Nov. 8, 2021 Minutes

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                         Time: 6:30

2. MOTION TO ENTER PUBLIC SESSION

           Motion: Mrs. Jaskula             Ayes: 4

           Second: Mr. Diefenderfer   Nays: 0

3. ROLL CALL

  • Mr. Masline     Present
  • Mr. Nevins       Present
  • Mrs. Delancy  Present
  • Mrs. Jaskula   Present
  • Mr. Diefenderfer  Present

 

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. 

 Motion: Mrs. Jaskula         Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0

7. DISCUSSION ITEMS

Therapy Dog- Dr. Long informed the board about Ms. Cahill’s therapy dog named Lilly. Dr. Long said that she thought this would be a nice addition to the Menands school.
Policy Committee Recommendations- Dr. Long asked the board to consider forgoing the third reading of a policy in order to streamline the process.

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

No questions

II. Business Office- Action Items

The board president asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items A-F.

Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4

Second: Mrs. Delancy   Nays: 0

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

1. 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.

 

2.   2021-2022 Intermunicipal Agreement (ENL Services) North Colonie

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the intermunicipal agreement between Menands UFSD and North Colonie Central School District for ENL services for the 2021-2022 school year as per the attached agreement

9. POLICY

I. Final Reading of Policy

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District, upon recommendation of the Policy Committee, approve the final reading of the following policy.

                 a.   Animals in School 4850

The resolution reflects Dr. Long’s recommendation that the board moves to the final reading of policy 4850 tonight.

Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0

 

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

Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4

Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0

 

10.      PERSONNEL MATTERS

The board president asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items I-III.

Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0

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  

The board president asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items I-III.

Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4

Second: Mrs. Delancy Nays: 0

 

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)        Pre K- 18

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- Dr. Long said that it is the second  week of the pre k program and everything is going well. Dr. Long thanked Ms. Amatrano for all of her time and effort that she has put in to get the program started.
  • Committee Updates- Dr. Long informed the board that the policy committee has been busy and continues to make progress and the strategic planning and diversity and inclusivity committee had their first training. Dr. Long said that she is excited to move forward.
  • Superintendent’s Conference Day- Dr. Long shared with the board that they had a very productive PD day. Dr. Long thanked Mrs. Cannavo for her work involved with the curriculum opportunities and NERIC for presenting information about different school management systems.
  • COVID Related Updates- Dr. Long informed the board that the school had a positive case. Dr. Long gave credit to the procedures and protocols that are in place. Dr. Long also updated the board that she has been working with Albany County to hold a vaccination clinic at the school. 

14. PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS

  • Pumpkin Run- Mrs. Cannavo told the board that October was a busy month. She thanked Mr. Ahl and Ms. Bettinger for their work involved with having the pumpkin run. It was held during each gym class and was a good way to bring it back.
  • Pumpkin Character Contest- Mrs. Cannavo thanked Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Malkiewicz for helping with the pumpkin character contest. They had many creative entries.
  • Red  Ribbon Week- Mrs. Cannavo thanked Mrs. Bettinger for putting together the program for the week. The week celebrates and educates on the importance of living a drug free life.
  • Fall Festival- Mrs. Cannavo thanked the PTA for having the Fall festival. It was very well attended and a very nice event for the school community to get out and enjoy the day. Mrs. Cannavo thanked Mrs. Klami, Mrs. Mercado and every else that help make this event possible.
  • The Ronald McDonald Charity House read-a-thon kicked off this week and the Book Fair will be held. You will see information coming home about these two events soon. 
     

15. MISCELLANEOUS 

Mrs. Delancy asked how the district will handle the return after the holiday with the potential of travel. Dr. Long said that they will follow the CDC and Albany County guidelines.

Mrs. Delancy asked how the district deals with children that might be symptomatic after the vaccination. Dr. Long said that they work with the department of health and other school specialists for advice on how to proceed. 

Mr. Nevins said that he would like to discuss what athletic opportunities will be available to the MS students at the next meeting.

Mr. Nevins asked if there had been any tax proceedings on assessments? Mrs. Cietek said she is only aware of one for residential property.

Mr. Masline offered  congratulations to the Pre K program and Ms. Amatrano. Welcome to the new students.

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.

Mrs. Mercado  said to get your orders in for the apparel sale by Wednesday at 11:59. 

Mrs. Mercado asked when parents will be notified of the results of the state assessment exams. 

Mrs. Canavo said that a presentation will be given at the December BOE meeting. They will follow up with the state to see when the results will be sent out.

Mrs. Mercado A meeting will be held on 11/18 at the Menands Firehouse for CYO Basketball. 

*The board may choose to adjourn to Executive Session. 

Dr. Long asked if the  board would consider moving into executive session in order to discuss matters regarding:

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 thing

Dr. Long said that is not their intent to take any action other than to adjourn after the executive session. You are welcome to stay on. 

18.. MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion: Mrs.Jaskula Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0

19. MOTION TO ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion: Mrs.Jaskula Ayes: 4

Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0

20. MOTION TO RE-ENTER 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        Time: 7:26

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

Respectfully submitted by Jeanne Mentiply, District Clerk