October 5 Business Meeting Minutes

Board of Education Business Meeting
Cohoes, New York
October 5, 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 6pm

ROLL CALL

Present:

• Mrs. Carey
• Mr. Jackson
• Mrs. Snyder
• Mrs. Gendron
• 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

Homeless Children Policy Overview – McKenzie Gregory, Families in Transition Coordinator, presented to the Board the various components of her role. She is working with students and families in temporary housing.  Mr. Martinelli shared data that showed our homeless numbers have increased over the years.

Title I Parental and Family Engagement Policy – Mr. Martinelli presented an overview of Title I grant funding which is allocated to our three elementary buildings and Cohoes Middle School.  The funding pays for Academic Intervention/Reading.  He reviewed proposed revisions to both policies required under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  Both policies will be posted on the website for parent and family feedback.

Superintendent’s Report – Ms. O’Shea presented an update on the District Wide Safety Committee meeting held on October 3, 2022.  She reviewed several agenda items, including an update on Capital Project/SMART schools/local projects in regards as they relate to health and safety, buildings report outs on drop off/pick up and emergency drills/safety team meetings. The Cohoes Police Department will be providing trainings during the November & December faculty meetings.  She expressed her gratitude to the Mayor, Cohoes Police Department and Cohoes Fire Department for their collaboration and support.  Mr. Nadeau who serves on the committee mentioned the effort cooperation between the City, Police and Fire departments and the district. He continued, “it’s obvious that there’s an effort on both parts to coordinate their efforts, and I’m very pleased with that.”

Mrs. Giller, on behalf of the Board expressed her gratitude for the support the District receives from the City of Cohoes.

Ms. O’Shea provided the Board with a hiring update and shared the draft job description of the Multi-Tiered Support Director.

Business Update – Ms. Mackey provided the Board with an update on the Extra Class Activities Fund (ECAF).  She met with advisors on September 28 and discussed the new procedures and forms. She also discussed the draft financial reports received from Marvin and Company.  She will share the reports with the Audit Committee at their upcoming meeting scheduled for October 11, 2022.

III. BOARD OF EDUCATION DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS – None

IV. COMMUNITY DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS – None

V. 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 September 21, 2022.

B. THAT the Board of Education approves the Agreement between the Cohoes City School District and Gallo Construction for the dishwasher replacement at Cohoes High School (SED project # 01-05-00-01-0-006-023) at a cost of $156,2000 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.

C. THAT the Board of Education approves the Agreement between the Cohoes City School District and C.S. Arch for architectural services for the May 2022 Referendum as outlined in Exhibits A and B in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.

VII.  RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL

INSTRUCTIONAL

A. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (B) of the July 6, 2022 Business meeting agenda as follows:

THAT the Board of Education appoints the following administrators as Lead Evaluators for the 2022-23 school year.

Administrator, Certification

• Peggy O’Shea, Lead Evaluator of Teachers & Administrators
• Dan Martinelli, Lead Evaluator of Teachers & Administrators
• Erin Hill, Lead Evaluator of Teachers
• Karen Ronesi, Lead Evaluator of Teachers
• Laura Tarlo, Lead Evaluator of Teachers
• Jennifer DeMarco, Lead Evaluator of Teachers
• Deanna Kelly, Lead Evaluator of Teachers
• Tom Kostrzebski, Lead Evaluator of Teachers
• Robert Santarcangelo, Lead Evaluator of Teachers
• Cliff Bird, Lead Evaluator of Teachers
• Mark Perry, Lead Evaluator of Teachers
• Jacqueline DeChiaro, Lead Evaluator of Teachers
• Kyle McFarland, Lead Evaluator of Teachers

B. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (C) of the July 6, 2022 Business meeting agenda as follows:

THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals to the Building Leadership Teams listed below for the 2022-2023 school year:

Van Schaick Grade School

• Amanda Barrett
• Bonnie-Jo Bellville
• Carrie Bennett
• Amber DellaRocco
• Katrina Keith
• Pam Krupski (CSEA)
• Jacqueline DeChiaro

