Watervliet City School District > Board of Education > Meeting Schedule, Agendas and Minutes > Board of Education Meeting June 13, 2023

Board of Education Meeting June 13, 2023

Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York 12189
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
June 13, 2023
4:30 p.m.**
Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School

A G E N D A

I. Call to Order

President Sheri Senecal

II. Attendance

President Sheri Senecal
Vice President Mary Beth Whited
Heather Soroka
Timothy Delisle
Brian White
Superintendent Dr. Donald Stevens Jr.

III.  Executive Session

1. Recommend an executive session to discuss matters related to:
  • The investigation of a criminal offense.
  • Evaluation of the Superintendent.

IV. Pledge of Allegiance

**It is anticipated that the Board will convene for an executive session at 4:30 p.m.  The regular meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.

V.  Public Comment

In accordance with Board policy the privilege of speaking from the floor will be extended to any person in attendance.  Persons desiring to speak shall be required to give their name and address and will be limited to three (3) minutes for their presentation.  The time allowed each speaker may be adjusted by the chair.  The speaker’s privilege may also be terminated by the chair if found to be out of order.

VI. Reports/Comments

  • Year at a Glance and Our Future Presentation WCSD Administrative Team
  • Yondr – Cellphone-free Environment Presentation Jessie Richards & Donald Stevens
  1. Superintendent’s Report
  2. Student Council Report
  3. Committee Reports
  1. Audit Committee
  2. Policy Committee
First Reading of Revised Policies:
  • 2023–24 District-Wide Code of Conduct
  • Temporary Personnel
  • Use of E-mail in the District
  • Public Access to Records
  • Equal Employment Opportunity
  • Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
  • Employee Medical Examinations

VII. Board of Education Discussion

The Code of Conduct will be available for public review on the district web site, or in-person, for 30 days.  A public hearing will be held at the August Board of Education Meeting. If the public has any comments, they can send them to the boepubliccomment@vlietschools.org.
The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, July 6.  At that meeting, the Board will establish the dates for the 2023–2024 school year.

VIII. Personnel Items

1. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Sara Krempecki from the position of Substitute Part-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, effective June 16, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
2. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Rebecca Smith from the position of Administrative Aide in the Special Education and Student Support Services Office at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective June 20, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
3. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Leah Karn, from the position of Elementary Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective June 30, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
4. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Christina Coogan, from the position of Art Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective June 30, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
5. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Samantha Coles, from the position of Library Aide at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective June 23, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
6. Resolved that the Board rescind the appointment of Haley Menze to the position of ExTRA Summer Academy Teaching Assistant 8th/9th Grade, as recommended by the Superintendent.
7. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Matthew Kellish to the position of Special Education Teacher, in the tenure area of Special Education, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 4 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 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.  Matthew Kellish holds an SWD 7-12 certification, (certificate #1486438211).
8. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Ashley Redding to the position of Special Education Teacher, in the tenure area of Special Education, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 6 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 2026, 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.  Ashley Redding holds an SWD 1-6 certification, (certificate #914776151).
 
9. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Brittany Ableman to the position of Art Teacher, in the tenure area of Art, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 2 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 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.  Brittany Ableman holds a Visual Arts certification, (certificate #1618588221).
10. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Jessica Erickson to the position of School Social Worker, in the tenure area of Social Work, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract, contingent upon receipt of required NYS certification.  The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 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.  
11. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Steven Keena to the position of Business Teacher, in the tenure area of Business, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 7 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 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.  Steven Keena holds a Business and Marketing certification, (certificate #2115142081).
12. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Mackenzie O’Neil to the position of Social Studies Teacher, in the tenure area of Social Studies, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 2 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 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.  Mackenzie O’Neil holds a Social Studies 7-12 certification, (certificate #1457999211).
13. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Julia Ryan to the position of Elementary Teacher, in the tenure area of Elementary Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 5, 2027, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 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.  Julia Ryan holds a Childhood Education 1-6 certification, (certificate #1692139231).
 
14. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Kathleen Zito to the position of Elementary Teacher, in the tenure area of Elementary Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 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.  Kathleen Zito holds a Childhood Education 1-6 certification, (certificate #1678501231).
15. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Christa Follett to the position of English Language Arts Teacher, in the tenure area of English Language Arts, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 3 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 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.  Christa Follett holds an ELA 7-12 certification, (certificate #1443239201).
16. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Luca Rentz to the position of Elementary Teacher, in the tenure area of Elementary Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract, contingent upon receipt of required NYS certification.  The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 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.  
17. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Nicholas Grolley to the position of Math Teacher, in the tenure area of Math, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 9 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract.  The probationary period shall expire on September 5, 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.  Nicholas Grolley holds a Math 7-12 certification, (certificate #202504081).
18. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Madison Bell to the position of Teaching Assistant, in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning July 1, 2023, at a Step 1 salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract, contingent upon receipt of required NYS certification.  The probationary period shall expire on July 1, 2023, contingent upon positive evaluations from his/her direct supervisor throughout his/her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d.
 
