September 19, 2019

The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District Board of Education Regular Meeting dated September 19, 2019 was called to order by Mrs. Ricci at 7:00pm.

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

ALSO PRESENT: Patrick Pomerville, Carol Lyon, Jennifer Bull, Christopher Scanlan, Joel Richardson, Joseph Siracuse, Meghan Mercier, Ken Williams, Mari Cecil and Associate from Bernier, Carr & Associates; Jason Schwartz from Bernard P. Donegan, Inc. 

ABSENT: Jack Catanzarita

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

Comments from Administration

Mr. Scanlan announced a smooth start for the beginning of this school year.  Many thanks to Mrs. Austin and Mrs. DiFabio for their work during the summer months developing the master schedule.  Spirit week is September 23 - 27 culminating with Fordian Fever Weekend events including sports booster dinner, bonfire, fireworks and athletic events.

Mr. Richardson reported continuing the rotation of Chromebooks for students in grades 4 through 12.  The annual Point Break field trip for 9th grade students was held this week at The Edge facility in Halfmoon.  Students participated in many fun games and activities using techniques designed to support good decision making when facing pressure.  Mr. Richardson thanked the many school and community organizations for helping to finance the event including a heavily discounted rated from The Edge, donations from the PTO and district grants.

Mr. Siracuse welcomed the Kindergarten students to their second full week of school.  Fourth grade students were issued Chromebooks.  The BOCES Elementary Young Scholars program will be held during the school day this year in a high school classroom.  New teachers are settling-in to a routine.  PBIS Kicked-off the school year with much fanfare and a PTO Color-A-Thon activity.

Mrs. Bull announced that curriculum cabinet meetings will begin September 26, 2019 for grades K - 12 focusing on academics.  Planning for the November 1st Superintendent’s Conference Day has begun and will include Amplify Science.

Mr. Pomerville announced the Board will be approving the APPR plans for teachers and principals at tonight’s meeting.  He also shared the confidential Emergency Response Plan.  There were no major changes to these documents.

Mr. Pomerville discussed moving the time of the December 12th Board of Education meeting to 6:00pm to accommodate the elementary concert schedule and Board members agreed to accommodate that request.  

At the next Board of Education meeting on October 3, 2019, in preparation for an anticipated capital construction vote on December 10, 2019, and if all goes well during the financial report presentation tonight, the Board will be asked to approve a number of resolutions including the appointment of  Bernier, Carr and Associates for architectural services; Bernard P. Donegan, Financial Consultant, the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), set a special meeting referendum vote date and approve the legal notice with two propositions.

The district will hire Lyn Derway as Interim Business Manager from September 19 through the beginning of November. Mr. Pomerville met with Ms. Derway today and gave her a tour of the facility and introduced her to many people.  She spent a great deal of time with Carol Lyon reviewing financial items specific to our District.  Ms. Lyon’s last day is Thursday, September 26th.  Ms. Derway will begin working on October 2, 2019 and will spend 2 to 3 days per week in our business office depending on the work load.  Mr. Pomerville will meet with Ms. Derway each week to determine her work schedule for the following week.

Mr. Pomerville asked the Board for their support in contracting with WSWHE BOCES to provide communication services for the upcoming capital project vote to include a newsletter, news releases, displays and video presentations in an effort to enhance communication with the public. The cost s roughly $4,000 but is BOCES aidable and can be part of the project’s pre-referendum costs.

Mr. Pomerville has been in contact with Chris Langlois, the attorney representing our district, who in turn contacted Dave Murphy representing the Town of Waterford in the Momentive Tax Certiorari case.  Mr. Murphy explained that there has not been any movement on the case and the Town is still working with appraisers.  

Pre-vote Estimated Impact of Proposed Capital Project (comprehensive written report on file in the district office) presented by Jason Schwartz, representing Bernard P. Donegan, Inc., a municipal financial firm providing services including capital projects, debt financing, state aid forms completion and final building project reports.

Mr. Schwartz indicated that the district, in conjunction with Bernier, Carr and Associates, developed the scope of the capital project with a projected vote date of December 10, 2019.   

