Board of Education Organizational Meeting July 6, 2023

Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York 12189

Board of Education
Organizational Meeting
July 6, 2023
6 p.m.
Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School

A G E N D A

I. Call to Order

Superintendent Dr. Donald Stevens Jr.

II. Board Members

Sheri Senecal
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Brian White
Victoria Donnelly

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Oath of Office

Superintendent Stevens will administer the Oath of Office to Mrs. Donnelly. Mrs. Donnelly will serve a three-year term of office.

V. 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.

VI. Election of Board Officers

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

VII. Reports/Comments

A. Superintendent’s Report

B. Committee Reports

Audit Committee
Policy Committee
- First Reading of Revised/Merged Policies:
  Education of Students in Temporary Housing
  Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, and Other Substances (Students)
  Sports and the Athletic Program
  Suicide
  Dignity for all Students
  Hazing of Students
  Student Gender Identity
  Curriculum Development, Resources, and Evaluation
  Equal Educational Opportunities
  Safety Conditions and Prevention Instruction
  Career and Technical (Occupational) Education
  Instruction in Certain Subjects
  Instruction for English Language Learners
  Instructional Materials and Nonpublic School Students

Second 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

VIII. Board of Education Discussion

The Code of Conduct has been uploaded to the district web site and will be available for public review on the 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 District Level Safety Plan has been uploaded to the district web site and will be available for public review on the 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.

IX. Personnel Items

2. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Michaeleen Backus from the position of Teaching Assistant at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective June 30, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.

3. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Dana Kowalchyk from the position of ENL Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective July 20, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent .

4. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Lyndsay Mattice from the position of Special Education Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective July 22, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.

5. Resolved that the Board rescind the appointment of Luca Rentz to the position of Teaching Assistant, ExTRA Summer Academy Program 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.

6. Resolved that the Board rescind the appointment of Chelsea Shufelt to the position of Grade 1 Teacher, ExTRA Summer Academy Program 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.

7. Resolved that the Board approve the leave of absence request of Beth Jones from her position as Teaching Assistant at the Watervliet Elementary School, for the 2023 – 2024 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.

8. Resolved that the Board approve the following ExTRA Summer Academy Program 2023 emergency appointments at a salary as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Watervliet Elementary School:
1st Grade: Luca Rentz
Teaching Assistant: Madelyn Degler

Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School:
Math Grades 6-8: Nicholas Grolley
Special Education 7-12 (.75): Kimberleigh Barkamian

9. Resolved that the Board approve the following Extended School Year (ESY) 2023 emergency appointment at a salary as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Teaching Assistant: Ashley Tremblay

10. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Michaeleen Backus to the position of Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher, ELA AIS, at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 5, 2023, at a Step 1 salary per WTA contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.

11. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Beth Jones to the position of Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher, Math AIS, at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 5, 2023, at a Step 1 salary per WTA contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.

12. Resolved that the Board approve an additional six (6) work days during the summer for Rebecca Phillips, Watervliet Elementary School Psychologist, as recommended by the Superintendent.

13. Resolved that the Board appoint the following staff to the positions outlined below for the 2023–2024 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Chemical Hygiene Officer: Jaclynne Bishop
Health Coordinator: Dennis Lane
Computer Coordinator (WES/WJSHS) (1.0): Allison Novotarski
Computer Coordinator (WES) (.5): Samantha Walsh
Computer Coordinator (WJSHS) (.5): Rebecca Sweeney

14. Resolved that the Board approve the voluntary transfer of Katrina Vacarelli from the position of Part-Time Bus Driver to the position of Full-Time Bus Driver for the Watervliet City School District, at her current hourly rate, effective July 10, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.

15. Resolved that the Board approve the voluntary transfer of Donald Winterbourne from the position of Full-Time Hall Monitor to the position of Part-Time Hall Monitor at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, at his current hourly rate, effective September 5, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.

16. Resolved that the Board approve the emergency probationary appointment of David Pearson to the position of Technology Aide (.4 FTE) for the Watervliet City School District, effective July 1, 2023, at a Step 20 salary per WSSA contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.

17. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of John Szkopiec to the position of Night Cleaning Supervisor at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School for a period beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024, at a salary of $13,828.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.

18. Resolved that the Board appoint the following staff as ExTRA Club Advisors for the 2023 – 2024 school year, at the rate outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Watervliet Elementary School:
Michele Deguire & Janice Sogoian – Homework Help (Gr. 3-5) ($24.59/hr.)
Adrienne Todd – Book Buddies (K-2) ($24.59/hr.)
Rosie Sharpe – Game Club Advisor ($962.00 stipend)
Andrew Cowie – Drama Club Advisor ($1,675.00 stipend) and
Band ($2,636.00 stipend)
Mary Collett – 4th/5th Grade Chorus ($1,675.00 stipend)
Geraldine Ferris – Garden Club ($500.00 stipend)

Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School:
Nikki Laboissiere – Homework Help (Gr. 6-8) ($24.59/hr.)
Yuriy Berin – Masterminds ($962.00 stipend) and
Chess Club ($962.00 stipend)
Ashley Dorn – Drama Club ($1,675.00 stipend)
Madelyn Degler – Drama Club Assistant ($838.00 stipend)
Colin Eletto – Samba Drum Circle ($2,636.00 stipend)
Melissa Kussler & AnneMarie Gleason – Co-Best Buddies
($878.00 – split stipend)
Rosie Sharpe – Substitute

X. Business Items

19. Resolved that the Board approve the following payment requests, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:

WATERVLIET 2022 ARPA CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS

Duncan & Cahill, Inc.
Payment Application #002
$128,881.72
DLC Electric, LLC
Payment Application #003
$54,059.75

20. Resolved that the Board designate Utica National Insurance Group (OneGroup) as the property & casualty insurance carrier for the Watervliet City School District for the 2023-2024 school year, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.

