Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York

Board of Education
Special Meeting
Date: September 15, 2021
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:03 p.m.
Where: Livestream

Board Members Present:

President, Amanda Cavanaugh
Vice President Sheri Senecal (joined at 6:08 p.m.)
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Timothy Delisle

Superintendent: Dr. Lori S. Caplan

The meeting was opened at 6:03 p.m., with President Cavanaugh officiating.

Public Comment

There were no public comments.

Board of Education Discussion

There was no Board of Education discussion.

Items Requiring Board Action

On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the leave request for Michaeleen Backus, to fill a one-year leave of absence teaching position, effective September 1, 2021 through the 2021 – 2022 school year, to return at the start of the 2022 – 2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Michaeleen Backus to the position of Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher, Grade 2, at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 1, 2021, at a Step 1 rate per contract, 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 Paula Sharpe (Weaver) to the position of Lunch Monitor, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning September 9, 2021 and ending September 9, 2022, at an hourly rate of $15.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Amber Craver to the position of Cafeteria Worker, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning September 16, 2021 and ending September 16, 2022, at an hourly rate of $15.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board removed from the table the resolution on the Revised COVID-19 Layered Mitigation Protocols.

The Board discussed the revised COVID-19 Layered Mitigation Plan as it relates to community use of the facilities and allowing more spectators to attend games, while in a red zone. Comparisons with other district’s plans were noted. It was decided that the community could use outdoor facilities, due to the protocols the district has put in place, but indoor use would not be allowed. It was also decided that requiring spectators to wear masks and provide proof of vaccination for entry would allow for a safe increase in capacity to 50% for outdoor sports. For indoor sports, it was decided that two spectators per player would be allowed if they were vaccinated, masked, and socially-distanced.

On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted, with additional modifications, the Revised COVID-19 Layered Mitigation Protocols: 2021 – 2022 for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.

Mrs. Cavanaugh thanked everyone for participating in the discussion, as we try to balance getting back to normal with keeping kids safe.

Adjournment

On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board