Cohoes City School District
Board of Education Business Meeting
Cohoes, New York August 9, 2023
Library, Cohoes Middle School
MINUTES
The Meeting was called to Order by the President, Mrs. Carey at 6:01 pm
ROLL CALL
Present:
- Mrs. Giller
- Mr. Jackson
- Mrs. Snyder
- Mrs. Gendron
- Mrs. Paradis
- Mr. Jarosz – excused
- Mrs. Carey
Also present:
- Ms. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent of Schools
- Mr. Dan Martinelli, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
- Mrs. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official
II. DISTRICT REPORTS
Abram Lansing School Comprehensive Education
Plan Mr. Bird reviewed the 2023-2024 SCEP. Professional development in Critical Friends and Fundations (K-2), WIN (What I Need) groups and activities to involve parents were included in the plan. Teachers will also utilize a common board which includes among other things the daily schedule, Second Step and character trait focus. Mr. Bird is hoping to hire a teaching assistant and an aide to provide additional supports for students utilizing the School Improvement Grant funds.
Ms. O’Shea and Mrs. Carey both thanked him and his team for their hard work. Mrs. Carey on behalf of the Board expressed her gratitude for their efforts and their reflection.
i-Ready Data Report
Mr. Martinelli shared overall i-Ready data in ELA and Math for Grades K- 8 which showed student growth over the course of the year. He mentioned that the students love it and it gives us an opportunity to view data. Students take i-Ready assessments in the Fall, Winter and Spring. Mr. Martinelli mentioned that i-Ready and NYS test scores will allows us to be more proactive versus reactive in terms of response.
Business Update
Ms. Mackey shared that field audit work would begin next week and the Audit committee will meet in the fall. She stated that tax collection will begin on September 1, 2023. She also shared an organizational chart and overview of the roles and responsibilities of Business Office personnel and welcomed District Treasurer, Michael Cone and Purchasing Agent, Shelley Dame. Ms. Mackey discussed “Big Picture training” for school secretarial staff which will occur at the beginning of the school year.
Ms. O’Shea shared hiring updates by building. She also mentioned that she is working on a format to reach out to parents and community members for Board level committees.
Ms. O’Shea reviewed the upcoming events. Mrs. Paradis asked if the Open Doors at CMS and Freshman orientation at CHS were events that are planned well in advance. Ms. O’Shea will discuss with Secondary Principals.
III. BOARD OF EDUCATION DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS
IV. COMMUNITY DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS
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 5, 2023 Reorganization and Business Meetings.
B. THAT the Board of Education authorizes the following Committees for the 2023-
2024 school year:
1. Audit: Mrs. Giller, Mrs. Paradis and Mrs. Snyder
(Formerly: Mrs. Giller, Mrs. Paradis and Mrs. Snyder)
2. Budget: Mrs. Carey and Mr. Jackson
(Formerly: Mr. Jackson and Mrs. Carey)
3. District Safety: Mrs. Giller, Mrs. Gendron and Mrs. Paradis
(Formerly: Mrs. Gendron, Mr. Nadeau and Mrs.
Giller)
4. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Mrs. Carey, Mrs. Giller and Mrs. Snyder
(Formerly: Mrs. Carey, Mrs. Snyder and Mrs. Giller)
5. Facilities: Mr. Jackson, Mrs. Paradis and Mrs. Gendron
(Formerly: Mrs. Paradis, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Nadeau)
6. Policy: Mrs. Carey and Mrs. Giller
(Formerly: Mrs. Carey and Mrs. Giller)
7. Technology: Mrs. Snyder and Mr. Jarosz
(Formerly: Mrs. Giller and Mrs. Snyder)
8. Wellness: Mrs. Gendron and Mr. Jarosz
(Formerly: Mrs. Gendron and Mrs. Paradis)
C. THAT the Board of Education approves the District Wide Safety Plan for the
2023-2024 school year.
