Cohoes City School District
Board of Education Business Meeting
February 14, 2024 Cohoes Middle School Library, 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. Carey at 6:01 pm
ROLL CALL
Present:
- Mrs. Giller
- Mr. Jackson
- Mrs. Snyder
- Mrs. Gendron
- Mrs. Paradis
- Mr. Jarosz
- Mrs. Carey
Also Present:
- Ms. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent of Schools
- Mr. Dan Martinelli, Assistant Superintendent
- Mrs. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official
II. DISTRICT REPORTS
Superintendent Reports – Mr. Martinelli presented English Language Learners enrollment trends as well as 2022-23 New York State Regent exams results. Mrs. Giller asked about the results for Middle Schoolers in Algebra Regents courses which had a 96% proficiency rate and perhaps growing participation for students to gain credit prior to entering the high school.
Mr. Jackson asked how we are recruiting for our current Math vacancies. Ms. O’Shea responded that our Human Resources department will be attending a job fair this week at Siena College and a larger one in March. She also mentioned that we are also working with local news outlets and using social media outlets to publicize our vacancies and will continue to reach out.
Mrs. Paradis about student teachers outreach, including out of area schools. Ms. O’Shea said that we are doing additional outreach and our number of student teachers have been increasing.
Mr. Jarosz asked what the district’s policy was for recruiting teachers regarding salaries. Ms. O’Shea explained that as per our teacher contract one year can be given for each year of teaching in a public school and one year for each two years of teaching in a private school.
Ms. O’Shea also shared that Director of Special Programs Erin Hill, CHS Principal Laura Tarlo, Director of MTSS Raychel Marci, Matt Flannery, Special Education Teacher Leader, Heather Ball, English Teacher Leader and Amanda Gebur, School Counselor have keen meeting monthly working on plans to increase the graduation rates of Students with Disabilities.
Mrs. Carey asked what resources we are utilizing to close the gap between general education and special education students. Ms. O’Shea replied that we are using i- ready and Regents data, and are beginning to strengthen our tiered systems of supports. Professional development is also needed.
Ms. O’Shea shared that the district will have approximately 17 preschoolers entering kindergarten who will need to be placed in Functional Skills classrooms. Mrs. Ronesi, Assistant Director of Special Programs, has developed a plan for next school year in which a grade 1-3 Functional Skills Classroom will be created. This classroom would replace an existing self-
contained classroom that is being phased out due to low enrollment. This plan is budget-neutral (for the teacher, teaching assistant and aide), however, it would impact OT, PT and Speech services. Mrs. Ronesi has reviewed projected data to determine sustainability. In addition, Erin Hill and representatives from nearby districts have been discussing a plan for shared services. More information will be provided during the Special Education budget presentation.
Business Update – Ms. Mackey reviewed the Preliminary Tax Cap Calculation which is a multi- step process. She reviewed the tax base growth factor, the allowable levy growth factor and ERS exclusions. Ms. Mackey also discussed the Capital Exclusion. She shared that she recently discussed borrowing with the district financial advisor Rick Timbs.
Ms. Mackey shared the Estimated Tax Levy Cap as well as the Preliminary Revenue Summary. She made the board aware of the two components which are likely to change including the State Aid revenue. The district may not have this information prior to the adoption of our budget. The second component is Building Aid revenue, which is based on older projects. Ms. Mackey will be
preparing various tax scenarios at a future board meeting.
Ms. Mackey provided a Food Service Update and made the board aware of the three (3) year renewal of the Community Eligibility program which is a district wide program. She shared the program revenues are on track to meet guaranteed return. Through a OGS pilot program Food Service is working with local farms to provide students with fresh produce and a student survey
will be given in the spring.
Ms. Mackey updated the board on the ordering of cafeteria furniture for Abram Lansing and Middle School and explained she has been meeting with various vendors and will provide more information in the near future.
III. BOARD OF EDUCATION DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS – None
IV. COMMUNITY DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS – None
V. OLD BUSINESS
Ms. O’Shea provided an update from the last board meeting regarding Synergy. She has reached out to NERIC to further discuss the situation and to see if they had additional staffing to support Synergy and they do not currently. She shared that the missing assignments issue has been tested and is working. She will be meeting with Mr. Martinelli and the IT team to discuss where things stand in terms of additional concerns and the project plan. In the meantime, Dan and the high school counselors have met on the transcript issue- a temporary work around is being done which includes adding notes at the high school to make sure students get the transcripts they need while Dan is working with the Synergy team.
