Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Date: July 2, 2018
Type of Meeting: Organizational Meeting
Meeting opened: 6:02 P.M.
Where: Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School
Board members present: Sheri Senecal, Jeffrey Shellenberger, Steven Hoffman
Board members absent: Mary Beth Whited, Heather Soroka
Superintendent: Dr. Lori S. Caplan
The meeting was opened at 6:02 P.M., with Dr. Lori S. Caplan officiating.
Oath of Office
Superintendent Caplan administered the Oath of Office to Mrs. Cavanaugh. Mrs. Cavanaugh will serve her first three-year term of office.
Election of Board Officers
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board nominated and appointed Sheri Senecal as President of the Board of Education.
On a motion by Sheri Senecal, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board nominated and appointed Heather Soroka as Vice President of the Board of Education.
Board, Staff and Student Reports
Second Reading of Revised Policies: Family and Medical Leave Act
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board adopted the following policy, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Family and Medical Leave Act
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 June 14, 2018, 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 Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held June 6, June 8, June 12, June 15 and June 18, 2018, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CPSE 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 Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held June 20, 2018, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the designation of Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. as the Student Accident insurance carrier for the Watervliet City School District for the 2018 –2019 school year submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the designation of ONEGROUP Schenectady as the property & casualty insurance carrier for the Watervliet City School District for the 2018 – 2019 school year submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the designation of the following banks as Official Depository of Funds, as recommended by the Superintendent.
- Bank of America
- JP Morgan Chase Bank
- Pioneer Savings Bank
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the establishment of mileage reimbursement for district employees authorized to travel in performing official school district business based upon the “IRS Standard Mileage Rates,” as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved a monthly stipend of $20.00 to be paid to David Capitula, Lead Bus Driver, for expenses associated with the use of his personal cellular phone for the purposes of conducting District transportation duties and responsibilities, effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the designation of The Troy Record as the official newspaper, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the establishment of the following Petty Cash Funds, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Business Office – $100
- Cafeteria WHS – $100
- Cafeteria WES – $100
- WHS Main Office – $40
- WES Main Office – $40
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following appointments, effective July 1, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Substitute District Treasurer, Part-Time – John Heid
- Assistant District Treasurer – Keith Hei
- Assistant Clerk of the Board – Keith Heid
- Financial Consultant – Capital Market Advisors, LLC
- Bond Counsel – Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP
- Independent Auditor, CPA – Teal, Becker and Chiaramonte
- Internal Claims Auditor – Michaeleen Backus
- Attorney – Ferrara, Fiorenza, Barrett & Reitz
- Purchasing Agent – Dani Jones
- Pesticide Representative – David McFarland
- Asbestos LEA Designee – David McFarland
- FOIL Officer – Bernadette Boardman
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following appointments, effective July 1, 2017, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Name: Bernadette L. Boardman
Position: Clerk of the Board
Stipend: $2,000.00
Name: Keith Heid
Position: Tax Collector
Stipend: $1,500.00
Name: Roni O’Brien
Position: Transportation Coordinator
Stipend: $1,500.00
Name: Danielle Jones
Position: Activity Treasurer WES
Stipend: $750.00
Name: Danielle Mele
Position: Activity Treasurer WHS
Stipend: $750.00
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the bonding of District employees, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- District Treasurer – $1,100,000.00
- Tax Collector – $1,100,000.00
- Internal Claims Auditor – $1,100,000.00
- Assistant District Treasurer – $100,000.00
- Central Treasurer – $100,000.00
- Other Staff – $100,000.00
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board authorized the signature on checks issued against all accounts of the school district to be that of the District Treasurer or, in his/her absence, the Assistant District Treasurer, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board authorized the District Treasurer or his/her designee to invest and/or deposit funds according to the District’s investment policy, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the authorization of the Superintendent of Schools to:
