MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 13, 2021
5:30 p.m Audit Committee Meeting
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 if 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: 6:31
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 August 9, 2021 Regular Board Meeting and the August 23, 2021 Special Meeting.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Delancy Nays: 0
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
- Opening Day- Dr. Long thanked everyone that helped to make opening day a success.
- Meeting options- Dr. Long asked the board for their input in regards to keeping the board meeting in person or moving to a remote meeting.
- Board term length-The board discussed the option of changing the length of the the term that a board member serves.
8. BUSINESS MATTERS
I. Business Office- Non-Action Items
A. Warrants
Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of the following warrants and the claims auditor report for the month of August 2021:
Fund A Amount
- Warrant #7 $104,391.71
- Warrant #8 $9,752.11
- Warrant #11 $408.00
- Warrant #12 $40,488.00
- Warrant #13 $115,223.94
- Warrant #14 $3,998.26
II. Business Office – Action Items
Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
Items A-G as a consent agenda.
A. Budget Transfers August 2021
BE IT RESOLVED that the authorization of the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the enclosed budget transfers for August 2021.
B. Treasurer’s Reports
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the Treasurer’s Report for the months of August 2021.
C. 2020-2021 Audit
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the 2020-2021 district external audit as completed by West & Company.
D. 2021-2022 Tax Warrant
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approves the resolution for the 2021-2022 tax warrant in the amount of $7,025,082.00: Add 142,000.28 Menands Library; Add 1,876.07 proata exemption payback; Add 9,765.70 additional Star savings; the net amount to be collected on this warrant shall be 7,178,724.05. Taxes funded by Star Exemption 221,867.64. This warrant is effective after it is properly signed by a majority of the Board of Education.
E. Disposal of Items
BE IT RESOLVED that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approves the disposal of:
- 1 T16706 – Dell desktop computer
- Floor Scrubber
- Items from the old sound system that was replaced and technology items
which cease to be of use or of value to the district as listed.
F. Donations
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the following donations as listed:
- Eight backpacks with supplies from School Systems Federal Credit Union.
- 42 soccer balls and 35 basketballs from Toys for Tots
G. Contracts for Approval
Pre Kindergarten Contract
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve agreement between The Menands Union Free School District and the Colonie Youth Center, Inc. to operate a Pre Kindergarten Program for the 2021-2022 school year.
Albany County Department of Health
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the memorandum of understanding with the Albany County Department of Health for the provision of COVID-19 testing at the Menands School for the 2021-2022 school year.
9. PERSONNEL MATTERS
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
Items A-F as a consent agenda.
I. Appointments
A. Lunch Aides-
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following as Lunch Aides for the 2021-2022 school year as per the approved salary schedule. Pending fingerprint approval.
- Chris Berben
- Lynette Rossello
B. Teacher Aide – Jacqueline Groves-Spencer
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Jacqueline Groves-Spencer as a Teacher Aide for the 2021-2022 school year as per the approved salary schedule.
C. Teacher Aide- Kimberly Soto
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Kimberly Soto as a Teacher Aide for the 2021-2022 school year as per the approved salary schedule.
D. Substitute Teacher Aide- Catherine Mattice
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Catherine Mattice as a Substitute Teacher Aide for the 2021-2022 school year as per the approved salary schedule.
E. Homework Club Tutors
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following Homework Club Tutors for the 2021-2022 school year.
- Patrick Benoit
- Michelle Ervin
- Jackie Merchant
- Shauna Stack
- Jacoba Vandenberg
F. Mentors
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following Mentors for the 2021-2022 school year.
- Heather Aragona
- Jayme Keppler
- Megan Perfetti
- Stephanie Stanton
- Tracy Trainor
- Cheri Vandenberg
G. Club/Sports/Other Stipends
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following staff members compensation for the 2021-2022 school year for work performed outside of the regular school day as per the attached spreadsheet.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 3 Abstain: Mr. Nevins
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
10. SUPERINTENDENT 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.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Delancy Nays: 0
11. STUDENT MATTERS
Class Size Update as of 9/8/2021
Kdg.-36 Gr. 5- 32
Gr. 1- 40 Gr. 6- 19
Gr. 2- 49 Gr. 7- 33
Gr. 3-35 Gr. 8- 29
Gr. 4- 30 Total – 303
12. PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
- Summer Program- Mrs. Cannavo said that she was pleased to say that the summer program was a success and the children showed improvement in skills in each program.
13. MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Nevins said it was nice to see all of the students excited to return to school.
Mr. Nevins mentioned that the Story walk opening ceremony will be tomorrow at 4:30.
Mr. Nevins said that transportation had some issues during the first few days of school.
Mrs. Delancy asked what the schedule for the before and after care program would be. Dr. Long said that would be answered best by CYC.
Mrs. Jaskula asked for clarification in regards to the BOEcomments email. Will it continue or should parents be directed to use the BOE emails with any questions.
Mr. Masline asked if any additional training was available for the staff in regards to any updates in technology. Dr. Long said yes.
Mr. Masline said that SAANYS is offering a session in October on Inclusivity if anyone is interested.
Mr. Masline congratulated Mrs. Cannavo on being accepted into the NYSCOSS Superintendents Academy.
14. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
- Yom Kippur -Thursday September 16th-No school
- PTA Meeting- Wednesday September 22nd at 6:30 p.m.
- Parents Night- Thursday September 23rd at 6:00 p.m. (Remote)
- Columbus Day- Monday October 11th – No school
- Next Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, October 12th at 6:30 p.m.
15. 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 if individual speakers to a reasonable time. Speakers must identify themselves and the topic on which they would like to make remarks.
No comment
16. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4 Time: 7:23
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
*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