Cohoes City School District
Board of Education Business Meeting
September 25, 2024 CHS LGI Room
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 6:02pm
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
- Ms. Stacy Mackey, School Business Official
II. DISTRICT REPORTS
Superintendent’s Update
Ms. O’Shea discussed the recent incident at Cohoes High School. She reported that a non-resident student entered the building at the beginning of the school day. Thanks to the quick action of Assistant Principal Bradt and staff, the student was quickly found and escorted out of the building by safety officers. Cohoes Police responded and the student was arrested. She shared that the high school has a single point of entry that campus safety and administrators monitor.
Ms. O’Shea provided an update on various programs to assist with student behavior such as PBIS, Second Step, Positivity Project, the tutoring center and In-School Support. She shared secondary schools’ disciplinary summaries to date and will again share with the board at quarterly intervals.
Ms. O’Shea gave an update on the hiring of campus safety monitors. She spoke about the districts collaboration with the police department and that the Handle with Care Program was assisting administrators and counseling staff to provide proactive responses.
Unfortunately, the City of Cohoes was not awarded the Resource Officer grant this year. A district wide safety team meeting has been scheduled for October 7, 2024 and the discussion will continue.
Mrs. Giller asked about the start of the year and student behavior at the onset of the school year. High School Principal, Mrs. Tarlo responded that the atmosphere has been positive with few issues. There are support systems in place to address student needs and they remain transparent about issues and address them with the tools they have.
Mrs. Paradis complemented Mrs. Tarlo on the 11th and 12th grade students are clearly used to the rules and expectations while the 9th and 10th graders are becoming familiar with the rules. Mrs. Giller reminded that “out of the box” programs are part of the budget discussions and needs to be thoughtfully presented with data to support the “ask”.
CHS student report – Chayce Winslow and Hibah Junaid shared how their school year has started with positive energy. They expressed their eagerness to volunteer, the future ready pathways program, opportunities for students at the high school and how they have received help and guidance from all faculty and staff. The students have formed close bonds with teachers. Students are eager to participate and have great school spirit.
Mrs. Carey asked the students what the board could do to further support the high school students? The students answered monthly check-ins and air conditioning. Mrs. Paradis stated that beginning in July there is a requirement that a student should be on the Board. The board will discuss the process beginning in January.
Ms. O’Shea shared information regarding the opening of school and provided an enrollment update. Overall the district has seen a decrease of 55 students; however, the high school enrollment has increased by 19 students.
Capital Project Update
Patty Murphy from Turner Construction provided an update on phase I of the construction project. She stated that the elevator at Harmony Hill School is substantially completed and the elevator at Van Schaick Grade School is in progress. Ms. Murphy gave an update of each of the buildings progress which included at Abram Lansing the library has been refreshed, the exterior of the building has been painted and window screens are in process.
At Harmony Hill, the resource rooms have been refurbished; however, the fire alarms and ADA curbs have been extended. The Van Schaick roof/skylight is complete and the front exterior door has been replaced. The ADA curbs at Van Schaick will be scheduled in October. At the Middle School, science classrooms, second floor bathrooms, windows, hot water heater, plaster repairs/painting of the library ceiling and roof repairs have been completed.
The High School has seen the completion of the roof, turf field, lights and bleachers. The track opening goal is October 3, 2024. Ms. O’Shea welcomed board members to walk through the spaces to see all of the updates throughout the district. Ribbon cutting will be on October 4 at 6:30
pm.
Mrs. Giller commented that feedback has been positive from community members. She also mentioned the quality of work and the patience and collaboration of all involved. Students are very proud of the field.
Business Update
Ms. Mackey provided the board with an audit update. She stated that
capital reserve funding was on the agenda and that the board should expect to see an amendment of the debt services reserve funding on a future meeting agenda. The reserve plan will be updated to reflect these modifications & the Board should expect to see it for review in October – November. The five (5) year financial plan will be prepared in December, in preparations for budget discussions. We will need to determine a spending plan for the Capital Reserve, which will be subject to public vote.
Mr. Bird, Principal of Abram Lansing School discussed the library books being surplused on the agenda. They were weeded in preparation for the construction of the library. He mentioned that the library had not been “scrubbed” in over 15 years. They ordered new books and refreshed “well loved” books.
