MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
December 13, 2021
6:30 p.m. – 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.
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Time: 6:35
2. MOTION TO ENTER PUBLIC SESSION
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
*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 comment on matters not formally noted on the agenda. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.
No comments
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the minutes from the November 8, 2021 meeting.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
7. COMMUNICATION TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Communications from Dr. Long- Dr. Long wanted to let the board know about the community members that volunteered during the vaccination clinic that was held at the school.
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Work.-Dr. Long updated the board in regards to the progress that the district has made to date since the work has started in 2019. Dr. Long thanked staff, board members and parents for their continued hard work and commitment to this important work.
- Policy: Participation at Board meetings and 2000’s.- Dr. Long thanked the Policy Committee and updated the board on what policies they have reviewed at the last meeting.
- NYS Assessment Report- Mrs. Cannavo.- Mrs. Canavo gave a presentation to the board in regards to the NYS Assessment testing reports.
9. 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 November 2021:
Fund A Amount
- Warrant #24 $136,431.46
- Warrant #26 $389,916.22
- Warrant #27 $12,465.09
B. Tax Refunds
Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of the following approved tax assessment review.
Small Claims Assessment Review Settlement
Filing # Amount
#55.9-3-8 $3,769.12
2. Stipulation and Order Settlement
Enclosed for the information of the Board are copies of the following approved tax assessment review.
Filing # Amount
#906118-21 $3,387.37
Mr. Nevins shared that he was dissatisfied with the reassessments of the properties listed.
II. Business Office- Action Items
Mr. Diefenderfer asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items A-F.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Delancy Nays: 0
A. Budget Transfer – November 2021
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the attached budget transfers for November 2021.
B. Treasurer’s Report
Enclosed for the Board’s approval is a copy of the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending November 30, 2021.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending November 30, 2021.
C. Tax Collector’s Report
Enclosed for the information of the Board is the Town of Colonie 2021-2022 School Tax Collection Report and affidavit of Collector C. Michele Zilgme, Town of Colonie, of the warrant in the amount $7,178,724.05. $6,707,301.28 was collected and transferred and $471,422.80 was uncollected. The Tax Collection Report is available for review upon request.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the Tax Collection Report as submitted; the affidavit to be signed by each Board member.
D. Donation
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accepts the following donations as listed.
- Simmons Tool Company- non perishable items for Thanksgiving.
E. 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 listed.
- 00177 Dell Laptop 2012
- 000259 HP Laptop – 2010
- Apple Mac Books – 2012
- 00055-00060
- 00262 HP Laptop – 2020
- 00012 – Chromebook – 2010
- 21 World Book Encyclopedia
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the disposal of item(s),as listed which cease to be of use or of value to the district.
F. Minimum Wage Increase
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the minimum wage rate increase effective 12/31/2021, to $13.20 per hour per NYS and or Federal Government dictates.
10. POLICY
Mrs. Delancy asked for a motion to approve items I.-III.
Motion: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
I. First 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 first reading of the following policies.
- Annual District Meeting 1050
- Public Sales on School Property 1510
- Smoking and Other Tobacco use on School Premises Prohibited 1530
- Home Instruction 1741
- Interpreters for Hearing Impaired Parents 1925
- Information and Data Privacy, Security and Breach Notification 8635
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.
- School District Records 1120
- News Media Relations 1130
- Relations with Parent Organizations 1221
- Public Complaints 1400
III. Abolish Policies
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District hereby abolishes the following policies as listed:
- News Releases 1131
- News Conferences and Interviews 1132
- School Budget and Bond Referenda Information 1150
- Staff Participation in Political Activities 1310
- Staff Solicitation in School 1513
- Relations with other Local Governmental Authorities 1610
- Relations with B.O.C.E.S 1612
- Student Teachers 1721
- Gifts to School Personnel 1810
11. PERSONNEL MATTERS
Mr. Nevins asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items I. A-B.
Motion: Mr. Nevins Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Jaskula Nays: 0
I. Resignations
A. Teacher Aide – Antoinette Keller
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the resignation from Antoinette Keller, resigning from her position as a Teacher Aide from the Menands Union Free School District effective November 24, 2021.
B. Teacher Aide- Jacqueline Groves-Spencer
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District accept the resignation from Jacqueline Groves-Spencer, resigning from her position as a Teacher Aide from the Menands Union Free School District effective December 31, 2021.
II. Appointments
Mrs. Jaskula asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items II. A-M.
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
A. Diane Roseberger – School Nurse – Probationary
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the full-time probationary appointment of Diane Roseberger as Registered Professional Nurse, subject to civil service regulations, effective January 3, 2022. Salary will be prorated Step. 11, bachelors, in accordance with the School Nurse Salary of the current MAT contract. The probationary period will be 1 year from on or about January 3, 2022 through January 2, 2023. A copy of her resume is included.
B. Teacher Aide – Amber Scarcella
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Amber Scarcella as a Teacher Aide effective December 14, 2021. Remuneration as per the attached revised salary schedule.
C. Teacher Aide – Katherine Alomar
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve Katherine Alomar as a Teacher Aide effective on or about December 14, 2021. Pending fingerprint clearance. Remuneration as per the attached revised salary schedule.
D. School Monitor -Jacqueline Groves-Spencer- Probationary
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the full-time probationary appointment of Jacqueline Groves-Spencer as School Monitor, subject to civil service regulations, effective January 3, 2022. Salary will be prorated at $31,200 for the 2021-2022 school year. The probationary period will be 1 year from on or about January 3, 2022 through January 2, 2023.
