September 9, 2019 Minutes

MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
19 Wards Lane 
Menands, NY 12204

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9, 2019
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: 6:35                                                                             

2. MOTION TO ENTER PUBLIC SESSION

Motion:  Ms. Jaskula, Second: Mr. Diefenderfer
Ayes: 4, Nays: 0

3. ROLL CALL
Mr. Masline – Present
Mr. Nevins – Present
Mrs. Wilson – 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 ask questions or voice concerns or comments on matters not formally noted on the agenda.  We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.

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 August 5, 2019 Special Meeting and the August 12, 2019  Regular Board Meeting.

Motion:  Ms. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0

 

7. BUSINESS MATTERS

Discussion Item

Building Project Update – Dr. Long thanked everyone for all of their hard work put in to get the building open for the first day of school. The children and parents were very pleased with the outcome.
Opening Day – Dr. Long was excited that Menands  school was chosen to have the Interim Commissioner of NYSED visit on opening day. She thanked everyone that was able to attend.
 

Business Office for Information
Warrants

Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of warrant # 9,11,12,13 and 14 Fund A and warrant # 4,5 and 6 Fund H for the month of August 2019.

Business Office for Approval 
2018-2019 Audit 

Upon recommendation of the Audit Committee that the Board of Education may accept the 2018-2019 district external audit as completed by West & Company. West & Company is present to address the Board if needed.

Resolution   BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION of the MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT accept the 2018-2019 district external audit as completed by West & Company.

Motion:  Mr. Diefenderfer    Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson           Nays: 0
2019-2020 Tax Warrant

Enclosed is the resolution for the tax warrant and assessed valuations and calculations to be approved and signed by the Board of Education. 

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School 

District approves the resolution for the 2019-2020 tax warrant in the amount of $6,895,236: Add 138,347.05 Menands Library; Add 37,898.40 proata exemption payback; Add 8,524.49 additional Star savings; the net amount to be collected on this warrant shall be 6,710,466.06. Taxes funded by Star Exemption 245,030.07. This warrant is effective after it is properly signed by a majority of the Board of Education. 

Motion:  Mrs. Wilson    Ayes: 4
Second: Mr.  Nevins   Nays: 0

 

Donation of Various School  Supplies for the 2019-2020 School Year

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the following donation of various school supplies:

  • Mr. William Nevins- Water Bottles, Lunch Bags and Backpacks
  • CapCom- Backpacks with school supplies
  • School Systems FCU- Backpacks with school supplies  
  • St. Mary’s Academy Hoosick Falls NY- 20 desks
  • Loudon Hills Realty, LLC- School supplies.
Motion:  Mrs. Jaskula      Ayes: 3  Abstain: 1
Second: Mr.  Diefenderfer         Nays: 0

 

Change Orders

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands  Union Free School District upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, hereby approve the following change orders.

Motion:  Mrs. Jaskula      Ayes: 4
Second: Mr.  Diefenderfer         Nays: 0

 

Increase

  • Bunkoff General Contractors  3,977.80
  • Bunkoff General Contractors  1,253.20
  • Bunkoff General Contractors  1,010.75
  • Bunkoff General Contractors  1,582.87
  • Bunkoff General Contractors  2,205.00
  • BPI Piping INC  924.56
  • BPI Piping INC  606.52
  • BPI Piping INC 1,711.70

Decrease

  • Bunkoff General Contractors (711.70)
  • Bunkoff General Contractors  (980.44)
  • BPI Piping INC  (174.78)

8. PERSONNEL MATTERS

Appointments 

 

1 FTE Probationary Special Education Teacher – Yvonne Dungan

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District does hereby appoint Yvonne Dungan to a 4-year probationary appointment in the 1 FTE Special Education tenure area on MS Step 1 of the current Menands Association of Teachers Salary Schedule. Ms. Dungan’s probationary period will begin on September 1, 2019 and will end on or about August 31, 2023. A copy of Ms. Dungan’s resume has been included for the Board.

Motion:  Mr. Diefenderfer     Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs.  Wilson   Nays: 0

 

Teaching Assistant Position – Sabrina Calderon

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District hereby appoint Sabrina Calderon as a full time teaching assistant position tenure area to a 4 year probationary position commencing September 1, 2019 through on or about August 31, 2023 as a New Hire holding an Associate’s degree as indicated in the Teaching Assistant salary schedule of the current Menands Association of Teachers Salary Schedule. 

Motion:  Mrs. Wilson      Ayes: 4
Second: Mr.  Nevins             Nays: 0

 

Teaching Assistant Position – Patricia O’Connell

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District hereby appoint Patrisha O’Connell who is certified as a full time teaching assistant position tenure area to a 4 year probationary position commencing September 1, 2019 through on or about August 31, 2023 as a New Hire holding an Associate’s degree as indicated in the Teaching Assistant salary schedule of the current Menands Association of Teachers Salary Schedule.

