Cohoes City School District
Board of Education Business Meeting
Cohoes, New York June 7, 2023
Library, Cohoes Middle School 6:00PM
(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 6:00 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
- Mrs. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official
DISTRICT REPORTS
Recognition of the Top 3 Students of the Class of 2023- Mrs. Tarlo, Cohoes High School Principal introduced Jaylynn Bariteau as Honorable Mention, Carissa Shanahan as Salutatorian and Quincy Hytko as Valedictorian. Each of these students earned a Grade Point Average of over 100.
Honoring our 2022-23 Retirees- Mrs. Tarlo, Mr. Bird and Mr. Perry introduced the retirees from their buildings. Each spoke of their contributions over their many years of service. Mrs. Giller, on behalf of the Board congratulated the retirees and thanked them for their dedication to our students, families and our district.
Comprehensive School Counseling Plan update – Mr. Fournier and Mrs. Miller, Cohoes High School counselors along with Mr. Goverski and Ms. Monast, Cohoes Middle School counselors shared an update of the plan. Mr. Martinelli shared the Elementary portion of the plan.
Capital Project Update – Greg Klokiw, Managing Principal from CS Arch provided updates. Paul Nickerson, CS Arch and Patty Murray, Turner Construction were also present. For Phase One, playground installation at Harmony Hill and Van Schaick is expected to begin in August
with completion by the beginning of the school year. Work on the Abram Lansing roof will also begin in the summer. The elevator work at Harmony Hill and Van Schaick has been moved to the Summer of 2024 as the lead time for elevator parts is extremely long.
Phase Two is ready to submit to the New York State Education Department. A tentative timeline has been set, beginning the Spring and Summer of 2024. This will be finalized upon approval.
Mr. Klokiw shared plans for the ALS roof, the playgrounds, Cohoes Middle School and Cohoes High School Science classrooms and high school athletic fields.
Mrs. Giller asked a question regarding the elevators as they were part of Phase I due to health and safety concern. Mr. Klokiw responded that he is comfortable with the condition of the elevators to bring us to summer 2024.
He shared that part of the planning for including the elevator work for Harmony Hill and Van Schaick in the Phase I plans was to that aid could be
received for the playground work at these two buildings.
Mr. Klokiw shared plans for the ALS roof, the playgrounds, Cohoes Middle School and Cohoes High School Science classrooms and high school athletic fields.
Superintendent Update – Ms. O’Shea discussed the agreement on tonight’s agenda with Achievements, PLLC for an Integrated Special Education UPK classroom to be housed at Abram Lansing School. As recommendations are through the Committee of Preschool Special Education (CPSE) Albany County will fund the Special Education teacher and Special Education aide and the grant we received through New York State Education Department will fund the
classroom teacher and aide hired through the Boys and Girls Club
Business Update – Ms. Mackey explained the rescinding of the Food Service bid – Green Island Union Free School district was inadvertently left on two (2) charts on the BID specifications.
After consulting with NYSED and our legal team, was advised for the district to re-bid. Ms. Mackey reviewed the Reserves recommendation, which included funding the Tax Cert and TRS retirement contribution reserves. She also provided an update regarding the Abram Lansing Capital Outlay project.
A. BOARD OF EDUCATION DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS
Mrs. Giller recognized the CTA memorandum of agreement and expressed gratitude to the negotiation teams for their hard work.
B. COMMUNITY DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Ciarlone, CTA Union President, express gratitude to the Board of Education, Ms. O’Shea and Ms. Mackey
C. OLD BUSINESS – None
VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
A. THAT the Board of Education rescind item VI (D) of the May 17, 2023 Board of Education meeting agenda.
THAT the Board of Education awards the Food Services bid dated May 17, 2023 to Aramark Educational Services, LLC. In the amount of $1,026,142.80 for the period of July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.
B. THAT the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the Board of Education Meeting of May 17, 2023
C. THAT the Board of Education approves a contract with Hillcrest Educational
Center located at 788 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 for special education
services dated April 5, 2023 for the 2022-2023 school year in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
D. THAT the Board of Education approves the contract dated April 5, 2023 between the Cohoes City School District and Waterford-Halfmoon URSD, 125
Middletown Road, Waterford, NY 12188 for Health Services at a rate of $863.40 per student during the 2022-2023 school year in accordance with terms and conditions herein
E. THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement between the Cohoes City School District and EI US, LLC (d.b.a. LearnWell), 2 Main Street, Suite 2A,
Plymouth, MA for academic tutoring services during the 2023-2024 school year in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
F. THAT the Board of Education approves the contract dated May 25, 2023 between the Cohoes City School District and East Greenbush Central School District, 29 Englewood Avenue, East Greenbush, NY 12061 for health services during the 2022-2023 school year at a rate of $916.46 per student in accordance with the terms in conditions herein.
