Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York

Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: March 10, 2022
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:06 p.m.
Where: Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School

Board Members present:

President Amanda Cavanaugh
Vice President Sheri Senecal
Mary Beth Whited
Heather Soroka
Timothy Delisle

Superintendent: Dr. Donald Stevens, Jr.

The meeting was opened at 6:06 p.m., with President Cavanaugh officiating.

Public Comment

There were no public comments.

Reports/Comments

• Building Project Update Presentation CSArch

Dr. Stevens noted that ARPA funds from the CARES Act will be used to purchase new signs, garage addition and generators.

Mrs. Cavanaugh asked when they expect to be completely done with the project.

Mr. Nickerson responded that the current project is scheduled to be completed in August. The additional work will have to go through SED for approval before it can begin.

Mrs. Senecal asked if the Board would see what the additions will look like prior to installation.

Mr. Nickerson stated that they would follow up with the Board once the designs are made.

Dr. Stevens added that we recently received approval for our ARPA funds, so we are at the beginning of the process.

• 2022-23 Budget Presentation Keith Heid

Mrs. Cavanaugh asked why the tax base growth factor went down.

Mr. Heid responded that that number is determined by the tax and finance department, measuring the increase in tax base with brick and mortar construction. Because Watervliet does not have much room for development, we historically see a very low number.

Mrs. Cavanaugh noted that there was new construction by the old Al Tech property.

Mr. Heid noted that there was a PILOT for that property, based on actual construction, so that number will grow as construction is completed. In ten years, after the PILOT is complete, they will come on to the tax roll.

Mrs. Senecal asked about the impact the required change to electric buses will have on the budget.

Dr. Stevens noted that the change is planned for 2027 with full implementation by 2035. He stated that he asked for daily mileage for our buses to determine how long they could keep a charge. As a small district, we should be okay, however the larger districts may have a problem, due to the size of their bus routes. He also noted that the cost of an electric bus is about three times the amount of a regular bus.

Dr. Stevens cautioned everyone that although we have a large foundation aid increase, we need to spend cautiously.

Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if we were able to apply for matching funds through the state for anything we earmarked under the CARES Act.

Dr. Stevens responded that he has applied for everything that is available and there are a lot of things we will be able to use the funding for.

Mr. Heid added that we tried not to use the funds for anything that would have a legacy clause, so if the funding went away, we wouldn’t have to carry those costs in the future.

Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if work was done to get all employees up to at least minimum wage or more.

Mr. Heid responded that the market has been very hard on positions such as bus drivers, cafeteria monitors, maintenance workers, lunch monitors, etc., and increases were given, but it will be discussed during budget talks.

State Budget Overview Assembly Member John McDonald

A. Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Stevens shared the following:

• Masks are now optional. This has been a positive change and allows students and staff to wear masks at their own discretion.
• COVID numbers are low. The Mitigation Plan is still in effect, with a layered approach to social distancing, hand-washing, etc.
• Thank you to Assembly Member John McDonald, who is a strong advocate for schools. He is a great listener, and he understands where schools are coming from. We have participated in weekly meetings for the last month and it has been great to engage in conversation about what our kids need to be successful.
• We had an exciting Cabin Fever Day on the day before February break. We had a scavenger hunt, played bingo, reading buddies, a staff vs. students basketball game, etc. It was a fun day.
• Tomorrow is a Superintendent’s conference day. Administrators will present on DEI, RTI, IEP writing, student behavior, and mental health. A great lunch is also planned.
• We will be supporting St. Nicholas Ukranian Church’s drive to support Ukraine. The Cannoneer Club is also working on fundraising efforts for Ukraine.
• I attended a NYSCOSS conference this week. We talked about building a culture of love. We will explore what that will look like. A big portion was about DEI and the policies and practices districts have in place.
• The Culinary Club will be providing snacks prior to the May Board of Education Meeting.

  Mrs. Cavanaugh asked how things are going with our school resource officer.

Dr. Stevens responded that things are going well and Officer Tito is in our buildings more often than not. We love having him here. He attended an SRO conference during February break and came back with a wealth of knowledge. March 10, 2022

B. Student Council Report

There was no student council report.

C. Committee Reports

• Policy Committee

Mrs. Whited noted that the committee met and reviewed two policies. Both have been sent to the attorney.

Board of Education Discussion

There was no Board discussion.

Items Requiring Board Action

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Misty Meacham, from the position of Part-Time Cafeteria Worker at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective February 16, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Sara Krempecki, from the position of Part-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, effective February 18, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Nicholas Leone, from the position of Full-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, effective February 28, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the retirement request of Cecilia Nicolaescu from the position of Physics Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective June 30, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the unpaid leave request for Carrie Ann Swift-Huntley, effective February 14, 2022 through May 13, 2022, to return on May 14, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the leave request for Brittney Garhartt, effective June 7, 2022 through the 2022-2023 school year, to return at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the revised leave request for Kristin Lofink, effective September 1, 2021 through February 27, 2022, to return February 28, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Rebecca Smith to the position of Administrative Aide, for the Watervliet City School District, for a one-year probationary period beginning March 1, 2022, at a pro-rated yearly salary of $36,000.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency provisional appointment of Nicholas Leone to the position of Clerk Typist, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, pending civil service examination results, for a one-year probationary period beginning March 1, 2022, at a pro-rated yearly salary of $25,500.00, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Dylan Lukowski to the position of English Language Arts Teacher, in the tenure area of English Language Arts at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning February 28, 2022, at a Step 1 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. Dylan Lukowski holds an English Language Arts certification (certificate #1518544211).

