Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: February 11, 2021
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:04 PM
Where: Livestream
Board Members Prsent:
President Amanda Cavanaugh
Vice President Sheri Senecal
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Timothy Delisle
Superintendent: Dr. Lori S. Caplan
Student Council Rep.: Cherisa Powell
The meeting was opened at 6:04 p.m., with President Cavanaugh officiating.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Reports/Comments
A. Superintendent’s Report
- Watervliet City School District Building Condition Survey Presentation CSArch
Amanda Cavanaugh asked what criteria is used to determine when something is recommended to be fixed and if it is within a five-year limit that it is suggested to be fixed. She also asked if anything in the recommendations are being addressed in the capital project.
Paul Nickerson responded that when building systems are installed, they usually have a 25–30 year life span. After that time frame, there are parts and pieces to mechanical systems that are difficult to find, roofing systems are out of warranty, etc. Usually at that point, we recommend them for replacement. Some items that are part of the capital project are listed in the Building Condition Survey, but we are not listing them as unsatisfactory because they fall into the timeframe of the project.
Tim Delisle asked if those items are currently unsatisfactory.
Paul Nickerson responded that the roofing over the WES library would be indicated as unsatisfactory, however, since there is a plan in place, money has been allocated, drawings have been completed, etc., he is indicating it as satisfactory.
- Executive Budget Overview Presentation Keith Heid
- Winter Sports Program Discussion David Wareing
Dr. Caplan noted that every single student needs “medical clearance,” which is different from a physical. They need medical documentation that they are cleared to play high-risk sports.
Mr. Wareing added that there are waivers for the physicals from last year to be utilized with the updated health history form, which helps students that cannot get in to see their private doctors.
Mrs. Cavanaugh noted that parents have the choice to allow their students to play sports, much like they are allowed to choose between in-person and remote instruction. She asked if all students are able to continue conditioning if we move to sports, or if would there be limits on who could condition.
Mr. Wareing responded that some restructuring of pods may need to take place, but all of the kids who want to condition will be able to.
Mrs. Senecal thanked everyone for all the effort put into the athletic plan, noting that it is a lot for parents to consider allowing their child to return to high-risk sports. She said she appreciates that the plan has many ways to keep everyone safe and she thinks it’s responsible that there are no spectators. She noted that the protocols in place for fist bumps, handshakes, etc. were different between wrestling and basketball, and she believes it should be consistent across all sports, which will eliminate the most risk. She also noted that she is happy to learn that the athletic budget will not be impacted. Finally she stated that she looks forward to a day when we are not just talking about returning to sports, but returning to school, band, chorus, drama club, etc. She said she is happy to see that there are protocols in place to shut things down, should the need arise.
Mr. Wareing responded that removal of fist bumps and handshakes is universal across all sports this year, to remove all unnecessary contact. The sport has gone out of its way to put in extra protocols to prevent as much as possible, knowing it is a high-risk sport.
Mrs. Cavanaugh noted that there is a document for the extracurricular activities, including the arts. They are working on a musical, which could be virtual or otherwise.
Mary Beth Whited noted that any questions she had were answered by Dr. Caplan and Mr. Wareing. She noted that she did reach out to her daughter, a teacher/coach in Georgia, to ask her how they’ve handled school and sports. Her daughter told her there have been very little issues, and their safety protocols are not as stringent as New York State. She believes the safety protocols we have in place will allow us to at least try. She added that administration deserves a round of applause for putting the plan/protocols in place.
Heather Soroka added that a lot of the questions she had were answered by the document that Dr. Caplan sent out and through the presentation Mr. Wareing gave. She asked if the athletes will be tested during a separate time from the students participating in the random COVID testing.
Mr. Wareing responded that we are hoping to have the athletes tested upon arrival, as is done with those participating in the random testing. If that process doesn’t work, they will adjust it as needed.
Mr. Delisle stated that the administration has gone to great lengths to make sure that everyone is safe, with protocols put in place. He stated he doesn’t see any issue with what the district is doing and he cannot see the district doing anything to put anybody in jeopardy. He agreed with Mrs. Whited, stating that they deserve a round of applause and kudos.
