Board of Education Business Meeting
Cohoes, New York
August 3, 2022
LGI Room, CHS 6pm
(The Board of Education may entertain a motion to enter into an executive session subject to Board approval.)
MINUTES
I. The Meeting was called to Order by the President, Mrs. Giller at 6:01p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
- Mrs. Carey
- Mr. Jackson
- Mrs. Snyder – excused
- Mrs. Gendron – excused
- Mrs. Paradis
- Mrs. Giller
Also Present:
- Ms. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent of Schools
- Mr. Dan Martinelli, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services
- Mrs. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official
II. DISTRICT REPORTS
Abram Lansing School Comprehensive Education Plan (SCEP) – Mr. Bird presented an overview of the plan. The Abram Lansing building team worked collaboratively with assistance from Theresa Billington from Capital Region BOCES to develop the plan. Mr. Bird reviewed the commitments and goals for the 2022-2023 school year.
District Comprehensive Improvement Plan (DCIP) – Ms. O’Shea presented an overview of the committee’s progress to date, as well as the draft goals for the 2022-2023 school year. She will share the plan with the board a week prior to the next meeting and a resolution will be on the August 24, 2022 agenda for board action.
Ms. O’Shea advised the board of recent planning meetings with CS Arch, Administrators and teachers regarding CHS & CMS Science classrooms and the Abram Lansing cafeteria. There will be a meeting with the other buildings in the near future and then a Facilities Committee meeting will be scheduled. Mrs. Giller requested a review of the timeline which Ms. O’Shea will provide in the near future after it’s reviewed by Rick Timbs.
III. BOARD OF EDUCATION DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS – None
IV. COMMUNITY DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS – None
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
A. THAT the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the Board of Education Meeting of July 20, 2022.
B. THAT the Board of Education waives the second reading and adopts the
following policy: 0200 – Commitments and Beliefs
C. THAT the Board of Education authorizes the following Committees for the 2022- 2023 school year:
- Audit: Mrs. Giller, Mrs. Snyder and Mrs. Paradis
- Budget: Mr. Jackson and Mrs. Carey
- District Safety: Mrs. Giller, Mrs. Gendron and Mr. Nadeau
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Mrs. Giller, Mrs. Carey and Mrs. Snyder
- Facilities: Mr. Jackson, Mrs. Paradis and Mr. Nadeau
- Policy: Mrs. Giller and Mrs. Carey
- Technology: Mrs. Giller and Mrs. Snyder
- Wellness: Mrs. Gendron and Mrs. Paradis
D. THAT the Board of Education approves the 2022-2025 Technology Plan.
E. THAT the Board of Education approves the 2022-23 School Comprehensive Education Plan – Abram Lansing Elementary School.
F. THAT the Board of Education approves the 2022-2023 Renewal Agreement with H.M.B. Consultants, LLC, 3 Douglas Lane, Voorheesville, New York 12186 for food service consultation as outlined herein for the school year at a rate of $8,227.
G. THAT the Board of Education approves the extension of the following
transportation contracts with a contractual increase equal to the May 2022 CPI of 6.3%:
Star & Strand Transportation, Inc.
Contract E251274 – Annual Contract – $434,195
Contract E251278 – Annual Contract – $371,661
Contract E261172 – Trip: $160.61, Aide: $91.12
H. THAT the Board of Education approves an Agreement with the Center for
Disability Services d/b/a Langan School, 314 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, New York as needed for special education services during the 2022 Extended School Year (summer) at the rate of $8,369 per student for tuition and the 2022- 2023 School Year at the rate of $50,216 per student for tuition pending final NYSED rate setting.
I. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, hereby approves the merger of the Cohoes Wrestling Program with the Watervliet and Heatly Wrestling Program to form boys and girls wrestling teams to participate in the Patroon Conference for the 2022-23 school year; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the team be bound by the rules and regulations of the Patroon Conference, Section 2, and the New York State Public High School Athletic Program.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
INSTRUCTIONAL
A. THAT the Board of Education amend item VIII (L) of the July 6, 2022 Business Meeting Addenda to read as follows:
THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individual as a 2022
Extended School Year Substitute per the CTA contract:
Teachers/TAs
- Katrina Keith
- Bob Keith
- John Dundon
- Katie Flynn
Nurses
- Lisa LeBlanc
- Patricia Scott
- Samantha McCullough
- Sandra Kipp
- Cheryl Barber
- Shelby Farley
B. THAT the Board of Education approve the following as substitute for summer school during the 2022-2023 school year:
Secondary Summer School and Summer Learning Academy
Brooke Hurlbut
C. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals to the 2022-2023 Future-Ready Pathways Extended Learning Program (grant-funded):
Teachers
- Math: Donna Honsinger and Nicole Lassone
- Social Studies: Keith Fischer and William Sheldon
- ELA: Heather Ball, Terrin Griffin, and Patricia Caputo
- French: Amy Frost
- Substitute (as needed): Emily Gioia and Lindsey Fontaine
D. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals as
proctors and/or scorers for the August 2022 Regents exams:
- Nicole Lassone
- Gabrielle White
- Michele Culletto
- Michael Kloczko
- Michelle Cipriano
- Heather Ball
- Andrea DeStefano
- Jaclyn Calabrese
- John Gelatt
- Michael Wilt
- Lydia Cappadonia
- Keith Fischer
- William Sheldon
E. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the Substitute Teacher and Tutor list:
Patricia Ragule
Effective: September 1, 2022
F. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teaching
Assistant.
