Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Date: May 8, 2018
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:01 P.M.
Location: Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School
Board Members Present:
President, Sheri Senecal
Vice President, Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Board Members Absent: Jeffrey Shellenberger
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.
Meet the Candidates
- Heather Soroka
- Shawn Smeltzer
- Theresa DeChiaro
- Amanda Cavanaugh
Each candidate introduced him/herself and spoke about their qualifications and motivations for running for the Board of Education.
Board, Staff and Student Reports
School-Based Mentoring Presentation Kelly Webster
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meetings held April 19, 2018 and April 25, 2018, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held April 10, April 13, April 16 and April 17, 2018, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held April 18, 2018, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packets #26 through #28).
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of the following Election Inspectors to work May 15, 2018, for the School District Election and Budget vote, at the rate of $125.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Elks Club: Tracy Maloney
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Treasurer’s Reports for the month of March 2018, 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 Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Sandra Flanigan from the position of Cafeteria Monitor at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective May 4, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Melissa Echt from the position of English Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective June 30, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Lauren Barringer from the position of Special Education Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective June 30, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Elizabeth Slate from the position of Clerk Typist at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective June 30, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the leave request for Amanda Ciampi, effective September 4, 2018 through December 2, 2018, to return to work on December 3, 2018, 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 Maddiha Rehan to the position of Cafeteria Monitor, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning May 14, 2018 and ending May 13, 2019, at an hourly rate as 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 appointment of Adrienne Gardner to the position of Long-Term Substitute Reading Teacher, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning April 13, 2018, at a rate of $125.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following ExTRA Summer Academy 2018 appointments at a salary as per contract:
Teachers:
- Sarah Hulslander Kindergarten
- Michaeleen Backus Grade 1
- Adrienne Todd Grade 2
- Samantha Spano Grade 3
- Jeanne Lance Grade 4
- Joelle Bird Grade 5
- Anna Marie Magyar Grade 6
- Lauryn Lloyd Grade 7
- Victoria Frisbee Math, Grades 7-8
- Shelley Palkovic ELA, Grades 7-8
- Robyn Scotland Travel Program, Grades 7-8
- Lyndsay Moore Travel Program, Grades 7-8
- Jessica Lansing Librarian/Media
- Dennis Lane PE (Part-time: 3/5)
- Brian Hoefer PE (Part-time: 2/5)
- Gwen Carter Art
- Chelsie Clickner School Counselor (0.5)
- Louisa Boehlert Vaughan School Counselor (0.5)
- Meaghan Castle Substitute
- Lisa Barber Substitute
Teaching Assistants:
- Stacey Clermont Kindergarten
- Diane Jacob Grade 1
- Rebecca Haessler Grade 2
- A.J. Ferris Grade 3
- Juliana Chromik Grades 4-5
- Brenda Zawistowski Grades 6-7
- Shelley Palkovic Grades 7-8
- Victoria Frisbee Grades 7-8
- Annmarie Gleason Travel Program
- Stephanie Bundas Travel Program
- Tina Spenard Substitute
- Geraldine Ferris Substitute
- Robina Hussain Substitute
School Nurse: Sue Vogel
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the status of tenure to Michael Foust, in the area of Administration, effective September, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board awarded the status of tenure to Wendy Ryan, in the area of Mathematics, effective September, 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the request for Jessica Foley to serve as Student Teacher/Intern in Jaclynne Bishop’s science classes at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School from September 4, 2018 through May 31, 2019, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the request for Hillary Brochu, to serve as an Administrative Intern for the Watervliet City School District for four hours per day/four days per week during the Summer 2018, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the home schooling request of Rosemary Stockwell for her child, Morgan Stockwell, Grade 7, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the sport merger between the Watervliet City School District and Troy City School District for Golf, beginning with the Fall 2018 season, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the donation of $1,000.00 from IBEW Local 236, to the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School Wrestling Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the donation of $5,000.00 from Rambo Buys, to the Watervliet Jr.– Sr. High School Wrestling Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited, seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the donation of $1,000.00 from Kids Count!, to be utilized to sponsor a Science Fair at the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of April 2018, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
New Business
There was no new business to be discussed.
Comments from the Floor
Mr. Heid noted that the $27.4 million budget, adopted on April 19, includes a 2.7% increase. The tax levy increase is 2.03%, which is under the limit, so only a simple majority is required.
Dr. Caplan shared the following:
- Congratulations to Mr. Foust and Mrs. Ryan on receiving tenure this evening.
- Good luck to the candidates running for the Board of Education. The polls are open 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 15 for the school budget vote and school board election.
- Spectrum News featured students interested in the P-Tech program next year. Students will receive an AAS degree upon completion of the program. The program starts this summer.
- On Friday, she will be going to Spectrum News to be interviewed about the budget.
- Happy Mother’s Day to all moms.
Patrick Ethier noted the following:
- The National Honor Society induction is May 10.
- The band concert is next Thursday, May 17, at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Dr. Caplan thanked Mr. Ethier for all that he has done during his time at Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School.
Kelly Webster shared the following:
- On Friday, 54 students were recognized as “Kids of Character.”
- On Thursday, the softball teams served food at the Senior Center.
- The monthly gold card drawings were held.
- For Teacher Appreciation Week, daily events were held to honor and thank WJSHS teachers.
Dr. Caplan thanked the teachers for all that they do. Members of the Board of Education echoed Dr. Caplan’s sentiment. Mr. Emerson noted that he will be lost without Patrick Ethier. Patrick served with distinction for two years. Whoever takes his place has big shoes to fill.
Mrs. Lewinter shared the following:
- Testing season is over. Thank you to all of the teachers.
- Friday is cleanup day at WES. Community members are welcome.
- Saturday is the Mother’s Day PTA breakfast.
Mr. Groat noted that the selection process for the P-Tech grant has begun. The committee has been formed. He will serve on the committee in an advisory capacity.
Mr. Foust shared the following:
- Thank you to the BOE and Dr. Caplan. It has been an honor to work here.
- The Spring Sports Award Night is May 30.
- The Senior Student Athlete recognition dinner is June 7.
Miss Brochu noted the following details about the prom walk-through:
- Students arrive at 5:15 p.m.
- Parents arrive at 5:30 p.m.
- Walk-through is at 6:00 p.m.
Adjournment
On a motion by Heather Soroka, seconded by Mary Beth Whited, and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned the meeting at 6:47 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.