Watervliet City School District > Board of Education > Meeting Schedule, Agendas and Minutes > Board of Education Regular Meeting: July 2, 2024

Board of Education Regular Meeting: July 2, 2024

Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: July 2, 2024
Type of Meeting: Organizational Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:02 p.m.
Where: Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School
Board Members Present:
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Brian White
Victoria Donnelly
Kyle Daniels
Superintendent: Dr. Donald Stevens Jr.
The meeting opened at 6:02 p.m., with Superintendent Stevens officiating.

Oath of Office

Superintendent Stevens administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Kyle Daniels.  Mr. Daniels will serve a three-year term of office.

Public Comment

There were no public comments.

Election of Board Officers     

On a motion by Kyle Daniels, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board appointed Mary Beth Whited as President and  Brian White as Vice President of the Board of Education.
Mrs. Whited took over officiating the meeting.

Reports/Comments

  1. Superintendent’s Report
    Dr. Stevens shared the following:

    • Welcome to the board of education, Kyle Daniels.  Congratulations to Mary Beth Whited on being elected as president and Brian White on being elected as vice president of the board of education.
    • Thank you all BOE members for attending the end of year events. 
    • Thank you to the board for amending my contract and continuing to work together.
    • The attorney has suggested July 23 for the board retreat.  Can all BOE members let me know if this date works for them?
    • Summer school will start Monday with over 200 students attending.  ESY will start, as well.  The civic center program has already started.  We look forward to a busy summer ahead of us.
    • Michael Lopez, our new assistant principal at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, is here tonight.  Mr. Lopez is coming from Albany City Schools and will start on August 1, 2024.
      • Mr. Lopez introduced himself to the board.
    • Jessica Grogan, our new elementary teacher is also here tonight. Welcome, Jessica.
    • Beth Jones, who is being appointed as an elementary teacher, would have been here tonight but she is stuck in Lake Erie.  She is watching via the livestream.
  2. Committee Reports
    1. Audit Committee – There was no Audit Committee report.
    2. Policy Committee
Second Reading of Revised Policy:
Student Gender Identity
First Reading of Revised Policies:
Wellness Policy
Minutes
Absentee, Military and Early Mail Ballots
Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment in the District
Administration of the Budget
Inspection, Operation and Maintenance
School Safety Plans
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Evaluation of Personnel
Probation and Tenure
Determination of Employment Status: Employee or Independent Contractor
Leaves of Absence
Remote Instruction
Sports and the Athletic Program
Student Voter Registration and Pre-Registration
Student Physicals
Concussion Management
Child Abuse and Maltreatment

Board of Education Discussion

The District Level Safety Plan has been uploaded to the district web site and will be available for public review on the web site, or in-person, for 30 days.  A public hearing will be held at the August Board of Education Meeting. If the public has any comments, they can send them to the boepubliccomment@vlietschools.org.

Items Requiring Board Action

On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded the appointment of Bob Senecal from the position of Volunteer Varsity Assistant Softball Coach at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded the appointment of Lisa Leone from the position of Food Service Worker for the 2024 Summer Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Catherine Casey from the position of Assistant Principal at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective July 12, 2024, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Eva Ortiz from the position of Cafeteria Worker at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective June 21, 2024, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Michael Lopez to the position of Assistant Principal, in the tenure area of Administration, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning August 1, 2024, at a salary of $97,500, per WAA contract. The probationary period shall expire on August 1, 2028, contingent upon satisfactory compliance with Education Law Sections 3012 and/or 3012-d.  Michael Lopez holds a School Building Leader certification (certificate #1352423191).
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Summer School 2024 appointment at a salary as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Hall Monitor Mary Burke
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Extended School Year (ESY) 2024 appointments at a salary as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Substitutes: Melissa Smith, Annemarie Gleason
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Angela Quinonez to the position of ENL Teacher, in the tenure area of English to Speakers of Other Languages, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 3 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract, contingent upon receipt of required NYS certification.  Angela will continue here probationary period, which shall expire January 2, 2028, 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.
  
