Watervliet City School District
Watervliet, New York
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Date: September 9, 2021
Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Meeting Opened: 6:03 p.m.
Where: Livestream
Board Members Present:
President Amanda Cavanaugh
Vice President Sheri Senecal
Heather Soroka
Mary Beth Whited
Timothy Delisle
Superintendent: Dr. Lori S. Caplan
The meeting was opened at 6:03 p.m., with President Cavanaugh officiating.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Reports/Comments
Watervliet 2021 Extended School Year Presentation Sarah Horaczek
Mrs. Cavanaugh thanked and praised Mrs. Horaczek for being new and being the first person to present this school year. She added that she has heard a lot of great things about her in the community.
Mrs. Senecal thanked echoed Mrs. Cavanaugh’s sentiments, adding that it is great to see that planning for special education students will be happening earlier in the year than it typically does.
A. Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Caplan shared the following:
- Praise for Mrs. Horaczek, noting that she was impressed with how she handled a student today. She stated that Sarah is a great addition to the team.
- Thank you to the teachers who are back and the parents who are trusting us with their children. We have a pretty full house and it feels good. We are back to normal.
- Praise for administrators, teachers, support staff and cafeteria staff.
- We have two new bus drivers. Our first day was rough, but each day has gotten better.
- Building project is going well and progressing.
Mr. Stevens shared the following:
- We have between 80-90% of children in both buildings. Things are looking really good and we are excited.
- Introduced and welcomed Carmen Diaz, who will be joining our Administrative team as the Director of Curriculum. She will focus on curriculum and instructional work.
Ms. Diaz thanked everyone for the warm welcome and provided information on her background and experience. She added that she is looking forward to making a difference in our school community.
Mr. Stevens added that Ms. Diaz is currently working her educational doctorate.
Mrs. Cavanaugh welcomed Ms. Diaz to the district.
- Information on surveillance testing will be coming out soon. This would be for 20% of student population and any unvaccinated staff members. Per guidance from Dr. Whalen, any staff, regardless of vaccination status, should be surveillance tested. A large number of staff have volunteered to be surveillance tested when it is up and running.
- Whitney Young is back in our building 5 days a week. They are providing vaccinations and PCR testing.
- Reporting COVID numbers to the state dashboard will begin soon.
B. Student Council Report
There was no Student Council report.
C. Committee Reports
- Audit Committee
There was no Audit Committee report.
- Policy Committee
- Second Reading of New Policies:
- Password Policy
- Wireless Device Policy
- Second Reading of New Policies:
- Second 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
- SAVE Committee
There was no SAVE Committee report.
Board of Education Discussion
Mrs. Whited stated that the administrators at the elementary school did a great job with the school opening, noting that she is there every day.
Mrs. Cavanaugh echoed Mrs. Whited’s sentiments, adding that the same is true at the high school, where she has a seventh grader. She added that the staff has done a kick-ass job with school opening.
Items Requiring Board Action
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Janice Fiacco, from the position of Cafeteria Worker at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective August 27, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded 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.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded 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.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Donna Marziani, from the position of Lunch Monitor at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective August 19, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the resignation of Ricardo Domena, from the position of Part-Time Night Cleaner for the Watervliet City School District, effective August 23, 2021, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board rescinded the appointment of Robin Nichols from the position of Full-Time Bus Driver for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the leave request for Kristin Lofink, effective September 1, 2021 through the 2021 – 2022 school year, to return to work at the start of the 2022 – 2023 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the probationary appointment of Carmen Diaz to the position of Director of Curriculum and Instruction, in the tenure area of Administration, for the Watervliet City School District, beginning October 18, 2021, at a Step 1 Principal salary, per contract. The probationary period shall expire on October 18, 2025, contingent upon satisfactory compliance with Education Law Sections 3012 and/or 3012-d. Carmen Diaz holds a certification as School District Leader (certificate #1517326211).
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Gina DeCianni to the position of Elementary ENL Teacher, in the tenure area of ENL, at the Watervliet Elementary 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. Gina DeCianni holds an English to Speakers of Other Languages, supplementary certification, (certificate #1440245201).
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Nicholas Rivera 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, pending receipt of NYS certification, and 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.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Robin Fryer to the position of Full-Time Bus Driver for the Watervliet City School District, at a rate of $18.50 per hour, effective August 27, 2021, pending fingerprint clearance, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board postponed indefinitely the emergency probationary appointment of Sasha Morales-Carrington to the position of Cafeteria Worker, at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, for a probationary period beginning September 7, 2021 and ending September 7, 2022, pending fingerprint clearance, at an hourly rate of $15.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Michele Mossey-Valenti to the position of Lunch Monitor, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning September 7, 2021 and ending September 7, 2022, at an hourly rate of $15.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Deborah Lutz to the position of Lunch Monitor, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning September 7, 2021 and ending September 7, 2022, at an hourly rate of $15.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the emergency probationary appointment of Misty Meacham to the position of Cafeteria Worker, at the Watervliet Elementary School, for a probationary period beginning September 1, 2021 and ending September 1, 2022, at an hourly rate of $15.00, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved 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 Step 1 rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved 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 Step 1 rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Victoria Mangold to the position of Long-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 1, 2021, at a Step 1 rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Donna Cusack to the position of Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher, Grade 3, at the Watervliet Elementary School, effective September 21, 2021, at a rate of $150.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Jacob Hardy to the position of Long-Term Substitute Physical Education Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective August 30, 2021, at a rate of $150.00 per diem, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Dylan Lukowski to the position of Long-Term Substitute ELA Teacher at the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, effective August 30, 2021, at a Step 1 rate per contract, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the appointment of Sarah Horaczek as Title IX Compliance Officer for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following teaching overage 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:
- Ralph Carotenuto (+.2)
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved 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 Volleyball: Dan Short
Varsity Assistant Football: Gabriel Smith
Varsity Assistant Football: Marcus Hepp
Varsity Assistant Football: Zackery Deering
Volunteer Varsity Football: Justin Morris
Volunteer Varsity Football: Rodney Dukes
Volunteer Varsity Football: Corey Viscosi
Volunteer Varsity Football: William Ronan
Volunteer Varsity Football: Nathaniel Conlen
Volunteer Varsity Football: Wayne Hansbury, Jr.
