Cohoes City School District
Board of Education Business Meeting
December 11, 2024 CMS 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 Vice President, Mrs. Giller at 5:30 pm
MOTION: To enter into executive session prior to the public meeting to discuss a legal matter.
- Moved by: Mr. Jarosz
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
ROLL CALL
Present:
- Mrs. Giller
- Mr. Jackson
- Mrs. Snyder ~ excused
- Mrs. Gendron
- Mrs. Paradis
- Mr. Jarosz
- Mrs. Carey ~ excused
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 5-0
Also Present:
- Ms. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent of Schools
- Dr. Tim Mundell, Interim Assistant Superintendent
- Ms. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official
Meeting reconvened by Vice President, Mrs. Giller, at 6:01 pm
ROLL CALL
Present:
- Mrs. Giller
- Mr. Jackson
- Mrs. Snyder ~ excused
- Mrs. Gendron
- Mrs. Paradis
- Mr. Jarosz
- Mrs. Carey ~ excused
II. DISTRICT REPORTS
Superintendent Reports – Ms. O’Shea introduced and welcomed Dr. Tim Mundell, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services. Dr. Mundell expressed his gratitude to the Board and is looking forward to working with everyone in the district. He promised that he will make the best effort to make good things happen for our students.
Ms. O’Shea introduced Cohoes High School Assistant Principal, Ms. Bradt, who introduced two Cohoes High School Music Teacher, Mr. Gunn, as well as two high school students. The students discussed a new club proposal for the high school, Tri-M Music Honor Society. The students presented that the program stands for Modern Music Masters, for high school students in grades 9-12, with a passion for music and serving our community. Students who apply for this club have to meet the following criteria; at least an 80 average in their classes, at least a 90 or higher average in band and/or chorus and a community service requirement.
Mrs. Giller asked Mr. Gunn questions about the proposal: is there a cost, does it mirror National Honor Society and questions regarding recognition at graduation. Mr. Gunn explained that the district/school/student council would pay the cost of the charter so there would not be a cost to the students, there is not a minimum or maximum number of students who can apply and that he would love to see stoles added to the students at graduation.
Elementary principals Mrs. DeChiaro, (Van Schaick Grade School), Mr. Perry (Harmony Hill School) and Mr. Bird (Abram Lansing School) presented an Elementary Science Update to the board. The principals’ discussed Smithsonian Science kits and how utilizing these kits made the students apply rigorous reading, writing and math skills. Mrs. DeChiaro commented that the students are enjoying the science lessons because they are hands-on and children are collaborating with each other. Mr. Perry shared the kits that are used throughout grades 3-5 and how important it is to have the three elementary buildings doing units at the same time for those students who move around the district. Mr. Bird discussed the Science investigations that are required by SED prior to students taking the fifth grade Science assessment.
Ms. O’Shea introduced Mrs. Marcil, the Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support who serves as the chairperson of the District Wellness Committee and thanked board members Mrs. Gendron and Mr. Jarosz for serving on the committee. Mrs. Marcil provided an update from the committee meeting on November 19, 2024. The committee reviewed the policy and had discussed the charge of the committee including adding a social/emotional component to the definition of wellness. Ideas were discussed on how to incorporate more wellness activities throughout the district.
Cohoes High School Principal Mrs. Tarlo gave the board an update on Edgenuity. Mrs. Tarlo shared that she has received positive feedback from the students who specifically like that the videos have text overlay and can be paused and replayed as many times as the students need.
The Edgenuity courses are offered in 63 languages, 7 courses can be read aloud. These courses are available to students for regents’ preparation, quarter recovery, credit recovery, and SAT and ACT prep. Ms. O’Shea thanked Mrs. Tarlo and her team for all of their efforts in this area. Business Update – Ms. Mackey, School Business Official updated the board regarding buildings and grounds activities over the past few weeks; Ms. Mackey shared that Mr. Darcy, our new Facilities Director, planned on attending the board meeting; however, he was tending to a water penetration in the basement at the high school as a result of the rainstorm.
Ms. Mackey shared with the Board that his first several weeks in the district have certainly been busy! Harmony Hill School had a (non-flammable) external gas leak at the meter which required a utility repair. The meter is scheduled for a rebuild with the utility provider this summer. The Middle School plumbing and drainage issue required emergency repairs Saturday.
Mrs. Mackey also discussed the snow storm over the Thanksgiving holiday recess and thanked the buildings & grounds team for their hard work & dedication.
Ms. Mackey reviewed the Draft Long Range Financial Plan with the board, advising several areas that require close attention in the current fiscal environment. The first area that was highlighted was State Aid. The State has called on the Rockefeller Institute to conduct a review of the Foundation Aid formulary. The draft financial plan assumes no change in State Aid over the current fiscal year, however this may be subject to change following State action after the issuance of the Rockefeller Institute report. State Aid action should progress as the State develops & prepares its fiscal year budget. Ms. Mackey will provide periodic updates as they become available.
