legislative branch.
Executive Session
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board entered into executive session at 6:34 p.m. to discuss matters leading to the discipline of a particular person.
Adjournment
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board