Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York 12189
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
August 12, 2021
6 P.M.
Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School
A G E N D A
I. Call to Order
President Amanda Cavanaugh
II. Attendance
President Amanda Cavanaugh
Vice President Sheri Senecal
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Timothy Delisle
Superintendent Dr. Lori S. Caplan
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. Reports/Comments
A. Superintendent’s Report
B. Student Council Report
C. Committee Reports
- Audit Committee
- Policy Committee
- First Reading of New Policies:
Password Policy
Wireless Device Policy - First Reading of Revised Policies:
Confidentiality of Computerized Information
Internet Safety/Internet Content Filtering Policy
Use of Email in the School District
Staff Use of Computerized Information Resources
Smoking, Tobacco and Cannibis (Marijuana) Use
- First Reading of New Policies:
VI. Board of Education Discussion
VIII. Personnel Items
1. WHEREAS, after careful consideration and consultation, the Board of Education has determined that Donald Stevens, Jr. possesses the necessary qualifications and experience to serve as the Watervliet City School District’s Superintendent of Schools and to continue the orderly administration of the District’s ongoing programs and projects; and
WHEREAS, Donald Stevens, Jr. has agreed to accept the Board’s offer of appointment for a 3-year term to serve as the District’s Superintendent of Schools, effective on November 1, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the Board and Donald Stevens, Jr. have negotiated an agreement governing the terms and conditions of employment for the Superintendent of Schools.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby
1. Appoints Donald Stevens, Jr. as the Superintendent of Schools of the Watervliet City School District for a term of three (3) years, commencing on November 1, 2021; and
2. Approves and authorizes the President of the Board of Education, or the Vice-President in his/her absence, to execute the employment agreement with Donald Stevens to set forth the terms and conditions of his employment as Superintendent of Schools and to file the same with the District Clerk.
3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
2. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Donald Stevens, Jr., from the position of Assistant Superintendent for the Watervliet City School District, effective at the close of business on October 31, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
3. Resolved that the Board accept the retirement request of Mary Grace Delamater, from the position of Food Service Worker at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, effective June 25, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent
4. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Hillary Brochu, from the position of Science Teacher at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, effective July 21, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
5. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Lisa Suders, from the position of Social Studies Teacher at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, effective August 16, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
6. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Christine DeMento, from the position of Cafeteria Worker at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, effective June 24, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
7. Resolved that the Board approve the leave request for Khalan McNeff, effective September 1, 2021 through October 1, 2021, to return to work on October 4, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
8. Resolved that the Board rescind the appointment of the following Coaches for the 2021–2022 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 Fall:
Varsity Assistant Football: Fred Job
Modified Assistant Football: Melique Garcia
Varsity Girls’ Soccer: Mike O’Brien
Varsity Volleyball: Dan Short
Modified Volleyball: Michele Deguire
Varsity Volunteer Cheerleading: Hannah O’Neill
Coaching Winter:
Varsity Boys Basketball: Orlando DiBacco
Varsity Volunteer: Dan Pomerer
Boys Indoor Track: Melique Garcia
Cheerleading Volunteer: Hannah O’Neill
Coaching Spring:
Varsity Baseball: Pete Soroka
Volunteer Baseball: Mark Cady
Volunteer Baseball: James Griffin Sr.
Varsity Softball: Mike Bendon
Volunteer Softball: Josh Bagnardi
Volunteer Softball: John Jones
Boys Outdoor Track: Melique Garcia
9. Resolved that the Board approve the following appointments for the 2021 Summer Lunch Program:
Mary Schoonmaker
Paige Jensen
Heather Swinney
Rebecca Sutherland
Patricia King
Rosa Morales
Tina Ploof
Carol Waters
Tina Defrain
10. Resolved that the Board approve the following Extended Year School (ESY) 2021 substitute appointments at a salary as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Jessica Willson
Cameeka Williams (1/3 shared level 1 summer school stipend)
Anna Makovik (1/3 shared level 1 summer school stipend)
Kerry Degnan
11. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Shelley Palkovic to the position of Teaching Assistant, in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 1, 2021, at a Step 3 salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 1, 2024, 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. Shelley Palkovic holds a certification in ELA (7-12), Professional Certificate, (certificate #615691121).
12. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Elizabeth Jones to the position of Teaching Assistant, in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 1, 2021, at a Step 1 salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 1, 2025, 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. Elizabeth Jones holds a Teaching Assistant, Level I, certification (certificate #1515326211).
13. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Laura Zasada to the position of Social Worker, in the tenure area of Social Work, at the Watervliet Elementary School, beginning September 1, 2021, at a Step 2 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 1, 2025, 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. Laura Zasada holds a School Social Worker certification, Provisional (certificate #1404961201).
14. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Carrie Ann Swift-Huntley to the position of Science Teacher, in the tenure area of Science, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 1, 2021, at a Step 1 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 1, 2025, 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. Carrie Ann Swift-Huntley holds Emergency COVID-19 certifications in Chemistry (5-12) (certificate #1435947201), General Science (7-12) (certificate #1435946201) and Chemistry (7-12) (certificate #1416252201).
15. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Michaela Childs to the position of Social Studies Teacher, in the tenure area of Social Studies, at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, beginning September 1, 2021, at a Step 3 salary, plus master’s degree and credit hours, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on September 1, 2025, 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. Michaela Childs holds a Social Studies (7-12) certification, Initial (certificate #1197565181).
16. Resolved that the Board approve Laura Zasada, elementary school social worker as of September 1, 2021, to participate in summer professional development prior to her full-time appointment at the rate of $34.84 per hour, retroactive to July 14, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
17. Resolved that the Board approve Carrie Swift-Huntley, high school chemistry teacher as of September 1, 2021, to participate in summer professional development prior to her full-time appointment at the rate of $34.84 per hour, retroactive to July 19, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
18. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Robin Nichols to the position of Full-Time Bus Driver for the Watervliet City School District, at a rate of $18.50 per hour, effective August 23, 2021 as recommended by the Superintendent.
19. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Kimberly Prouty to the position of Full-Time Bus Driver for the Watervliet City School District, at a rate of $18.50 per hour, effective August 23, 2021 as recommended by the Superintendent.
20. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Dave McFarland to the position of Night Cleaning Supervisor at the Watervliet Elementary School for a period beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022, at a salary of $12,906.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
21. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Jordan Peluso to the position of Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher, Grade 3, at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 1, 2021, at a rate of $150.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
22. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Leah Karn to the position of Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher, Grade 5, at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 1, 2021, at a rate of $150.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
23. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Ryan Donlon to the position of Daily Building Substitute Teacher at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, effective September 7, 2021, at a rate of $110.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
24. Resolved that the Board appoint the following staff to the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School Club/Class Advisors for the 2021 – 2022 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Class of 2022: Nick Yatrakis Co-Advisor
Junior High Student Council: Jaclynn Bishop Co-Advisor
25. Resolved that the Board approve the following teaching overages for the 2021–2022 academic school year at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, as outlined in the attached, effective September 7, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent:
• Rebecca Sweeney (+.2)
• Meghan Fronczek (+.2)
• Dawn Sylvester (+.2)
• Daniel Mueller (+.2)
• Matthew Saucier (+.2)
• Natalie Spence (+.2)
• Kim Barkamian (+.1)
• Jaclynne Bishop (+.1)
26. Resolved that the Board appoint the following Coaches for the 2021–2022 school year, pending fingerprint clearance and fulfillment of NYSED coaching requirements, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Modified Volleyball: Beth Jones
Junior Varsity Volleyball: Michelle DeGuire
Varsity Boys’ Soccer: Michael LaCouture
Varsity Cross Country: Benjamin Valentine
Assistant Varsity Football: Anthony Murray
Volunteer Varsity Football: Albert Pasinella
Volunteer Varsity Football: Gabriel Smith
27. Resolved that the Board appoint the following staff to the Watervliet Elementary School Clubs for the 2021–2022 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Art: Christina Coogan
Band: Andrew Cowie
Chorus: Mary Collett
Environmental Club: Rebecca Cioffi
Garden Club: Geraldine Ferris
X. Business Items
28. Resolved that the Board accept the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the months of June 2021 and July 2021, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
29. Resolved that the Board approve the following hourly pay rate increases for the following employees, retroactive to July 1, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent:
• Donna Belokopitsky $25.00/hour
• Marlene Johnston $15.00/hour
• Chris Kowalewski $24.20/hour
30. Resolved that the Board approve the following daily pay rate, as recommended by the Superintendent:
• Daily Substitute $110.00 per diem
• Long-Term Substitute $150.00 per diem
31. Resolved that the Board approve the Payment for Unused Sick and Vacation Leave in the amount of $33,839.00 for Dave Capitula, upon his retirement from the Watervliet City School District, effective June 30, 2021, per the terms of the Employee Benefits Document for Non-Aligned Employees, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
32. Resolved that the Board accept the Office of the State Comptroller’s Report of Examination on Information Technology (Report #2021M-34) for the period July 1, 2019 – November 17, 2020, as outlined in the attached, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
33. Resolved that the Board approve the Final 2020-2021 AS-7 Contract with Capital Region BOCES, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
34. Resolved that the Board approve the Preliminary 2021-2022 AS-7 Contract with Capital Region BOCES, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
35. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Tax Collection Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Pioneer Savings Bank for the collection of 2021-22 school taxes, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
36. Resolved that the Board designate Anil Mulchandani, Pioneer Savings Bank-Watervliet Branch, as the Deputy Tax Collector, as recommended by the Superintendent.