- Sign all applications for Federal Grants and Programs;
- Transfer funds within the budget, up to $5,000, upon the recommendation of the Business Manager;
- Certify Payrolls;
- Sign all contracts pertaining to disabled students; and
- Approve attendance at educational meetings, conferences, graduate courses for administrative, instructional and support staff.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Sick Leave Buy-Back Payment for unused sick leave accrued as of June 21, 2018, in the amount of $11,968.00 for Alice Bulmer upon her retirement from the Watervliet City School District, effective June 30, 2018, per the terms of the Watervliet Support Staff Association (WSSA) Contract, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
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 June 21, 2018, in the amount of $2,198.00 for Elizabeth Slate, upon her resignation from the Watervliet City School District, effective June 30, 2018, per the terms of the Employee Benefits Document for Managerial/Confidential Employees, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Committee on Pre-School and Special Education (CPSE) appointments, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE)
- Janelle Yanni Chairperson
- Albany County Rep. As designated by the County
- Student’s Regular Ed. Teacher
- Student’s Special Ed. Teacher
- Parents of Student
- Related-Services Personnel, if appropriate
Committee on Special Education (CSE)
- Janelle Yanni Chairperson
- Veronica Bedard School Psychologist (Watervliet High School)
- Daniele Tetrault School Psychologist (Watervliet Elementary School)
- Kelly Bariteau Guidance Counselor – Elementary School
- Chelsea Clickner Guidance Counselor – Jr. High School
- Dave Olszewski Guidance Counselor – High School
- Katelyn McAvoy Guidance Counselor – High School
- Beth Lipson, Louisa Vaughan Counselors
- Student’s Regular Ed. Teacher
- Student’s Special Ed. Teacher
- Parents of Student
- Related-Service Personnel (if appropriate)
- Student (if appropriate)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Veronica Bedard, Chairperson (Watervliet High School)
- Daniele Tetrault, Chairperson (Watervliet Elementary School)
- Student’s Regular Education Teacher
- Guidance Counselor
- Other persons having knowledge or special expertise regarding student
(ex: related-services personnel) - Student (if appropriate)
- Parents of student
Sub-Committee on Special Education* Watervliet Elementary School
- Daniele Tetrault Chairperson
- Kelly Bariteau Guidance Counselor
- Student’s Special Ed. Teacher
- Student’s Regular Ed. Teacher
- Other persons having knowledge or special expertise regarding student
(ex: related-services personnel) - Student (if appropriate)
- Parents of Student
Sub-Committee on Special Education* Watervliet High School
Veronica Bedard School Psychologist
Student’s Special Ed. Teacher
One Regular Ed. Teacher
Other persons having knowledge or special expertise regarding student
(ex: related-services personnel)
Student (if appropriate)
*Sub-Committee may perform the functions of the Committee on Special Education except when a student is a:
- New referral
- Transfer
- Special Class
- BOCES Placement
- Private School Placement
Impartial Hearing Officers
To be selected from a rotational selection list. Pursuant to section 200.1(x) of the Regulations of the Commissioner, these individuals are certified by New York State. This list, provided by the New York State Education Department, is in alphabetical order and the officers are listed by county. An IHO must be selected from the school district’s list of IHO’s beginning with the first name appearing on the list. After an IHO has been selected by the district, the district continues down the list in alphabetical order upon request of any further impartial hearings.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Christopher Slate as the surrogate parent for the 2018 – 2019 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Angela Aubrey from the position of Math Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective July 19, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the termination of Sarah Lee from the position of Clerk Typist at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective June 27, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Victoria Frisbee from the position of Teaching Assistant at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective June 30, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the following Summer School 2018 appointment at a salary as per contract:
Sarah Liporace Speech Therapist, 2 days per week
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following Coaches for the 2018– 2019 school year, pending fingerprint clearance and fulfillment of NYSED coaching requirements, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Watervliet Junior-Senior High School
Coaching Fall:
- Varsity Football Head Coach: Brian Hoefer
- Varsity/Junior Varsity Football Assistant Coach: Bryan Bruce
- Varsity/Junior Varsity Football Assistant Coach: Todd Smith
- Varsity/Junior Varsity Football Assistant Coach: Tyler Ronan
