The Menands Union Free School District Board of Education is seeking interested and qualified community members to fill a vacancy on the Board. The appointed individual will begin serving on December 14, 2026.
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our school district, support student success, and help shape the future of our schools and community.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2026
Interested candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest addressing the following questions:
- Why do you want to serve as a member of the Board of Education?
- What makes you uniquely qualified to serve in this role? What experiences, skills, or perspectives would you bring to the Board?
Please submit your letter and any supporting documents to:
Tammy LaFountain, District Clerk
Menands Union Free School District
19 Wards Lane
Menands, NY 12204
Email submissions: tlafountain@menands.org
WHAT DOES A BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER DO?
Serving on a Board of Education is one of the most important ways community members can contribute to public education. Board members are volunteers who dedicate their time to ensuring that the district provides a high-quality education and remains responsive to the needs of students, families, and the community. Board members work collaboratively to establish the district’s vision, develop policies, oversee finances, and support student achievement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Board of Education members help guide the district by:
- Evaluating the performance of the Superintendent annually.
- Establishing district goals and monitoring student and district performance.
- Developing and supporting a shared vision for the district.
- Overseeing district finances and ensuring responsible fiscal management.
- Reviewing, developing, and adopting the annual school budget.
- Reviewing and adopting Board policies.
- Preparing for and participating in Board meetings.
- Directing questions and concerns regarding district operations to the Superintendent.
- Staying informed about public education and the needs of the district.
- Participating in confidential discussions regarding personnel and students while maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Attending school events and activities to better understand the district and its community.
- Demonstrating integrity, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to ethical leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS
To be eligible to serve on the Board of Education, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Be a qualified voter of the district.
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Not have been adjudged incompetent by a court.
- Not be a convicted felon (Election Law 2012, Section 5-106).
- Be a resident of the Menands Union Free School District for at least one continuous year immediately preceding the election or appointment.
- Continue to reside within the Menands Union Free School District.
- Not be employed by the Board on which they serve or reside in the same household as another member of that Board.
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE BOARD MEMBER
Successful Board members bring a variety of experiences and perspectives to their work. The New York State School Boards Association identifies several qualities that support effective Board service:
- Effective Communicator: Listens carefully and communicates clearly.
- Consensus Builder: Works collaboratively toward decisions that serve the district’s best interests.
- Community Participant: Engages with community members and values diverse perspectives.
- Decision Maker: Contributes thoughtfully to group decision-making.
- Information Processor: Reviews information, organizes priorities, and prepares for informed decisions.
- Leader: Supports the Board’s work, district staff, and the broader school community.
- Team Player: Helps advance the Board’s shared vision and goals.
BOARD MEETINGS & TIME COMMITMENT
The Board of Education typically meets once a month, on the second Monday, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Additional special meetings or study sessions may be scheduled throughout the year, particularly during the budget development process.
Board members are expected to attend meetings consistently, review materials in advance, and actively participate in discussions and decision-making.
REQUIRED TRAINING
Newly elected or appointed Board members are required to complete New York State-mandated training in fiscal oversight and governance. Training must generally be completed within one year of taking office. Available options may include in-person or online sessions. The district covers the cost of this required training.
INTERESTED IN SERVING?
If you are passionate about education, committed to our students, and interested in helping guide the future of the Menands Union Free School District, we encourage you to apply.
For additional information, please contact:
Tammy LaFountain | District Clerk
tlafountain@menands.org
Jennifer Cannavo | Superintendent
jcannavo@menands.org
Courtney Jaskula | BOE President
cjaskula@menands.org
Additional information about school board service is available through the New York State School Boards Association.