Samuel Huttig
Position: Long-Term Substitute Teaching Assistant (HH)
Tenure Area: Teaching Assistant
Effective Date: August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023
Salary: As per the current CTA contract, BA/BS Teacher Assistant Salary Schedule
G. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teaching
Assistant.
Ashley Dolan
Position: Long-Term Substitute Teaching Assistant (CHS)
Tenure Area: Teaching Assistant
Effective Date: August 31, 2022 through June 30,2023
Salary: As per the current CTA contract, BA/BS Teacher Assistant Salary Schedule
H. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Riley Hansbury
Position: Long-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher (AL)
Tenure Area: Special Education
Effective Date: August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
I. THAT the Board of Education approves a salary increase due to additional
teaching assignments for the following individuals for the 2022-2023 school year:
- Courtney Valente – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education
Mathematics (1.2 FTE total) - Daniel Donovan – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education Behavior
Support (1.2 FTE total) - Christopher Michael – 0.2 FTE as per CTA Contract – Social Studies
- David Wasserman – 0.2 FTE as per CTA Contract – Social Studies
- Jamie Harris – 0.2 FTE as per CTA Contract – Math (AIS)
- John Skeats – 0.2 FTE as per CTA Contract – Math (AIS)Effective: August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023
J. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Jennifer DeMarco from her position as Building Principal (CMS) effective August 21, 2022,
K. THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of Lauren Dunn from her position as Special Education teacher (CMS) effective July 31, 2022.
L. THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of Nicole Lassone from her position as Mathematics teacher (CHS) effective August 25, 2022.
M. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals as advisors to the clubs and activities listed for the 2022-2023 school year, contingent upon acceptable program enrollment:
Clubs and Activities & FTE
Academic Resource Center (CHS)
Lydia Cappadonia – 0.5 FTE
Karen Lackmann – 0.5 FTE
Activities Club (CHS)
Sean Dollard, 1.0 FTE
Character Ed. Club (CHS)
Andrea DeStefano, 1.0 FTE
Dean – Class of 2023 (CHS)
Kerry Bottenfield – 0.5 FTE
Angela Tommasini – 0.5 FTE
Dean – Class of 2024 (CHS)
Alicia Ozols – 0.5 FTE
Erin Abbott – 0.5 FTE
Dean – Class of 2025 (CHS)
Caryn Dollard – 0.5 FTE
Gabrielle White – 0.5 FTE
Dean – Class of 2026 (CHS)
Terrin Griffin – 0.5 FTE
Patricia Caputo – 0.5 FTE
Community Service Club (CHS)
Angela Tommasini – FTE 1.0
Environmental Science Club (CHS)
Michelle Cipriano – FTE 1.0
GSA (CHS)
Patricia Caputo – FTE 1.0
Internal Accounts Auditor (CHS)
Scott Ciarlone – FTE 1.0
Intramurals 1, 2, & 3 (CHS)
Andrea DeStefano – FTE 1.0/each
Journalism Club (CHS)
Patricia Caputo – FTE 1.0
National Honor Society (CHS)
John Ketchoyian- FTE 1.0
Play – Art Director – (CHS)
Rachel Marer – FTE 1.0
Play – Assistant Director (CHS)
Tara Judd – FTE 1.0
Play Director (CHS)
Christian Gunn – FTE 1.0
Ski Club (CHS)
Karin Lackmann – FTE 0.5
Gabrielle White – FTE 0.5
Student Council (CHS)
Lea Miller – FTE O.5
Amanda Gebur – FTE 0.5
Unified Sports Advisor (CHS)
Margaret Brownell – FTE 1.0
Unified Sports Coach (CHS)
Morgan Blizinski – FTE 1.0
Yearbook (CHS)
Scott Ciarlone – FTE 0.5
Caryn Dollard – FTE 0.5
Advanced Robotics
TBD – FTE 1.0
Intramurals (1, 2 & 3) (CMS)
Terry Gendron – FTE 1.0/each
Internal Accounts Auditor (CMS)
Jamie Harris – FTE 1.0
“Make The Right Moves” Club (CMS)
Sara Schwendinger – FTE 1.0
Music Club (CMS)
Seth Warden – FTE 1.0
National Jr. Honor Society (CMS)
Fallon Jennings – FTE 1.0
Robotics (CMS)
Colleen Duff – FTE 1.0
Student Council
Jennifer Heeney – FTE 1.0
Technology Club
Brian Smith – FTE 1.0
8th Grade Promotion/Activity
Fallon Jennings- 0.5 FTE
Jill Havens – 0.5 FTE
Student Council (AL)
Adrian Blackman – 0.5 FTE
Susan-Marie Keough – 0.5 FTE
Intramurals 1 & 2 (AL)
Aaron Boudreau – 1.0/each FTE
Intramurals 3 (AL)
Valerie Lang – 1.0 FTE
Student Council (VS)
Amanda Dorr – 1.0 FTE
Intramurals 1, 2, & 3 (VS)
Nick Izzo – 1.0/each FTE
Student Leadership (HH)
Sharon Laughlin – 0.5 FTE
Kiera Hovey – 0.5 FTE
Intramurals 1, 2, & 3 (HH)
Dan Van Dyck – 1.0/each FTE
Musical (elementary) Co-Asst. Director
Rachel Marer – 0.33 FTE
Christian Gunn – 0.33 FTE
Tara Judd – 0.33 FTE
Non-Instructional
N. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Sean D. VanSleet to the position of Custodian, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis; such appointment is a provisional appointment.
