July 21, 2021 Board of Education Minutes

Board of Education Business Meeting

Cohoes, New York
July 21, 2021, 6:00 PM
LGI Room, CHS

(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 at 5:00 p.m. by Board President, Mrs. Giller.

ROLL CALL

Present:

• Mrs. Carey
• Mr. Pascale
• Mr. Jackson
• Mrs. Dion
• Mr. Annely
• Mrs. Snyder
• Mrs. Giller

Also Present:

• Ms. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent of Schools
• Mrs. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official

MOTION: THAT the Board of Education enters into Executive Session at 5:01 p.m. to discuss matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation.

Moved by: Mr. Jackson
Seconded by: Mrs. Snyder
All voted “Aye”
Motion carried 7-0

EXECUTIVE SESSION: TIME: 5:02 PM

Present:

• Mrs. Carey
• Mr. Pascale
• Mr. Jackson
• Mrs. Dion
• Mr. Annely
• Mrs. Snyder
• Mrs. Giller

Also Present:

• Ms. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent of Schools
• Mrs. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official

DISCUSSION

MOTION: To adjourn Executive Session and re-enter Open Session at 5:55 p.m.

Moved by: Mrs. Dion
Seconded by: Mr. Annely
All voted “Aye”
Motion carried 7-0

II. DISTRICT REPORTS

American Rescue Plan

III. BOARD OF EDUCATION DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS

IV. COMMUNITY DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS

V. OLD BUSINESS

Item VI (C) 7 was tabled at the July 7, 2021 Reorganization Meeting and discussed by the Board members at this meeting. This item will appear on the August 11, 2021 agenda.

VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

1. THAT the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the Board of Education Business & Reorganization Meetings of July 7, 2021.
2. THAT the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the Committee on Special Education for the following dates: 4/1/21, 4/8/21, 4/13/21, 4/14/21, 4/15/21, 4/16/21, 4/19/21, 4/20/21, 5/13/21, 5/14/21, 5/21/21, 5/26/21, 6/4/21, 6/7/21, 6/14/21, 6/18/21 and 7/2/21.
3. THAT the Board of Education awards the 2021/22 Custodial Supply Bid dated June 8, 2021 as shown in Appendix A.
4. THAT the Board of Education awards the Athletic & Field Trip Transportation Bid dated 06/30/21 to Durham School Services for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021:
   • Pricing per Round Trip Mileage: 25 miles & under
     • Rate: $250.66
   • Pricing per Round Trip Mileage: 26 – 50 miles
     • Rate: $281.34
   • Pricing per Round Trip Mileage: 51 – 75 miles
     • Rate: $303.66
   • Pricing per Round Trip Mileage: 75 miles or above
     • Rate: $53.25 per hour

       NOTE: The District shall not be charged for cancelled trips.

5. THAT the Board of Education grants permission to the Cohoes High School to dispose of the obsolete textbooks listed in Appendix B.
6. THAT the Board of Education approves the final contract for 2020-21 with the Capital Region Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) in the amount of $3,630,003.63.
7. THAT the Board of Education approves the preliminary contract for 2021-22 with the Capital Region Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) in the amount of $3,543,208.29.
8. THAT the Board of Education approves an Agreement with the Center for Disability Services d/b/a Langan School, 314 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, New York for as needed special education services during the 2021 Extended School Year (summer) at the rate of $8,372 per student for tuition and the 2021-22 School Year at the rate of $50,231 per student for tuition pending final NYSED rate setting.
9. THAT the Board of Education approves a Behavioral Health Center Satellite Agreement with Parsons Child and Family Center, an affiliate of Northern Rivers Family Services, with its principal business at 60 Academy Road, Albany, New York for the period of July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined therein.
10. THAT the Board of Education approves a School District Tuition Agreement with Parsons Child and Family Center through their Neil Hellman School Program located at 60 Academy Road, Albany, New York for special education services during the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 at rates subject to final approval by NYSED.
11. THAT the Board of Education approves an Agreement with St. Anne Institute at 160 N. Main Avenue, Albany, New York 12206 for special education services during the 2021-22 school year at a tuition rate per student of $48,527 for the 10-month SY (September-June) and $7,869 for the 2-month ESY (July 2021 –August 2021) pending final NYSED rate setting.
12. THAT the Board of Education approves an Agreement with St. Catherine’s Center for Children R&E May School, 40 North Main Avenue, Albany, New York for special education services for the period July 1, 2021 – August 31, 2021 at the current tuition rate of $2,936 per student, per 2-month period (summer). This rate is subject to change based on NYSED finalized rates.
13. THAT the Board of Education approves an Agreement with the St. Colman’s Home Inc., 11 Haswell Road, Watervliet, New York for as needed special education services at the summer tuition rate of $5,780 per student and SY tuition rate of $34,682 per student for July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 pending final NYSED rate setting.
14. THAT the Board of Education approves an Agreement with the Wildwood Programs Inc., 2995 Curry Road Ext., Schenectady, New York for as needed special education services at the summer tuition rate of $9,178 per student (July 7-August 17, 2021) and SY tuition rate of $55,069 per student (September 8, 2021-June 24, 2022) pending final NYSED rate setting.

VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL

INSTRUCTIONAL

1. THAT the Board of Education amends Item VII (A) of the April 21, 2021 Minutes to read as follows:

   THAT the Board of Education be notified of the following CTA unit members whose work assignment requires in-district travel between buildings to be compensated in the amount of $250 per the CTA contract for the 2020-21 school year unless otherwise noted.

   • Erin Abbott
   • Kerry Bottenfield
   • Jennifer Egnazyck
   • Terrin Griffin
   • Jose Havens
   • Nick Izzo
   • Sarah Kubitz
   • Natalie Partyka
   • Karin Sencer
   • Sandra Sheeley
   • Bill Sheldon
   • Sandra Snyder
   • Phil Tommasino
   • Jeffrey Huneau *

     *Pro-rated from October 5, 2020-February 12, 2021

2. THAT the Board of Education amends Item VI (U) of the July 7, 2021 Minutes to read as follows:

   THAT the Board of Education appoints the following Substitutes:

   2021 SECONDARY SUMMER SCHOOL/EIGHTH TO NINTH GRADE ACADEMY

   • Lydia Cappadonia
   • Rob Santarcangelo
   • Kerry Bottenfield
   • Rebecca Laforest
   • Elaine Flatow (Social Worker)
   • Dawn Maddalena

     2021 MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER ACADEMY SUBSTITUTES

   • Kerry Bottenfield*
   • John Dundon*
   • Nick Pafundi
   • Carrie Briggs*
     * Indicates CTA member must be called first.
3. BE IT RESOLVED that Jeffrey Huneau shall be assigned as a Teacher on Special Assignment (“TOSA”) to the part-time (.4 FTE) Dean of Students for the 2021-2022 school year and shall additionally be assigned as a part-time (.6 FTE) Athletic Director for the Cohoes City School District for the 2021-2022 school year. While in this assignment as a TOSA, Mr. Huneau shall remain in the Elementary tenure area and all time spent as a full-time employee in the positions of Dean of Students and Athletic Director shall be credited as time in the Elementary tenure area.

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the part-time (.6 FTE) Athletic Director stipended position shall be a twelve-month position, and Mr. Huneau shall be paid a stipend of $12,000 for the 2021-2022 school year.

4. THAT the Board of Education approves Jeffrey Huneau for summer work as the Dean Students at his daily rate, not to exceed six days for the 2021-2022 school year (grant funded).
5. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Dana DelGenio to a four-year conditional term in the tenure area of Social Worker effective September 1, 2021 and expiring on August 31, 2025 on an emergency conditional basis. Ms. DelGenio has applied for Provisional Certification in the area of School Social Worker.

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on an emergency conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Ms. DelGenio regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Ms. DelGenio’s continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that she is fully cleared for employment.

   Dana DelGenio
   Position ………………………………………………………….. 1.0 FTE School Social Worker
   Certification …………………………………………………. School Social Worker (Pending)
   Tenure Area …………………………………………………………………………… Social Worker
   Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 1, 2021
   Tenure Date …………………………………………………………………………. August 31, 2025
   Salary ………………………………………………………. Step 1 of the current CTA Contract
   Reason ………………………………………………………………………. Replaces Evelyn Smith

