MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
19 Wards Lane
Menands, NY 12204
BOARD OF EDUCATION
April 22, 2020
6:30 p.m. – Regular Meeting
Livestream / Video Conferencing
PLEASE NOTE: During the Public Comment Sessions, members of the community may address the Board on agenda and non-agenda items. The Board President may limit remarks of individual speakers to a reasonable time. Speakers must identify themselves and the topic on which they would like to make remarks.
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Time: 6:30
2. MOTION TO ENTER PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Ms. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
3. ROLL CALL
- Mr. Masline Present via Webex
- Mr. Nevins Present via Webex
- Mrs. Wilson Present via Webex
- Mrs. Jaskula Present via Webex
- Mr. Diefenderfer Present via Webex
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Moment of silence
A moment of silence was held for this time of crisis and for all of those people that have lost their life during this time.
5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
Just a reminder for those members of the public in attendance. This is one of two opportunities afforded members of the public to comment on or inquire about agenda items. Members of the public also have an opportunity at the end of the evening’s agenda to ask questions or voice concerns or comments on matters not formally noted on the agenda. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.
Dr. Long stated that comments can be emailed to the link provided on the district website at boecomments@menands.org.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the minutes of March 9, 2020.
Motion: Ms. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
7. BUSINESS MATTERS
Discussion Items
COVID-19 and school operations- Dr. Long spoke in regards to how the district has been working to provide the resources needed to the children during this time of closure. She thanked everyone for all of their hard work.
Building project update- Dr. Long informed the Board that the building project will start ahead of schedule and should be completed on schedule.
Business Office for Information
Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of Warrants # 45,48,49 and 50 Fund A, warrants # 19 and 20 Fund H of March 2020.
No questions
Business Office for Approval
Budget Transfer – March 2020
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the attached budget transfer for March 2020.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
Treasurer’s Report
Enclosed is the Treasurer’s Report for the month of March 2020.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month of March 2020.
Motion: Mrs. Wislon Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Bid Rejection- Bid Rejection for School Year Special Needs and Homeless Transportation.(Contract #2)
WHEREAS, the Board of Education received bids in response to bid specifications for a contract to provide School Year Special Needs and Homeless Transportation (Request for Bid for Student Transportation, Contract #2); and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that the best interests of the District will be promoted by rejecting all of the aforementioned bids received with respect to such Contract; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has the discretion to reject all of the aforementioned bids received; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby rejects all bids the District received in connection with the School Year Special Needs and Homeless Transportation Contract.
Motion: Mr. Masline Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
Bid Award – Bid for Student Transportation Multi YearContract. (5 years)
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District hereby finds the following vendors to be the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications with respect to the bids opened on February 20, 2020, and hereby awards such vendors the following student transportation contracts, respectively:
Vendor Student Transportation Contract
- Durham School Services Home to School #1
- Durham School Services Field Trips and Sports Trips #3
- Durham School Services Summer Home to School #5
- Star and Strand Summer Special Needs #4
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
Star and Strand Transportation, Inc. Approval Contract Extension at CPI for 2020-2021 School Year
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District hereby authorizes the extension of the current special education transportation contract between the District and Star and Strand Transportation Inc. for the 2020-2021 school year at CPI, subject to the approval of the New York State Education Department.
Resolution BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent, or designee, to execute an extension of the current special education transportation contract with Star and Strand for the 2020-2021 school year.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
Change Orders
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District upon the recommendation of theSuperintendent, hereby approve the following change orders.
Dr. Long said that the change order for DLC is owner elected to complete work in the hallway..
C/O# Contractor Original Amount Approved Changes Adjusted Contracts
- C002-044 Bunkoff General Contractors 4,780,000.00 5,586.31 Increase C004-040 DLC Electric LLC 775,000.00 12,403.05 Increase
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
8. ANNUAL BOCES BOARD ELECTION AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET VOTE 2020-2021
Administrative Budget Vote
Resolved that the Board of Cooperative Educational Services of Albany-Schoharie-Schenectady- Saratoga Counties be authorized to expend the sums set forth in the Administrative Budget document in the total amount of $12,193,150. during the school year 2020-21 and to raise such sum by assessments to component school districts, non-component school districts, other BOCES and other sources as required by law.
