May 11, 2020 Minutes

MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF EDUCATION

May 11, 2020

6:30 p.m. Budget Workshop

 Livestream / Video Conferencing, Board Meeting Immediately Following 

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.  Comments can be entered on BOE comments@menands.org

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER                          Time: 6:54
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

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.

Mr. Blanchet noted that Mrs. Cannavo is the perfect candidate for the job.

Comments can be made 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 the April 22, 2020 meeting. 

Motion: Ms. Jaskula Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Diefenderfer     Nays: 0

7. BUSINESS MATTERS
Discussion Item

COVID-19- Dr. Long shared some information in regards to closing out this school year and the opening of next year. Dr. Long is looking into how to proceed with the end of the year events.  

Business Office for Information

Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of warrant #51 and 53  Fund A and #21 and  # 22 H Fund.

Business Office for Approval 
Budget Transfer – April 2020

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the enclosed budget transfer for April 2020. 

Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4

Second: Mrs. Wilson     Nays: 0

Treasurer’s Report 

Enclosed is the Treasurer’s report for the month of April 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 April 2020.

Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Nevins     Nays: 0

2020-2021 Budget Adoption

 

Based on the information and materials discussed during the Board workshop earlier this evening, the Board will adopt the 2020-2021 budget.

 

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the proposed 2020-2021 budget in the amount of $9,824,370.00.

Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4

Second: Mrs. Jaskula     Nays: 0

Property Tax Report Card – Adoption

 

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District adopt the 2020-2021 property tax report card. 

Motion: Ms. Jaskula Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Diefenderfer     Nays: 0

 

Donations 

Stewart’s Shops- Camp Chingachgook $300.00. 

CSARCH – To assist in enhancing the remote learning Process (Hot Spots) $500.00.

Community Resource Federal Credit Union – Yearbook Club  $200.00.

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the donations as listed.

 

Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4

Second: Mrs. Wilson     Nays: 0

8. PERSONNEL MATTERS

Appointments

K – 8 Principal – Jennifer Cannavo

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District does hereby appoint Jennifer Cannavo to a 4-year probationary appointment in the tenure area of  Administration, effective July 1, 2020.  Salary will be in accordance with the Terms of Employment Agreement.  Mrs. Cannavo’s probationary period will begin on July 1, 2020 and will end on June 30, 2024.  

Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Nevins     Nays: 0

Mrs. Cannavo  thanked everyone for giving her the opportunity to return to Menards. She is looking forward and excited to start.

Mr. Diefenderfer thanked the search committee

Mr. Masline thanked everyone for being a part of the hiring process.  

9. 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: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4

Second: Mrs. Jaskula     Nays: 0

Health Services Contract  

Enclosed please find copies of the 2019-2020 Health Services Contracts for students  attending private or parochial schools in the following districts:

  • North Colonie School District- (23) students in the amount of $16,279.40.
  • North Greenbush Common School District- (2) student in the amount of $468.88.
  • South Colonie School District- (4) student in the amount of $3,086.24.
                                       *The residence of the students has been verified.

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the 2019-2020 Health Services Contracts for students  attending private or parochial schools as listed. 

Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Diefenderfer     Nays: 0

 

Employee Compensation During Declared Pandemic Emergency

Governor Andrew Cuomo has issued Executive Orders requiring all schools to be closed through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year to reduce the spread of the COVID-19/Coronavirus. Therefore, the board authorizes salary payments for all hourly Board of Education appointed staff, excluding substitutes, specifically, Teacher Aids, Lunch Aids and the Cashier, through the end of the mandatory closure period pursuant to applicable New York State Executive Order(s).

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approves salary payments for all hourly Board of Education appointed staff, excluding substitutes, specifically, Teacher Aids, Lunch Aids and the Cashier, through the end of the mandatory closure period pursuant to applicable New York State Executive Order(s).

Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4

Second: Mrs. Wilson     Nays: 0

 

School District Calendar 2019-2020

Resolution    BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approves the authorization of the Superintendent of schools to modify the Menands Union Free School District 2019-2020 calendar, as approved by the Board of Education. 

Mrs. Wilson asked what this was in regards to? Dr. Long said because they worked over the break that the last day of school might change.

 Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Nevins     Nays: 0

10.   STUDENT MATTERS 

Class Size Update as of 4/10/20:

  • Kdg. – 43 (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 – 300
11. SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS 
  • NYSSBA Recognition Program – Courtney Jaskula, Level 1 Board Achievement Award.
  • Teacher Appreciation Week-Dr. Long thanked everyone for going above and beyond this year.
  • Dr. Long thanked Mrs. Jaskula for her dedication to the Board of Education.

The Board also congratulated Mrs. Jaskula. 

12. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL

 

  • June 2, 2020 Budget Hearing-Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
  • Next Board of Education Meeting- Monday June 8th at 6:30 p.m.
  • June 9, 2020 Budget Vote Absentee Ballot only
13.  MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. Masline thanked everyone for all of their hard work and dedication that they have put in this year. He also reminded people to fill out their census. 

Mrs. Wilson would like to look into additional training in regards to EdLaw 2D. 

 

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- The PTA has 3 open seats on its executive board that they need fill. Information is available on the PTA website.Next meeting is June 10th at 6:30. 

15. 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.

⃞ 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.

Dr. Long informed people in attendance that if they would like to stay on that the board

May take action when they return.

No action taken.

Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Diefenderfer     Nays: 0

16. MOTION TO ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Diefenderfer     Nays: 0

17. MOTION TO RE-ENTER PUBLIC SESSION

Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Diefenderfer     Nays: 0

18. MOTION TO ADJOURN     Time: 8:18

Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Diefenderfer     Nays: 0

 

*All minutes of Board of Education meetings are recorded and become public record upon approval by the Board.