Ms. O’Shea shared that the district School Tool subscription has been continued through the end of the school year. School Tools still holds all of our student data except for this year. She is mindful of timeframes if Synergy cannot provide us what we need. School Tools has added some new features including linkage with Parent Square for attendance letters and report cards. We will likely be asking for a demo on that in the near future.
VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
A. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board accepts the Minutes of the Board of
Education meeting of January 31, 2024
B. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education adopts the following policies:
8130.2 – Workplace Violence Prevention.
C. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the Mechanical
Contractor BID dated January 23, 2024 for the Cohoes City School District 2022 Capital Project (Phase 2), to Campito Plumbing & Heating, Inc., 3 Hemlock Street, PO Box 550, Latham, NY.
Base Bid $286,190
Alternate # 4 $2,300
Alternate # 6 $94,950
Total Award $383,440
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the AIA contract
with Campito Plumbing & Heating, Inc., 3 Hemlock Street, PO Box 550, Latham, NY for the total award amount of $383,440.
D. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the Electrical
Contractor BID dated January 23, 2024 for the Cohoes City School District 2022 Capital Project (Phase 2), to Schenectady Hardware and Electric Co., Inc., 155, Erie Boulevard, Schenectady, New York for:
Base Bid $1,603,165
Alternate #5 $5,626
Alternate #6 $24,287
Alternate #7 $5,345
Total Award $1,638,423
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the AIA contract
with Schenectady Hardware and Electric Co., Inc., for the total award of
$1,638,423.
E. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the Plumbing
Contractor BID dated January 23, 2024 for the Cohoes City School District 2022 Capital Project (Phase 2), to DiGesare Mechanical Inc., 3434 Carman Road, Schenectady, New York, for:
Base Bid $575,000
Alternate #4 $52,000
Total Award $627, 000
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the AIA contract
with DiGesare Mechanical Inc., for the total award of $627,000
F. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the General
Construction Contractor BID January 23, 2024 for the Cohoes City School
District 2022 Capital Project (Phase 2), to Bunkoff General Contractors Inc., 790 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, New York for:
Base Bid $2,630,000
Alternate #1A $40,000
Alternate #1B $48,000
Alternate #1C $80,000
Alternate #2 $50,000
Alternate #3 $27,000
Alternate #4 $37,000
Alternate # 6 $40,000
Alternate #7 $147,000
Total Award $3,099,000
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the AIA contract
with Bunkoff General Contractors Inc., for the total award amount of $3,099,000.
G. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the Roofing
Contractor BID dated January 23, 2024 for the Cohoes City School District 2022 Capital Project (Phase 2), to James A. Edgar Co., Inc., 2990 Amsterdam Road, Scotia, New York for:
Base Bid $1,048,000
Alternate #6 $34,200
Alternate #8 $26,400
Total Award $1,108,600
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the AIA contract
with James A. Edgar Co., Inc., for the total award of $1,108,600.
H. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the Sitework
Contractor BID January 23, 2024 for the Cohoes City School District 2022
Capital Project (Phase 2), to Shaker Flats Landscaping, Inc., 1746 US Route 20,
PO Box 56, West Lebanon, New York, for:
Base Bid $4,627,790
Alternate #5 $28,000
Alternate #9 $45,000
Total Award $4,700,790
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the AIA contract
with Shaker Flats Landscaping Inc., for the total award of $4,700,790.
I. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves a contract between
Cohoes City School District and the North Greenbush Common School District to provide health and welfare services to students residing in Cohoes and attending a school within the North Greenbush Common School District during the 2023- 2024 school year at a rate of $349.09 per student in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
J. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following as
Election Inspectors and/or Substitutes for the May 21, 2024 School Board
Election and Budget Vote to be compensated in the amount of $100.00 each.
- Bailey-Carter Hunter
- Benamati, David
- Pamela Brown
- Sue Castracane
- Shaketa Dickson
- Michelle Frainier
- Linda Graca
- Michele Hawk
- Jane Hunter
- Peter Hunter
- Patricia Kelly
- Kathleen Love
- Constance Nahumyk
- John O’Rourke
- Anthony Parker
- Virginia Ryan
- Patricia Sibilia
K. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the following fully
depreciated textbooks to be removed from the fixed asset inventory;
Prentice Hall Earth Science (2006) book (ISBN # 013-125955-5) – 85 copies.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
Instrutional
A. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following
individuals to the Substitute Teacher and Tutor list:
- Boss, Hannah
- Davenport, Emily
- Ray, Marissa
- Sprinceanu-Baugh, Cora
- Sturgess, Keith
Effective: February 15, 2024
Non-Intructional
B. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approve the Agreement by and between Cohoes City School District and CSEA, Inc., Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO Cohoes City School District Unit dated January 31, 2024.
C. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of
Kristy Jarosz from her position as Modified Softball Coach.
Effective: Immediately
D. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of
Katelynn Howes from her position as a Full Time Teacher Aide (HH).
Effective: February 28, 2024.
E. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accept the resignation of
Cassidy Begin from her position as a Part Time Teacher Aide (HH).
Effective: February 13, 2024.
ADDENDA
VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
L. 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 authorizes the District to enter into a contract with Field Turf USA, Inc. in the amount of $561,667.60 for the turf field installation work for Phase 2 of the District’s 2022 Capital Project, subject to and through cooperative purchasing with Keystone Purchasing Network pursuant to Contract No. 202401-01 and the pricing set forth therein, on the basis that the award of the contract to Field Turf USA, Inc. provides the best value to the District for the detailed reasons and analysis performed by the District and its construction supervisory team and promotes the public interest, taking into consideration the pricing, reliability of the bidder, the quality of the labor, materials, equipment, or supplies to be furnished, and the needs of the District, 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 Field Turf USA, Inc. to the District and the execution of a contract by Field Turf USA, Inc. in a form approved by the District’s Superintendent of Schools.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the President of the
Board of Education or the District’s Superintendent of Schools to execute the
contract with Field Turf USA, Inc. on behalf of the District and to take such other actions as are necessary and appropriate to receive the services described in this resolution.
M. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the AIA contract with Field Turf, USA, Inc., 175 N. Industrial Blvd., NE, Calhoun, Georgia 30701 for the total award amount of $ 561,667.60
N. 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 authorizes the District to enter into a contract with Musco Sports Lighting, LLC in the amount of $428,038.00 for the athletic field lighting installation work for Phase 2 of the District’s 2022 Capital Project, subject to and through cooperative purchasing with Sourcewell pursuant to Contract No. 041123-MSL and the pricing set forth therein, on the basis that the award of the contract to Musco Sports Lighting, LLC provides the best value to the District for the detailed reasons and analysis performed by the District and its construction supervisory team and promotes the public interest, taking into consideration the pricing, reliability of the bidder, the quality of the labor, materials, equipment, or supplies to be furnished, and the needs of the District, 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 Musco Sports Lighting, LLC to the District and the execution of a contract by Musco Sports Lighting, LLC in a form approved by the District’s Superintendent of Schools.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the President of the
Board of Education or the District’s Superintendent of Schools to execute the
contract(s) with Musco Sports Lighting, LLC on behalf of the District and to take such other actions as are necessary and appropriate to receive the services described in this resolution.
O. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the AIA contract
Musco Sports Lighting, LLC., 100 1 st Avenue West, PC Box 808, Oskaloosa,
Iowa 52577 for the total award amount of $ 428,038.00
P. 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 authorizes the District to enter into a contract with S.C. Toth, Inc. in the amount of $62,977.00 for the scoreboard installation work for Phase 2 of the District’s 2022 Capital Project, subject to and through cooperative purchasing with Sourcewell pursuant to Contract No. 030223-DAK and the pricing set forth therein, on the basis that the award of the contract to S.C. Toth, Inc. provides the best value to the District for the detailed reasons and analysis performed by the District and its construction supervisory team and promotes the public interest, taking into consideration the pricing, reliability of the bidder, the quality of the labor, materials, equipment, or supplies to be furnished, and the needs of the District, 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 S.C. Toth, Inc. to the District and the execution of a contract or by S.C. Toth, Inc. in a form approved by the District’s Superintendent of Schools.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the President of the
Board of Education or the District’s Superintendent of Schools to execute the
contract(s) or with S.C. Toth, Inc. on behalf of the District and to take such other actions as are necessary and appropriate to receive the services described in this resolution.
