MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
19 Wards Lane
Menands, NY 12204
BOARD OF EDUCATION
June 13, 2022
Audit Committee Meeting 5:15
Executive Session 6:00 p.m
Regular Meeting – 6:30 p.m.
Livestream/Video Conferencing
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. Comments can be made at BOEcomments@menands.org.
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Time: 6:01
2. MOTION TO ENTER PUBLIC SESSION
- Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
- Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
3. MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
- Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
- Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
The Board of Education may enter into Executive Session for the reason(s) indicated below as specified:
Matters which will imperil the public safety if disclosed.
Any matter that may disclose the identity of a law enforcement agent or
informer.
Information relating to current or future investigation or prosecution of a criminal offense that would imperil effective law enforcement if disclosed.
Discussion involving proposed, pending, or current litigation.
☑ Collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law.
☑ The medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular person
or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment,
promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a
particular person or corporation.
The preparation, grading, or administration of exams.
The proposed acquisition, sale or lease of real property or the proposed
acquisition, sale or exchange of securities, but only when publicity would
substantially affect the value of these things.
4. MOTION TO ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION
- Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
- Second: Mr. Luke Nays: 0
5. MOTION TO RE-ENTER PUBLIC SESSION
- Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
- Second: Mr. Luke Nays: 0
6. ROLL CALL
- Mr. Nevins Present
- Mrs. Delancy Present
- Mrs. Jaskula Present
- Mr. Diefenderfer Not Present
- Mr. Luke Present
7. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
8. 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.
Mr. Nevins welcomed Mr. Luke to the board.
9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the minutes of the May 9, 2022 meeting.
- Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
- Second: Mr. Luke Nays: 0
10. DISCUSSION ITEMS
22-23 Board of Education meeting start time- After some discussion the board agreed to keep the meeting start time at 6:30.
Change to Open Meeting Laws- Dr. Long shared information with the board in regards to the current open meeting laws. The board agreed to move forward with the process of adopting the new laws.
11. BUSINESS MATTERS
I. Business Office- Non-Action Items
Warrants
Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of the following warrants and the claims auditor report for the month of May 2022:
Fund A Amount
- Warrant #52 $134,444.30
- Warrant #53 $14,727.26
- Warrant #55 $164,943.32
Fund E Amount
Warrant #1 730.00
II. Business Office- Action Items
Mr. Luke asked for a motion to approve items II. A-D
- Motion: Mr. Luke Ayes: 4
- Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
A. Budget Transfers – May 2022
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free SchoolDistrict approve the attached budget transfers for May 2022.
B. Treasurer’s Report
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month of May 2022.
C. Donation
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accepts the following donations as listed.
- Mayor John Weidman Jr. Fund- $4,329.11 to the Menands School District
- Families in Need Fund
- PTA- $1,050.00 Class of 2022
- Olivia Weidman and Family- Various personal hygiene items
D. Annual Acknowledgement of Salary Agreements
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the 2022-2023 annual acknowledgement of salary agreements for the non instructional and administrative staff.
Mrs. Delancy asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items II. E
- Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4
- Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
E. Holiday- Juneteenth, June 20, 2022
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District does hereby recognize and approve June 20, 2022 as Juneteenth, which shall be a holiday for all 12 month staff, in accordance with New York General Construction Law (“GLC”) section 204, and employees, who if not required to work, shall be entitled to leave at full pay without charge to existing accruals and those employees who are required to work, they shall receive one day of compensatory time.
Mrs. Jaskula asked for a motion to approve item F. I.-II.
- Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
- Second: Mr. Luke Nays: 0
F. Contracts for Approval
I. Advanced Therapy- Special Education Services Contract Additional Services
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.
II. Health Services Contract
Enclosed please find a copy of the 2021-2022 Health Services Contracts for students attending private or parochial schools in the following districts:
North Colonie School District- (13) students in the amount of $10,964.72.
*The residence of the students has been verified.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the 2021-2022 Health Services Contracts for students attending private or parochial schools as listed.
Mr. Luke asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items F. III.-XII.
- Motion: Mr. Luke Ayes: 4
- Second: Mrs. Delancy Nays: 0
III. Wildwood School – Agreement for Services 2022-2023- Extended School Year and Regular School Year.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the Agreement for Services between the Menands Union Free School District and the Wildwood School for the 2022-2023 school year as per the attached agreement.
IV. Guercio & Guercio, LLP Legal Services Contract 2022-2023
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the contract for legal services between the Menands Union Free School District and Guercio & Guercio, LLP for 2022- 2023.
V. Behavioral Transformations Licensed Applied Behavior Analysis Services, PLLC
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the contract between Menands School and Behavioral Transformations Licensed Applied Behavior Analysis for the 2022-2023 school year as per attached contract.