Mrs. Cavanaugh thanked everyone for their input. She stated that it makes sense to her to go either way with either playing sports or holding off. She said seeing the work that Mr. Wareing has put in on behalf of the athletes and watching the news clip on Channel 13 with all of the students working out with masks on and going through all of it, coupled with the reality that kids who can play travel sports are already playing. Our students are the ones suffering. She added that she is pretty comfortable with moving forward with our students playing sports and if the Board is comfortable, we could walk on a resolution later in the agenda.
Mrs. Senecal asked Mr. Wareing what would happen if someone becomes symptomatic while they are at an away game, since our students have to ride the bus together and, since there are no spectators, they cannot get a ride home with mom or dad.
Mr. Wareing responded that if we were at an away game, we would have different options, such as having a parent pick them up, or transporting the student separately on the bus while the game is going on. It depends on the timing of when symptoms would arise. There would also be staff available at the home school to assist, as well.
Mrs. Cavanaugh asked if Dr. Caplan had any other reports before they moved on and she could then walk on a resolution towards the end of the meeting.
Dr. Caplan responded that we could walk on the resolution at the end of the meeting. She thanked the Board for supporting their efforts, noting that she has taken for granted how flexible and pliable the staff has been. She added that some schools in New York are not back in person yet, some are back partially, and we have been in person the entire year, except for the two times we had to switch to virtual. She stated that she is amazed and has become used to what we’ve accomplished. Teachers and other schools have covered for each other. She gave credit to the Board for supporting the administration and allowing them the room to do what they need to do to educate the children. With the infection rate dropping, we don’t want to drop our guard, but if they are going to start allowing sports, why not get the kids back to in-person learning? She added that she hopes the Department of Health and CDC could start looking at the guidelines that have been put in place and have been followed and are working. She thanked the entire school district, including parents.
Dr. Caplan added that it is Mrs. Yanni’s last Board of Education meeting. She is a friend, colleague, partner, and Watervliet graduate. She is kind-hearted and has served this community by living in it, working in it and serving our highest-needs population, and you will never hear anyone say anything bad about Janelle Yanni. On behalf of the community and the school district, Janelle will be missed in many, many ways. Thank you for the over 30 years you gave to this district.
Mrs. Yanni thanked Dr. Caplan, adding that it was a privilege to attend WCSD, teach here and then go into administration in a community that she has lived in her whole life and loves. She stated that she has been fortunate to work with faculty and staff that are second to none and she hopes that she has made a positive difference and along the way she has made many lifelong friends.
B. Student Council Report
Cherisa Powell stated that WHS picture retakes will be held on February 24. All pictures that were previously taken are currently being distributed. Student Council is working on a creating a virtual trivia game event, where students can join via zoom. We are holding our annual spring voter registration drive in March. We will have paper registration forms, supplied by the League of Women Voters, and we will also show students how they can register online. She added that National Honor Society members will be providing virtual tutoring for students in need of academic assistance.
C. Committee Reports
i. Audit Committee
There was no Audit Committee report.
ii. Policy Committee
- First Reading of New Policies:
Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment in the District
Procurement: Uniform Grant Guidance for Federal Awards
- First Reading of Revised Policies:
Administration of the Budget
School Safety Plans
Registration and Professional Development
Employment of Retired Persons
- Second Reading of Revised Policies:
Duties of the Extraclassroom Activity Fund Central Treasurer and Faculty Auditor
Public Complaints
Extraclassroom Activity Fund
Information Security Breach and Notification
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, and Other Substances
iii. SAVE Committee
There was no SAVE Committee report.
Board of Education Discussion
There was no Board of Education Discussion.
