MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
March 12, 2007
6:00 p.m.
I. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
II. MOTION TO ENTER INTO PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 5
Second: Mr. LaFleur Nays: 0 Time: 6:00 p.m.
III. ROLL CALL
Mr. Dunsker X
Mr. Dignum X
Mrs. Ognan X
Mr. LaFleur X
Mr. Testo X
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
V. BUDGET WORKSHOP
The first draft of 2007-2008 budget items was submitted for the Board's review. Items
discussed were BOCES services (4% increase), property and liability insurance ($1,000 increase over last year's premium), debt service, equipment purchases ($20,000 additional proposed for new computers), contracted services (auditing firm, music/OT/PT teachers, transportation, charter and high school tuitions, gifted and talented program (ALPHA and CTY), employee benefits (8.67% of 2006-07 salaries) and health insurance/buyouts (12% cost increase). The above items reflect a $370,491 increase over last year. (6% budget
to budget increase). A $97,000 increase in State Aid is anticipated. The next budget workshop will address salaries and staffing needs. Questions were asked and answered. It was agreed the Board will revisit the Watervliet H.S. transportation issue.
Art Exhibit
Discussion held regarding the decision to reschedule the Art Exhibit to a date other than
May 15, 2007. The Board and attendees offered opinions on this issue.
Mr. LaFleur, made a motion, seconded by Mr. Testo, to restore the originally-scheduled
date of the art exhibit on May 15, 2007. All were not in favor. Vote taken:
Mr. Dunsker - Nay
Mr. Dignum - Nay
Mrs. Ognan - Nay
Mr. LaFleur - Aye
Mr. Testo - Aye Motion defeated.
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VI. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education accept the minutes of the
February 6, 12, and 26, 2007 meetings.
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 5
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0
VIII. BUSINESS MATTERS
Enclosed is the Treasurer's Report for the month of January 2007, the General Fund, Cafeteria and Federal warrants.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD accept the
Treasurer's Report for the month of January 2007, the General Fund in the amount
of $607,205.76 and the Cafeteria Fund for $2,892.84.
Motion: Mrs. Ognan Ayes: 5
Second: Mr. LaFleur Nays: 0
Transportation Contracts
As a result of sealed bids received on February 14, 2007, it is recommended that the
transportation contracts be awarded to Folmsbee Transportation, Inc. for special education
students attending Cohoes High School and Altamont Elementary at a cost of $90 per
student per day for the remainder of the 2006-2007 school year.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD approve
the transportation contracts for Folmsbee Transportation, Inc. to transport two
special education students to/from Cohoes High School and Altamont
Elementary School at a cost of $90 per student per day through June 22, 2007.
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 5
Second: Mr. LaFleur Nays: 0
IX. ANNUAL MEETING
Board of Registration/Board of Elections
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint the following individuals to the Board of Registration and Board of Elections for the May 15, 2007 Annual Budget Votes and Elections:
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Lorna McCartan, Chairperson Susan Updike Porter
Vince Spataro Ruth Zabinski Patricia M. Miller
Motion: Mr. LaFleur Ayes: 5
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0
Acting District Clerk
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School
District appoint William Smith as Acting District Clerk in the absence of
Mrs. Miller from April 9 - 13, 2007.
For the information of the Board, enclosed is an Annual Meeting 2007 Timeline for
legal notices, petitions, etc.
Motion: Mrs. Ognan Ayes: 5
Second: Mr. LaFleur Nays: 0
X. PERSONNEL MATTERS
Long-Term Substitute - Physical Education/Health
Mrs. Wheeler will be on medical leave from March 20 through April 30, 2007.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD appoint
Brian Axon as a long-term Physical Education/Health substitute teacher
from March 20 through April 30, 2007 at a rate of $180 per day.
Motion: Mr. LaFleur Ayes: 5
Second: Mr. Dignum Nays: 0
Substitute Teachers - Fully Cleared
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint the following as substitute teachers for the 2006-2007 school year.
