Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Date: March 8, 2018
Type of meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting opened: 6:01 p.m.
Where: Watervliet Jr./Sr. High School
Board members present: President, Sheri Senecal; Vice President, Heather Soroka; Jeffrey Shellenberger; Mary Beth Whited; Steven Hoffman
Superintendent: Dr. Lori S. Caplan
Student council rep.: Patrick Ethier
The meeting was opened at 6:01 p.m., with President Sheri Senecal officiating.
Comments From the Floor
There were no comments from the floor.
Old Business
There was no old business to be discussed.
Board, Staff and Student Reports
Informational Session on School Safety by Chief of Police, Mark Spain
Discussion: Mr. Shellenberger noted that he applauds Chief Spain and thanked him for all his efforts. Mr. Hoffman requested to become a member of the SAVE Committee. Dr. Caplan noted that staff take a lot of precautions related to school safety. Mr. Groat noted that he was pleased with Officer Tollman ‘s presence in the building.
Budget Update Presentation by Keith Heid
First Reading of Revised Policies:
- Searches and Interrogations of Students
- Students with Life-Threatening Health Conditions
- Child Abuse and Maltreatment
- Children with Disabilities
- Students with Disabilities Participating in School District Programs Transition Services
- Title I Parent and Family Engagement
- Emergency School Closings
- Budget Planning and Development
- Budget Adoption
- District Investments
- Procurement of Goods and Services
- Reserve Funds
- Financial Accountability
- Facilities: Inspection, Operation and Maintenance
Second Reading of Revised Policies:
- Service Animals
- Transportation of Students
- Code of Ethics for Board Members and all District Personnel
- Temporary Personnel
- School Census
- Student Directory Information
- Military Recruiters’ Access to Students
- Designation of Person in Parental Relation
- Rights of Non-Custodial Parents
- Certification and Qualifications
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board adopted following policies, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Service Animals
- Transportation of Students
- Code of Ethics for Board Members and all District Personnel
- Temporary Personnel
- School Census
- Student Directory Information
- Military Recruiters’ Access to Students
- Designation of Person in Parental Relation
- Rights of Non-Custodial Parents
- Certification and Qualifications
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting held February 8, 2018, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held January 31, February 8, February 12 and February 15, 2018, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held February 14, 2018, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packets # 19 through #21).
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks, the retirement request of Dennis Robinson from the position of Health Teacher at the Watervliet Jr./Sr. High School, effective June 30, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the termination of Michelle Sentmeier from the position of Cafeteria Aide at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective February 12, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the leave request for Meghan Fronczek, effective September 1, 2018 through the 2018 -2019 school year, to return to work at the start of the 2019 -2020 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of David Olszewski to the position of Guidance Department Chair at the Watervliet Jr./Sr. High School, effective February I, 2018, at a prorated stipend, per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Angelica Bianchi to the position of Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher (Special Education Grades 1-3), at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a period beginning March 29, 2018, at a rate of $125.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board amended resolution number 11, as follows:
Coaching Spring:
- Volunteer Modified Outdoor Track and Field, no longer Modified Outdoor Track and Field: Alissa Melucci
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following Coach for the 2017- 2018 school year, pending fingerprint clearance and fulfillment of NYSED coaching requirements, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Watervliet Jr./Sr. High School
Coaching Spring:
- Volunteer Modified Outdoor Track and Field: Alissa Melucci
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Student Teacher/Observer requests at the Watervliet Elementary School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Role – Observer: Brianna Moran
Cooperating Teacher: Denise Cusack
Dates: March 9, 2018 – May 18, 2018
Role – Observer: Kati Abel, Annie DeBernardo and Abigail Ferris
Cooperating Teacher: Samantha Spano
Dates: March 9, 2018 – May 13, 2018
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the donation of $1,500.00 from Stewarts Shops, to the Watervliet City School District Peer Tutoring Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the excision and disposal of obsolete/damaged books, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the 2018-19 School Calendar, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of February 2018, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
New Business
There was no new business to be discussed.
Comment From the Floor
Patrick Ethier shared the following:
- A statement related to the recent tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Mr. Ethier noted that there will be a National School Walkout on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. Students at Watervliet Jr./Sr. High School have an organized rally for that time. Students will read biographies of each victim. All are encouraged to wear garnet.
- The Cannoneer Pizza Clash/Vendor Fair will be held on March 24. Admission is $5.00 and proceeds will go to the Class of 2018.
- Tomorrow, March 9, mental health professionals, police chiefs, students and other stakeholders, including myself, will be participating on a panel for school safety.
Mr. Shellenberger noted that he was very proud of Patrick Ethier. Dr. Caplan agreed with Mr. Shellenberger.
Dr. Caplan shared the following:
- Congratulations to Mr. Robinson on his retirement. He will be missed.
- Congratulations to Meg and Joe Fronczek on the birth of their baby boy.
- Attended NYSCOSS Conference Sunday through Tuesday. Met with leaders regarding gun safety, the state budget and the need for mental health training.
- Today, Mr. Groat and I went to BOCES to meet with other districts to discuss plans for the National School Walkout on March 14.
Ms. DeMento noted the following:
- The Little Mermaid musical is this weekend, Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
- RPI is coming in on Wednesdays to work with students on STEM activities.
- A STEM event for parents and students in grades 4-8 is being planned. More information will be shared at a future date.
Mr. Groat expressed pride in the students who organized the walkout event and how they are honoring the victims of Parkland. He is looking forward to the event.
Mr. Shellenberger asked Mrs. Lewinter if students at WES have been talking about the event.
Mrs. Lewinter responded that they have not heard discussions amongst students at WES.
Ms. DeMento added that WES students take drills very seriously.
Mrs. Lewinter noted that she challenged staff to make 100 positive phone calls. They rose to the challenge.
Mrs. Webster stated that she accompanied 14 students to the Alternative Education Orientation, which has a rolling start for students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12.
Mr. Stevens noted that UPK registration is Monday and Tuesday and Kindergarten registration is Thursday.
Tyler Senecal (student) noted that they discussed student safety concerns in Mr. Burke’s class.
Mr. Wareing shared the following:
- WES will be having a dodgeball tournament next Wednesday from 5:30 – 7:30 at WJSHS.
- Next Thursday, the Aviation Club will be visiting WES to discuss drones.
Mr. Shellenberger asked Tyler Senecal if what students were asking for was to feel more informed.
Tyler Senecal confirmed Mr. Shellenberger’s question, noting that is what they wanted.
Mr. Groat noted that many more drills are held than are required and a lot is learned through the drills.
Ms. DeMento clarified that the things that are learned during the drills are never safety related.
Mr. Burke clarified that what he is hearing from students regarding Parkland is related to their level of comfort. Students expressed a desire for an assembly to discuss protocols for different security drills. Students do not feel confident that all teachers share information on protocols and he is not certain he knows the protocols either (i.e., when a student is in the bathroom).
Adjournment
On a motion by Jeffrey Shellenberger, seconded by Steven Hoffman, and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 7: 10 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.