VOORHEESVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Voorheesville, New York 12186
BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES
Regular Board of Education Meeting
September 21, 2015
Timothy E. Blow, President
Large Group Instruction Room
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Timothy E. Blow, President
Cheryl L. Dozier, Vice President
Michael J. Canfora
Cynthia M. Monaghan
Doreen Saia
Diana M. Straut
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
C. James Coffin
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT:
Brian Hunt, James Franchini, Annemarie Barkman, Jennifer Drautz, Jeffrey Vivenzio
OTHERS PRESENT:
Karen Conroy, Gary Hubert, Sara Hotopp, Carolyn Rafferty, Pat Conway, Kirsten Ippolito, Tricia
Putnam, Kerry Connolly, Laura Minnick, Heidi Arnaud, Jessica Tabakian
Mr. Blow called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. and gave the proper procedure to evacuate the
building in the event of a fire emergency. He noted that all Board members were present with the
exception of C. James Coffin.
Item 2.1: Presentation: New York State Testing Results, Karen Conroy
Ms. Conroy began her presentation by looking at the trend data in state testing. Voorheesville’s
students test scores were compared to our suburban cohorts; Niskayuna, Bethlehem, Guilderland,
and North Colonie Central School Districts. Ms. Conroy explained that our ELA Proficiency in
2015 was higher than our cohorts in grades 4, 5, 7, and 8. In grades 3 and 6 Voorheesville scores
were on par with the other cohorts. Ms. Conroy noted that in the Albany Business Review
Voorheesville ranked #1 in middle school for ELA, and #2 for grades 3 through 5. Ms. Conroy
then looked at Math proficiency for 2015. Grades 4, 5, and 6 Voorheesville students’ scores were
well above our cohort’s scores, with scores of 5 points higher. Ms. Saia commented that she
believes North Colonie takes a different approach to the testing of 8th grade students. Ms. Conroy
explained that if the students are accelerated, we do not double test them. They do not have to take
the State tests. Ms. Conroy explained that approximately 26 students were accelerated last year, and
therefore did not take the test. Ms. Conroy agreed that this would skew the data for North Colonie,
and therefore took them out of those comparisons. Ms. Conroy explained how we can look at the
trend data to get a better look at how we have performed over the past 7 years. We have seen a
growth in our middle school ELA scores which Ms. Conroy credits to the hard work of Mr.
Franchini and the middle school teachers with the common core data instruction. Ms. Conroy
explained that with the Math trends we can see that all of the grades , with the exception of grade 3,
have improved proficiency since the onset of the exams, and all of the grade, with the exception of
8-which is on par, are performing above the average of our suburban cohorts. Mr. Blow asked if
we could look at specific grade levels progress and determine if we are deficient in curriculum. Mr.
Blow suggested that we look at trends again by taking out all of the test refusals for all of the years.
Item 2.2: Presentation: High School Course Enrollment Data, Brian Hunt
Mr. Hunt explained that he has looked at high school course enrollment in elective classes and more
advanced courses. Mr. Hunt explained that by doing this we can gain some insight as to the
percentage of our students who take challenging courses, and what type of elective courses our
students are interested in. Mr. Hunt looked at the trends in enrollment in the Honors courses.
Starting with English Mr. Hunt pointed out that on average 30% of our students enroll in English
10 Honors, 40% in English 11 Honors, and about 30% in AP English 12. Mr. Hunt then looked at
enrollment in advanced history courses. He noted that AP World History had an average of 30%
students enrolling, while AP US History averaged 40%, these being respectable numbers with our
overall enrollment under 100 students per grade. Mr. Hunt also looked at enrollment in high school
music, art, technology, and family and consumer science, and foreign language. With those electives
Mr. Hunt found that music and technology courses are taken by 200 plus students. Foreign
Regular Board of Education Meeting
September 21, 2015
Timothy E. Blow, President
Large Group Instruction Room
Language elective enrollments have declined slightly over the years, while Art elective enrollments
have increased. The data also shows that Family and Consumer Science High School electives are
low in enrollment. Mr. Hunt then looked at the AP Exams taken by our high school students.
