October 15, 2020

The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District Board of Education Facilities Meeting dated October 15, 2020 was called to order at 4pm by Mrs. Ricci.

Present: Marcia Ricci, Jamie Maloney, Denise Carutasu, David Lee, Jack Catanzarita, Carolyn Bell

Also Present: (in person) Patrick Pomerville, Rachel Schwendinger, Erick Wulff, Mari Cecil, Jeff McKenna, Joel Richardson, Meghan Reynolds, Erin Bridgers, A. Reppenhagen, M. Kimball, Joe Spretty, Meghan Mercier, Christopher Scanlan, Mike Robbins

Ms. Cecil reviewed the following topics

  • Geotechnical findings with the major issue being the soil under the parking lot is bad and needs a double layer of underlayment.
  • Hazardous Material findings found typical older asbestos, lead hazards and PCBs that will need remediating. This is typical for older buildings.
  • The impact of the pandemic on the Capital Project timeline.
  • The budget for the project and potential increases due to site work with parking lot and track area.
  • The increase in material costs and delivery times due to the pandemic.
  • Track and Field reconstruction and the alternate costs that could be considered are press box and grandstand, field lighting, and dugouts for the softball and baseball fields. BCA recommends the lighting since adding lighting at a later date could be even more costly. (see Phase 2C document).
  • Building reconstruction or general construction was reviewed. Potential alternates were reviewed. (See Phast 2C budget document).
  • Plumbing systems, mechanical systems, electrical, e-communication systems were reviewed (See Phase 2C document).

The Facilities Committee discussed which alternates would be a priority to include in the scope of bids. Alternatives being considered are not being added to the project. They will be considered for addition after we receive all bids from contractors

  • Additional Alternatives
    • Scoreboard at track with Track & Field capabilities as well as a sound system, box control and a pressbox
  • Site Work Alternatives
    • Parking lot underlayment (10-15 years)
    • Loading dock estimate paving
    • Urban playground parking
  • Track Alternatives
    • Lighting
    • Pressbox/Grandstand with storage underneath
    • Overflow parking area
  • Building Alternatives
    • New Gymnasium floors with bleachers
    • High School Offices
    • Canopy work



________________________________________________________________________

The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District Board of Education Regular Meeting dated October 15, 2020 was called to order at 7:03 by Mrs. Ricci, who then led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Present: Marcia Ricci, David Lee, Jack Catanzarita, Denise Carutasu, Carolyn Bell, Jamie Maloney

Also Present: (in person) Patrick Pomerville, Rachel Schwendinger, Christopher Scanlan, Joel Richardson, Joseph Siracuse, and Jennifer Bull

Also Present: (via Webex) Karen Coffrin, Jodie Gurka, Jessica

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

Comments from Administration

Mr. Scanlan reported that we had been able to administer the PSAT to 34 of our Juniors under the direction of our Guidance Counselor Jessica Difabio, and it had gone smoothly. Mr. Scanlan updated us on the ongoing search to find long term subs for two of our secondary teachers that will be going out on leave in the next few weeks. Unfortunately, we have not had luck finding outside subs to come in to provide coverage, so we will be having current teachers in the building covering both of these leaves and we should have a final schedule to carry this out in the next few days. Lastly, Mr. Scanlan reported our 7-12 teachers will be conducting virtual Open Houses this year either by a live Zoom meeting or a prerecorded video beginning the week of October 26th, and these meetings would be spread out, allowing parents to attend all of their children’s Open Houses.

Ms. Bull reported our Health Screening App provided by rSchool Today is up and running for all staff and students. We first rolled it out to staff and then to students two weeks later, and all members that have smartphones are now participating daily, while staff that does not are filling out a daily form. Jason Davis has been the point person in charge of this project and has done an excellent job dealing with any issues that have arisen. In a meeting yesterday, it was decided that full virtual students would not be required to report on the app. At this time, Mr. Davis and our school nurses Mrs. Delaney and Mrs. Gagliardi have developed a good routine to deal with any red flags reported by the app.

Mr. Siracuse was grateful to report that we had officially completed our first month of school. He added that the elementary teachers had also begun to hold Open House meetings with parents either with a live virtual meeting or by prerecorded video. A calendar had been created to spread out the meetings so parents would be able to attend all of their children’s Open House events. Mr. Siracuse stated that student F&P and iReady assessments would be starting soon as we are approaching the end of the first trimester in a few short weeks. Mr. Siracuse thanked Ms. Schwendinger for her assistance in setting up a survey to check in with the parents of our virtual students and see if any of their children would like to return to in school instruction for the second trimester. The District has set a deadline to make their decision for next week, so we can plan appropriately for any students' potential return. Mrs. Maloney asked if this also included offering busing to these students, and Mr. Siracuse responded that we had already fielded some requests from parents and that Mrs. Burniche is working with parents on this issue. Lastly, Mr. Siracuse reported that unfortunately, he had to cancel this year’s Halloween parade due to the current COVID situation, but plans are being made to have an orange and black themed day, as well as fun activities in the afternoon being planned by teachers.