21. Resolved that the Board designate Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. as the Student Accident insurance carrier for the Watervliet City School District for the 2023–2024 school year, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.

22. 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

23. 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.

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

25. 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

26. Resolved that the Board approve the following appointments, effective July 1, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent:

District Treasurer, Part-Time – John Heid
Assistant District Treasurer – Keith Heid
Assistant Clerk of the Board – Jill O’Connell
Financial Consultant – Capital Market Advisors, LLC
Bond Counsel – Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP
Independent Auditor, CPA – Teal, Becker and Chiaramonte
School Medical Directors – Lori Caruso, M.D. & William Kostun, M.D.
Internal Claims Auditor – Michaeleen Backus
Faculty Auditor for Extracurricular Activities Account – Ryan Groat (WES)
& Jessie Richards (WJSHS)
Attorney – Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC
Purchasing Agent – Dani Jones
Pesticide Representative – Donald Ploof
Asbestos LEA Designee – Donald Ploof
FOIL Officer – Bernadette Boardman
Residency Determination Officer – Donald Stevens Jr.
Records Management Officer – TBD
Data Protection Officer – Kirsten DeMento
Civil Right Compliance Officers – Kirsten DeMento & Molly McGrath
Title IX Coordinators – Kirsten DeMento & Molly McGrath
Dignity Act Coordinators – Alison Santiago (WES) & Madelyn Degler (WJSHS)
Attendance Officer – Brenda Zawistowski
Liaison for Homeless Children and Youth – Kirsten DeMento
Chief Emergency Officer – Donald Stevens
Designated Educational Official – Donald Stevens Jr.

27. Resolved that the Board approve the following appointments, effective July 1, 2023, 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 Dispatcher
Stipend: $1,000.00
Name: Danielle Jones
Position: Activity Treasurer WCSD
Stipend: $1,500.00

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

District Treasurer – $1,100,000.00
Tax Collector – $1,100,000.00
Internal Claims Auditor – $1,100,000.00
Assistant District Treasurer – $100,000.00
Central Treasurer – $100,000.00
Other Staff – $100,000.00

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. Resolved that the Board authorize the Superintendent of Schools to:

Sign all applications for all State & 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.

32. Resolved that the Board approve the Memorandum of Agreement between Dr. Lori Caruso & Dr. William Kostun and the Watervliet City School District, to provide school health services, effective July 1, 2023, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

33. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Tony Albanese to the position of Transition Coordinator, for the Watervliet City School District, beginning July 1, 2023, effective July 1, 2023 – June 26, 2024, per the terms outlined in the attached contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.

34. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the Fee Agreement for the 2023–24 School Year, between Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC and the Watervliet City School District, dated June 13, 2023, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

35. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the Intermunicipality Agreement between the Green Island Union Free School District and the Watervliet City School District, effective July 1, 2023 – June 30 2028, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

36. Resolved that the Board approve the Agreement for Services with Wildwood School, for services provided to students placed in the Wildwood School Year Program and/or the Wildwood Summer Extension Program, effective July 1, 2023 – June 21, 2024, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

37. Resolved that the Board approve the Agreement for Services with the Center for Disability Services, for services provided to students placed in the Langan School Program and/or the Langan Extended School Year Program effective July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

38. Resolved that the Board approve the School District Tuition Agreement with Northern Rivers, for services provided to students placed in the School Program operated by Northeast Parent and Child Society, effective July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

39. Resolved that the Board approve the School District Tuition Agreement with Northern Rivers, for services provided to students placed in the Neil Hellman School Program operated by Parsons Child and Family Center, effective July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

40. Resolved that the Board approve the Contract Letter between Crossroads Center for Children and the Watervliet City School District for the provision of special education services, effective July 10, 2023 – August 18, 2023, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

XI. Other Items

41. Resolved that the Board adopt the following revised policies, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Temporary Personnel
Use of E-mail in the District
Public Access to Records
Equal Employment Opportunity
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Employee Medical Examinations

42. Resolved that the Board approve the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting held June 13, 2023, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.

43. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held May 20, June 5, June 6, June 7, June June 8, June 13, June 15, June 16, and June 20, 2023, submitted by Molly McGrath, Veronica Wilson and Daniele Tetrault, CSE Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.

44. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held June 14, 2023, submitted by Molly McGrath, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.

