August 20,2020

The Waterford –Halfmoon Union Free School District Regular Meeting dated August 20, 2020 was called to order at 7:0pm by Mrs. Ricci.

Present: (in person) Marcia Ricci, David Lee, Jack Cantanzarita, Denise Carutasu, Carolyn Bell, Jamie Maloney

Also Present: (in person) Patrick Pomerville, Rachel Schwendinger, Jack Lawler, Don Boyajian, Chris Langlois

Also Present: (via Webex) Jennifer Bull, Kenneth Williams, Bill Balfe

Absent: Tammi Dehler

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

Comments from Administration

Mrs. Bull thanked the summer school staff including Deb Campbell, Erin Reedy, Sonya Daniels, Lizzy Wyld, Erin McBride, Jess Sorensen, Darcy Pogue, Lisa Petersen, Brandy Gagliardi, Chris Masse, and AnnMarie Perrotte for a very successful 2020 summer school program. She added that kindergarten screening had been completed on August and 17-19.

Mr. Pomerville reported that much time had been spent working on our Reopening Plans, and thanked all administrators and faculty for their help putting it together. The District hosted multiple virtual meetings with parents and many good questions were brought up during the dialogue. Faculty and staff will be at school for Superintendent Conference Days on September 2nd, 3rd, 8th and 9th. The District will be holding Orientation Days for students on September 10-11 and these will be half days. Our first full day of school will be September 14. According to the results of the online survey, 80% of students will be participating in either a full day in school or hybrid option and 20% will be taking part in the fully virtual option. 

ACTION

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the minutes of the August 6, 2020 Board Meeting.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the following warrants:

  • General Fund #6 for $238,348.12 and corresponding Claims Audit

    General Fund #7 for $260.66 and corresponding Claims Audit
  • Capital Fund #1 for $10,489.15 and corresponding Claims Audit

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the surplus of the attached list of electronic items.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the surplus of the attached list of textbooks.

The Board reviewed the minutes of the CSE minutes for 8/04/2020 and 8/11/2020

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the changes to the District Calendar

Superintendent’s Conference Day Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Superintendent’s Conference Day Wednesday, September 9, 2020

One half day (morning) for students in grades K-2 and 7-12 “A/B” day, Thursday September 10, 2020

One half day (morning) for students in grades 3-6 and 7-12 “C/D” day, Friday, September 11, 2020

First Full Day in building for students Grades K-6 and 7-12 “A/B” Days, Monday, September 14, 2020

First Full Day in building for students Grades 7-12 “C/D” Days, Wednesday, September 16, 2020

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the 2020-2021 Code of Conduct and Code of Responsibilities and Rights.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the four year probationary period of Sean Hogan, Instrumental Music Teacher, High School, effective September 1, 2020 through September 1, 2024; salary per the WTA contract on Step 2BS; NYS Initial Certification Music

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the following lead evaluators for the 2020-2021 school year: Joseph Siracuse, Christopher Scanlan, Joel Richardson, Jennifer Bull

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board accepted with regret the resignation of Susan Lasek, Senior Typist, for the purpose of retirement effective September 11, 2020 after 30 years of service to the District.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the appointment of Allissa Mellucci as a substitute nurse for the 2020-2021 school year; salary per the policy on substitute teacher pay

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the extension of the maternity leave for Ann Dobert, High School Math Teacher for the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District, to February 1, 2021 as outlined in the WTA contract

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the 2020 - 2021 agreement by and between the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District and Barbara Delaney, High School Nurse.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the appointment of  Joseph H. Hogan as substitute custodian for the 2020 - 2021 school year; salary per the CSEA contract; pending fingerprint approval.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the extension of the appointment of Wayne Bowmanchester as a long term substitute HS Math Teacher to fill the position held by Mrs. Dobert who has been granted a leave of absence.  Mr. Bowmanchester’s appointment will be effective September 1, 2020 and is intended to continue for the term of Mrs. Dobert’s leave, but no later than January 29, 2021.  No term of employment is conferred by this resolution of appointment and Mr. Bowmanchester’s employment may be terminated at any time.  Salary per the policy on substitute teacher pay.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the 2020 Tax Warrant. (see attached)

COMMENTS

Mr. Pomerville thanked Mr. Lawler, Mr. Boyajian with the Town of Waterford, and Mr. Langlois with Girvin and Ferlazzo, for their presence at this evening's meeting and for all of their hard work on the tax certiorari with Momentive Performance Materials, Inc.

Mr. Bill Balfe thanked the Board Members and Administrators for all of their hard work on behalf of the District. He stated he had concerns regarding the new tax levy due to the settlement with Momentive and the effect it would have on the taxpayers, especially the elderly. He asked if the payment could be spread out or if we would be able to cut any services. He suggested a committee be formed to discuss the impact and come up with a solution to minimize the effect on the taxpayers. Mr. Pomerville responded that the District had up to this point minimized the exposure of the taxpayers as much as humanly possible. He suggested that taxpayers take advantage of the STAR and Enhanced STAR programs provided by the state. Mr. Pomerville stated the District had fought hard to keep the assessment for Momentive as high as possible and unfortunately these tax assessment cases have become a trend within the state. Mr. Pomerville said the District would take Mr. Balfe’s ideas into consideration and would speak again with the town.

ADJOURNMENT

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney and by a vote of 6-0, the Board adjourned at 7:28 pm.

                                                                  Donna Cramer

                                                                  District Clerk


 Attached:
Code of Conduct Code of Responsibilities

Surplus Electronics

Surplus Textbooks

Tax Warrant