D. THAT the Board of Education approves a contract dated July 1, 2023 with Easter Seals of New York at 633 Third Avenue, 6 th Floor, New York, New York 10017, for special education services from July 3, 2023 through August 11, 2023 at a rate of $2,936 per student. This rate is subject to change based on NYSED finalized rates.
E. THAT the Board of Education approves the agreements between the Cohoes City School District and Albany County Board of Elections located at 112 State Street, Albany for the use of Abram Lansing Elementary School, Harmony Hill School, Van Schaick Grade School and Cohoes Middle School general elections to be held on November 7, 2023.
F. THAT the Board of Education approves the contract dated July 13, 2023 by and between the Cohoes City School District and the City School District of Albany, 1 Academy Park, Albany, NY for health services for the 2022-2023 school year at a rate of $959.71 per student in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
G. THAT the Board of Education approves the agreements with Advanced Therapy at 10B Madison Avenue Ext., Albany, NY for the provision of related services to students as needed at the contracted rates from July 1, 2023 through June 25, 2024 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
H. THAT the Board of Education approves the contract dated July 19, 2023 with Natalia M. Martinez, SLP, PLLC at Pheasant Run, Ballston Spa, NY for Speech- Languages services from July 19, 2023 through June 30, 2024 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
I. THAT the Board of Education approves the contract dated June 16, 2023 between the Cohoes City School District and Jennifer Bashant (Building Better Futures), 18 Walden Glen, Ballston Lake, NY for Parents as Partners webinars during the 2023-2024 school year at a rate of $2,000 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
J. THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement dated July 15, 2023 between the Cohoes City School District and Aperture Education, PO Box 7410058, Chicago, IL for Social Emotional Learning software licenses for the period of July 15, 2023 through July 14, 2024 for $2,845 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
K. THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement dated July 1, 2023 between the Cohoes City School District and St. Colman’s Home, Inc., 11 Haswell Road, Watervliet, NY for as needed special education services at the summer rate of $5,780 per student and the 2023-2024 SY tuition rate of $34,682 per student pending final NYSED rate setting and in accordance to the terms and conditions herein.
L. THAT the Board of Education approves the following fully depreciated Information and Technology items (see attached sheet) be removed from the fixed asset inventory for surplus:
M. THAT the Board of Education waives the second reading and adopts the following policy:
0200 – Commitments and Beliefs
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
INSTRUCTIONAL
A. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (G) of the June 21, 2023 Agenda to read as follows:
THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals to the 2023
Extended School Year Summer Program, July 10, 2023 –August 18, 2023:
Special Education Teachers
Chris Fess
Samantha Charbonneau
Marisa Villasenor
Riley Hansbury
Andrew Quinn
Jacqueline Adams
Teacher Assistants
Sam Huttig
Lynn Hunter
James Fredricks
OT
Moira Coons
Social Work:
Angela Tommasini- 30 min/per week
Speech
Karin Sencer (4 days per week)
Renee Bourgeouis (1 day per week)
Nurses
Sandra Kipp (17 days)
Shelby Farley (8 days)
Cheryl Barber (3 days)
Jill Hagan 1:1
B. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (N) of the June 21, 2023 Agenda to read as follows:
THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals as
proctors and/or scorers for the August 2023 Regents exams:
- Elizabeth Hodgson
- Michelle Cipriano
- Michael Wilt
- Lydia Cappadonia
- Ashley Hogan
- Andrea VanDecar
- John Ketchoyian
- Drake Galarneau
- William Sheldon
- Rich Morris
- Dawn Maddalena
- Heather Ball
- Michael Kloczko
- Carolyn Santoro
- Matthew Flannery
- Andrew Hines
- Daniel Shepard
- Gabrielle White
- Angela Tommasini
- Katherine Flynn
- Kerry Winters
C. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (Q) of the June 7, 2023 Agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Jennifer Van Horne to a four-year probationary term in the tenure area of Mathematics, effective September 1, 2023 and expiring on August 31, 2027. Ms. Van Horne holds Initial Certification in the area of Mathematics 7-12.
