Board of Education Business Meeting
Cohoes, New York
April 13, 2022
LGI Room, CHS, 6pm
(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 by the President, Mrs. Giller at 6:02pm
ROLL CALL
Present:
- Mrs. Carey
- Mr. Pascale
- Mr. Jackson
- Mrs. Dion – excused
- Mr. Annely – excused
- Mrs. Snyder
- Mrs. Giller
Also Present:
- Ms. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent of Schools
- Mr. Dan Martinelli, Assistant Superintendent for Education Services
- Mrs. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official
II. DISTRICT REPORTS
Budget Presentation – Ms. O’Shea and Ms. Mackey
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 of Education accepts the Minutes of the Board of Education Meeting of March 23, 2022.
B. WHEREAS, at a meeting of the Board of Education (“Board”) of the Cohoes City School District held on March 23, 2022, the Board adopted certain Resolutions, as more identified herein, which included typographical errors; and
WHEREAS, the Board wishes to amend and correct those Resolutions, as set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Resolution adopted by the Board on March 23, 2022 entitled “RESOLUTION DATED MARCH 23, 2022 OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE COHOES CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT AUTHORIZING PROPOSITION TO BE PRESENTED TO THE VOTERS AT THE ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING” is hereby amended and corrected as follows:
1. The “PROPOSITION” portion of said Resolution is amended and corrected to replace the number “$19,875,700” with the number “$19,985,700”. nand it is further;
RESOLVED, that the Resolution adopted by the Board on March 23, 2022 entitled “A RESOLUTION SPECIFYING THE NECESSITY FOR THE RENOVATION, RECONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS OF VARIOUS SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS, FACILITIES, SITES, ATHLETIC FIELDS AND TRACKS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF COHOES, NEW YORK, THE ACQUISITION OF ORIGINAL FURNISHINGS, EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY OR APPARATUS REQUIRED FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH SUCH BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES ARE TO BE USED AND PAYMENT OF COSTS INCIDENTAL THERETO” is hereby amended and corrected as follows:
1. The second “WHEREAS” clause of said Resolution is amended and corrected to replace the number “$19,875,700” with the number “$19,985,700”; and
2. Section 2 of said Resolution is amended and corrected to replace the number $19,875,700” with the number “$19,985,700”. and it is further;
RESOLVED, that the Resolution adopted by the Board on March 23, 2022 entitled “BOND RESOLUTION DATED MARCH 23, 2022 OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE COHOES CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT AUTHORIZING NOT TO EXCEED $17,875,700 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF GENERAL OBLIGATION SERIAL BONDS, THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH SUM FOR SUCH PURPOSE, INCLUDING THE EXPENDITURE OF $2,000,000 FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND TO FINANCE THE RENOVATION, RECONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF VARIOUS SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS, FACILITIES, SITES, ATHLETIC FIELDS AND TRACKS ACQUISITION OF ORIGINAL FURNISHINGS, EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY OR APPARATUS REQUIRED FOR THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH SUCH BUILDINGS, FACILITIES, SITES, ATHLETIC FIELDS AND TRACKS ARE TO BE USED AND PAYMENT OF INCIDENTIAL COSTS OF $19,875,700, LEVY OF TAX IN ANNUAL INSTALLMENTS IN PAYMENT THEREOF, AND DETERMINING OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH” is hereby amended and corrected as follows:
1. The title of said Resolution is amended and corrected to replace the number “$17,875,700” with the number “17,985,700”, and to replace the number “19,875,700” with the number “19,985,700.”;
2. Section 1 of said Resolution is amended and corrected to replace the number $19,875,700” with the number “19,985,700”; and
3. Section 4 of said Resolution is amended and corrected to replace the number “19,875,700” with the number “19,985,700”;
C. THAT the Board of Education adopts the FY 2022-2023 Budget in the amount of $47,000,525.
D. THAT the Board of Education adopts the FY 2022-2023 Property Tax Report Card.
E. THAT the Board of Education approves the Distance Learning Classroom Rental Agreement between the Cohoes City School District and the Capital Region BOCES. The term of this agreement is July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. BOCES shall pay an annual classroom rental of $1,000 per classroom, for a total of $1,000.
F. THAT the Board of Education hereby approves the cross contract between the Cohoes City School District and the Questar III BOCES for the provision of Fire System Maintenance for the 2022-2023 school year and authorizes the payment of $16,933.25.
G. THAT the Board of Education hereby approves the cross contract between the Cohoes City School District and the Questar III BOCES for the provision of STAC II for the 2022-2023 school year and authorizes the payment of $6,500.
H. THAT the Board of Education awards the Outdoor Furniture – Picnic Table Bid, dated April 5, 2022 as follows:
R.J. Thomas Manufacturing Company, Inc. $34,060.50
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
INSTRUCTIONAL
A. THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the Substitute Teacher and Tutor list:
- Heather Cammann
- Cassandra Contreras
- Kristen Harris
- William Lynd
- Amanda Balsamo
- Christine Bellinger
- Leah Constable
Effective: April 14, 2022
B. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (D) of the March 23, 2022 agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby accepts the recommendation of the Superintendent to appoint Katherine Flynn to a four (4) year probationary appointment as a teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages in the English to Speakers of Other Languages tenure area, commencing on March 28, 2022 and ending March 27, 2026, contingent upon compliance with the requirements of the Education Law and receipt of her initial certificate as a English to Speakers of Other Languages teacher.
