Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: December 13, 2022
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6 p.m.
Where: Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School
Board Members Present:
President Sheri Senecal
Vice President Mary Beth Whited
Heather Soroka
Timothy Delisle
Brian White
Superintendent Dr. Donald Stevens Jr.
Student Council Rep: Cassandra Zawistowski
The meeting was opened at 6:00 p.m., with President Senecal officiating.
Pubic Comment
There were no public comments.
Reports/Comments
How has COVID Impacted the Work We are Doing? Presentation Ryan Groat
& Jessie Richards
A. Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Stevens shared the following:
- Thank you to both Mr. Groat and Mrs. Richards for their presentation and for sharing what they are seeing due to the impact of COVID.
- Thank you to those who attended the Harlem Wizards game. Special thank you to Meg Fronczek and the Cannoneer Club. It was a packed house and it was a lot of fun.
- The Jr. – Sr. High School Winter concert was held last Wednesday. It was incredible! Tomorrow we have the Elementary School Winter concert. All are welcome to attend.
- The mayor has informed us that the City will once again hold a Christmas parade on Wednesday, December 21. We will be decorating a school bus and board members and administrators are welcome to join us.
- On Friday, there is a NERIC Tech Awareness Day, so I will be attending that for part of the day.
- Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season, no matter what tradition you celebrate.
- Be sure to stop by and root on the girls’ basketball team tonight. The game starts at 6:30. Be sure to stop by on your way out.
B. Student Council Report
Cassandra Zawistowski shared the following:
- Everyone had a great time at the Harlem Wizards game and it was fun to watch. It was a great event for the community and it was nice to see so many people at the event.
- We had our first meeting of the year with Mr. Whited and Ms. DeMento to talk about both breakfasts and lunches. Mr. Whited prepared foods for us to sample and put on future menus, and he answered any questions we had. It was very nice to meet with them. We will have 2-3 more meetings with them in the coming months.
- Thank you to Dr. Stevens and Mrs. Webster for putting together the December calendar. It is fun and we are learning things about the different cultures and celebrations all over the world.
- On behalf of the Student Council, Happy Holidays to the Board of Education and everyone else here. We will see you in 2023.
Mrs. Senecal told Miss Zawistowski about a “Build A Bed” event that is coming up in March, in case Student Council would like to put a group together to volunteer.
C. Committee Reports
Audit Committee
Mrs. Whited noted that the Committee met last Monday with Dr. Stevens and Mr. Heid. Mr. Heid provided the Corrective Action Plan that will be presented to the Auditors.
Policy Committee
Mrs. Soroka noted there was no policy committee meeting, but they are planning to meet in January.
First Reading of Revised Policies:
- Public Access to Records
- Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment in the District
- Title IX and Sex Discrimination
- Sexual Harassment of Students
Second Reading of Revised Policies:
- Appointments and Designations by the Board of Education
- Absentee Ballots
- Budget Adoption
- Acceptance of Gifts, Grants, and Bequests to the District
- Financial Accountability
- Records Management
- Privacy and Security for Student Data and Teacher and Principal Data
- School Safety Plans
- Fire and Emergency Drills, Bomb Threats and Bus Emergency Drills
- School Bus Safety
- Idling School Buses on School Grounds
- Qualifications of Bus Drivers
- Textbooks, Library Materials, and Other Instructional Materials
- Objection to Instructional Materials and Controversial Issues
Board of Education Discussion
Mrs. Senecal shared the following:
- Thanks to everyone who made all of the events possible. Without everyone’s help, these events could not be held. It’s a great way for kids to enjoy some family fun.
- A few Board members were able to volunteer at the Breakfast with Santa event, which was a great event and very well-received.
- The winter concert was a great event. The drum circle was very cool. She stated that she is looking forward to seeing them perform again, and added that Mrs. Dorn and Mr. Cowie did a great job.
- She asked Mr. Wareing if events are still being livestreamed for those who cannot attend.
Dr. Stevens noted that links to the YouTube channel are on the top of the athletics web page.
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board removed from the table and postponed indefinitely the appointment of Hannah O’Neill to the position of Winter Cheerleading Coach for the 2022–2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Kimberly Burns, from the position of Full-Time Bus Driver for the Watervliet City School District, effective November 17, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Jim Lyndsay, from the position of Tutor for the Watervliet City School District, effective December 2, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the termination of the teaching overage for Todd Birmingham for the 2022–2023 academic school year at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective November 28, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Molly McGrath as Title IX Compliance Officer for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Kayla Freeden to the position of Band Teacher, in the tenure area of Music, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning January 3, 2023, at a Step 3 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on January 3, 2027, 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. Kayla Freeden holds a Music Education (K-12) certification (certificate #11342275191).