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Lori Winterbourne to the position of Lunch Monitor, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning February 1, 2021 and ending February 1, 2022, at an hourly rate of $12.50, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Committee on Pre-School (CPSE) and Committee on Special Education (CSE) appointments, effective March 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Committee on Special Education (CSE)
Daniele Tetrault Co-Chairperson, WES
Kelly Webster Co-Chairperson, WES
Veronica Bedard Co-Chairperson, WJSHS
Ryan Groat Co-Chairperson, WJSHS
Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE)
Veronica Bedard Co-Chairperson
Kirsten DeMento Co-Chairperson
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Sheri Senecal and accepted 4-0 (Heather Soroka abstained), the Board approved the following to serve as Strength and Conditioning Volunteers for the Watervliet City School District Athletic program, effective February 12, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Pete Porcelli
Carm Casale
Chuck Dukes
Mike O’Brien
Paul Travers
Dan Lindemann
Dan Short
Orlando DiBacco
Ryan Donlon
Kelsey Logan JNeal Sharpe
Dennis Lane
Dan Gibson
Melique Garcia
Pete Soroka
James Griffin
Mark Cady
Mike Bendon
Beth Jones
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following emergency appointment, effective January 27, 2021 through the remainder of the 2020–2021 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Extra Program Homework Help Substitute, Grades K-12: Stephanie Sutton
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka 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 Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Treasurer’s Reports for the month of December 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 Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of January 2021, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Revised Corrective Action Plan prepared in response to the Watervliet City School District Independent Audit Report for the period ended June 30, 2020, by Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Addendum to the Memorandum of Agreement with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area, for a half-day, virtual, Universal Pre-Kindergarten classroom, effective January 11, 2021 through June 25, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting held January 14, 2021, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board adopted the following policies, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Duties of the Extraclassroom Activity Fund Central Treasurer and Faculty Auditor
- Public Complaints
- Extraclassroom Activity Fund
- Information Security Breach and Notification
- Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
- Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, and Other Substances
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held January 13, January 26, January 27 and January 28, 2021, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held January 20, 2021, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka 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): Alex Rollo
Role: Student Teacher
Cooperating Teacher(s): Jennifer Williams
Dates: Spring 2021 Semester - Name(s): Taylor Ryan
Role: Student Intern
Cooperating Teacher(s): Sue Vogel
Dates: February 1–March 31, 2021 - Name(s): Nicholas Rivera
Role: Student Teacher
Cooperating Teacher(s): Amanda Ciampi
Dates: March 15–May 1, 2021 - Name(s): Carly Hillman
Role: Student Teacher
Cooperating Teacher(s): Ena Minnick
Dates: March 15–May 5, 2021
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision and disposal of 24 obsolete/damaged textbooks, from 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 recognized and thank Rose & Kiernan, Inc., for donating $1,000.00 to the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School Delta Force Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the nomination of Lynne Lenhardt to serve on the Board of Cooperative Educational Services of Albany-Schoharie-Schenectady-Saratoga Counties for a three (3) year term beginning July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024.
Dr. Caplan walked on the following resolution, which was motioned by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted:
WHEREAS, on January 22, 2021, the Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that as part of New York State school’s reopening, school-sponsored high-risk winter sports may begin to practice and play effective February 1, 2021 pending approval of local county Departments of Health and,
WHEREAS, New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and Section 2, Colonial Council have issued revised guidelines for Return to Interscholastic Athletics for the 2020-21 season under certain circumstances including the creation of sport specific preparedness plans for each high-risk sport, obtaining informed consent from parents/guardians, medical clearance from the student-athletes’ healthcare provider, and approval by district Boards of Education for each high-risk sport; and
WHEREAS, the Public Health Department of Albany County identified community COVID-19 metrics that must be met in order for interscholastic high-risk sports to resume, including a rolling seven day positivity rate for COVID-19 under 4% within the county and hospital bed capacity in excess of 15% in the capital region,
WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Schools has been authorized to share the plan w/ the medical director for sport specific approval of each plan prior to high risk athletics resuming and to play if approved,
IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Watervliet City School District hereby authorizes the resumption of Varsity Girls Basketball, Varsity Boys Basketball, Varsity Wrestling as well as Cheerleading.
1. The Board delegates to and authorizes the Superintendent to take any action she deems necessary and appropriate to ensure that such sports are implemented in a safe manner consistent with all guidelines (NYS, County, and Section). This includes the authority to temporarily suspend District participation in any of the above sports if the Superintendent deems such action necessary.
Dr. Caplan stated that she wants everyone to understand that if the infection rate goes above 4%, all bets are off for sports.
Board Discussion
Mrs. Cavanaugh thanked everyone and congratulated Mrs. Yanni on her retirement, noting that she will miss her.
Adjournment
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Sheri Senecal, and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 7:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board