Cohoes City School District
Board of Education Business Meeting
Aug. 14, 2024 Cohoes High School
6 PM LGI Room
(The Board of Education may entertain a motion to enter into an executive session subject to Board approval.)
MINUTES
The Meeting was called to Order by the President, Mrs. Carey at 6 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
- Mrs. Giller
- Mr. Jackson – excused
- Mrs. Snyder
- Mrs. Gendron
- Mrs. Paradis
- Mr. Jarosz
- Mrs. Carey
Also Present:
- Ms. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent of Schools
- Mrs. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official
II. DISTRICT REPORTS
Business Update: Ms. Mackey shared with the Board a Facilities/Grounds/Maintenance update. She reported that the fire alarm system has had several issues which have resulted in the high school being under a fire-watch, requiring twenty-four (24) hour coverage by our maintenance and custodial staff. Ms. Mackey hoped the alarm system would be restored by Wednesday, August 14, 2024, however, at approximately 2 pm on the afternoon of the 14th, construction personnel hit an electric wire. To repair this the power at the high school needed to be turned off for approximately four (4) hours.
Ms. Mackey shared a number of items by building.
At the high school, the exterior power washing of the high school is underway. A walk through will be scheduled for the JV field and the water damage at the back entrance of the building is being investigated.
We will be contacting the flooring company, as we are not satisfied with the condition of the Alumni Gym
The curtains on the high school stage have been removed and new curtains have been ordered, however they will not arrive in time for opening day.
At the middle school the hot water tank replacement is scheduled for this week. The science rooms are on schedule for completion and should be finished in the order of the third floor, second floor and the first floor. The library plaster repair and painting of the ceiling is scheduled for this week as well.
At Abram Lansing School the pothole repair was happening today and the painting of the exterior of the building previously scheduled for the beginning of September was moved forward to this week.
At Harmony Hill the locker room renovations are on schedule. The change order for the playground was rescinded as additional discussions are necessary. The playground benches have been ordered for Harmony Hill and Van Schaick Grade School.
Ms. Mackey updated the Board on the search for the Director of Facilities. She is in the process of phone screening with plans for full interviews to take place within the next two weeks. Ms. Mackey is also currently interviewing for the grounds vacancy as well as the District Treasurer. She hopes to have these recommendations for the August 28 agenda.
Ms. Mackey reported that all summer cleaning is on schedule with the exception of the middle school due to construction. All building/grounds/maintenance staff will attend required training on Friday, August 16, 2024 under the direction of our BOCES Safety Consultant, Tim Murphy.
Ms. Mackey stated that the audit field work will take place beginning September 9, 2024 and the Audit Committee meeting will take place on November 6, 2024.
Mr. Huneau, Athletic Director, provided the Board with an update regarding our current wrestling merger with the Watervliet School District. Watervliet will not be renewing the merger as it affects the classifications and divisions. The numbers are based on overall student enrollment and our district has only sent one (1) to two (2) athletes. Mr. Huneau explained the next steps; he has had ongoing discussions with a community member who may be interested in developing a pee wee wrestling team as a “grow our own” program with 4th and 5th grade students who may be interested.
Mr. Huneau provided an update on Alumni Field. He stated that it’s very exciting for everyone, especially those of us who can see progress each and every day. The construction crew has been going above and beyond. Mr. Huneau is hopeful the field will be ready by September 20th for the first home football game. He is looking into renting spaces/fields for the Varsity soccer games. The JV and modified games will be played at Lansing’s Park. Mr. Huneau will be sending out communications as the games grow closer. He provided a breakdown of participation numbers by sport thus far.
Ms. O’Shea provided the Board with a hiring update and reviewed the upcoming events.
III. BOARD OF EDUCATION DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS – None
IV. COMMUNITY DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS – None
V. OLD BUSINESS – None
VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
A. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the Board of Education Reorganization and Business meetings of July 24, 2024.
B. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves change order GC-CO-07 on NYS Education Department Project # 01-05-00-01-0-005-018 for General Construction at Van Schaick Grade School
Contractor: Bunkoff General Contractors, Inc.
790 Watervliet Shaker Road
Latham, New York 12110
Original Contract: $3,099,000.00
Net Change by previous authorized Change Orders: $44,386.78
Contract Sum prior to this Change Order: $3,143,386.73
PCO-056 VS – Replace Existing Skylights: $13,518.75
Contract Sum increased by this change order: $13,518.75
New Contract Sum: $3,156,905.53
C. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves a contract dated June 19, 2024 with Easter Seals of New York at 633 Third Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10017, for special education services from July 8, 2024 through August 16, 2024 at a rate of $3254 per student.
D. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the Agreement dated July 2, 2024 by and between the Cohoes City School District and Building Blocks Learning Center, LLC located at 19 Robinson Road, Clinton, New York 13323 to assist families in accessing community support and resources.
E. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement dated July 25, 2024 between the Cohoes City School District and Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc., located at 788 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 for educational services in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
F. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the extension of the following transportation contracts with a contractual increase equal to the May 2024 CPI of 3.9%
Star and Strand Transportation, Inc.
- Contract E251274 – Annual Contract $466,918
- Contract E251278 – Annual Contract $399,671
- Contract E261172 – Trip: $172.71 – Aide: $97.99
G. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the Custodial Supply Bid for the 2024-2025 school year as shown in Appendix A.
H. BE IT RESOLVEDTHAT the Board of Education adopts the following policies:
8130.2 – Workplace Violence Prevention
- RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
INSTRUCTIONAL
A. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Emily Goldup from her position as Special Education Teacher (HH).
Effective: August 31, 2024
B. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the contract with the State University of New York at Oswego for a full-time psychologist intern Hannah Rathbun who will fulfill her internship requirement under the supervision of Sara Schwendinger, district wide, for the period of September 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Interns will be paid a stipend rate at $5,000 each (grant funded ).
C. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amends Item VII (G) of the July 10, 2024 Business Meeting as follows:
K. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals as 2024 Extended School Year Substitutes per the CTA contract:
Teachers
Katrina Keith*
Bob Keith*
Morgan Blizinski*
John Dundon*
Emily Goldup*
Samantha Rosen*
Samantha Heritage*
Kristen Carter*
Richetta Hansen
Colleen Duff*
Teacher Assistants
Katrina Keith*
Bob Keith*
Morgan Blizinski*
Kathy Mossey*
John Dundon*
Kristen Carter*
Nurses
Sandra Kipp*
Shelby Farley
Lisa LeBlanc*
Patricia Scott*
Jill Hagan*
* indicated CTA and must be called first.
D. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amends Item VII Q of the July 10, 2024 Business Meeting as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the Building Leadership Teams listed below for the 2024-2025 school year:
Abram Lansing Elementary School
Sue Keough
Bridget Quinlan
Holly Scensny
Ellen McGeorge
Jordan Peluso
Carole Blide (CSEA)
Cliff Bird
Harmony Hill School
Mary Beth Cepiel
Crystal Roberts
Christine Guarnieri
Sarah Adkins
Jenna Howe
Stacy Bold (CSEA)
Mark Perry
Van Schaick Grade School
Bonnie Bellville
Carrie Bennett
Katrina Keith
Amber DellaRocco
Amanda Dorr
Pam Krupski (CSEA)
Jacqueline DeChiaro
Cohoes Middle School
Elaine Flatow
Andee Bartholomew
Lindsay Fontaine
Melissa Benoit
John Dundon
Stacey Nolan (CSEA)
Deanna Kelly
Kyle McFarland
Cohoes High School
Terrin Griffin
Kerry Bottenfield
Marilyn (Jennie) Barton
Virginia Jackson
Caryn Dollard
Sarah Austin (CSEA)
Laura Tarlo
Heather Bradt
E. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amends item VII (P) of the July 24, 2024 Agenda to read as follows
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District Helene Ferner to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of School Social Worker, effective September 1, 2024 and expiring on August 31, 2028. Ms. Ferner holds Provisional Certification in the area of School Social Worker.
- Helene Ferner
Position: 1.0 FTE School Social Worker (CMS)
Certification: School Social Worker
Tenure Area.: School Social Worker
Effective Date: September 1, 2024
Tenure Date: August 31, 2028
Salary: Step 2 of the current CTA contract
- Colleen Duff
Position: 1.0 FTE Special Education (CMS)
Certification: Special Education, Pre-K, K and Grades 1-6, and Reading
Tenure Area: Special Education
Effective Date: September 1, 2024
Tenure Date: August 31, 2027
Salary: Step 22 of the current CTA contract
H: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Hayden Galarneau to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of Special Education, effective September 1, 2024 and expiring on August 31, 2028. Galarneau holds Initial Certification in the areas of Students With Disabilities (B-Gr. 2), Students With Disabilities (Gr. 1-6), Early Childhood Education (B-Gr. 2), and Childhood Education (Gr. 1- 6).
