Cohoes City School District
Board of Education Business Meeting & District Wide Safety Plan Public Hearing
Cohoes, New York July 10, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Cohoes High School LGI Room
(The Board of Education may entertain a motion to enter into an executive session subject to Board approval.)
AGENDA
I. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Evacuation Procedure for Emergency
C. Roll Call
II. DISTRICT REPORTS
- Mission, Vision, Beliefs and Commitments
- District Wide Safety Plan
- Capital Project Update – Turner Construction
- Superintendent’s Update – Ms. O’Shea
- Business Update – Ms. Mackey
III. BOARD OF EDUCATION DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS
IV. COMMUNITY DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS
V. OLD BUSINESS
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 June 12, 2024.
B. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the Minutes for the
Committee on Special Education and the Committee on Pre-School Special
Education for the following dates: 2/26/24, 2/28/24, 3/13/24, 3/21/24, 4/4/24, 4/8/24, 4/11/24, 4/15/24, 4/18/24, 4/22/24, 4/23/24, 4/24/24, 4/25/24, 4/26/24, 4/29/24, 5/2/24, 5/3/24, 5/6/24, 5/7/24, 5/9/24, 5/10/24, 5/13/24, 5/16/24, 5/20/24, 5/23/24, 5/29/24, 5/30/24, 6/3/24, 6/7/24, 6/10/24, 6/11/24, 6/13/24, 6/18/24, 6/24/24
C. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the Universal Pre-
Kindergarten and State Funded Pre-Kindergarten Plan for the 2024-2025 school year.
D. THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement dated June 23, 2023 with the Cohoes City School District and HMB Consultants, LLC, located at 3 Douglas Lane, Voorheesville, NY 12186 for food service consultations for the 2024-2025 school year in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
E. THAT the Board of Education approves a contract with R.G. Timbs Advisory
Group, Inc. located at 11 Meadowbrook Road, Whitesboro, New York for long-
range financial planning services and for capital project planning and support for the 2024-2025 school year in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
F. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education extends the Agreement for the provision of food services between Cohoes City School District and Aramark Education Services LLC for the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 in accordance to the terms and conditions outlined therein.
G. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves change order SC-
CO-01 on NYS Education Department Project # 01-05-00-01-0-010-011 for
General Construction (additional paving at playground) at Harmony Hill School.
Contractor: Shaker Flats Landscaping, Inc.
Original Contract: $4,700,790.00
Net Change by previous authorized Change Orders: $0
Contract Sum prior to this Change Order: $4,700,790.00
PCO-032 (CIC-008) HH additional paving at playground: $13,482.04
Contract Sum increased by this change order: $13,482.04
New Contract Sum: 4,714,272.04
H. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves change order EC-
CO-02 on NYS Education Department Project # 01-05-00-01-0-006-024 for
Electrical Construction (replacement of ceiling) at Cohoes High School
Contractor: Schenectady Hardware & Electric Company, Inc., 155 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady, NY 12305
Original Contract: $1,638,423.00
Net Change by previous authorized Change Orders: $1,351.71
Contract Sum prior to this Change Order: $1,639,774.71
PC0-028 (CIC-007) HS Corridor 137 Replacement Ceiling: $7,614.00
Contract Sum increased by this change order: $7,614.00
New Contract Sum: $1,647,388.71
I. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves change order GC-
CO-06 on NYS Education Department Project # 01-05-00-01-002-018 for General Construction (screen replacement) at Abram Lansing Elementary School
Contractor: Bunkoff General Contractors, Inc., 790 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, New York 12110
Original Contract: $3,099,000.00
Net Change by previous authorized Change Orders: $21,213.07
Contract Sum prior to this Change Order: $3,120,213.07
PCO-030 (CIC-006) AL – Screen Replacement: $23,173.71
Contract Sum increased by this change order: $23,173.71
New Contract Sum: $3,143,386.78
J. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the contract dated
June 25, 2024 between the Cohoes City School District and St. Anne Institute,
located at 160 N Main Avenue, Albany NY for special education services during the 2024-2025 school year at the rate of $58,216 per student and extended school year (July and August) at a rate of $9,703 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein
K. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement dated May 30, 2024 between the Cohoes City School District and Vanderheyden, located at P.O. Box 219, Wynantskill, New York for special education services for the period of July 8, 2024 to August 16, 2024 at a rate of $9,605.00 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein. This rate is subject to change based on NYSED finalized rates.
L. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement by and between the Cohoes City School District and Healthy Kids Program, 565 Union Avenue, New Windsor, NY 12553 to provide before and after school child care at Van Schaick Grade School in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
M. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the Memorandum of Agreement between the Cohoes City School District and the Cohoes Teachers’ Association dated July 10, 2024 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
N. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the contract by and between the Cohoes City School District and Repeat Business, 4 Fritz Blvd., Albany, NY for the postage machine in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
O. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the following fully
depreciated textbooks to be removed from the fixed asset inventory;
Myers Psychology Second Edition textbooks (ISBN # 1-4641-1307-6) – 12 books in total
P. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following
individuals to the District Wide Safety Team for the 2024-2025 school year:
- Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent
- Stacy Mackey, School Business Official
- Erin Hill, Director of Special Programs
- Raychel Marcil, Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
- Peter Mahoney, Network Administrator
- Laura Tarlo, Principal – Cohoes High School
- Heather Bradt, Assistant Principal – Cohoes High School
- Jeff Huneau, Athletic Director/Dean – Cohoes High School
- Michael Kloczko, Science Teacher – Cohoes High School
- Kyle McFarland, Principal – Cohoes Middle School
- Deanna Kelly, Assistant Principal – Cohoes Middle School
- Elaine Flatow, School Social Worker – Cohoes Middle School
- Courtney Valente, Teacher – Cohoes Middle School
- Stacey Nolan, Senior Typist – Cohoes Middle School
- Mark Perry, Principal – Harmony Hill School
- Laura Gerhard, Psychologist – Harmony Hill School
- Lisa LeBlanc, Nurse – Harmony Hill School
- Amie Maguire – Social Emotional Learning Coach – Harmony Hill School
- Cliff Bird, Principal – Abram Lansing School
- Christina Kellar, Teacher – Abram Lansing School
- Jacqueline DeChiaro, Principal – Van Schaick Grade School
- Amanda Dorr, Teacher – Van Schaick Grade School
- Anthony D’Angelico, School Safety Officer
- Matthew LaBombard, School Safety Officer
- Russ Grestini, Head Custodian – Buildings/Grounds/Maintenance
- Cohoes Board of Education members
- BOCES Communications
- BOCES Safety Consultant
Q. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the Auditorium BID
dated June 13, 2024 to Syracuse Scenery & Stage Lighting Company, Inc., 101 Monarch Drive, Liverpool, New York 13088.
R. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby approves the cross contract between the Cohoes City School
District and the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES for SysCLOUD
renewal for the 2024-2025 school year.
S. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the Agreement by and between the Cohoes City School District and the Menands Union Free School District, 19 Wards Lane, Menands, New York 12204 for a shared physical therapist from September 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
T. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approve the Contract for
Positivity Project Annual Partnership, PO Box 87644, Fayetteville, NC 28304 for use at Cohoes High School for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
U. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement by and between the Cohoes City School District and the City of Cohoes, 97 Mohawk Street, Cohoes, NY 12047 to provide solid waste disposal for the period of July 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
INSTRUCTIONAL
A. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of
Suzette Santana from the position as Long-Term Substitute Spanish Teacher
(CHS).
Effective: June 14, 2024
B. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of
Amber Gavitt from her position as Special Education Teacher (VS).
Effective: June 24, 2024
C. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of
Gerard Jacques from his position as Special Education Teacher (VS).
