Cohoes City School District
Board of Education Business Meeting
September 13, 2023
Cohoes Middle School Library, 6pm
(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 Vice President, Mrs. Giller at 6:02 pm
ROLL CALL
Present:
- Mrs. Giller
- Mr. Jackson
- Mrs. Snyder – excused
- Mrs. Gendron
- Mrs. Paradis
- Mr. Jarosz
- Mrs. Carey – excused
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
Superintendent Reports – Ms. O’Shea
Positive School Climate and Culture – Mr. McFarland, principal of Cohoes Middle School, did a presentation on Positive School Climate and Culture. He discussed the Positive Behavior Implementation and Supports (PBIS) refresh which was completed at the beginning of the school year, an updated handbook, and whole-staff teaching of expectations. He also reviewed plans to continue to increase communication and the implementation of a reset room to help students struggling with behavior return to the classroom. Mr. McFarland mentioned the Open House/BBQ and welcomed everyone to
attend.
Opening of Schools – Ms. O’Shea indicated that we are still in need of a Special Education teacher, a .6 Spanish teacher, a cleaner and two aide positions. She will be meeting with high school administrators, counselors and Becky LaForest, our Career Education Coordinator for an initial discussion on a “Grow Your Own” teacher initiative.
Mrs. Giller asked if the assignments, specifically the Math and Science positions remain open in OLAS? Ms. O’Shea responded that one of the Math positions is currently open on OLAS. The plan is to continue to recruit for this position and refresh the remaining positions on OLAS in the near future.
Mr. Martinelli discussed the additional .02 FTE McKinney Vento grant-funded position which is on the agenda due to an increase in the homeless population. Mrs. Giller asked about the McKinney Vento grant consortium versus individual grant for the district. She also asked if Mayra would be working with Raychel Marcil, MTSS director in assisting families with resources to which Mr. Martinelli replied “absolutely.”
Mr. Martinelli shared that chrome books for students have been distributed, with the exception of new students at the high school. A structure has been created for the buildings to submit one (1) IT ticket for multiple students. Mrs. Paradis had a question about the 40 new students. Mr. Martinelli explained that they may have pre-registered or newly moved into our district.
Mr. Martinelli shared that ParentSquare, Meals Plus, Frontline and IEP direct are now fully synced with Synergy, as well as other software platforms which are utilized by our teachers. Mr. Martinelli thanked Katrina for all of her hard work during this entire process. Mrs. Giller asked if there were times when teachers could ask for assistance. Mr. Martinelli replied that he and Jen Sangiacomo have been walking through the buildings to provide assistance. Jen has an open door policy and is available to assist. After school sessions will be planned in the near future.
Ms. Mackey provided an update on playgrounds. Harmony Hills’ playground is ready for play! A formal announcement will be made tomorrow. Van Schaick is fully demolished and ready to be installed. The expectation is that it will be finished next week (weather permitting).
Audit Update – Ms. Mackey gave an update on the financial audit. It is work in progress with just a few items to complete. The deadline is October 15, 2023. Audit committee invite will be forthcoming in early to mid-October after Ms. Mackey receives some tentative dates from the auditor.
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 accepts the Minutes of the Board of Education meeting of
August 30, 2023.
B. THAT the Board of Education adopts the following policies:
8330 – Authorized Use of School-Owned Materials and Equipment
8332 – Use of District-Issued Cell Phones
8334 – Use of Credit Cards
8335 – Employee, Volunteer and Contractor Use of Computers, Internet and E- mail
8635 – Information and Data Privacy, Security, Breach and Notification
C. THAT the Board of Education approve change order RC-COR-001 on NYS
Education Department Project # 01-05-00-01-0002-017 for the Abram Lansing School Roof Project.
Contractor – Greenwood Industries, Inc., 2 Locust Street, Hudson, New York 12839
Original Contract – $682,000
Net Change previously approved change order – $0.00
Contract Sum prior to this change order – $682,000
This change order will modify contract sum – (-$8,269)
New Contract sum including this change – $673,731
D. THAT the Board of Education approves change order RC-COR-002 on NYS
Education Department Project # 01-05-00-01-0-002-017 for the Abram Lansing School Roof Project. Contractor
Contractor – Greenwood Industries, Inc., 2 Locust Street, Hudson, New York 12839
Original Contract – $682,000.00
Net Change by previous authorized Change Orders – -$8,269.00
Contract Sum prior to this Change Order – $673,731.00
Contract Sum decreased by this change order – -$20,000.00
New Contract Sum – $653,731.00
E. THAT the Board of Education approves a contract with Hillcrest Educational
Center located at 788 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 for special education
services for the 2023-2024 school year in accordance with the terms and
conditions herein.
F. THAT the Board of Education approves the Memorandum of Agreement between the Cohoes City School District and the Cohoes Teachers’ Association dated
September 5, 2023 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
Instructional
A. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Jeffrey Brooks from the position of Elementary teacher (HHS).
Effective: September 1, 2023
B. THAT the Board of Education approves a salary increase due to additional
teaching assignments for the following individuals for the 2023-2024 school year:
- Scott Ciarlone – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Mathematics (1.2 FTE total)
- Amy Frost – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Mathematics (1.2 FTE total)
- Michael Wilt – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract –Mathematics (1.2 FTE total)
- Carolyn Santoro – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Mathematics (1.2 FTE total)
- Denise Assalian – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education (1.2 FTE
Total) - John Flanignan – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education (1.2 FTE
total) - John Ketchoyian – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education (1.2 FTE
total) - Richard Morris – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education (1.2 FTE
total) - Michelle Cipriano – 0.1 FTE as per CTA contract – Science (1.1 FTE Total)
- Elizabeth Hodgson – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Science (1.2 FTE total)
- Michael Kloczko – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Science (1.2 FTE total)
- Virginia Jackson – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Science (1.2 FTE total)
Effective: September 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
C. THAT the Board of Education approves a salary increase due to additional
teaching assignments for the following individuals for the 2023-2024 school year:
- Andrew Quinn – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Spanish (1.2 FTE total)
- Fallon Jennings – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Spanish (1.2 FTE total)
- Jennifer Heeney – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract –Spanish (1.2 FTE total)
Effective: September 1, 2023 through November 9, 2023
D. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Lauren Hunn to a part-time teaching position in the area of
Music effective September 1, 2023. Ms. Hunn holds Initial Certification in the
area of Music.