45. 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)

Molly McGrath Chairperson/Director
Albany County Rep.Designated by the County
Student’s Regular Ed. Teacher
Student’s Special Ed. Teacher
Parents of Student
Related-Services Personnel (If applicable)

Committee on Special Education (CSE)

Molly McGrath Chairperson/Director
Veronica BedardCSE Chairperson/School Psychologist (Grades 6-12)
Daniele Tetrault CSE Chairperson /School Psychologist (Grades K-5)
Becca Phillips CSE Chairperson /School Psychologist (Grades K-12)
Kelly Bariteau School Counselor – (Grades K-5)
Chelsea Clickner School Counselor – (Grades 6-8)
Dave Olszewski School Counselor – (Grades 9-12/A-K)
Katelyn McAvoy School Counselor – (Grades 9-12/M-Z)
Alexa Giardino, Jessica Erickson, Social Workers (Grades 6-12)
Alison Santiago, Laura Zasada, Social Workers (Grades K-5)
Student’s Regular Ed. Teacher
Student’s Special Ed. Teacher
Parents of Student
School Physician (If requested)
Related-Service Personnel (If applicable)
Student (If applicable)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Veronica Bedard Chairperson (Grades 6-12)/School Psychologist
Katelyn McAvoy Chairperson (Grades 9-12)/School Counselor
David Olszewski Chairperson (Grades 9-12)/School Counselor
Rebecca Phillips Chairperson (Grades K-12)/School Psychologist
Chelsie Clickner Chairperson (Grades 6-8)/School Counselor
Daniele Tetrault Chairperson (Grades K-5)/School Psychologist
Student’s Regular Ed. Teacher
School Counselor
Other persons having knowledge or special expertise regarding students (ex:
related services personnel)
Parents of student
Student (If applicable)

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.

46. Resolved that the Board appoint Scott O’Brien as the surrogate parent for the 2023–2024 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.

47. Resolved that the Board approve the following District-wide School Safety Team as recommended by the Superintendent:

Dr. Donald Stevens, Superintendent
Kelly Webster, Assistant Superintendent
Kirsten DeMento, Director
Molly McGrath, Director
Jessie Richards, WHS Administrator
Ryan Groat, WES Administrator
Chrissy Daniels, Administrative Assistant/Parent, WHS
Jackie Bishop, Chemical Hygiene Officer/Teacher
Joseph Centanni, Watervliet Police Chief
Michael Needham, Needham Associates Risk Management Consultant
Dennis Lane, Teacher/Health Coordinator
Thomas Garrett, Fire Chief
Allison Santiago, Social Worker WES
Danielle McKee, Social Worker WHS
Sue Vogel, School Nurse WES
TBA, School Nurse WHS
Katrina Vacarelli, Transportation
Sheri Senecal, School Board Member
Tito Negron, SRO

48. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the confidential Building Level Emergency Response Plan 2023–2024 for the Watervliet Elementary School, as recommended by the Superintendent.

49. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the confidential Building Level Emergency Response Plan 2023–2024 for the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as recommended by the Superintendent.

50. Resolved that the Board approve the home schooling requests of the parents/guardians of the following students, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Student ID 900013494 – grade 3

51. Resolved that the Board approve the following Administrative Intern request for the Watervliet City School District, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Name(s): Carissa Zuniga
Cooperating Administrator(s): Kirsten DeMento
Dates: Summer/Fall 2023, Spring 2024

52. 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): Christopher Ramirez
Role: Student Teacher
Cooperating Teacher(s): Dennis Lane
Dates: Fall 2023

53. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the attached Revised Professional Development Plan 2023–2026 for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.

54. Resolved that the Board approve the excision of Outdated Algebra and Geometry Textbooks, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.

55. Resolved that the Board approve the following paid holidays for Full-Time, 12-Month Administrators (WAA) and Full-Time, 12-Month Management Confidential Staff of the Watervliet City School District, effective July 1, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent:

Independence Day (7/4)
Labor Day (9/4)
Columbus Day (10/9)
Veterans Day (11/10)
Wednesday before Thanksgiving (11/22)
Thanksgiving Day (11/23)
Friday after Thanksgiving (11/24)
Christmas Day Observed (12/25)
December Break (12/26, 12/29)
New Year’s Day Observed (1/1)
Martin Luther King Day (1/15)
President’s Day (2/19)
February Break (2/23)
April Break (3/29, 4/1)
Memorial Day (5/27)
Eid Al Adha (6/17)
Juneteenth (6/19)

56. Resolved that the Board set the following dates as Regular Board of Education Meetings for 2023 – 2024:

July 6 (Organizational Meeting)
July 18 (Board Retreat – closed meeting)
August 8
September 12
October 17
November 14
December 12
January 9
February 13
March 12
April 9 (Budget Adoption)
April 24 (BOCES Budget Vote – 7:30 a.m.)
May 7 (Regular Board of Education Meeting/Budget Hearing)
May 21 School District Budget Vote & Election (Board meets to receive and accept results – 8:30 p.m.)
June 11

XII. Board Discussion

XIII. Adjournment

NOTE: All district appointments are subject to fingerprint clearance by the NYS Education Department and verification of Permanent or Pending Certification by NYS.