Cohoes City School District
Board of Education Business Meeting
September 27, 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 President, Mrs. Carey at 6:02 pm
ROLL CALL
Present:
- Mrs. Giller
- Mr. Jackson
- Mrs. Snyder
- Mrs. Gendron
- Mrs. Paradis – arrived at 6:03 pm
- Mr. Jarosz
- Mrs. Carey
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
Gabrielle Verchereau-Greco, Cohoes High School Senior and Student Council president, shared information regarding the start of the 2023-2024 school year. She mentioned returning to classes and seeing old and new friends, the Powder Puff football game, Pep rally, homecoming dance and games, as well as the hall decorating contest. Gabrielle is also the vice president of the Drama club, vice president of the National Honor Society and has been selected to participate in the New York State Music Association All State Chorus in Rochester this winter. Ms. O’Shea and members of the board congratulated
and wished her good luck in the competition.
Ms. O’Shea shared a schedule of proposed reports for Board of Education meetings for the 2023-2024 school year. Student presentations are also being planned for each meeting. Mrs. Carey asked if the Comprehensive School Counseling Plan would be added to the presentations. Ms. O’Shea replied that the plan would be shared at a meeting, but the presence of the counselors would be based on the level of revision needed to the plan. Mrs. Giller asked if the January 31, 2024 “State of the School – Midyear review” would include test scores, regents score, etc., to which Ms. O’Shea replied, yes, as well as attendance and discipline data. She also mentioned that quarterly
and trimester reports would also be shared with the board as in the past.
Committee Updates – Ms. O’Shea gave an update on the recent District-Wide Safety Team Committee meeting, attended by 24 members, including Mayor Keeler, Police Chief Waldin, BOCES Safety Specialist, Tim Murphy, Board of Education member, Susan Paradis, district and building administrators, teachers and staff. At the meeting It was noted that the change in elementary school dismissal times has had a positive impact on traffic.
The following items were also discussed at the Committee meeting:
- An update to the plan for digital public address, bell and time systems proposed to be funded through the SMART Schools Bond Act. District representatives and CSArch met with three (3) vendors and visited the Scotia/Glenville school district. Next steps would be a site visit by a vendor followed by a quote. A SMART Schools Amendment plan will be presented to the board at a public hearing when all information has been received.
- Mandatory fire and lockdown drills are successfully underway at all three elementary schools.
- The Cohoes Police department will present to staff at each of the buildings sometime in December/ January.
Mrs. Tarlo, Cohoes High School principal, was excited to learn that we are allowed to place signs at the high school to alert students/parents/families of traffic patterns. Mrs. Tarlo will work with Mr. Stapleton, director of Facilities.
Ms. O’Shea presented future meeting dates for other distinct level committees and shared parent/community communication that will be sent later this week in an effort to increase participation in board level committees, Mrs. Giller asked if the chairperson for each committee could be added to the form.
Mr. Martinelli shared up to date suspension data for the high school and middle school and included a comparison to the last two (2) school years. At this time the elementary schools do not have any suspensions. Mrs. Gendron asked if the report could be broken down by grade level and Mrs. Giller asked if the board could have a breakdown of the incidents. This will be shared with the Board.
Mrs. Giller also asked if the changes to the code have made an impact on the number of referrals. Ms. O’Shea responded that typically at the beginning of the school year referrals tend to be higher. There were some violations based on new requirements in the Code, such as cell phone misuse.
Mrs. Snyder asked if we are seeing an increase in violence? Mr. Martinelli replied that at these time suspensions are across different areas. Ms. O’Shea commented that we will continue to track and share. Overall, as seen in the opening presentation, there are many positive things happening throughout.
Ms. O’Shea shared a proposal prepared by Kyle McFarland, Cohoes Middle School principal, for an additional sixth grade teacher due to a significant increase in enrollment. It was agreed that this position should be posted to meet student academic and behavioral needs.
