February 4, 2021

The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District Board of Education Special Meeting dated February 4, 2021 was called to order at 4:08 by Mrs. Ricci, who then led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
 

Present: Marcia Ricci, David Lee, Denise Carutasu, Jamie Maloney, Caroline Bell
 

Also Present: (in person) Patrick Pomerville, Michael Robbins 

Also Present: (via Webex) Jack Catanzarita, Rachel Ingalsbe, Amy Catanzarita, Tom Mahoney, Crystal Rich, Danielle Giroux, Elizabeth Wyld, Stephanie Galuski
 

There were no comments from the public regarding items on this evening’s agenda.
 

Comments from Administration 

Mr. Pomerville thanked everyone for attending this impromptu meeting so the Board could attend a presentation from Michael Robbins, Athletic Director, ask questions and approve a resolution to allow students to compete in High Risk sports for the Winter Season. Mr. Pomerville reported that Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD is prepared to take part in a Winter Sports Season at the JV and Varsity levels with similar sized schools in Saratoga County starting February 5, 2021, following all guidance from Saratoga County Public Health, pending approval from the Board of Education and Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.

 

Presentation 

  • High Risk Winter Sports Safety Protocols - Michael Robbins (See Attached)
    • Mr. Robbins shared that the gymnasium would be limited to twelve athletes, three coaches, the referees and two clock operators. The athletes and coaches would be each provided a chair socially distanced from each other. The clock operators would be located at a table with a barrier between them. All attendees will be masked with mask breaks permitted. The games will be livestreamed, perhaps on Facebook or YouTube, and these details are being worked out with Mr. Spretty and Mr. Hathaway in the District IT department. Details are being worked on to hold a Senior Night for athletes. Competition will start on February 12, 2021 and go until March 13, 2021. Competitions will take place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with the same teams playing each other on Friday and Saturdays in order to limit exposure. 
    • The floor was then opened up to questions. Ms. Caratasu asked if athletes that have symptoms due to an ongoing diagnosis would be restricted from attending practice and games. Mr. Robbins stated that if the athlete provides a note from their doctor noting that the player’s symptoms were not related to COVID-19, they would be allowed to continue with practices and competition.
    • Ms. Caratasu asked if athletes would be provided with masks. Mr. Robbins stated they would, but the athletes are also permitted to provide their own mask, and that extra masks would also be kept in stock in case they were needed.
    • Ms. Caratasu questioned why no spectators would be allowed to be present at games if they are able to be spaced out appropriately, adding that parents want to be present in case of injuries that could be sustained during a game.  Mr. Pomerville responded that this is what had been agreed to by all of the superintendents of the schools in order to mitigate risk, as there are numerous dynamics to take into consideration for safety precautions. Mr. Robbins stated that the more people there are in the gymnasium the chances of the athletes being exposed to COVID-19 and needing to be placed in quarantine will be increased. Mr. Robbins added the first priority is to keep the students safe and able to compete, and that none of the Saratoga County schools participating would agree to spectators being present. Mr. Robbins said there was much time spent going over all of the options to make this work as well as possible for the athletes on several levels including county, league and section. 
  • Mr. Lee and Mr. Catanzarita stated their support for this plan as the end goal is for the students to be able to compete again.
  • Ms. Caratasu thanked Mr. Robbins and Mr. Pomerville for all of their hard work to make high school sports work for our students.

 On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the participation of Waterford-Halfmoon students in the high risk athletic activity of basketball in accordance with Saratoga County regulations and guidance.
 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the Memorandum of Agreement by and between the Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD and the WTA, WAA, and CSEA, Local 1000 AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Local 864 dated February 2, 2021. Mrs. Ricci asked for a clarification of section 2d in the memorandum. Mr. Pomerville responded that the MOA Section 2.d. "The employee is unable to telework, as determined by the Superintendent of Schools.", is in place because the District expects the staff to work on-site as part of the District's approach to delivering instruction either through in-person or virtually to students.  This clause simply reinforces that point and an employee cannot stay home to monitor their child and also telework and therefore avoid using a sick day.
  

Comments

    There were no comments from the Board of Education, residents or staff.
 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board adjourned at 4:54pm. 

                                                           Donna Cramer

                                                           District Clerk

 



Athletic Activity Consent Agreement (02022021).pdf
SCPHS-Higher-Risk-K12-School-Sports-Guidance-FINAL.pdf
Sport Specific Preparedness Plan (Basketball).pdf