In regards to costs, Ms. Mackey discussed increases in expenditures for utilities, transportation and health insurance. Current year trends are high, and if these trends continue the 2027 & 2028 fiscal budgets could be particularly challenging for a break even outcome. Assumptions made in the financial plan include staff retirements by 6/30/27 – this is a result of our staff & combined age & years of service for retirement eligibility purposes. Ms. Mackey also discussed the priorities for reserve funding by 6/30/25.
In regards to the 2025 ballot, she advised that action to approve expenditures of $2MM in capital reserve funds will exhaust the current capital reserve ($5MM total). For the 2026 ballot, the establishment of a new Capital Reserve is anticipated as there are many needs throughout the district. The Facilities Committee will be meeting this winter to review district needs & health & safety priorities.
III. BOARD OF EDUCATION DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS –
IV. COMMUNITY DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS –
V. OLD BUSINESS – None
VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
A. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the
Board of Education Meeting of November 6, 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: 8/26/24, 10/7/24, 10/16/24, 10/21/24, 10/22/24, 10/23/24, 10/24/24, 10/30/24, 11/1/24, 11/7/24, 11/8/24, 11/13/24, 11/14/24, 11/18/24, 11/19/24, 11/20/24, 11/21/24, 11/25/24
C. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves a contract dated November 11, 2024 by and between the Cohoes City School District and The Charlton School/Ketchum-Grande Memorial School, P.O. Box 47, Burnt Hills,
NY to special education services from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
D. 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 Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES for Magic School for the 2024-2025 school year.
E. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the agreements dated November 11, 2024 and November 19, 2024 between the Cohoes City School District and Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc., located at 788 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 for educational services at a cost of $697.30 per day and in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
F. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves change order RC- CO-02 on NYS Education Department Project # 01-05-00-01-0-006-024 for Roofing Construction at Cohoes High School.
Contractor: James A. Edgar Co., Inc., 2990 Amsterdam Road, Scotia, New York 12302
Original Contract: $1,108,600.00
Net Change by previous authorized Change Orders: $3,023.00
Contract Sum prior to this Change Order: $1,105,577.00
PCO-089 credit for piano damage: $500.00
Contract Sum decreased by this change order:
New Contract Sum: $1,105,077.00
G. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves change order EC- CO-03 on NYS Education Department Project # 01-05-00-01-0-006-024 for Electrical Construction at Cohoes High School.
Contractor: Schenectady Hardware & Electric Company, Inc., 155 Erie Blvd., Schenectady, New York, 12305
Original Contract: $1,638,423.00
Net Change by previous authorized Change Orders: $22,469.91
Contract Sum prior to this Change Order: $1,660,892.91
PCO-101.1 (CIC-026 HS-Incident Electrical Conduit: $21,118.20
Contract Sum increased by this change order: $21,118.20
New Contract Sum: $1,682,011.11
H. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves change order SC- CO-04 on NYS Education Department Project # 01-05-00-01-0-006-024 for Sitework Construction at Cohoes High School.
Contractor: Shaker Flats Landscaping, Inc., 1746 US Route 20, P.O. Box 56, West Lebanon, NY 12195
Original Contract: $4,700,790.00
Net Change by previous authorized Change Orders: $64,209.86
Contract Sum prior to this Change Order: $4,764,999.86
PCO-37.3 HS-Track existing sub-layer: $131,901.00
Contract Sum increased by this change order: $131,901.00
New Contract Sum: $4,896,900.86
I. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the Independent Auditor’s Report dated June 30, 2024 as prepared by the firm of MMB and Company, Certified Public Accountants, and the Corrective Action Plan thereto as prepared by the School Business Official.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
INSTRUCTIONAL
A. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the Substitute Teacher and Tutor list:
- Nemir-Reed, Diane
- Bhola, Brianna
- Bowers, Leah
- Brock, Sarah
- Daniels, John
- Doren, Shelby
- Mills, Sarah
- Murphy Dylan
- Vaughn, Marissa
- Werner-DeLong, Jessica
- Ball, Adriane
- Basen, Iyal
Effective: December 12, 2024
B. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approve the following student teacher placements from the following schools (unpaid):
SUNY Albany
January 22 through May 15, 2025
Alaina Ierici with Jenna Howe at Harmony Hill School
Debby Butler with Megan Cherubino at Harmony Hill School
Nevaeh Boyd with Adrian Blackman at Abram Lansing Elementary School
January 22 through March 21, 2025
Ammara Taylor with AmberLynn DellaRocco at Van Schaick Grade School
March 24 through May 15, 2025
Ammara Taylor with Amanda Dorr at Van Schaick Grade
Siena College
January 6 through April 28, 2025
Felicity Dessingue with Carrie Bennett at Van Schaick Grade
January 21 through May 5, 2025
Ava DeShaw with David Wasserman at Cohoes Middle School
SUNY Plattsburgh
January 27 through March 21, 2025
Alexandra Miller with Ashley Hoffman at Cohoes High School
Brynn Murphy with Sheri Frueh at Harmony Hill School
March 24 through May 15, 2025
Gianna Cavotta with Sharon Laughlin at Harmony Hill School
C. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of
Angela Tommasini from the position of School Social Worker (CHS).
