Watervliet City School District > Board of Education > Meeting Schedule, Agendas and Minutes > Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes June 2, 2020

Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes June 2, 2020

Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York

Board of Education

Regular Meeting

Date: June 2, 2020
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:00 PM
Where: Livestream

Board Members Present:
President Sheri Senecal
Vice President Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Steven Hoffman
Amanda Cavanaugh

Superintendent: Dr. Lori S. Caplan

The meeting was opened at 6:00 P.M., with President Sheri Senecal officiating.

Public Comment

There were no public comments.

Old Business

There was no old business to be discussed.

Administrative Reports/Presentations

Second Reading of New Policy:

    • Privacy and Security for Student Data and Teacher and Principal Data

Meet the Candidates

There are two candidates running for two open seats on the Board of Education. Each candidate will serve a three-year term, commencing on July 1, 2020. Candidates Timothy Delisle and Mary Beth Whited said a few words about themselves and why they are running for the Board of Education.

2020 – 2021 Budget Hearing

Keith Heid presented the 2020 – 2021 budget and allowed for questions.

  • Amanda Cavanaugh asked when the ballots were mailed out.
  • Mr. Heid responded that ballot mailing will be addressed later in the meeting.

Student Council Report

There was no student council report presented.

Items Requiring Board Action

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the adoption of the new policy, Privacy and Security for Student Data and Teacher and Principal Data, as recommended by the Superintendent.

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 May 19, 2020, 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 Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held May 13, 2020, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, 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 May 12, May 13, May 14, May 15, May 18 and May 19, 2020, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, 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 Reports for the months of March 2020 and April 2020, 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 payment of $17,730.00 to Victoria Eddy-Helenek upon her retirement from the Watervliet City School District, effective June 30, 2020, per the terms of the agreement between the Watervliet Teachers’ Association and 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 contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $860.00 for 1 student who resides within the Watervliet City School District and attends a private or parochial school in the Bethlehem Central School District beginning September 2019 through June 2020 for a total cost of $860.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $618.48 for 13 students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend private and parochial schools in the Lansingburgh Central School District beginning September 2019 through June 2020 for a total cost of $8,040.24, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $707.80 for 24 students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend private and parochial schools in the North Colonie Central School District beginning September 2019 through June 2020 for a total cost of $16,987.20, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $234.44 for 1 student who resides within the Watervliet City School District and attends a private or parochial school in the North Greenbush Common School District beginning September 2019 through June 2020 for a total cost of $234.44, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $771.56 for 4 students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend private and parochial schools in the South Colonie Central School District beginning September 2019 through June 2020 for a total cost of $3,086.24, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $496.65 for 4 students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend private and parochial schools in the Wynantskill Union Free School District beginning September 2019 through June 2020 for a total cost of $1,986.60, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board amended the Employment Agreement between Dr. Lori S. Caplan and the Watervliet City School District dated January 3, 2012, and authorizes the Board President to execute said addendum and authorizes payment(s) in accordance therewith.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the voluntary transfer of Rachel Alric from Reading Teacher to Elementary Education Teacher, effective September 2, 2020.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Rachel Alric to the position of Elementary Teacher, in the tenure area of Elementary Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 2, 2020, at a Step 12 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 2, 2023, contingent upon achievement of effective or highly effective APPR ratings necessary to receive tenure throughout her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d. Rachel Alric holds a Childhood Education certification (certificate #723127131).

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Extended School Year (ESY) Summer 2020 appointments at a salary as per contract:

  • Denise Cusack Special Ed. Teacher, Distance Learning, Grades K-2
  • Kaitlyn Shannon Special Ed. Teacher, Distance Learning, Grades 3-4
  • Daniel Mueller Special Ed. Teacher, Distance Learning, Grades 5-6
  • Lyndsay Moore Special Ed. Teacher, Distance Learning, Grades 7-9
  • Jennifer Donovan Speech Therapist, Distance Learning, 2 days per week
  • Beth Lipson Social Worker, Distance Learning, 3 days per week

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following resolution:

Resolved that the School Calendar previously adopted by the Watervliet City School District Board of Education for the 2019 – 2020 school year is hereby amended, as may be necessary, and implemented by the Superintendent of Schools to comply with all existing and to be issued Executive Orders issued by the Governor of the State of New York that impact the school year or the operation of schools in any manner, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the accepted, with thanks, the donation of 1,000 Face Masks and Bottles of Hand Sanitizer from the Watervliet Police Department, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board thanked and recognized Briana DelBene for organizing a fundraiser through DonorsChoose.org for various books, games and puzzles to give to students and families for learning activities at home, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board thanked and recognized Ms. Danielle Woodruff, for volunteering to take over the garden in back of WJSHS, as recommended by the Superintendent.