37. Resolved that the Board approve the attached “Cooperative Bidding Cafeteria Commodities for Use in the Regional Food Service Management Program” resolution for the 2021-22 school year, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
38. Resolved that the Board designates ONEGROUP Schenectady as the property & casualty insurance carrier for the Watervliet City School District for the 2021-2022 school year.
39. 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
- DLC Electric, LLC
- Application #002 $ 28,310.00
- Application #003 $ 67,664.70
- Gallo Construction
- Application #002 $ 15,572.80
- Application #003 $ 234,011.36
- General Roofing Contractors
- Application #002 $ 174,776.25
- R.F. Gordon Mechanical LLC
- Application #001 $ 66,869.75
- Application #002 $ 160,421.76
40. Resolved that the Board approve the amendments to the Employee Benefit Document for Non-Aligned Employees, as outlined in the attached, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
41. Resolved that the Board approve the revised Employee Benefit Document for Cafeteria and Lunchroom Monitors, as outlined in the attached, submitted by Darryl Whited, as recommended by the Superintendent.
42. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Data Privacy Agreement with Noteflight LLC, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
43. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Data Privacy Agreement with Multi-Health Systems, Inc., as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
44. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Data Privacy Agreement with Hanover Research Council, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
45. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Contract between the Watervliet City School District and Chelsea Place Psychological Services to provide Support Services to the Autism and Social Emotional Classrooms, as recommended by the Superintendent.
46. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Contracts (2) between the Watervliet City School District and Crossroads Center for Children to provide Special Education Services for the School Age Summer Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.
47. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Contracts (2) between the Watervliet City School District and Crossroads Center for Children to provide Special Education Services for the School Age Fall Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.
48. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Memorandum of Understanding between the Watervliet City School District and Albany Community Action Partnership (ACAP) to provide Services for Preschool Children with Disabilities and their Families, as recommended by the Superintendent.
49. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and the Center for Disability Services to provide Instruction for Children with Disabilities, as recommended by the Superintendent.
50. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Tuition Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Northern Rivers for services provided by the Northeast Parent and Child Society, as recommended by the Superintendent.
51. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Carron Rutnik to provide Transitional Support Services, as recommended by the Superintendent.
52. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Tuition Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Northern Rivers for services provided by the Neil Hellman School Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.
53. Resolved that the Board approve the attached Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and St. Catherine’s Center for Children to provide Special Education Services, as recommended by the Superintendent.
XI. Other Items
54. Resolved that the Board approve the Board of Education Minutes for the meetings held June 24, July 1, July 21, and August 4, 2021, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
55. Resolved that Board approve the following Committee on Special Education (CSE) appointment, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Sarah Horaczek , Alternate Chairperson
56. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held June 8, June 9, June 10, June 11, June 15, June 16, June 17, June 21, June 22, June 23, June 24, July 1, July 9, July 27 and August 10, 2021, submitted by Veronica Bedard and Danielle 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 meeting held June 16, 2021, submitted by Veronica Bedard, former CPSE Chair, and for the meetings held July 21 and July 30, 2021, submitted by Sarah Horaczek, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
58. Resolved that the Board delete the following policies, as recommended by the Superintendent:
• Certified Personnel
• Certification and Qualifications
• Student Data Breaches
59. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the attached District Comprehensive Improvement Plan for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
60. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the confidential Building Level Emergency Response Plan 2021–2022 for the Watervliet Elementary School, as recommended by the Superintendent.
61. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the confidential Building Level Emergency Response Plan 2021–2022 for the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as recommended by the Superintendent.
62. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the attached District-Level Safety Plan 2021–2022 for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
63. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the attached revised Wellness Policy for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
64. Resolved that the Board approve the home schooling request of Lindsi Shalhoub for her child, Ryan Shalhoub, Grade 1, for the 2021–2022 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
65. Resolved that the Board approve the excision of broken/irreparable computers, printers, monitors cords, keyboards, and projectors, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
66. Resolved that the Board approve the excision of broken/irreparable transmitters and receivers, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
67. Resolved that the Board approve the excision of outdated materials and textbooks, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
XII. Board Discussion
XIII. Executive Session
68. Recommend an executive session to discuss matters related to:
• The annual evaluation of the Superintendent.
XIV. Adjournment
Addendum
69. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the attached COVID-19 Layered Mitigation Protocols: 2021-2022 for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.