Leah Alexander Gina Calabro Crystal Frascatore
Nicole Kondrat Jaime Sutherland Michelle Berger
Melanie Calzone Kielty Ciccone Kevin DeMassio
Denise Done Melissa Donnini Leah Evans
Phillip Gervasi Debra Gierka Jessica Glynn
Meaghan Gregory Jennifer Luck Delilah Rugg Jennifer Russell Scott Silverman Erica Smith
Thomas Stanton Ryan Steininger Kristina Strassberg
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Elizabeth Suter Keilah Williams Selena Wright
Carol Jurs Janice Martin
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 5
Second: Mr. LaFleur Nays: 0
Substitute Teachers - Emergency Conditional
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands Union Free School District appoint the following as substitute teachers for the 2006-07 school year:
Jennifer Betts James Desira Sara Fisher
Dawn Maddalena Laura Risley Jillian White
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these appointments are made on an emergency conditional basis and subject to a statement from them regarding criminal convictions or pending criminal charges. Their continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District's receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that they are fully cleared for employment .
Motion: Mr. LaFleur Ayes: 5
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0
XI. BOARD OF EDUCATION MATTERS
CSE Recommendations
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD accept
the CSE recommendations as submitted.
Motion: Mr. LaFleur Ayes: 5
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0
Superintendent Search: Initial candidate interviews were held on March 6, 7 and 8.
First round interviews will conclude on March 14, 2007. Community members
who have expressed interest in being on the final candidate interview committee
have been contacted and interview scheduling will take place in April. Four teachers
and four seventh grade students will also be a part of the interviewing teams.
XII. STUDENT MATTERS
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XIII. UPDATES/REPORTS
New York State Math Assessments
Miss Kostik reported that Grades 3-5 have taken the Math Assessments and Grades 6-8
will take them this Wednesday and Thursday, 3/14 and 3/15. Miss Kostik stated she
anticipates the students will do well on the tests. Grading will take place in-house.
New York State Audit
A letter was received from the New York State Comptroller's Office stating the Menands
School will undergo a State Audit in the upcoming weeks. Required paperwork is
being compiled and results will be published upon completion of the audit.
Boil Water Advisory
The Menands School was under a boil water advisory for two days last week. Everyone
in the building was very cooperative and water was made available.
School Plumbing
There were plumbing problems in the lower grade classrooms for a few days last
week necessitating use of other facilities throughout the building. All has been resolved.
Fire Inspection
The Colonie Fire Department conducted a building-wide inspection on Wednesday,
March 7, 2007. The building was in compliance on all points except obstructions
in the main hallway. The inspector stated the hallway space is too narrow to
accommodate display tables, boots, shoes, backpacks, etc.
Citizen/Scholar Luncheon: The assembly and luncheon, rescheduled to March 9, was a wonderful tribute to the students honored and their proud parents. Borders gift certificates,
awards and pins were handed out to each child.
XIV. MISCELLANEOUS
XV. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
School Lunches
The nutritional value of lunch offerings was questioned. Mrs. Scheuer explained that
the Health and Wellness Committee reviews the breakfast and lunch program on a
regular basis and tries to come up with healthy alternatives within the confines of the
budget and government-issued food products. We are currently running our breakfast
and lunch program well above the recommended nutritional guidelines. It was suggested another survey go home to families regarding the program. Mr. Dunsker thanked the faculty and staff who continue to address nutrition awareness in the school.
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Tech Valley High School
Miss Kostik reported that one student applied for and got accepted into the Tech
Valley Program. The student did withdraw as he is relocating to North Colonie School
District which does not support the Tech Valley initiative.
Faulty Protractors
Miss Kostik stated that the state-provided protractors will not be used in upcoming
exams. Rulers will be provided or the students may bring in their own protractors.
School Baseball Field
Mr. Nicoll stated the Menands Little League Program would like to upgrade the
playing field at Menands School. Miss Kostik stated that Mr. Collen and Mrs. Wheeler
should be consulted with any plans for upgrading.
Building Security
It was reinforced that all visitors must sign in and wear a Visitor name tag when
entering the building. Options for security systems will be discussed by the
Health and Safety Committee and proposals included in upcoming budget
discussions.