Board Discussion

Mrs. Senecal shared the following:

  • Thank you to Steven Hoffman for his service on the Board. You will be missed.
  • Thank you to the Mayor and National Grid for hanging the banner on 19th Street.
  • Congratulations on the inductees into the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society. Well done!
  • Pre-K registration has been extended to June 18.
  • Thanks to students, staff, coaches and administrators for all of your hard work during the pandemic. We wish our students the best.

Mary Beth Whited shared the following:

  • Mayor Patricelli introduced me to Miss Woodruff. She has a Facebook page called “The Garden on Hillside” offering what she grows to the community. She will be making vegetables available from the WHS garden as well.

Amanda Cavanaugh noted that she noticed that Mr. Gadsden is participating in the meeting. Our country is in trouble. Our students are suffering. Take time to open our eyes and hearts to do better. I look forward to discussions on school culture moving forward.

Sheri Senecal added that our District has been doing things but will probably do more, which Dr. Caplan can address.

Mary Beth Whited added that she would like to thank the bus drivers and administrators for delivering 30,000+ meals.

New Business

There was no new business discussed.

Superintendent’s Report/Administrators’ Comments

Dr. Caplan shared the following:

  • Ballots went out today. Keep an eye on your mail. Use the self-addressed envelope to return it. In the high school vestibule, there is a lockbox where it can be dropped off. We will be livestreaming the opening and counting of ballots at 5:00 p.m. BOCES coordinated the entire effort. They will get us aide back on it.
  • We feel we worked really hard to create a fiscally responsible budget. There will be no cuts to people or programs. Our kids deserve it.
  • I invited Allan to be on the line tonight to discuss recent events. We have been talking about race in the Watervliet City School District for years now. We’ve taught our kids to use their voices. I have been very verbal. I believe I have a platform and it is my responsibility to use it to speak up for people that might not have a voice that I have. I am a privileged white person. It doesn’t mean that I can’t hurt for them. I certainly have an obligation to talk about what is transpiring in our world. I sent a letter out to staff, and it is posted to our web site, talking about the connection between the violent outbursts and the pandemic. I am outraged by the violence and equally outraged by the murder of people like George Floyd, etc. It is our responsibility to dismantle institutional racism. I ask people to have the desire to learn and understand. I am calling on everyone to lead with peace, with justice, and learn from what’s happening right now.
  • I want to invited Allan Gadsden to speak today on recent events.

Allan Gadsden shared the following:

  • My heart is heavy. My conscious is heavy. I cannot get the man’s face, that murdered Mr. Floyd, out of my head. Earlier today, I had an opportunity to spend time and share with 7th graders. It was hard, but important to share my pain with them. The District has laid a foundation that makes it easy to talk to the kids. From the moment I came the district, I was shocked that everyone in Administration embraced conversations regarding race and diversity issues.
  • Thank you to all of them. Thank you to Kelly Webster and Dave Wareing. The district laid a foundation for me to sit and talk with kids and express myself. Circles were started to allow students to use their voices. I ask all of you to just be understanding to what is going on in the world. This has been going on for decades and I finally feel like I can have uncomfortable conversations. Students of color can have these conversations and you can see where they are coming from. The fears are real. Young children of color don’t make these things up. I drive through three different police departments on my way to school. I fear three different police departments on the way. I can share with you what I see through my lens, which has been filled with tears.
  • Conversations can lead to understanding and will help with the healing process. It’s going to be a long road. This is only the beginning. I’m not happy yet. There are three other officers that need to be held accountable. I’m more than willing to talk to anyone any time.

Dr. Caplan added that you can see why Allan is such a great addition to our staff. He serves many roles and is a resource to not only students, but staff, administrators and the community. We have great conversations with the kids. Emotions are raw and it’s really hard not being with the kids right now. I’m sure they can use a hug. Thank you Mr. Gadsden.

Mrs. Senecal thanked Mr. Gadsden for speaking tonight.

Kirsten DeMento shared the following:

  • Thank you the cafeteria staff for all of their hard work during the pandemic. Buses will be ending June 16. Summer locations will start June 17. See the web site for more information.
  • Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if Stan the Veggie Man will be returning this summer.
  • Ms. DeMento stated that Stan will be returning July 1 – August 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. They will have “to go” bags. People will need to wear masks.

