Cohoes City School District
Board of Education Business Meeting
January 10, 2024 Cohoes Middle School 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 President, Mrs. Carey at 6:02 pm
ROLL CALL
Present:
- Mrs. Giller
- Mr. Jackson
- Mrs. Snyder
- Mrs. Gendron
- Mrs. Paradis
- Mr. Jarosz
- Mrs. Carey
Also Present:
- Ms. Peggy O’Shea, Superintendent of Schools
- Mr. Dan Martinelli, Assistant Superintendent
- Mrs. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official
II. DISTRICT REPORTS
Superintendent Reports –
Jr. Drama Club Presentation – Mr. Gunn and Mrs. Bird introduced several student members of the Jr. Drama Club who gave a preview of the upcoming performances of Annie Jr. The cast sang two selections from the play. Mrs. Carey on behalf of the Board wished them the best of luck.
Esports – Jeff Huneau, athletic director, shared that the eSports Team recently won the New York State Championship. Michael Wilt, coach of the team, shared an overview of the team, his role as a coach, and expectations of team members. Students were introduced and Mrs. Carey congratulated the team on behalf of the board.
Capital Project Update – Greg Klokiw from CSArch and Mike Collins from Turner Construction shared that Phase 2 of the capital project was approved and out to bid. They provided a timeline for each area included in the project. Mrs. Giller asked if there would be any impact to spring sports. Jeff Huneau, athletic director, responded that Senior nights would take place before the
construction work began and that he will be working to schedule games in the near future.
Mrs. Carey asked if there were supply chain issues to which Mr. Collins replied that things have gotten better. Mrs. Snyder asked if lacrosse games at home would be impacted. Mr. Huneau replied that the lacrosse teams would utilize the track practice field for their practices and games.
Ms. O’Shea discussed the recent meeting between central office and secondary administrators and Chief of Police Waldin and Assistant Chief Keefe. She shared a proposal for a collaboration during which a representative from the police department would review the calls from the previous afternoon/evening and inform the school if a situation occurred that involved or impacted one of our students. This would enable faculty and staff to provide additional assistance to the students when they come in the following morning.
Mrs. Giller stated that since we did not receive the grant for a school resource officer, this would provide additional connection with the school district.
Mrs. Snyder asked what happens after the school is notified, is there a greater plan? Ms. O’Shea replied that administrators, school social workers and other
staff would work with each child and or family within a trauma responsive framework.
Ms. O’Shea shared that she, Mr. Martinelli, members of our District Instructional Technology team and representatives from NERIC recently had two meetings with Synergy representatives including the East Coast Sales Manager, Vice President of the SMS Division and programmers.
One major area discussed was electronic submissions of assignments by students. At times, although the student submitted an assignment, teachers can’t view that it was submitted. Synergy is working on this and will be providing a test site on January 19th which is anticipated to go live on January 26 after report card input. Ms. O’Shea will provide a more in depth report at the
January 31 Board meeting.
Ms. O’Shea conveyed that she understood the transition to this new platform has been very difficult and thanked the faculty and staff for all their efforts. She noted that she understood this has been challenging for secondary students as well. Mrs. Giller asked if a communication could go out to parents explaining the problem to which Ms. O’Shea replied yes.
Ms. Mackey provided a business update which included the minimum wage increase on the agenda for part time employees during their first through third years of service. She mentioned that budget season is officially underway. Secondary needs assessment meetings were held last week and Elementary needs assessments have been scheduled. Ms. Mackey mentioned that
Assembly member John McDonald will be attending the January 31, board meeting to provide an update on the State of the State.
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. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board accepts the Minutes of the Board of
Education meeting of December 13, 2023.
B. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education adopts the following policies:
4321.12 – Use of Time Out Rooms
4321.12.1 – Limited Authorized Use of Physical Restraints
8210 – Use of Surveillance Cameras on School Property
9000 – Personnel Goals
9120.1 – Conflict of Interest
9170 – Meals and Refreshments
9500 – Compensation and Benefits
9520.6 – Right of Employees to Express Breast Milk in the Workplace
C. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following
individuals to the 2024 Board of Voter Registration at no additional
compensation; Jacqueline DeChiaro, Carla Rogers, Cliff Bird, Mark Perry and
Michelle Perry.
D. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education designates April 8 – April 12,
2024 and April 15 – April 17, 2024 as Voter Registration Days at the following
locations during the hours of 10 am to 2 pm; Abram Lansing Elementary School, Harmony Hill School and Van Schaick Grade School.