Q. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the AIA contract S. C. Toth, Inc., dba as Toth’s Sports, 71 Victor Heights Parkway, Victor, New York
14564 for the total award amount of $ 62,977.00
R. 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 authorizes the District to enter into a contract with E&D Specialty Stands, Inc. in the amount of $306,250.00 for the bleacher installation work for Phase 2 of the District’s 2022 Capital Project, subject to and through cooperative purchasing with TIPS pursuant to Contract No. 23080102 and the pricing set forth therein, on the basis that the award of the contract to E&D Specialty Stands, Inc. provides the best value to the District for the detailed reasons and analysis performed by the District and its construction supervisory team and promotes the public interest, taking into consideration the pricing, reliability of the bidder, the quality of the labor, materials, equipment, or supplies to be furnished, and the needs of the District, 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 E&D Specialty Stands, Inc. to the District and the execution of a contract by E&D Specialty Stands, Inc. in a form approved by the District’s Superintendent of Schools.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the President of the
Board of Education or the District’s Superintendent of Schools to execute the
contract(s) with E&D Specialty Stands, Inc. on behalf of the District and to take such other actions as are necessary and appropriate to receive the services described in this resolution.
S. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the AIA contract with E &D Specialty Stands, Inc.,2081 Franklin Street, PO Box 700, North Collins, New York 14111 for the total award amount of $ 306,250.00
. 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 authorizes the District to enter into a contract with TK Elevator Corporation in the amount of $459,287.50 for the elevator installation work for Phase 2 of the District’s 2022 Capital Project, subject to and through cooperative purchasing with Sourcewell pursuant to Contract No. 080420 and the pricing set forth therein, on the basis that the award of the contract to TK Elevator Corporation provides the best value to the District for the detailed reasons and analysis performed by the District and its construction supervisory team and promotes the public interest, taking into consideration the pricing, reliability of the bidder, the quality of the labor, materials, equipment, or supplies to be furnished, and the needs of the District, 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 Corporation to the District and the execution of a contract by TK Elevator Corporation in a form approved by the District’s Superintendent of Schools.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the President of the
Board of Education or the District’s Superintendent of Schools to execute the
contract(s) with TK Elevator Corporation on behalf of the District and to take
such other actions as are necessary and appropriate to receive the services
described in this resolution.
U. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the AIA contract with TK Elevator, 4 Airport Park Boulevard, Latham, NY 12110 for the total award amount of $ 459,287.50
V. 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 authorizes the District to enter into a contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. in the amount of $166,747.12 for the temperature control work for Phase 2 of the District’s 2022 Capital Project, subject to and through purchasing under New York State Office of General Services Contract No. PT68817 and the pricing set forth therein, on the basis that the award of the contract to Johnson Controls, Inc. provides the best value to the District, 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 Johnson Controls, Inc. to the District and the execution of a contract by Johnson Controls, Inc. in a form approved by the District’s Superintendent of Schools.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the President of the
Board of Education or the District’s Superintendent of Schools to execute the
contract(s) with Johnson Controls, Inc. on behalf of the District and to take such other actions as are necessary and appropriate to receive the services described in this resolution.
W. BE IT RESOLVEDTHAT the Board of Education awards the AIA contract with Johnson Controls, Inc., 1399 Crescent Vischer Ferry Road, Clifton Park, New York 12065 for the total award amount of $ 166,747.12
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
Non-Instructional
F. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Robert Rondeau to the position of Part-Time CampusSafety Monitor subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a temporary appointment.
Robert Rondeau
- Position: Part-Time Campus Safety Monitor (CMS)
- Effective Date: February 15, 2024 through June 30, 2024
- Salary: $19.22 per hour
DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the February 14, 2024 agenda;
VI (A-W) and VII (A-F)
- Moved by: Mr. Jarosz
- 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-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 –N/A
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION – None
XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS – None
XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
Ms. O’Shea reviewed upcoming events. Mrs. Snyder made the board aware of upcoming Girls and Boys basketball teams participating in sectional games during the winter recess and wished both teams good luck
XIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW
Second Reading
8130.2 – Workplace Violence Prevention
First Reading
Policy 9240 – Recruiting and Hiring
Policy 9420.1 – Building Principal and Classroom Teacher Evaluation
Policy 9520.2 – Family and Medical Leave
Policy 9620 – Child Abuse in an Education Setting
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
February 28, 2024 – Cohoes Middle School Library at 6 PM
March 13, 2024 – Cohoes Middle School Library at 6 PM
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn at 6:55 pm
- Moved by: Mrs. Gendron
- Second by: Mr. Jarosz
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 7-0