6. THAT the Board of Education appoints Chris Fournier as Future-Ready Pathways Coordinator for the 2021-2022 school year. (grant-funded)
7. THAT the Board of Education appoints Lauren Dunn (1.0) and Lindsey Fontaine (1.0) as Future-Ready Pathways Career Coordinators for the 2021-22 school year. (grant-funded)
8. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals as Future-Ready Pathways Mentoring Facilitators for the 2021-2022 school year (grant-funded):
   • Patricia Caputo – Class of 2022
   • Keith Fischer – Class 2023
   • Rob Santarcangelo – Class of 2024
   • Denise Assalian – Class of 2025
9. THAT the Board of Education approves the following Guidance Counselors for summer work at their daily rate, not to exceed five days per counselor for the 2021-2022 school year (grant funded):
   • Christopher Fournier
   • Eleftheria Miller
   • Amanda Gebur
10. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the Building Leadership Teams listed below for the 2021-22 school year:
    • VSGS
      • Amanda Barrett
      • Carrie Bennett
      • Bonnie-Jo Bellville
      • Katrina Keith
      • Anna Muscatello
      • Pam Krupski
      • Jacqueline DeChiaro
    • CMS
      • Fallon Jennings
      • Elaine Flatow
      • Jaclyn Penney
      • Lindsay Fontaine
      • MaryAnn Bailey
      • Dan Martinelli
      • Deanna Kelly
    • CHS
      • Erin Abbott
      • Laura Murawski
      • Alicia Tomasino
      • Caryn Dollard
      • Angela Tommasini
      • Sherry Thornton
      • Laura Tarlo
      • Tom Kostrzebski
    • HHS
      • Stacy Smith-Bold
      • Brianna Houle
      • Pamela Bertrand
      • Catherine Lamica
      • Tracy Nash
      • Christine Guarnieri
      • Mark Perry
    • ALS
      • Jennifer Crucetti
      • Christina Kellar
      • Melissa Lowden
      • Jackie Skidmore
      • Erin Terrizzi
      • Cliff Bird
        

        NON-INSTRUCTIONAL

11. THAT the Board of Education amends Item VI(C)12 of the July 7, 2021 Reorganization Minutes to read as follows:
    • Part-Time Safety Officers
      • Years of service = 1 through 3 ………………… per hour $16.50 $17.00
      • Years of service = 4 through 6 ………………………………$17.50 $18.00
      • Years of service = 7 through 11 …………………………….$18.50 $19.00
      • Years of service = 12 plus …………………………………….$19.50 $20.00
12. THAT the Board of Education eliminates the following non-instructional position:
    • 0.6 FTE School District Registrar
      Effective: July 1, 2021
13. THAT the Board of Education creates the following non-instructional position:
    • 1.0 FTE School District Registrar
      Effective: July 1, 2021
14. BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby reinstates Alena Savaria to the 1.0 FTE provisional appointment of District Registrar effective July 1, 2021.
15. THAT the Board of Education authorizes days not to exceed 12 at the per diem rate (per CSEA contract) for Pamela Krupski to provide summer secretarial support at Van Schaick Grade School.

    Effective: July 1, 2021

16. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the District-Wide Safety Team for the 2021-22 school year:
    • Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent
    • Stacy Mackey, School Business Official
    • Erin Hill, Director of Special Programs
    • James Stapleton, Director of Facilities
    • Laura Tarlo, Principal – Cohoes High School
    • Tom Kostrzebski, Assistant Principal – Cohoes High School
    • Samantha McCullough, School Nurse – Cohoes High School
    • Drew Rentz, School Safety Officer – Cohoes High School
    • Sherry Thornton, Full-Time Teacher Aide – Cohoes High School
    • Dan Martinelli, Principal – Cohoes Middle School
    • Deanna Kelly, Assistant Principal – CMS
    • 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
    • Jacqueline DeChiaro, Principal – Van Schaick Grade School
    • Amanda Dorr, Teacher – Van Schaick Grade School
    • Cohoes Board of Education Members
    • BOCES Safety Consultant
    • BOCES Communications
      

      ADDENDUM

17. THAT the Board of Education approves days per diem, not to exceed twenty-three (23), for Jennifer Sangiacomo for work as Instructional Technology Integration Specialist during the summer of 2021 (grant-funded).
18. THAT the Board of Education creates the following position:
    • FTE Reading
      Effective: September 1, 2021
19. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Jessica Lanterman to a four-year conditional term in the tenure area of Reading effective September 1, 2021 and expiring on August 31, 2025 on an emergency conditional basis. Ms. Lanterman holds Professional Certifications in the area of Literacy (Grades 5-12) and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6).

