September 8, 2021 Board of Education Minutes

Board of Education Business Meeting

Cohoes, New York
September 8, 2021, 6:00 PM
LGI Room, CHS

(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 at 6:04 p.m. by Board President, Mrs. Giller.

ROLL CALL

Present:

• Mrs. Carey
• Mr. Pascale
• Mr. Jackson
• Mrs. Dion
• Mrs. Snyder
• Mrs. Giller

Excused:

• Mr. Annely

Also Present:

• Ms. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent
• Mr. Daniel Martinelli, Assistant Superintendent for Education Services
• Mrs. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official

II. DISTRICT REPORTS

1. Opening of Schools Update
2. School Climate Survey Report

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

1. THAT the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the Board of Education Meeting of August 25, 2021.
2. THAT the Board of Education amends Item VI (E) of the Minutes of the August 25, 2021 Meeting as follows:
   • THAT the Board of Education establishes the following prices for meals for the 2021-22 school year:
     • FOOD SERVICE PRICING
       • Breakfast Prices, Full Breakfast
         • Student Full Price: $1.50
         • Reduced Price: $0.00
         • Adult Price (sales tax to be added): $2.50 $2.57
       • Lunch Prices, Full Lunch
         • Student Full Price: $3.35
         • Reduced Price: $0.00
         • Adult Price (sales tax to be added): $4.38 $4.78
3. THAT the Board of Education adopts the Building Level Emergency Response Plan for the 2021-22 school year for the following schools:
   • Abram Lansing Elementary School
   • Harmony Hill Elementary School
   • Van Schaick Grade School
   • Cohoes High School
   • Cohoes Middle School

     ADDENDA

4. BE IT RESOLVED THAT upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby approves the School District Opening Plan developed by the District for the 2021-2022 school year and hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to amend, modify and/or update the School District Opening Plan as needed but subject to further Board approval in the event of substantial revisions to the plan. In the event that the School District Opening Plan or any portions thereof are contrary to any existing or future laws or federal, state or local mandates, such laws and/or mandates shall automatically control.

VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
INSTRUCTIONAL

1. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the Substitute Teacher and Tutor list:
   • Aaron Boudreau and Kelly Burtnick
     Effective: September 7, 2021
   • Alexandra Bobarakis
     Effective September 9, 2021
2. THAT the Board of Education amends Item VII (I) of the August 11, 2021 Minutes to read as follows:

   BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Corrine Penor to a four-year conditional term in the tenure area of School Psychologist effective September 1 14, 2021 and expiring on August 31 September 13, 2025 on a conditional basis. Ms. Penor holds provisional certification in the area of School Psychologist.

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on a conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Ms. Penor regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Ms. Penor’s continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that she is fully cleared for employment.

   Corrine Penor
   Position …………………………………………………….. 1.0 FTE School Psychologist (VS)
   Certification …………………………………………………………………… School Psychologist
   Tenure Area …………………………………………………………………… School Psychologist
   Effective Date ……………………………………………………………… September 1 14, 2021
   Tenure Date …………………………………………………….August 31 September 13, 2025
   Salary ………………………………………………………. Step 2 of the current CTA Contract
   Reason ……………………………………………………… BOE Newly created (grant funded)

3. THAT the Board of Education amends Item VII (P) of the August 25, 2021 Minutes to read as follows:

   BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Amanda Regis to a four-year conditional term in the tenure area of School Social Worker effective September 27 20, 2021 and expiring on September 26 19, 2025 on an emergency conditional basis. Ms. Regis holds provisional certification as School Social Worker.

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on an emergency conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Ms. Regis regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Ms. Regis’ continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that she is fully cleared for employment.

   Amanda Regis
   Position …………………………………………………………………. 1.0 School Social Worker
   Certification ………………………………………………………………… School Social Worker
   Tenure Area ………………………………………………………………… School Social Worker
   Effective Date ……………………………………………………………. September 27 20, 2021
   Tenure Date ……………………………………………………………….. September 26 19, 2025
   Salary ………………………………………………………. Step 2 of the current CTA Contract
   Reason ……………………………………………………………………. Replaces Raychel Marcil

4. THAT the Board of Education amends Item VII (B) of the August 11, 2021 Minutes to read as follows:

   THAT the Board of Education appoints the following Substitutes:

   2021 SECONDARY SUMMER SCHOOL/EIGHTH TO NINTH GRADE ACADEMY

   • Lydia Cappadonia
   • Rob Santarcangelo
   • Kerry Bottenfield
   • Rebecca Laforest
   • Elaine Flatow (Social Worker)
   • Dawn Maddalena
   • Terrin Griffin
   • Kerry Winters

     2021 MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER ACADEMY SUBSTITUTES

   • Kerry Bottenfield*
   • John Dundon*
   • Nick Pafundi
   • Carrie Briggs*
     * Indicates CTA member must be called first
5. BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby reinstates Aaron Boudreau from the seniority/recall list, pursuant to Education Law §3013, to a 0.25 FTE position in the Physical Education tenure area, effective September 7, 2021.
6. THAT the Board of Education creates the following position:
   • 1.0 FTE Special Education
     Effective: September 1, 2021
7. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Brittany Whitford to a four-year conditional term in the tenure area of Special Education effective September 7, 2021 and expiring on September 6, 2025 on a conditional basis. Ms. Whitford holds Initial Certification in the areas of Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grades 2) and Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grades 2) and Emergency COVID-19 certification in Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6).

