MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
August 9, 2021
Public Hearing -Safety Plan- 6:30
Regular Meeting – Immediately following
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 Time: 6:33
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 ask questions or voice concerns or comments 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 both the July 12, 2021 Reorganizational Board Meeting and Regular Board Meeting.
Mr. Masline asked that Mrs. Delancy’s name be corrected on the July 12, 2021 Roll Call.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Delancy Nays: 0
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
Opening Planning- Dr. Long presented the opening plan for September. The presentation along with informational links will be posted on the district webpage and be sent to families via school messenger.
Pre Kindergarten Information and Update- Dr. Long gave an update of the possibility of offering Pre k at Menands Union Free School this fall.
8. BUSINESS MATTERS
I. Business Office- Non- Action Items
Warrant’s
Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of the following warrants and the claims auditor report for the month of July 2021:
Fund A Amount
- Warrant #2 $104,462.78
- Warrant #3 $182,124.07
- Warrant #4 $27,330.89
- Warrant #6 $550.00
Mr. Nevins asked for an update of the reserve fund balance.
Ms. Cietek said it would be available once the audit is complete.
B. Annual Fire Inspection
The annual fire inspection of the Menands Union Free District was conducted on December 18, 2020. The report is filed in the office of the Business Manager.
Mr. Diefenderfer asked how the inspection went.
Dr. Long said it went well.
II. Business Office- Action Items
Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
On consent agenda items A-E
Budget Transfers June and July 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 June and July 2021.
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 June and July 2021.
Tax Rate for 2021-2022
WHEREAS the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District has been authorized by the voters at the Annual School District Meeting to raise for the budget of the 2021-2022 school year a sum not to exceed $10,275,635.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education fix the equalized tax rates by towns and confirm the extension of the taxes as they appear on the following tax roll:
_____________________________________________________________________
Name of Town Assessed Valuation Tax Rate Total
Colonie $251,183,477 $28.890097 7,258,591
_____________________________________________________________________
D. 2020-2021 Safety Plan
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approves and or ratifies the 2021-2022 District Safety Plan as recommended by the Superintendent.
E. Free and Reduced Lunch Program
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve district participation in the free and reduced lunch program and adopts the family eligibility criteria to assist in determining eligibility for the 2021-2022 school year.
Mr. Nevins asked if the application still had to be filled out if all were entitled to free lunch.
Dr. Long and Ms. Cietek said yes due to the fact that the number of free and reduced families is needed for additional funding.
F. Contracts for Approval
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
On consent agenda items 1-2
Advanced Therapy- Special Education Services Contract
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the contract between Menands School and Advanced Therapy for the 2021-2022 school year as per the attached agreement.
Star & Strand Transportation Contract Extension
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the attached contract between Menands School and Star & Strand Transportation at CPI for the 2021-2022 school year.
9. POLICY
Policy # 5300- Annual approval of Code of Conduct
There were no changes from prior year.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District hereby accepts the recommendation of the Superintendent to approve the 2020-2021 Code of Conduct.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
II. Final 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 final reading of the following policies.
- Technology Use Policy 4526
- Instructional Technology General Use- Students and Staff Members 4526.1
- Technology use Policy for Staff 4526.2
- Student Access to District Computer System Resources 4526.3
- Technology use Policy for Students 4526.4
- Internet Safety 4526.5
- School District Office and Employee Code of Ethics 2160
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Delancy Nays: 0
III. Abolish Policy
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District, upon recommendation of the Policy Committee, abolish the following policy.
Internet Safety Policy 4527
Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
10. PERSONNEL MATTERS
Resignations
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
Consent agenda items A-B
Elementary Teacher – Domenica Hallett
Enclosed for the Board is a letter from Domenica Hallett, dated July 14, 2021 resigning from her position as an Elementary Teacher from the Menands Union Free School District effective August 31, 2021.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the letter of resignation from Domenica Hallett, dated July 14, 2021, resigning from her position as an Elementary Teacher from the Menands Union Free School District effective August 31, 2021.
Social Worker- Ashley Mondini
Enclosed for the Board is a letter from Ashley Mondini, dated July 14, 2021 resigning from her position as a Social Worker from the Menands Union Free School District effective August 31, 2021.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the letter of resignation from Ashley Mondini, dated July 14, 2021, resigning from her position as a Social Worker from the Menands Union Free School District effective August 31, 2021.