Ms. DeMento also noted:

  • PK and UPK registration is ongoing. There is currently a waitlist for the 3-year old room.
  • We have a new UPK provider, the Boys’ and Girls’ Club. One room will be full-day. See the web site for more information.
  • Thank you to Steve for being on the Board and joining the SAVE Meeting.

Janelle Yanni shared the following Special Education update:

  • We will be providing extended school year for self-contained students via distance learning, July 6 – August 14.
  • Next school year, there will be two self-contained classrooms at the elementary and junior-senior high school levels. These programs will allow us to bring students back in district.
  • Thank you to Mr. Heid.
  • Thank you to Darryl and Mary Beth Whited. The sandwiches and salads provided for the luncheon were delicious.

Ryan Groat noted the following:

  • Thank you to Mr. Hoffman. His work is really appreciated.
  • To Mr. Gadsden: from the moment he interviewed, we knew he was special. We are lucky to have him. Difficult conversations have been taking place. I cannot wait to continue that work.
  • Graduation plans have been made. We are trying to follow orders from the CDC. It will involve a procession from the WES. They will be stopping in places in the building. We will have a videographer/photographer with an open-air photo machine in the cafeteria. Students can get pics with their school counselor, then go the gym where Dr. Caplan and Mr. Groat will be. The Board of Education will be on the upper level/track. Students will be announced, they will walk through to the stage, see their advisor and get their tassels turned. They will then exit the building.

David Wareing shared the following:

  • End of the year virtual varsity banquets will be held next week. Information will be sent out in the next couple of days.
  • Thank you to Mr. Hoffman. You will be missed.
  • I appreciate Mr. Gadsden. All are welcome to jump in and help. We are starting to look for sophomores and juniors to be on SMAC.

Maria DeNovio noted the following:

  • Today’s middle school zoom meeting was very powerful, raw and emotional. The kids had questions, concerns, and confusion. The adults helped process it for them. Mr. Gadsden did a wonderful job with the kids.
  • We received a gold star status for “No Place for Hate.”
  • The 7th grade had a parent information zoom session today. It is going very well.
  • Thank you to Mr. Hoffman.
  • Shout out to Mr. Capitula for bus deliveries and city tours during food deliveries.

Kelly Webster shared the following:

  • I am worried for my friends, my husband and children – not just my own. Thank you to Mr. Gadsden for conversation and guidance. I appreciate your friendship.
  • Once again, we received a gold star status for our “No Place for Hate” program. We had five events this year.
  • Invitations for the 6th grade moving up ceremony were sent out. It will be held virtually on June 16 at 9:00 a.m.
  • Information regarding picking up supplies and dropping off chrome books will be sent via One Call Now.
  • Thank you to Mr. Hoffman. I wish you luck.

Donald Stevens shared the following:

  • Mr. Gadsden, I stand with you. I appreciate you and what you stand for and what you’ve brought to this district. Today’s session, and others, have been some of the most defining moments as an educator.
  • Last day of school is June 17. Lots of information has been shared with teachers about grading. Parents and caregivers should be on the lookout, as grading might look different.
  • No student is failing. They will receive an incomplete and we hope to give them enough support to help them pass. K-12 students will have the ability to do a summer academy remotely. Grades 7-12 will have a remote summer school.

Michael Foust stated the following:

  • The 6th grade sign and swag bag drop off will be Thursday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. We have a group of volunteer educators from WES who will be helping.
  • Thank you to Mr. Hoffman and best wishes.

Dr. Caplan added the following:

  • Thank you to the Board of Education for approving the addendum to my contract. I appreciate that.
  • This is our last meeting of the year. Although we disagree behind closed doors, we come together. So, thank you to the administrators, who have led like true champions. It is so stressful, at times.
  • I appreciate the Board’s support, the work of the administrators, teachers, support staff, cafeteria staff, maintenance staff, bus drivers, and everyone. Nobody refused to do something. Everybody offered to come in. I cannot say it enough.
  • We don’t have closure, but we have a lot of celebrations coming up.
  • We have a task force set up for re-opening schools.
  • We want to make sure our children in the city stay safe and make good choices. Our summer school is remote. Pool may not be open. Playgrounds may not be open. I worry about the kids. Please do the right thing.
  • Thank you to Steven Hoffman. I’ve known him a really long time. I appreciate him being outspoken and flexible. I will miss him and his sense of humor. Enjoy your family and your granddaughter.

Adjournment

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh, and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 7:06 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board