June 17, 2021

The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District Board of Education Regular Meeting dated June 17, 2021 was called to order at 7:01pm by Mrs. Ricci who then led all in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

Present: Marcia Ricci, David Lee, Jack Catanzarita, Denise Carutasu, Jamie Maloney, Stephanie Gilbert

 

Also Present: (in person) Patrick Pomerville, Rachel Ingalsbe, Jennifer Bull, Christopher Scanlan, Joel Richardson

 

Absent: Carolyn Bell 

 

Oath of Office: Administered by Patrick Pomerville, Superintendent of Schools, to Stephanie Gilbert, new School Board Member

 

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

 

Comments from Administration

 

Mr. Scanlan reported the following:

  • About 50 students were able to attend a Cornell Cooperative teen driver event titled License to Live on May 10-11, 2021. There was information and many activities to promote conversations about safe driving. Waterford-Halfmoon had the most students in attendance at the event and several students won prizes, including a $500 scholarship to Juliana Foster. 

 

Mr. Richardson reported the following

  • Four of the eight essay winners were able to attend the annual Cohoes-Waterford Elks Club Flag Day ceremony on June 10, 2021 to read their essays aloud. Mr. Richardson wished to thank the Elk’s Club for a wonderful event and the opportunity to recognize our students.
  • Regents testing started with ELA, and Living Environment, Algebra, and Earth Science will take place in the upcoming week.
  • The last Super Student Lunch for seventh and eighth graders took place with pizza and certificates for those students who were recognized for the fourth quarter.

 

Ms. Bull reported the following:

  • The District is in the process of creating a 6:1:1 program at the elementary school for next year. There will be two students, one new to the district and one returning from one of the BOCES programs. Ms. Bull has posted the teaching position and interviews will be taking place this summer.
  • Preparations are underway for in-person summer school programs. There will be three special education classrooms for Extended School Year, and four elementary summer school classrooms.

 

Mr. Pomerville reported the following:

  • Mr. Pomerville welcomed Mrs. Gilbert to the Board and congratulated her on being elected to serve the community of the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District
  • Mr. Pomerville pointed out that the addendum to tonight’s agenda was larger than usual, and that can be attributed to it being the end of the year items that need to be taken care of during the last meeting of the school year.
  • Two items on the agenda are resolutions regarding the environmental impact for two of our projects that must be reported to the state in order to proceed with those projects.
  • Mr. Pomerville shared a copy of the Elementary Yearbook with those in attendance.
  • COVID-19 update: 42% of students in the District twelve and older are presently vaccinated with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. No students or staff are currently in any type of quarantine.
  • The Universal Pre-K Parent Information Session via Webex will be taking place on June 23, 2021 at 6:30pm. Information to join the session can be found on the district website. At this time we have 25 applications for the program. All applications are due by July 9, 2021 and the lottery to take part in the program will take place on July 12, 2021. Mr. Pomerville mentioned that he had spoken to Mrs. Stalker, who spoke at the June 3, 2021 Board of Education meeting, in more detail about her concerns regarding the program.
  • The NYSSBA Annual Convention and Education Expo will be taking place on October 24-26, 2021 in New York City. Mr. Pomerville will be sharing a Google Document for board members to RSVP to the event.
  • Thursday, June 24, 2021 will be the last day of school, as well as graduation at 5pm in the auditorium.  At this time the District is waiting for clear guidance from the NYS DOH before any changes are made to the current plans for graduation. 
  • Mrs. Carutasu asked if all of the board members were invited to attend graduation. Mr. Pomerville responded that all board members are invited to participate in the ceremony.

 

Mrs. Ingalsbe reported the following:

  • The meeting addendum includes summer transportation contracts from our lowest and only bidder, Durham Transportation. The District is required to have separate contracts for summer and regular school year transportation.
  • There is a resolution on the addendum to fund sick leave payouts to our two retirees per the CSEA contract.
  • Mrs. Ingalsbe wished to thank Noreen Gervasio and her CDOS class for all of their help gathering up and organizing the books listed for surplus on the evening’s addendum. 