Generally the amount of students taking AP exams has increased. Mr. Hunt found that with the
English and Social Studies courses 30-40% of our students take AP or Honors Courses. Mr. Hunt
concluded with the thought that if more 8th grade students were able to be accelerated in science,
and could take more credit bearing courses, such as art and music in middle school; this would
allow more possibilities for electives and advanced coursework. We should now look at what
electives we would want to offer in our district.
Item 3:
Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Ms. Monaghan, seconded by Ms. Straut, and carried unanimously, the Board
approved the minutes of the Regular meeting of August 24, 2015, the minutes of the Special Board
meeting of September 3, 2015, and the minutes of the Special Board meeting of September 15,
2015.
Item 4.1: Opportunity for students to address the Board
 No students wished to comment.
Item 4.2: Opportunity for the public to be heard
 Laura Minnick wanted to thank the Board for supporting AP courses, good for student’s
brains and confidence. Ms. Minnick was also very pleased that electives were added.
 Ms. Putnam asked how AP will be affected with common core standards, and tests. Ms.
Conroy replied that common core spokesperson said that they will align.
On a motion by Mr. Canfora, seconded by Dr. Dozier, and carried unanimously Items 5.1- 5.8
were approved.
Item 5.1.1: Treasurer’s Report
The Board accepted the Treasurer’s Report as presented in the enclosure folder.
Item 5.1.2:
Warrants
The following warrants were accepted:
Warrant:
Multi-Fund Warrant #4:
Payroll Covering Warrant #5:
Payroll Covering Warrant #6:
Multi-Fund Warrant #7:
Multi-Fund Warrant #9:
Date
July 30, 2015
July 29, 2015
August 10, 2015
August 24, 2015
August 31, 2015
$
$
$
$
$
Amount
639,295.65
119,538.84
112,389.84
497,929.20
278,316.61
Item 5.2: Personnel
Item 5.2.1: Resignation
The Board of Education approved the appointment of Holly Mazurek as Teacher Aide
(Elementary) 3 hours/day (late bus duty), effective September 1, 2015.
Reason: Accepted another Teacher Aide position
Item 5.2.1: Appointment
The Board of Education approved the appointment of Holly Mazurek as Teacher Aide
(Elementary) 3 hours/day, effective September 1, 2015.
Salary: Step 2 of UEV
Item 5.2.3: Long Term Substitute Appointment
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Regular Board of Education Meeting
September 21, 2015
Timothy E. Blow, President
Large Group Instruction Room
The Board of Education approved the appointment of Cari Trzeciak as Spanish Teacher
(Middle School) effective retroactively September 8, 2015 through October 2, 2015.
Salary: Per Substitute Pay Schedule
Item 5.2.4: Nurse Substitute Appointment
The Board of Education approved the appointment of Jennifer Grant as Substitute Nurse
effective the 2015 -2016 school year.
Salary: Per Substitute Pay Schedule
Item 5.2.5: Food Service Helper Substitute Appointment
The Board of Education approved the appointment of Candy Hillmann as Substitute Food
Service Helper effective the 2015 -2016 school year.
Salary: Per Substitute Pay Schedule
Item 5.2.6: Food Service Helper Substitute Appointment
The Board of Education approved the appointment of Joanne Biance-Clarke as Substitute
Food Service Helper effective the 2015 -2016 school year.
Salary: Per Substitute Pay Schedule
Item 5.2.7: Leave Request
The Board of Education approved the following leave request of Mariel Chu, School Social
Worker effective on or about December 1, 2015 through September 1, 2016
Reason: Parental
Item 5.3: CSE Recommendation
The Board of Education approved the recommendation by the Committee on Special Education as
outlined at the meeting held on May 5, 2015, August 8, 2015, and August 18, 2015.
The Board designates the Superintendent as signatory for health service contracts related to special
education students’ IEPs.
Item 5.4: Substitute Teacher Appointments from BOCES Substitute Registry
The Board of Education approved the new Capital Region BOCES Substitute Registry
appointments for the 2015-2016 school year as presented in the enclosure folder.
