MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
March 09, 2020
6:00 Executive Session
6:30 p.m. – Regular Meeting
Budget Workshop Immediately Following Regular Meeting
Executive Session if Necessary Following the Budget Meeting
*It is expected that the board will immediately adjourn into Executive Session for the purpose of matters indicated below.
The meeting will reconvene at 6:30 p.m. for the Public Session.
There will be no action or discussion other than a motion to go into Executive Session at 6:00 p.m.
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
2. MOTION TO ENTER PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0 Time: 6:00 p.m.
3. MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board of Education may enter into Executive Session for the reason(s) indicated below as specified:
⃞ Matters which will imperil the public safety if disclosed.
⃞ Any matter that may disclose the identity of a law enforcement agent or
informer.
⃞ Information relating to current or future investigation or prosecution of a
criminal offense that would imperil effective law enforcement if disclosed.
⃞ Discussion involving proposed, pending, or current litigation.
⃞ Collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law.
(Negotiations with the MAT)
☑ The medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular person
or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment,
promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a
particular person or corporation.
⃞ The preparation, grading, or administration of exams.
⃞ The proposed acquisition, sale or lease of real property or the proposed
acquisition, sale or exchange of securities, but only when publicity would
substantially affect the value of these things.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0 Time: 6:01
4. MOTION TO ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION
5. MOTION TO RE-ENTER PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0 Time: 6:33
6. ROLL CALL
- Mr. Masline Present
- Mr. Nevins Present
- Mrs. Wilson Present
- Mrs. Jaskula Present
- Mr. Diefenderfer Present
7. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
8. 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.
No Comment
9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the minutes of the February 3, 2020 meeting.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefender Nays: 0
10. COMMUNICATION TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Communication from the YearBook Club
11. BUSINESS MATTERS
Discussion Items
Building Project- Representatives from both CS Arch Architectural Firm and Bernard P Donegan. Dr. Long thanked the representatives from CS Arch and Bernard P Donegan’s for coming. An overview of the building project and financial update was presented to the board of education.
COVID 19- Dr. Long shared with the board the most current information available at the time pertaining to COVID 19.
Business Office for Information
Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of warrant #’s 40, 42 and 44 Fund A , warrant #’s 17 and 18 Fund H and #3 EC for the month of February 2020.
Business Office for Approval
Budget Transfer – January and February 2020
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the attached budget transfers for January and February 2020.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
Treasurer’s Reports
Enclosed is the Treasurer’s Report for the month of January and February 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 January and February 2020.
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Stipulation Settlement and Order from the Supreme Court, Albany County on behalf of Dutch Village LLC. –
Enclosed for the information of the Board is a copy of the Stipulation of Settlement and Order from the Supreme Court, Albany County on behalf of Dutch Village LLC. The assessed value has been reduced by $7117.02.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District acknowledges receipt of this order and authorizes the Business Manager to issue a refund of the taxes in the amount of $7117.02 payable to Goldman Attorneys PLLC.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 1
Donation for the Menands School Food Pantry from The Menands St. Patrick’s Club
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the donation to the Menands School Food Pantry from the Menands St. Patrick’s Club in the amount of $50.00.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefender Nays: 0
Establishment of Estimated non-resident tuition rates for McKinney Vento Reimbursement Purposes.
In circumstances where students protected under the McKinney Vento legislation move to permanent housing outside of the Menands Union Free School District, but choose to remain at Menands School, we are able to directly bill the new District of residence. To do so we must utilize Board approved estimated tuition rates.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District establish the following estimated tuition rates for the 2019-2020 school year.
- K-6 Regular Ed. – $12,252.00
- Gr. 7-8 Regular Ed. – $15,267.00
- Gr. K-6 Special Ed. – $54,127.00
- Gr. 7-8 Special Ed. – $57,142.00
Motion: Mr. Diefender Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
12. PERSONNEL MATTERS
Tenure Probationary Period Date Change – Shirah Bettinger, Physical Education Teacher
It is the Superintendent’s recommendation that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District modify the probationary period for Shirah Bettinger due to unpaid leave taken.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District modify the probationary period of Shirah Bettinger, from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2020, to July 1, 2016 through October 1, 2020, due to unpaid leave taken.
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Appointments
Long Term Substitute Teacher – Middle School Math – Rachel Haas
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint Rachel Haas to a long-term substitute teaching position in Middle School Math commencing on February 3, 2020 through on or about June 30, 2020 at Step 1 in accordance with the MAT contract.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
Substitute Clerical Staff
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the following individuals be appointed for the 2019-2020 school year at their current hourly rate:
- Janet Ramsay
- David LaFleur
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
Temporary Keyboard Specialist- Elizabeth Mentiply
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District hereby appoints Elizabeth Mentiply as a Temporary Keyboard Specialist in the competitive class of the civil service, to serve for a period of three months, effective March 25, 2020, at a salary of $31,200 for the 2019-2020 school year, prorated.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
Homework Club Tutors
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following Homework Club Tutors for the 2019-2020 school year at a rate of $25.00 per hour.
