Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York 12189
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
June 10, 2021
6 p.m.
Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School
A G E N D A
I. Call to Order President Amanda Cavanaugh
II. Attendance
President Amanda Cavanaugh
Vice President Sheri Senecal
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Timothy Delisle
Superintendent Dr. Lori S. Caplan
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Comment
In accordance with Board Policy Number 1510, the privilege of speaking from the floor will be extended to any person in attendance. Persons desiring to speak shall be required to give their name and address and will be limited to three (3) minutes for their presentation. The time allowed each speaker may be adjusted by the chair. The speaker’s privilege may also be terminated by the chair if found to be out of order.
V. Reports/Comments
Districtwide Equity Workshops and Planning Presentation Introduction Don Stevens
- WJSHS Equity Action Plan Dan Ciaramella, Ashley Dorn and Madeline Rehm
- WES Equity Action Plan Jeanne Lance and Khalan McNeff
- Superintendent’s Report
- Student Council Report
- Committee Reports
- Audit Committee
- Policy Committee
- Second Reading of New / Revised Policies:
- Education of Students in Foster Care
- Title IX Sex Discrimination
VI. Board of Education Discussion
VIII. Personnel Items
1. Resolved that the Board abolish the Director of Programs and Pupil Services in the Watervliet Administrators’ Association unit, and create the position of Director of Special Education and Student Support Services in the Watervliet Administrators’ Union, as recommended by the Superintendent.
2. Resolved that the Board award the status of tenure to Ashley Dorn, in the area of Music, effective September 1, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
3. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Lori Sand, from the position of Teaching Assistant at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective June 25, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
4. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Sarah Horasczek to the position of Director of Special Education and Student Support Services, in the tenure area of Administration, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning July 9, 2021, at a Step 2 salary, per contract. The probationary period shall expire on July 8, 2025, contingent upon satisfactory compliance with Education Law Sections 3012 and/or 3012-d. Sarah Horasczek holds a certification as School District Leader (certificate #1385409201).
5. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Hilary Boyer to the position of High School Band Teacher, in the tenure area of Music, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 1, 2021, at a Step 5 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 1, 2025, contingent upon achievement of effective or highly effective APPR ratings necessary to receive tenure throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d. Hilary Boyer holds a Music certification (certificate #793975131).
6. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Andrew Cowie to the position of Instrumental Music Teacher, in the tenure area of Music, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 1, 2021, at a Step 2 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 1, 2025, contingent upon achievement of effective or highly effective APPR ratings necessary to receive tenure throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d. Andrew Cowie holds a Music certification (certificate #1337352191).
7. Resolved that the Board approve the probationary appointment of Carol Waters to the position of Cafeteria Worker, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning May 25, 2021 and ending May 25, 2022, at an hourly rate of $12.50, as recommended by the Superintendent.
8. Resolved that the Board approve the transfer of Christina Ploof from Part-Time Cafeteria Worker to a Full-Time Cafeteria Worker at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective July 1, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
9. Resolved that the Board approve the transfer of Brandon Dallas from Part-Time Night Cleaner to Full-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, effective June 14, 2021, at a rate of $15.00 per hour, as recommended by the Superintendent.
10. Resolved that the Board approve the transfer of Daniel Moore from Part-Time Night Cleaner to Full-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, effective June 14, 2021, at a rate of $15.00 per hour, as recommended by the Superintendent
11. Resolved that the Board approve an additional four (4) work days per person during the summer for Veronica Bedard and Danielle Tetrault, Watervliet City School District Psychologists, as recommended by the Superintendent.
12. Resolved that the Board approve the following ExTRA Summer Academy 2021 appointments at a salary as per contract:
Sarah Hulslander, Kindergarten
Michaeleen Backus, Grade 1
Adrienne Todd, Grade 2
Samantha Walsh, Grade 3
Jeanne Lance, Grades 4/5
Dan Ciaramella, Grades 6/7
Ryan Little, Grades 7/8
Caroline Purdy, Grades 7/8
Molly Byron ELA, Grades 9-12
Becky Jones Social Studies, Grades 9-12
Ashleigh Fraley Science, Grades 9-12
Brian Hoefer PE, Grades K-12 (Part-time: 0.5)
Kelsey Logan PE, Grades K-12 (Part-time: 0.5)
David Olszewski Counselor, Grades K-12 (Part-time: 0.5)
Louisa Boehlert Vaughan, Counselor, Grades K-12 (Part-time: 0.5)
Sue Vogel, Nurse
Karen Mahar, TA, Grades K/1
AJ Ferris, TA, Grades 2/3
Robina Hussain, TA, Grades 4/5
Brenda Zawistowski, TA, Grades 6/7
Gina Smith, Substitute
Jennifer Hoefer, Substitute
Tina Shufelt, Substitute
13. Resolved that the Board approve the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packet #9).
X. Business Items
14. Resolved that the Board approve the following Treasurer’s Reports for the month of April 2021, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Schedule of Warrants & Payrolls
Revenue Status Report
Cash & Investments
Appropriation Status Report
15. Resolved that the Board accept the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of May 2021, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
16. Resolved that the Board approve the following payment requests, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
WATERVLIET 2020 CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
- DLC Electric, LLC Application #001, $41,049.50
- Gallo Construction, Application #001, $40,548.28
- General Roofing Contractors, Application #001, $118,750.00
17. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $954.00 for one (1) student who resides within the Watervliet City School District and attends a private or parochial school within the Bethlehem Central School District during the 2020-21 school year for a total cost of $954.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
18. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $646.93 for sixteen (16) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the Lansingburgh Central School District during the 2020-21 school year for a total cost of $10,350.88, as recommended by the Superintendent.
19. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $748.41 for twenty-nine (29) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the North Colonie Central School District during the 2020-21 school year for a total cost of $21,703.89, as recommended by the Superintendent.
20. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $779.09 for five (5) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the South Colonie Central School District during the 2020-21 school year for a total cost of $3,895.45, as recommended by the Superintendent.
21. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $968.91 for four (4) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District during the 2020-21 school year for a total cost of $3,875.64, as recommended by the Superintendent.
22. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $613.62 for two (2) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the Wynantskill Union Free School District during the 2020-21 school year for a total cost of $1,227.24, as recommended by the Superintendent.
23. Resolved that the Board approve the employer non-elective contribution of $36,000.00 to the 403B account of Theresa Bradway for Unused Sick Leave upon her retirement from the Watervliet City School District, effective June 30, 2021, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools of the Enlarged City School District of Watervliet and the Watervliet Teachers’ Association, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
24. Resolved that the Board approve the employer non-elective contribution of $36,000.00 to the 403B account of Jeff Roberts for Unused Sick Leave upon his retirement from the Watervliet City School District, effective June 30, 2021, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools of the Enlarged City School District of Watervliet and the Watervliet Teachers’ Association, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
25. Whereas, on April 23, 2020 the Board of Education of the Watervliet City School District by resolution established the Debt Service Reserve Fund pursuant to Section 6-l of the General Municipal Law; and,
Whereas, the Watervliet City School District anticipates that future debt service liabilities will exceed the expected Building Aid received from the State to fund such liabilities, and,
Whereas, the Watervliet City School District wishes to cover a portion of the amount of the District’s future liability for debt service and therefore, reducing the local cost of said liabilities for 2021-22 and beyond.
Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that:
1. The Watervliet City School District Board of Education directs the Business Manager to transfer the amount of $500,000.00 from the District’s Unappropriated Fund Balance into the Debt Service Reserve Fund to cover a portion of the District’s future liability for debt service for 2021-22 and beyond.
2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
26. Whereas, on June 19, 2012 the Board of Education of the Watervliet City School District by resolution established the Employee Benefit Accrued Liability (EBALR) Reserve Fund pursuant to Section 6-p of the General Municipal Law; and,
Whereas, the Watervliet City School District anticipates that there will be future liabilities for accrued employee benefits due to employees per the terms of their respective contracts or working agreements upon termination of service; and
Whereas, the Watervliet City School District wishes to cover a portion of the amount of the District’s potential future liability for accrued employee benefits due to employees per the terms of their respective contracts or working agreements upon termination of service.
Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that:
1. The Watervliet City School District Board of Education directs the Business Manager to transfer the amount of $100,000.00 from the District’s Unappropriated Fund Balance into the Employee Benefit Accrued Liability (EBALR) Reserve Fund to cover potential future liabilities for accrued employee benefits due to employees upon termination of service for 2021-22 and beyond.
2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
27. Whereas, on April 23, 2020 the Board of Education of the Watervliet City School District by resolution established the Retirement Contribution Reserve Sub-Fund pursuant to Section 6-r of the General Municipal Law; and,
Whereas, employer contribution rates to the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System are expected to increase in the fiscal years 2021-22 and beyond; and,
Whereas, the Watervliet City School District wishes to cover a portion of the amount of the District’s potential future liability for employer contributions to the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) for 2021-22 and beyond.
Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that:
1. The Watervliet City School District Board of Education directs the Business Manager to transfer the amount of $100,000.00 from the District’s Unappropriated Fund Balance into the Retirement Contribution Reserve Sub-Fund to cover a portion of the District’s future liability for employer contributions to the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) for 2021-22 and beyond.
2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
28. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the Memorandum of Agreement between the Watervliet Teachers Association and the Watervliet City School District, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
29. Resolved that the Board approve the Data Privacy Addendum with Snapwiz, Inc. (dba Edulastic), as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
XI. Other Items
30. Resolved that the Board approve the Board of Education Minutes for the meetings held May 11, May 18, May 20, and May 26, 2021, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
31. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held April 30, May 7, May 10, May 17, May 18, May 20, May 21, May 24, May 25, and May 27, 2021, submitted by Veronica Bedard, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
32. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held April 28, May 5, May 12, and May 19, 2021, submitted by Veronica Bedard, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
33. Resolved that the Board adopt the following policies, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Education of Students in Foster Care
- Title IX Sex Discrimination
XII. Board Discussion
XIII. Adjournment
Addendum
34. Resolved that the Board accept the retirement request of David Capitula from the position of Lead Bus Driver for the Watervliet City School District, effective June 30, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.