Motion:  Mr. Nevins     Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula         Nays: 0

 

Teaching Assistant Position – Jacoba VanDenburgh

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District hereby appoint Jacoba VanDenburgh as a full time teaching assistant position tenure area to a 4 year probationary position commencing September 1, 2019 through on or about August 31, 2023 as a New Hire holding a Bachelor’s degree as indicated in the Teaching Assistant salary schedule of the current Menands Association of Teachers Salary Schedule. 

Motion:  Mrs. Jaskula    Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer      Nays: 0

 

Substitute Building Maintenance Mechanic- Scott Losee

Resolution  BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District  does hereby authorize former Building Maintenance Mechanic, Scott Losee to act in a consultant capacity, as may be requested by the Superintendent on an as needed basis for the 2019-2020 school year. Such consultation shall not exceed 250 hours and shall be    payable  at an hourly rate of $30.00 for hours worked.  

Motion:  Mr. Diefenderfer   Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson         Nays: 0

 

  Teacher Aide – Debra Angrisano

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Debra Angrisano as a Teacher Aide effective 9/3/19 through 6/30/20. Remuneration as per the attached revised salary schedule.

Motion:  Mrs. Wilson   Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins       Nays: 0

 

Teacher Aide – Dayna Kain

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Dayna Kain as a Teacher Aide effective 9/3/19 through 6/30/20. Remuneration as per the attached revised salary schedule.

Motion:  Mr. Nevins   Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula         Nays: 0

 

Food Service Helper- Christina Amato

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Christina Amato as a Food Service Helper effective 9/3/19. Remuneration as per the attached revised salary schedule.

Motion:  Mrs. Jaskula   Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer         Nays: 0

 

Staffing

Superintendent’s Recommendation:  That the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent to appoint employees on a temporary basis with the understanding that the Board of Education will make the final determination at the next subsequent Board of Education meeting.  

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District hereby grant Superintendent, Dr. Maureen Long the authority to appoint employees on a temporary basis with the understanding that the Board of Education will make the final determination at the next subsequent Board of Education meeting. 

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. 

  • Patrick Benoit    
  • Yvonne Dungan
  • Michele Ervin     
  • Carol Green
  • Jacoba Vandenburgh
Motion:  Mrs. Wilson   Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins         Nays: 0

 

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

 

Special Education Services Contract – Crossroads Center for Children

Enclosed for the board if a copy of the Crossroads Center for Children contract for Special Education  services for one student for the 2019-2020 school year.

Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the contract between Menands School and Crossroads Center for Children for the 2019-2020 school year.

Motion:  Mrs. Jaskula   Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer         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 as listed.

Motion:  Mr. Diefenderfer   Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson         Nays: 0
  • Joseph Bender         
  • Molly Pettini
  • Bridget Somerville              
  • Ranjini Walter                  
10. STUDENT MATTERS
Class Size Update as of 9/6/19

Kdg.-49 (split)              Gr. 5- 40 (split) 

           Gr. 1- 46 (split)            Gr. 6- 29 (split)

           Gr. 2- 35 (split)            Gr. 7- 36 (split)

           Gr. 3-38 (split)             Gr. 8- 18

           Gr. 4- 28                      Total – 319

 

 

11.  PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS

Eighth Grade Camp Trip – Mrs. Schroeder welcomed everyone back to school. Informed the Board the the *th grade left for Lake George for the annual team building class trip. She thanked Mr. Hermanz and Mrs. Bettinger for all of their help.
PTA Update – Mrs. Schroeder thanked the PTA for sponsoring the Kindergarten Meet and Greet. She said it was a wonderful event and thanked everyone that attended. She said that the next PTA event will be 10/5. Every Child Travel Safely.  
                  

12. MISCELLANEOUS

CS Arch gave an update on the progress of the Capital Project. 

 

13. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
  • Grade 8 to Camp Chingachgook – September 9th-11th
  • 1st Trimester Clubs/Sports Begin – September 16th
  • PTA Mum Sale & Pick Up – 3:30-6:30-September 17th
  • Parent’s Night – September 19th at 6:00 p.m
  • Yom Kippur- No School- October 9th
  • Columbus Day – No School – October 14th
  • Next Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, October 15th at 6:30 p.m.
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 if individual speakers to a reasonable time. Speakers must identify themselves and the topic on which they would like to make remarks.

 Mrs. Wilson Thanked the teachers and staff for all of their hard work to be ready for the first day of school. She said that he daughter said it was beautiful. Mr. Masline also thanked everyone.

Mr. Nevins said that he enjoyed seeing all of the children and staff excited on opening day

15.     MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Board of Education may enter into Executive Session.                                                                                                         

16. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion:  Mr. Diefenderfer   Ayes: 4 Time: 7:16
Second: Mrs. Jaskula         Nays: 0

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

Respectfully Submitted

Jeanne Mentiply, District Clerk