Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York 12189
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
June 11, 2024
6 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
Brian White
Victoria Donnelly
Superintendent Dr. Donald Stevens Jr.
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Comment
In accordance with Board Policy Number 1510, 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.
V. Presentations/Reports/Comments
The Year at a Glance Presentation Administrators
- Superintendent’s Report
- Student Council Report
- Committee Reports
- Audit Committee
- Policy Committee
First Reading of Revised Policies:
Student Gender Identity
VI. Board of Education Discussion
VII. Personnel Items
1. Resolved that the Board approve the revised appointment of Mia Rockwell to the position of Long-Term Substitute School Counselor, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, effective May 8, 2024–November 1, 2024, at a rate of $200.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
2. Resolved that the Board rescind the appointment of the following for the 2023–2024 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Wrestling Volunteer Coach: Kennon Engelmann
Cooking Club Co-Advisor: Rosie Sharpe
Game Club Advisor: Rosie Sharpe
3. Resolved that the Board rescind the appointment of the following for the 2024–2025 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent:
JV Volleyball Coach: Thomas Hayes
4. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Daniel Moore from the position of Part-Time Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, effective May 30, 2024, as recommended by the Superintendent.
5. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Brittany Ableman from the position of Art Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective June 30, 2024, as recommended by the Superintendent.
6. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Carissa Zuniga from the position of ENL Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective June 30, 2024, as recommended by the Superintendent.
7. Resolved that the Board approve the retirement request of Lisa Dubrule from the position of Library Aide at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective June 30, 2024, as recommended by the Superintendent
8. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of the following Advisors for the 2023–2024 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Game Club: Kelly Gilchrist (effective January 22, 2024)
Cannoneer (Varsity) Club: Meghan Fronczek
9. Resolved that the Board approve the following Summer Academy Program 2024 appointments at a salary as per contract:
Nurse: Dakota Hewitt
Physical Education: Jeffrey Mueller (Level I)
Substitutes: Carl Nigro, Samantha McCabe, Sherri Foglia, Tina Shufelt, Michele DeGuire, Valerie Ellison
10. Resolved that the Board approve the following Summer School 2024 appointments at a salary as per contract:
Grade 8/9 Math: Marc Fruscio (Level III)
9-12 Science: Claudia Bunting Marshall (Level III)
11. Resolved that the Board approve the following Extended School Year 2024 appointments at a salary as per contract:
Social Worker:
Laura Zasada (3/6 weeks, Level II) and Jessica Erickson
(2/6 weeks, Level I)
Substitutes: Tina LaVallee, Nick Rivera, Sharon Foglia, Rianna Ferrara
12. Resolved that the Board approve the following Summer Lunch Program 2024 appointments, as outlined in the attached, at a salary as per contract:
Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School
Heather Swinney
Lisa Leone
Maria Whited
Jamie Binkley
Chloe Swinney
Jasmine Matlock
Rebecca Sutherland
Joe Navajoski
Watervliet Elementary School
Mary Schoonmaker
Theresa Lewis
Patricia King
Tina Ploof
Kathleen Darline
Carol Water
Adrian Orozco
Toni Lewinski
13. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the voluntary transfer of Rachel Alric to the position of Reading Specialist, in the tenure area of Reading, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 3, 2024, at her current contractual step, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 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. Rachel Alric holds a Literacy (B-6) certification, (certificate #723126131).
14. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Marc Fruscio to the position of Mathematics Teacher, in the tenure area of Math, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 18 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 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. Marc Fruscio holds a Mathematics certification, (certificate #844283141).
15. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Morgan Kurtz to the position of Special Education Teacher, in the tenure area of Special Education, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 2028, 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. Morgan Kurtz holds a Students with Disabilities (1-6) certification, (certificate #1749792231).
16. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Cassandra Berman to the position of Speech Language Pathologist, in the tenure area of Speech, for the Watervliet City School District, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 4 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 2028, 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. Cassandra Berman holds a Speech and Language Disabilities certification, (certificate #1519820211).
17. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Luke McLaughlin to the position of Earth Science Teacher, in the tenure area of Earth Science, at the Watervliet Jr. –Sr. High School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 2 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 2028, 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. Luke McLaughlin holds a Earth Science (7-12) certification, (certificate #1654105221).
18. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Ehren Lewis to the position of Alternate Education Teacher, in the tenure area of Social Studies, at the EVOLVE Program, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 5 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 2028, 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. Ehren Lewis holds a Social Studies (7-12) certification, (certificate #1068587161).
19. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the voluntary transfer of Alison Callagan from a 0.4 FTE to the 1.0 FTE position of Social Studies Teacher, in the tenure area of Social Studies, at the EVOLVE Program, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 2 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. Ms. Callagan’s current probationary period shall continue and expire on September 3, 2027, contingent upon achievement of effective or highly effective APPR ratings necessary to receive tenure throughout her probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d.
20. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Bryan Van Vliet to the position of Technology Teacher, in the tenure area of Technology, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning September 3, 2024, at a Step 11 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 3, 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. Bryan Van Vliet holds a Technology certification, (certificate #1264220181).
21. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Rebecca LaForest to the position of Coordinator of Student Support Services, in the tenure area of Administration, for the Watervliet City School District, beginning August 15, 2024 at a Step 1 (Director) salary, per contract. The probationary period shall expire on August 15, 2028, contingent upon satisfactory compliance with Education Law Sections 3012 and/or 3012-d. Rebecca LaForest holds a School District Leader certification (certificate #1752216231).
22. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the voluntary transfer of Nicholas Rivera from the position of Teaching Assistant at the Watervliet Elementary School to the position of Teaching Assistant at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, beginning September 3, 2024, at a his current step salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract. Mr. Rivera’s current probationary period shall continue and expire on September 3, 2025, contingent upon positive evaluations from his/her direct supervisor throughout his probationary period, consistent with the requirements of Education Law Sections 2509, 3012-c, and/or 3012-d.
23. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Michaeleen Backus to the position of Long-Term Substitute ELA Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 3, 2024 through June 30, 2025, at a Step 1 rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
24. Resolved that the Board appoint the following Coaches for the 2024– 2025 school year, pending fingerprint clearance and fulfillment of NYSED coaching requirements, at a rate as per contract, unless outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
WATERVLIET JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Coaching Fall:
Boys’ Assistant Varsity Soccer: Paul Travers
Girls’ Modified Soccer: Jason Vasquez
Varsity Assistant Football: Jason Wagor, Deson Cooley, Aaron Treacy, Zacharey Johnson, Arthur Mitchum, O’Neil Keels II
25. Resolved that the Board approve the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packet #16).
VIII. Business Items
26. Resolved that the Board accept the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of May 2024, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
27. Resolved that the Board approve the following Treasurer’s Reports for the month of April 2024, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Schedule of Warrants & Payrolls
- Revenue Status Report
- Cash & Investments
- Appropriation Status Report
28. Resolved that the Board approve the following payment requests, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
WATERVLIET 2022 CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
- Capital Markets Advisors
Invoice # 889
$14,900.00 - CD Regional Planning Commission
Invoice # 24-18
$6,500.00
29. Resolved that the Board approve the following contracts for Health & Welfare Services for students who reside within the Watervliet CSD and attend a private or parochial school within the following school districts during the 2023-24 school year:
| School District | Cost per Student | # of Students | Total Cost |
| Albany City SD | $1,082.23 | 59 | $63,851.57 |
| Averill Park CSD | $591.05 | 1 | $591.05 |
| Bethlehem CSD | $1,118.00 | 2 | $2,236.00 |
| North Colonie CSD | $925.89 | 30 | $27,776.70 |
| North Greenbush CSD | $349.09 | 18.8 | $6,562.89 |
| South Colonie CSD | $901.38 | 5 | $4,506.90 |
| Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD | $897.04 | 3 | $2,691.12 |
30. Resolved that the Board approve an Employer Non-elective 403B Contribution of $22,920.00 to Peter Strand for Unused Sick Leave upon retirement from the Watervliet City SD, effective June 30, 2024, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools and the Watervliet Teachers Association, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
31. Resolved that the Board approve an Employer Non-elective 403B Contribution of $14,265.00 to Yuriy Berin for Unused Sick Leave upon retirement from the Watervliet City SD, effective June 30, 2024, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools and the Watervliet Teachers Association, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
32. Resolved that the Board approve an Employer Non-elective 403B Contribution of $19,485.00 to Tina Shufelt for Unused Sick Leave upon retirement from the Watervliet City SD, effective June 30, 2024, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools and the Watervliet Teachers Association, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
33. Resolved that the Board approve an Employer Non-elective 403B Contribution of $36,000.00 to Mary Collett for Unused Sick Leave upon retirement from the Watervliet City SD, effective June 30, 2024, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools and the Watervliet Teachers Association, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
34. Resolved that the Board approve an Employer Non-elective 403B Contribution of $10,845.00 to Tracy Coffey for Unused Sick Leave upon retirement from the Watervliet City SD, effective June 30, 2024, per the terms of the Agreement between the Superintendent of Schools and the Watervliet Teachers Association, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
35. Resolved that the Board establish the 2024 Capital Reserve Fund as authorized by the voters of the Watervliet City SD on May 21, 2024, for the purpose of paying the cost of future building projects, in a maximum amount not to exceed $10,000,000, to be raised by the annual transfer of unexpended operating funds for a probable term of 10-years, effective immediately and expiring June 30, 2034, as recommended by the Superintendent.