Effective: August 31, 2024
D. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education rescind its action on item VII
(E) of the April 24, 2024 Meeting agenda:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Valerie Lavash
Position: .World Languages (French Teacher) (CMS)
Effective Date: September 3, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
E. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the Substitute Teacher and Tutor list:
- Aitoro-Williams, Donna
- Gregory, Abigail
- Jackson, Johnnye
- Owens, Ashley
- White, Joshua
Effective: July 11, 2024
F. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following as Substitute Teachers for the 2024 summer program listed:
Secondary Summer School Elementary Summer Success
- John Ketchoyian*
- Holly Scensny*
Lydia Cappadonia* - Isabella Anderson*
Elizabeth Hodgson* - Jackie Skidmore*
Joshua Lewandowski* - Kira Nielson-Merrills*
Richard Morris* - Stacey Haley*
Dawn Maddalena* - Kelly Ireland*
Andrew Hines* - Irlene Mayo*
Ashley Hoffmann* - Megan Cherubino*
Sean Dollard* - Bonnie-Jo Belleville*
Drake Galarneau* - Danielle Halpin*
Joshua Wyan - Robert Keith*
William Sheldon* - Katrina Keith*
Angela Tommasini* - Richetta Hansen
- Natalie Partyka* (for Social Work)
Summer Learning Academy
- Julianna Niles*
- John Dundon*
- Teresa Gendron*
- Jennifer Heeney*
- Blain Goverski* (for Social Work)
- William Sheldon*
*indicated CTA and must be called first
G. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals as 2024 Extended School Year Substitutes per the CTA contract:
Teachers
- Katrina Keith*
- Bob Keith*
- Morgan Blizinski*
- John Dundon*
- Emily Goldup*
- Samantha Rosen*
- Samantha Heritage*
- Kristen Carter*
- Richetta Hansen
* indicated CTA and must be called first
Teacher Assistants
- Katrina Keith*
- Bob Keith*
- Morgan Blizinski*
- Kathy Mossey*
- John Dundon*\
- Kristen Carter*
Nurses
- Sandra Kipp*
- Shelby Farley*
- Lisa LeBlanc*
- Patricia Scott*
- Jill Hagan*
H. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (DD) of the June 12, 2023 Agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following employees to August 2024 Regents Proctors/Scoring;
- Gabrielle White
- John Ketchoyian
- Lydia Cappadonia
- Elizabeth Hodgson
- Joshua Lewandowski
- Richard Morris
- Dawn Maddalena
- Andrew Hines
- Ashley Hoffmann
- Sean Dollard
- Drake Galarneau
- Angela Tommasini
- Joshua Wyan
- William Sheldon
- Heather Ball
- Andrea VanDecar
I. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (CC) of the June 12, 2024 Agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following employees to CHS Summer School Program 2024;
- Joshua Wyan – Algebra I
- Dawn Maddalena – Living Environment
- Dawn Maddalena – Science Lab (1 hour)
- Andrew Hines – English 9
- Ashley Hoffmann – Global 9
- Richard Morris – Special Education Support (two sections)
- Karin Lackmann – Library
- Sean Dollard – Edgenuity Lab (two sections)
- Joshua Wyan – Edgenuity additional 2 hours per week
- Dawn Maddalena – Edgenuity additional 2 hours per week
- Andrew Hines – Edgenuity additional 2 hours per week
- Ashley Hoffmann –Edgenuity additional 2 hours per week
- John Ketchoyian – Edgenuity Lab (two sections)
J. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (LL) of the June 12, 2024 Agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Ryan Donahue to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of Literacy and Reading, effective September 1, 2024 and expiring on August 31, 2028. Mr. Donahue holds Professional Certification in the area of Literacy (Grades 5-9) (Grades 5- 12).