Cohoes High School  

• Patricia Caputo
• Caryn Dollard
• Laura Murawski
• Alicia Ozols
• Angela Tommasini
• Carolyn Tetrault (CSEA)
• Robert Santarcangelo
• Laura Tarlo

Cohoes Middle School

• Kyle McFarland
• John Dundon
• Lindsey Fontaine
• Fallon Jennings
• Tricia Kinns
• Jaclyn Penney
• Stacey Nolan (CSEA)
• Deanna Kelly
• Jennifer DeMarco

Harmony Hill Elementary School

• Sarah Adkins
• Pamela Bertrand
• Catherine Lamica
• Christine Guarnieri
• Alexandra Nelson
• Stacy Smith-Bold (CSEA)
• Mark Perry

Abram Lansing Elementary School

• Carole Blide (CSEA)
• Jennifer Crucetti
• Christina Kellar
• Melissa Lowden
• Bridget Quinlan
• Jackie Skidmore
• Cliff Bird

C. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (D) of the July 6, 2022 Business meeting agenda as follows:

THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals to the District Wide Safety Team for the 2022-2023 school year:

• Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent
• Dan Martinelli, Assistant Superintendent
• Stacy Mackey, School Business Official
• Erin Hill, Director of Special Programs
• James Stapleton, Director of Facilities
• Peter Mahoney – Network Administrator
• Laura Tarlo, Principal – Cohoes High School
• Tom Kostrzebski, Assistant Principal – Cohoes High School (July 1, 2022 – December 1, 2022)
• Robert Santarcangelo, Assistant Principal – Cohoes High School
• Jeff Huneau – Cohoes High School Athletic Director/Dean
• Michael Kloczko – Cohoes High School Science Teacher
• Samantha McCullough, School Nurse – Cohoes High School
• Drew Rentz, School Safety Officer – Cohoes High School
• Sherry Thornton, Full Time Teacher Aide – Cohoes High School
• Jennifer DeMarco, Principal – Cohoes Middle School
• Kyle McFarland, Principal – Cohoes Middle School
• Deanna Kelly, Assistant Principal – Cohoes Middle School
• Courtney Valente, Teacher – Cohoes Middle School
• Mark Perry, Principal – Harmony Hill School
• Brianna Houle, Teacher – Harmony Hill School
• Laura Gerhard, School Psychologist – Harmony Hill School
• Lisa LeBlanc, School Nurse – Harmony Hill School
• Cliff Bird, Principal – Abram Lansing School
• Christina Kellar, Teacher – Abram Lansing School
• Sandra Kipp, School Nurse – Abram Lansing School
• Jacqueline DeChiaro, Principal – Van Schaick Grade School
• Amanda Dorr, Teacher – Van Schaick Grade School
• Russ Grestini – Buildings/Grounds/Maintenance
• Kaylin Dawson – Parent Representative
• Cohoes Board of Education Members
• BOCES Communication
• BOCES Safety Consultant

D. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (L) of the August 24, 2022 Agenda to read as follows:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Virginia Jackson to a four three – year probationary term in the tenure area of Special Education, effective August 31, 2022 and expiring on August 30, 2026 August 30, 2025.  Ms. Jackson holds Permanent Certification in the areas of Biology 7-12 and English 7-12, and Professional Certification in the areas of Earth Science 7-12, Students With Disabilities – Grades 7-12-Earth Science, Students With Disabilities-Grades 7-12-Biology, and School District Leader.

Virginia Jackson

• Position: 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher (CHS)
• Certification: Students With Disabilities – Grades 7-12-Earth Science, Students With Disabilities – Grades 7-12-Biology
• Tenure Area: Special Education
• Effective Date: August 31, 2022
• Tenure Date: August 30, 2026 August 30, 2025
• Salary: Step 10 of the current CTA contract

E.  THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of Jessica Hoffman from her position as Special Education Teacher (AL).