G. THAT the Board of Education approves the Cross Contract with the Cohoes City School District and Questar III BOCES for Special Education Aid Assistance Service (STAC) for the 2023-2024 school year at a cost of $6,630
H. THAT the Board of Education approves the participation in the NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-Endorsed Group Vision Care Plans through Davis Vision for both active and retired members in accordance to the terms and conditions therein for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025.
I. THAT the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Agreement by and between the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District and the Cohoes Teachers’ Association.
Term of Agreement: July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027
J. THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby
authorizes the 2022/2023 budget amendment in the amount of $2,000,000 for the purposes of increasing the interfund transfer to the capital fund and authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 from the capital reserve fund.
K. THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby authorizes funding the Retirement Contribution Reserve (TRS Sub Fund) in the amount of $325,000 from the unallocated fund balance, for the purpose of financing teacher retirement contributions.
L. THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District approves the Turner Contract Amendment #1 in the amount of $7,812 to purchase Procore Professional software for project management.
M. THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District approves the Turner Contract Amendment #2 in the amount of $59,626 for full-time
supervision of Phase I (Summer 2023).
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
INSTRUCTIONAL
A. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the Substitute Teacher and Tutor list:
- Schreck, Kimberly
- Ronda, Isabella
- Hawes, Sarah
- Cohen, David
- Graves, Paul
- Burek, Thomas
- DalPos, Dania
- Marro, Andrew
- Piotrowski, Abigail
- Pooler, Megan
- Ryan, Mae
- Ungeheuer, Daniel
Effective: June 8, 2023
B. THAT the Board of Education rescind its action on item VII (F) of the May 3,
2023 agenda:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Samuel Dole to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of Music, effective September 1, 2023 and expiring on August 31, 2027. Mr. Dole holds Initial Certification in the areas of Music.
Samuel Dole
Position: 1.0 FTE Music (Elementary)
Certification: Music
Tenure Area: Music
Effective Date: September 1, 2023
Tenure Date: August 31, 2027
Salary: Step 3 of the current CTA contract
C. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals as per CTA
contract to the 2023 Future-Ready Summer Program, July 10, 2023-July 28, 2023, class listed (grant-funded):
- Sara Schwendinger – HVCC INDS 105 Intro to Academic and Personal
Effectiveness (3 credits) - Heather Ball – HVCC ENGL 125 Public Speaking (3 credits)
D. THAT the Board of Education appoints Jill Havens as a Teacher on Special Assignment (“TOSA”) (grant-funded) to the full-time (1.0 FTE) Dean of Students position at Cohoes Middle School for the 2023-2024 school year and approves the agreement relating to the same. While in this assignment as a TOSA Jill Havens shall remain in the Elementary tenure area and all time spent as a full-time employee in the position of Dean of Students shall be credited as time in the Elementary tenure area.
E. THAT the Board of Education hereby appoints Christina Kellar as a Teacher on Special Assignment (“TOSA”) (grant-funded) to the full-time (1.0 FTE)
Intervention Specialist position at Abram Lansing Elementary School for the
2023-2024 school year and approves the agreement relating to the same. While in this assignment as a TOSA, Christina Kellar shall remain in the Elementary tenure area and all time spent as a full-time employee in the position of Intervention Specialist shall be credited as time in the Elementary tenure area.
F. THAT the Board of Education appoints Gabrielle White as a Teacher on Special Assignment (“TOSA”) (grant-funded) to the full-time (1.0 FTE) Dean of Students position at Cohoes High School for the 2023-2024 school year and approves the agreement relating to the same. While in this assignment as a TOSA Gabrielle White shall remain in the Mathematics tenure area and all time spent as a full- time employee in the position of Dean of Students shall be credited as time in the Mathematics tenure area.
G. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following teachers as Teacher Leaders (grant-funded) to the subject area listed for the 2023-2024 school year:
Cohoes High School
Carolyn Santoro – Math
Michael Kloczko – Science
Andrea Van DeCar – Social Studies
Heather Ball – English
Matthew Flannery – Special Education
Cohoes Middle School
Colleen Duff – Math
Jaclyn Penney – Science
Christopher Michael – Social Studies
Molly Flanagan – English
Brooke Hurlbut – Special Education
Kindergarten – Grade 12
Teresa Gendron – Physical Education
H. 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
- Nick Izzo
- Rachel Karam
- Rebecca LaForest
- Jennifer Sangiacomo
- Sondra Rondeau
- Renee Bourgeous
- Bill Sheldon
- Sandra Snyder
- Phil Tommasino
I. 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 $300.00 per the CTA contract for the 2022-2023 school year unless otherwise noted.