Sean D. VanSleet
Position: Custodian (Provisional) (CHS)
Effective Date: July 25, 2022
Salary: Per current CSEA contract
O. THAT the Board of Education authorizes days not to exceed ten (10) at
the per diem rate (per CSEA contract) for Blaine Shafer to provide
summer secretarial support at Cohoes Middle School.
Effective: August 1, 2022
P. THAT the Board of Education authorizes days not to exceed five (5) at the
per diem rate (per CSEA contract) for Lori Chevalier to provide summer
secretarial support at Cohoes High School.
Effective: August 1, 2022
Q. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Patricia Whiting to the position of full-time Teacher Aide position, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
Patricia Whiting
Position: 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (CHS)
Effective Date: August 31, 2022
Probation period: February 28, 2023
Salary: Per current CSEA contract
R. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Receia Hawk to the position of Assistant Cook subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
Receia Hawk
Position: 1.0 FTE Assistant Cook
Effective Date: August 31, 2022
Probation period: February 28, 2023
Salary: Per current CSEA contract
S. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals as Part-Time
Safety Officers for the 2022-23 summer programs and the 2022-2023 school year.
- Drew Rentz
- Barry Warren
- David Harrington
- Shawn Higgins
- Terry Burns, Sr.
T. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Tricia Ross to the position of Part-Time Teacher Aide
subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional
basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointment is a
temporary appointment.
Tricia Ross
Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (HH)
Effective Date: September 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023
Salary: $13.75 per hour
U. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (N) of the June 15, 2022
Business Meeting Addenda to read as follows:
THAT the Board of Education approve Elaine Flatow for summer work as the
Dean Students at her daily rate, not to exceed eight (8) ten (10) days for the 2022- 2023 school year (grant funded).
V. THAT the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Agreement dated August 2, 2022, by and between the Cohoes City School District and the Cohoes Principals’ Association (CPA) and Deanna Kelly, for the purpose of filling the position of Cohoes Middle School Acting Principal.
W. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Jordan Peluso to a four-year probationary term in the tenure area of elementary, effective August 31, 2022 and expiring on August 30, 2026. Ms. Peluso holds Initial Certification in the areas of Early Childhood Education (Birth – Grade 2) and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) (grant-funded).
Jordan Peluso
Position: 1.0 Elementary (AL)
Certification: Early Childhood Education (Birth – Grade 2) & Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
Tenure Area: Elementary
Effective Date: August 31, 2022
Tenure Date: August 30, 2026
Salary: Step 2 of the current CTA contract
X. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Kylee Brand to a four-year probationary term in the tenure
area of elementary, effective August 31, 2022 and expiring on August 30, 2026. Ms. Brand holds Initial Certification in the area of Childhood Education (Grades 1-6).
Kylee Brand
Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary (AL)
Certification: Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
Tenure Area: Elementary
Effective Date: August 31, 2022
Tenure Date: August 30, 2026
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
Y. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Amie Maguire to a four-year probationary term in the tenure
area of Guidance Counselor, effective August 31, 2022 and expiring on August
30, 2026. Ms. Maguire holds Permanent Certification in the area of School
Counselor (grant-funded).
Amie Maguire
Position: 1.0 FTE Social Emotional Learning Coach (HH)
Certification: School Counseling
Tenure Area: School Counselor
Effective Date: August 31, 2022
Tenure Date: August 30, 2026
Salary: Step 4 of the current CTA contract
Z. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Michele Bolke to a part-time teaching position in the area of
World Languages effective August 31, 2022 and expiring on June 30, 2023. Ms. Bolke holds Emergency COVID-19 certification in the area of Spanish 7-12.