19. Resolved that the Board approve the emergency probationary appointment of Julianna McCabe to the position of Substitute Part-Time Night Cleaner, for the Watervliet City School District, beginning May 22, 2023, at rate of $15.00 per hour, as recommended by the Superintendent.
20. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Nicholas Tarricone to the position of Long-Term Substitute Social Studies Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 1 salary, as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
21. Resolved that the Board approve the emergency appointment of Kayla Freeden to the position of Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School Marching Band Advisor, effective January 3, 2023 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
22. Resolved that the Board approve the emergency appointments of the following Coaches for the 2022– 2023 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 Spring:
JV Baseball: Kyle Nurse
E-Sports: Madelyn Degler (40% of stipend)
23. Resolved that the Board approve the following Extended School Year (ESY) 2023 appointment at a salary as per contract:
Teaching Assistant: Veronica Wilson
24. Resolved that the Board approve the following ExTRA Summer Academy Program 2023 appointments at a salary as per contract:
Watervliet Elementary School:
English as a New Language: Valerie Ellison
Special Education: Matthew Kellish
Teaching Assistants: Luca Rentz, Madison Bell
Teacher’s Aide: Emma Buck
Substitute Art: Brittany Abelman
Substitute Teaching Assistant: Rebecca Phillips
Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School:
Math 7-12: Steve Keena
Teaching Assistants: Margaret Angie, Kelsey Logan
Substitute: Michelle DeGuire
 
25. Resolved that the Board approve the following Summer Lunch Program 2023 appointments, as outlined in the attached, at a salary as per contract:
WES
Mary Schoonmaker 
Patricia King 
Carol Waters 
Adrian Orozco 
Theresa Lewis 
Amber Craver 
Tina Ploof
Kathleen Darling
Emily Shufelt
WHS
Heather Swinney 
Maria Whited
Rebecca Sutherland
Lisa Leone
Sergio Sanchez
Jasmine Matlock
Heatly
Joseph Navojaskey
26. Resolved that the Board approve the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packets #15 & 16).

IX. Business Items

27. Resolved that the Board accept the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of May 2023, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
28. Resolved that the Board approve the following Treasurer’s Reports for the month of April 2023, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Schedule of Warrants & Payrolls
  • Revenue Status Report
  • Cash & Investments
  • Appropriation Status Report
29. Resolved that the Board approve the following payment requests, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
WATERVLIET 2020 CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
  • CSArch – A/E (04/23)
    Invoice # 5495
    $2,509.06
  • DLC Electric, LLC
    Payment Application #023
    $35,402.21
WATERVLIET 2022 ARPA CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
  • DLC Electric, LLC
    Payment Application #001
    $45,172.50
  • DLC Electric, LLC
    Payment Application #002
    $ 8,887.25
  • Duncan & Cahill, Inc.
    Payment Application #001
    $37,689.35
30. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $994.00 for two (2) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the Bethlehem Central School District during the 2022-23 school year for a total cost of $1,988.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
31. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $956.24 for thirty-five (35) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the North Colonie Central School District during the 2022-23 school year for a total cost of $33,468.40, as recommended by the Superintendent.
32. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $354.48 for eight (8) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the North Greenbush Common School District during the 2022-23 school year for a total cost of $2,835.84, as recommended by the Superintendent.
33. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $839.31 for five (5) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the South Colonie Central School District during the 2022-23 school year for a total cost of $4,196.55, as recommended by the Superintendent.
34. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $845.51 for eighteen (18) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the Troy City School District during the 2022-23 school year for a total cost of $15,219.18, as recommended by the Superintendent.
35. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $863.40 for four (4) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District during the 2022-23 school year for a total cost of $3,453.60, as recommended by the Superintendent.
36. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $793.51 for three (3) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the Wynantskill Union Free School District during the 2022-23 school year for a total cost of $2,380.53, as recommended by the Superintendent.
37. Resolved that the Board approve an employer non-elective contribution of $20,610.00 to the 403B account of Michelle Brown for Unused Sick Leave upon her retirement from the Watervliet City School District, effective June 30, 2023, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools of the Enlarged City School District of Watervliet and the Watervliet Teachers’ Association, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
 