II. Appointments
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
Consent agenda items A-F
A. 1 FTE Probationary Special Education Teacher – Jacqueline Merchant
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District does hereby appoint Jacqueline Merchant to a 4-year probationary appointment in the Special Education tenure area on MS Step 1 of the current Menands Association of Teachers Salary Schedule. Ms. Merchant holds appropriate teaching certification. Ms. Merchant’s probationary period will begin on September 1, 2021 and will end on or about August 31, 2025. A copy of Ms. Merchant’s resume has been included for the Board.
B. 1 FTE Social Worker- Meghan Cahill
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District does hereby appoint Meghan Cahill to a 1 year temporary appointment commencing on September 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 on Step 3 of the current Menands Association of Teachers Salary Schedule. A copy of Ms.Cahill’s resume is attached.
C. Elementary Teachers-
1. 1 FTE Probationary Elementary Appointment – Kelly Mullen
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District does hereby appoint Kelly Mullen to a 4-year probationary appointment in the Elementary Education tenure area on Step 1, masters, of the current Menands Association of Teachers Salary Schedule. Ms. Mullen holds the appropriate teaching certification. Ms. Mullen’s probationary period will begin on September 1, 2021 and will end on or about August 31, 2025. A copy of Ms. Mullen’s resume has been included for the Board.
2. Rachel Haas
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District does hereby appoint Rachel Haas to a one year temporary appointment as an Elementary Teacher for the 2021-2022 school year on Step 1 of the current Menands Association of Teachers Salary Schedule.
3. Long Term Substitute- Samantha Hall
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint Samantha Hall to a long-term substitute teaching position as an Elementary Teacher commencing on September 1, 2021 through on or about June 30, 2022 in accordance with the MAT contract.
4. Building Substitute- Shauna Stack
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Shauna Stack as a Building Substitute Teacher effective 9/1/21 through 6/30/22 as per the negotiated Benefits Agreement.
D. Teacher Aide – Sarah Ammerman
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Sarah Ammerman as a Teacher Aide effective 9/9/21 through 6/30/22. Remuneration as per the approved salary schedule.
E. Staffing
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of schools 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.
F. Other Appointments
BE IT RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District hereby approves the following Individuals to carry out the appointments (f-g) as outlined below for the 2021-2022 school year: (Revised from the July Agenda)
f. Title IX Coordinator: Jennifer Cannavo
g. Title IX Investigators: Rachel Rissetto and Jennifer Cannavo
11. 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
12. SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
- Diversity and Inclusivity- Dr. Long spoke in regards to both Diversity and
- Inclusivity and the Strategic Planning saying that once the opening planning for September is complete they will be meeting again and should have a plan ready to present to the board at the October meeting.
- Strategic Planning- Included in the information above.
13. PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
Summer Programming- Mrs. Cannavo updated the board in regards to the summer programs that are being offered this summer. She said that she was very pleased to see the children here taking advantage of the programs and enhancing their skills.
14. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
Next Board of Education Meeting – September 13, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Opening guidance may require a second August meeting.- Dr. Long said that she doesn’t think that will be needed. The board picked a date of August 23rd if necessary.
15. MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Nevins asked if the signs on the school property will be updated to reflect the use of edible marijuana. Dr. Long said that they are looking into updating signage.
Mr. Nevins asked what is being done for the emotional needs of the staff. Dr. Long said that the district has an EAP program available for all staff members.
Mr. Masline asked the board members to complete their super evals. If they haven’t yet. He would like to get the information to Dr. Long by the time that school starts.
Mr. Masline asked everyone to fill out the NYSSBA survey that is out.
Mr. Masline said that it looks like COVID is not going away yet and wanted to say that the board has put a lot of thought into decisions and takes it very seriously.
Dr. Long said that NYSSBA may put a cap on the number of attendees at the upcoming Convention .
Mr. Masline said with the possibility of rising inflation in the future he asked that the district will be aware of that when budgeting for the future. Dr. Long said that B.P Dongan will be back in the fall and can maybe give some insight to the subject.
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.
Marcus Decker shared his concerns over mandatory mask use for the children returning to school in September.
Allison Walden also shared her concerns over mandatory mask use by the children returning to school in September.
Liz Decker shared her concern over the decision for the children to wear masks to school in September.
Kelly Lamere Asked when the pre k lottery will be held be for planning purposes.
Dr. Long hopes to have the plan set within a few weeks.
*The Board of Education may enter into Executive Session .
17. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4 Time: 7:50
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: Jeanne Mentiply District Clerk