MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
November 9, 2020
6:30 p.m. – Regular Meeting
In person and via live stream
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
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4 Time: 6:35
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
3. ROLL CALL
- Mr. Masline Present
- Mr. Nevins Present
- Mrs. Wilson Present
- Mrs. Jaskula Present
- Mr. Diefenderfer Present
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Moment of Silence
5. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
*comments can be made at boecomments@menands.org.
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 October 13, 2020 meeting and the October 22, 2020 and November 5, 2020 special meeting.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
7. Communications To The Board Of Education
Communications from Mr. William NevinsDr. Long responded to the communications to the Board from Mr. Nevins, representing the Menands Youth Group, in regards to the possibility of making some upgrades to the school gymnasium.
8. BUSINESS MATTERS
Discussion Items
Long Range Plan- Representatives from Bernard Donegan’s office will be present to provide an update to the Board on our five year plan.- Jason Schwartz made a presentation to the Board about the districts long term plan.
Building Project update- Dr. Long informed the board that they were in the process of closing out the Capital Project. Dr. Long thanked the Board, community, family’s, students and staff for there support during the project. This will serve the the children of the district for years to come.
Business Office for Information
Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of warrants 16, 17 and 20 Fund A and warrants 8, 9 and Fund H for October 2020.
No questions
Business Office for Approval
Budget Transfers – September and October 2020
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the attached budget transfers for September and October 2020.
Motion: Mr.Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Wilson Nays: 0
Treasurer’s Report
Enclosed for the Board’s approval is a copy of the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending September 30 and October 31, 2020 update.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending September 30 and October 31, 2020 update.
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Disposal of Items
Superintendent’s Recommendation: That the Board of Education in accordance with district policy 6900 authorize the disposition of a Dell Laptop as per the attached list.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the disposal of a Dell Laptop which cease to be of use or of value to the district as per the attached list.
T16843- Dell Laptop Latitude D260 from around 2008
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula 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.
C/O#
Contractor
Original Amount
Approved Changes
Adjusted Contracts
C006-003
RBM
304,414.00
($591.56)
Decrease
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
OCM BOCES Electric and Natural Gas Consortium
Enclosed for the information of the Board is a memo from Mrs. Cietek to Dr. Long recommending that the District continue its participation in the New York School and Municipality Energy Consortium (NYSMEC) effective May 1, 2021.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the resolutions as attached for participation in the NYSMEC for the purchase of electricity and natural gas effective May 1, 2021 and ending no later than April 1, 2024.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
9. PERSONNEL MATTERS
Resignations
Teacher Aide – Kanika Pompey
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the enclosed copy of the email from Kanika Pompey, dated October 20, 2020, resigning from her position as a Teacher Aide from the Menands Union Free School District effective immediately.
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Appointments
Teacher Aide – Shannon Devane
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Shannon Devane as a Teacher Aide effective 11/9/2020 through 6/30/21. Remuneration as per the attached revised salary schedule.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
Substitute Teacher Aide – Catherine Mattice
Resolution 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 2020-2021 School year. Remuneration as per the attached revised salary schedule.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
Substitute Custodians –
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following to the substitute custodian position for the 2020-2021 school year. Remuneration as per the attached revised salary schedule. As listed.
- Taj Buskey
- Daniel Ibarra
- Diana Herbert
Motion: Mr.Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
Substitute Food Service Helper-
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following as a Substitute Food Service Workers for the 2020-2021 School year. Remuneration as per the attached revised salary schedule.
- Taj Buskey
- Catherine Mattice
- Diana Herbert
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Food Service Helper- Tina Yanni
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Tina Yanni as a Food Service Worker. Pending fingerprint clearance. Remuneration as per the attached revised salary schedule.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
Dr. Long thanked Mr. Tehan for doing a great job while short staffed.
Increase Existing Hours Worked Per Week-
Increase the hours worked per week from the existing 13.75 hours per week to 27.50 hours per week for the cafeteria cashier /Food Service Helper position for the 2020-2021 school year.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the increased amount of hours from 13.75 hours per week to 27.5 hours per week for the cafeteria cashier / Food Service Helper position for the 2020-2021 school year.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
Dr. Long explained that the job is different now due to COVID and how meals need to be distributed.
Revised Non-Instructional Salary Schedule
Enclosed is the Revised Non-Instructional Salary Schedule for the 2020-2021 school year.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the 2020-2021 Revised Non-Instructional Salary Schedule.