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 of Education accepts the Minutes of the
Board of Education Meeting of August 28, 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: 5/6/24, 5/13/24, 5/29/24, 8/21/24, 8/26/24, 8/29/24, 9/4/24, 9/9/24, 9/11/24, 9/13/24, 9/18/24
C. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education waives the second reading and adopts the following policies:
6240 – Investments
6700 – Purchasing
D. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education abolishes policy 7120
Enrollment Projections.
E. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the 2024-2025
School Comprehensive Education Plan – Abram Lansing Elementary School.
F. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement dated August 30, 2024 between the Cohoes City School District and Vanderheyden, located at P.O. Box 219, Wynantskill, New York for special education services for the period of September 4, 2024 through June 26, 2025 at a rate of $57,629.00 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein. This rate is subject to change based on NYSED finalized rates.
G. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the contract by and between the Cohoes City School District and Point Break located at P.O. Box 443, Halfmoon, New York 12065 for workshops to be presented to high school students during the 2024-2025 school year in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
H. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the Shared Services Agreement by and between the Cohoes City School District, Menands Union Free School District, Green Island Union Free School District and Watervliet City School District for special education services in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
I. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement dated July 9, 2024 by and between the Cohoes City School District and Concord Theatricals Corp, located at 250 W. 57 th Street, 6 th floor, New York, New York in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
J. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education awards the Athletic and Field
Trip Transportation services RFP dated August 27, 2024 to Durham School
Services for a three (3) year term beginning September 1, 2024 in accordance
with terms and conditions herein.
K. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby authorizes the transfer in the amount of $2,000,000 from the June 30, 2024 unallocated fund balances to the Capital Reserve fund as authorized by the voters at the May 15, 2018 annual vote.
L. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves change order RC-
CO-1 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: $0
Contract Sum prior to this Change Order: $1,108,600.00
PCO-071 Credit for Light pole Damage: $3,023.00
Contract Sum decreased by this change order: $3,023.00
New Contract Sum: $1,105,577.00
M. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves change order SC-
CO-02 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: $0
*SC-CO-01 was voided:
Contract Sum prior to this Change Order: $4,700,790.00
PCO-036 (CIC-012) HS Water Meter Waterline: $32,503.74
Contract Sum increased by this change order: $32,503.74
New Contract Sum: $4,733,293.74
N. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves change order SC-
CO-03 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: $32,503.74
Contract Sum prior to this Change Order: $4,733,293.74
PCO-037.1 (CIC-014) HS track existing sub layer: $31,706.12
Contract Sum increased by this change order: $31,706.12
New Contract Sum: $4,764,999.86
O. WHEREAS, the Cohoes City School District offers an annual “Ski Club” each
year to eligible students; and
WHEREAS, the District has determined that, for the 2024-2025 school year,
Brown Coach (“Brown”) represents the best value to the District for the
transportation of District Ski Club members to and from the ski location; and
WHEREAS, Brown has provided to the District Purchase Orders/Charter Coach Confirmations setting forth the pertinent terms and agreements between the parties relating to the transportation of Ski Club Participants for the 2024-2025 school year; and
WHEREAS, more specifically, Brown has provided Purchase Orders/Charter
Coach Confirmations for the following dates: January 1, 2025 through March 1,
2025; and
WHEREAS, the District desires to approve the Purchase Orders/Charter Coach Confirmations for the aforementioned dates.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the
Cohoes City School District hereby approves the Purchase Orders/Charter Coach Confirmations issued by Brown Transportation to the District relating to the transportation of the District’s Ski Club on those dates set forth above and
authorizes the payments associated therewith.
P. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement dated September 10, 2024 between the Cohoes City School District and Aperture Education, PO Box 7410058, Chicago, IL for Social Emotional Learning software licenses for the period of August 25, 2024 through August 24, 2025 for $2,648.75 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
Q. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the agreement dated September 10, 2024 with the Cohoes City School District and the Center for Disability, d/b/a Langan School, located at 314 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, NY for special education services during the 2024 extended school year session at a rate of $10,159 per student and during the 2024-2025 school year at a rate of $60,954 per student in accordance with the terms and conditions herein. The rates are subject to final NYS Education Department approval.
R. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the contract dated September 10, 2024 by and between the Cohoes City School District and MTI
Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Music Theatre International, located at 423 W 55 th Street, Floor 2, New York, NY for the High School Musical during the 2024-2025 school year. The contract sum is $1,933.20 in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
Instructional
A. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of
Ashley Hartman from the position as Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher (AL).
