Mallory Moench is reporting for the Times Union the Menands Union Free School District closed April 2, after one in five students reported sick the previous day. Problems began when 54 out of the school's 289 students did not report to school, according to Superintendent Maureen Long. Long said the school has not determined the cause of the illness. A majority of parents reported children suffering a fever but others experienced gastrointestinal or respiratory problems, sore throats or vomiting, according to the Albany County Health Department. The staff began the process of thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the school building after dismissal Monday and throughout the day Tuesday with a procedure developed by the school's health and safety specialist. In a message posted to the school district's website, Long wrote, "We understand this is an inconvenience, however, the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff must be our highest priority." The Menands School serves approximately 300 children enrolled in grades 3 through 8. The building is expected to re-open April 3. Read the full story in the Times Union.