Board of Education Meeting July 1, 2020

Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York 12189

Board of Education
Organizational Meeting
July 1, 2020
6 P.M.
Livestream

AGENDA

I. Call to Order: Superintendent Dr. Lori S. Caplan

II. Board Members
Sheri Senecal
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Amanda Cavanaugh
Timothy Delisle

III. Oath of Office

Superintendent Caplan will administer the Oath of Office to Mr. Delisle. Mr. Delisle will serve a three-year term of office.

IV. Public Comment

In accordance with Board Policy Number 2310, 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. Election of Board Officers

1. Resolved that the Board appoint a President and Vice President as selected by the Board of Education.

VI. Old Business

VII. Board, Staff and Student Reports

VIII. Board Discussion

IX. General

1. Resolved that the Board approve the Board of Education Minutes for the meetings held June 2, June 16 and June 22, 2020, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.

2. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held June 17, 2020, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.

3. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held May 27, May 28, June 4, June 8, June 9, June 10, June 11, June 15, June 16, and June 17, 2020, submitted by Janelle Yanni, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.

4. Resolved that the Board approve the following Treasurer’s Reports for the months of May 2020, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:

  • Schedule of Warrants & Payrolls
  • Revenue Status Report
  • Cash & Investments
  • Appropriation Status Report

5. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $856.39 for 66 students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend private and parochial schools in the Albany City School District beginning September 2019 through June 2020 for a total cost of $56,521.67, as recommended by the Superintendent.

6. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $682.85 for 21 students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend private and parochial schools in the Troy City School District beginning September 2019 through June 2020 for a total cost of $14,339.85, as recommended by the Superintendent.

7. Resolved that the Board approve the attached 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, 2020 – June 30, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.

8. Resolved that the Board approve the designation of Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. as the Student Accident insurance carrier for the Watervliet City School District for the 2020 –2021 school year submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.

9. Resolved that the Board designate the ONEGROUP Schenectady as the property & casualty insurance carrier for the Watervliet City School District for the 2020 – 2021 school year submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.

10. Resolved that the Board designate the following banks as Official Depository of Funds, as recommended by the Superintendent:

  • Bank of America
  • JP Morgan Chase Bank
  • Pioneer Savings Bank

11. Resolved that Board approve 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.

12. Resolved that the Board approve 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, 2020 through June 30, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.

13. Resolved that the Board approve the designation of The Troy Record as the official newspaper, as recommended by the Superintendent.

14. Resolved that the Board establish 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

15. Resolved that the Board approve the following appointments, effective July 1, 2019, as recommended by the Superintendent:

  • Substitute District Treasurer, Part-Time – John Heid
  • Assistant District Treasurer – Keith Heid
  • 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 – Roni O’Brien
  • Attorney – Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC and Ferrara, Fiorenza, Barrett & Reitz
  • Purchasing Agent – Dani Jones
  • Pesticide Representative – David McFarland
  • Asbestos LEA Designee – David McFarland
  • FOIL Officer – Bernadette Boardman
  • Residency Determination Officer – Dr. Lori S. Caplan

16. Resolved that the Board approve the following appointments, effective July 1, 2019, 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

17. Resolved that the Board approve the bonding of District employees, as recommended by the Superintendent:

  • District Treasurer – $1,100,000
  • Tax Collector – $1,100,000
  • Internal Claims Auditor – $1,100,000
  • Assistant District Treasurer – $100,000
  • Central Treasurer – $100,000
  • Other Staff – $100,000

18. Resolved that the Board authorize 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.

19. Resolved that the Board authorize 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.

20. Resolved that the Board authorize 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.

21. Resolved that Board approve 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
  • School Physician (if requested)
  • 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 Ed. 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.

22. Resolved that the Board appoint Jim Palmer as the surrogate parent for the 2020–2021 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.

23. Resolved that the Board approve the modification of the Clerk Typist position in the Assistant Principal’s office to a 10-month position, to follow the WSSA contract for 10-month employees, effective July 1, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.

24. Resolved that the Board award the status of tenure to Dennis Lane, in the area of Health, effective September, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.