Effective: September 8, 2024
B. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following
individuals to the Substitute Teacher and Tutor list:
- Augerot, Richard
- Bucci, Nicholas
- Clark, Schuylar
- DeDonna, Rachel
- Haley, Scott
- Humphrey, Jamie
- Javed, Fatima
- Reale, Alexandra
- Voloshen, Marielle
- Welch, MichaelEffective: September 26, 2024
C. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following
individual to the 2024-2025 Future-Ready Pathways Extended Learning Program (grant funded):
Substitute (as needed)
- Lydia Cappadonia
- Alicia Ozols
- Michele Bolke
D. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints the following individual as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.
Samantha Miller
Position: Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher (AL)
Tenure Area: Elementary
Effective Date: September 10, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Salary: Step 1 of the current CTA contract
E. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Lucas Maddalena to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, effective September 5, 2024 and expiring on September 4, 2028. Mr. Maddalena holds an AA/AS and has a Level I Teaching Assistant Certification.
Lucas Maddalena
Position: 1.0 FTE Teaching Assistant (CHS)
Certification: Teaching Assistant
Tenure Area: Teaching Assistant
Effective Date: September 5, 2024
Tenure Date: September 4, 2028
Salary: As per the current CTA contract, AA/AS Teacher Assistant Salary Schedule
F. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District appoints Jordan Krzemien to a four – year probationary term in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant, effective September 12, 2024 and expiring on September 11, 2028. Ms. Krzemien holds Initial Certification in the area of
School Counselor.
Jordan Krzemien
Position: 1.0 FTE Teaching Assistant (HH)
Certification: Teaching Assistant
Tenure Area: Teaching Assistant
Effective Date: September 12, 2024
Tenure Date: September 11, 2028
Salary: As per the current CTA contract, Teacher Certified Teacher Assistant Salary Schedule
G. 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 |
| Football – Varsity | Daniel DeChiaro | 1.0 |
Non-Instructional
H. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of
Samantha Krill from the position of Teacher Aide (CMS).
Effective: August 30, 2024
I. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the termination of
Daisy Gamache from the position of Teacher Aide (HH).
Effective: September 2, 2024
J. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education accepts the resignation of
Julianna McCabe from the position of Teacher Aide (VS).
Effective: September 20, 2024
K. 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, such appointments are temporary appointments.
Laura Pierce
Effective: September 19, 2024
L. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints the following individual to the Full -Time Teacher Aide
Substitute list, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a temporary appointment.
McKenzie Hansen
Effective: September 20, 2024
M. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education amends Item VII (Q) of the
August 28, 2024 Business Meeting as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education appoints the following
individuals as Part-Time Teacher Aides for the 2024-25 school year:
Van Schaick Grade School
Caitlin Bellenoit
Maureen Finnen
Abram Lansing Elementary School
Trent Apisa
Maria Baez
Bernadette Glynn
Danielle Guild
Crystal Kelly
Michelle Lake
Susan Martini
Harmony Hill Elementary School
Pamela Bertrand
Shannan Fraim
Gail Friedman
Lisa Hoefer
Katelynn Howes
Patricia Kelly
Lori LaMere
Kailey McCarthy
Aprille Overocker
Teresa Slater
Randi Tifft
Brigid Waddell
Cohoes High School
Paula Ahearn
N. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education hereby approves the
appointment of Jennifer Heeney to a Teacher on Special Assignment (“TOSA”)
position for the 2024-2025 school year, specifically referenced as the Career
Education Coordinator position. While in this assignment as a TOSA, Jennifer
Heeney shall be in the Elementary tenure area and time spent as a full time
employee in the position of Career Education Coordinator shall be credited as
time in the Elementary tenure area. The employee shall continue to accrue
seniority in the Elementary tenure area.
O. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Robert McCormack III 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.
Robert McCormack III
Position: 1.0 FTE Campus Safety Monitor (HH)
Effective Date: September 1, 2024
Probation Period: March 1, 2025
Salary: As per current CSEA contract
P. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Brigid Waddell to the position of full time Teacher Aide, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
Brigid Waddell
Position: 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (HH)
Effective Date: September 12, 2024
Probation Period: March 11, 2025
Salary: Entry-level per current CSEA contract
Q. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints McKenzie Hansen to the position of full time Teacher
Aide, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such
appointment is a probationary appointment.
