Cohoes City School District
Board of Education Business Meeting & District Wide School Safety Plan Public Hearing
June 21, 2023
Cohoes Middle School at 6 pm
(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. Giller at 6:02 pm
Roll Call
Present:
- Mrs. Carey
- Mr. Jackson
- Mrs. Snyder
- Mrs. Gendron
- Mrs. Paradis
- Mr. Jarosz
- Mrs. Giller
Also Present:
- Ms. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent of Schools
- Mr. Dan Martinelli, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
DISTRICT REPORTS
Honoring 2022-2023 Tenure Recipients – Ms. O’Shea, Mrs. Tarlo, Mr. McFarland, Mr. Bird and Mrs. DeChiaro introduced those being recommended for tenure and spoke of their commitment.
Mrs. Giller, on behalf of the Board congratulated the tenure recipients and thanked them for their dedication to our students, families and our district.
District-Wide Safety Plan Public Hearing- Ms. O’Shea reviewed the Draft District Wide Safety Plan. The plan is required to be reviewed annually and adopted by the Board after a thirty (30) day public comment period. There is a new requirement this year to include an Emergency Remote Instruction plan.
The components of this were reviewed by Mr. Martinelli. Ms. O’Shea
shared that the draft plan will be posted on our website on June 22nd with a public comment period through July 22nd. Comments should be sent to Mary Rumsey, district clerk who will gather all comments and share them with the Board. School Climate Survey Results
Ms. O’Shea also discussed the School Climate Survey results. Questions are centered around school engagement, safety and the school environment and respondents and answers are based upon their perception and experiences.
Instructional and non-instructional staff, parents and students
in grades 5-12 were asked to complete the survey. Ms. O’Shea provided data regarding response participation and indicated that the buildings are happy that student responses were much higher this year. Strengths and weaknesses as perceived by students were then reviewed.
Mrs. Carey asked if there were differences between buildings in terms of positive responses. Ms. O’Shea replied that at the elementary level the responses are more positive, then it dips at the middle school, then starts to climb again at the high school level, but not as positive as at the
elementary level. Further analysis will be provided.
Mrs. Gendron said that she would like to see Culture and Climate discussions and updates become a recurring agenda item. Ms. O’Shea agreed and said that the quarterly sharing of data will continue as well as report out at meetings in terms of the success of initiatives, with discussion.
Mrs. Snyder asked if taking the survey in class sparked conversations about the why? Ms. O’Shea asked Mr. McFarland, CMS principal, who responded that in eighth grade teachers reported that after taking the survey students asked questions and there were discussions with students.
Mr. Perry stated that there were no discussions after the survey, but students were happy to be a part of it. Ms. O’Shea said that she would explore with administrators the best way to have planned discussion following survey administrations.
Mrs. Giller agreed that as the board is developing their priorities for next year and Culture and Climate should be a regular part of the agenda and requested that there be a timeline set as to what the data will be and when it will be provided, to have the opportunity to review and reflect prior. Mrs. O’Shea agreed.
Mrs. Giller mentioned that this is not just a school problem as things also happen at home and in the community. As we are expanding our community partners, that will open lines of communication. Trying to increase parent engagement is also very important so that we can address these items together.
Mrs. Paradis said that we should look at the time of the year the survey is administered. The beginning of the year is different from the end of the year and she suggested we should be getting the pulse at various times. She inquired about asking students a short set of questions periodically throughout the school year to hone in on how students are feeling in school.
Mr. Jackson mentioned there is an opportunity to build this into PBIS activities and Second Step discussion. There are presentations where students can scan a QR code and answer a question and then teachers can use it as a discussion point.
Mrs. Carey mentioned to keep in mind that as we look at data regarding resetting the culture and climate that it is important to keep in mind that the numbers will be high at first in terms of behavior and suspensions and it is important to provide support to the buildings as they address this.
Summer Programming
Mr. Martinelli shared information regarding the various programs that will be occurring this summer and reviewed the enrollment to date.
BOARD OF EDUCATION DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS – Mrs. Giller commented that it seems we are all set for summer!
COMMUNITY DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS – None
OLD BUSINESS – None
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 June 7, 2023
B. THAT the Board of Education accepts the minutes for the Committee on
Special Education and the Committee on Pre-School Special Education for the
following dates: 1/26/23, 2/9/23, 3/10/23, 3/21/23, 3/22/23, 3/23/23, 3/24/23, 3/27/23, 3/28/23, 3/29/23, 3/30/23, 4/3/23, 4/6/23, 4/17/23, 4/18/23, 4/19/23, 4/20/23, 4/26/23, 4/28/23, 5/1/23, 5/2/23, 5/5/23, 5/8/23, 5/9/23,
5/11/23, 5/12/23, 5/15/23, 5/19/23, 5/21/23, 5/23/23, 5/24/23, 5/26/23,
6/2/23, 6/5/23, 6/12/23, 6/13/23, 6/14/23
C. THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement dated May 22, 2023
between the Cohoes City School District and Green Chimneys Children’s
Services, located at 400 Doansburg Road, Brewster, NY for special education
services from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 in accordance with the terms and
conditions herein.
D. THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement dated May 25, 2023 with the Cohoes City School District and Achievements, PLLC, located at 623 New Loudon Road, Latham, NY for related services at the contracted rate, as specified in each student’s Individualized Education Plan in accordance with the terms and conditions herein
E. THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement dated May 26, 2023 with the Cohoes City School District and the Center for Disability, d/b/a Langan School, located at 314 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, NY for special education services during the 2023 extended school year session at a rate of $9,290 per student and during the 2023-2024 school year at a rate of $55,740 per student in accordance with the terms and conditions herein
F. THAT the Board of Education approves the contract dated May 30, 2023 with the Cohoes City School District and Behavioral Transformations Licensed Applied Behavior Analysis Services, PLLC for consultations regarding student support and management techniques at the contracted rate, not to exceed $3,200 for the 2023-2024 school year in accordance with the terms and conditions herein
G. THAT the Board of Education approves the contract dated June 1, 2023 between the Cohoes City School District and St. Anne Institute, located at 160 N Main Avenue, Albany NY for special education services during the 2023 extended school year at the rate of $8,674 per student and during the 2023-2024 school year at the rate of $52,045 per student in accordance with the terms and conditions herein
H. THAT the Board of Education approves the contract dated July 1,2023 between the Cohoes City School District and Parsons Child and Family Center (Neil Hellman School), located at 60 Academy Road, Albany, NY for special education services during the 2023 extended school year at the rate of $7,761 per student and during the 2023-2024 school year at the rate of $46,569 per student in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
I. THAT the Board of Education approves the contract dated July 1, 2023 between the Cohoes City School District and St. Catherine’s Center for Children’s; E May School, located at 30 North Main Avenue, Albany, NY for special education services during the 2023 extended school year (July 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023) at a rate of $3,412 per student in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
J. THAT the Board of Education approves the Memorandum of Agreement between the Cohoes City School District and the Cohoes Teachers’ Association dated June 14, 2023 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
K. THAT the Board of Education approves the Memorandum of Agreement between the Cohoes City School District and the Cohoes Teachers’ Association dated June 15, 2023 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
L. THAT the Board of Education awards the Food Services bid dated June 21, 2023 to Aramark Educational Services, LLC. In the amount of $1,026,142.80 for the period of July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.
VI. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
Instructional
A. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (H) of the June 7, 2023 Agenda to read as follows:
THAT the Board of Education be notified of the following CTA unit members
whose work assignment requires in-district travel between buildings to be
compensated in the amount of $250.00 per the CTA contract for the 2022-23
school year unless otherwise noted.
Erin Abbott
Kerry Bottenfield
Aaron Boudreau
Katherine Flynn, $125.00*
Nick Izzo
Rachel Karam
Rebecca LaForest
Jennifer Sangiacomo
Sondra Rondeau
Renee Bourgeous
Bill Sheldon
Sandra Snyder
Phil Tommasino
*pro-rated
B. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Robert Santarcangelo from his position as Assistant Principal (CHS).
Effective: June 30, 2023
C. THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of Michele Culletto from her position as Science Teacher (CHS).
Effective: July 1, 2023
D. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Brianna Houle from her position of Special Education Teacher (CMS).
Effective: August 31, 2023
E. THAT the Board of Education grant tenure to the following individual in the
subject area listed:
- Ms. Kerry Bottenfield (Cohoes High School) – English as a Second Language
- Mr. Kerry Winters (Cohoes High School) – Science
- Ms. Angela Tommasini (Cohoes High School) – School Social Worker
- Ms. Jennifer Heeney (Cohoes Middle School) – Elementary
- Mr. Aaron Boudreau (Abram Lansing Elementary School) – Physical Education
- Mr. Adrian Blackman (Abram Lansing Elementary School) – Elementary
- Ms. Amber DellaRocco (Van Schaick Grade School) – Elementary
- Ms. Marisa Villasenor (Van Schaick Grade School) – Special Education
Effective: August 31, 2023
F. BE IT RESOLVED that Jeffrey Huneau shall be assigned, as a Teacher on
Special Assignment (“TOSA”), to the part-time (.4 FTE) Dean of Students for the 2023-2024 school year, and shall additionally be assigned as a part-time (.6 FTE) Athletic Director for the Cohoes City School District for the 2023-2024 school year. While in this assignment as a TOSA, Mr. Huneau shall remain in the Elementary tenure area and all time spent as a full-time employee, in the positions of Dean of Students and Athletic Director, shall be credited as time in the Elementary tenure area.