XVI. APRIL BOARD MEETING
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. LaFleur will be out of state and not able to attend the 4/17/07 meeting.
XVII. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
1. The Fourth and Fifth Rs, Respect and Responsibility, Winter 2007 issue
2. Notice of Annual Meeting - 4/4/07 - BOCES
2. Notice to parents of March/April/May calendar revisions/changes
XVIII. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mr. LaFleur Ayes: 5
Second: Mr. Dignum Nays: 0 Time: 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Patricia M. Miller
District Clerk
MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
March 29, 2007
6:30 p.m
I. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
II. MOTION TO ENTER INTO PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mr. LaFleur Ayes: 3
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0 Time: 6:32 .m.
III. ROLL CALL
Mr. Dunsker X
Mr. Dignum absent
Mrs. Ognan X
Mr. LaFleur X
Mr. Testo absent
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
V. MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Negotiations
Motion: Mr. LaFleur Ayes: 3
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0 Time: 6:34 p.m.
VI. MOTION TO ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Mr. LaFleur Ayes: 3
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0 Time: 7:33 p.m.
VII. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mr. LaFleur Ayes: 3
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0 Time: 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia M. Miller
District Clerk
Executive Session
Board of Education
March 29, 2007
At 6:34 p.m. the Board went into Executive Session. Present were Mr. Dunsker, Mrs. Ognan,
Mr. LaFleur and Mr. Honeywell.
Negotiations were discussed.
Mr. LaFleur made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Ognan, to adjourn Executive Session. This was unanimously approved by the Board members present.
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia M. Miller
District Clerk
BOARD OF EDUCATION
April 5, 2007
7:00 p.m.
I. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
II. MOTION TO ENTER INTO PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Ognan Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. LaFleur Nays: 0 Time: 7:07 p.m.
III. ROLL CALL
Mr. Dunsker X
Mr. Dignum absent
Mrs. Ognan X
Mr. LaFleur X
Mr. Testo X
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
V. MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Personnel - Superintendent Search
Motion: Mrs. Ognan Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. LaFleur Nays: 0 Time: 7:10 p.m.
XVI. MOTION TO ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Mrs. Ognan Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. LaFleur Nays: 0 Time: 7:45 p.m.
XVII. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mrs. Ognan Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. LaFleur Nays: 0 Time: 7:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia M. Miller
District Clerk
MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
April 10, 2007
5:00 p.m.
I. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
II. MOTION TO ENTER INTO PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0 Time: 5:00 p.m.
III. ROLL CALL
Mr. Dunsker X
Mr. Dignum X
Mrs. Ognan X
Mr. LaFleur absent
Mr. Testo X
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
V. MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Personnel - Superintendent Search
Motion: Mrs. Ognan Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Dignum Nays: 0 Time: 5:01 p.m.
XVI. MOTION TO ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0 Time: 6:15 p.m.
XVII. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0 Time: 6:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia M. Miller
District Clerk
MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
April 16, 2007
6:00 p.m.
I. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
II. MOTION TO ENTER INTO PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mr. LaFleur Ayes: 5
Second: Mr. Dignum Nays: 0 Time: 6:01 p.m.
III. ROLL CALL
Mr. Dunsker X
Mr. Dignum X
Mrs. Ognan X
Mr. LaFleur X
Mr. Testo X
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
V. 2007-2008 BUDGET
The 2007-2008 proposed budget was reviewed and discussed. Most of the
anticipated State Aid increase (6%, $20,000) proposed for the Menands UFSD
is targeted for a universal pre-K program and therefore those funds will not be
available to the Menands UFSD. The final proposed budget will be approved
at the 4/17/07 meeting.
VI. MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Personnel
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 5
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0 Time: 6:25 p.m.
XVI. MOTION TO ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 5
Second: Mr. LaFleur Nays: 0 Time: 7:10 p.m.
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XVII. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 5
Second: Mrs. Ognan Nays: 0 Time: 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia M. Miller
District Clerk