Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes May 19, 2020

Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York

Board of Education

Regular Meeting

Date: May 19, 2020
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:05 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 6:05 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

• First Reading of New Policy:
  Privacy and Security for Student Data and Teacher and Principal Data
• 2020 – 2021 Budget Presentation: Keith Heid, Business Manager, presented details on the 2020–2021 budget.
  • Mrs. Senecal asked if the savings on BOCES shared services incentive is a one-time savings, after which time there is no benefit.
  • Mr. Heid responded that it is a one-time savings, but the district would still receive aid on those services.
  • Mrs. Whited asked what happens if we do not meet the guidelines for BOCES, in relation to the 30% that we have to spend to get the reimbursement.
  • Mr. Heid responded that the agreements are on a year-to-year basis, so if we find that we are not benefiting from them, we could eliminate it from the 2021 – 2022 budget.
  • Mrs. Whited asked what the cost was for the BOCES employee to come in one day per week.
  • Mr. Heid noted that it costs $27,000.00
  • Mrs. Whited asked about the cost of the products that the district will be purchasing.
  • Dr. Caplan responded that she had looked into the “Farm to School” initiative years ago, but it was too costly for the district, however BOCES started one this year. She stated that the District has an almost $30 million budget and this is a $25,000.00 item, which the district receives aid back on, and it will give students an experience in the cafeteria. The person coming into the district is a trained chef. The program will be reassessed next year.
  • Mrs. Whited asked if the cafeteria ends up losing money, will it come out of the general fund, as opposed to now, where the cafeteria is self-sufficient.
  • Dr. Caplan noted that we get money back no matter what, whether the kids like the breakfast or lunch or not. We operate in the black, because of our federal status which provides free breakfast and lunch.
  • Mrs. Whited asked about costs of products increasing going forward, under this agreement.
  • Dr. Caplan stated that we don’t know yet if there will be an increase because it’s a cooperative bid, so the more schools that are a part of it, the better the pricing will be.
  • Mrs. Whited asked how many schools are a part of this shared service right now.
  • Dr. Caplan stated that she does not know, because the BOCES commitment was just put in on Wednesday.
  • Mrs. Whited asked when we will know how many districts are participating.
  • Dr. Caplan said she could ask BOCES, but this year there were two because it’s a brand new program.
  • Mrs. Whited asked if “Farm to School” is something different than the BOCES shared services, because food services already does “Farm to School” right now.
  • Dr. Caplan stated that we don’t currently do “Farm to School,” however we do the best we can to get as many products from New York State as possible, but the shared service goes out to bid to get products that we could get cooperatively and receive aid back on it, working with a trained chef to improve food services and benefit the students.
  • Mrs. Senecal asked Mr. Heid what other services are considered shared services.
  • Mr. Heid stated that the only two are the food services program and our health and safety management program.
  • Mr. Stevens noted that we have a lot of shared services.
  • Mr. Heid clarified that he was referring to the ones that would be reimbursable through the county incentive.
  • Mrs. Senecal asked what the estimated savings is as a result of the incentive.
  • Mr. Heid noted that it is something that has to be developed between BOCES and the districts, as a result of averaging the costs.
  • Mrs. Cavanaugh asked what the impact on teachers and students will be, as a result of cutting the supplies budget in half, and what can be done to further support them and lessen the impact.
  • Mr. Heid noted that they have asked Principals to reach out to teachers to reevaluate what they have requested for supplies. He noted that we are not talking about pens and pencils and necessary items, but it is up to each individual teacher.
  • Dr. Caplan noted that some ways to save include cutting field trips, ordering less supplies and sporting equipment to account for what is left over from this year as a result of not being in session for three months, possibly discontinuing the use of agendas, etc. She added that it is up to Mr. Groat and Mrs. Webster to work with the teachers to make those determinations.
  • Mrs. Soroka thanked Mr. Heid and Dr. Caplan for saving programs, not laying off staff, and keeping the best interests of our students at the forefront.
  • Dr. Caplan thanked Mrs. Soroka, noting that the absence of staff and the questions surrounding the funding we will receive, made it extremely difficult to create the budget. She noted that every year the district has a revenue problem, not a spending problem, forcing the district to do more with less. She noted that John Heid deferred his salary for this year and for next year, as well. She thanked him and everyone else for their hard work on the budget, which is fiscally responsible and preserves people and programs. She stated that she hopes people remember that on June 9.
  • Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if the cost of PPE, hand sanitizer and additional cleaning supplies were taken into consideration.
  • Dr. Caplan noted that those items are being purchased this year through cooperative bid with BOCES.
  • Mrs. Senecal asked if there was information to share on the process for absentee voting on June 9.
  • Dr. Caplan noted that ballots will be mailed out by the end of next week, they will include a way to certify the ballot, and include self-addressed, stamped envelope. Ballots can be mailed back or put in the drop-box, which will be in front of WJSHS, on the day of the vote, until 5:00 p.m.
  • Dr. Caplan noted that Mary Beth Whited and Tim Delisle are running for the two empty seats. Mr. Hoffman is not seeking re-election.
  • Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if the Board will be meeting via zoom on June 9 to receive the results of the vote.
  • Dr. Caplan noted that we will meet at 8:00 p.m. on the night of the vote.
  • Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if we will be switching to in-person meetings soon, since the capital region is starting to re-open.
  • Dr. Caplan noted that she believes we should wait to get guidance from the Governor before we switch back to in-person meetings.
  • Mr. Hoffman thanked Mr. Heid, Dr. Caplan, Mr. Stevens and the rest of the administration for their valiant efforts during these difficult times, not only with the budget, but with the pandemic.

