MENANDS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
November 13, 2007
6:30 p.m.
I. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
II. MOTION TO ENTER INTO PUBLIC SESSION
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nicoll Nays: 0 Time: 6:30 p.m.
III. ROLL CALL
Mr. Dunsker X
Mr. Dignum X
Mrs. Ognan absent
Mr. Testo X
Mr. Nicoll X
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
V. PRESENTATIONS
Arts in Education Presentation
Mr. Carroll and Mr. André, representing the Arts and Education Committee, gave an
overview of the Arts and Education Program. The program promotes creative
curriculum enhancement with interdisciplinary collaborative opportunities and
exposure to artistic professional avenues. A photo presentation of the Arts in
Education-sponsored Diwali Celebration held on Friday, November 9, 2007 was
enjoyed by the Board and attendees. Also planned for 12/21/07 is a schoolwide
assembly featuring The Driots, a musical storytelling group and on 5/9/08, "Time Warp",
an interactive exploration of history.
Mr. Dunsker, on behalf of the Board of Education, thanked the faculty and staff for
the tremendous success of the Diwali Celebration, a wonderful cultural exchange, and expressed a special thank you to the families from India for participating and helping make
this a terrific experience for the Menands learning community.
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
October 9, 2007 meeting.
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Testo Nays: 0
VIII. BUSINESS MATTERS
Business Office Information
Ms. Meany introduced Mary O'Neill, who was appointed as Independent Claims Auditor,
and outlined the job responsibilities of an Independent Claims Auditor.
Submitted for the information of the Board is a copy of the warrants, budget transfers, the
appropriation status report and the revenue status report.
Business Office for Approval
Submitted is the Treasurer's Report for the month of September 2007.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD approve
the Treasurer's Report for the month of September 2007.
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Testo Nays: 0
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD accept
the proposed contract by Management Advisory Group (MAG) to provide
business office and treasurer's duties for the period November 1, 2007 through
June 30, 2008 as per Superintendent's recommendation dated October 26, 2007.
Motion: Mr. Testo Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nicoll Nays: 0
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD appoint
Andrea Kostik as District Treasurer through June 30, 2008.
Motion: Mr. Nicoll Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Dignum Nays: 0
Petty Cash Fund: To comply with Menands UFSD Policy 6670 Petty Cash Accounts, it is recommended the Board of Education's 7/9/07 resolution be amended to reflect that the balance of the petty cash fund shall not exceed $100.00 and that a custodian of such fund be designated.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD amend
its 7/9/07 resolution regarding the petty cash fund to reflect that the petty
cash fund balance shall not exceed $100.00 and to designate Patricia Miller
as the custodian of the petty cash funds.
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nicoll Nays: 0
Transportation Contract - Special Education Students: The bid opening for the Special Education Transportation Contract was held on Monday, October 29, 2007. There were two (2) bids submitted . It is recommended that the Special Education transportation contract be awarded to Star & Strand in the amount of $1,099 per day.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD approve
the contract between the Menands UFSD and Star & Strand to transport
students for the 2007-2008 school year at a cost of $1,099.00 per day.
Motion: Mr. Testo Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Dignum Nays: 0
10-Day Emergency Transportation Contract - Special Education Student: Star & Strand will transport one Special Education student to Goodrich School in the morning and from Shaker H.S. to home in the afternoon at a cost of $122 a day for 10 days. This run is being put out to bid with the bid opening on 11/19/07 with the contract to run for the remainder of the 2007- 2008 school year.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD approve
the 10-day emergency contract with Star & Strand at a cost of $122 per day
to transport one Special Education to Goodrich School and home from Shaker H.S.
Motion: Mr. Nicoll Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Testo Nays: 0
Budget Increase in Code A2110.2: Submitted is a memo from William Knaust, Management Advisory Group, dated 10/29/07.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Menands UFSD 2007-2008 budget be increased in
code A2110.200 in the amount of $1,295 for the purchase of athletic equipment with money obtained through commissions from Coca Cola and that the revenue code A2450 for such unanticipated revenues be increased in the amount of $1,295.