Effective: January 1, 2025
D. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of
Laura Murawski from the position of Science Teacher (CHS).
Effective: January 24, 2025
E. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amend Item VII (W) of the
August 28, 2024 Business Meeting as follows:
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:
Erin Valente
- Position: Long-Term Substitute Teaching Assistant (CMS)
- Effective Date: September 1, 2024 through
December 30, 2024October 30, 2024 - Salary: As per the current CTA contract, Teacher Assistant Salary Schedule with BA/BS
F. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (G) of the November 6, 2024
Agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Kelly Burtnick
- Position: Long-Term Substitute Teacher (HH)
- Tenure Area: ESL
- Effective Date: October 10, 2024 through
November 29, 2024February 14, 2025 - Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
G. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves a salary increase due to additional teaching assignments for the following individuals for the 2024-2025 school year:
Daniel Shepard – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Science (1.2 FTE total) (CHS)
Effective: October 28, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Karin Sencer – 0.05 FTE as per CTA contract – Speech (1.05 FTE total) (DW)
Effective: November 8, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Kerry Bottenfield – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – ESL (1.2 FTE total) (CHS)
Effective: December 9, 2024 through June 30, 2025
H. 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.
Natalie Ricci
- Position: Long-Term Substitute Teaching Assistant (HH)
- Effective Date: November 25, 2024 through April 4, 2025
- Salary: As per the current CTA contract, BA/BS Teacher Assistant
- Salary Schedule
I. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Busra Sivaslioglu
- Position: Long-Term Substitute English as a Second Language Teacher
- Effective Date: December 31, 2024 through June 30, 2025
- Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
J. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (D) of the May 8, 2024 Agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Hannah Mazzeo
- Position: Long-Term Substitute Science Teacher (CHS)
- Tenure Area: Science
- Effective Date: September 1, 2024 through
June 30, 2025January 2, 2025 - Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
K. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District appoints Hannah Mazzeo to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of Science, effective January 3, 2025 and expiring on January 2, 2029. Ms. Mazzeo holds Initial Certification in the area of Biology (Gr. 7-12).
Hannah Mazzeo
- Position: 1.0 FTE Science Teacher (CHS)
- Certification: Biology (Gr. 7-12)
- Tenure Area: Science
- Effective Date: January 3, 2025
- Tenure Date: January 2, 2029
- Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
L. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following individuals to the coaching positions listed below for the 2024-2025 school year, as per the CTA contract. Position is contingent upon acceptable program
enrollment:
| Co-Curricular Activity | Name | FTE |
| Cheerleading – Varsity Fall | Amya Sousis | 1.0 |
| Volleyball – Varsity | Andrea Lane | 1.0 |
| Cheerleading – Competitive Varsity Winter | Amya Sousis | 1.0 |
Non-Instructional
M. THAT the Board of Education amend item VI (A-23) of the July 10, 2024 Reorganizational Meeting agenda as follows:
THAT the Board of Education appoints Peggy O’Shea as Data Protection Officer for the time period of July 1, 2024 through December 6, 2024 2024-2025 school year at no additional compensation.
THAT the Board of Education appoints Dr. Tim Mundell as Data Protection Officer for the time period of December 9, 2024 through June 30, 2025 at no additional compensation.
N. THAT the Board of Education amend item VI (A) of the July 10, 2024 Reorganizational Meeting agenda as follows:
THAT the Board of Education appoints Stacy Mackey as School Pesticide Representative for the time period of July 1, 2024 through November 3, 2024 at no additional compensation.
THAT the Board of Education appoints Bill Darcy as School Pesticide Representative for the time period of November 4, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
THAT the Board of Education appoints Stacy Mackey as the Asbestos (LEA) Designee for the time period of July 1, 2024 through November 3, 2024 at no additional compensation.
THAT the Board of Education appoints Bill Darcy as the Asbestos (LEA) Designee for the time period of November 4, 2024 through June 30, 2025 at no additional compensations.
O. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Shanna Perry from the position of Teacher Aide (CHS).