On a motion by Kyle Daniels seconded by Victoria Donnelly and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Jessica Grogan to the position of Elementary Teacher, in the tenure area of Elementary Education, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 7 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire September 3, 2028, 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.  Jessica Grogan holds a Childhood Education (1-6) certification, (certificate #946103151).
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Jennifer Stella to the position of Music Teacher, in the tenure area of Music K-12, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 4 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire September 3, 2028, 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.  Jennifer Stella holds a Music certification, (certificate #1798169241).
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Janina Rudzinski to the position of Elementary Teacher, in the tenure area of Elementary Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire September 3, 2028, 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.  Janina Rudzinski holds a Childhood Education (1-6) certification, (certificate #1677359231).
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Jason Vasquez to the position of ENL Teacher, in the tenure area of English as a Second Language, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract, contingent upon receipt of required NYS certification.  The probationary period shall expire September 3, 2028, 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.
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Kyle Daniels and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Elizabeth Jones to the position of Elementary Teacher, in the tenure area of Elementary Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 2 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  Elizabeth Jones will continue her current probationary period, which shall expire September 3, 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.  Elizabeth Jones holds a Childhood Education (1-6) certification, (certificate #1809577241).
 
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Abby Lammon to the position of Art Teacher, in the tenure area of Art, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract, contingent upon receipt of required NYS certification.  The probationary period shall expire September 3, 2028, 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.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Emma Buck to the position of Teaching Assistant, in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning July 8, 2024, at a Step 1 salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on July 8, 2028, 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.  Emma Buck holds a Teaching Assistant, Level I, certification (certificate #1780281241).
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Melissa Smith to the position of Teaching Assistant, in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning July 8, 2024, at a Step 1 salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on July 8, 2028, 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.  Melissa Smith holds a Teaching Assistant, Level I, certification (certificate #1800587241).
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Summer Lunch Program 2024 appointments, at a salary as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School
    • Jazmin Givens
  • Watervliet Elementary School
    • Emily Shufelt
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following staff to the positions outlined below for the 2024–2025 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Chemical Hygiene Officer: Jaclynne Bishop
  • Health Coordinator: Dennis Lane
  • Computer Coordinator WES/WJSHS (1.0): Allison Novotarski
  • Computer Coordinator WES (.5): Samantha Walsh
  • Computer Coordinator WJSHS (.5): Rebecca Sweeney
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment  of the following staff as ExTRA Club & APEX Advisors for the 2024–2025 school year, at the rate outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
ExTRA Club – Watervliet Elementary School:
Michele Deguire & Janice Sogoian – Homework Help (Gr. 3-5) ($25.20/hr.)
Arianna Dockstader & Kaylee Maldonado – Arts & Crafts Club Co-Advisors ($1,107)
Heidi Waldron – Substitute
ExTRA Club – Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School:
Kerry Degnan – Homework Help (Gr. 6-8) ($25.20/hr.)
APEX:
Kelsey Logan – Health ($37.33/hr.)
Kerry Degnan – Math ($37.33/hr.)
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly 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 2024 – 2025 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Department Chairs:
  • Social Studies:  Scott Emerson  
  • Science/Technology: Walter Bowden
  • Physical Education and Health:  Dennis Lane
Class Advisors: 
  • Class of 2025: Brenda Zawistowski (Co-Advisor)
  • Junior High Student Council: Jackie Bishop
  • Student Council: Scott Emerson (Co-Advisor)
  • National Junior Honor Society: Brenda Zawistowski 
  • National Honor Society: Scott Emerson (Co-Advisor)
  • Yearbook Editor: Caitlyn Santiago
  • Newspaper/Morning Announcements: Rebecca Sweeney
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appoint the following Coaches for the 2024– 2025 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:
Modified Football: John Bolt
Esports: Matt Kellish
Varsity Cheer: Paige Martin