Item 5.5: Lead Evaluators
The Board of Education approved the following as Lead Evaluators for the 2015-2016 school
year:
Thomas Gladd
John Sittig
Christopher Jantson
Brian Stumbaugh
Item 5.6: Homeless Liaison
The Board of Education approved Karen Jones as the districts Homeless Liaison for the 20152016 school year.
Item 5.7: Out-of-Town Field Trip Request
The Board of Education approved the following out-of-town student field trip request:
Annual 7th Grade Class Trip
Destination:
Boston, MA
Date:
Friday, May 13, 2016
Cost to student:
$73.00 per student
Cost to district:
Sub coverage for 1 or 2 Teachers
Requestor:
Team 7 (Jessica Bradshaw)
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Regular Board of Education Meeting
September 21, 2015
Timothy E. Blow, President
Large Group Instruction Room
Item 5.8:
NYSSBA e-Policy Update & Server Service
The Board of Education approved the NYSSBA e-Policy Annual Update & Server fee for an
annual cost of $2350 effective 2015- 2016.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Item 6.1:
High School Report, Annemarie Barkman
 Ms. Barkman wanted to thank the Board, Superintendent, Parents, and Students for allowing her
to be here in this district. She feels very lucky.
 Ms. Barkman noted that they had a very smooth opening, no long lines in the guidance office;
she enjoys spending time in the lunch rooms, getting to know the students.
 Homecoming was a great success, everything looked amazing. The fields looked great, and the
community was very positive and supportive. We won all three games, overall was a great
weekend.
 The freshman retreat will be this Friday, Ms. Barkman is excited to join the kids on a hike in
Thacher Park.
 Ms. Barkman talked about how she is bringing the goal of gratitude into the high school
community. She has a huge appreciation for all that staff and community does her at
Voorheesville.
Item 6.2:
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Middle School Report, Jennifer Drautz
Ms. Drautz stated that it has been a great opening, everything ran very smoothly. Lunch and
recess are especially impressive. The ladies run the show smoothly.
Ms. Drautz wanted to thank and recognize Ms. Annemarie Barkman, she has learned a lot from
her, and greatly appreciates all of her time, and advice.
Homecoming was amazing; Ms. Drautz wanted to thank the high school for inviting the middle
school to participate in spirit week, and homecoming festivities. The kids all had a ball, and staff
got into it as well. It really was a community event.
Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29th, staff is preparing for that evening; and
Teen Night will be Friday, October 2nd.
On October 16th the 8th grade class will go on their fieldtrip to New York City. All are very
excited, should be a fun and educational experience.
Ms. Drautz talked about how each grade level has a theme this year, 6th grade is Team Work, 7th
grade is Pay it forward, and 8th grade is Power of Positivity. As a whole the middle school has a
theme, this year the middle school theme is PRIDE (Promoting Respect Integrity Diligence &
Excellence).
Item 6.3:
Elementary Report, Jeffrey Vivenzio
 Mr. Vivenzio explained that this is his third week here at Voorheesville and he feels at home
already.
 The staff and students have had an exciting opening to the school year. The school celebrated
being a “Reward School”.
 Mr. Vivenzio has met with the PTA , they have a fantastic vision, want to be more district
focused this year and are off to a good start, over 30 people at the first meeting.
 The first open house events went very well. K-1 had 96% participation, Grade 2-95%, and
Grade 3-89%.
 The fifth grade students who helped with the open house were amazing to work with. Mr.
Vivenzio wanted to publicly thank Ally Sapienza, Logan Esposito, Megan Smith, Carson
Carrow, Laurel Sciandra, Sadie Dowd, Carter Pooler, Zachary Thornton, Noah Arnaud, Sadie
Hotaling, Sara O’Malley. They all did a fantastic job.
 The students participated in a spirit assembly. Students sang the schools alma mater, and Mr.
Vivenzio was blown away, they all did an amazing job.
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Regular Board of Education Meeting
September 21, 2015
Timothy E. Blow, President
Large Group Instruction Room
Item 6.2:
Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Report, James Franchini
 Mr. Franchini wanted to thank Don Provost and the maintenance and custodian staff, the
building and grounds are looking good.