- Varsity/Junior Varsity Football Assistant Coach: Eric Baker
- Modified Football Head Coach: Darryl Whited
- Modified Football Assistant Coach: Dennis Robinson
- Junior Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach: Kelsey Logan
- Junior Varsity Boys’ Soccer Coach: Paul Travers
- Modified Boys’ Soccer Coach: Pat McLaughlin
- Junior Varsity Girls’ Volleyball Coach: Rebecca Young
- Modified Girls’ Volleyball Coach: Peter Strand
- Varsity & Modified Boys’ & Girls’ Cross Country: Alissa Melucci
- Fall Cheerleading Co-Coaches: Danielle Mele & Chelsie Clickner
Coaching Winter:
- Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach: Orlando DiBacco
- Varsity Boys’ Basketball Assistant Coach (volunteer): Ryan Donlon
- Junior Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach: Peter Strand
- Modified Boys’ Basketball Coach: John Bolt
- Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach: Tim Mitchell
- Varsity Girls’ Basketball Assistant Coach (volunteer): Nick Tambolleo
- Junior Varsity Girls’ Basketball: Kelsey Logan
- Modified Girls’ Basketball Coach: Bryan Capitula
- Varsity Wrestling Head Coach: Dennis Lane
- Varsity Wrestling Assistant Coach: Dan Gibson
- Winter Cheerleading Co-Coaches: Danielle Mele & Chelsie Clickner
Coaching Spring:
- Varsity Baseball Coach: Nick Tambolleo
- Junior Varsity Baseball Coach: Dennis Lane
- Modified Baseball Coach: Peter Soroka
- Varsity Softball Assistant Coach (volunteer): John Jones
- Modified Softball Coach: Tim Mitchell
- Varsity Boys’ Outdoor Track & Field Head Coach: Nick Yatrakis
- Varsity Girls’ Outdoor Track & Field Head Coach: Tami Karbowski
- Modified Boys’ & Girls’ Outdoor Track & Field Coach: Tyler Ronan
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following staff to the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School Department Chairs and Club/Class Advisors for the 2017 – 2018 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Department Chairs:
- Business Dept. Chair: Dan Lindemann
- English Dept. Chair: Tami Karbowski
- Fine Arts Dept. Chair: Terry Bradway
- Foreign Language: Rebecca Sweeney
- Guidance Dept. Chair: David Olszewski
- Mathematics Dept. Chair: Camelia Sofrone
- Physical Education Dept. Chair: Peter Strand
- Science/Technology Dept. Chair: Walter Bowde
- Social Studies Dept. Chair: Scott Emerson
- Special Education Dept. Chair: Veronica Bedard
Clubs/Class Advisors:
- Class of 2019: Theresa Pelton and Hillary Brochu
- Class of 2020: Kate Choi
- Class of 2021: Roni O’Brien
- Class of 2022: Tami Karbowski and Lisa Suders
- Delta Force: Terry Bradway
- Junior High Student Council: Kerry Degnan and Ashleigh Fraley
- Student Council: Scott Emerson and Dan Mueller
- Marching Band: Terry Bradway
- Masterminds: Victoria Eddy-Helenek
- National Junior Honor Society: Ashleigh Fraley and Lisa Suders
- National Honor Society: Scott Emerson and Lyndsay Moore
- Ski Club: Ashleigh Fraley
- Yearbook Advisor: Rebecca Sweeney
- Yearbook Business Manager: Rebecca Smith
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Daniel Mueller to the position of Detention Monitor at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, for the 2018 – 2019 school year, at an hourly rate of $30.50 per hour, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following staff to the positions outlined below for the 2018 – 2019 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Chemical Hygiene Officer: Vicky Eddy-Helenek
- Computer Coordinator WHS (0.5): Rebecca Sweeney
- Computer Coordinator WES (0.5)/WHS (0.5): Allison Novotarski
- Pivot Program Teacher: Shelley Palkovic
- APEX Program Health/Science Teacher: Ashleigh Fraley
- APEX Program ELA Teacher: Theresa Pelton
- APEX Program Math Teacher: Camelia Sofrone
- Extra Program WHS Homework Help: Jackie Bishop
- Extra Program WHS Art Club: Annemarie Gleason
- Extra Program WHS Drama Club: Ashley Becker
- Extra Program WHS Drama Club Assistant: Hillary Brochu
- Extra Program WES Homework Help: Kayleigh McGrouty
- Extra Program WES Fitness Club: Kayleigh McGrouty
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Dave McFarland to the position of Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District for a period beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019, at a salary of $11,475.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of John Szkopiec to the position of Night Cleaning Supervisor for the Watervliet City School District for a period beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019, at a salary of $11,475.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following teaching overages for the 2018 – 2019 academic school year at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as outlined in the attached, effective September 5, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Rebecca Sweeney (+.2) Spanish
- Hillary Brochu (+.2) Science
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Angelica Bianchi to the position of Special Education Teacher, in the tenure area of Elementary Special Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 4, 2018, at a Step 3 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 4, 2022, unless extended in accordance with the provisions of Section 2509(2)(b) of the Education Law.