Varsity Assistant Volleyball: Elizabeth Jones
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved 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, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, at a salary of $14,312.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Treasurer’s Reports for the month of May 2024, 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 Victoria Donnelly 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 2020 CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
Colonie Mechanical Invoice # Q18689 $9,868.02
TRANE Invoice # 314590625 $4,770.00
TRANE Invoice # 314630144 $2,456.00
WATERVLIET 2022 ARPA CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
DLC Electric Payment App. # 014 $30,328.75
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following contracts for Health & Welfare Services for students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the following school districts during the 2023 – 2024 school year:
School District: Troy CSD
Cost per Student: $825.33
# of Students: 16
Total Cost: $13,205.28
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board designated Utica National Insurance Group (OneGroup) as the property & casualty insurance carrier for the Watervliet City School District for the 2024 – 2025 school year, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board designated Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. as the Student Accident insurance carrier for the Watervliet City School District for the 2024 –2025 school year, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board designated the following banks as Official Depository of Funds, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Bank of America
  • JP Morgan Chase Bank
  • Pioneer Savings Bank
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved 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.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the designation of The Troy Record as the official newspaper, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board established 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
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following appointments, effective July 1, 2024, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Name: Bernadette L. Boardman
Position: Clerk of the Board
Stipend: $3,000.00
Name: Keith Heid
Position: Tax Collector
Stipend: $1,500.00
Name: Robin Donovan
Position: Transportation Coordinator
Stipend: $1,500.00
Name: TBD  
Position: Activity Treasurer WCSD
Stipend: $1,500.00
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following appointments, effective July 1, 2024, 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 Medical Directors – Lori Caruso, M.D. & William Kostun, M.D.
Internal Claims Auditor – Michaeleen Backus
Faculty Auditor for Extracurricular Activities Account – TBD
Attorney – Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC 
Purchasing Agent – Dani Jones 
Pesticide Representative – Donald Ploof
Asbestos LEA Designee – Donald Ploof
FOIL Officer – Bernadette Boardman
Residency Determination Officer – Donald Stevens Jr.
Chief Safety Officer – Donald Stevens Jr.
Records Management Officer – Araela VanWagner
Data Protection Officer – Kirsten DeMento
Civil Right Compliance Officers – Kirsten DeMento & Molly McGrath
Title IX Coordinators – Kirsten DeMento & Molly McGrath
Dignity Act Coordinators – Alison Santiago (WES) & Madelyn Degler (WJSHS)
Attendance Officer – Brenda Zawistowski
Liaison for Homeless Children and Youth – Kirsten DeMento
Chief Emergency Officer – Donald Stevens Jr.
Designated Educational Official – Donald Stevens Jr.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved 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
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board authorized 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.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board authorized 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.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board authorized the Superintendent of Schools to:
  • Sign all applications for all State & 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.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the creation of a Coordinator of Student Support Services position for the Watervliet City School District, beginning August 15, 2024, at a Director’s salary as per the Administrators’ contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Brian White seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following bid results, submitted by Darryl Whited, Cook Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
U.S. Foods Perishables, Frozen and Canned Goods
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the Fee Agreement between Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC and the Watervliet City School District, for the 2024 – 25 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved 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, 2024–June 21, 2025, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Agreement for Services with the Center for Disability Services, for services provided to students placed in the Langan School Program and/or the Langan Extended School Year Program effective July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved 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, 2024–June 30, 2025, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Special Education Services Contract with St. Catherine’s Center for Children, for services provided to students placed in the R&E May School, effective July 1, 2024–August 31, 2024, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Participation Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and E2CCB BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board adopted the following revised policy, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Student Gender Identity