Be it Further Resolved that the time part-time (.6FTE) Athletic Director stipend position shall be a twelve (12) month position and Mr. Huneau shall be paid a stipend of $12,000 for the 2023-2024 school year.
G. 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
Speech 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
H. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following teachers as per the CTA contract to the 2023 CMS Summer Learning Academy effective July 10 – August 10, 2023 contingent upon enrollment (grant-funded):
- Tracy Gresis
- Brian Smith
- Michelle Smith-Ball
- Lindsey Fontaine
- Emily Gioia
- Jackie Penney
I. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following teachers as per CTA
contract to the 2023 CMS Summer Learning Academy Substitutes (grant-funded) effective July 10-August 10, 2023 contingent upon enrollment.
- John Dundon
- Jennifer Heeney
- Teresa GendronJ. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following teachers as per the CTA
contract to the 2023 Elementary Summer Success program effective July 10 –
August 10, 2023 contingent upon enrollment (grant-funded): - Courtney Hunt
- Kim Angus
- Katie Dobbins
- Tina Doherty
- Sharon Laughlin
- Samantha Rosen
- Nick Pafundi
- Brittany Whitford
- Kristine Kodadar
- Alexandra Nelson
- Kylee Brand
K. THAT the Board of Education approve the following as substitute teachers for the Elementary Summer Success Program (grant funded) during the 2023-2024 school year:
Elementary Summer Success
Kimberly Whalen
Gina Martini
Ellen McGeorge
Holly Scensny
Francesca Capecelatro
Danielle Halpin
Robert Keith
Katrina Keith
Carrie Bennett
Bonnie-Jo Bellville
L. THAT the Board of Education appoint Suzanne Pelletier as Social Worker to the 2023 Elementary Summer Success and Summer Learning Academy programs as per the CTA contract, effective July 10 – August 10, 2023 contingent upon enrollment (grant-funded).
M. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following teachers as per the CTA
contract to the 2023 Secondary School Regents Review Classes effective July 31- August 15, 2023 contingent upon enrollment:
- Algebra I Michael Wilt
- English Andrew Hines
- Living Environment Dawn Maddalena
- Global Studies Ashley Hogan
- US History John Ketchoyian
N. 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 DeStefano
- John Ketchoyian
- Drake Galarneau
- William Sheldon
- Rich Morris
- Dawn Maddalena
- Heather Ball
- Michael Kloczko
- Carolyn Santoro
- Matthew Flannery
- Andrew HinesO. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following teachers as per the CTA
contract to the 2023 Secondary Summer School program effective July 10 – August 17, 2023 contingent upon enrollment: - English 9 (one section) – Drake Galarneau
- English 10 (one section) – Andrew Hines
- American Literature (one section) – Andrew Hines
- 9th Grade Summer Academy Teacher (one section) – Drake Galarneau
- 9th Grade Summer Academy Social Worker (one section) – Angela Tommasini
- Algebra (one section)- Michael Wilt
- APEX Math (one section)- Michael Wilt
- Living Environment (one section, half section for Lab)- Dawn Maddalena
- APEX Science (one section)- Michelle Cipriano
- Global 10 (one section) – Ashley Hogan
- US History (one section) – John Ketchoyian
- APEX (2 sections)- William Sheldon
- Special Education (two sections) – Rich Morris
- Library (one section) – Karin Lackmann
- ELL (one section) – Kerry Bottenfield (two days per week) and Katie Flynn (two
days per week)
P. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals as 2023
Extended School Year Substitutes per the CTA contract:
Teachers
Katrina Keith
Bob Keith
Morgan Blizinski
Sabrina Noti
Teacher Assistants
Katrina Keith
Bob Keith
Morgan Blizinski
Sabrina Noti
Kathy Mossey
Michelle Snyder
John Dundon
Kristen Carter
Nurses
Sandra Kipp
Cheryl Barber
Lisa LeBlanc
Shelby Farley
Q. THAT the Board of Education approve the following as substitute teachers for Secondary Summer School Program during the 2023-2024 school year:
Secondary Summer School
Elizabeth Hodgson
Michelle Cipriano
Michael Wilt
Lydia Cappadonia
Ashley Hogan
Andrea DeStefano
John Ketchoyian
Katie Flynn
Rebecca LaForest
Drake Galarneau
William Sheldon
Kerry Bottenfield
Rich Morris
Dawn Maddalena
Karin Lackmann
*Andrew Hines
*Indicates Non-CTA member
NOTE: CTA members should be called first
R. THAT the Board of Education approves the unpaid leave of absence of Allison Koslowski from her Speech position (Abram Lansing School) for the 2023-2024 school year for the purpose of childcare.
