MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
October 12, 2021
5:30 p.m. – Executive Session
6:30 p.m. – Public Session
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 Time: 5:32
2. MOTION TO ENTER INTO PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
3. MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer 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 thing
4. MOTION TO ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
5. MOTION TO RE ENTER INTO PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
6. ROLL CALL
- Mr. Masline Present
- Mr. Nevins Present
- Mrs. Delancy Present
- Mrs. Jaskula Present
- Mr. Diefenderfer 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.
No Comment
9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the minutes of the September 13, 2021 meeting.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
10. DISCUSSION ITEMS
- COVID Testing in schools- Dr. Long informed the board that the district is working with Albany County Department of Health to provide the district with training to get the testing process running.
- Board Term Length- Dr. Long informed the board that the district is in the process of gathering the information needed to begin working on what will need to happen to get the term length on the ballot in May.
- Remote Public Comment- Dr. Long asked for the board’s input on what is the best way to utilize the BOE comments email going forward.
11. BUSINESS MATTERS
I. Business Office- Non- Action Items
A. Warrants
Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of the following warrants and the claims auditor report for the month of September 2021:
Fund A Amount
- Warrant #16 $65,019.45
- Warrant #17 $141,274.74
- Warrant #18 $18,696.60
No questions
II. Business Office – Action Items
The board president asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items A-C and E-G
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Delancy Nays: 0
A. Budget Transfers September 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 September 2021.
B. 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 September 2021.
C. Disposal of Items
BE IT RESOLVED that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approves the disposal of:
Printers and technology items which cease to be of use or of value to the district.
D. Donations
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the following donation as listed:
- Joan Marsh- $20 for supplies for Ms. Stanton’s classroom
- Hannaford- $250 gift card for the School Pantry Program
- Mr. William Nevins- 16 soccer balls
Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 3 Abstain: 1 Mr. Nevins
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
E. District Management Letter Response
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the district’s response to the Management Letter items noted in our audited financial statements as of June 30, 2021 by West and Company.
F. Audit Corrective Action Plan- Office of the State Comptroller
BE IT RESOLVED, that upon review by the Board of Education, the Board hereby approves the attached Corrective Action Plan and authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to submit such plan to the appropriate agencies.
G. Contracts for Approval
Special Education Support Program – The Research Foundation for the State of New York (SUNY RF)
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the contract from The Research Foundation for the State of New York (SUNY RF) for the Special Education Internship Program for the 2021-2022 school year in the amount of $11,500.
12. PERSONNEL MATTERS
The board president asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items A-B
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
I. Resignations
Lunch Aide – Lynette Rossello
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the resignation from Lynette Rossello, resigning from her position as a Lunch Aide from the Menands Union Free School District effective October 1, 2021.
Teacher Aide – Kimberly Soto
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the resignation from Kimberly Soto, resigning from her position as a Teacher Aide from the Menands Union Free School District effective October 15, 2021.
II. Appointments
The board president asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items A-B
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
A. Food Service Helper- Taj Buskey
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Taj Buskey as a Food Service Helper for the 2021-2022 school year. Remuneration as per the approved salary schedule.
B. Lunch Aide- Larry Gardenier
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Larry Gardenier as a Lunch Aide for the 2021-2022 school year. Remuneration as per the approved salary schedule.
13. SUPERINTENDENTS RECOMMENDATIONS PROGRAMS
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Delancy Nays: 0
I. CSE/CPSE Recommendations
The board president asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items I-III.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the CSE/CPSE recommendations as submitted.
II. Substitute Teachers – Fully Cleared
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint the following substitute teachers for the 2021-2022 school year.
- Devin Brooks
- Ryan Constable
- Samantha Cooke
- Jared Haas
- Madison Hempstead
- Jeremy Kondrat
- Emily LeClair
- Roger Manion
- Rachel Moquin
- Ryan Ross
- Lauryn Rowland
- Carlo Sorriento
- Kristen Wade
III. Substitute Nurse Compensation
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following change in compensation for a substitute nurse from $21.50 per hour to a range of $21.50 per hour up to $34.50 per hour.
14. STUDENT MATTERS
Class Size Update as of 9/30/2021:
Kdg. – 40(split) Gr. 5 – 33 (split)
Gr. 1 – 40(split) Gr. 6 – 22
Gr. 2 – 49(split) Gr. 7 – 35 (split)
Gr. 3 – 39 (split) Gr. 8 – 29 (split)
Gr. 4 – 31 Total – 318
15. SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
- Pre Kindergarten-Dr. Long said that the pe k program is on schedule to start on November 1, 2021.
- Communications- Dr. Long welcomed the district’s new communication specialist Vanessa Salman. Happy to have her with the district.
- Committee Updates- Dr. Long informed the board that the Diversity and Inclusivity committees will be meeting with the Strategic Planning committee along with a facilitator for training and planning purposes. The Policy committee will be meeting in October to review the 1000’s policies and plans to have a few policies on the November agenda.
16. PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
- After School Clubs and Sports- Mrs. Canavo told the board that she was very happy to be able to offer some after school clubs this year. They have about 140 children participating.
- Pumpkin Run-Mr. Ahl and Mrs. Bettinger will be conducting the run during PE class by grade.
- Pumpkin Character Contest- The contest will be held in person and virtually.
- Red Ribbon Week- Red ribbon week focuses on keeping kids drug free. Mrs. Bettinger has many fun themes planned for every day of the week.
- Picture Day October 22nd- The PTA will be helping out on picture day. This will be a PTA fundraiser.
Dr. Long thanked Mr. Hermann for working on being able to have a competitive soccer game for the kids this year.
17. MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Nevins said that he is overseeing the basketball club this year. He is not being paid for this and there is no cost to the district to run the club. Mr. Nevins added that he would like to see a club for the kids to learn web design and maybe have them be able to work on the district website. He would also like to look into section 2 sports to see what is available to Menands School.
Mr. Nevins said that the Village of Menands will hold a meet and greet to talk about the future economical development of the village. That will be October 18th.
18. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
- Red Ribbon Week- October 25th -29th
- Pumpkin Run- October 18th-29th
- November 2nd Election Day- No School. Superintendent’s Conference Day
- Next Board Meeting is on Monday, November 8th at 6:30.
- Pumpkin Decorating Contest
19. 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.
20. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
21. MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
22. MOTION TO ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
23. MOTION TO RE-ENTER PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
24. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mrs.Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0 Time: 7:40
*Board of education may choose to enter into executive session.
*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