 Mr. Franchini explained that the On-Line Purchasing is up and running. The 8th grade field trip
and Drama production will be the first available options on the site.
 The bridge is going out to Bid-Opening October 6th. October 19th we are hoping to award the
bid and have construction begin.
 Mr. Franchini explained that he attended a state aid planning workshop. They discussed a tax
cap compliance, and a tax freeze rebate check.
 The GEA is 433 million, $453,700 is our share, they are hoping the money goes towards average
and high needs districts.
 The ERS rates were 18.2% last year, and have dropped to 15.5% this year.
 Mr. Franchini noted that the pool filter system resolution is on the agenda. If this is approved
we the public will vote on November 17th. Mrs. Minnick asked if Guilderland does contribute
to the pool costs.
Item 6.3:
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Superintendent’s Report, Brian Hunt
In response to Mrs. Minnicks question Mr. Hunt reported that it has been a great relationship
with Guilderland in respect to the pool. We typically tell them what they owe, and they pay us.
We are working on a more formal contract to ensure this great relationship continues.
Mr. Hunt reported he did a bus run at the Elementary school which he enjoyed very much; He
plans on doing all of the bus runs at the Elementary school.
Mr. Hunt is looking forward to going on the freshman retreat on the 25th to Thacher Park.
Mr. Hunt explained that he would like to have all of the new administrators do some
professional development.
We are learning the new IEP Direct software, getting used to the new format.
Mr. Hunt is excited for the first community forum on the Strategic Plan which will be held on
September 3oth in the PAC.
The final round of high school principal interviews will be on Monday, September 28th.
The chosen candidate will then be approved in a special Board of Education Meeting on
September 30th, with a start date of November 1, 2015.
Mr. Hunt is working on a baseball grant from New York State, and also a NASA grant for the
Robotics teams.
BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORTS
Item 7.1:
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee had meeting this evening, they discussed Rick Bingham, and the financial
audit report from June 30th. The next meeting will be in October.
Item 7.2: Curriculum/Evaluation Committee
The Curriculum/Evaluation Committee met on Monday, the 21st. They discussed AIS data and the
breakdowns. They also looked at professional development and staff. The committee discussed
school clubs and the gaps. Next meeting will be October 26th.
Item 7.3: Facilities Committee
The Facilities Committee met to do a walkthrough of each of the buildings and the grounds, they
made a list of issues, and the maintenance crew has been hard at work to address these. The next
meeting will be October 6th.
Item 7.4: Policy & Governance Committee
The Policy & Governance committee met, they reviewed the agenda. They reviewed the two policies
that are on the agenda tonight.
Item 7.5: Voorheesville Community Alliance for Health Choices
The Community Alliance for Healthy Choices will meet soon. Picking a date that works with Joe
Sapienza.
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Regular Board of Education Meeting
September 21, 2015
Timothy E. Blow, President
Large Group Instruction Room
On a motion by Dr. Straut, seconded by Mr. Coffin and carried unanimously Items 8.1-8.3 were
approved.
Item 8.1:
Resolution re: Rescinding the special district meeting; October 27, 2015
The Board of Education approved the following resolution:
WHEREAS on September 3, 2015 the Board of Education adopted a resolution calling
for a special district meeting to be held on October 27, 2015 to vote upon a capital
improvement project, relating to the District’s pool, and associated expenditures, and
WHEREAS the Board has decided to postpone that special district meeting.
NOW, BE IT THEREFORE
RESOLVED that the resolution of the Board of Education, dated September 3, 2015, which
called a special district meeting to be held on October 27, 2015 to vote upon a capital
improvement project relating to the District’s pool is rescinded and the special district
meeting scheduled for October 27, 2015 is canceled.
Item 8.2:
Resolution re: Capital Project
The Board of Education approved the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Voorheesville Central School District (the
“School District”) intends to conduct a capital construction project consisting of
reconstruction and replacement of the pool filtration system and related components of
the swimming pool at the Voorheesville Middle School/High School building, (the
“Project”), and
WHEREAS, by resolution adopted on September 3, 2015, the Board of Education
determined that the Project is a Type II action in accordance the State Environment
Quality Review Act and the applicable regulations promulgated thereunder (“SEQRA”).