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board deleted the following policies, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Medicaid Compliance Program
  • Jury Duty
  • Bullying in the Schools
  • Use of Time Out Rooms
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meetings held June 11 and June 24, 2024, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held May 13, May 30, June 4, June 5, June 7, June 10, June 11, June 12, June 13, June 18, and June 20, 2024, submitted by Molly McGrath, Veronica Wilson, Rebecca Phillips and Daniele Tetrault, CSE Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held June 12, 2024, submitted by Molly McGrath, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White 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/Director
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 6-12)
Daniele Tetrault, CSE Chairperson /School Psychologist (Grades K-5)
Rebecca Phillips, CSE Chairperson /School Psychologist (Grades K-12)
Molly McGrath, Chairperson/Director of Special Education
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)
Alexa Giardino, Jessica Erickson, 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/Director of Special Education
Veronica Bedard, Chairperson (Grades 6-12)/School Psychologist
Katelyn McAvoy, Chairperson (Grades 9-12)/School Counselor
David Olszewski, Chairperson (Grades 9-12)/School Counselor
Rebecca Phillips, Chairperson (Grades K-12)/School Psychologist
Chelsie Clickner, Chairperson (Grades 6-8)/School Counselor
Daniele Tetrault, Chairperson (Grades K-5)/School Psychologist
Student’s Regular Ed. Teacher
School Counselor
Other persons having knowledge or special expertise regarding students (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 Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board appointed Scott O’Brien as the surrogate parent for the 2024–2025 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following District-wide School Safety Team as recommended by the Superintendent:
Dr. Donald Stevens, Superintendent 
Kelly Webster, Assistant Superintendent Administrator
Kirsten DeMento, Director
Molly McGrath, Director
Jessie Richards, WHS Administrator
Ryan Groat, WES Administrator
Chrissy Daniels, Administrative Assistant/Parent, WHS
Jackie Bishop, Chemical Hygiene Officer/Teacher
William Rice, Watervliet Police Chief
Dennis Lane, Teacher/Health Coordinator
Thomas Garrett, Watervliet Fire Chief 
Allison Santiago, Social Worker WES
Danielle McKee, Social Worker WHS
Sue Vogel, School Nurse WES
Dakota Hewitt, School Nurse WHS
Robin Donovan, Transportation Coordinator
Mary Beth Whited, School Board Member
Tito Negron, SRO
BOCES Risk Management Representative
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the request for Jania Dockery to take the Instructional Coaching course (15 credits) at Grand Canyon University beginning July 18, 2024, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the request for Rebecca Sweeney, to serve as an Administrative Intern for the Watervliet City School District for a total of 600 hours during the 2024–2025 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the Revised Professional Development Plan 2023–2026 for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the home schooling request of the parent/guardian of the following student, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Student ID 900014673 – grade 8
  • Student ID 900014672 – grade 7
  • Student ID 900014671 – grade 2
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following paid holidays for Full-Time, 12-Month Administrators (WAA) and Full-Time, 12-Month Management Confidential Staff and associated agreements of the Watervliet City School District, effective July 1, 2024, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Independence Day (7/4)
  • Labor Day (9/2)
  • Columbus Day (10/14)
  • Veterans Day (11/11)
  • Wednesday before Thanksgiving (11/27)
  • Thanksgiving Day (11/28)
  • Friday after Thanksgiving (11/29)
  • December Break (12/23)
  • Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (12/24 and 12/25)
  • New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (12/31 and 1/1)
  • Martin Luther King Day (1/20)
  • President’s Day (2/17)
  • February Break (2/21)
  • April Break (4/14)
  • Memorial Day (5/23 and 5/26) 
  • Juneteenth (6/19)
On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following dates as Regular Board of Education Meetings for 2024–2025:
  • July 2 (Organizational Meeting) 
  • August 6
  • September 10
  • October 8
  • November 12
  • December 10
  • January 14
  • February 11
  • March 11
  • April 8 (Proposed Budget Adoption)
  • April 23 (BOCES Budget Vote)
  • May 6 (Regular Board of Education Meeting/Budget Hearing)
  • May 20 School District Budget Vote & Election (Board meets to receive and accept results – 8:30 p.m.)
  • June 10

Board Discussion

There was no additional Board discussion.

Adjournment

On a motion by Victoria Donnelly seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 6:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board