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
September 13, 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:
- Daniels, Elizabeth
- Eckhardt, Gregory
- Esposito, Angelica
- Fitzgerald, Carol
- Grygiel, Robert
- Gundrum, Ryan
- Sugarman, Candice
- Sullivan, John
- Murphy, Ian
- Scerbo, Jolie
- Sousis, Amy
Effective: September 28, 2023
B. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (L) of the August 30, 2023
Business Meeting agenda as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Sylvia Giroux
Position: Long-Term Substitute Teaching Assistant (HH)
Tenure Area: Teaching Assistant
Effective Date: September 5, 2023 through December 20, 2023
Salary: As per the current CTA contract, Teacher Assistant with
teacher certification BA/BS Salary Schedule
C. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (E) of the September 13, 2023
Agenda to read as follows:
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, Terrin Griffin
- French- Amy Frost
- Science-Michelle Cipriano and Elizabeth Hodgson
- Substitute (as needed)- Emily Dundon, Lindsey Fontaine, and Heather Ball
D. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Kimberly Cottet from the position of Elementary teacher (HHS).
Effective: October 13, 2023
E. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Lauren Rockenstire from the position of Special Education teacher (ALS).
Effective: October 20, 2023
F. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Brian Smith from the position of Technology teacher (CMS).
Effective: October 27, 2023
Non-Instructional
G. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (I) of the September 13, 2023
Agenda to read as follows:
Kelly Connell
Position: 1.0 FTE Senior Typist (PERMANENT appt.) (10 Mth)
Effective Date: July 27, 2023
Probation Period: January 24, 2024 February 15, 2024
Salary: Per CSEA contract
H. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (AA) of the August 9, 2023
Agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Briana Jackson 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 probationary appointment.
Briana Jackson
Position: Senior Typist, 10-Month (Provisional PERMANENT) (AL)
Effective Date: September 1, 2023
Probation: Period February 29, 2024
Salary: Per current CSEA contract
I. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Trent Apisa to the position of Part-Time Teacher Aide
subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a temporary appointment.
Trent Apisa
Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (AL)
Effective Date: September 22, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Salary: $14.20 per hour
J. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints TaiLynn DeCicco to the position of Part-Time Teacher
Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such
appointment is a temporary appointment.
TaiLynn DeCicco
Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (HH)
Effective Date: September 25, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Salary: $14.20 per hour
K. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints the following individual to the Part-Time Teacher Aide
Substitute list, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on an emergency conditional basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointments are a temporary appointment.
Stacy Grudecki
Effective: September 12, 2023
ADDENDA
VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
B. BE IT RESOLVED that, in accordance with the provisions of the General
Municipal Law, the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby ratifies and approves the award of the elevator refurbishment construction contract for the School District’s Harmony Hill Elementary School Elevator Modernization Project to thyssenkrupp Elevator (“TK Elevator”), in the amount of $134,500.00, through cooperative purchasing under Contract No. 080420 with Sourcewell, on the basis that the award of the contract to TK Elevator provides the best value to the District based on an analysis and comparison of the pricing, experience providing the goods and services, reputation in the marketplace, and financial capability, and because such award ensures the prudent and economical use of public monies, is in the best interests of the District’s taxpayers, facilitates the acquisition of goods and services of maximum quality at the lowest possible cost under the circumstances, and guards against favoritism, improvidence, extravagance, fraud and corruption. This award is subject to the submission of all
required documents by TK Elevator to the District and the execution of a
purchase order or contract by TK Elevator in a form approved by the District.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the Purchasing Agent to execute the purchase order with TK Elevator on behalf of the District and to take such other actions as are necessary and appropriate to effectuate the contract.
C. BE IT RESOLVED that, in accordance with the provisions of the General
Municipal Law, the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby ratifies and approves the award of the elevator refurbishment construction contract for the School District’s Van Schaick Grade School Elevator Modernization Project to thyssenkrupp Elevator (“TK Elevator”), in the amount of $144,500.00, through cooperative purchasing under Contract No. 080420 with Sourcewell, on the basis that the award of the contract to TK Elevator provides the best value to the District based on an analysis and comparison of the pricing, experience providing the goods and services, reputation in the marketplace, and financial capability, and because such award ensures the prudent and economical use of public monies, is in the best interests of the District’s taxpayers, facilitates the acquisition of goods and services of maximum quality at the lowest possible cost under the circumstances, and guards against favoritism, improvidence, extravagance, fraud and corruption. This award is subject to the submission of all required documents by TK Elevator to the District and the execution of a purchase order or contract by TK Elevator in a form approved by the District.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the Purchasing Agent to execute the purchase order with TK Elevator on behalf of the District and to take such other actions as are necessary and appropriate to effectuate the contract.