Jennifer Van Horne
Position: Long-Term Substitute 1.0 FTE Mathematics Teacher (CHS)
Certification: Mathematics 7-12
Tenure Area: Mathematics
Effective Date: September 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024Tenure Date: August 31, 2027
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
D. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (K) of the July 5, 2023 Business Meeting agenda as follows:
THAT the Board of Education appoint the following school psychologists to conduct one (1) psychoeducational evaluation (not to exceed 6 hours) each during the period July 10 –August 10 August 30, 2023.
Natalie Partyka-Recktenwald
Cory Prairie
E. THAT the Board of Education rescind its action on item VII (CC) of the July 5, 2023 Business Meeting agenda:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Stephanie Muzio to a four-year probationary term in the tenure area of Science, effective September 1, 2023 and expiring on August 31, 2027. Ms. Muzio holds Initial Certification in the areas of Chemistry 7-12, Biology 7-12 (pending), and an Initial Extension Annotation in the area of General Science 7- 12.
Stephanie Muzio
- Position: 1.0 FTE Science (CMS)
- Certification: Initial Chemistry 7-12, Biology 7-12 (pending), and an Initial Extension: Annotation in the area of General Science 7-12
- Tenure Area: Science
- Effective Date: September 1, 2023
- Tenure Date: August 31, 2027
- Salary: Step 6 of the current CTA contract
F. THAT the Board of Education approve the following student teacher placements from the following school (unpaid):
SUNY Albany
September 7, 2023 through November 17, 2023
York Bush with Alicia Tommasino at Cohoes High School
The College of St. Rose
September 5, 2023 through October 20, 2023
Anna Doren with Christopher Michael at Cohoes Middle School
SUNY Cortland
October 23, 2023 through December 15, 2023
Thomas Burek with Valerie Lang at Abram Lansing Elementary School
G. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Alexandra Nelson from her position of Elementary Teacher (HH).
Effective: July 16, 2023
H. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Amanda Zareski from her position of Elementary Teacher (AL).
Effective: August 31, 2023
I. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Keenan Jones from the position of School Social Worker (CHS).
Effective: August 16, 2023
J. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the Substitute Teacher and Tutor list:
Sheryl Motto
Effective: September 30, 2023
Felicity Dessingue
Effective: August 10, 2023
K. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Heather Bradt to a four-year probationary term in the tenure
area of Assistant Principal effective August 30, 2023 and expiring on August 29, 2027.
Heather Bradt
- Position: Assistant Principal (CHS)
- Certification: School Building Leader
- Tenure Area: Assistant Principal
- Effective Date: August 30, 2023
- Tenure Date: August 29, 2027
- Salary: $92,000
L. THAT the Board of Education appoint Chris Fournier as Future-Ready Pathways Coordinator for the 2023-2024 school year. (grant-funded).
M. THAT the Board of Education appoint Heather Ball as Future-Ready Pathways Extended Learning Coordinator for the 2023-2024 school year. (grant-funded)
N. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals as Future-Ready Pathways Career/Mentor Coordinators for the 2023-24 school year: (grant- funded)
Cohort 4 – William Sheldon (Class of 2024)
Cohort 5 – Denise Assalian (Class of 2025)
Cohort 6 – Lindsay Fontaine (Class of 2026)
Cohort 7 – Angela Tommasini (Class of 2027)
O. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Jason Breh to a four-year probationary term in the tenure area of Art, effective September 1, 2023 and expiring on August 31, 2027. Mr. Breh holds Permanent Certification in the area of Art.
Jason Breh
- Position 1.0 FTE Art Teacher (AL/HH)
- Certification Art
- Tenure Area Art
- Effective Date. September 1, 2023
- Tenure Date August 31, 2027
- Salary Step 10 of the current CTA contract
P. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School istrict hereby appoints Samuel Huttig to a four-year probationary term in the tenure area of Special Education, effective December 19, 2022 and expiring December 18, 2026. Mr. Huttig holds initial certification in the area of Students with Disabilities (grades 1-6).