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Voorheesville Central School District (the
“School District”) considers this pool to be a valuable asset to the community and their
students and, after reviewing the options believes this proposition to be the best use of
district resources.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THIS BOARD OF EDUCATION AS
FOLLOWS:
1. The Board of Education calls a special district meeting of the qualified voters of the
School District, to be held at the Voorheesville Middle School/High School
Voorheesville, New York, 12186, on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, between the hours
of 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., at which the qualified voters of the School District will be
asked to vote on the proposition described below:
PROPOSITION
Shall the following resolution be adopted, to wit:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Voorheesville Central School District, is hereby
authorized to undertake certain capital improvements consisting of reconstruction and
replacement of the pool filtration system and related components of the swimming pool at the
Voorheesville Middle School/High School building, along with the acquisition of certain original
furnishings, equipment, and apparatus and other incidental improvements required in connection
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Regular Board of Education Meeting
September 21, 2015
Timothy E. Blow, President
Large Group Instruction Room
therewith for such construction and school use, all at an estimated maximum aggregate cost of
$75,000, and appropriate, encumber, and expend existing and unexpended funds and/or funds
from the Capital Reserve Fund there for.
2. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the text of the foresaid proposition
may appear on the ballot labels in the following abbreviated form:
PROPOSITION
Shall the proposition set forth in the legal notice of this special district meeting,
authorizing a capital construction project consisting of capital improvements consisting of
reconstruction and replacement of the pool filtration system and related components of the
swimming pool at the Voorheesville Middle School/High School building at an estimated cost of
$75,000 to be appropriated, encumbered, and expended from unexpended funds and/or the
Capital Reserve fund, all as more fully described in said notice, be approved?
3. The District Clerk is hereby directed to include the foresaid proposition in the legal
notice for the Special District Meeting.
4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
On a motion by Ms. Straut, seconded by Ms. Dozier, and carried unanimously Items 8.3 through 8.9
were approved
Item 8.3: Board of Education Goals: 2015-2016
The Board of Education approved the District Educational Plan and Board of Education
Goals for 2015-2016 as a working document.
Item 8.4: Substitute Pay Rate
The Board of Education approved the substitute pay rates as provided in the enclosure folder
effective October 1, 2015.
Item 8.5: Fee Proposal for Architectural Services – Mosaic Associates, LLP
The Board of Education approved the Fee Proposal of a maximum of $6,700 from Mosaic
Associates, LLP for architectural services for the High School Pool Filter Replacement Project
as outlined in the enclosure folder. This contract is contingent upon a successful voter
approval of the project on November 17th.
Item 8.6: Board of Education Policy 1500
The Board of Education approved the first reading of the revision of Policy 1500, Public Use of
School Facilities, as presented
Item 8.7: Board of Education Policy 9560
The Board of Education approved the first reading of the revision of Policy 9560, Tax Sheltered
Annuities, as presented.
Item 8.8: Acceptance of Donation: 2015-2016
The Board of Education gratefully accepted the following donations:
CREATE Equipment (State Ed Dept.)

25 Dell GX760 CPU’s, 1 GB Hard Drive
Item 8.9 Approval of MOA-Middle School Robotics
The Board of Education approved the Memorandum of Agreement between Voorheesville
Central School District and the Voorheesville Teachers Association (VTA) regarding the Middle
School Robotics Advisor position as outlined in the enclosure folder.
7
Regular Board of Education Meeting
September 21, 2015
Timothy E. Blow, President
Large Group Instruction Room
Item 9.1:
Opportunity for the Public to be Heard
 There were no comments at this time.
Item 9.2: Opportunity for the Board to be Heard
 There were no comments at this time.
On a motion by Mr. Coffin, seconded by Ms. Monaghan and carried unanimously, the meeting was
adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
President, Board of Education
Clerk, Board of Education
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