MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
February 8, 2021
6:30 p.m. – Regular Meeting
Livestream / Video Conferencing
Budget Workshop Immediately Following 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. BOEcomments@menands.org
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
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 January 11, 2021 meeting.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
7. POLICY
First Reading of Policy Final
Dr. Long asked for the policy to be moved to a final reading due to timing.
Mr. Masline called for a motion to wave the first reading and go to final reading.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
Resolution 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 policy.
Parents Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security- #4520
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
8. BUSINESS MATTERS
Discussion Items
- Board of Education Term Length- The possibility of the district changing the current five year board member term to a three year term was discussed. Looking into getting input from the community about the possible change.
Board Member Participation- The BOE decided who will volunteer to serve on the following committees this year. - Policy Committee
- Audit Committee
- Strategic Planning
- Diversity and Inclusivity
Business Office for Information
Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of the following warrants and the claims auditor report for the month of January 2021:
Fund A Amount
Warrant #34 $158,671.07
Warrant #36 $73,703.19
Warrant #37 $24,488.88
Business Office for Approval
Budget Transfer – January 2021
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the attached budget transfers for January 2021.
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Treasurer’s Report
Enclosed for the Board’s approval is a copy of the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending January 31, 2021.
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 January 31, 2021.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
Disposal of Items
Superintendent’s Recommendation: That the Board of Education in accordance with district policy 6900 authorize the disposition of the following item(s): 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 6 smart boards and 7 text books which cease to be of use or of value to the district as listed.
- 6 Smart Boards.
- 7 Textbooks
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
CASDA Agreement : Strategic Planning
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the agreement between Menands Union Free School District and CASDA for the development of a strategic plan for the district.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
Establishment of 2019-2020 Actual non-resident tuition rates for McKinney Vento reimbursement Purposes in circumstances where students protected under the McKinney Vento legislation move to permanent housing outside of the Menands Union Free School District, but choose to remain at Menands School, we are able to directly bill the new District of residence. To do so we must utilize Board approved tuition rates.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District establish the following Actual tuition rates for the 2019-2020 school year.
K-6 Regular Ed. – $9,996.00
Gr. 7-8 Regular Ed. – $13,696.00
Gr. K-6 Special Ed. – $43,539.00
Gr. 7-8 Special Ed. – $47,239.00
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Tax Refund – Small Claims Assessment Review Settlement
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 tax refund in the amount of $551.09 as a result of the assessment review of filing # AR57-20.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 3
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 2
Mr. Nevins brought up some concerns that he has in regards to this matter.
Tax Refund-Stipulation and Order Settlement
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 tax refund in the amount of $30,796.31 as a result of the assessment review of filing index # 904591-19 and 905105-20.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 3
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 2
Mr. Nevins brought up some concerns that he has in regards to this matter.
Town of Colonie Community Development Block Grant Subrecipient Agreement
Enclosed for the Board is a copy of the Community Development Block Grant Agreement with the Town of Colonie.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the Agreement between Menands Union Free School District and The Town of Colonie for the 2020-2021 school year as per the attached agreement.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
9. PERSONNEL MATTERS
Resignations
Teacher Aide – Ashley Jewett
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the enclosed copy of the email from Ashley Jewett, dated January 18, 2021, resigning from her position as a Teacher Aide from the Menands Union Free School District effective January 25, 2021.
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
Teacher Aide – Shannon Devane
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the enclosed copy of the email from Shannon Devane, dated January 25, 2021, resigning from her position as a Teacher Aide from the Menands Union Free School District effective immediately.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula 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.
- Dimari Dalzell
- Akilah Morris Smith
- Shauna Stack
- James Fox
- Cassie Owens
- John Frechette
- Michael Testa
- Eileen Gallagher
- Daniel Westman
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
Teacher Aide – Jacqueline Groves-Spencer
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Jacqueline Groves-Spencer as a Teacher Aide effective 2/1/2021 through 6/30/21.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Wilson Nays: 0
Everyone welcomed Mrs. Groves-Spencer back.
Homework Club Tutors – Amended Rate
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following Homework Club Tutors for the 2020-2021 school year at a rate of $30.00 per hour.
Patricia O’Connell
Motion: Mrs. Wilson Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
10. 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. Wilson Nays: 0
11. STUDENT MATTERS
Class Size Update as of 2/5/2021:
In person: Virtual: In person: Virtual:
Kdg. – 21 18 Gr. 5 – 10 9
Gr. 1 – 27 18 Gr. 6 – 18 19
Gr. 2 – 21 16 Gr. 7 – 20 12
Gr. 3 – 19 15 Gr. 8 – 27 4
Gr. 4 – 18 19
Total-181 Total – 130
Total Students: 311
12. SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Recent Remote Period- Dr. Long said it was a challenging decision to go remote but the transition went smoothly. She also thanked families and staff for all of their hard work this year. She thanked the teachers for doing a terrific job through these difficult times.
Public Communication- Dr. Long said that she is happy with the progress of using different avenues to reach out to families when needed.
Much Deserved Break-Dr. Long said she hoped that everyone would take some time to enjoy the upcoming break week.
13. PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
Black History Month-Mr. Cannavo said it was nice to see what everyone has planned for Black History Month. The sharing of diverse stories both in person and virtually, the door decorations along with special art and music projects just to name a few..
PTA Parents as Partners- Mrs. Cannavo said that the PTA will be hosting a virtual presentation on how to navigate all of the virtual learning sites that the district has to offer. She thanked the PTA and staff that helped to organize this event.
Citizen Scholar- Mrs. Cannavo congratulated all of the children that were honored as citizen scholars.
Virtual Spelling Bee- Mrs. Cannavo congratulated the winner of the spelling bee and everyone that participated.
Middle School Transition- Mrs. Cannavo was happy to welcome back students that returned to in person learning this semester.
Story Time- Mrs. Cannavo said that she will be reading every night over break on the district website.
14. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
- Winter Recess – February 15th – February 19th
- Next Board of Education Meeting: Monday, March 8, 2021 at 6:30p.m.
15. MISCELLANEOUS
Mrs. Jaskula mentioned that the PTA has some more virtual events planned in the future. If anyone would like to help please contact the PTA. The PTA is looking for two board members this year if anyone is interested they can contact Mrs. Jaskula or the PTA.
Mrs. Wilson thanked teachers and staff for doing a great job this year.
Mr. Nevins shared his concern about people possibly needing more support during this difficult time. Dr. Long said that the district just offered an EAP program for all employees. This program offers support in many areas.
Mr. Masline congratulated the students who participated in the Mini Saga writing contest this month.
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.
Mr. Buskey- Asked if after school activities will reopen anytime soon? Dr. Long replied that this decision will not be made lightly. The district will have to do more research before a decision is made.
17. MOTION TO ADJOURN
*All minutes of Board of Education meetings are recorded and become public record upon approval by the Board.
Respectful Submitted by Jeanne Mentiply
District Clerk