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency transfer of Paula Weaver 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 February 28, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Michele DeGuire to the position of Home Tutor for the Watervliet Elementary School, effective February 14, 2022, at an hourly rate of $25.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Chelsie Clickner to the position of Home Tutor for the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective February 15, 2022, at an hourly rate of $25.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packets #6 and #7).

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of February 2022, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Treasurer’s Reports for the month of December 2021, 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 Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle 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

Atlantic Testing Lab.
Invoice #237561
$604.00
DLC Electric, LLC
Payment App # 010
$36,119.00
Gallo Construction
Payment App # 010
$9,476.42

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board postponed indefinitely the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Watervliet City School District (“Board”) is considering to undertake a potential project consisting of certain rehabilitation, replacement, reconstruction, repairs, and other improvements to its existing facilities, the components of which are more particularly set forth in the determinations below; and

WHEREAS, the Board wishes to fully comply with its obligations under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and the regulations thereunder with respect to the proposed action; and

WHEREAS, the Board declares Watervliet City School District as lead agency for purpose of SEQRA; and

WHEREAS, upon review of the foregoing, the Board makes the following determinations:

1) The proposed action involves certain rehabilitation, replacement, reconstruction, repairs, and other improvements to its existing facilities, the components of which are more particularly set forth as the installation of stand-by electrical power generators at the Watervliet High School and Watervliet Elementary School, installation of exterior digital display signs at the Watervliet High School and Watervliet Elementary School, construction of a small addition to the existing storage building at the Watervliet High School Athletic Field, and minor miscellaneous building envelope, mechanical equipment, and electrical improvements including associated site work and incidental costs at both the Watervliet High School and Watervliet Elementary School (“Work”).

2) The proposed project represents maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in an existing structure or facility within the meaning of 6 NYCRR $617.5(cX1); and/or alternatively the replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure of facility in kind within the meaning of 6 NYCRRS 617.5(c)(2); and/ or alternatively a routine activity of an educational institution, including the expansion of existing facilities by less than 10,000 feet of gross floor area, within the meaning of 6 NYCRR $617.(c)(8).

3) The proposed action will in no case have a significant adverse impact based on the environment based on the criteria contained in 6 NYCRR $ 617.7 (c), and is not otherwise a Type I action as defined by 6 NYCRR $ 617.4.

4) The proposed action is a Type II action within the meaning of 6 NYCRR 611.5 and is therefore not subject to review under SEQRA and the regulations thereunder.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Bid Results, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• 2022 Chevy Suburban
  DePaula Chevrolet – $57,495.00
• 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Pickup Truck
  DePaula Chevrolet – $54,440.00

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the Memorandum of Agreement between the Watervliet Teachers Association and the Watervliet City School District, regarding the Letter of Intent to Retire and Unused Sick Days, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Translation Services Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Frontline Technologies Group, LLC, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meetings held January 13, 2022 and March 1, 2022, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held January 26, February 2, February 3, February 7, February 15, and February 17, 2022, submitted by Veronica Bedard and Danielle Tetrault, CSE Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held February 16, 2022, submitted by Sarah Horaczek, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the 504 Committee’s recommendations for the meeting held January 31, 2022, submitted by Veronica Bedard and Danielle Tetrault, 504 Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following home schooling requests for the 2021 – 2022 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Student: Lucian Selby, Grade 7
Parent/Guardian: Chara Saddlemire

Student: Keira Just, Grade 9
Parent/Guardian: Seanna Just

Student: Anthony Grasso Grade 2
Parent/Guardian: Anthony Grasso, Sr.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Timothy Delisle 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): Janina Rudzinski
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher(s): Jennifer Williams
Dates: 2022 Spring and Fall Semesters

Name(s): Mikaela Jeffers
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher(s): Michelle Brown
Dates: 2022 Spring Semester

On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Sheri Senecal and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the Watervliet City School District Board of Education (BOE) seeks to undertake a capital project consisting of building repairs, athletic garage expansion, loading dock repairs, retaining wall repairs, pavement upgrades, digital school sign installations and electrical / stand by generator installations at the following school sites:

1. Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School
2. Watervliet Elementary School

WHEREAS, the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) and the regulations thereunder require the BOE to undertake a review of the potential environmental impacts, if any, associated with project before undertaking same;

WHEREAS, renovations, maintenance and modifications are classified as Type II under Section 617.5 and are not subject to SEQR review; and

WHEREAS, related project components consisting of maintenance, replacement or rehabilitation of existing facilities within a building or outside of a building are classified as Type II under Section 617.5 and are not subject to SEQR review; and

WHEREAS, the reconstruction and replacement of pavement and infrastructure on the school sites is replacement-in-kind, meeting the definition of Type II work under Section 617.5;

WHEREAS, the work does not include any building construction or expansion beyond 10,000 SF, meeting the definition of Type II work under Section 617.5;

WHEREAS, the Watervliet City School District Improvements described at the various sites above meet the definition of Type II work under Section 617.5;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the BOE concludes that no further action is required and SEQR is thereby concluded for this project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution shall be sent to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the NYS Department of Education as an involved agency.

Adjournment

On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Sheri Senecal and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board