November 7, 2019

The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District Board of Education Finance Committee Meeting dated November 7, 2019 was called to order by Mrs. Ricci at 6:00pm.

PRESENT: Marcia Ricci, Tammi Dehler, David Lee, Jamie Maloney, Carolyn Bell, Denise Carutasu

ALSO PRESENT: Patrick Pomerville, Rachel Schwendinger, Heather Lewis, Marvin and Company

ABSENT: Jack Catanzarita

Presentation: In-depth review of school district audit ending June 30, 2019, Heather Lewis, Marvin and Company.  Summary of 2018 2019 Audit.pdf

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board went into executive session at 6:40pm to discuss a personnel matter.

The Board returned to regular session at 7:00pm.

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The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District Board of Education Regular Meeting dated November 7, 2019 was called to order by Mrs. Ricci at 7:00pm.

PRESENT: Marcia Ricci, Tammi Dehler, David Lee, Jamie Maloney, Carolyn Bell, Denise Carutasu

ALSO PRESENT: Patrick Pomerville, Rachel Schwendinger, Heather Lewis, Marvin and Company, Mike Robbins, Joel Richardson, Ken Williams, Office Dilbone, Waterford Police Department

ABSENT: Jack Catanzarita

There were no comments from residents or staff regarding items on this evening’s action agenda.

Comments from Administration
Mr. Richardson reported on the following:
On October 28, 2019, WHHS 9th grade students attended a presentation by Erin Gruwell at Cohoes High School.  The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them is a non-fiction 1999 book written by The Freedom Writers, a group of students from Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, and their teacher Erin Gruwell. It is the basis of the 2007 movie Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank.  The Freedom Writers Foundation focuses on four main programs that improve the education of students around the globe. Educators are trained to teach every student, develop interesting and substantive curricula, award scholarships to first-generation high school graduates, and bring hope by sharing stories of overcoming adversity through education.  Cohoes Central School District hosted students from Waterford, Cohoes, Watervliet and Lansingburgh.  The program was funded by Utica National Insurance.

Colleen Rishel, our new chorus teacher who started in October, has already formed a select chorus and a drama class with a presentation of Ghost Hunt scheduled for November 22nd. She has reinstated All County Chorus participation for qualifying students.  Mrs. Rishel is also planning a spring production of Beauty and the Beast.  Mr. Pomerville noted that Mrs. Rishel will be focusing on one of our Board of Education goals to increase participation of younger students in grades 4 through 8 in music and the arts.

Mr. Scanlan attended the fall sports recognition event that was very well attended.  Many thanks to Mr. Robbins for organizing the event with the new format.

A Super Student lunch will be held Friday.  Teachers have recommended 7th and 8th grade students based on their academic achievement, effort and participation.  The event is coordinated by Mrs. Gervasio, Junior High Student Government Advisor.  

Mr. Pomerville reported on the following:
Adjustments to tonight’s BOE agenda including a recommendation to table action on Cady Kuebler’s resignation.

The annual senior citizen concert and luncheon is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 22, 2019 beginning at 11:45am.  Mr. Pomerville extended an invitation to all Board members to attend the concert and luncheon and meet with community members.  

The brochure containing information on the upcoming capital construction vote is being finalized.  The vote will be held Tuesday, December 10, 2019.  Mr. Pomerville and Board of Education members have gone into the community with information about the capital construction project and have attended PTO and Sports Booster meetings, met with members of the Waterford Lions Club and the Town of Waterford.  The next meeting is with the Village of Waterford on November 13th at 7:30pm.  

Mr. Pomerville read to the Board a letter from Town Supervisor Jack Lawler indicating an increase in the shared cost of litigation for the Momentive Tax Certiorari case.  Originally, the district’s share was not to exceed $100,000.  That amount now has been increased by $150,000 for a total amount not to exceed $250,000.  This recommendation will be on the November 21, 2019 agenda for Board approval.  

Mr. Pomerville invited Officer Dilbone, Waterford Police Department, to tonight’s meeting in light of the recent incident involving a non-credible threat to the safety of the district.  Officer Dilbone is on-hand to answer questions parents or community members may have.  Mr. Pomerville thanked Office Dilbone for the work he has done and said he is a constant resource for the district.  Mr. Pomerville was able to call him at all hours and appreciates his dedication to the school and the Waterford Police Department.  Mr. Pomerville thanked the  members of the police department who are always here at arrival and dismissal.



Presentation: Summary of district audit ending June 30, 2019, Heather Lewis, Marvin and Company.  Summary of 2018 2019 Audit.pdf

Presentation: Fall Sports Report, Mr. Robbins, Athletic Director
.  
Fall Sports Report (2019).pdf
Mr. Robbins reported the high school graduated a very active senior class in June.  The district fielded every team the WASAREN league allows.  Junior Varsity teams are essential to the success of the program.  This year, WHHS won 51% of their games overall, an increase over last year.  All but one team showed significant improvement from last year.  Most WHHS teams are moving toward being competitive in the league and some teams compete on an even level.

Mr. Pomerville attended the awards ceremony last night and noticed that each coach made certain to thank Mr. Robbins as he is a strong advocate for the athletic program.  Mr. Pomerville is pleased and proud to have Mr. Robbins as Athletic Director.