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Janina Rudzinski to the position of Math AIS/Building Substitute Teacher, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning December 19, 2022, at a rate of $150.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Kathleen Zito to the position of Math AIS/Building Substitute Teacher, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning December 19, 2022, at a rate of $150.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following staff as Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School Club Advisors for the 2022–2023 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Donna Belokopitsky, Class of 2025 Co-Advisor
Brenda Zawistowski, Class of 2025 Co-Advisor
Nikki LaBoissiere, Class of 2026 Advisor
Christa Farruggio, Yearbook Advisor
Meg Fronczek, Varsity/Cannoneer Club Advisor
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following staff as Watervliet Elementary School Club Advisors for the 2022–2023 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Tina Spenard, Student Ambassador Co-Advisor
Brenda Zawistowski, Student Ambassador Co-Advisor
Geraldine Ferris, Garden Club Advisor
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board appointed the following Coaches for the 2022– 2023 school year, pending fingerprint clearance and fulfillment of NYSED coaching requirements, at a rate as per contract (unless outlined below), as recommended by the Superintendent:
WATERVLIET JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Coaching Winter:
- Basketball Volunteer: Zach Sierra
- Track and Field Volunteer: Christopher Mannolini-Adams, Rolis Graham
- Cheerleading: Alexa Brierly, Paige Martin (Co-Coaches)
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packet #5).
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of November 2022, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Treasurer’s Reports for the month of October 2022, 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 Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Bid Result, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
New 2023 GMC 3500HD Sierra Pickup Truck with Hydraulic Snowplow
• Goldstein Buick GMC: $53,587.50
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited 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
CSArch – A/E (10/22)
Invoice # 4819
$6,481.45
CSArch – CM (10/22)
Invoice # 4820
$12,670.96
DLC Electric, LLC
Payment App # 019 100
$837.42
Gallo Construction
Payment App # 017
$18,620.46
Trane U.S. Inc.
Invoice # 312686822
$430.00
Invoice # 312728987
$12,559.90
Invoice # 312781444
$1,090.00
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board authorized the signature on checks issued against the Watervliet High School Extracurricular Account to be that of Jessie Richards, Watervliet High School Principal, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approve the Corrective Action Plan, prepared and submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, in response to the Watervliet City School District’s Independent Audit Report for the period ended June 30, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following:
WHEREAS, the Watervliet City School District Board of Education (BOE) seeks to undertake a capital project consisting of building renovations, storage building expansion, loading dock reconstruction, retaining wall reconstruction, pavement upgrades, digital school sign installations and electrical / stand by generator installations at the following school sites:
1. Watervliet Junior / Senior High School
2. Watervliet Elementary School
WHEREAS, the Watervliet City School District will utilize the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant for the cost of the capital project, updated from the September 13, 2022 resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the following to cover the 2022 ARPA Project capital project expenses:
- $2,124,960.00 to be expended from the ARPA grant.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Addendum to the Memorandum of Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and the City of Watervliet for a School Resource Officer Program, effective December 14, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved an amendment to the Employee Benefits Documents for Non-Aligned Employees, Cook Manager, Managerial/Confidential Employees, and Cafeteria Workers and Lunchroom Monitors, for the 2022–2023 school year, allowing for the Christmas Eve. holiday to be observed on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 instead of Friday, December 23, 2022, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board waived a second reading and adopt the following policies, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Public Access to Records
- Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment in the District
- Title IX and Sex Discrimination
- Sexual Harassment of Students
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board deleted the following policies, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Contingency Budget
- School Bus Safety Program
- Curriculum Development, Resources and Evaluation
- Selection of Library and Multimedia Materials
- Objection to Instructional Materials
- Controversial Issues
- Textbooks/Workbooks/Calculators/Instructional Computer Hardware
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting held November 8, 2022, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held October 26, October 27, October 28, November 3, November 15, November 16, November 17, November 28, November 29, November 30 and December 2, 2022, submitted by Veronica Bedard and Danielle Tetrault, CSE Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held November 7 and November 16, 2022, submitted by Molly McGrath, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the home schooling requests of the parents/guardians of the following students, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Student ID 900011722 – grade 8
- Student ID 900013014 – grade 6
- Student ID 900014396 – grade 12
- Student ID 900014122 – grade 12
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited 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): Rachel Kelly
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher(s): Gina Smith, Stephanie Maes, Kate Diaco, Marypat Murtagh, Mikayla Rossier, Tina LaValee, Denise Cusack
Dates: 11/28/22 – 12/12/22 - Name(s): Laura Borrelli
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher(s): Samantha Walsh
Dates: Spring 2023 semester - Name(s): Tiffany Valentin
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher(s): Amanda Ciampi
Dates: Spring 2023 semester - Name(s): Christina Bruno
Role: Student Observer
Cooperating Teacher(s): Suzanne Vogel
Dates: Spring 2023 semester
On a motion by Timothy Delisle, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of broken/irreparable/outdated computer technology equipment, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Brian White and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the $1,500.00 donation from Richard and Susan Denue, to the Watervliet Elementary School, to be used to purchase holiday gifts for elementary students in need, as recommended by the Superintendent.
Board of Education Discussion
Mrs. Senecal shared the following:
- Our next Board of Education meeting is Tuesday, January 10.
- Wished everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
Adjournment
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board