On a motion by Amanda Cavanaugh, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Dana Kowalchyk to the position of English as a New Language Teacher (7-12), in the tenure area of English as a Second Language, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 4, 2018, at a Step 4 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 4, 2022, unless extended in accordance with the provisions of Section 2509(2)(b) of the Education Law.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Kelly Sayward to the position of Reading Teacher (7-12), in the tenure area of Remedial Reading, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 4, 2018, at a Step 4 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 4, 2022, unless extended in accordance with the provisions of Section 2509(2)(b) of the Education Law.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Memorandum of Agreement with the Watervliet Support Staff Association, effective July 1, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the employee benefits document for Managerial/Confidential Employees of the Watervliet City School District, effective July 1, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the employee benefits document for Non-Aligned Employees of the Watervliet City School District, effective July 1, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the request for Dr. Lori S. Caplan, Superintendent of Schools, to attend the following conferences/professional development meetings during the 2018 – 2019 school year:
- July 25 – 26, 2018, Superintendents’ Conference, Minnowbrook Conference Center, Blue Mountain Lake, NY
- July 29 – 31, 2018, NYSCOSS Diversity and Inclusivity, Ithaca, NY
- August 9, 2018, CASDA Mel Osterman School Law Conference, Albany, NY
- August 15 – 16, 2018, New York State Association of Women Administrators, Lake Placid, NY
- September 23 – 25, 2018, NYSCOSS Fall Leadership Summit, Saratoga, NY
- November 4 – 5, 2018, NYSCOSS Advocacy Days, NYS Capitol, Albany, NY
- November 15 – 16, 2018, NYSCOSS Executive Committee, Albany, NY
- January 17 – 18, 2019, NYSCOSS Executive Committee, Albany, NY
- February 14 – 16, 2019, AASA National Effective Leadership Summit, Los Angeles, CA
- March 3 – 5, 2019, NYSCOSS Winter Institute, Albany, NY
- April 10 – 12, 2019, NYSCOSS Spring Leadership, Albany, NY
- June 30 – July 1, 2019, NYSCOSS Summer Retreat (TBD)
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the Wellness Plan 2018 for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the Professional Development Plan 2019 – 2021 for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the Code of Conduct, for the Watervliet Elementary School, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision of 32 broken/irreparable Scientific Calculators, 4 TI-84 Plus Calculators and 2 Protractors from 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 excision of books, as outlined in the attached, from 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 accepted, with thanks the donation of Office Supplies from Marcella Junco of KPMG, to be used by in classrooms and offices at the Watervliet Elementary School, as recommended by the Superintendent.
New Business
There was no new business to be discussed.
Comments from the Floor
Dr. Caplan shared the following:
- •Congratulations to WSSA. We entered into an agreement that was fair for both sides.
- On Wednesday and Thursday of last week, I was at the Otesaga Resort discussing the JANUS decision regarding unions. I also met with the Commissioner to discuss APPRs and the ESSA plan.
- I am currently working with Mr. Heid to find a local law firm to help reduce legal costs.
- The Administrative Retreat will be held next week.
- Welcome to the Board of Education, Amanda Cavanaugh.
- Happy 4th of July to everyone.
Adjournment
On a motion by Steven Hoffman, seconded by Amanda Cavanaugh, and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 6:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board
NOTE: All district appointments are subject to fingerprint clearance by the NYS Education Department and verification of Permanent or Pending Certification by NYS.