D. BE IT RESOLVED that, in accordance with the provisions of the General
Municipal Law, the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby ratifies and approves the award of the contract for the removal and replacement of the playground equipment and surfacing at Harmony Hill Elementary School to Playcore Wisconsin, Inc. d/b/a Gametime (“Gametime”), in the amount of $54,946.00, through cooperative purchasing with the City of Charlotte, North Carolina, pursuant to Omnia Contract No. 2017001134, on the basis that the award of the contract to Gametime provides the best value to the District based on an analysis and comparison of the pricing, experience providing the goods and services, reputation in the marketplace, and financial capability, and because such award ensures the prudent and economical use of public monies, is in the best interests of the District’s taxpayers, facilitates the acquisition of goods and services of maximum quality at the lowest possible cost under the circumstances, and guards against favoritism, improvidence, extravagance, fraud and corruption. This award is subject to the submission of all required documents by Gametime to the District and the execution of a purchase order or contract by Gametime in a form approved by the District.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the District’s
Purchasing Agent to execute the purchase order with Gametime on behalf of the District and to take such other actions as are necessary and appropriate to
effectuate the contract.
E. BE IT RESOLVED that, in accordance with the provisions of the General
Municipal Law, the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby ratifies and approves the award of the contract for the removal and replacement of the playground equipment and surfacing at Van Schaick Grade School to Playcore Wisconsin, Inc. d/b/a Gametime (“Gametime”), in the amount of $59,997.00, through cooperative purchasing with the City of Charlotte, North Carolina, pursuant to Omnia Contract No. 2017001134, on the basis that the award of the contract to Gametime provides the best value to the District based on an analysis and comparison of the pricing, experience
providing the goods and services, reputation in the marketplace, and financial
capability, and because such award ensures the prudent and economical use of public monies, is in the best interests of the District’s taxpayers, facilitates the acquisition of goods and services of maximum quality at the lowest possible cost under the circumstances, and guards against favoritism, improvidence, extravagance, fraud and corruption. This award is subject to the submission of all required documents by Gametime to the District and the execution of a purchase order or contract by Gametime in a form approved by the District.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the District’s
Purchasing Agent to execute the purchase order with Gametime on behalf of the District and to take such other actions as are necessary and appropriate to
effectuate the contract.
F. THAT the Board of Education approves an Agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Region (CBO) located at 21 Delaware Avenue, Albany, New York dated August 30, 2023 for Pre-Kindergarten Program services for the period of September 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined herein.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
Instructional
L. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (O) of the August 30, 2023
Agenda to read as follows:
THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals as advisors to the clubs and activities listed for the 2023-2024 school year, contingent upon
acceptable program enrollment:
| Clubs and Activities | Name | FTE |
| Activities and Club (CHS) | Sean Dollard | 1.0 |
| Character Ed Club (CHS) | Andrea VanDecar | 1.0 |
| Class Advisor – Class of 2024 (CHS) | Alicia Ozols
Erin Abbott |
0.5
0,5 |
| Class Advisor – Class of 2025 (CHS) | Caryn Dollard
Gabrielle White |
0.5
0.5 |
| Class Advisor – Class of 2026 (CHS) | Christian Gunn
Laura Murawski |
0.5
0.5 |
| Class Advisor – Class of 2027 (CHS) | Kerry Bottenfield
Angela Tommasini |
0.5
0.5 |
| Community Service Club (CHS) | Rebecca LaForest | 1.0 |
| Environmental Science Club (CHS) | Michelle Cipriano | 1.0 |
| GSA (CHS) | Rachael Mossey | 1.0 |
| Intramurals (CHS) | Andrea VanDecar | 1.0 |
| Journalism Club (CHS) | Mary Beth Galarneau | 1.0 |
| National Honor Society (CHS) | John Ketchoyian | 1.0 |