- Kristie Calderon
- Dana Del Genio
- Tricia Kinns, $270.00*
- Keenan Jones, $180.00*
- Amanda Regis, $240.00*
- Angela Tommasini
*Pro-rated
J. THAT the Board of Education approve that the following employees whose work assignment requires in-district travel between buildings to be compensated the indicated below for the 2022 – 2023 school year.
- Kelly Atkinson $800
- Moira Coons $800
- Daniel Honsinger $800
- Daniel Hytko $800
- Peter Mahoney $800
- Jim Stapleton $800
NON-INSTRUCTIONAL
K. THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of Samuel Wessels from his position as Maintenance Mechanic (DW).
Effective: June 2, 2023
L. THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of Randy Jefferson, Jr. from his position as Teacher Aide (CMS).
Effective: June 2, 2023
M. THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of Brittney Brunick from her position as Teacher Aide (CHS).
Effective: June 23, 2023
N. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following employees to work the 2023 Summer Meal Programs per CSEA contract effective June 26, 2023 through August 25, 2023:
- Receia Hawk
- Leilani Huddy
- Leslie O’Brien
- Benjamin Johnson
O. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints the following individual to the Maintenance Mechanic
Substitute list, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointments are a temporary appointment.
Samuel Wessels
Effective: June 5, 2023
ADDENDA
VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
O. THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby
authorizes the interfund transfer of $100,000 to the Capital Fund and authorizes the appropriation of such funds for the purpose of the Abram Lansing Elementary School Capital Outlay project.
P. THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District awards the
Abram Lansing Elementary School Capital Outlay Railing BID (SED project #
63-12-01-040-008-018) to Akros Management, Inc., 15 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY in the amount of $176,350.
Q. THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School of the Cohoes City
School District approves the agreement dated June 7, 2023 with Greenwood
Industries, Inc., located at 2 Locust Street, Hudson Falls, NY for the Abram
Lansing Elementary School Roof Project (SED project # 01-05-00-01-0002-017) in the amount of $682,000.
R. THAT the Board of Education approves the contract between the Cohoes City School District and the Troy City School District, located at 475 First Street, Troy, NY, 12180 dated May 17, 2023 for providing health services at a rate of $845.51 per student in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
S. THAT the Board of Education approves agreement between the Cohoes City School District and Achievement, PLLC, located at 623 New Loudon Road,
Latham, NY for a “Special Class in an Integrated Setting in the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program for the 2023-2024 school year in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
T. THAT the Board of Education hereby denies the appeal of a Cohoes student as it relates to the discipline imposed by the Superintendent of Schools.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
U. THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of Jennifer Crucetti from her position of Elementary Teacher (AL).
Effective: August 23, 2023
V. 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
Position: Long-Term Substitute Mathematics Teacher
Tenure: Area Mathematics
Effective Date: September 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the June 7, 2023 Agenda:
VI (A-R), VII (A-Q) and IX (A)
- Moved by: Mrs. Carey
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- 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:
- Long Range Financial Plan
- Statement of Taxes for FY 2022-2023
- Warrants– N/A
- Budget Transfers – N/A
- Budget Status Report –N/A
- Revenue Status Report – N/A
- Bank Reconciliation Report – N/A
- Internal Claims Audit Report – April 2023
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION – None
XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
Mrs. Giller received a message from Jill Havens expressing her gratitude to the Board for approving her TOSA as Dean of Students.
XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE – None
XIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW – None
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
June 21, 2023, Library, Cohoes Middle School at 6 PM
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To enter into Executive Session at 7:41 p.m.
To discuss matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion,
demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular
person; and to discuss a student issue protected by federal statue.
- Moved by: Mrs. Snyder
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 7-0
MOTION: To re-enter public session at 9:03pm
ROLL CALL
- Mrs. Carey
- Mr. Jackson
- Mrs. Snyder
- Mrs. Gendron
- Mrs. Paradis
- Mr. Jarosz – excused
- Mrs. Giller
- Moved by: Mrs. Snyder
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 6-0
MOTION to enter the following as Resolution VI (S) – THAT the Board of Education hereby denies the appeal of a Cohoes student as it relates to the discipline imposed by the Superintendent of Schools.
- Moved by: Mrs. Carey
- Second by: Mrs. Paradis
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 6-0
MOTION: To adjourn at 9:05 pm
- Moved by: Mrs. Carey
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 6-0