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Testo Nays: 0
Health Services - Private School Students: Enclosed are copies of proposed contracts and an invoice for health services for one child attending the Lansingburgh Central School District.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD approve
the health services contract with the Lansingburgh Central School District in the amount of $351.07 and authorize same to be signed by the President and Clerk of the Board.
Motion: Mr. Testo Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nicoll Nays: 0
Afterschool Tutoring/AIS/Home Instruction Tutor Hourly Rate: Attached is a memo from
Ms. Meany and Miss Kostik explaining the recommendation that the tutoring/AIS/home instruction hourly rate be increased to $25.00.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD approve
the an increase in the afterschool/AIS/home instruction tutoring rate from $22.00 to $25.00.
Motion: Mr. Nicoll Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Dignum Nays: 0
Assets Appraisal Contract: Enclosed is a copy of the American Appraisal contract to
do an updated appraisal of the school district's fixed assets.
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD approve
a contract with American Appraisal to do an updated appraisal of the school
district's fixed assets at a cost of $1,800.
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nicoll Nays: 0
IX. PERSONNEL MATTERS
Appointments
AIS Tutor/Homework Club - Rose Nolan
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD approve
Rose Nolan for after school tutoring/homework club at $25.00 per hour.
Motion: Mr. Testo Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Dignum Nays: 0
Home Instruction Tutor - Andrea McSweeney
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD approve Andrea McSweeney as an hourly instructor for students placed on home
instruction at $25.00 per hour.
Motion: Mr. Nicoll Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Dignum Nays: 0
Yearbook Club Advisor - Tracy Trainor
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD approve
Tracy Trainor (in place of Randy André) as Yearbook Club Advisor at a stipend
of $862.
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Testo Nays: 0
Appointments - Emergency Conditional
Cafeteria/Lunch Monitor Substitutes - Karie Ravida, Destiny Coons, Lisa Neuman,
Juliet VanKampen, Monica Sharpe
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD appoint
Karie Ravida, Destiny Coons, Lisa Neuman, Juliet VanKampen and Monica Sharpe as cafeteria/lunch monitor substitutes for the 2007-2008 school year at an hourly
rate of $8.24.
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. Testo Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nicoll Nays: 0
Custodial Substitute - James Sher
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD approve
James Sher as a custodial substitute for the remainder of the 2007-2008 school year at an hourly rate of $9.24.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment is made on an emergency conditional basis and subject to a statement from him regarding criminal
convictions or pending criminal charges. His continued employment is specifically contingent upon the District's receipt of notice from the Commissioner of Education that he is fully cleared for employment .
Motion: Mr. Nicoll Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Testo 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.
Jeffrey Chambers Paul deBarros Erika Falle
Matthew Rybaltowski Maria Catalano Richard DeCarr
Lauren Fennessy Carey Foley Amy Haskins
Sara Heidelmark Brian Kaplan Helen Krause
Scott LeMora Victoria Schilling Jennifer Tambasco
Scott Speciale Nancy Jean Greco
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Testo Nays: 0
Substitute Teachers - Emergency Conditional
Resolution BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Menands UFSD appoint the following as substitute teachers for the 2006-07 school year:
Jennifer Allers Steven Bassett Karin Baldauf
Kevin Dowd Nicole Fruscella Michael Grady
Peter Gray Daniel Klein Jennifer Martland
Katherine Patel Deena Salzman Martin Schilling
Kenneth Sommer Frances Hauser Kathleen Trainor
Tiffany Kelly Jennifer Kish Joshua Lewis
Heather Mann Michele Nopper Meghan Numrich
Deborah Oatman Ashley Parker Alexandria Piedmont
Scott Vorwald Kristine Wade Lea Williams
Thomas Brahler Joel Dashnaw Jacqulyn Dignum
Kaitlyn Dollard Michelle Ardolino Lauren Beaver
Charles Drozd David Hayden Lillian Martinez
Jacqueline McGinn Jessica Onyon Jennifer Saddlemire
Kimberly Santiago-Townsend Michele Schoonmaker
Kristy Sawyer
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. Testo Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Dignum Nays: 0
X. BOARD OF EDUCATION MATTERS
Budget Transfers Policy 6150 - Revision - First Reading
Submitted is a proposed amendment to the Budget Transfers Policy 6150 for the Board's
review and discussion. The existing policy has no amount specified. The proposed policy wasreviewed and discussed.