25. Resolved that the Board approve an additional three (3) work days during the summer for Kelly Bariteau, Watervliet Elementary School Guidance Counselor, as recommended by the Superintendent.

26. Resolved that the Board approve an additional six (6) work days each during the summer for David Olszewski, Kate McAvoy and Chelsea Clickner, Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School Guidance Counselors, as recommended by the Superintendent.

27. Resolved that the Board approve the following ExTRA Summer Academy 2020 appointments at a salary as per contract:

Teachers:

  • Michaeleen Backus, Kindergarten & Grade 1
  • Adrienne Todd, Grade 2
  • Samantha Walsh, Grade 3
  • Jeanne Lance, Grade 4
  • Joelle Bird, Grade 5
  • Nikki LaBoissiere, Grade 6
  • Lisa Suders, Grade 7
  • Nick Yatrakis, Math, Grades 7-8
  • Tami Karbowski, ELA, Grades 7-8
  • Christa Farruggio, ELA, Grades 9-12
  • Jessica Willson, Math, Grades 9-12
  • Stephanie Sutton, Social Studies, Grades 9-12
  • Ashleigh Fraley, Science, Grades 9-12
  • Louisa Boehlert, Vaughan Social Worker
  • David Olszewski, School Counselor

28. Resolved that the Board approve the following appointments for the 2020 Summer Lunch Program:

WHS 

Maria Whited
Christine DeMento
Heather Swinney
Rebecca Sutherland
Katerina Derocher

WES

Mary Schoonmaker
Paige Jensen
Patricia King
Tina DeFrain
Jennifer Delsignore
Tina Ploof

29. Resolved that the Board appoint the following staff to the positions outlined below for the 2020–2021 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

  • Chemical Hygiene Officer: Ashleigh Fraley
  • Computer Coordinator WES (0.5)/WHS (0.5): Allison Novotarski
  • Computer Coordinator WHS (0.5): Ashleigh Fraley
  • Computer Coordinator WES (0.5): Meaghan Castle

30. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Dave McFarland to the position of Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District for a period beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021, at a salary of $12,470.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

31. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of John Szkopiec to the position of Night Cleaning Supervisor for the Watervliet City School District for a period beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021, at a salary of $12,470.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

32. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Employee Benefits Document for Cook Manager of the Watervliet City School District, effective July 1, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent.

33. Resolved that the Board approve the following paid holidays for Full-Time, 12-Month Administrators (WAA) and Full-Time, 12-Month Central Office Clerical Staff of the Watervliet City School District, effective July 1, 2020, as recommended by the Superintendent:

  • Independence Day (7/3)
  • Labor Day (9/7)
  • Columbus Day (10/12)
  • Veterans Day (11/11)
  • Wednesday before Thanksgiving (11/25)
  • Thanksgiving (11/26)
  • Friday after Thanksgiving (11/27)
  • December (12/24, 12/25, 12/30, 12/31)
  • New Year’s Day (1/1)
  • Martin Luther King Day (1/18)
  • President’s Day (2/15)
  • February (2/19)
  • Good Friday (4/2)
  • April (4/5, 4/9)
  • Memorial Day (5/31)

34. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the attached 2020–2023 Watervliet City School District Board of Education Goals, as recommended by the Superintendent.

35. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the attached Professional Development Plan 2020–2023 for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.

36. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the Building Level Emergency Response Plan 2020–2021 for the Watervliet Elementary School, as recommended by the Superintendent.

37. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the Building Level Emergency Response Plan 2020–2021 for the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as recommended by the Superintendent.

38. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the attached District-Level Safety Plan 2020-2021 for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.

39. Resolved that the Board accept, with thanks the donation of various books, games and puzzles, as outlined in the attached, from Dana Kowalchyk’s donorschoose.org fundraiser, to be given to ENL students to support learning at home, as recommended by the Superintendent.

40. Resolved that the Board accept, with thanks the grant award gift certificate in the amount of $450.00 from First Book Marketplace and Pizza Hut to the Watervliet City School District, to be used to purchase items books and resources from First Book Marketplace, as recommended by the Superintendent.

41. Resolved that the Board accept the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of June 2019, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.

X. New Business

XI. Superintendent’s Report

XII. Adjournment