Mr. Robbins reported on the new fall sports awards format stating that 131 athletes attended, only 17 missed.  Mr. Robbins thought the new format makes the season more meaningful.  Mrs. Carutasu agreed that the evening was successful and that she did not hear one negative comment.  Mr. Robbins thanked Mrs. Carutasu for help with the slide show. 
 

Presentation: Data Privacy Officer, Mr. Pomerville, Superintendent.  
Education Law -D Requirements.pdf

Mrs. Carutasu asked about the possibility of parent/family non-participation in releasing student data.  Mr. Pomerville would call NERIC for support, but has not had that happen.

Mrs. Ricci asked if Mr. Pomerville had someone in mind fo the position.  Mr. Pomerville has spoken to the administrators and to Mr. Siracuse, WAA President, to see if any of our administrators were interested.

Mrs. Dehler asked about training.  Mr. Pomerville said, yes training is necessary and he has already attended a session sponsored by BOCES and NERIC.  

Mr. Lee asked if BOCES has a Data Privacy policy.  Mr. Pomerville said NERIC is developing a policy for schools to adopt.

Mr. Pomerville said the stipend for the Data Privacy Officer would be in the $4,000 - $5,000 range.

Mrs. Maloney asked how the district currently handles the use of commercial software programs in the classroom.  Mr. Pomerville stated that our technology department has a list of all software currently in use, for example, Spelling City.  NERIC is developing a list of companies approved for use and is also creating forms with a checklist of approved criteria.


Second Reading Policy #7440 Student Voter Registration and Pre-Registration
Second Reading Policy #5140 Administration of the Budget
Second Reading Policy #7511 Immunization of Students
Second Reading Policy #6150 Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, and Other Substances (Staff)
Second Reading Policy #7320 Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, and Other Substances (Students)
Second Reading Policy #5660 Meal Charging and Prohibition Against Meal Shaming

ACTION
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved minutes of the October 17, 2019 Board of Education meeting.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following warrants:
Special Aid #13 for $1,148.50
Capital Fund #6 for $119.44
School Lunch #6 for $11,385.89
General Fund #29 for $159,891.32

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board accepted the Claims Audit dated October 2019

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board accepted the District Audit ending June 30, 2019 as presented by Marvin and Company.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board tabled action on the resignation of Cady Kuebler as Financial Support Specialist effective November 8, 2019.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved a first request from Erin Bridgers, Art Teacher, to investigate a trip to Mass MoCa for 7th and 8th grade students in January or February.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved a first request from Hollie Russo, Elementary Teacher, to investigate a trip to NY Mets Education Day for 5th and 6th grade students, on June 10, 2020.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved a letter of service with Bernard P. Donegan, Inc. for Municipal Advisor Services in connection with the School District’s proposed $15,185,000 Capital Project, existing capital projects, and other financial matters.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved  the appointment of Marcus Alston as Girls Modified Basketball coach for the 2019 - 2020 season; salary per the WTA contract on a prorated basis as determined by the actual percentage of the season coached.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointments of the following substitute elementary teachers; salary per the policy on substitute teacher pay: Erika Korzeniewski, Kenneth Lancto, Gabriella LaPrade, Lauren Leavens, Elizabeth Esker, Ada Hartig.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board accepted the Fall Sports Report as submitted by Mr. Robbins.

The Board reviewed CSE minutes dated 10/23/2019.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the attached resolution by and between the Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD and the Waterford-Halfmoon CSEA dated November 7, 2019; regarding starting salaries.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of James Potoczak as long term substitute high school math teacher; effective December 2, 2019; salary per the policy on substitute teacher pay amended to Step 3; pending fingerprint approval.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following warrants:
Special Aid #14 for $346.50
School Lunch #7 for $280.22
Capital Fund #7 for $36,525.48
General Fund #30 for $42,382.80

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of the following elementary substitute teachers for the 2019 - 2020 school year: Benjamen Phillips, Victoria Lelonek, Meghan Watson; salary per the policy on substitute teacher pay.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved a request from Rhonda Mabee, Food Service Worker, for a 5 day unpaid leave of absence in November.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the four year probationary appointment of Jill Durivage as Teaching Assistant; 6 hours per day; effective November 8, 2019; salary per the CSEA contract.

The Board reviewed CSE minutes dated 10/9/2019, 10/30/2019.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Trevis Ray as a substitute custodian for the 2019 - 2020 school year; salary per the CSEA contract.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Sally Savage as a substitute custodian for the 2019 - 2020 school year; pending fingerprint approval; salary per the CSEA contract.


On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following policies:
Policy #7440 Student Voter Registration and Pre-Registration
Policy #5140 Administration of the Budget
Policy #7511 Immunization of Students
Policy #6150 Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, and Other Substances (Staff)
Policy #7320 Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, and Other Substances (Students)
Policy #5660 Meal Charging and Prohibition Against Meal Shaming


On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board went into executive session at 7:50 to discuss a personnel issue.  They returned to regular session at 8:10 and adjourned.


Julie Caulkins
District Clerk