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on a conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Ms. Whitford regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Ms. Whitford’s continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that she is fully cleared for employment.

   Brittany Whitford
   Position …………………………………………….1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher (AL)
   Certification …………………………………… Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grades 2)
   Tenure Area ……………………………………………………………………….Special Education
   Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 7, 2021
   Tenure Date ……………………………………………………………………… September 6, 2025
   Salary ………………………………………………………. Step 1 of the current CTA Contract
   Reason ……………………………………………………………………………. BOE newly created

8. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Ellen McGeorge to a four-year conditional term in the tenure area of Elementary effective September 1, 2021 and expiring on August 31, 2025 on a conditional basis. Ms. McGeorge holds Permanent Certification in the area of Pre-Kindergarten Kindergarten and Grades 1-6.

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on a conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Ms. McGeorge regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Ms. McGeorge’s continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that she is fully cleared for employment.

   Ellen McGeorge
   Position …………………………………………………………………. 1.0 FTE Elementary (AL)
   Certification ……………………………. Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Grades 1-6
   Tenure Area ……………………………………………………………………………….. Elementary
   Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 1, 2021
   Tenure Date …………………………………………………………………………. August 31, 2025
   Salary …………………………………………………….. Step 10 of the current CTA Contract
   Reason ………………………………………………………. BOE newly created (grant funded)

   NON-INSTRUCTIONAL

9. THAT the Board of Education creates the following non-instructional position:
   • 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (grant funded)
     Effective: September 1, 2021
10. Kathy Baez
    Position: ……………………………………………………………. 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (AL)
    Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 7, 2021
    Probation Period……………………………………………………………………… March 6, 2022
    Salary ………………………………………………….. Entry level per current CSEA contract
    Reason ………………………………………………………. BOE newly created (grant funded)
11. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Danette Holzer to the position of Full-Time Teacher Aide position subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on an emergency conditional basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointment is a probationary appointment.

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on an emergency conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Ms. Holzer regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Her continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that she is fully cleared for employment.

    Danette Holzer
    Position ……………………………………………………………. 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (CHS)
    Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 1, 2021
    Probation Period………………………………………………………………… February 28, 2022
    Salary ………………………………………………….. Entry level per current CSEA contract
    Reason …………………………………………………………………….. Replaces Sherry Stanley

12. Stacy Grudecki
    Position ……………………………………………………………………. Part-Time Teacher Aide
    Effective Date ………………………………….. September 7, 2021 through June 30, 2022
    Salary ………………………………………………………………………………….. $13.25 per hour
    Reason ………………………………………………………………….. Replaces Cathy Rogowski
13. Robin Clark
    Position ……………………………………………………………………. Part-Time Teacher Aide
    Effective Date ………………………………….. September 7, 2021 through June 30, 2022
    Salary ………………………………………………………………………………….. $13.25 per hour
    Reason ………………………………………………………………………. Replaces Patricia Spain
14. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals as Part-Time Teacher Aides for the 2021-22 school year:
    • Van Schaick Grade School
      Victoria DeChiaro-Delia
      Stacy Clement
      Maureen Finnen
      Kaysha Baez
      Tamia Scott-Daniels
    • Abram Lansing Elementary School
      Maria Baez
      Bernadette Glynn
      Crystal Kelly
      Rebecca Perry
      Madison Dunn
    • Harmony Hill Elementary School
      Gail Friedman
      Lisa Hoefer
      MaryBeth Galarneau
      Lori LaMere
      Carol Gaudette
      Aprille Overocker
      Meriam VanSleet
      Brigid Waddell
15. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Nicholas Foglia from his position as Teacher Assistant.
    • Effective: September 1, 2021
16. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Daniel Martinelli from his position as Principal.
    • Effective: August 11, 2021
17. THAT the Board of Education approves the Memorandum of Agreement dated September 8, 2021 by and between the Cohoes City School District and the Cohoes Principals’ Association (CPA) and Deanna Kelly for the purpose of fulfilling the position of Acting Principal, effective September 7, 2021 through September 21, 2021.
18. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Jennifer DeMarco to a four-year provisional probationary term in the tenure area of Secondary Principal effective September 22, 2021 and expiring on September 21, 2025 on a conditional basis. Ms. DeMarco holds Professional Certification in the areas of School District Leader, Mathematics 7-9 Extension, and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and an Initial Certification in the area of School Building Leader.