E. Teaching Assistant Position – Katelyn Schwartz
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District does hereby appoint Katelyn Schwartz to a 4-year probationary appointment in the Teaching Assistant tenure area effective December 14, 2021. Salary will be prorated at Step. 3, bachelors, in accordance with the Teaching Assistant salary schedule of the current MAT contract. Ms. Schwartz holds the appropriate teaching assistant certification. Ms. Schwartz’s probationary period will begin on or about December 14, 2021 and will end on or about December 13, 2025.
F. Long Term Substitute- Shauna Stack
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint Shauna Stack to a long-term substitute teacher position commencing on or about November 22, 2021 through on or about December 24, 2021 at the per diem rate of $180.
G. Long Term Substitute- Shauna Stack
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint Shauna Stack to a long-term substitute teacher position commencing on or about January 3, 2022 through on or about May 13, 2022. Remuneration will be prorated at Step. 1 Masters, in accordance with the current MAT Agreement.
H. Long Term Substitute- Chelsea Passaro
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint Chelsea Passaro to a long-term substitute teacher position commencing on or about January 3, 2022 through on or about June 30, 2022. Remuneration will be prorated at Step. 1 Masters, in accordance with the current MAT Agreement.
I. Substitute Nurse-
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following as substitute nurses at the per diem rate of $180.
- Diane Roseberger- December 14, 2021-December 24, 2021
- Joanne Reynolds-December 14, 2021-June 30, 2022.
J. Business Office Support Staff Substitute – Sharleen Schaffer
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint Sharleen Schaffer as a Business Office Support Staff Substitute on an as needed basis at $30.00 per hour for the 2021-2022 school year.
K. Club/Sports/Other Stipends
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following staff members compensation for the 2021-2022 school year for work performed outside of the regular school day as per the attached spreadsheet.
L . Homework Club Tutors
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District approve the following Homework Club Tutors for the 2021-2022 school year.
- Thomas Schweizer
- Lorenz Herrmann
M. Substitute Teachers – Fully Cleared
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.
- Jonathan Nieves
- Samantha Shaw
- Kagiso Tshwene
III. Unpaid Leave
Mr. Diefenderfer asked for a motion to approve consent agenda items III. A.
Motion: Mr. Diefenderfer Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Delancy Nays: 0
A. Unpaid Leave of Absence – Sabrina Louis- Account Clerk I
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School approve the revised unpaid leave request from Sabrina Louis from on or about January 17, 2022 through on or about May 20, 2022 for educational purposes.
12. SUPERINTENDENTS 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: Mrs. Delancy Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nevins Nays: 0
13. Student Matters
Class Size Update as of 12/3/2021:
Kdg. – 33(split) Gr. 5 -29 (split) Pre K- 18
Gr. 1 – 37(split) Gr. 6 – 24
Gr. 2 – 45(split) Gr. 7 – 35 (split)
Gr. 3 – 38 (split) Gr. 8 – 31 (split)
Gr. 4 – 29 Total – 301 (319 with pre K)
14. SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
- Vaccine Clinic- Dr. Long thanked everyone that helped with the vaccination clinic.
- Committee Work- Dr. Long thanked everyone involved for their hard work and commitment.
- Upcoming scheduled events and COVID implications.- Dr. Long said that they are already looking at different ways to have the upcoming school events take place safely.
- Student Management System- Dr. Long informed the board that the district has selected a new student management system that they hope to roll out by the start of school in September.
- Happy Holidays- Dr. Long wished everyone a happy holiday.
15. PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
- Parent Teacher Conferences- Mrs. Canavo said that the parent teacher conferences were held virtually. They had a nice turn out and it is always nice to have the opportunity to talk to the parents.
- School Picture Makeup Day- Mrs. Canavo said that the retake day was a success and thanked the PTA for their help.
- PTA Update- Mrs. Canavo said that the Ronald McDonald readathon was under way and that the apparel sale and catalogue were a success.
- Trimester 2 Clubs- Mrs. Canavo said that the 2 trimester clubs are starting today. She thanked the advisors for their time. The kids are very excited.
- Spelling Bee- Mrs. Canavo said that the annual spelling bee will be on 12/16. The next competition will be in February.
- Toys for Tots- Mrs. Canavo told the board that she had the opportunity over the weekend to help wrap presents for the kids. This was a group effort along with the Menands School, Menands PBA and community members. She wanted to thank everyone that was involved.
16. MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Nevins asked how Pre K is going. Ms. Amatrano said that things are going very well.
Mr. Nevins asked how Lily is doing. Dr. Long said that she has been very well received.
Mrs. Canavo said that she is here once a week and has a schedule. The kids love having her here.
Mr. Nevins asked if the district has heard from the library in regards to getting funds to replace Boiler. Dr. Long said that she has not heard from them. Mr. Diefenderfer said that he could assist them if needed.
Mr. Nevins said that he contacted the Town of Colonie to see what information might be available to the district in regards to any upcoming projects so the district could have a voice.
Mr. Nebins said that the village will have a public comment session at their next meeting in regards to the development of the former bowling lane in Menands.
Mr. Masline asked if the next finance update was in January. Dr. long said it will be in February.
Mr. Masline said that he would like to see the services that we have available for students and Staff continue through this difficult time.
Mr. Masline announced that he will be retiring from his position on the board of education.
Dr. Long said that Mr. Masline will be greatly missed.
17. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
- Holiday Recess- December 24- January 1, No School
- Next Board of Education Meeting- Monday January 10 at 6:30
18. 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.
Mrs. Mercado wanted to share that the Menands Youth Basketball program will be coming back. They hope to be up and running soon.
19. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mrs. Jaskula Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Diefenderfer Nays: 0
*All minutes of Board of Education meetings are recorded and become public record upon approval by the Board.
Respectfully submitted by Jeanne Mentiply