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 Tutor for the 2020-2021 school year at a rate of $35.00 per hour.
Patricia O’Connell
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Vacation Time Roll Over-
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following: Kathy Cietek, School Business Manager and Jeanne Mentiply, Board Clerk, are Managerial Confidential employees who are entitled to terms and conditions pursuant to an individual Benefits Policy approved annually by the Board of Education; and Ms. Cietek and Ms. Mentiply shall be eligible to roll all unused vacation days from the 2019-2020 school year to the 2020-2021 school year. Said days shall be used in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in their respective Benefits Policy.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
Vacation Time Roll Over-
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve an Addendum to the employment contract of the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Maureen Long, allowing for the roll over of unused vacation days, dated (November 9, 2020), a copy of which shall be on file with the Board Clerk.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
Dr. Long thanked the Board
10. BOARD OF EDUCATION MATTERS
Club/Sports/Mentoring/Other Stipends
It is requested that the Board approve the attached list of staff member compensation during the 2020-2021 school year for work performed outside of the regular school day as per the MAT contract.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the attached list of staff member compensation during 2020-2021 school year for work performed outside of the regular school day as per the MAT contract.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
Dr. Long said due to the circumstances it is a short list but she is happy that they can offer a few things for the kids. She thanked the staff for volunteering to help.
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: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins 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 2020-2021 school year as listed.
- Julianne Armbruster
- Leah Silidjian
- Asha Evans
- Amanda Wilson
- Rasha Hamid
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
North Colonie Shared Services Agreement- Elementary Special Education Services 2020-2021
Enclosed for the Board are copies of the 2020-2021 Shared Services Agreement from the North Colonie Central School District to provide Elementary Special Education Services for the 2020-2021 school year.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the 2020-2021 Shared Services Agreement from the North Colonie Central School District to provide Elementary Special Education Services for the 2020-2021 School year.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
11. STUDENT MATTERS
Class Size Update as of 11/4/2020:
In person: Virtual: In person: Virtual:
Kdg. – 21 19 Gr. 5 – 9 10
Gr. 1 – 27 18 Gr. 6 – 19 17
Gr. 2 – 17 21 Gr. 7 – 20 10
Gr. 3 – 19 13 Gr. 8 – 21 10
Gr. 4 – 18 18 Total – 307
12. SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Changes to K-5 learning and transportation options- Dr. Long said that they are waiting to see the results of the survey to see what the numbers will be.
Potential remote only day- Dr. Long said that they would like to have a remote day of learning.
Thanks to staff and parents
Happy Thanksgiving
BOE Retreat December 9th Time: 5-9- Dr. Long updated the board in regards to the upcoming BOE retreat.
13. PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
Red Ribbon Week/Pumpkin Run- Mrs. Canavo said even though it was different this year it was nice to see everyone participate and have fun.
Picture Day- Will be held for both in school and remote students.
Parent – Teacher Conferences- Will be held virtually.
Upcoming Events- The kids will be participating in the Ronald McDonald Readathon. This is a great opportunity to encourage the kids to read for a good cause. Thanks to the PTA and Mrs. Jaskula.
14. MISCELLANEOUS
Mrs. Jaskula mentioned that the Ronald McDonald Readathon starts today. The next PTA meeting is December 17, 2020.
Mr. Nevins asked how the district felt about bringing kids back from remote to in school at this
Time. Dr. Long said that she feels confident in the procedures and protocols that they have in place.
Mr, Nevins asked how the remote learners were doing. Dr. Long said that things were going well and the staff is working hard to monitor participation.
Mrs. Wilson thanked the staff for all of their hard work so far this year.
Mr. Masline wished everyone a Happy holiday.
15. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
- Veterans Day- Wednesday November 11th – NO SCHOOL- Reminder this is not on the school calendar.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences – Friday, November 20st – EARLY RELEASE 11:20 a.m.
- Thanksgiving Holiday – November 25-27 – NO SCHOOL
- Next Board of Education Meeting: Monday, December 14, 2020 at 6:30p.m.
- Board of Education Retreat- Wednesday, December 9, 2020 5-9 pm
16. 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.
Dr. Long asked to go into Executive Session.
17. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
18. MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins 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
19. MOTION TO ADJOURN PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4 Time: 9:18
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
*All minutes of Board of Education meetings are recorded and become public record upon approval by the Board.