Graduation/Promotion Policy 4770 - New - First Reading
Submitted is a draft of the proposed Menands School Eighth Grade Graduation Policy
4770 for the Board's review and discussion. Also submitted for the information of the
Board is the existing Commencement Exercises Policy 4772. The proposed policy
was reviewed and discussed.
Conference Attendance
The Superintendent requests Board of Education approval to attend the following
professional development workshops:
Date Topic Sponsor
November 2, 16, Dec. 7 Fiscal Navigation for Superintendent Capital Region BOCES
November 30 New Superintendents' Institute NYSCOSS
The Board granted approval for attendance.
XI. UPDATES/REPORTS
Update on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
The Menands School has taken preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of contagion of MRSA. An informational letter was sent home to parents and posted on the web, the custodians have increased the frequency of cleanings with special attention to desktops, water fountains, door handles, etc. Homeroom teachers, the nurse and health teacher have addressed issues with K-8 students in the classroom, scheduling in more time to encourage handwashing. Purel handsoap is available at the front of the lunch line.
October/Early November Events *
Ms. Meany stated Fire Prevention Day was a great educational tool and an exciting day for
the students at Menands. They participated in an essay/poster contest with the winnersriding to school on fire engines, a school fire inspection took place followed by a fire
prevention assembly. Red Ribbon Week consisted of week-long themed days and
educational activities culminating in a community walk to raise funds for the Michelle
Martin Fund. The Halloween Parade was lots of fun for the K-4 costumed students
and cheerleading by 5-8 students. Alternate activities were offered for students choosing
not to participate in the parade. The September/October Citizens/Scholar Celebration assembly and luncheon was held on 10/26. Congratulations to the following students:
Conor Slocum 5-8 Citizen Cameron Sher K-4 Citizen
Catherine Price 5-8 Scholar Lily LaRoche Special Recognition
The Book Characters Pumpkin Contest showed off the originality of students and staff.
The pumpkins, displayed in the foyer, were judged by everyone in the school and winners received a gift bag of goodies. The Soccer/Cross Country Season/Turkey Trot were
great successes again this year with the weather cooperating at every event.
Mr. Dunsker, on behalf of the Board of Education, expressed appreciation of the hard
work and planning by the faculty and staff the provide these wonderful opportunities to
the students.
Congratulations to the following Martin Luther King, Jr. poster contest winners whose
artwork will be displayed at Siena College in January:
Kanakaharini Byraju Grade K Channelle Ndagire 5
Nicholas Kalogridis 1 Brian Powell 6
Christopher Bush 2 Koushik Pernati 7
Emma Notarino 3 Catherine Price 8
Hanna Neuman 4
* Photos of activities can be viewed on Menands School web site: www.menandsschool.nycap.rr.com
XII. INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL
1. Events and Happenings, November issue
2. Memo from Capital Region BOCES RE BOCES Board Agenda Distribution
XIII. CONFERENCES
1. "An Update about Special Education Law" sponsored by CAPSBA,
Thursday, November 29, 2007, 6 p.m., Century House
XIV. MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Dunsker received correspondence from NYSSBA outlining services provided by that
organization. Anyone interested in reviewing the material can obtain a copy from
Mr. Dunsker.
XV. NEXT BOARD MEETING
December 10, 2007
XVI. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Independent Claims Auditor: Mrs. O'Neill was appointed as Independent Claims Auditor
at the 7/9/07 Board of Education meeting.
Budget Transfers: All budget transfers will be reported to the Board of Education.
Special Education Transportation: The cost of Special Education transportation versus
budgeted amount for 2007-2008 is being closely monitored.
XVII. MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Board will discuss Superintendent's goals for 2007-2008.
Motion: Mr. Testo Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nicoll Nays: 0 Time: 7:40 p.m.
XVIII. MOTION TO ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nicoll Nays: 0 Time: 9:00 p.m.
XIX. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion: Mr. Dignum Ayes: 4
Second: Mr. Nicoll Nays: 0 Time: 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia M. Miller
District Clerk