MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
November 8, 2021
6:30 p.m. – Regular Meeting
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
3. ROLL CALL
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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 comment on matters not formally noted on the agenda. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the minutes of the October 12, 2021 meeting and the October 14, 2021 and October 27, 2021 special meeting.
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
- Therapy Dog
- Policy Committee Recommendations
8. BUSINESS MATTERS
I. Business Office- Non-Action Items
Warrants
Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of the following warrants and the claims auditor report for the month of October 2021:
Fund A Amount
- Warrant #20 $195,847.01
- Warrant #22 $110,860.66
II. Business Office- Action Items
A. Budget Transfers – October 2021
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the attached budget transfers for October 2021.
B. Treasurer’s Report
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month of October 31, 2021.
C. Donation
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the following donation as listed:
- Prosound Associates- Audio streaming support services and equipment.
- Fidelis- 200 water bottles.
- Village of Menands resident- Musical instruments. 1 drum, 1 keyboard and 1 xylophone.
D. Resolution to Increase the 2021-2022 Revenue Budget
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the increase to the 2021-2022 revenue budget by $86,800 for a one Time award from Emergency Connectivity Funding.
E. Resolution to Increase the 2021-2022 Appropriation Budget
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the increase to the 2021-2022 appropriation budget by $86,800 for technology purchases through Emergency Connectivity Funding.
F. Contracts for Approval
Owner of Therapy Animal Service Contract
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the contract between Menands School and Meghan Cahill “Owner of Therapy Animal” for the 2021-2022 school year as per attached contract.
9. POLICY
I. First Reading of Policies
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District, upon recommendation of the Policy Committee, approve the first reading of the following policy.
a. Animals in School 4850
II. First Reading of Policies
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District, upon recommendation of the Policy Committee, approve the first reading of the following policies.
- School District Records 1120
- News Media Relations 1130
- Relations with Parent Organizations 1221
- Public Complaints 1400
10. PERSONNEL MATTERS
I. Authorization
A. Amendment to Employee Contract- Meghan Amatrano, Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the amendment of the Employment Agreement by and between the Menands Union Free School District and Meghan Amatrano, Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services, per the attached Addendum dated November 4, 2021. 4
II. Resignations
A. Teaching Assistant – Patricia O’Connell
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the enclosed copy of the letter from Patricia O’Connell, resigning from her position as a Teaching Assistant from the Menands Union Free School District effective November 5, 2021
III. Unpaid Leave
Unpaid Leave of Absence – Sabrina Louis- Account Clerk I
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School approve the unpaid leave request from Sabrina Louis from January 3, 2022 through May 6, 2022 for educational purposes.
11. SUPERINTENDENTS RECOMMENDATIONS PROGRAMS
I. CSE/CPSE Recommendations
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the CSE/CPSE recommendations as submitted.
II. Substitute Teachers – Fully Cleared
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint the following substitute teacher for the 2021-2022 school year.
Erica Foley
III. Substitute Teacher – Ryan Ross
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint Ryan Ross as a substitute teacher for the 2021-2022 school year. Effective November 3, 2021 through on or about January 14, 2022 at the per Diem rate of $110.
12. STUDENT MATTERS
Class Size Update as of 10/29/2021:
Kdg. – 40(split) Gr. 5 – 32 (split)
Gr. 1 – 37(split) Gr. 6 – 23
Gr. 2 – 48(split) Gr. 7 – 36 (split)
Gr. 3 – 38 (split) Gr. 8 – 30 (split)
Gr. 4 – 31 Total – 315
13. SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
- Pre-K
- Committee Updates
- Superintendent’s Conference Day
- COVID Related Updates
14. PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
- Pumpkin Run
- Pumpkin Character Contest
- Red Ribbon Week
- Fall Festival
15. MISCELLANEOUS
16. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
- Veterans Day- Thursday November 11th – NO SCHOOL
- Parent-Teacher Conferences – Wednesday, November 24 – EARLY RELEASE 11:20 a.m.
- Thanksgiving Holiday – November 25-26 – NO SCHOOL
- Next Board of Education Meeting: Monday, December 13, 2021 at 6:30p.m.
17. 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.
*The board may choose to adjourn to Executive Session.
18. MOTION TO ADJOURN
*All minutes of Board of Education meetings are recorded and become public record upon approval by the Board.