Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York 12189
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
August 8, 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 Member
Sheri Senecal
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Brian White
Victoria Donnelly
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. Election of Board Officers
- Resolved that the Board remove from the table the resolution to appoint a Board of Education President and Vice President.
- Resolved that the Board appoint a President and Vice President as selected by the Board of Education.
- Resolved that the Board appoint a NYSSBA Advocacy Liaison as selected by the Board of Education.
VI. Reports/Comments
A. Superintendent’s Report
B. Committee Reports
- Audit Committee
- Policy Committee
- Second 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
VII. Public Hearing
A. Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct has been available for public review on the district web site for over 30 days. During that time, the public has been welcome to submit any comments to boepubliccomment@vlietschools.org.
B. District-Level Safety Plan
The District-Level Safety Plan has been available for public review on the district web site for over 30 days. During that time, the public has been welcome to submit any comments to boepubliccomment@vlietschools.org.
VIII. Board of Education Discussion
IX. Personnel Items
4. Resolved that the Board approve the termination of Katrina Vacarelli from the position of Bus Driver for the Watervliet City School District, effective July 11, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
5. Resolved that the Board accept the resignation of Mary Ann Morris from the position of Lunch Monitor at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective June 30, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
6. Resolved that the Board rescind the probationary appointment of Julia Ryan to the position of Elementary Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, as recommended by the Superintendent.
7. Resolved that the Board approve the emergency appointment of Nick Yatrakis to serve as a Substitute for all summer classes/programs, as needed, effective July 21, 2023, at the contractual rate, as recommended by the Superintendent.
8. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Cyrus Clark to the position of Science Teacher (9-12), in the tenure area of Science 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. Cyrus Clark holds a Chemistry certification, (certificate #1549134211).
9. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Ashley Dolan to the position of Art Teacher, in the tenure area of Art, at the Watervliet Elementary 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. Ashley Dolan holds a Visual Arts certification, (certificate #1721047231).
10. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Dakota Hewitt to the position of School Nurse, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, beginning August 9, 2023, at a salary of $45,000.00, plus RN stipend, as per contract. The probationary period shall expire on August 9, 2024.
11. Resolved that the Board approve the emergency provisional appointment of Araela VanWagner to the position of Administrative Aide, for the Watervliet City School District, for a one-year probationary period beginning July 25, 2023, at a pro-rated yearly salary of $37,500.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
12. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Emma Buck to the position of Teacher Aide, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a one-year probationary period beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 1 Teacher Aide salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract.
13. Resolved that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the probationary appointment of Melissa Smith to the position of Library Aide, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a one-year probationary period beginning September 5, 2023, at a Step 1 Teacher Aide salary, plus Associate or Bachelor degree stipends, as per contract.
14. Resolved that the Board approve the transfer of Jack Ferris from the position of Part-Time Night Cleaner, to the position of Full-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, effective August 1, 2023, as recommended by the Superintendent.
15. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Daniel Carroll to the position of Food Service Worker – Heatly location, for a one year probationary period effective September 1, 2023, at an hourly rate of $17.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
16. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Joseph Facin to the position of Long-Term Substitute Technology Teacher at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, effective September 5, 2023, at a Step 9 (0.6 FTE) rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
17. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Kevin Reiss to the position of Building Substitute at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, effective September 5, 2023, at a rate of $110.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
18. Resolved that the Board appoint the following staff as Club Advisors at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School for the 2023–2024 school year, at the current rate, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Carrie Huntley – APEX Science
Kelsey Logan – APEX Health
Joanna Beams – APEX Social Studies and Music
Kerry Degnan – APEX Math
Joanna Beams – ExTRA Club WHS Study Tables
Kerry Degnan – ExTRA Club Homework Help (Gr. 6-7)
19. Resolved that the Board appoint the following staff to the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School Department Chairs and Club/Class Advisors for the 2023–2024 school year, at a rate as per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Department Chairs:
English: Tami Karbowski
Business, Art & Music: Megan Matuszek
Social Studies: Scott Emerson
Science/Technology: Walter Bowden
Mathematics: Jess Willson
Special Education: Daniel Mueller
School Counseling: David Olszewski
Foreign Language & ELL: Meghan Fronczek
Physical Education and Health: Dennis Lane
Clubs/Class Advisors:
Class of 2024: Dawn Sylvester
Class of 2025: Brenda Zawistowski & Donna Belokopitsky (Co-Advisors)
Class of 2026: Nikki Labossiere
Junior High Student Council: Jackie Bishop
Student Council: Chris Curtis & Scott Emerson (Co-Advisors)
National Junior Honor Society: Brenda Zawistowski
National Honor Society: Scott Emerson & James Murphy (Co-Advisors)
Yearbook Manager: Nikki Labossiere
Yearbook Editor: Caitlyn Santiago
Newspaper/Morning Announcements: Rebecca Sweeney
20. Resolved that the Board appoint the following Coaches for the 2023–2024 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 Football: Ryan Job
Varsity Assistant Football: Anthony Murray
Varsity Assistant Football: Marcus Hepp
Varsity Assistant Football: Zach Deering
Varsity Assistant Football: Kyle Nurse
Varsity Assistant Football: Jake Toomey
Modified Football: Jeremy Boyd
Modified Assistant Football: Cory Viscosi
Modified Assistant Football: Isaiah Moore
Volunteer Assistant Football: Ravion Burt
Volunteer Assistant Football: Tahle Teabout
Volunteer Assistant Football: Nate Conlen
Volunteer Assistant Football: Christopher Brooks
Volunteer Assistant Football: Tyrell Walker
Volunteer Assistant Football: Seven Chandler
Varsity Boys’ Soccer: Brian Ford
Varsity Girls’ Soccer: Nick Grolley
Boys’ Modified Soccer: Pete Mason
Modified Girls’ Soccer: Nicole Ford
Varsity Volleyball: Michele DeGuire
JV Volleyball: Thomas Hayes
Modified Volleyball: Erica Legault
Volunteer Volleyball: Beth Jones
Varsity Cross Country: Melique Garcia & Bridan Sharpe (Co-Coaches)
Varsity Cheerleading: Paige Martin
Varsity E-Sports : Madelyn Degler
21. WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirement of Education Law Section 3012-c and Part 30-2.9 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, the individuals named belowhave completed all the necessary training to be recertified as lead evaluators of classroom teachers; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby recertifies the following individuals as lead evaluators of classroom teachers:
Catherine Casey
Kirsten DeMento
Michael Foust
Ryan Groat
Molly McGrath
Jessie Richards
David Wareing
Kelly Webster
22. WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirements of Education Law Section 3012-c and Part 30-2.9 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, the individual named below has completed all the necessary training to be recertified as lead evaluator of building principals; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby recertifies the following individuals as lead evaluator of building principals:
Donald Stevens Jr.