Motion: Mrs. Wislon Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
BOCES Board Members (Vote for Four of the below-listed candidates)
The persons listed below have been nominated to serve on the BOCES Board of Education. Each component school district Board of Education may cast one vote each for up to four (4) individual candidates, but there is no statutory requirement that they cast (1) vote per vacancy. Only one vote may be cast for any one candidate. Four (4) positions for the term of 3 years
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that one vote be cast for the following BOCES Board candidates:
- Mr. John Bergeron X
- Mrs. Naomi Hoffman X
- Mrs. Nancy Delprado X
- Mr. John Phelan X
* Each Board member cast one vote for each of the above candidates.
Motion: Mr. Masline Ayes: 5
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
9. PERSONNEL
Appointments
Data Protection Officer – Dr. Maureen Long
Dr. Long commented that this is in compliance with Ed Law 2D
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint Dr. Maureen Long as Data Protection Officer effective immediately through the end of the 2019-2020 school year at no additional compensation.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
Unpaid Leave of Absence -Katherine Nersessian Elementary Teacher
Katherine Nersissian has requested to take an unpaid leave of absence for the remainder of her 12 week FMLA period from April 23, 2020 through May 21, 2020.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School approve the unpaid leave request from Katherine Nersissian from April 23, 2020 through May 21, 2020.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
Unpaid Leave of Absence – Lauren Hayes Music Teacher
Lauren Hayes has requested an unpaid leave of absence for the remainder of her 12 week FMLA period from May 4, 2020 through June 1, 2020.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School approve the unpaid leave request from Lauren Hayes from May 4, 2020 through June 1, 2020.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
10. BOARD OF EDUCATION MATTERS
CSE/CPSE Recommendations
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the CSE/CPSE recommendations as submitted.
Motion: Mrs. Wislon Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
11. STUDENT MATTERS
Class Size Update as of 4/10/19:
- Kdg. – 44 (split)
- Gr. 1 – 42 (split)
- Gr. 2 – 31 (split)
- Gr. 3 – 42 (split)
- Gr. 4 – 24
- Gr. 5 – 37 (split)
- Gr. 6 – 28
- Gr. 7 – 35 (split)
- Gr. 8 – 18
- Total – 301
Mr. Nevins inquired about the offsite learning. Dr. Long said that it can be challenging at times. The teachers/staff are doing a tremendous job engaging students.
12. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
Next Board of Education Meeting – Monday, May 11th – 6:30pm
Dr. Long stated that this date could be subject to change.
Dr. Long mentioned that there would usually be many events listed at this time for end of the year activities. She said she will do her best to somehow still have some events in some way.
13. MISCELLANEOUS
The board members commended the teachers and staff for all of the work that they are doing during this time. They all said that the parade was great, enjoyed by all. Mr. Nevins reminded everyone to fill out the Census if they have not already done so.
14. PUBLIC COMMENT
PLEASE NOTE: During the Public Comment Sessions, members of the community may address the Board on agenda and non-agenda items. The Board President may limit remarks of individual speakers to a reasonable time. Speakers must identify themselves and the topic on which they would like to make remarks.
Mrs. Mercado said that the next virtual PTA meeting will be held on 4/30 at 6:30. Dr. Long asked her to share the information and she would post it on the website.
Mrs. Royal thanked the teachers and staff for all of their hard work during this time. She also said that she would like to see more diversity in the staff.
15. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4 Time: 7:19
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
17. MOTION TO RE ENTER PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
18. MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
19. MOTION TO ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
20. MOTION TO RE ENTER INTO PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
21. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
*The Board may choose to move into Executive Session.
Budget Workshop immediately followed the regular board meeting