- Rachel Haas
- Tim Mulpeter- Substitute
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Resignations
Substitute Teacher, Middle School Math- Noel Santiago
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accepts the letter of resignation from Noel Santiago, dated February 5, 2020 resigning from his position as the Middle School Math Substitute teacher from the Menands Union Free School District effective February 5, 2020.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
KeyBoard Specialist- Aileen Nicoll
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accepts the letter of resignation from Aileen Nicoll, dated February 20, 2020 resigning from her position as Keyboard Specialist from the Menands Union Free School District effective March 5, 2020.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr.Diefenderfer Nays: 0
Dr. Long thanked Ms. Nicoll for her time and dedication to the district.
Senior KeyBoard Specialist- Lisa Buoniconto
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accepts the letter of resignation from Lisa Buoniconto, dated February 25, 2020 resigning from her position as Keyboard Specialist from the Menands Union Free School District effective June 30, 2020.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
Dr. Long thanked Ms. Buoniconto for her time and dedication to the district.
Retirement- Charles Blanchet
Enclosed is a letter of Resignation for the purpose of Retirement from Charles Blanchet, Elementary teacher, effective June 30, 2020.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District upon the recommendation of the Superintendent approves the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Charles Blanchet effective June 30, 2020.
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Dr. Long thanked Mr. Blanchet for his dedication to his students and the district.
Retirement- Melinda Waldron
Enclosed is a letter of Resignation for the purpose of Retirement from Melinda Waldron, Special Education teacher, effective June 30, 2020.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School
District upon the recommendation of the Superintendent approves the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Melinda Waldron effective June 30, 2020.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
Dr. Long acknowledged Mrs. Waldren’s dedication to her students over the years in the district.
13. 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. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
Menands UFSD/Public Library Vote & Elections – May 19, 2020 – Election Officials
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint the following as Board of Registration and Election Officials for the May 19, 2020 budget vote and elections.
- Aileen Nicoll
- Lisa Buoniconto
- Jeanne Mentiply
- Sheila Hyatt
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
Payroll Calendar 2020-2021
Enclosed is the proposed 2020-2021 Payroll calendar for the Menands Union Free School District.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District adopt the 2020-2021 Payroll calendar as submitted.
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Substitute Teachers – Fully Cleared
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following substitute teachers for the 2019-2020 school year.
- James Ashley
- Anna Barletta
- Marcus Crosby
- Shane Decanio
- Nina DiLella
- Alex Graham
- Claudia Howes
- Nurettin Ipek
- Ashley Jewett
- Mitchell Jordan
- Katie McCann
- Nursel Metin
- Marissa Morano
- Lisa Zima
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
14. STUDENT MATTERS
Class Size Update as of 3/3/20:
Kdg. – 41 (split)
Gr. 1 – 42 (split)
Gr. 2 – 31 (split)
Gr. 3 – 42 (split)
Gr. 4 – 24
Gr. 5 – 38 (split)
Gr. 6 – 28
Gr. 7 – 35 (split)
Gr. 8 – 18
Total – 299
15. SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
- Mass Communications Systems Demos- Dr. Long was able to view some different systems and will continue to review costs and technology to choose the system that will best fit the needs of the district.
- NYCOSS Conference- Dr. Long thanked the board for giving her the opportunity to attend the conference. She gained some very valuable information.
- Diversity and Inclusivity Work- Two new members have been added to the group. They had the chance to attend a very informative workshop at SUNY Albany.
- School Play / Sound System Update- They will not be able to replace the current equipment by the date of the concert. Dr. Long is looking into renting the equipment for the event this year.
- Upcoming Superintendent’s Conference Day- Dr. Long is looking forward to time for the teachers to continue to explore opportunities for the students to grow.
3/25- Mrs. Schroeder has been nominated Principal of the year by CASDA.
Congratulations to her. Very well deserved.
16. PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
Kindergarten Parent Information Night- Mrs. Schroeder Thanked the teachers and staff that worked together to plan this event. It was a very informational night, very well attended and appreciated by the families that came out.
17. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
- No School – Friday, March 20th Superintendent’s Conference Day
- Drama Club Tech Week – March 13-18
- Drama Club Community Productions – Friday, March 20th at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 21st at 2:30 p.m.
- PTA Middle School Fun -Friday, March 27th 6 p.m.
- EARLY RELEASE – Wednesday, April 1st – 11:20 a.m. Parent-Teacher Conferences.
- PTA Multicultural Festival Friday, April 3rd at 6:00 p.m.
- Spring Break No School- Friday, April 10th-17th
18. MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Nevins attended the staff vs the 8th grade basketball game. He said it was a great event that everyone enjoyed.
Mr. Nevins said that he will work with the village and the district to get information out to people in regards to the Census.
Mrs. Jaskula mentioned that the PTA is looking for three new executive board members.
19. 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 she would be happy to volunteer her time if needed to help with the new communication system.
20. MOTION TO ADJOURN
*All minutes of Board of Education meetings are recorded and become public record upon approval by the Board.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0 Time: 8:15
Budget Workshop immediately followed the regular board meeting
Respectfully Submitted by Jeanne Mentiply
District Clerk