Kelly Webster
X. Business Items
23. Resolved that the Board accept the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of June 2023, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
XI. Other Items
24. Resolved that the Board adopt the following revised policies, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- 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
25. Resolved that the Board approve the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting held July 6, 2023, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
26. Resolved that the Board approve the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meeting held July 18, 2023, submitted by Veronica Wilson, CSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
27. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the District-Wide Code of Conduct, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
28. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the District-Level Safety Plan 2023–2024 School Year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
29. Resolved that the Board approve the creation of the following course to be offered to students in Grades 9-12 at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School beginning in the 2023–2024 school year, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Applied English & Communications
30. Resolved that the Board approve the home schooling requests of the parents/guardians of the following students, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Student ID 900013488 – grade 3
31. Resolved that the Board approve and adopt the attached 2023–2024 Watervliet City School District Board of Education Goals, as recommended by the Superintendent.
32. Resolved that the Board approve the following Student Teacher request at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Name(s): Madison Soroka
Role: Student Teacher/Intern
Cooperating Teacher(s): Samantha Walsh, Jennifer Hoefer & Sarah Hulslander
Dates: 2023-24 School Year
33. WHEREAS, the Watervliet City School District (“School District”) intends to participate in the City of Watervliet School Bus Stop Arm Enforcement Program (hereinafter the “Stop Arm Program”), and all current and future authorized Stop Arm Programs within Albany County or surrounding counties in which the School District buses or School District contracted buses are operated; WHEREAS, the Stop Arm Program is authorized under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law §1174-a; WHEREAS, pursuant to NYS VTL §1174-a, in order to participate in the Program, the School District must enter into an agreement with the Municipality; WHEREAS, the School District intends to execute the School Bus Stop Arm Enforcement Program Opt-In Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 1, and enter into the Stop Arm Program; and THEREFORE, be it resolved, on August 8, 2023, the School District Board of Education hereby acknowledges and approves the School Bus Stop Arm Enforcement Program Opt-in Agreement made between the Municipality, the School District, and Bus Patrol America LLC, and agrees to be bound by its terms.
34. Resolved that the Board accept, with thanks, a check from the BelleJar Foundation in the amount of $100,000.00, to continue funding the Pivot Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.
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.
Addendum
35. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Andrea Morris to the position of Long-Term Substitute ELA Teacher at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School, effective September 5, 2023, at a Step 1 rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
36. Resolved that the Board approve the appointment of Eric Brady to the position of Part-Time Bus Driver for the Watervliet City School District, effective August 9, 2023, at a rate of $24.00 per hour, as recommended by the Superintendent.
37. Resolved that the Board approve the following School District Bus Drivers for the 2023-24 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Chris Kowalewski
- Robin Donovan
- Starr Harris
- Eric Brady
- Darryl Whited (Substitute Driver)
38. Resolved that the Board approve the following Treasurer’s Reports for the month of May 2023, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Schedule of Warrants & Payrolls
- Revenue Status Report
- Cash & Investments
- Appropriation Status Report
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
Payment App. #004
$24,125.25 - Duncan & Cahill, Inc.
Payment App. #003
$104,340.57
WATERVLIET 2022 ARPA CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
- Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC Statement No. 30 $ 21.50
40. Resolved that the Board approve the Final 2022-23 AS-7 Contract with Capital Region BOCES, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
41. Resolved that the Board approve the Preliminary 2023-24 AS-7 Contract with Capital Region BOCES, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
42. Resolved that the Board approve the Tax Collection Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and Pioneer Savings Bank for the collection of 2023-24 school taxes, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
43. Resolved that the Board designate Anil Mulchandani, Pioneer Savings Bank – Watervliet Branch, as the Deputy Tax Collector, as recommend by the Superintendent.
44. Resolved that the Board approve the contract for Health & Welfare Services at the rate of $959.71 for seventy-seven (77) students who reside within the Watervliet City School District and attend a private or parochial school within the Albany City School District during the 2022-23 school year for a total cost of $73,897.67, as recommended by the Superintendent.
45. Resolved that the Board approve the Payment for Unused Vacation Leave in the amount of $2,550.00 for Rebecca Smith, upon her resignation from the Watervliet City School District, effective June 20, 2023, per Article VIII of the Employee Benefits Document for Managerial/Confidential Employees, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.