Ryan Donahue
- Position: 1.0 FTE Reading Teacher (CMS)
- Certification: Literacy (Grades 5-9) (Grades 5-12)
- Tenure Area: Literacy and Reading
- Effective Date: September 1, 2024
- Tenure Date :August 31, 2028
- Salary: Step 10 of the current CTA contract
K. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints Christopher Fournier as Future-Ready Pathways Coordinator for the 2024-2025 school year. (grant-funded)
L. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints William Sheldon as Future- Ready Pathways Extended Learning Coordinator for the 2024-2025 school year. (grant- funded)
M. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals as Future-Ready Pathways Career/Mentor Coordinators for the 2024-25 school year: (grant- funded)
Cohort 5 – Denise Assalian (Class of 2025)
Cohort 6 – Lindsay Fontaine (Class of 2026)
Cohort 7 – Angela Tommasini (Class of 2027)
Cohort 8 – Heather Ball (Class of 2028)
N. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves Chris Fournier for summer work as the Future Ready Pathways Coordinator at his hourly rate, not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours for the 2024–2025 school year (grant funded).
O. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the following individuals for summer work as the Dean of Students at their daily rate, not to exceed five (5) days for the 2024-2025 school year (grant-funded).
Gabrielle White (CHS)
Jeffrey Huneau (CHS)
Jill Havens (CMS)
P. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints Patricia Scott to perform work not to exceed 25 hours for athletics during the summer of 2024.
Q. BE IT RESOLOVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the Building Leadership Teams listed below for the 2024-2025 school year:
Abram Lansing Elementary School
Sue Keough
Bridget Quinlan
Holly Scensny
Ellen McGeorge
Jordan Peluso
Carole Blide (CSEA)
Cliff Bird
Cohoes Middle School
Elaine Flatow
Andee Bartholomew
Lindsay Fontaine
Melissa Benoit
John Dundon
Stacey Nolan (CSEA)
Deanna Kelly
Kyle McFarland
Harmony Hill School
Mary Beth Cepiel
Crystal Roberts
Catherine Lamina
Sarah Adkins
Jenna Howe
Stacy Bold (CSEA)
Mark Perry
Cohoes High School
Terrin Griffin
Kerry Bottenfield
Marilyn (Jennie) Barton
Virginia Jackson
Caryn Dollard
Sarah Austin (CSEA)
Laura Tarlo
Heather Bradt
Van Schaick Grade School
Bonnie Bellville
Carrie Bennett
Katrina Keith
Amber DellaRocco
Amanda Dorr
Pam Krupski (CSEA)
Jacqueline DeChiaro
R. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following administrators as Lead Evaluators for the 2024-2025 school year:
Peggy O’Shea Lead Evaluator of Teachers & Administrators
Erin Hill Lead Evaluator of Teachers
Karen Ronesi Lead Evaluator of Teachers
Raychel Marcil Lead Evaluator of Teachers
Laura Tarlo Lead Evaluator of Teachers
Heather Bradt Lead Evaluator of Teachers
Kyle McFarland Lead Evaluator of Teachers
Deanna Kelly Lead Evaluator of Teachers
Cliff Bird Lead Evaluator of Teachers
Mark Perry Lead Evaluator of Teachers
Jacqueline DeChiaro Lead Evaluator of Teachers
S. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Mary Kathleen Durkin to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of Speech – remedial, effective September 1, 2024 and expiring on August 31, 2028. Ms. Durkin holds Initial Certification in the area of Speech and Language Disabilities.
Mary Kathleen Durkin
Position: 1.0 FTE Speech (DW)
Certification: Speech and Language Disabilities
Tenure Area: Speech – remedial
Effective Date: September 1, 2024
Tenure Date: August 31, 2028
Salary: Step 2 of the current CTA contract
T. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Ashley Hartman
Position: Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher (AL)
Tenure: Area Elementary
Effective Date: September 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Salary: Step 3 of the current CTA contract
U. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Caitlyn Hennessy
Position: Long-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher (CHS)
Tenure Area: Special Education
Effective Date: September 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
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.