Student Council Report

There was no Student Council report.

Board Discussion

Mrs. Senecal shared the following:

• The next meeting will be June 2.
• The budget vote/school board election will be June 9.
• Thank you to everyone for all of your extra effort into making sure our students are receiving the services that they need.
• Appreciation for all the effort that everyone is putting into the class of 2020 and the 6th graders moving up.
• The committee has been working on graduation and put together gift bags that were delivered to the seniors today, along with their lawn signs. Many families have expressed appreciation.
• Condolences to Michelle Rosario and her family on her recent loss.

Mr. Hoffman noted that in the past, candidates running for the board were given an opportunity to discuss why they are running. He wondered if Mr. Delisle would be given that opportunity.

Dr. Caplan noted that she didn’t think we did that if candidates were running unopposed.

Mrs. Cavanaugh noted the following:

• Yesterday she was able to drop off the picture frames for the senior gift bags and was blown away by the staff and administrators and their willingness to do whatever it takes for the students.
• She noted that she did not participate in the delivery of the bags, but she enjoyed seeing all the photos.
• She stated that the community never stops showing support and she has seen the same staff members have been constantly helping, volunteering and donating.
• She expressed gratitude to all.

Items Requiring Board Action

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meetings held April 22, 2020 and April 23, 2020, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held April 8, April 29, and May 6 2020, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held April 8, April 9, April 21, April 22, April 23, April 27, May 4, May 5 and May 7, 2020, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board adopted the tentative 2020-21 school district budget in the amount of $28,560,000.00.00, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the 2020 Property Tax Report Card, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board adopted the following resolution:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resolved that the Board rescind the appointment of the following Election Inspectors to work the June 2020 School District Election and Budget vote, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• Watervliet Elementary School: Judith Ethier, Maria Razzano, Tracy Maloney
• Elks Club: Deborah Edwards, Elizabeth Sedgwick

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board adopted the following resolution:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resolved that the Board rescind the appointment of Mark Gilchrist as District Election Machines Supervisor for the June 2020 School District Budget Vote and Election, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board adopted the following resolution:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resolved that the Board approve the appointment of the following individuals to serve as election inspectors for the June 9, 2020 School District Election and Budget Vote, as recommended by the Superintendent:

• David Wareing
• Scott Emerson
• Jeanne Lance
• Theresa Bradway
• Donna Belokopitsky
• Allan Gadsden
• Christina Daniels
• Bernadette Boardman

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the request for Donald Stevens to take EDL 725–Accountability/Leadership for School Districts; EDL 737 – School District Leadership Internship III; EDL730 – Law, Policy, Values: DPC; EDL 741 – Foundation of Inquiry I; EDL 746 – Research Methods I; and EDL 771 – Dissertation Writing I courses at Sage College beginning May 18, 2020, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Michael McFarland from the position of Part-Time Night Cleaner at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective May 14, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Lauren Budniewski from the position of Elementary Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective June 30, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Anna Marie Magyar from the position of Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective June 30, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board adopted the following resolution:

Due to her untimely death, discontinue the employment of Florence Sgambelluri, Food Service Worker, effective at the close of business on January 14, 2020. Ms. Sgambelluri began her employment with the district on September 8, 2006. The district extends its deepest condolences to the family

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the One-Year Extension of Probationary Period for Hilary Justino, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the One-Year Extension of Probationary Period for Ashley Dorn, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Agreement Between the Watervliet Teachers’ Association and the Watervliet City School District, for the 2019 – 2020 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the CLASSDOJO Student Data Privacy Addendum Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Class Dojo, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the Parents Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security (2020), as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted with thanks, the donation of Washable/Reusable Face Coverings and Hand Sanitizer from the Watervliet Police Department, to be provided to essential workers of the WCSD, as recommended by the Superintendent.

New Business

There are two candidates running for two open seats on the Board of Education. Each candidate would serve a three-year term, commending on July 1, 2020:

• Timothy Delisle
• Mary Beth Whited

Mr. Delisle will be invited to introduce himself at the June 2 Board meeting.

Mrs. Whited will speak at the June 2 meeting, as well.

Administrators’ Comments

Mr. Stevens shared the following:

• Everyone did “awesome work” delivering the signs and swag bags to the seniors today. There are lots of pictures on the district’s various twitter accounts.
• We are deep into the process of planning graduation. We have been mapping out the possibilities of what graduation will look like, while allowing students to be able to come with a small group, walk across the stage, receive their diploma and have pictures taken in their caps and gowns. Plans will account for social distancing and the safety of students, staff and the public.
• Plans are also underway to recognize the 6th graders, who will be moving up, and the UPK students who will be moving up.
• We are working really hard to keep things going and we will see how the next couple of weeks pan out.