NYS Building Aid is 73.7% for every eligible project

Bond percentage is based on the assumption of how much will be aidable

Proposition 1: $9,890,000
95% eligible for State Aid (virtually all of the cost is eligible for state aid)
Renovations to its existing K-12 school building, window and door replacement, masonry repair/repointing, interior renovations (including floor, wall, ceiling finishes upgrades/replacements and, room reconfiguration), upgrades to existing mechanical (including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, control systems ductwork and chiller plant), plumbing (including plumbing fixture replacement and related piping) and electrical systems (including electrical distribution, lighting, communication systems and fire alarms systems), parking lot reconstruction, parking lot lighting upgrades and related asbestos abatement; and 
Proposition 2: $5,295,000
76% eligible for State Aid (24% of the cost is not eligible for state aid)
Renovations and reconstruction of the existing athletic fields, including existing asphaltic track and inner athletic field located at its existing K-12 school building campus, including regrading of the surrounding grade, reconstruction of the 6 lane track to accommodate a 70 yard wide soccer field of synthetic turf including underdrainage, retaining wall, fencing, storm water management, related equipment and utilities for future lighting and communications

Total maximum estimated cost of $15,185,000
Proposition 2 for athletic field upgrades puts the district over the aid ceilings as determined by New York State.

Mr. Pomerville asked Ms. Cecil about the challenges when planning for the Phase 2 building project.  Ms. Cecil and her firm worked well with district administrators and the Board of Education when planning for this project.  She discussed with the Board of Education how a school district balances a project which focuses on both education and sports. The proposal addresses education and outside site work including the development of a new sports field but the voters will be interested in the balance between the two. 

Ms. Cecil reminded the Board of the 5 year project look-back of the New York State Education Department which would include the recently completed Phase 1 A, B & C projects.  She also reminded the Board of the program needs previously identified in the 2015 Building Condition Survey and Five year pan.  She stated the potential Proposition 2 which includes upgrades to the track and soccer field could influence or slow down the completion of projects identified renovations in the current five year plan. This plan has grown from $45 million in 2010 to $65 million in 2015.  She encouraged the Board to consider the cost of the Proposed Cost of Proposition 2 as presented by Mr. Schwartz as she has experienced with other districts who exceed their MCA which delayed their other projects due to more of the cost being at the local level (Local share).  Ms. Cecil stated she feels it is her duty to advise the District of this potential impact to future project finances and could also impact the future renovation of educational spaces.

Mr. Pomerville felt that the Board of Education Facilities Committee’s idea of breaking the project into two separate propositions to let the voters decide, is a good idea.  Board members discussed a section in the report indicating the average cost to taxpayers

Mr. Schwartz tried to explain that, due to diligent district planning, existing debt from previous capital projects is scheduled to come off the books at the same time that debt to cover the cost of Proposition 1 (school building renovations) would begin.  So in effect, the cost of Proposition 1 would not effect the current tax rate.  Existing debt would retire, new debt would be due.

However, debt for Proposition 2 (track and soccer field) would put the district over the current debt load and may delay future projects as outlined in the 5-Year plan.

Ms. Cecil explained that the SEQRA notice naming the district as lead agency is required.  Typically, if the Board was only going ahead with Proposition 1, then all of the required resolutions could be approved tonight.  But, if a project is to impact more than one acre, the additional SEQRA is required.  

A discussion followed on what happens if Proposition 1 passes and Proposition 2 does not.  The language in Proposition 1 may allow for some upgrades to the existing grass soccer field if there is money left over.  Mr. Schwartz noted that it is in the best interest of the district to work in good faith and to be clear in the scope of the project.  Mr. Siracuse asked that if Proposition 2 did not pass, and there was money left over in Proposition 1 after renovating the classrooms, could the district hold another vote to ask taxpayers to use the extra money to renovate the existing soccer field.  Mr. Schwartz and Ms. Cecil responded that this could be an option.

Mr. Pomerville is impressed with Bernier, Carr and Associates for always being conservative on capital construction projects noting that the district has always been able to get a lot done within the financial scope of past projects.

