Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Date: March 12, 2020
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 5:04 p.m.
Where: Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School
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 5:04 p.m., with President Senecal officiating.
Executive Session
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board entered into executive session at 5:05 p.m. to discuss:
• matters related to the Superintendent’s contract.
Reconvene
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board reconvened at 6:07 p.m.
Public Comment
Vice President, Heather Soroka, introduced Kamao Douglas, Pathways Student, and Michelle Jones, General Counsel for BOCES. Kamao shared his positive experience in the Pathways program, which led him to obtaining a job at NERIC. Ms. Jones congratulated Kamao on his accomplishments.
Kyle Daniels, WHSHS Junior – Thanked Mr. Hoffman, Mrs. Cavanaugh and Mrs. Whited for attending the Pizza Clash fundraiser. $2,500 was raised. They are hoping for even more participation next year. Congratulations to Mr. Whited, who won the Kesha tickets.
Darryl Whited noted that the VIP Dance on February 13 was a great event and it was well-attended.
Old Business
There was no old business to be discussed.
Administrative Reports/Presentations
Budget Conversation: Assembly Member John McDonald
Middle School Matters Presentation: Maria DeNovio
President Senecal asked if the district has copies of the book referenced in Miss DeNovio’s presentation. Miss DeNovio responded that the district does have copies available.
Student Council Report
There was no student council report.
Board Discussion
Mrs. Senecal noted the following:
- The April board meeting has been moved to April 8. There will be a presentation on the proposed 2020 – 2021 budget.
- Thank you to the public for voting in favor of the proposed capital project.
- Condolences to the family of long-time WJSHS cafeteria worker, “Flo” Florence Sgambelluri.
- Thank you to John McDonald, for the budget update.
- Thank you to the WJSHS staff for putting together a great career day.
- Dr. Seuss Week at WES was great.
- Best of luck to the Drama Club, on their upcoming production.
- Congratulations to Terri Bradway and the Delta Force singing group on being selected to perform at the Next Generation Barbershop 2020 Chorus Invitational. Everyone should attend the upcoming Café Night.
- Congratulations to Masterminds on their recent victory.
- Thank you to everyone for their awareness in addressing the Corona virus.
Mrs. Cavanaugh noted that she thought the Pizza Clash was the most organized and put together than it has ever been. Great job!
Mary Beth Whited noted that Dr. Seuss Week was awesome and the kids had a ball.
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting held February 4, 2020, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held February 12, 2020, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held February 11, February 24, February 25, February 27, and February 28, 2020, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packets #13 and #14).
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Treasurer’s Reports for the month of January 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 Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Vacation Buy-back Payment for unused vacation leave accrued as of January 31, 2020, in the amount of $3,400.00 for Peter Sutherland, upon his retirement from the Watervliet City School District, effective January 24, 2020, per the terms of the Employee Benefits Document for Non-Aligned Employees, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved 4-0 (Mary Beth Whited abstained), the Board approved the request to increase the hourly rate of pay to $15.00 for Darryl Whited, Substitute Bus Driver for the Watervliet City School District, effective September 1, 2019, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Matt Plew from the position of Assistant Outdoor Track Coach, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Katerina Derocher to the position of Cafeteria Worker, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning February 24, 2020 and ending February 24, 2021, at an hourly rate of $12.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Charles Rorie to the position of Lunch Monitor, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning February 3, 2020 and ending February 3, 2021, at an hourly rate of $12.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Christina Coogan to the position of Elementary Art Teacher, in the tenure area of Elementary Art Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning March 18, 2020, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on March 18, 2024, 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. Christina Coogan holds a Visual Arts certification (certificate #1057953161).
