August 25, 2021 Board of Education Minutes - Cohoes City School District

Board of Education Business Meeting

August 25, 2021
Cohoes, New York, 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 6:05 p.m. by Board President, Mrs. Giller.

ROLL CALL

Present:

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

Excused:

Mr. Jackson

Also Present:

Mrs. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent
Mr. Daniel Martinelli, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services
Mrs. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official

II. DISTRICT REPORTS

Mary Haley and Tim Doherty, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area – UPK Program
Abram Lansing School Comprehensive Education Plan
District Reopening Plan

III. BOARD OF EDUCATION DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS

Mrs. Giller inquired if any member would like to table Item VI (N) on the agenda until next meeting. The Board declined.

IV. COMMUNITY DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS

V. OLD BUSINESS

VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

THAT the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the Board of Education Meeting of August 11, 2021.
THAT the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the Committee on Special Education for the following dates: 4/8/21, 4/13/21, 4/14/21, 4/15/21, 4/16/21, 4/20/21, 4/23/21, 4/26/21, 4/28/21, 4/30/21, 5/3/21, 5/4/21, 5/7/21, 5/10/21, 5/11/21, 5/13/21, 5/17/21, 5/19/21, 5/20/21, 5/21/21, 5/25/21, 5/26/21, 5/27/21, 6/2/21, 6/3/21, 6/4/21, 6/7/21, 6/9/21, 6/10/21, 6/14/21, 6/17/21, 6/18/21, 7/6/21 and 7/22/21.
THAT the Board of Education accepts the 2021/22 Universal Pre-Kindergarten Plan.
THAT the Board of Education approves the extension of the following transportation contracts with a contractual increase equal to the May 2021 CPI of 3.2%:
- Star & Strand Transportation, Inc.
  - Contract E251274 – Annual Contract – $408,462
  - Contract E251278 – Annual Contract – $349,634
  - Contract E261172 – Trip $151.09, Aide $85.72
THAT the Board of Education establishes the following prices for meals for the 2021-22 school year:
- Food Service Pricing
  - Breakfast Prices
    - Student Full Price: $1.50
    - Reduced Price: $0.00
    - Adult Price (sales tax to be added): $2.50
  - Lunch Prices
    - Student Full Price: $3.35
    - Reduced Price: $0.00
    - Adult Price (sales tax to be added): $4.38
THAT the Board of Education approves a contract with Achievements PLLC at 623 New Loudon Road, Latham, New York for the provision of as needed, related services to students at contracted rates outlined herein for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
THAT the Board of Education approves a behavioral consultant contract with Kelly Brock residing in Queensbury, New York to provide support services for individuals with disabilities and/or social/emotional, cognitive and/or behavior challenges in accordance to the terms and conditions as outlined herein at a rate of $130 per hour for the period August 6, 2021 to June 30, 2022.
THAT the Board of Education approves a contract with CDB Connections, 673 Columbia Turnpike, PO Box 630, East Greenbush, New York for provision of related services (including speech, occupational, physical and music therapies as well as social work, teacher of the deaf, teacher of the visually impaired and assistive services) as needed to students at contracted rates outlined herein for the summer 2021 and the 2021-22 school year.
THAT the Board of Education approves a contract with Erin C. Lancraft, MT-BC/Expressive Journeys LLC, 2001 Tina Court, Schenectady, New York for as needed music therapy services in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined therein commencing on 9/7/21 until 6/24/22.
THAT the Board of Education approves an Agreement with St. Catherine’s Center for Children R&E May School, 30 North Main Avenue, Albany, New York for special education services for the period September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 at the current tuition rate of $3,523 per student, per month, for a 10-month period (SY) pro-rated by start date. This rate is subject to change based on NYSED finalized rates.
THAT the Board of Education approves an Agreement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area (CBO) located at 21 Delaware Avenue, Albany, New York dated August 18, 2021 for Pre-Kindergarten Program Services for the period September 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 in accordance to the terms and conditions outlined therein.
ADDENDA
THAT the Board of Education designates the following dates for the regular monthly meetings of the Board of Education for the 2021-22 school year.
- July 7 & 21, 2021
- August 11 & 25, 2021
- September 8 & 22, 2021
- October 6 & 20, 2021
- November 3 & 17, 2021
- December 1 & 15, 2021
- January 5 & 19, 2022
- February 2 & 16, 2022
- March 2 & 16, 2022
- April 13 & 27, 2022
- May 4 & 18, 2022
- June 1 & 15, 2022
THAT the Board of Education approves the 2021-22 School Comprehensive Education Plan – Abram Lansing Elementary School.
THAT the Board of Education approves a contract with ARC of Rensselaer County located at 79 102nd Street, Troy, New York for the provision of high school student transition services by a Transition Specialist (0.5 FTE) and Transition Coordinator (0.5 FTE) at a total cost of $62,022 for the 2021-22 school year.
THAT the Board of Education approves a contract with Northeast Parent and Child Society located at 1821 Hamburg Street, Schenectady, 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.

VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
INSTRUCTIONAL

THAT the Board of Education amends Item VI (A) 21 of the Minutes of the July 7, 2021 Reorganization Meeting as follows:
THAT the Board of Education appoints ~~Peggy O’Shea~~ Dan Martinelli as Data Protection Officer for the 2021-22 school year at no additional compensation.
THAT the Board of Education authorizes hours not to exceed twenty-four (24) at the per diem rate (per CTA contract) for Christopher Fournier to provide summer work in his role as Future Ready Coordinator (grant funded).
Effective: July 1, 2021
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Daniel Donovan to a four-year conditional term in the tenure area of Special Education effective September 1, 2021 and expiring on August 31, 2025 on a conditional basis. Mr. Donovan holds Initial Certification in the areas of Music and Students With Disabilities – Grades 7-12 – Generalist.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on a conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Mr. Donovan regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Mr. Donovan’s continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that he is fully cleared for employment.

Daniel Donovan
Position ………………………………………… 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher (CMS)
Certification …………………….. Students with Disabilities – Grades 7-12 – Generalist
Tenure Area ……………………………………………………………………….Special Education
Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 1, 2021
Tenure Date …………………………………………………………………………. August 31, 2025
Salary ………………………………………………………. Step 4 of the current CTA Contract
Reason ………………………………………………………………….. Replaces Elaine Briceland
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Evan Morier to a four-year conditional term in the tenure area of Science effective September 1, 2021 and expiring on August 31, 2025 on a conditional basis. Mr. Morier holds Initial Certification in the area of Biology 7-12 and an Initial Extension Annotation in the area of General Science 7-12.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on a conditional basis and subject to of both a statement from Mr. Morier regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Mr. Morier’s continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that he is fully cleared for employment.

Evan Morier
Position ……………………………………………………….. 1.0 FTE Science Teacher (CMS)
Certification …………………………………………………………………. General Science 7-12
Tenure Area …………………………………………………………………………………….. Science
Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 1, 2021
Tenure Date …………………………………………………………………………. August 31, 2025
Salary ………………………………………………………. Step 3 of the current CTA Contract
Reason ……………………………………………………………………….. Replaces Judith Kubik
THAT the Board of Education approves the following student teacher placements from the following schools (unpaid):
- RUSSELL SAGE COLLEGE
  - October 25 – December 10, 2021
  - Michael Gregory with Terry Gendron at Cohoes Middle School
- THE COLLEGE OF ST. ROSE
  - October 25 – December 10, 2021
  - Mackenzie Tompkins with Tracy Nash at Harmony Hill Elementary School
  - Kylee Brand with Amanda Dorr at Van Schaick Grade School
THAT the Board of Education approves the Memorandum of Agreement by and between the Cohoes City School District and the Cohoes Teachers’ Association for the purposes of amending the collective bargaining agreement between the two parties as it pertains to Appendix F dated June 7, 2021.
THAT the Board of Education approves the Memorandum of Agreement by and between the Cohoes City School District and the Cohoes Teachers’ Association for the purposes of amending the collective bargaining agreement between the two parties as it pertains Article VI (I) and Article XVII (A) and Article XVII (A) (1) (2) dated June 7, 2021.
NON-INSTRUCTIONAL
THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Susan Krul from her position as Teacher Aide.
Effective: August 30, 2021
THAT the Board of Education authorizes days not to exceed ten (10) at the per diem rate (per CSEA contract) for Carole Blide to provide summer secretarial services at Abram Lansing Elementary School.
Effective: August 18, 2021 through August 31, 2021
Shannon Willett
Position ……………………………………………………………. 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (CHS)
Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 1, 2021
Probation Period………………………………………………………………… February 28, 2022
Salary ………………………………………………….. Entry level per current CSEA contract
Reason ………………………………………………………………….. Replaces Karen Goodband
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Destiny Lebrecht to the position of Full-Time Teacher Aide, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on an emergency conditional basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on an emergency conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Ms. Lebrecht regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Her continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that she is fully cleared for employment.