38. Resolved that the Board approve an employer non-elective contribution of $15,615.00 to the 403B account of Peter Gaddy for Unused Sick Leave upon his retirement from the Watervliet City School District, effective June 30, 2023, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools of the Enlarged City School District of Watervliet and the Watervliet Teachers’ Association, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
39. Resolved that the Board approve an employer non-elective contribution of $19,125.00 to the 403B account of Camelia Sofrone for Unused Sick Leave upon her retirement from the Watervliet City School District, effective June 30, 2023, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools of the Enlarged City School District of Watervliet and the Watervliet Teachers’ Association, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
40. Resolved that the Board approve an employer non-elective contribution of $8,460.00 to the 403B account of Natalie Spence for Unused Sick Leave upon her retirement from the Watervliet City School District, effective June 30, 2023, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools of the Enlarged City School District of Watervliet and the Watervliet Teachers’ Association, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
41. Resolved that the Board approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the The Watervliet Support Staff Association, dated June 13, 2023, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
42. Resolved that the Board approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the The Watervliet Administrators’ Association, dated June 13, 2023, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
43. Resolved that the Board approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the The Watervliet Teachers’ Association, dated June 13, 2023, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
44. Resolved that the Board approve the attached revised employee benefits document for Non-Aligned Employees of the Watervliet City School District, effective July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2027, as recommended by the Superintendent.
45. Resolved that the Board approve the attached revised employee benefits document for Cafeteria Workers and Lunchroom Monitors of the Watervliet City School District, effective July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2027, as recommended by the Superintendent.
46. Resolved that the Board approve the attached revised employee benefits document for the Cook Manager of the Watervliet City School District, effective July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2025, as recommended by the Superintendent.
 
47. Resolved that the Board of Education of the Watervliet City School District hereby amends the employment agreement between the District and Dr. Donald Stevens Jr. dated August 12, 2021, and authorizes the Board President to execute said addendum and authorizes payment(s) in accordance therewith.
48. Resolved that the Board approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the Achievements, PLLC, for the New York State Early Pre-Kindergarten Program, effective July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
49. Resolved that the Board approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area, for the New York State Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program, effective July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
50. Resolved that the Board approve the Grant Agreement with the The BelleJAR Foundation, in the amount of $100,000, in memory of Doug Payne, to be used solely for College and Career Exploration Activities, effective May 26, 2023, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
51. Resolved that the Board approve the Shared Services Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and the Green Island Union Free School District, effective January 9, 2023 – June 23, 2023, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
52. Resolved that the Board approve the Sport Merger between the Watervliet City School District and Heatley School District for the following sports programs, beginning with the Fall 2023 season, as recommended by the Superintendent:
• Girls’ Basketball
• Boys’ Basketball
53. Resolved that the Board approve the Consulting Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Needham Risk Management, for Health and Safety Programs, effective July 1, 2023, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
54. Resolved that the Board approve the Participation Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services for the Second Supervisory District of Erie, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus Counties for the use of licensed products, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

X. Other Items

55. Resolved that the Board approve the Board of Education Minutes for the meetings held May 2 and May 16, 2023, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
 
56. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held March 13, March 29, March 30, April 19, April 20, April 24, April 25, April 26, April 27, April 28, May 2, May 3, May 5, May 8, May 9, May 10, May 11, May 17, May 18, May 19, May 22, May 23, May 24, May 26, May 30, May 31, Jun 1 and June 5, 2023, submitted by Molly McGrath, Veronica Wilson and Daniele Tetrault, CSE Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.
57. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held April 19, May 9 and May 24, 2023, submitted by Molly McGrath, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
58. Resolved that the Board approve the home schooling request of the parent/guardian of the following student, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Student ID 900013724 – grade 6
59. Resolved that the Board approve the following Student Teacher requests at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
  • Name(s): Alison Callagan
    Role: Student Teacher
    Cooperating Teacher(s): Scott Emerson
    Dates: For 10 weeks beginning September 6, 2023
60. Resolved that the Board accept, with thanks, the donation of Two Pallets of Hand Sanitizer from Alison Belloise, on behalf of Stone Management, as recommended by the Superintendent.
61. Resolved that the Board accept, with thanks the donation of $1,032.20 from SM Gallivan, LLC for the purchase of topsoil, playground mulch and green waste disposal services at the Watervliet Elementary School, as recommended by the Superintendent.

XI. Board Discussion

XII. Adjournment