Ms. Cecil noted that if Proposition 2 does not pass, and if there is remaining money at the completion of the work of Proposition 1, additional work could be added to the Proposition 1 project, if this additional work is sitework, then any additional sitework would still be captured in the incidental line which could effect the incidental MCA.  Ms. Cecil reminded the Board, that Proposition 2 is all sitework and therefore is charged to the incidental account of a project.  Proposition 2 exceeds the District’s MCA and therefore Proposition 2 has an effect on the local share (tax payers) as explained by Mr. Schwartz.  She advised of keeping the building and the incidental accounts in balance as part of the five-year look back.  She noted that as the Districts 5-10 year plan keeps growing, and depending on the type of projects undertaken, it may take longer to get to the current magic line of level debt service in the future.  In the past, Ms. Cecil’s understanding of the District’s goal for project has been to minimize the local share of a project and have little to no change to the tax payer.  Ms. Cecil and Mr. Schwartz will continue to work with the District on their ongoing range plans, keeping in mind any impacts to the MCA.


Presentation: Vaping, Mr. Scanlan and Mrs. Richardson
See attached document

Mr. Scanlan and Mr. Richardson spoke of the dangers of vaping in general and the consequences of vaping in school noting severe health issues and disciplinary action.  Mr. Scanlan has spoken to the students about this issue and may bring this Google presentation the next time he addresses the students.  Board members asked if any teachers or employees used vape products in or around school; but no one has noticed any incidents.

Mr. Pomerville said that all parents have signed the school policy addressing this issue, among others.  Consequences have to be clear so that parents and students understand.  The district has to hold the line on consequences.  Mr. Scanlan spoke about brain development in teenagers and noted that when consequences are stated in black and white they are better understood.

ACTION
On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the minutes of the September 5, 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 Treasurer’s Report ending August 31, 2019.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following warrants:
General Fund #17 for $306,883.97
Special Aid #7 for $63,588.48
Capital Fund #3 for $63,683.48
School Lunch #2 for $7,881.06
General Fund #18 for $33,440.78

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the probationary period extension of Marilyn Carson, In-school Monitor, to March 24, 2019.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the revised job description for head groundskeeper.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the revised job description for senior custodian.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the one year probationary appointment Ernest Anderson as cafeteria monitor effective September 20, 2019; 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 a request from Ann Dobert for a leave of absence effective 11/28/2019 through 6/30/2020.  Mrs. Carutasu asked who will cover Ms. Dobert’s leave of absence in the Educational Technologist position.  Mr. Pomerville said they are considering current teachers and noted they do have some time before making a decision.

The Board reviewed CSE minutes dated 9/4/19, 9/6/19.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Nancy Houle as co-advisor for the junior high student government association 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 resignation of Ann Dobert as high school student government association co-advisor for 2019 - 2020.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Allie Hornung as high school student government association co-advisor for 2019 - 2020; salary per the WTA contract.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) for Teachers of the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District as outlined in Education Law 3012-d sub part 30-3 of the Commissioner’s Regulations.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) for Principals of the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District as outlined in Education Law 3012-d sub part 30-3 of the Commissioner’s Regulations 

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the final request by Mrs. Russo and Ms. Bridgers to take the 6th grade students and high school art students to NYC on October 25, 2019 to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.   Mrs. Mercier thanked the Board from the Art Department.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board declare as surplus 69 Glencoe Life Science Textbooks ISBN #0078694639; and miscellaneous physical science textbooks.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Lyn Derway as Interim Business Manager effective September 19, 2019; salary per the terms and conditions in the attached contract.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Vince Popolizio as Chief Emergency Resource Officer for the 2019 - 2020 school year.  

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the 2019 - 2020 Emergency Response Plan.   Mr. Pomerville told Mrs. Dehler and the Board that the confidential plan will be submitted to the New York State Education Department and then to the NYS Police as required by law.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the  following resolution:
RESOLUTION DATED SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE WATERFORD-HALFMOON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT DECLARING A CAPITAL PROJECT AS AN UNLISTED ACTION AND DECLARING THE INTENT OF THE WATERFORD-HALFMOON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO BE LEAD AGENCY FOR PURPOSES OF A COORDINATED REVIEW PURSUANT TO THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ACT