Lauren Hunn
Position: 0.25 FTE Music Teacher (VS)
Certification: Music
Effective Date: September 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Salary: Step 5 of the current CTA contract
E. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals to the 2023-2024 Future-Ready Pathways Extended Learning Program (grant-funded):
Teachers
- Math- Daniel Shepard and Michelle Cipriano
- Social Studies- Keith Fischer, William Sheldon, Ashley Hoffmann
- ELA- Lydia Cappadonia
- French- Amy Frost
- Science-Michelle Cipriano and Elizabeth Hodgson
- Substitute (as needed)- Emily Dundon, Lindsey Fontaine, and Heather Ball
Non-Instructional
F. 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:
Co-Curricular Activity Name FTE
Football – Modified Mark Strock 1.0
Cheerleading – Varsity (fall) Amya Sousis 1.0
Cheerleading – Varsity Competitive
(winter) Amya Sousis 1.0
G. THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of Karin Lackmann from her position as Academic Resource Center Advisor.
Effective: Immediately
H. Blaine Shafer
Position: 1.0 FTE Senior Typist (PERMANENT appt.) (12 Month CO schedule)
Effective Date: July 27, 2023
Probation Period: January 24, 2024
Salary: Per CSEA contract
I. Kelly Connell
Position: 1.0 FTE Senior Typist (PERMANENT appt.) (10 Mth)
Effective Date: July 27, 2023
Probation Period: January 24, 2024
Salary: Per CSEA contract
J. Mayra Thomas
Position: 0.8 FTE Parent Liaison (PERMANENT appt.)
Effective Date: August 23, 2023
Probation Period: February 20, 2024
Salary: Per CSEA contract
K. Mayra Thomas
Position: 0.2 FTE Parent Liaison (1.0 FTE Total) (PERMANENT appt.)
Effective Date: September 1, 2023
Probation Period: February 20, 2024
Salary: Per CSEA contract (grant funded)
L. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Brittany Thomas to the position of full-time Teacher
Aide, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such
appointment is a probationary appointment.
Brittany Thomas
Position: 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (AL)
Effective Date: September 11, 2023
Probation Period: March 10, 2024
Salary: Entry level per current CSEA contract
M. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Carmen Gonzalez to the position of full time Teacher
Aide, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such
appointment is a probationary appointment.
Carmen Gonzalez
Position: 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (CMS)
Effective Date: September 11, 2023
Probation Period: March 10, 2024
Salary: Entry-level per current CSEA contract
N. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Crystal Gregoire to the position of full time Teacher
Aide, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
Crystal Gregoire
Position: 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (AL)
Effective Date: September 11, 2023
Probation Period:March 10, 2024
Salary: Entry level per current CSEA contract
O. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Andreai Koltun to the position of Part-Time Teacher
Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such
appointment is a temporary appointment.
Andreai Koltun
Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (HH)
Effective Date: September 11, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Salary: $14.20 per hour
P. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Katelynn Howes to the position of Part-Time Teacher
Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such
appointment is a temporary appointment.
Katelynn Howes
Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (HH)
Effective Date: September 11, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Salary: $14.20 per hour
ADDENDA
VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
Non-Instructional
Q. THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of Wendy Ragosta from her position as Teacher Aide (CHS). Effective: September 7, 2023
R. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Elizabeth Stone to the position of Part-Time Teacher
Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such
appointment is a temporary appointment.
Elizabeth Stone
Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (VS)
Effective Date September 14, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Salary $14.20 per hour
S. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Anthony D’Angelico to the position of Part-Time School Safety Officer, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a provisional appointment.
Anthony D’Angelico
Position: Part-Time School Safety Officer (Provisional)
Effective Date: October 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Salary: $21 per hour
DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the September 13, 2023 agenda
VI (A-F), VII (A-S) and IX (A)
- Moved by: Mrs. Gendron
- Second by: Mrs. Paradis
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 5-0
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- N/A
- Budget Transfers – N/A
- Budget Status Report – N/A
- Revenue Status Report – N/A
- Bank Reconciliation Report – NA
- Internal Claims Audit Report – N/A
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION
XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
The traffic pattern at the high school was discussed. Mrs. Tarlo sent out very detailed information prior to the opening of schools and sent out a recent reminder. Mrs. Giller asked if the changes in arrival/dismissal times have positively impacted the traffic for CHS and CMS. Ms. O’Shea stated that it had a positive impact.
XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE – None
XIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW
Second Reading:
8330 – Authorized Use of School-Owned Materials and Equipment
8332 – Use of District-Issued Cell Phones
8334 – Use of Credit Cards
8335 – Employee, Volunteer and Contractor Use of Computers, Internet and E-mail
8635 – Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
- September 27, 2023 – Cohoes Middle School Library at 6 PM
- October 11, 2023 – Cohoes Middle School Library at 6 PM
XV. ADJOURNMENT
- MOTION: To adjourn at 7:38 pm
- Moved by: Mr. Jarosz
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- All voted “Aye” Motion carried: 5-0