Samuel Huttig
- Position: 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher (CMS)
- Certification: Students with Disabilities (grades 1-6)
- Tenure Area: Special Education
- Effective Date: December 19, 2022
- Tenure Date: December 18, 2026
- Salary: Step 1 of CTA contract
Q. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Erin Nagy
- Position: Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher
- Tenure: Area Elementary
- Effective Date: September 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
- Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
R. THAT the Board of Education approve the unpaid Leave of Absence of Kelsey Cicerone from her position as Teaching Assistant from September 5, 2023 through December 20, 2023. (HH)
S. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Kelsey Cicerone
- Position: Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher
- Tenure Area: Elementary
- Effective Date: September 5, 2023 through December 20, 2023
- Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
T. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District Rachael Mossey to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, effective July 1, 2023 and expiring on August 31, 2027. Ms. Mossey holds Level I Teaching Assistant Certification.
Rachael Mossey
- Position: 1.0 FTE Teaching Assistant (CHS)
- Certification: Teaching Assistant
- Tenure Area: Special Education
- Effective Date: July 1, 2023
- Tenure Date: August 31, 2027
- Salary: As per the current CTA contract, BA/BS Teacher Assistant Salary Schedule
Non-Instructional
U. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (V) of the July 5, 2023 Business Meeting agenda as follows:
THAT the Board of Education authorizes days not to exceed ten (10) fifteen (15) at the per diem rate (per CSEA contract) for Carole Blide to provide summer secretarial support at Abram Lansing School
Effective: July 1, 2023
V. THAT the Board of Education approve the unpaid leave of absence request of Felicity Dessingue from her position as Teacher Aide. (VS)
Effective: September 1, 2023 through December 15, 2023
W. THAT the Board of Education appoints Daniel Hytko as Attendance Officer from July 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023 at an hourly rate of $18.50 per hour.
X. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals as 2023
Elementary Summer Success Substitute Teacher Aides effective July 10 – August 10, 2023 per CSEA contract:
Stacy Bold
Sherri Dan
Y. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Jason Cribbs to the position of Custodian/Groundskeeper, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis; such appointment is a provisional appointment.
Jason Cribbs
- Position: Custodian/Groundskeeper (Provisional)
- Effective Date July 24, 2023
- Salary per current CSEA contract
Z. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Mark Charette to the position of Building Maintenance Mechanic, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis; such appointment is a provisional appointment.
Mark Charette
- Position: Building Maintenance Mechanic (Provisional)
- Effective Date: September 5, 2023
- Salary: Entry level per current CSEA contract
AA. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Briana Jackson to the position of Senior Typist, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis; such appointment is a provisional appointment.
Briana Jackson
- Position: Senior Typist, 10-Month (Provisional) (AL)
- Effective Date: September 1, 2023
- Salary: Per CSEA constract
BB. THAT the Board of Education authorizes days not to exceed eight (8) at the per diem rate (per CSEA contract) for Briana Jackson to provide summer secretarial support at Abram Lansing School.
Effective: August 10, 2023
CC. THAT the Board of Education appoints Dina Dupuis as Medicaid Billing Clerk for the 2023-2024 school year per CSEA contract.
DD. THAT the Board of Education appoints Pam Cirincione for business office support at a rate of $50.00 not to exceed sixty (60) days.
ADDENDA
VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
N. THAT the Board of Education adopts the District Code of Conduct for the 2023-2024 school year.
O. THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby ratifies the appointment of Impartial Hearing Officer Robert Greenwood to hear the matter involving student # 17481552. Impartial Hearing Officer Robert Greenwood was appointed by an authorized Board Designee on July 20, 2023 in accordance with Part 200 of the Commissioner’s regulations.
VI. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
EE. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Rachel Karam from the position of Foreign Language Teacher (CMS/CHS).
Effective: August 6, 2023
FF. THAT the Board of Education appoint Sandra Kipp to perform work not to exceed three (3) hours for athletics during the summer of 2023.