- Hayden Galarneau
Position: .1.0 FTE Special Education (HH)
Certification: Students With Disabilities (B-Gr. 2), Students With Disabilities (Gr. 1-6); Early Childhood Education (B-Gr. 2), and Childhood Education (Gr. 1- 6)
Tenure Area: Special Education
Effective Date: September 1, 2024
Tenure Date: August 31, 2028
Salary: Step 4 of the current CTA contract
I. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Jonathan Bessette to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, effective September 1, 2024 and expiring on August 31, 2028. Bessette holds a BA/BS and has a Level I Teaching Assistant Certification.
- Jonathan Bessette
Position: 1.0 FTE Teaching Assistant (CMS)
Certification: Teaching Assistant
Tenure Area: Teaching Assistant
Effective Date: September 1, 2024
Tenure Date: August 31, 2028
Salary: As per the current CTA contract, BA/BS Teacher Assistant Salary Schedule
J. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the coaching positions listed below for the 2024-2025 school year, as per the CTA contract. Position is contingent upon acceptable program enrollment:
- Esports – Varsity (Fall), Michael Wilt, 1.0 FTE
- Football – Varsity Assistant, Matthew LaBombard, 1.0 FTE
- Football – Modified, Nick Foglia, 1.0 FTE
- Football – Modified Assistant, Andrew Hines, 1.0 FTE
- Soccer – Boys, Varsity, Nick Izzo, 1.0 FTE
- Soccer – Boys, JV, Dave Wasserman, 1.0 FTE
- Soccer – Girls, Varsity, Keith Fischer, 1.0 FTE
- Soccer – Girls, JV, Larry Brown, 1.0 FTE
- Soccer – Girls, Modified, Dana Del Genio, 1.0 FTE
- Swimming and Diving (UNPAID), Dennis Hogan, 0.0 FTE
- Volleyball – JV, John Ketchoyian, 1.0 FTE
- Volleyball – Modified, Teresa Gendron, 1.0 FTE
- Varsity – Girls and Boys Cross Country, Karin Sencer, 1.0 FTE
- Basketball – Boys Varsity, Jeff Huneau, 1.0 FTE
- Basketball – Boys JV, Nick Izzo, 1.0 FTE
- Basketball – Boys Modified, Nick Foglia, 1.0 FTE
- Basketball – Girls Varsity, Morgan Blizinski, 1.0 FTE
- Basketball – Girls JV, York Bush, 1.0 FTE
- Bowling – Varsity, Pamela Bertrand, 1.0 FTE
- Indoor Track – Boys, Kerry Winters, 1.0 FTE
- Indoor Track – Girls, Alexius Smith, 1.0 FTE
- Unified Bowling, Teresa Gendron, 1.0 FTE
- Track – Indoor, Boys, Kerry Winters, 1.0 FTE
- Baseball – Varsity, Robert Keith, 1.0 FTE
- Baseball – Junior Varsity, Chris Fournier, 1.0 FTE
- Lacrosse – Varsity, Jack McHerron, 1.0 FTE
- Softball – Varsity, John Ketchoyian, 1.0 FTE
- Softball – Junior Varsity, Dana Del Genio, 1.0 FTE
- Track – Boys Varsity, Kerry Winters, 1.0 FTE
- Track – Girls Varsity, Alexius Smith, 1.0 FTE
- Track – Girls Varsity Assistant, Jennifer Van Horne, 1.0 FTE
- Unified Basketball, Morgan Blizinski, 1.0 FTE
- Esports – Varsity (Spring), Michael Wilt, 1.0 FTE
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
Non-Instructional
K. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education rescind its action on item VII (M) of the July 24, 2024 Meeting agenda:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Allison Haertel to the position of School Nurse, RN, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
L. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amends item VII (U) of the June 12, 2024 Agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education authorizes the following individuals at their per diem rate (per CSEA contract) to provide summer secretarial support:
- Carole Blide, Abram Lansing Elementary School – ten (10) days
- Pamela Krupski, Van Schaick Grade School – thirteen (13) days
- Sherri Dan, Harmony Hill School –five (5) days
- Stacy Bold, Harmony Hill School –seven (7) days
- Carol Gaudette, Harmony Hill School –seven (7) days
M. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amends item VII (NN) of the July 10, 2024 Business Meeting Agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individual as Campus Safety Monitors for the 2024 Summer programs:
- Tyrone Purdue
- Robert Rondeau
- John Demio
N. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Kelly Connell from the position of Senior Typist (CHS).
Effective: August 16, 2024
O. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Ronette Miorin from the position of Senior Typist (ALS).
Effective: August 16, 2024
P. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Jahvonte Bass to the position of full time Campus Safety Monitor, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
- Jahvonte Bass
Position: 1.0 FTE Campus Safety Monitor (AL)
Effective Date: September 1, 2024
Probation period: March 1, 2025
Salary: as per current CSEA contract
ADDENDA
VII. RECOMMENDATION FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
Q: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Amy Frost from her position as Foreign Language Teacher (CHS).