E. 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 January 10, 2024 in accordance with the terms and conditions therein.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
Instructional
A. THAT the Board of Education approve the following school psychology
practicum students from The College of Saint Rose for placement within the
District for a minimum of 240 hours during the spring semester 2024, January 17, 2024 through May 20, 2024:
The College of St. Rose
Hannah Rathbun with Sara Student at Cohoes Middle School
Elizabeth Magann with Cory Prairie at Cohoes High School
B. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following
individuals to the Substitute Teacher and Tutor list:
- Bell, Alysia
- Coviello, Jaclynn
- Hussain, Fazal
- Lencewicz, Nicole
- Matthews, Laura
- Richbart, Joshua
- Ross, Ryan
- Tebbano, Charlene
- Waller, Josh
- Washock, Megan
- Liu, Hua-Ling
- Netuschil, Emily
- Smith, Jeffrey
Effective: January 11, 2024
C. THAT the Board of Education amend item VII (H) of the December 13, 2023
Agenda to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Joshua Lewandowski to a four three – year probationary term in the tenure area of Social Studies, effective January 16, 2024 and expiring on
January 15, 2028 January 15, 2027. Mr. Lewandowski holds Professional
Certification in the area of Social Studies 7-12.
Joshua Lewandowski
- Position: 1.0 FTE Social Studies Teacher (CHS)
- Certification: Social Studies 7-12
- Tenure Area: Social Studies
- Effective Date: January 16, 2024
- Tenure Date:
January 15, 2028January 15, 2027 - Salary: Step 8 of the current CTA contract
D. THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation for retirement purposes of Patricia Caputo from her position of English Teacher (CHS).
Effective: June 30, 2024
E. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation for
retirement purposes of Kimberly Coluccio from her position of Elementary
Teacher (VS).
Effective: June 30, 2024
F. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Kelsey Cicerone
- Position: Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher (HH)
- Tenure Area: Elementary
- Effective Date: March 11, 2024 through May 9, 2024
- Salary: As per the current CTA contract
G. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Michelle Snyder
- Position: Long-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher (HH)
- Tenure: Area Special Education
- Effective Date: March 20, 2024 through May 22, 2024
- Salary: As per the current CTA contract
H. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints and employs Kristin Frank to a term position as a
Tutoring Center Instructor, for the maximum period January 3, 2024 to June 30, 2024, subject to earlier termination by the Board of Education. This is a term appointment and is not a probationary appointment. It is specifically
acknowledged that Ms. Frank has agreed to waive any rights she may have to a
probationary appointment and consideration for tenure and such agreement is
evidenced by a writing signed by both parties. Ms. Frank will receive salary and
benefits as outlined in the Letter Agreement by and between Ms. Frank and the Superintendent of Schools.
Kristin Frank
Position: Tutoring Center Instructor (CHS)
Salary: $42,000/school year
I. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Michelle Donnelly to a four – year probationary term in the
tenure area of School Social Worker, effective February 12, 2024 and expiring on February 11, 2028. Ms. Donnelly holds Permanent Certification in the area of School Social Worker.
Michelle Donnelly
- Position: 1.0 FTE School Social Worker (AL)
- Certification: School Social Worker
- Tenure Area: School Social Worker
- Effective Date: February 12, 2024
- Tenure Date: February 11, 2028
- Salary: Step 10 of the current CTA contract
J. THAT the Board of Education approve the unpaid Leave of Absence of Kelsey Cicerone from her position as Teaching Assistant from March 11, 2024 through May 9, 2024. (HH)
K. THAT the Board of Education approve the unpaid Leave of Absence of Michelle Snyder from her position as Teaching Assistant from March 20, 2024 through May 22, 2024. (HH)
Non-Instructional
L. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education establishes the rates of pay for the following positions:
Part-time teacher aides, per hour
Years of service = 1 through 3 – $15.00
Effective: January 1, 2024
DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the January 10, 2024 agenda;
VI (A-E), VII (A-L) and X (A and B)
- Moved by: Mrs. Snyder
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 7-0
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- N/A
- Budget Transfers – N/A
- Budget Status Report – N/A
- Revenue Status Report – N/A
- Bank Reconciliation Report – N/A
- Internal Claims Audit Report – N/A
- Reserve and Fund Balance Report
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION
A. THAT the Board of Education accepts a donation in the amount of $255.00 from Hannaford Helps to be used for the Cohoes Middle School PBIS activities.
B. THAT the Board of Education accepts a donation in the amount of $738.36 from Shutterfly to be used for Cohoes Middle School PBIS activities.
XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
Mrs. Carey on behalf of the Board of Education recognized the donations and expressed the gratitude of the district. She also suggested that the Board research a Social Media Policy which could be brought to the policy committee at its meeting scheduled for January 30, 2024.
XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE – None
XIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW
Second Reading:
4321.12 – Use of Time Out Rooms (replaces current 4321.12)
4321.12.1 – Limited Authorized Use of Physical Restraint (replaces current 4321.12)
8210 – Use of Surveillance Cameras on School Property
9000 – Personnel Goals
9120.1 – Conflict of Interest
9170 – Meals and Refreshments
9500 – Compensation and Benefits
9520.6 – Right of Employees to Express Breast Milk in the Workplace
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
January 31, 2024 – Cohoes Middle School Library at 6 PM
February 14, 2024 – Cohoes Middle School Library at 6 PM
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to enter to Executive Session at 7:05 pm.
To discuss negotiations with Cohoes Principals’ Association
- Moved by: Mrs. Giller
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 7-0
MOTION: To adjourn at 7:58 pm
- Moved by: Mrs. Giller
- Second by: Mr. Jarosz
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 7-0