VI. Medical Services Contract- Koinonia Primary Care, Inc.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the contract between Menands School and Koinonia Primary Care, Inc. for the 2022-2023 school year as per the attached agreement.
VII. 2022-2023 SA 10 -(Gr. 9-12 Educational Services) South Colonie Central School District
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union FreeSchool District approve the SA 10 between Menands UFSD and the South Colonie Central School District for students in grades 9-12 for the 2022-2023school year.
VIII. 2022-2023 Intermunicipal Agreement – (Gr. 9-12 Educational Services)South Colonie Central School District
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the intermunicipal agreement between Menands UFSD and the South Colonie Central School District for students in grades 9-12 for the 2022-2023 school year.
IX. 2022-2023 Intermunicipal Agreement (Technology Services)- South Colonie Central School District
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the intermunicipal agreement for technology services between Menands UFSD and the South Colonie Central School District for the 2022-2023 school year.
X. Advanced Therapy- Special Education Services Contract ESY
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 2022-2023 Extended school year as per the attached agreement.
XI. Colonie Youth Center- Before/After-School Care Programs
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 Before and After School Care Program for the 2022-2023 school year.
XII. North Colonie Central School District Special Education Services Contract- 2021-2022 Extended School Year Program
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the 2022-2023 Special Education Services Contract from the North Colonie Central School District for the extended school year program.
12. POLICY
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I. First Reading of Policies
Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4
- Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
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 policies.
4321.4 Independent Educational Evaluations
4326 Programs For English Language Learners
4513 Library Materials Selection
1420 Complaints About Curricula Or Instructional Materials
4532 School Volunteers
4710 Grading Systems
4730 HomeWork
4810 Teaching About Controversial Issues
4821 School Ceremonies And Observances
II. Final Reading of Policies
- Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
- Second: Mr. Luke Nays: 0
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.
4000 Student Learning Standards And Instructional Guidelines
4311.1 Display of the Flag
4321.12 Use of Time Out Rooms, Physical Restraints and Aversives
4511 Textbook Selection and Adoption
4531 Field Trips And Excursions
III. Abolish Policies
- Motion: Mr. Luke Ayes: 4
- Second: Mrs. Delancy Nays: 0
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District, upon recommendation of the Policy Committee, approve that the following policies be abolished.
4110 School Calendar
4222 Evaluation of Instructional Programs
4230 Curriculum Adoption
4321.2 Independent Educational Evaluators
4325.1 IEP Distribution and Implementation
4512.1 Use of Video Tapes with Students
4712 Student Progress Reports to Parents
4715 Academic Eligibility Policy
4801 Home Schooling
Mrs. Jaskula suggested that going forward we include a copy of the list of why the policies are being recommended to be abolished.
13. PERSONNEL MATTERS
Mrs. Delancy asked for a resolution to approve consent agenda items I. and II.
- Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4
- Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
I. Authorization
A. Amendment to Employee Contract- Meghan Widrick, Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the amendment of the Employment Agreement by and between the Menands Union Free School District and Meghan Widrick, Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services, per the attached Addendum.
II. Resignations
A. Lunch Aide – Chris Berben
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the resignation from Chris Berben, resigning from his position as a Lunch Aide from the Menands Union Free School District effective May 31, 2022.
B. Library Media Specialist- Erin Lange
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the resignation from Erin Lange, resigning from her position as a Library Media Specialist from the Menands Union Free School District effective June 30, 2022.
Mrs. Delancy asked for a resolution to approve consent agenda items III. A-H
- Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
- Second: Mr. Luke Nays: 0
III. Appointments
A. Substitute Teacher Aide- Lily Wall Revised Rate
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the revised Salary in accordance with the enclosed Annual Acknowledgement for the 2021-2022 school year.
B. Civil Service Appointment- Jeanne Mentiply, Personnel Assistant 1
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the probationary appointment of Jeanne Mentiply to the Civil Service 1.0 position of Personnel Assistant 1 effective July 1, 2022. Salary will be in accordance with the attached Annual Acknowledgement. The probationary appointment period will be 52 weeks from 7/1/2022 through 6/30/2023.
C. Civil Service Appointment – Edward Fisher, Custodial Worker
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the probationary appointment of Edward Fisher to the Civil Service 1.0 position of Custodial Worker effective July 1,2022. Salary will be in accordance with the attached Annual Acknowledgement. The probationary appointment period will be 52 weeks from 7/1/2022 through 6/30/2023.