Destiny Lebrecht
Position ……………………………………………………………. 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (CHS)
Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 1, 2021
Probation Period………………………………………………………………… February 28, 2022
Salary …………………………………………………. .Entry-level per current CSEA contract
Reason …………………………………………………………………… Replaces Kaylee Francois
THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals as Part-Time Safety Officers for the 2021-21 school year:
- COHOES HIGH SCHOOL
  - Drew Rentz
  - John DeMio
  - Shawn Higgins
  - Terry Burns, Sr.
  - Kathleen Kuhn
  - Terry Burns, Jr.
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 on an emergency conditional basis, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, such appointments are a temporary appointment.
Jerome Frost
Effective: August 26, 2021

ADDENDA
THAT the Board of Education approves a salary increase due to additional teaching assignments for the following individuals for the 2021-2022 school year:
- Lindsay Fontaine – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education Mathematics (1.2 FTE total)
- Lauren Dunn – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education Behavior Support (1.2 FTE total)
  Effective: September 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Hayden Galarneau to a four-year conditional term in the tenure area of Elementary effective September 1, 2021 and expiring on August 31, 2025 on an emergency conditional basis. Ms. Galarneau holds an initial certification in 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. Galarneau regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Ms. Galarneau’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.

Hayden Galarneau
Position …………………………………………………………………… .1.0 Elementary Teacher
Certification ………………………………………………… Childhood Education (1-6) Initial
Tenure Area ……………………………………………………………………………….. Elementary
Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 1, 2021
Tenure Date …………………………………………………………………………. August 31, 2025
Salary ………………………………………………………. Step 1 of the current CTA Contract
Reason …………………………………………………………………………………To fill a vacancy
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Amanda Regis to a four-year conditional term in the tenure area of School Social Worker effective September 27, 2021 and expiring on September 26, 2025 on an emergency conditional basis. Ms. Regis holds a provisional certification as 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. Regis regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Ms. Regis’ continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District’s receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that she is fully cleared for employment.

Amanda Regis
Position ………………………………………………………………… .1.0 School Social Worker
Certification ……………………………………………….. School Social Worker Provisional
Tenure Area ………………………………………………………………… School Social Worker
Effective Date ………………………………………………………………… September 27, 2021
Tenure Date ……………………………………………………………………. September 26, 2025
Salary………. …………………………………………… Step 2 of the current CTA Contract
Reason ……………………………………………………………………. Replaces Raychel Marcil
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Katherine Flynn to a four-year conditional term in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant effective September 1, 2021 and expiring on August 31, 2025 on an emergency conditional basis. Ms. Flynn holds an initial teaching certification in the area English Language Arts 7-12.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this appointment is made on an emergency conditional basis and subject to both a statement from Ms. Flynn regarding criminal conviction(s) or pending criminal charges and the receipt of criminal background clearance from the Commissioner of Education. Ms. Flynn’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.

Katherine Flynn
Position …………………………………………………………………….. .1.0 Teaching Assistant
Certification ………………………………………………. English Language Arts 7-12 Initial
Tenure Area …………………………………………………………………….. Teaching Assistant
Effective Date ………………………………………………………………….. September 1, 2021
Tenure Date …………………………………………………………………………. August 31, 2025
Salary ………………………………………………………………. Per the current CTA Contract
Reason …………………………………………………………………………………To fill a vacancy
THAT the Board of Education creates the following positions:
- 1.0 FTE Teacher Assistant (grant funded)
- 2.0 FTE Elementary Teachers (grant funded)
  Effective: September 1, 2021

VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – BUSINESS/FINANCE

IX. FINANCIAL REPORTS (Recommended by the Superintendent)

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

BOARD ACTION ON CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the August 25, 2021 Agenda:

VI (A-O) and VII (A-R)

Moved by: Mrs. Dion
Seconded by: Mrs. Snyder
All voted “Aye”
Motion carried 6-0

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

September 8, 2021, LGI Room, CHS & Livestreamed at 6 PM
September 22, 2021, LGI Room, CHS & Livestreamed at 6 PM

MOTION: THAT the Board of Education enters into Executive Session at 7:41 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. Annely
Seconded by: Mrs. Carey
All voted “Aye”
Motion carried 6-0

EXECUTIVE SESSION: TIME: 7:45 PM