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
C. THAT the Board of Education amend Item VII (I) of the March 16, 2022 agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, hereby appoints Sondra Rondeau to a four (4) three (3) year probationary appointment to the positions of teacher of Health and Physical Education in the Health and Physical Education tenure areas, respectively, effective April 25, 2022 through April 24, 2026 April 24, 2025. Provided she continues as a full-time employee, working at least 40% of her time in both the Health and Physical Education tenure areas, she will accrue seniority in both areas and will be eligible for tenure in both areas effective April 24, 2026. However, time in both areas is not guaranteed and Ms. Rondeau’s annual assignment can be in one or both tenure areas, at the sole discretion of the District.
Sondra Rondeau
- Position: (.50 FTE Health Teacher/.50 FTE) Physical Education Teacher
- Certifications: Health &Physical Education
- Tenure Areas: Health & Physical Education
- Effective Date: April 25, 2022
- Tenure Date:
April 24, 2026April 24, 2025 - Salary: Step 10 of the current CTA contract
Katrina Keith
- Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher (VS)
- Certification: Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grades 1-6, Literacy (Birth–Grade 6), and Special Education
- Tenure Area: Elementary
- Effective Date: August 31, 2022
- Tenure Date: August 30, 2024
- Salary: Step 19 of the current CTA Contract
D. THAT the Board of Education appoint the following individuals as a 2021-2022 SAT Prep teachers:
Teachers
- Donna Honsinger
- Heather Ball
Effective: April 9, 2022
NON-INSTRUCTIONAL
E. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints the following individual to the 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.
Sheila Farrigan
Effective: April 14, 2022
F. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Madison Dunn to the position of full-time Teacher Aide position, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
Madison Dunn
- Position: 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide
- Effective Date: April 25, 2022
- Probation period: December 24, 2022
- Salary: entry-level per current CSEA contract
G. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Michelle Lake to the position of Part-Time Teacher Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointment is a temporary appointment.
Michelle Lake
- Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (AL)
- Effective Date: March 30, 2022 through June 30, 2022
- Salary: $13.25 per hour
H. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Melody Morris-Barrett from her position as Teacher Aide (VS).
Effective: April 8, 2022
I. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Jill Facteau from her position as LPN (DW).
Effective: April 8, 2022
J. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Destiny Lebrecht from her position as Teacher Aide (CHS).
Effective: April 6, 2022
K. THAT the Board of Education create the following position:
- 1.0 FTE Teacher Assistant (grant-funded)
- Effective: April 25, 2022 through June 30, 2022
L. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teaching Assistant.
Ashley Dolan
- Position: Long-Term Substitute Teaching Assistant (HH)
- Tenure Area: Teaching Assistant
- Effective Date: April 25, 2022 through June 30, 2022
- Salary: as per the current CTA contract, BA/BS Teacher Assistant Salary Schedule (grant-funded)
M. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Andrea Cavallaro to the position of Part-Time Teacher Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointment is a temporary appointment.
Andrea Cavallaro
- Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (PAS)
- Effective Date: April 25, 2022 through June 30, 2022
- Salary: $13.25 per hour (grant-funded)
N. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Isabella Ronda to the position of Part-Time Teacher Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointment is a temporary appointment.
Isabella Ronda
- Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (VS)
- Effective Date: April 25, 2022 through June 30, 2022
- Salary: $13.25 per hour
DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the April 13, 2022 Agenda:
VI (A-H) AND VII (A-N)
- Moved by: Mr. Pascale
- Second by: Mrs. Carey
- 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
- Budget Transfers
- Budget Status Report
- Revenue Status Report
- Bank Reconciliation Report
- Internal Claims Audit Report
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION
THAT the Board of Education accepts donations from the Stewarts Foundation Holiday Match for the following;
- $1,000 to Abram Lansing School to be used for library/classroom books.
- $800 to Harmony Hill School to be used for leveled readers.
- $750 to Van Schaick Grade School to be used for headphones.
- $800 to Cohoes Middle School to be used for science software.
- $800 to Cohoes High School to be used for materials and supplies
XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
On behalf of the Board, Mrs. Giller expressed her gratitude to the Stewarts Foundation Holiday Match program for their generous donations.
Mrs. Giller also congratulated all involved in production of Mamma Mia!
Mrs. Giller also thanked the Facilities and Grounds department for repairing potholes throughout the district.
Mr. Pascale discussed the Career Education Committee meeting which took place this afternoon. He mentioned what a “rock star” Rebecca LaForest has been in her new role as Career Education Coordinator. Mr. Pascale feels this committee will have profound benefits. Mrs. Giller acknowledged the great potential to strengthen the partnerships between our community and school district.
On behalf of the Board, Mrs. Giller wished everyone a safe and relaxing Spring Break.
XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE – None
VIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
April 27, 2022, LGI Room, CHS & Livestreamed at 6pm
May 4, 2022, LGI Room, CHS & Livestreamed at 6pm
MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION at 6:37pm
- Moved by: Ms. Carey
- Second by: Mrs. Snyder
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried 5-0
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn at 7:01pm
- Moved by: Mrs. Snyder
- Second by: Mr. Pascale
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried 5-0