Jonathan Stander
Position: Long-Term Substitute Science Teacher (CHS)
Tenure Area: Science
Effective Date: September 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
W. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals as Internal Accounts Auditors for clubs and activities for the 2024-2025 school year:
Scott Ciarlone – Cohoes High School
Jamie Harris – Cohoes Middle School
X. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Aaron Boudreau as a 0.8 FTE Physical Education Teacher at step 8 of the current CTA contract and 0.2 FTE Teaching Assistant at step 2 of the current CTA contract (Teacher Assistant salary schedule with teacher certification), effective July 1, 2024.
Y. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the contract with the State University of New York at Oswego for a full-time psychologist intern Elizabeth Magann who will fulfill her internship requirement under the supervision of Cory Prairie, district wide, for the period of September 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Interns will be paid a stipend rate at $5,000 each (grant funded).
NON-INSTRUCTIONAL
Z. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Briana Jackson from the position of Senior Typist.
Effective: July 9, 2024
AA. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement with Rollins College for intern Jack Kelly to fulfill his internship requirements under the supervision of Raychel Marcil, Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, for the period of June 10, 2024 through August 9, 2024 (120 hours).
BB. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (V) of the June 12, 2024 Agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the 2024 Extended School Year Summer Program, July 8, 2024 – August 16, 2024:
Teacher Aide
Kera Peterson
Stefani Paquin
Karen Beattie
Kathy Baez
Madison Dunn
Misty Meacham
Carol Gaudette Teresa Slater
Treviny Cox
Ronette Miorin
Crystal Gregoire
Felicity Dessingue
Candi O’Brien
Amanda Vacha
CC. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints the following individual to the Cleaner Substitute list, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointments are temporary appointments.
Michael VanWormer
April Thomas
Effective: July 8, 2024
DD. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the following as a Substitute Receptionist for the 2024 summer programs:
Lisa Trombley
EE. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the following as Substitute Teacher Aides for the 2024 summer program listed:
Secondary Summer School
Julia Tice*
Sherry Thornton
Summer Learning Academy
Olivia Kelly
Sherry Thornton
Elementary Summer Success
Sherry Thornton
Extended School Year
Jenee Farmer*
Michelle Lake
Sherry Thornton
Richetta Hansen
*indicates CSEA and must be called first
FF. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individual as a Teacher Aide as per CSEA contract to the 2024 Secondary Summer School program effective July 8 – August 1, 2024 contingent upon enrollment:
Sarah Austin
GG. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the 2024 Elementary Summer Success Program, July 8, 2024 – August 8, 2024:
Teacher Aide
Carmen Serrano – Abram Lansing Elementary School
Caitlin Bellenoit – Van Schaick Grade School
HH. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individual to the 2024 Summer Learning Academy Program, July 8, 2024 – August 8, 2024:
Teacher Aide
Carmen Gonzalez
II. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves Brittney Moore for
summer work as Parent Liaison at her daily rate, not to exceed ten (10) days for the 2024-2025 school year (grant-funded).
JJ. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following
individuals as Part Time Safety Officers for the 2024 Summer programs:
Drew Rentz
Anthony D’Angelico
David Harrington
KK. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints Tracy Darwak to the position of part-time teacher aide with the Special Programs Department effective
July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025.
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
- Transfers – N/A
- Budget Status Report – N/A
- Reserve Status Report – N/A
- Bank Reconciliation Report – N/A
- Internal Claims Audit Report – N/A
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION
XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
XIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW
First Reading:
Policy 6830 – Expense Reimbursement
Policy 7100 – Facilities Planning
Policy 8115 – Pesticides and Pest Management
Policy 8220 – Buildings and Grounds Maintenance and Inspection
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
July 24, 2024 – Cohoes High School – LGI Room – 6 PM