 

PRESENTATION 

 

FIRST READING

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the Minutes from the June 3, 2021 Regular Board 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 Audits

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the Treasurer’s Report ending May 2021

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the Appropriations Report ending May 2021

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the Revenue Report ending May 2021

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the Extra Classroom Report ending May 2021

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the Board Meeting calendar for the 2021-2022 school year.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the following as club advisors for the 2021-2022 school year:

  • Elizabeth Wyld, Yearbook Production Advisor
  • Tanya Cole, Elementary Art Club
  • Wayne Bowmanchester, Class of 2024
  • Meghan Mercier, High School Art Club
  • Alli Hornung, High School Student Government Association
  • Paul Ferrara, High School Student Government Association
  • Helene Clinton, Sidekicks
  • Barbara Smith, Sidekicks

 

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

           

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District hereby approve the Memorandum of Agreement by and between the District and the Waterford Administrators’ Association, dated June 17, 2021, relating to the parties' Agreement to implement a revised summer work schedule for the period of July 12, 2021 through August 27, 2021 and authorizes the Superintendent to execute the Agreement.

 

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

 

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District hereby approve the Memorandum of Agreement by and between the District and the Civil Service Employees Association, Local 1000 AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD Unit, Saratoga County Educational Local 864, dated June 17, 2021, relating to the parties' Agreement to implement a revised summer work schedule for the period of July 12, 2021 through August 27, 2021 and authorizes the Superintendent to execute the Agreement.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the contract between Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD and TSL, Kid’s Crew dated June 17, 2021.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the appointment of Maximus Bates as Substitute Custodian for the 2021-2022 school year; salary based on 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 following 2021 elementary summer school faculty; salary per the WTA contract:

  • Teacher 3 weeks: Hollie Russo
  • Teacher 3 weeks: Erin McBride
  • Teacher 3 weeks: Todd Hayes
  • Teacher 3 weeks: Teresa Tremblay
  • Teacher 3 weeks: Jessica Sorensen
  • Teacher 3 Weeks: Patrice King
  • Teacher 6 weeks:  Karen Jones

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the Recommend the Board approve the following High School summer curriculum appointments; salary per the WTA contract:

  • Helene Clinton, English, 10 hours
  • Kathy Kutny, English, 10 hours
  • Deb Ford, English, 10 hours
  • Helene Clinton, English 11 Modified Content, 10 hours
  • Heather MacDougall, English 11 Modified Content, 10 hours
  • Heather MacDougall, Global Studies 9 SC, 10 hours
  • Patrick Parker, Math 8, 10 hours
  • Nancy Houle, New Gen Algebra, 10 hours
  • Ann Dobert, New Gen Algebra, 10 hours
  • Christina Falasco, Life Skills Program, 10 hours
  • Nicole Spulnick, New Gen Geometry and New Gen Algebra2/Trig, 10 hours
  • Jaimi Finley, ELA, 10 hours
  • Nancy Houle, Modified Math Curriculum, 10 hours
  • Patrick Parker, Modified Math Curriculum, 10 hours

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the following Elementary School summer curriculum appointments; salary per the WTA contract:

  • Patrice King, Intervention Tools for Primary Grades K-2, 15 hours
  • Hollie Russo, Sixth Grade Social Studies, 15 hours
  • Darcy Pogue, ELA and Science, 10 hours
  • Teri Tremblay, Science and Social Studies, 15 hours
  • Jill Taschetti, Science and Social Studies, 15 hours
  • Karen Jones, ELA, Math, Science, & Social Studies, 15 hours
  • Karen Budrakey, Elementary PBIS, 5 hours
  • Vicky Kelts, Elementary PBIS, 5 hours
  • Kaitlyn Nardino, Elementary PBIS, 5 hours
  • Darcy Pogue, Elementary PBIS, 5 hours
  • Alison Radliff, Elementary PBIS, 5 hours

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the Budget Transfers greater than $10,000.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the appointment of the following as 2021 Summer Bus Drivers; salary per the CSEA contract:

  • Susan Amegashie
  • Marilyn Carson
  • Daniel Carson

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the appointment of Noreen Gervasio as Junior High Student Government Advisor for the 2021-2022 school year.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the appointment of the following 2021 Extended School Year faculty; salary per the WTA contract:

  • Deb Campbell - Elementary Special Education Teacher
  • Christina Falasco - Jr/Sr High Special Education Teacher
  • Erin Reedy - Elementary Special Education Teacher
  • Lisa Petersen - Occupational Therapist; two days per week

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the appointment of the following 2021 Extended School Year staff; salary per the CSEA contract:

  • Lisa Hackel - Elementary Teaching Assistant
  • Katelyn Osborne - Jr/Sr High Teaching Assistant
  • Kim Bryan - Elementary Teaching Assistant
  • Kyrstin Messier - Elementary Teacher Aide
  • Jill Durivage - Elementary Teacher Aide

 

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 for the 2021 High School Summer School program; 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 following Elementary School summer curriculum appointments; salary per the WTA contract:

  • Jessica Sorensen, Science and Social Studies, 5 hours
  • Emily Clark, Science and Social Studies, 5 hours