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on a conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Ms. DeMarco regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Ms. DeMarco’s continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that she is fully cleared for employment.

    Jennifer DeMarco
    Position ………………………………………………………………………………. Principal (CMS)
    Certification ……………………………………………………………….. School District Leader
    Tenure Area …………………………………………………………………… Secondary Principal
    Effective Date ………………………………………………………………… September 22, 2021
    Tenure Date ……………………………………………………………………. September 21, 2025
    Salary …………………………………………………………………………………………….$105,000
    Reason …………………………………………………………………. Replaces Daniel Martinelli

19. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Cynthia Peltier to the position of Full-Time Teacher Aide position subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on an emergency conditional basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointment is a probationary appointment.

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on an emergency conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Ms. Peltier regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Her continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that she is fully cleared for employment.

    Cynthia Peltier
    Position ……………………………………………………………. 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (HHS)
    Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 7, 2021
    Probation Period……………………………………………………………………… March 6, 2022
    Salary ………………………………………………….. Entry level per current CSEA contract
    Reason …………………………………………………………………. Replaces Lindsay Burniche

20. THAT the Board of Education creates the following non-instructional position:
    • 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (grant funded)
      Effective: September 1, 2021
21. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby provisionally appoints Lisa DeChiaro to the position of Senior Typist 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.

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on a conditional basis, and subject to of both a statement from Ms. DeChiaro regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Ms. DeChiaro’s continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice, from the Commissioner of Education, that she is fully cleared for employment.

    Lisa DeChiaro
    Position ………………….. 1.0 FTE Senior Typist (10 Month) (PROVISIONAL) (AL)
    Effective Date ………………………………………………………………… September 10, 2021
    Salary ……………………………………………………………………………… per CSEA contract
    Reason ………………………………………………………………………….. BOE Newly Created

22. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby terminates the temporary, provisional appointment of James Casey to the position of Custodian and reinstates Mr. Casey to his previously held Cleaner position on a permanent basis subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission.

    James Casey
    Position ……………………………………………………… 1.0 FTE Cleaner (Permanent) (HH)
    Effective Date ……………………………………………………………………. September 7, 2021
    Probation Period ……………………………………………………………………………………… N/A
    Salary ………………………………………………………………………………. per CSEA Contract
    Reason …………. Replaces Maryanne Dozois (transferred to HS to fill open position)

23. THAT the Board of Education amends Item VI (U) of the July 21, 2021 Minutes to read as follows:

    THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the coaching positions listed below for the 2021-2022 school year contingent upon acceptable program enrollment:

    • Co-Curricular Activity: Cheerleading – Varsity
      • Name: TBD Amya Sousis
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Cross Country – Varsity
      • Name: Kiera Hovey
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Cross Country – Modified
      • Name: TBD
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Football – Varsity Head
      • Name: Danny DeChiaro
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Football – Varsity Assistant
      • Name: TBD Matt Labombard
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Football – Varsity Assistant
      • Name: TBD James Lawrence
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Football – Modified Head
      • Name: TBD Mark Strock
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Football – Modified Assistant
      • Name: TBD
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Soccer – Boys, Varsity
      • Name: Nick Izzo
        
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Soccer – Boys, JV
      • Name: Phil Tommasino
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Soccer – Boys, Modified
      • Name: Ed Krajewski
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Soccer – Girls, Varsity
      • Name: Keith Fischer
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Soccer – Girls, JV
      • Name: Larry Brown
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Soccer – Girls, Modified
      • Name: Kaylin Dawson, Dana DelGenio
      • FTE: 1.0 0.5, 0.5
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Volleyball – Varsity
      • Name: Valerie Peretin
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Volleyball – JV
      • Name: John Ketchoyian
      • FTE: 1.0
    • Co-Curricular Activity: Volleyball – Modified
      • Name: Terry Gendron
      • FTE: 1.0

VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – BUSINESS/FINANCE

IX. FINANCIAL REPORTS (Recommended by the Superintendent)

BOARD ACTION ON CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the September 8, 2021 Agenda:

• VI (A-D) and VII (A-W)

Moved by: Mrs. Carey
Seconded by: Mrs. Dion
All voted “Aye”
Motion carried 6-0

X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION

XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS

XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE

XIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW

XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

• September 22, 2021, LGI Room, CHS & Livestreamed at 6 PM

XV. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: To adjourn at 7:07 p.m.

Moved by: Mrs. Dion
Seconded by: Mrs. Snyder
All voted “Aye”
Motion carried 6-0