Effective:  October 21, 2022

F.  THAT the Board of Education approve a salary increase due to additional teaching assignments for the following individual for the 2022-2023 school year:

Katherine Flynn – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – English to Speakers of Other Languages (1.2 FTE total) CMS

Effective: August 31, 2022

G. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Suzanne Pelletier to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of Guidance Counselor, effective October 11, 2022 and expiring on October 10, 2026.  Ms. Pelletier holds Permanent Certification in the area of School Counselor and Professional Certification in the area of School District Leader (grant funded).

Suzanne Pelletier

• Position: 1.0 FTE Social Emotional Learning Coach (CMS)
• Certification: School Counselor
• Tenure Area: School Counselor
• Effective Date: October 11, 2022
• Tenure Date: October 10, 2026
• Salary: Step 10 of the current CTA contract (grant-funded)

Non–Instructional

H. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (J) of the July 6, 2022 Business Meeting agenda as follows:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Leilani Huddy to the probationary position of 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 temporary appointment.

Leilani Huddy

• Position: 1.0 FTE Cook
• Effective Date: September 1, 2022 August 31, 2022
• Probation Period: February 28, 2023
• Salary: Per current CSEA contract

I. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Terrance M. Burns to the position of Part-Time Teacher Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis, such appointment is a temporary appointment.

Terrance M. Burns

• Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (AL)
• Effective Date: September 26, 2022 through June 30, 2023
• Salary: $13.75 per hour

J.  BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints the following individual to the Food Service Driver Substitute list, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointments are a temporary appointment.

George Muzio

Effective: September 29, 2022

K. THAT the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Agreement dated October 5, 2022, by and between the Cohoes City School District and the CSEA, Local 1000 pertaining to the position of Campus Safety Monitor as outlined herein.

L. THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of Megan Rigney from her position as Part-Time Teacher Aide (HH).

Effective:  September 30, 2022

M. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Jovahn Munson to the position of full-time Teacher Aide, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a probationary appointment.

Jovahn Munson

• Position: 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (VS)
• Effective Date: October 17, 2022
• Probation Period: April 17, 2023
• Salary: Entry level per current CSEA contract

N. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Laura Urban to the position of Part-Time Teacher Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a temporary appointment.

Laura Urban

• Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (HH)
• Effective Date: October 6, 2022 through June 30, 2023
• Salary: $13.75 per hour

DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the October 5,2022 Agenda:

VI (A-C), VII (A-N), and X (A-E)

• Moved by:  Mrs. Snyder
• 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:

• Warrants
• Budget Transfers
• Budget Status Report
• Revenue Status Report
• Bank Reconciliation Report
• Internal Claims Audit Report

X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION

A. THAT the Board of Education approves the following surplus technology items listed in Exhibit A to be taken out of district inventory.

B. THAT the Board of Education accepts the donation from The Locker Room 78, Inc. in the amount of $2,000 to be used for the football program.

C. THAT the Board of Education accepts the donation from Greenbriar Construction of eight (8) light towers for temporary use during 2022 Cohoes City School District Homecoming night athletic activities.

THAT the Board of Education accepts the donation from Del Signore Company of two (2) light towers for temporary use during 2022 Cohoes City School District Homecoming night athletic activities.

The estimated savings to the district is $3,000.

D. THAT the Board of Education accepts the donation in the amount of $500 from the Polish American Association to be used for CHS “Trendy Tiger”.

E. THAT the Board of Education accepts the donation in the amount of $25.70 from Coca Cola Give to be used for the CHS “Trendy Tiger”.

XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS

Mrs. Giller, on behalf on the Board expressed appreciation to everyone in involved in Homecoming Weekend.  She also thanked the various companies for their donations and the outpouring of support to our students and families.

XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE – None

XIII.  BOARD POLICY REVIEW

Policy 2510 – 1st reading

XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

• October 11, 2022 – Audit Committee Meeting, Page Avenue at 5pm
• October 19, 2022, LGI Room, CHS & Livestreamed at 6pm
• November 2, 2022, LGI Room, CHS & Livestreamed at 6pm

XV.  ADJOURNMENT

MOTION:  To adjourn at 6:52pm

• Moved by: Mrs. Carey
• Second by: Mrs. Gendron
• All voted “Aye”
• Motion carried 7-0