McKenzie Hansen
Position: 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (AL)
Effective Date: September 26, 2024
Probation Period: March 26, 2025
Salary: Entry-level per current CSEA contract
R. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Shannan Fraim to the position of ful- time Teacher Aide, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
Shannan Fraim
Position: 1.0 FTE Teacher Aide (AL)
Effective Date: September 26, 2024
Probation Period: March 26, 2025
Salary- Entry level per current CSEA contract
S. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Sherry Allen to the position of Custodian, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission on a conditional basis; such
appointment is a provisional appointment.
Sherry Allen
Position: 1.0 FTE Custodian (PROVISIONAL apt.)
Effective Date: September 16, 2024
Salary.: Per CSEA contract
T. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Paul Rock to the position of Part-Time Teacher Aide
subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a temporary appointment.
Paul Rock
Position.: Part-Time Teacher Aide (VS)
Effective Date: September 2, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Salary: $15.50 per hour
U. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Jessica Hughes to the position of Part-Time Teacher Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a temporary appointment.
Jessica Hughes
Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (VS)
Effective Date: September 6, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Salary: $15.50 per hour
ADDENDA
VII. RECOMMENDATION FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – PERSONNEL
V. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves a salary increase due to additional teaching assignments for the following individuals:
Erin Abbott – 0.025 FTE as per CTA contract – Art (1.025 FTE total) (VS)
Effective: September 5, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Samuel Huttig – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education (1.2 FTE total) (CMS)
Brooke Hurlbut – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education (1.2 FTE
total) (CMS)
Eric Pepper – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education (1.2 FTE total)
(CMS)
Colleen Duff – 0.2 FTE as per CTA contract – Special Education (1.2 FTE total)
(CMS)
Effective: September 24, 2024 through December 2, 2024
W. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Edmond Mainville to the position of full time Cleaner,
subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a probationary appointment.
Edmond Mainville
Position: 1.0 FTE Cleaner (VS)
Effective Date: October 15, 2024
Probation Period: April 14, 2025
Salary: Entry level per current CSEA contract
X. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints MaryBeth Daurio to the position of Part-Time Teacher
Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such
appointment is a temporary appointment.
MaryBeth Daurio
Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (HH)
Effective Date: September 26, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Salary: $15.50 per hour
Y. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Kelly Lanzillo to the position of Part-Time Teacher Aide subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a temporary appointment.
Kelly Lanzillo
Position: Part-Time Teacher Aide (HH)
Effective Date: September 26, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Salary: $15.50 per hour
Z. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Cohoes City School
District hereby appoints Karyn Gumprecht to the position of Purchasing Agent, subject to the rules of the Cohoes Civil Service Commission, such appointment is a provisional appointment.
Karyn Gumprecht
Position: 1.0 FTE Purchasing Agent (PROVISIONAL)
Effective Date: October 15, 2024
Salary: $55,000
DESIGNATION OF CONSENT AGENDA: THAT the Board of Education adopts the following resolutions of the September 25, 2024 agenda;
VI (A-R), VII (A-Z), IX (A) and X (A and B)
- Moved by: Mr. Jarosz
- 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- July 2024
- Budget Transfers- July 2024
- Budget Status Report – July 2024
- Revenue Status Report – July 2024
- Bank Reconciliation Report – July 2024
- Internal Claims Audit Report – July and August 2024
X. INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION
A. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education approves the following fully
depreciated kitchen equipment to be removed from the fixed asset inventory at Cohoes High School:
Inventory tag # 001014
Inventory tag # 0428
Inventory tag # 20090828/0427
B. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education grants permission to Abram Lansing School to dispose of the following library books (see exhibit “A”)
XI. COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
XII. QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS FROM AUDIENCE – None
XIII. BOARD POLICY REVIEW
First Reading
0100 – Non Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
XIV. DATES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
October 9, 2024 – Cohoes Middle School at 6 PM
October 23, 2024 – 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; to discuss terms and conditions of employment of non-union affiliated employees and the evaluation of Superintendent O’Shea
- Moved by: Mr. Jarosz
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 7-0
MOTION: To adjourn at 8:15 pm
- Moved by: Mr. Jarosz
- Second by: Mrs. Gendron
- All voted “Aye”
- Motion carried: 5-0