Non-Instructional
S. THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of Natalie Ricci from her position as Teacher Aide (HH).
Effective: June 23, 2023
T. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Jonathan Schoenfeld from his position as Full-Time Special Education Teacher Aide (Van Schaick Grade School).
Effective: June 30,2023
U. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals to the 2023
Extended School Year Summer Program, July 10, 2023 – August 18, 2023:
Teacher Aide
Kera Peterson
Felicity Dessingue
Meaghan Garceau
Treviny Cox
Roni Miorin
Karen Beattie
Stefani Paquin
Candi O’Brien
Amanda Vacha
1:1
Carol Gaudette
Kathy Baez
Madison Dunn
V. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individual as a Teacher Aide as per CSEA contract to the 2023 Secondary Summer School program effective July 10 – August 17, 2023 contingent upon enrollment:
Sarah Austin
W. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individual as Part Time
Campus Safety Monitor for the 2023 Summer programs:
John DiMio
X. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals as Part-Time
Safety Officers for the 2023 Summer programs:
Matthew LaBombard
David Harrington
Terry Burns, Sr.
Y. THAT the Board of Education appoint Jessica Strock as receptionist for the
SUNY Tutoring Program and Elementary Summer Success Program at Harmony Hill School, July 5, 2023 through August 10, 2023 (grant-funded).
Z. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals as 2023
Extended School Year Substitute Teacher Aides per CSEA contract:
Lisa Buck
QuinAsia Johnson
AA. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals as 2023
Extended School Year Substitute Teacher Aides at a rate of $14.20 per hour:
Teresa Slater
Sherry Thornton
BB. THAT the Board of Education authorized days not to exceed four (4) for Stacy Bold at the per diem rate (per CSEA contract) to provide summer secretarial support at Harmony Hill School.
Effective: July 1, 2023
CC. THAT the Board of Education authorized days not to exceed three (3) for Sherri Dan at the per diem rate (per CSEA contract) to provide summer secretarial support at Harmony Hill School.
Effective: July 1, 2023
DD. THAT the Board of Education authorized days not to exceed three (3) for Carol Gaudette at the per diem rate (per CSEA contract) to provide summer secretarial support at Harmony Hill School.
Effective: July 1, 2023
EE. THAT the Board of Education authorized days not to exceed ten (10) days at the per diem rate (per CSEA contract) for Pam Krupski to provide summer secretarial support at Van Schaick Grade School.
Effective: July 1, 2023
FF. THAT the Board of Education authorizes days not to exceed twenty (20) at the per diem rate (per CSEA contract) for Amanda Vacha to provide summer
secretarial support at Cohoes High School.
Effective: July 1, 2023
GG. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Amanda Vacha 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.
Amanda Vacha
Position: Senior Typist (Provisional) (CHS)
Effective Date: September 1, 2023
Salary: Per current CSEA contract
HH. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Dennis Hogan as a volunteer Swimming and Diving
Coach in accordance with terms and conditions set forth in the memorandum of understanding dated June 15, 2023
ADDENDA
VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
M. THAT the Board of Education awards the Paving BID, dated June 14, 2023 as follows: HMA Contracting Corporation in the amount of $41, 150
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
II. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Casey Hatziemanuel from her position of Reaching Teacher (CMS).
Effective: June 23, 2023
DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the June 21, 2023 Agenda:
VI (A-M), VII (A-II) and IX (A)
- Moved by: Mrs. Gendron
- Second by: Mrs. Paradis
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 7-0
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 – May 2023
- Budget Transfers – May 2023
- Budget Status Report –May 2023
- Revenue Status Report – May 2023
- Bank Reconciliation Report – May 2023
- Internal Claims Audit Report – May 2023
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION – None
XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
Mrs. Snyder stated that all of the end of year activities were very excited and she is looking forward to the rest of the week. She also commented that the support from parents, families and the community is overwhelmingly incredible. Mrs. Giller stated that great things happen in our district.
XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE – None
XIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
July 5, 2023 – Reorganizational & Business Meeting – Cohoes Middle School Library at 6 pm
August 9, 2023 – Business Meeting – Cohoes Middle School Library at 6 pm
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To enter into Executive Session at 7:09 p.m.
To discuss the evaluation of Superintendent, O’Shea.
- Moved by: Mrs. Carey
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 7-0MOTION: To adjourn at 8:09 pm
- Moved by: Mrs. Paradis
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 6-0