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on an emergency conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Ms. Lanterman regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Ms. Lanterman’s continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that she is fully cleared for employment.

    Jessica Lanterman
    Position …………………………………………………………………. 1.0 FTE Reading Teacher
    Certification ……………………………………………………………….. Literacy (Grades 5-12)
    Tenure Area ……………………………………………………………………………………. Reading
    Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 1, 2021
    Tenure Date …………………………………………………………………………. August 31, 2025
    Salary ………………………………………………………. Step 6 of the current CTA Contract
    Reason …………………………………………………………………… Replaces Jennifer Heeney

20. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Casey Hatziemanuel to a four-year conditional term in the tenure area of Reading effective September 1, 2021 and expiring on August 31, 2025 on an emergency conditional basis. Ms. Hatziemanuel holds Initial Certifications in the area of Literacy (Grades 5-12), Literacy (Birth – Grade 6), Early Childhood Education (Birth – Grade 2) and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6).

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on an emergency conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Ms. Hatziemanuel regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Ms. Hatziemanuel’s continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that she is fully cleared for employment.

    Casey Hatziemanuel
    Position …………………………………………………………………. 1.0 FTE Reading Teacher
    Certification ……………………………………………………………….. Literacy (Grades 5-12)
    Tenure Area ……………………………………………………………………………………. Reading
    Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 1, 2021
    Tenure Date …………………………………………………………………………. August 31, 2025
    Salary ………………………………………………………. Step 1 of the current CTA Contract
    Reason …………………………………………………………………………… BOE Newly created

21. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the coaching positions listed below for the 2021-2022 school year contingent upon acceptable program enrollment:
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Cheerleading – Varsity
      • Name: TBD
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Cross Country – Varsity
      • Name: Kiera Hovey
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Cross Country – Modified
      • Name: TBD
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Football – Varsity Head
      • Name: Danny DeChiaro
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Football – Varsity Assistant
      • Name: TBD
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Football – Varsity Assistant
      • Name: TBD
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Football – Modified Head
      • Name: TBD
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Football – Modified Assistant
      • Name: TBD
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Soccer – Boys, Varsity
      • Name: Nick Izzo
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Soccer – Boys, JV
      • Name: Phil Tommasino
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Soccer – Boys, Modified
      • Name: Ed Krajewski
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Soccer – Girls, Varsity
      • Name: Keith Fischer
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Soccer – Girls, JV
      • Name: Larry Brown
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Soccer – Girls, Modified
      • Name: Kaylin Dawson
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Volleyball – Varsity
      • Name: Valerie Peretin
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Volleyball – JV
      • Name: John Ketchoyian
      • FTE: 1.0
    • CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Volleyball – Modified
      • Name: Terry Gendron
      • FTE: 1.0

VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – BUSINESS/FINANCE

IX. FINANCIAL REPORTS (Recommended by the Superintendent)

1. I recommend that the following reports be accepted by the Board of Education:
   • Warrants – June 2021
   • Budget Transfer – June 2021
   • Budget Status Report – June 2021
   • Bank Reconciliation Report – June 2021
   • Extracurricular Activity Report – June 2021
   • Internal Claims Audit Report – N/A

BOARD ACTION ON CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the July 21, 2021 Agenda:

VI (A-N); VII (A-U) and IX (A)

Moved by: Mrs. Carey
Seconded by: Mr. Annely
All voted “Aye”
Motion carried 7-0

X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION

XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS

XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE

XIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW

XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

August 11, 2021, LGI Room, CHS at 6 PM

August 25, 2021, LGI Room, CHS at 6 PM

MOTION: To re-enter Executive Session at 6:56 p.m. to discuss matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation.

Moved by: Mrs. Dion
Seconded by: Mr. Annely
All voted “Aye”
Motion carried 7-0

EXECUTIVE SESSION: TIME: 6:05 PM

Present:

• Mrs. Carey
• Mr. Pascale
• Mr. Jackson
• Mrs. Dion
• Mr. Annely
• Mrs. Snyder
• Mrs. Giller

Also Present:

• Ms. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent of Schools
• Mrs. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official

DISCUSSION

XV. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: To adjourn at 7:38 p.m.

Moved by: Mrs. Carey
Seconded by: Mrs. Dion
All voted “Aye”
Motion carried 7-0