GG. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Michele Bolke to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of Foreign Languages, effective September 1, 2023 and expiring on August 31, 2027. Ms. Bolke holds Initial Certification in the areas of English to Speakers of Other Languages and Spanish 7-12.
Michele Bolke
Position: Spanish Teacher (CHS)
Certification: English to Speakers of Other Languages and Spanish 7-12
Tenure Area: Foreign Languages
Effective Date: September 1, 2023
Tenure Date: August 31, 2027
Salary: Step 4 of the current CTA contract
HH. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Julianna Niles to a four-year probationary term in the tenure area of Elementary, effective September 1, 2023 and expiring August 31, 2027. Ms. Niles holds initial certification in the areas of Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Literacy (Birth – Grade 6).
Julianna Niles
Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher (CMS)
Certification: Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Literacy (Birth – Grade 6)
Tenure Area: Elementary
Effective Date: September 1, 2023
Tenure Date: August 31, 2027
Salary: Step 3 of CTA contract
II. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Kaille Gasparovic
Position: Long-Term Substitute Speech Teacher
Tenure Area: Speech
Effective Date: September 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Salary: Step 2 of the current CTA contract
JJ. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Busra Sivaslioglu
Position. Long-Term Substitute English as a Second Language Teacher
Tenure Area: English as a Second Language
Effective Date: September 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
KK. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the coaching positions listed below for the 2023-2024 school year, as per the CTA contract. Position is contingent upon acceptable program enrollment:
The following are listed by co-curricular activity – name, FTE
-
- E-sports: Varsity (Fall) – Michael Wilt, 1.0
- Football: Varsity Assistant – Jim Lawrence, 1.0
- Football: Varsity Assistant – Matthew LaBombard, 1.0
- Football: Varsity – Daniel DeChiaro, 0.0
- Football: Varsity UNPAID – Dan DeChiaro, 0.0
- 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 Del Genio, 1.0
- Volleyball: JV – John Ketchoyian, 1.0
- Volleyball: Varsity – Andrea Lane, 1.0
- Volleyball: Modified – Teresa Gendron, 1.0
- Basketball: Boys Varsity – Jeff Huneau, 1.0
- 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 – Kerry Bottenfield, 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
- 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: Junior Varsity – Dana Del Genio, 1.0
- Softball: Modified – Kristy Jarosz, 1.0
- Track: Boys Varsity – Kerry Winters, 1.0
- Unified Basketball – Morgan Blizinski, 1.0
DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the July 5, 2023VI (A-O), VII (A-KK), IX (A) and X (A&B)
Moved by: Mrs. Paradis, Second by: Mrs. Gendron
All voted “Aye.” 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 2023
- Budget Transfers – June 2023
- Budget Status Report – June 2023
- Reserve Status Report – June 2023
- Bank Reconciliation Report – June 2023
- Internal Claims Audit Report – N/A
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION
A. THAT the Board of Education accepts a donation in the amount of $1,000 from Play On Sports to be used for Athletics.
B. THAT the Board of Education accepts a donation in the amount of $252.80 from Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute to be used for Cohoes Middle School transportation.
XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE – NONE
XIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW
First Reading:
0200 – Commitments and Beliefs
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
August 30, 2023 – Cohoes Middle School, Library at 6 PM
September 13, 2023 – Cohoes Middle School, Library at 6 PM
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To enter into Executive Session at 7:42 p.m.
To discuss the evaluation and contract of Superintendent, O’Shea.
Moved by: Mrs. Gendron. Second by: Mrs. Paradis
All voted “Aye.” Motion carried: 6-0
MOTION: To adjourn at 8:43 pm
Moved by: Mrs. Paradis. Second by: Mrs. Gendron
All voted “Aye.” Motion carried: 6-0
Submitted by DISTRICT CLERK
(The August 9, 2023 Business meeting of the Cohoes City School District Board of Education can be viewed in its entirety on the district website.)