Mrs. Yanni provided the following brief update for special education:

• Almost all annual review meetings have been completed for both in-district and out-of-district students. They are going very smoothly via Google Meets. Parents great to work with and are well-informed about their child’s progress and recommendations prior to the meeting.
• Several home visits have been conducted to see how we can support students and families during the school closure.
• CSE Chair meetings are being held weekly, facilitated by Capital Region BOCES.
• There are weekly SPED department meetings for both buildings.

Ms. DeMento shared the following:

• Food delivery has been operating for 51 days, serving over 30,000 meals, including breakfasts and lunches.
• With the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, an extra breakfast and lunch will be delivered on Friday.
• Everyone is invited to the UPK Moving Up Ceremonies, being held virtually on Monday, June 15.
• Registration of EPK and UPK has begun. Packets can be picked up between 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. weekdays in the WES lobby, or are available online.

Mr. Wareing noted that end of the year sports banquets will be held virtually. Each team will get a different time assigned to them. There will be specific team awards. Banquets will be June 8, June 10 and June 11. The final awards presentation for the all school awards will be given on June 11. All Board members and administrators are invited.

Mrs. Webster shared the following:

• The community is wonderful. During delivery of the senior signs and bags today, it was great to see former students. I’m grateful to everyone who contributed that effort.
• Plans are in the works for 6th graders moving up. It will be held virtually on June 16 at 9:00 a.m. A link to it will be shared soon.

Mr. Foust added a reminder to check out the link to the Special Persons night, which was supposed to be held last night, but was moved to a virtual event. He thanked all of the teachers who put slideshows together for all of the grade levels, and thanked Miss Frost for putting them on the web site.

Mrs. Whited noted that she watched the Special Persons presentation last night and “it was awesome.”

Mrs. Senecal stated that she watched as well, and it was “very nice.”

Mrs. Cavanaugh said that the presentation and the talent show were both “excellent.” She gave a shout-out to Mrs. Sweeney for the work on her talent show, noting that it was a great way to see students in a different light.

Mr. Hoffman noted that he enjoys Mrs. Webster’s cooking shows. Mrs. Senecal agreed.

Mrs. Webster invited everyone to join her for “Dance Party Fridays.”

Mrs. Cavanaugh noted that her wife, Carol, has a stockpile of costumes that Mrs. Webster is free to borrow any time.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Caplan shared the following:

• Behind where Mr. Stevens is currently seated are the plans for a possible graduation celebration. We are definitely going to do something, keeping social distancing in mind, and ensuring that students are safe while still being able to celebrate with their families and take photos. All staff at WES and WJSHS will be assisting with the event, which will be held on June 17. June 17 is the final day of school and work for teachers, and the graduation ceremony will be held all day long, to spread out students and their families. Seniors are helping with the planning. More details are forthcoming.
• Thank you to the Board, the community, teachers, administrators, staff, and everyone for their patience during this difficult time. We asked for patience so we could prepare the most fiscally-responsible budget. I never thought we would get through this without deep cuts, but we were able to preserve every program. And now the work begins on next year’s budget. We will continue to think of ways to remain fiscally responsible.
• Thank you to the WTA for signing the MOA, which allowed the district to not have to pink slip teachers unnecessarily on April 1.
• My heart began to beat again today, seeing our seniors today. It was exciting and emotional. Signs on the buses were amazing and the seniors were so happy to see the staff.
• The bus drivers are unsung heroes lately. They have been doing everything to help.
• We do have a plan to get students and staff their belongings, which includes maintaining social distance. Schedules will be shared by building principals.
• Congratulations to Alissa Melucci on becoming an RN. She is an amazing addition to the staff and we are lucky to have her.
• Gratitude to John Heid, our part-time treasurer, who has not taken a raise since 2012.
• We “right-sized” our organization years ago, and we don’t have irresponsible expenditures to reign in. Our programs meet the needs of our students and I’m proud of all of the work all of the teachers, administrators, staff, and support staff have done. It was so nice to present them with a budget that preserves everything that they’ve worked so hard for.
• Remember to vote on June 9. Ballots will be sent in the mail.
• There are two other tee shirt fundraisers coming up: one with a “Mt. Rushmore” photo of former coaches and one with the “Watervliet” mural. Sawyer’s has an online store to order them from. All proceeds will be going to the food pantry.
• The food pantry has been a great help to so many, including students. Thank you to Amanda and Meg for that, and thank you to Heather for arranging the books with Meg Matuszek. Both of these resources are invaluable for the community.

Mrs. Senecal added that Lacey Whitman, a junior, developed the recreation design for the Watervliet Mural tee shirt, adding that she is very talented. She also added a thank you to everyone for being so available and doing a lot of extra things. Thanks to those working behind the scenes. We appreciate everyone and we hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to all of our service members as well

Adjournment

On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh, and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board