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Casey Thompson to the position of Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher, Grade 6, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning March 9, 2020, at a rate of $125.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Nick Yatrakis to the position of Assistant Outdoor Track Coach, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, for the 2019 – 2020 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Christa Farruggio to the position of Long-Term Substitute PIVOT Program Teacher, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective March 2, 2020 at an hourly rate of $33.33, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Yuriy Berin to the position MasterMinds Advisor, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective February 25, 2020 and continuing through the remainder of the 2019 – 2020 school year, at a prorated stipend of $380.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency appointment of Ashleigh Fraley to the position Chemical Hygiene Officer, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective March 1, 2020 and continuing through the remainder of the 2019 – 2020 school year, at a prorated stipend of $644.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the request for the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School Delta Force à capella singing group to attend and perform at the Next Generation Barbershop 2020 Chorus Invitational in New York City, January 21–24, 2021. Delta Force will be fundraising to pay for all expenses associated with this trip.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the request for RPI Students from the Engineering Ambassador Program to work with 9th grade students in the PIVOT Program at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, March 3–5, 2020, 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 request for Kageyama Yumi, a Business major at Siena College, to assist with the PIVOT Program’s Shark Tank Unit at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, for a 5-week period beginning March 1, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Student Teacher/Observer request at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Name: Baylee West
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher: Alison Novotarski
Dates: Spring 2020 Semester
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and accepted 4-0 (Sheri Senecal abstained), the Board approved the following Student Teacher/Observer requests at the Watervliet Elementary School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Name: Vanessa Fulmore
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher: Samantha Walsh
Dates: Spring 2020 Semester - Name: Liliana Battibulli
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher: Samantha Walsh
Dates: Spring 2020 Semester - Name: Jessica Senecal
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher: Rachel Manning
Dates: Spring 2020 Semester - Name: Daniel Short
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher: Michele DeGuire
Dates: Spring 2020 Semester - Name: Julianna McCabe
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher: Kara Cunningham
Dates: Spring 2020 Semester
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the addition of two English classes and revision of one science class: Diversity Through Text: One School, Many Voices; Shakespearience; and Current Topics in Stem, to be offered to qualified students at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School beginning in the 2020–2021 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the award of $1,000 from Dicks Sporting Goods “Sports Matters” Program, to the Watervliet City School District Athletic Department, to be used to purchase uniforms and supplies, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of obsolete/damaged technology equipment, as outlined in the attached, submitted by Kirsten DeMento, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of obsolete/damaged/outdated textbooks, as outlined in the attached, submitted by Donald Stevens, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Victoria Eddy-Helenek dated March 9, 2020, and authorize the Superintendent to take all necessary action to carry out the terms of the settlement.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation, for the purpose of retirement, of Victoria Eddy-Helenek from the position of Chemistry Teacher, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective June 30, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.
New Business
There was no new business to be discussed.
Administrators’ Comments
Mrs. Webster noted that she spent a couple of days at BOCES working on curriculum writing. Things look great and people are putting in lots of hard work. She also noted that they used Watervliet’s curriculum writing as an example.
Mr. Foust noted that Read Across America week was great.
Mr. Groat shared the following:
- There will be a staff meeting next Wednesday involving physical activity. All are welcome to participate.
- Next Friday is the Superintendent’s Conference Day. Lunch will be provided for all staff members for $5.00. It will include pizza, salad and fruit.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Caplan shared the following:
- Pages from the NYSCOSS annual winter convention, at which she presented.
- Thank you to John McDonald for supporting and advocating for the district.
- Congratulations to all winter athlete teams.
- Her sympathy for Flo, noting she was a kind person with a great presence. She will be missed.
- Congratulations to Mrs. Soroka on the birth of her grandson.
- Kamal’s attendance tonight underscores the reason why BOCES slots are budgeted for. We plan to increase the number of slots for the upcoming school year.
Mrs. Soroka added that when Kamal and Ms. Jones approached her at a BOCES board meeting, she suggested that they attend tonight’s meeting to share his story.
- An update on how the district is handling the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that she has a standing phone call with BOCES component districts 2 times per week. In light of the pandemic, the district is changing and/or modifying upcoming events, including:
- The dodgeball event is cancelled.
- The Drama Club production will only be held on Friday and Saturday; Sunday’s show is cancelled.
- Student Teachers and Substitute Teachers from SUNY Albany will not be returning to the district until further notice. Other colleges will be here on a day-to-day basis.
- Elderly volunteers will be suspended until further notice.
- There will be no more visits to the senior center until further notice.
- Extracurricular clubs and athletics will go on as planned.
- We have ordered NYS hand sanitizer and extra cleaning supplies.
- The inside of buildings is a priority. There will be no outdoor groundskeeping until further notice.
- Laptop sanitizers have been ordered.
- In the event that the district has to close, plans to feed students is being ironed out.
- We have no cases of COVID-19.
- The decision to close is not up to me.
- If we do close, staff that must report is being ironed out.
- We are awaiting clarification on the 180 day rule and whether or not a waiver will be given if we have to shut down.
Mr. Stevens added that we are working on learning options to support students in the event of a closure.
Dr. Caplan noted that we encourage all staff to utilize Google Classroom.
Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if we have seen an uptick in visitors to the health office.
Dr. Caplan responded that due to HIPAA, we don’t know if there has been an uptick. Absences are being tracked.
Judy Frost added that we are posting updates regularly. She encouraged parents to make sure the contact information the district has on file is up to date.
Mr. Stevens noted that they will be filming a video tomorrow which will show proper handwashing. It will be shown in all classrooms.
Dr. Caplan noted that everyone should stay calm and use this as a teachable moment.
Adjournment
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Steven Hoffman, and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 7:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board