Effective: September 12, 2024
R. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amends Item VII (DD) of the June 12, 2024 Business Meeting as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following employees to August 2024 Regents Proctors/Scoring:
- Gabrielle White
- John Ketchoyian
- Lydia Cappadonia
- Dawn Maddalena
- Andrew Hines
- Ashley Hoffmann
- Drake Galarneau
- Angela Tommasini
- William Sheldon
- Heather Ball
- Andrea VanDecar
- John Gelatt
- Erica Rapp
- Carolyn Santoro
- Matthew Flannery
- Jaclyn Penney
S. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (U) of the June 12, 2024 Agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education authorizes the following individuals at their per diem rate (per CSEA contract) to provide summer secretarial support:
- Carole Blide, Abram Lansing Elementary School – twenty (20) days
- Pamela Krupski, Van Schaick Grade School – thirteen (13) days
- Sherri Dan, Harmony Hill School –five (5) days
- Stacy Bold, Harmony Hill School –seven (7) days
- Carol Gaudette, Harmony Hill School –seven (7) days
T. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Maria Tedisco to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of Special Education, effective September 1, 2024 and expiring on August 31, 2028. Tedisco holds Initial Certification in the areas of Students With Disabilities (B-Gr. 2) and Early Childhood Education (B-Gr. 2).
- Maria Tedisco
Position: 1.0 FTE Special Education (VS)
Certification: Students With Disabilities (B-Gr. 2) and Early Childhood Education (B-Gr. 2)
Tenure Area: Special Education
Effective Date: September 1, 2024
Tenure Date: August 31, 2028
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Sabrina Brock to the position of School Nurse, RN, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
- Sabrina Brock
Position: 1.0 FTE School Nurse, RN (CHS)
Effective Date: September 1, 2024
Probation period: March 1, 2025
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the August 14, 2024 agenda;
VI (A-H), VII (A-U), IX (A) and X (A-C)
Moved by: Mrs. Snyder
All voted “Aye”
Second by: Mrs. Gendron
Motion carried: 6-0
VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – BUSINESS/FINANCE
IX. FINANCIAL REPORTS (Recommended by the Superintendent)
A. I recommend that the following reports be accepted by the Board of Education:
-
-
- Warrants- June 2024
- Budget Transfers- N/A
- Budget Status Report – N/A
- Revenue Status Report – N/A
- Bank Reconciliation Report – N/A
- Internal Claims Audit Report – June and July 2024
-
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION
A. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the following fully depreciated piano to be removed from the fixed asset inventory at Cohoes Middle School.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts a donation of a piano valued at $300.00 to be used for musical performances at Cohoes Middle School.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education grants permission to the Cohoes Middle School to dispose of the following textbooks:
Textbook, ISBN number, Number of textbooks
Asi se dice! Spanish textbook (2011) 978-0-07-660425027 44
Avancamos! Textbook (2006) 0-618-68726-2 46
Discovering French (2007) 10-0-618-656529 15
Discovering French (2013) 057787197X 17
Discovering French (1997) 0-395-86667-7 12
Discovering French Rouge (2013) 978-0-547-87247-6 17
Chez Nous (2008) 10-10-13-503367-5 1
Chez Nous (Media Enhanced) 10-0-02592661-4 2
French Recontres 0-07-028132-7 1
Teacher Edition (1992) 0821914235 1
Teacher Edition (2006) 0821932586 1
Tresors du Terrys 0-02676651-5 5
Bon Voyage 0-07-824265-7 1
Bon Voyage (2002) 0-07-821258-8 1
Bien Dit (2008) 0-03-039888-6 1
XI. COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS – None
XI. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE – None
XII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW
8130.2 – Workplace Violence Prevention
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
- August 28, 2024 – Cohoes High School LGI Room at 6 PM
- September 11, 2024 – 6 PM – location to be determined
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to enter into Executive Session at 7:14 pm to discuss Building Level Emergency Response Plans, CCSD Technology Disaster Recovery Plan and the evaluation of Superintendent O’Shea.
Moved by: Mr. Jarosz
All voted “Aye”
Second by: Mrs. Gendron
Motion carried: 6-0
MOTION: To adjourn at 8:33 pm ; Moved by: Mr. Jarosz; All voted: “Aye”
Second by: Mrs. Gendron
Motion carried: 6-0
(The August 14, 2024 Business meeting of the Cohoes City School District Board of Education can be viewed in its entirety on our website)