| Play – Art Director (CHS) | Rachel Bird | 1.0 |
| Play – Director (CHS) | Christian Gunn | 1.0 |
| Play – Technical Director (CHS) | Jakob Marer | 1.0 |
| Play – Assistant Director (CHS) | Tara Judd | 1.0 |
| Ski Club (CHS) | Karin Lackmann
Gabrielle White |
0.5
0.5 |
| Student Council (CHS) | Drake Galarneau
Angela Tommasini |
0.5
0.5 |
| Unified Sports (Coach) (CHS) | Morgan Blizinski | 1.0 |
| Yearbook (CHS) | Scott Ciarline
Caryn Dollard |
0.5
0.5 |
| Intramurals (CMS) | Blain Goverski | 1.0 |
| “Make the Right Moves” Club (CMS) | Sara Schwendinger | 1.0 |
| Music Club (CMS) | Seth Warden | 1.0 |
| National Jr. Honor Society (CMS) | Fallon Jennings | 1.0 |
| Robotics (CMS) | Colleen Duff | 1.0 |
| Student Council | Jennifer Heeney | 1.0 |
| Technology Club | Brian Smith | 1.0 |
| 8th Grade Promotion/Activity | Fallon Jennings
Jill Havens |
0.5
0.5 |
| Student Council (AL) | Susan Keough
Adrian Blackman |
0.5
0.5 |
| Intramurals (AL) | Aaron Boudreau | 1.0 |
| Student Council (VS) | Amanda Dorr | 1.0 |
| Intramurals (VS) | Nick Izzo | 1.0 |
| Student Leadership (HH) | Sharon Laughlin
Kiera Hovey |
0.5
0.5 |
| Intramurals (HH) | Dan Van Dyck | 1.0 |
| Elementary Musical – Director | Christian Gunn | 1.0 |
| Elementary Musical – Assistant Director | Rachel Bird | 1.0 |
| Elementary Musical – Choreographer | Tara Judd | 1.0 |
M. THAT the Board of Education approves a salary increase due to additional
teaching assignments for the following individuals for the 2023-2024 school year:
- Erin Abbott – 0.025 FTE as per CTA contract – Art (1.025 FTE total)
Effective: September 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 - Elira Mavraj – 0.025 FTE as per CTA contract – Music (1.025 FTE total)
Effective: September 25, 2023 through June 30, 2024 - Margaret Brownell – 0.1 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education (1.1 FTE
total)
Effective: September 27, 2023 through June 30, 2024
N. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Gregory Clemenzi to a four – year probationary term in the
tenure areas of Foreign Languages and English as a Second Language, effective October 4, 2023 and expiring on October 3, 2027. Mr. Clemenzi holds
Professional Certification in the areas of Spanish 7-12 and English To Speakers
Of Other Languages.
Gregory Clemenzi
Position: 0.6 FTE Spanish/0.4 FTE English as a Second Language Teacher (DW)
Certification: Spanish 7-12 and English To Speakers Of Other Languages
Tenure Areas: Foreign Languages and English as a Second Language
Effective Date: October 4, 2023
Tenure Date: October 3, 2027
Salary: Step 10 of the current CTA contract
DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the September 27, 2023 agenda
VI (A-F), VII (A-N) and IX (A)
- Moved by: Mrs. Gendron
- Second by: Mrs. Paradis1
- 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- August 2023
- Budget Transfers – August 2023
- Budget Status Report – August 2023
- Revenue Status Report – August 2023
- Bank Reconciliation Report – NA
- Internal Claims Audit Report – July and August 2023
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION
XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
Mrs. Giller noted that we accepted the resignation of Brian Smith, who is also the Technology Club advisor. When a new advisor is selected will be amend the Clubs and Activities appointments. She also thanked the Administrators and Athletic Director for all of their hard work and efforts for all of the Homecoming events.
Mrs. Carey asked to have a brief discussion with Ms. Mackey regarding the proposed debt ceiling increase. Ms. Mackey agreed and will set up a meeting in October with Mrs. Carey.
XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
Joe Whitehead addressed the board with concerns regarding immunizations. Mrs. Carey thanked him for his comments and stated someone from the Board or District office would reach out to him in the near future.
XIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
October 11, 2023 – Cohoes Middle School Library at 6 PM
October 25, 2023 – Cohoes Middle School Library at 6 PM
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to enter to Executive Session at 7:02 pm. To discuss negotiations with CSEA, CTA and the Superintendent goals.
- Moved by: Mrs. Snyder
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried 7-9
MOTION: To adjourn at 7:27 pm
- Moved by: Mr. Jarosz
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 7-0