36. Resolved that the Board authorize the transfer of $3,000,000 from the unreserved, unappropriated fund balance of the 2023-24 school year budget to the 2024 Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of funding voter authorized capital projects and for any purpose authorized under Education Law 3651, as recommended by the Superintendent.
37. Resolved that the Board approve the following bid results, submitted by Darryl Whited, Cook Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Ginsberg’s Perishables, Frozen and Canned Goods
- Hill & Markes Paper Product and Cleaning Supplies
- Sycaway Creamery Dairy Creamery
- Degele Brothers and Ginsberg’s Pilot Program
38. Resolved that the Board approve the Agreement for Services with Laura Rickard Speech Language Therapy, to provide speech-language support services for two hours per week, effective September 11, 2024 – June 11, 2025, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
IX. Other Items
39. Resolved that the Board approve the Board of Education Minutes for the meetings held April 24, May 7, May 21 and May 28, 2024, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
40. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held January 25, April 10, April 16, April 18, April 22, April 25, April 26, April 29, April 30, May 1, May 2, May 3, May 6, May 7, May 8, May 9, May 10, May 14, May 15, May 16, May 17, May 21, May 22, May 23, May 28, May 29, and May 30, 2024, submitted by Molly McGrath, Veronica Wilson, Rebecca Phillips and Daniele Tetrault, CSE Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.
41. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held April 10, April 18, April 25, and May 1, 2024, submitted by Molly McGrath, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
42. Resolved that the Board approve the New Book Request for the book entitled “Encounter,” by Brittany Luby, to be added to the Grade 4 curriculum at the Watervliet Elementary School beginning in the 2024–2025 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
43. Resolved that the Board approve the New Book Request for the book entitled “Encounter,” by Jane Yolen, to be added to the Grade 4 curriculum at the Watervliet Elementary School beginning in the 2024–2025 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
44. Resolved that the Board approve the New Book Request for the book entitled “Hiawatha and the Peacemaker,” by Robbie Robertson, to be added to the Grade 4 curriculum at the Watervliet Elementary School beginning in the 2024–2025 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
45. Resolved that the Board approve the New Book Request for the book entitled “I Survived: The Joplin Tornado,” by Lauren Tarshis, to be added to the Grade 2-5 curriculum at the Watervliet Elementary School beginning in the 2024–2025 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
46. Resolved that the Board approve the New Book Request for the book entitled “I Survived: Eruption of Mt. St. Helen’s,” by Lauren Tarshis, to be added to the Grade 4 curriculum at the Watervliet Elementary School beginning in the 2024–2025 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
47. Resolved that the Board approve the New Book Request for the book entitled “Iroquois Folktales: Native American Short Stories,” by Mabel Powers, to be added to the Grade 4 curriculum at the Watervliet Elementary School beginning in the 2024–2025 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
48. Resolved that the Board approve the attached revised 2024–2025 School District Calendar, as recommended by the Superintendent.
X. Executive Session
49. Recommend an executive session to discuss matters related to:
- the annual evaluation of the superintendent; and
- the employment history of a particular person.