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the  following High School summer curriculum appointments; salary per the WTA contract:

  • Nicole Spulnick, Algebra2X Co-taught Curriculum, 5 hours
  • Melissa Millington, Algebra2X Co-taught Curriculum, 5 hours

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the permanent appointment of Brooke Shinski as Senior Typist, Guidance Office, with a one year probationary period; effective June 17, 2021 through June 17, 2022.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the request from Lee Milikofsky for a childbirth leave of absence for nine days beginning on June 14, 2021 and ending on June 24, 2021; per the WTA MOA dated 5/4/2019.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the appointment of Nicole Spulnick as Mentor Coordinator for the 2021 - 2022 school year; salary per the WTA contract.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the appointment of Meghan Reynolds and Michael Robbins as co-advisors for the Intramural Director position for the 2021-2022 school year; salary per the WTA contract for a 15 hour activity.

 

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

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the job description for Chief Information Officer/Senior Typist.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the 2021 Summer Transportation Contract for Fulton County and Montgomery County Region with Durham Transportation costs as follows;

                        Per Mile Cost:                                                                         $2.69

                        Daily Cost per bus monitor                                                     $104.13

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the 2021 Summer Transportation Contract for Schenectady County Region with Durham Transportation costs as follows;

                        Per Mile Cost:                                                                         $2.46

                        Daily Cost per bus monitor                                                     $104.13

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the 2021 Summer Transportation Contract for Northern Rensselaer County Region with Durham Transportation costs as follows;

                        Per Mile Cost:                                                                         $6.05

                        Daily Cost per bus monitor                                                     $104.13

  • Mr. Lee asked why there was such a cost difference in the contracts. Mrs. Ingalsbe responded the closer regions actually cost more due to overhead expenses, and not just the mileage. The bus monitor fees are a flat amount, with an hourly limit, and the District would need to pay extra if the limit was reached. Mrs. Carutasu asked what would happen should we go over, and Mrs. Ingalsbe responded that she doesn’t anticipate that happening, but would come to the Board should that happen.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the 2021 Summer Transportation Contract for Saratoga County, Washington County and Warren County Region with Durham Transportation costs as follows;

                        Per Mile Cost:                                                                         $2.79

                       

                     Daily Cost per bus monitor                                                        $104.13

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the 2021 Summer Transportation Contract for Albany County and Southern Rensselaer County Region with Durham Transportation costs as follows;

                        Per Mile Cost:                                                                         $3.49

                        Daily Cost per bus monitor                                                     $104.13

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the appointment of Christopher Scanlan as 2021 Summer High School principal; salary per the WAA contract prorated as determined by the actual percentage of the summer worked. 

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the appointment of Michael Robbins as 2021 Summer Elementary School principal for three weeks from July 6, 2021 through July 23, 2021; salary per the WAA contract prorated as determined by the actual percentage of the summer worked.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the appointment of Joseph Siracuse  as 2021 Summer Elementary School principal for three weeks from July 26, 2021 through August 13, 2021; salary per the WAA contract prorated as determined by the actual percentage of the summer worked.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the WSWHE BOCES Final Service Contract for the 2021-2022 school year for the amount of $1,965,332.36

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the Budget Transfers greater than $10,000 dated 6/17/2021.

  • Mrs. Carutasu asked if this Budget Transfer was different from the transfer on the agenda. Mrs. Inglasbe responded that these transfers on the addendum were in addition to the transfers on the agenda.

 

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board approved the use of the Employee Benefits Accrued Liability Reserve fund in an amount not to exceed $4,500 to make sick leave payouts upon retirement, per the CSEA contract to retiring CSEA employees.

 

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

 

SEQRA RESOLUTION – Building Renovations (Capital Outlay Project)                                                                            

            WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Waterford Halfmoon Union Free School District (“Board”) is considering to undertake a project involving renovations to its existing K-12 school building, upgrades to existing mechanical (including heating system piping, valves and strainers) (“the Project”); and

 

           

          WHEREAS, the Board wishes to fully comply with its obligations under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and the regulations thereunder with respect to the proposed action; and

 

            WHEREAS, the Board has carefully considered the nature and scope of the proposed action; and

 

            WHEREAS, upon review of the foregoing, the Board makes the following determinations:

 

1.         The proposed action involves the removal and replacement of deteriorating heating system valves, strainer, piping modifications and other upgrades to existing mechanical systems in the K-12 Building.