D. Modification of End Dates of Probationary Appointments
It is the Superintendent’s recommendation that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District modify the end date(s) of the following probationary appointments.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District does hereby modify the end date of the following probationary appointment in accordance with New York State Education Law:
- Caitlin Kennedy: From August 31, 2023 to October 5, 2023
- Sara Maldonado: From August 31, 2023 to September 13, 2023
E. Summer Instructional
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Summer instructional Staff in accordance with the MAT contract and per the attached Summer Instructional Salary Schedule.
F. Extended School Year Principal
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint Megan Widrick as principal for the extended school year program with no additional remuneration.
G. Professional & Curriculum Development Projects
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve professional and curriculum development projects in the district, not to exceed 350 hours in accordance with the MAT contract. All hours will be submitted and approved via timesheets.
IV. Juul Agreement- Employee # 969
BE IT RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District hereby accepts the terms of and authorizes the Superintendent to execute a Memorandum of Agreement between the District, the Menands Teachers’ Association and employee #969, providing for the extension of the probationary appointment of employee #969 in the English Education tenure area through August 31, 2023.
- Motion: Mr. Luke Ayes: 4
- Second: Mr. Delancy Nays: 0
V. Unpaid Leave
Mrs. Delancy asked for a resolution to approve consent agenda items V. A-B
- Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4
- Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
A. Unpaid Leave of Absence – Shirah Bettinger
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the unpaid leave request from Shirah Bettinger for June 10 and June 13, 2022.
B. Unpaid Leave of Absence – Sara Maldonado Elementary Teacher
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the unpaid leave request from Sara Maldonado from September 1, 2022 through January 30, 2023.
14. BOARD OF EDUCATION MATTERS
A. 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: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
- Second: Mr. Luke Nays: 0
B. Club/Sports/Mentoring/Other Stipends
- Motion: Mr. Luke Ayes: 4
- Second: Mrs. Delancy Nays: 0
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the attached revised list of staff member compensation during 2021-2022 school year for work performed outside of the regular school day as per the MAT contract.
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C. Substitute Teachers – Fully Cleared
Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4
- Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following substitute teachers for the 2021-2022 school year.
- Abby Fay
- Jim Swab
- Daniel Gray
- Kelly Quinn
- Rene LaBier
- Miram Vargas
15. STUDENT MATTERS
Class Size Update as of 6/7/2022:
In person: In person:
Kdg. – 36 (split) Gr. 5 – 29 (split)
Gr. 1 – 31 (split) Gr. 6 – 22
Gr. 2 – 45 (split) Gr. 7 – 35 (split)
Gr. 3 – 38 (split) Gr. 8 – 30 (split)
Gr. 4 – 26 Total-292
Pre K 17
Total: 309
Incoming Kindergarten Class: 39
16. SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Collaboration With the Village- Dr. Long played the video that the Village made about
Menands. Dr. Long talked about the possibility of sharing services between the Village of Menands Police department and the Menands School District. The board expressed that they would like more information and would also like to get feedback from the community before making any decisions.
BOE Member Attendance at Graduation- Dr. Long polled the board to see who will attend the graduation.
Committee Update- Dr. Long thanked everyone on the committees for all of their hard work and commitment this year. She is hopeful that they will stay on schedule to have the final plan to the board by August.
17. PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
Kindness Garden- Mrs. Cannavo thanked the PTA for making this possible.
Author Visit- Mrs. Cannavo said that the author’s visit was a success.
Camp Chingachgook – Mrs. Cannavo said it was nice that the kids were able to go for the day. Everyone had a great time.
PTA officers – Mrs. Cannavo congratulated the new PTA officers and thanked them for all they do for the children.
Field Day- Mrs. Cannavo said it was great to have field day again. All of the kids had a great time. She thanked Mr. Ahl and Mrs. Bettinger for putting the event together.
18. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
June 23rd, Thursday – Last day of school
June 23rd, Thursday – 8th Grade Graduation – 6:00pm
July 11th, Monday – Re-organizational Board Meeting – 6:30pm
19. MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Nevins shared information in regards to the IDA Pilot Program and a landscape rebate program that may be beneficial to the district. Mr. Nevins asked if the district could revisit what middle school athletic opportunities are available. He also informed the board of some upcoming NYSSBA trainings that they might want to look into. He said that he would like to see the district look into other avenues for recruiting new employees. He asked if the district will be moving to a digital board packet soon and if any progress had been made with the Times Union access for the board. He would like to see Menands listed as a Pre k-8 school on the district website.
Dr. Long acknowledged that this was Mr. Diefenderfer’s last meeting. She thanked him for his commitment to the district and the children during his time on the board. Mr. Nevins also thanked mr. Diefenderfer. Mr. Nevins added that he was very knowledgeable and will be missed.
20. 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.
21. MOTION TO ADJOURN
- Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
- Second: Mr. Luke Nays: 0 Time: 7:40
*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