WHEREAS, the Waterford Union Free School District (the “School District”) has before it a proposed capital project (the “Project”) consisting of: (1)(a) renovations to its existing K-12 school building,  window and door replacement, masonry repair/repointing, interior renovations (including floor, wall, ceiling finishes upgrades/replacements and, room reconfiguration),  upgrades to existing mechanical (including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, control systems ductwork and chiller plant), plumbing (including plumbing fixture replacement and related piping) and electrical systems (including electrical distribution, lighting, communication systems and fire alarms systems), parking lot reconstruction, parking lot lighting upgrades and related asbestos abatement; and (b) renovations and reconstruction of the existing athletic fields, including existing asphaltic track and inner athletic field located at its existing K-12 school building campus, including regrading of the surrounding grade, reconstruction of the 6 lane track to accommodate a 70 yard wide soccer field of synthetic turf including underdrainage, retaining wall, fencing, storm water management, related equipment and utilities for future lighting and communications, at a maximum estimated cost of $15,185,000; (2) the expenditure of such sum for such purpose; (3) levying the necessary tax therefore, to be levied and collected in annual installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by the Board of Education taking into account state aid; and (5) in anticipation of the collection of such tax, the issuance of bonds and notes of the School District at one time or from time to time in the principal amount not to exceed $15,185,000, and levying a tax to pay the interest on said obligations when due; and 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law of the State of New York, as amended, and the regulations of the Department of Environmental Conservation of the State of New York promulgated thereunder (collectively referred to hereinafter as “SEQRA”), the School District is required to make a determination whether the “action” (as said quoted term is defined in SEQRA) to be taken by the School District may have a “significant impact on the environment” (as said quoted term is utilized in SEQRA) and the preliminary agreement of the School District to undertake the Project constitutes such an action; and

WHEREAS, to aid the School District in determining whether undertaking the Project may have a significant impact upon the environment, a Short-Form Environmental Assessment Form (the “EAF”) has been prepared for the Project, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, with a copy of the EAF on file at the office of the School District; and

WHEREAS, the School District has examined the EAF in order to classify the Project; and 

WHEREAS, the School District has not approved the Project; and 

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the members of the Board of Education of the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District as follows:

(1) Based upon an examination of the EAF and the criteria contained in 6 NYCRR §617.7©, and based further upon the School District’s knowledge of the Project and Project area, and such further investigation of the Project and its environmental impacts as the School District has deemed appropriate, the School District makes the following findings and determinations with respect to the Project pursuant to SEQRA:

(A) The Project consists of the components described above in the first WHEREAS clause of this resolution; and

(B) The Project constitutes an “Unlisted Action” (as said quoted term is defined in SEQRA); and 

C) As a consequence of the foregoing, the School District hereby declares its intent to be “Lead Agency” (as said term is defined in SEQRA) with respect to a coordinated review of the Project pursuant to SEQRA; and

(D) The School District’s bond counsel shall arrange for distribution of its notice of intent to be “Lead Agency” and are hereby authorized to take such actions as are necessary and appropriate to assist the School District in fulfilling the requirements under SEQRA for the Project;  and 

(F) Copies of said EAF shall be maintained in the main office of the School District in a file that will be readily accessible to the public.

(3) This Resolution shall take effect immediately.


On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the Appropriation Status Report ending June 2019.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the Revenue Status Report ending June 2019.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the one year probationary appointment of Kyle Elliott as Head Groundskeeper; effective September 23, 2019; 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  provisional appointment of Erick Wulff as Senior Custodian; pending successful completion of Saratoga County Civil Service requirements;   effective September 23, 2019; salary of $22 per hour. 

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following elementary substitute teachers for the 2019 - 2020 school year; salary per the policy on substitute teacher pay: Stephanie Cook, Kelsey Cox, Aaron-Jason Enous, Kevin Little, Sabrina Long, Danielle Ross, Alessandra Shellard

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Nicholaus Smith as substitute teacher for the 2019 - 2020 school year; 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 the appointment of Adam Rifenburgh as 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 approve a first request from Ms. Dawson to investigate a trip to NYC to see a Broadway show for students and parents in grades 5 & 6 in the spring of 2020.

On motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Emily Kelley as substitute teacher assistant/aide 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 Tanya Cole as co-art club advisor for the 2019 - 2020 school year; salary per the WTA contract for a 15 hour club.


Comments form the Board of Education, residents and staff
Mr. Pomerville had kind words for Mrs. Lyon upon her retirement and presented her with - what has become a tradition - an embroidered red and white blanket.  It’s a small gift for a huge job and everyone was very appreciative for all that Mrs. Lyon has done for the district.  Mrs. Lyon announced her new part-time position with Bernier, Carr and Associates. 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board went into executive session at 8:24pm to discuss a personnel issue.  They returned to regular session at 9:15pm and adjourned.


Julie Caulkins
District Clerk