 

2.         The proposed project represents maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in an existing facility or structure within the meaning of 6 NYCRR 617.5(c)(1); and/or alternatively the replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility in kind within the meaning of  6 NYCRR 617.5(c)(2); and/or alternatively a routine activity of an educational institution, including expansion of existing facilities by less than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area, within the meaning of 6 NYCRR § 617.5(c)(8).

 

3.         The proposed action will in no case have a significant adverse impact based on the environment based on the criteria contained in 6 NYCRR § 617.7(c), and is not otherwise a Type I action as defined by 6 NYCRR § 617.4.

 

4.         The proposed action is a Type II action within the meaning of 6 NYCRR 617.5 and is therefore not subject to review under SEQRA and the regulations thereunder.

 

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board finds and concludes that the proposed action is a Type II action within the meaning of 6 NYCRR 617.5 and therefore is not subject to review under SEQRA and the regulations thereunder.

 

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

Smart School Bond Act - Phase 2

SED Project No:  52-21-01-03-0-004-029

SEQRA RESOLUTION 

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Waterford Halfmoon Union Free School District (“Board”) is considering to undertake a District Wide Smart Schools Bond Act Project which includes limited and minor interior renovations, including asbestos abatement and the installation of interactive wall mounted monitors and associated cabling.  This project will include limited and minor interior renovations to the K-12 Main Building (“the Project”); and 

           

           WHEREAS, the Board wishes to fully comply with its obligations under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and the regulations thereunder with respect to the proposed action; and 

            WHEREAS, the Board has carefully considered the nature and scope of the proposed action; and 

            WHEREAS, upon review of the foregoing, the Board makes the following determinations:

  1. The proposed action involves installation of interactive wall mounted monitors and related asbestos abatement to accommodate the installation of devices and related wiring as well as other required accessories for the above technology system enhancements. 
  2. The proposed project represents maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in an existing facility or structure within the meaning of 6 NYCRR 617.5(c)(1); and/or alternatively the replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility in kind within the meaning of  6 NYCRR 617.5(c)(2); and/or alternatively a routine activity of an educational institution, including expansion of existing facilities by less than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area, within the meaning of 6 NYCRR § 617.5(c)(8). 
  3. The proposed action will in no case have a significant adverse impact based on the environment based on the criteria contained in 6 NYCRR § 617.7(c), and is not otherwise a Type I action as defined by 6 NYCRR § 617.4. 
  4. The proposed action is a Type II action within the meaning of 6 NYCRR 617.5 and is therefore not subject to review under SEQRA and the regulations thereunder. 
  5. The District is hereby authorized to undertake the necessary work as described above and to expend an amount not to exceed $238,000 
  6. The Superintendent of Schools and all officers and authorized employees of the District are hereby authorized and directed to take all steps reasonably necessary or appropriate to complete the Project and to carry out the intent of this Resolution and to apply for any eligible state building aid.

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board finds and concludes that the proposed action is a Type II action within the meaning of 6 NYCRR 617.5 and therefore is not subject to review under SEQRA and the regulations thereunder.

COMMENTS

  • Mrs. Carutasu asked what the difference is between Extended School Year and Summer School. Ms. Bull responded that ESY is a Special Education program offered per a student’s IEP, and Summer School is a general education program.
  • Mrs. Carutasu asked what percentage of students will be attending summer school this year. Mr. Scanlan responded that there is no exact number at this time, as final grades have not yet been submitted. However, Mr. Scanlan expects all thirty APEX credit recovery licenses to be used this summer, and the District might have to purchase a few more as the number of students participating will not be limited by the number of licenses the District has already purchased.
  • Mrs. Carutasu asked about the loss of one senior in the enrollment report. Mr. Scanlan responded that he would look into the exact reason and get back to Mrs. Carutasu the next day.
  • Mrs. Carutasu asked how many students had been registered for Kindergarten for the upcoming year, and Mr. Pomerville responded that there were 31 at this time. Mrs. Carutasu asked how many more needed to register in order to open up a third section of Kindergarten.Mr. Pomerville said that it can be difficult balancing the classrooms at that grade level, but there will be Teaching Assistants in each classroom to assist the teacher. Mr. Catanzarita asked if there was room to relocate the UPK classroom from its intended location if a third Kindergarten section is added. Mr. Pomerville responded that there are other locations available and room would be found if necessary.
  • Mrs. Ricci asked if everyone had a chance to read the thank you notes from the students that attended the Floating School program, and that she appreciated the letters very much.

On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Maloney, and by a vote of 6-0 the Board went into executive session at 8:14pm to discuss a personnel matter. The Board returned to regular session at 8:45pm and adjourned. 

 

                                                                                       Donna Cramer

                                                                                       District Clerk