Mr. Richardson reported we had completed our first five weeks of school and Interim Progress reports have been printed out and reviewed by himself and Mr. Scanlan and would be mailed out to parents on Friday morning. He added while some students are struggling, they have been identified and faculty, administration and counselors will be working with them to get them the help that they need in order to improve by the end of the marking period. Mr. Richardson added that announced observations of teachers had begun.

Mr. Pomerville noted that it is School Board Recognition Week, and thanked the Board for all they do, especially the generous donation of their most precious asset, their time. He thanked our elementary art teacher, Tanya Cole for working with several of our talented fifth grade  students to produce some wonderful works of art, as well as Mrs. Cramer for putting together COVID Care Kits to show our appreciation for our board members. Mr. Pomerville reported that the Facilities Meeting that had taken place prior was very successful and all the input provided would be helpful in finalizing the plans for the Capital Project. Mr. Pomerville then gave an update on the reopening of schools, transitioning to the end of our first trimester and semester, and the current survey of all virtual K-6 student’s families. Lastly Mr. Pomerville and the Board discussed the committee assignments for the upcoming year as follows:

  • Finance - Marcia Ricci, David Lee, Jamie Maloney, Jack Catanzarita, Carolyn Bell and Denise Carutasu
  • Facilities - David Lee and Denise Carutasu
  • R&C - Marcia Ricci and Jack Catanzarita
  • Policy and Program Development - Marcia Ricci, David Lee, Jamie Maloney, Jack Catanzarita, Carolyn Bell and Denise Carutasu
  • Public Relations - Carolyn Bell and Jack Catanzarita
  • Technology - David Lee and Jamie Maloney
  • Senior Citizens - Carolyn Bell
  • Youth Council - Jamie Maloney
  • Village Board - David Lee
  • Legislative - Marcia Ricci
  • Town Board - Denise Carutasu
  • Curriculum Cabinet - Marcia Ricci (Elementary) and Denise Carutasu (7-12)
  • SCSBA - Marcia Ricci and David Lee
  • NYSSBA Delegate - Marcia Ricci
  • Wellness - Jaimie Maloney

First Reading:

  • Policy #7590 Transitioning Children and Youth Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk of Withdrawal
  • Policy #5676 Privacy and Security for Student Data and Teacher and Principal Data

Second Reading :

  • Policy #3520 Extraordinary Circumstances
  • Policy #6570 Remote Working
  • Policy # 7150 Remote Learning

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the minutes of the October 1, 2020 Board of Education meeting.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the following Warrants and Corresponding Claims Audits

    • General Fund 16 for $3,605,998.99
    • Special Aid 5 for $9,607.74
    • School Lunch 4 for $3,600.45

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the Extra Classroom Fund Report ending September 2020

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the Treasurer’s Report with Appropriation and Revenue Status Reports ending September 2020

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board accepted  the resignation of Tammi Dehler as a member of the Board of Education effective October 1, 2020.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved, as surplus, 88 Pleated MERV8 Filters to be sold.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the creation of a SchoolTool Support Specialist position; a stipend of $4,000 per year.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the SchoolTool Support Specialist job description.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved a request from Allie Hornung for a 12 week leave of absence beginning on or about November 4, 2020.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the permanent appointment of Rachel Schwendinger as Business Manager effective November 4, 2020 upon successful completion of her probationary period.

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

    • Policy #3520 Extraordinary Circumstances
    •  Policy #6570 Remote Working
    • Policy # 7150 Remote Learning

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the four year probationary appointment of Katelyn Osborne as Teaching Assistant effective October 13, 2020 until October 13, 2024; 5.5 hours per day; salary per the CSEA contract.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the appointment of Karen Coffrin as Teaching Assistant, effective October 13, 2020; 6 hours per day; salary per the CSEA contract.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the appointment of Committee Liaisons.

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

WHEREAS, by Resolutions dated May 4, 2017, and November 21, 2019, the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District (“District”) previously approved the sharing of defense costs with the Town of Waterford (“Town”) in certain tax certiorari cases filed by MPM Silicones, LLC (“Momentive tax certiorari”); and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education desires to reaffirm its approval, modified as set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to contribute and pay up to 50% of the actual costs incurred by the Town in defending the Momentive tax certiorari cases, up to a cost not to exceed $290,005.49 without further approval and authorization by the Board.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the appointment of Mitchell Halpern as high school substitute teacher for the 2020-2021 school year; salary per the policy on substitute teacher pay; pending fingerprint approval.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the appointment of Jeffrey Stein as the SchoolTool Support Specialist for the 2020-2021 school year with a stipend of $4000.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board approved the appointment of Caren Hoffman as a long term substitute ENL teacher to fill the position held by Petra Frank who is out on a leave of absence; effective October 6, 2020 and is intended to continue until Ms. Frank’s return. No term of employment is conferred by this resolution of appointment and Ms. Hoffman’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 appointment of Tracey Callan as high school substitute teacher for the 2020-2021 school year; effective October 16, 2020 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 probationary period of Petra Frank, ENL Teacher, to June 25, 2021.

COMMENTS: There were no comments from the public.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0, the Board went into Executive Session at 7:34pm to discuss a personnel matter. They returned to regular session at 8:25 and adjourned.

                                                                    Donna Cramer                                                                       District Clerk