Effective: October 30, 2024
P. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of Carmen Serrano from the position of Teacher Aide (HH).
Effective: November 22, 2024
Q. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Melissa Canty to the position of full time Campus Safety Monitor, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
Melissa Canty
- Position: 1.0 FTE Campus Safety Monitor (AL)
- Effective Date: November 18, 2024
- Probation Period: May 17, 2025
- Salary: As per current CSEA contract
R. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Alexsandra Morales to the position of full time Teacher Aide, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
Alexsandra Morales
- Position: 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (CHS)
- Effective Date: December 2, 2024
- Probation Period: June 1, 2025
- Salary: As per current CSEA contract
S. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Mary Need to the position of Part-Time Teacher Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a temporary appointment.
Mary Need
- Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (AL)
- Effective Date: November 18, 2024 through June 30, 2025
- Salary: $15.50 per hour
T. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Kendralyn Shider-Sagehorn to the position of Part-Time Teacher Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a temporary appointment.
Kendralyn Shider-Sagehorn
- Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (HH)
- Effective Date: November 18, 2024 through June 30, 2025
- Salary: $15.50 per hour
U. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the holiday pay for the following part-time employees for the 2024-2025 school year:
- Paula Ahearn $290.63
- Trent Apisa $290.63
- Maria Baez $290.63
- Bernadette Glynn $304.69
- Danielle Guild $290.63
- Crystal Kelly $290.63
- Michelle Lake $290.63
- Susan Martini $290.63
- Caitlyn Bellenoit $290.63
- Maureen Finnen $290.63
- Pamela Bertrand $290.63
- Gail Friedman $304.69
- Lisa Hoefer $290.63
- Katelynn Howes $290.63
- Patricia Kelly $290.63
- Lori LaMere $290.63
- Aprille Overocker $290.63
- Teresa Slater $290.63
- Randi Tifft $290.63
- Tracy Darwak $290.63
ADDENDA
VI. REPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:
J. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves an Agreement by and between the Cohoes City School District and the County of Albany, 112 State Street, Albany, NY 12207 for funding to support an improvement initiative grant supporting anti-bullying and youth violence prevention programing in the amount of $19,750 for the time period of December 1, 2024 through December 1, 2025 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
K. 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 December 11, 2024 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
L. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the Memorandum of Agreement between the Cohoes City School District and CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME, ALF-CIO Unit # 6008-00 dated December 11, 2024 in accordance
with the terms and conditions herein.
M. MOTION: To walk in a resolution for the notification of a Superintendent Hearing appeal to become item VI (M)
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby denies the appeal of the discipline imposed on a particular district student.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
V. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Ashley Simmons to the exempt position of Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools/District Clerk, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission and the New York State Education Law.
Ashley Simmons
- Position: 1.0 FTE Secretary to Superintendent of Schools/District Clerk
- Effective Date: December 30, 2024
- Salary: $63,000
W. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School District hereby appoints Ann Marie Mabeus to the position of full time Teacher Aide, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such
appointment is a probationary appointment.
Ann Marie Mabeus
- Position: 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (CHS)
- Date: December 12, 2024
- Probation Period: June 11, 2025
- Salary: As per current CSEA contract
X. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education hereby approves the rate of pay for retired teacher aides who serve in the capacity of substitute teachers aides at $16.50 per hour.
Effective: January 1, 2025
DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the December 11, 2024 agenda;
VI (A-M), (VII A-X) and IX (A)
- Moved by: Mr. Jarosz
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- 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- November 2024
- Budget Transfers- November 2024
- Budget Status Report – November 2024
- Revenue Status Report – November 2024
- Bank Reconciliation Report – November 2024
- Internal Claims Audit Report – November 2024
- 2024-2025 Reserve Plan
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION – None
XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS – Mrs. Paradis suggested now that we have a Director of Facilities, would it be possible to convene the district committee. Ms. O’Shea commented that a meeting will be scheduled after the holidays. Mr. Jarosz on behalf of the Board would like to congratulate Hannah Kolakowski a CHS student who was recently named WNYT’s Big Board Sports Athlete of the Week! Mrs. Giller, on behalf of the Board, congratulated Mrs. Rumsey on her upcoming retirement and expressed gratitude for her commitment and dedication to the district. Mrs. Giller wished everyone “Happy Holidays”!
XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE – None
XIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW – None
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
- January 8, 2025 – Cohoes Middle School at 6 PM
- January 22, 2025 – Cohoes Middle School at 6 PM
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To enter into executive session at 7:19 pm to discuss matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person or corporation.
- Moved by: Mrs. Gendron
- Second by: Mr. Jarosz
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 5-0
MOTION: To adjourn at 7:37pm
- Moved by: Mrs. Gendron
- Second by: Mr. Jarosz
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 5-0