Michele Bolke
Position: .6 FTE Spanish Teacher (CHS)
Tenure Area: N/A
Effective Date: August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023
Salary: Step 3 of the current CTA contract
U. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Murielle Smith to the part-time teaching position in the area of Music effective August 31, 2022. Ms. Smith holds Initial Certification in the area of Music.
Murielle Smith
Position: 0.2 FTE Music Teacher (VS)
Certification: Music
Tenure Area: N/A
Effective Date: August 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
AA. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the coaching positions listed below for the 2022-2023 school year, as per the CTA contract. Position is contingent upon acceptable program enrollment:
Co-Curricular Activity, Name & FTE
Cheerleading – Varsity: Amya Sousis 1.0
Cross Country – Varsity: Kiera Hovey 1.0
Football – Varsity Assistant: Jim Lawrence 1.0
Football – Varsity: UNPAID Dan DeChiaro 0.0
Football – Modified Head: Mark Strock 1.0
Soccer – Boys, Varsity: Nick Izzo 1.0
Soccer – Boys, JV: Dave Wasserman 1.0
Soccer – Girls, Varsity: Keith Fischer 1.0
Soccer – Girls, JV: Larry Brown 1.0
Soccer – Girls, Modified: Dana DelGenio 1.0
Volleyball – JV: John Ketchoyian 1.0
Volleyball – Modified: Terry Gendron 1.0
Basketball – Boys Varsity: Jeff Huneau 1.0
Basketball – UPAID assistant: Bill LeBeau 0.0
Basketball – UPAID assistant: Mike Marcil 0.0
Basketball – UPAID assistant: Brian Murley 0.0
Basketball – Boys JV: Nick Izzo 1.0
Basketball – Girls Varsity: Morgan Blizinski 1.0
Basketball – Girls Assistant Unpaid: Bailei Tetrault 0.0
Basketball – Girls JV: Bill Smith 1.0
Basketball – Girls Modified: Kristy Jarosz 1.0
Bowling – Boys & Girls: Pamela Bertrand 1.0
Bowling – UNPAID assistant: Bill Lajeunesse 0.0
Track – Indoor, Boys: Kerry Winters 1.0
Cheerleading – Varsity: Amya Sousis 1.0
Baseball – Varsity: Robert Keith 1.0
Baseball – Varsity UNPAID: Assistant Bill Lajeunesse 0.0
Baseball – Junior Varsity: Chris Fournier 1.0
Lacrosse – Varsity: Jack McHerron 1.0
Softball – Varsity: John Ketchoyian 1.0
Softball – Modified: Dana DelGenio 1.0
Track – Boys Varsity :Kerry Winters 1.0
CC. THAT the Board of Education approve the Agreement By And Between The Cohoes City School District And The CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO Cohoes School District Unit and Katrina Hunt regarding the need for additional duties to be performed during the 2022-2023 school year relating to the role of Chief Information Officer/District Data Coordinator dated August 2, 2022.
DD. THAT the Board of Education approve the Agreement By And Between The Cohoes City School District And The CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO Cohoes School District Unit and Amy Mosher regarding the need for additional duties to be performed during the 2022-2023 school year relating to the District’s Payroll Department dated August 1, 2022.
DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the August 3, 2022 Agenda:
VI (A-I) and VII (A-DD)
- Moved by: Mrs. Carey
- Second by: Mrs. Paradis
- All voted “Aye” Motion carried 5-0
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
- Budget Transfers
- Budget Status Report
- Revenue Status Report
- Bank Reconciliation Report
- Internal Claims Audit Report
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION
XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
- Mrs. Giller, on behalf of the Board expressed their gratitude to all of the unpaid coaches.
- Mrs. Carey thanked the CMS Administrative team for stepping up during the upcoming transition for the start of the next school year.
- Mr. Jackson thanked Mr. Stapleton, Director of Facilities and his team for their efforts throughout the district, especially the grounds of Cohoes Middle School.
- Mrs. Giller asked Mr. Stapleton how his department was progressing and if we were in good shape for the start of the school year.
XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE – None
VIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW – None
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
August 24, 2022, LGI Room, CHS & Livestreamed at 6pm
September 7, 2022, LGI Room, CHS & Livestreamed at 6pm
MOTION: To enter into Executive session at 6:53pm to review Building Level Emergency Response Plans
- Moved by: Mrs. Carey
- Second by: Mr. Nadeau
- All voted “Aye” Motion carried 5-0
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn at 7:13pm
- Moved by: Mrs. Carey
- Second by: Mrs. Paradis
- All voted “Aye” Motion carried 5-0