Modified Assistant Football: Melique Garcia
Volunteer Cheerleading: Meaghan Hogan
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Substitute Registry submitted by BOCES, as recommended by the Superintendent (packet #1).
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted the Internal Claims Auditor Report for the month of August 2021, submitted by Michaeleen Backus, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the 2021 – 2022 Tax Warrant, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the payment requests, submitted by Keith Heid, Business Manager, as recommended by the Superintendent:
WATERVLIET 2021 CAPITAL PROJECT – ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
Barton & Loguidice
Invoice 2327.001.002
$2,632.04
CSArch (A/E)
Invoice # 3430
$9,232.58
CSArch (CM)
Invoice #3431
$20,273.54
DLC Electric, LLC
Payment App #004
$113,026.25
Gallo Construction
Payment App #004
$277,577.75
General Roofing Contractors
Payment App #003
$232,526.25
R.F. Gorgon Mechanical LLC
Payment App #003
$437,726.83
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Day Service Tuition Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and LaSalle School, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Agreement for Services between the Watervliet City School District and Wildwood Programs, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the revised Memorandum of Agreement between the Watervliet City School District and The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area, as outlined in the attached, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Board of Education Minutes for the meeting held August 12, 2021, submitted by Bernadette L. Boardman, Clerk of the Board, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held August 4, August 5, August 10, August 11, August 20 and August 25, 2021, submitted by Veronica Bedard and Danielle Tetrault, CSE Chairs, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the Committee on Pre-School Special Education’s recommendations for the meetings held August 9 and August 20, 2021, submitted by Sarah Horaczek, CPSE Chair, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the following policies, as recommended by the Superintendent:
- Password Policy
- Wireless Device Policy
- 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
The Board had an extensive discussion about the revised COVID-19 Layered Mitigation Plan as it relates to community use of the facilities while in a red zone. Specifically, the Board discussed youth sports that have typically used the facilities in the past, which would not be allowed under the current plan.
Dr. Caplan stated that she needed to go on the record by stating that she thinks it is really bad idea to allow them to play. She said we would be putting children at risk, if they quarantine they would miss more school after already having missed 18 months. As an educator and superintendent, she thinks kids are going to get sick, and she worries a lot.
After a lengthy discussion, the Board voted as follows:
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board postponed until September 15, the adoption of the revised COVID-19 Layered Mitigation Protocols: 2021 – 2022 for the Watervliet City School District, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following home schooling requests for the 2021 – 2022 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Student: Za’kyi Burks, Grade 3
Parent/Guardian: Le’Gena Burks
Student: Danielle Netto, Grade 10
Student: Gabrielle Epperson Hasan, Grade 2
Parent/Guardian: Stephanie Epperson
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved the following Student Teacher request at the Watervliet Elementary School, as outlined below, as recommended by the Superintendent:
Name(s): Vanessa Fulmore
Role: Student Teacher
Cooperating Teacher(s): Samantha Walsh
Dates: 2021 Fall Semester
Name(s): Dionna Taccetta
Role: Student Teacher
Cooperating Teacher(s): Kara Cunningham
Dates: 2021 Fall Semester
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board approved and adopted the attached Athletic Handbook 2021 – 2022 for the Watervliet Jr. – Sr. High School, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Sheri Senecal seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks, a check from the BelleJar Foundation in the amount of $46,674.00, to fund the Pivot Program, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Heather Soroka seconded by Sheri Senecal and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the donation of various school supplies, from Meaghan Rooney, to be given to Watervliet Elementary students in need, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Timothy Delisle and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the monetary donation from Kathy McGlone, to the Watervliet Elementary School, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the donation of masks and hand sanitizers, from Capital District Physicians Health Plan, to the Watervliet Elementary School, as recommended by the Superintendent.
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Sheri Senecal and unanimously accepted, the Board accepted, with thanks the donation of school supplies, from Patricia Waterbury, to be given to Watervliet Elementary students in need, as recommended by the Superintendent.
Executive Session
On a motion by Timothy Delisle seconded by Mary Beth Whited and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned to executive session at 6:54 p.m. to discuss the matters related to the discipline, dismissal or removal of a particular person.
Adjournment
On a motion by Mary Beth Whited seconded by Heather Soroka and unanimously accepted, the Board adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette L. Boardman
Clerk of the Board