Warren Township Schools: Minutes for October 27, 2025

Minutes for October 27, 2025 Archived Minutes

A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day at the Warren Middle School, 100 Old Stirling Road. The public was welcome to attend in person or virtually through the online Zoom platform. The following is a record of that meeting.

I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Board President Patricia Zohn.

Open Public Meeting Statement – Mrs. Zohn read the following statement:

Re: Chapter 231 P.L. 1975: “The adequate notice of this regular meeting as required by the Open Public Meetings Act was provided by the posting, mailing/delivery, and filing of this notice on January 9, 2025. This notice was on that date posted on the bulletin board in the Township Office, sent to the Courier News and TAPinto Warren, and filed with the Township Clerk of the Township of Warren, all in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act.”

II. Pledge of Allegiance – Mrs. Zohn led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Roll Call

Present: Nicole Dalton, Laura Keller, Stephen Toor, Todd Weinstein and Patricia Zohn

Absent: Bridget Granholm, Richard Molfetta, Scott Otto and Ryan Valentino

Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, Christopher Heagele, Board Secretary, and members of the public and press.

IV. Executive Session

● At 6:32 Ms. Keller moved the following:

WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A.10:4-11, permits the Board of Education to meet in closed session to discuss certain matters, now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, the Board of Education adjourns to closed session to discuss:

● protection of public safety and property and/or investigations of possible violations or violations of law

Action will be taken upon return to public session;

the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 30 minutes; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, the minutes of this closed session be made public when the need for confidentiality no longer exists.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Weinstein and approved by a 5-0 roll-call vote

On motion by Mrs. Dalton, seconded by Mr. Weinstein, the Board reconvened in open session at 6:53 p.m.

V. Minutes

● Ms. Keller moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public minutes of the September 29, 2025 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Weinstein and approved by a 4-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Zohn abstained.)

VI. Correspondence and Information

● Dr. Mingle reported on correspondence and HIB.

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:			Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:
	5			3

· Suspension Report

In School:			Out of School:
	0			0

VII. President's Remarks – Mrs. Patricia Zohn

● Mrs. Zohn:

○ Welcomed everyone tonight and wish them a Happy Halloween!

○ Congratulated Dr. Mingle on his participation in the New Jersey School Board Association legal seminar.

○ Thanked Weiniger Realty for its donation/assistance with strategic plan video (Motion B.6.).

○ Congratulated two staff members on their forthcoming retirement (Motion C.7.).

○ Welcomed Constantine Bellman from the local Boy Scout Troop.

VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle

● Dr. Mingle:

○ Recognized a team from Central School on their recent presentation at the State Autism New Jersey Conference.

○ Introduced brief video to accompany 2025-30 Strategic Plan (Motion B.6.)

IX. Presentations

● Assessment Report - Mr. William Kimmick, Assistant Superintendent presented the State Assessment results from the Spring 2025 Assessment.

● Regionalization Feasibility Study & Planning for Growth Update - Ad Hoc Regionalization/Shared Services Committee - Dr. Mathew Mingle, on behalf of the board’s Ad Hoc Committee, presented an update on a feasibility study on regionalization and shared services in the Watchung Hills Regional cluster districts. Mrs. Zohn prefaced the presentation by stating that Mrs. Zohn, Ms. Keller and Dr. Mingle met with the Rowan Institute Team. The Rowan Institute Team is aware of the presentation tonight, and supports the board’s actions in this area.

X. Discussion

● Rowan School Regionalization Institute - A Feasibility Study on Regionalization and Shared Services in the Watchung Hills Regional, Warren, Long Hill, Watchung, and Green Brook School Districts. Mrs. Zohn stated that based on the Ad Hoc Committee’s recommendation, the board may vote on a resolution that has been drafted by the committee. The board began discussion by asking questions of the administration and the committee. Mrs. Zohn read the resolution (Motion A.5.) into the record, and asked for comments from the board. No comments were made.

XI. Reports of Board Members Appointed to External Assignments 2025 - None

● New Jersey School Board Association Delegate Assembly

○ Patricia Zohn, and Richard Molfetta, alternate - Mrs. Zohn reported that the next meeting is on November 22, 2025.

● Somerset County Educational Services Commission

○ Nicole Dalton and Stephen Toor, alternate - Mrs. Dalton will provide an update at the next board meeting.

● Watchung Hills Municipal Alliance Committee

○ Bridget Granholm and Ryan Valentino, alternate

● Warren Township Opioid Advisory Committee

○ Bridget Granholm

XII. Committee Reports

● Curriculum and Technology Committee - September 29, 2025

○ Stephen Toor - Chair, Bridget Granholm, Rich Molfetta, Laura Keller - Alternate - Mr. Toor will provide an update at the next board meeting.

● Finance, Operations, and Security Committee - September 8, 2025

○ Patricia Zohn - Chair, Scott Otto - Vice Chair, Ryan Valentino, Rich Molfetta - Alternate - Mrs. Zohn reported that the committee met to discuss ESEA, IDEA, healthcare, and staffing in classes, which all relate to a challenging 2026-2027 budget. The committee also discussed curb appeal at the buildings and the Warren Township Educational Foundation and a need to restart this effort to help support school programs.

● Personnel, Negotiations, and Communication Committee - No meeting

○ Laura Keller - Chair, Nicole Dalton, Todd Weinstein, Patricia Zohn - Alternate

● Planning for Growth Working Group - October 1, 2025

○ Patricia Zohn, Laura Keller - Ms. Keller reported that the Planning for Growth Working Group met on September 30 and October 1 to tour Mt. Horeb, Central and Warren Middle Schools, and reflect on the tours and discuss historical changes of the district over the years. The next meeting is scheduled for October 28.

● Ad Hoc Regionalization/Shared Services Committee - October 15 & 24, 2025

○ Patricia Zohn - Chair, Laura Keller, Rich Molfetta, Todd Weinstein - Mrs. Zohn stated that the committee is being created at tonight’s meeting as part of the consent agenda.

● Ad Hoc Calendar Committee - October 16, 2025

○ Ryan Valentino - Chair, Nicole Dalton, Bridget Granholm, Stephen Toor - Dr. Mingle reported that the calendar for 2026-25 will be a discussion item at the November meeting.

XIII. Public Commentary (agenda items only)

Note on public input at BOE meetings: Board Policy #0167, adopted on June 18, 2018, provides for public participation in Board of Education meetings. Such participation is governed by the following rules:

A participant must be recognized by the presiding officer and must preface comments by an announcement of his/her name, address, and group affiliation, if applicable;
Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to three minutes’ duration. If necessary, the public comment portion of the meeting may be extended fifteen minutes with Board approval;
No participant may speak more than once on the same topic until all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard;
All statements, questions, or inquiries shall be directed to the presiding officer and any questions or inquiries directed by a participant to another Board member shall be redirected to the presiding officer who shall determine if such statement, question, or inquiry shall be addressed by the presiding officer on behalf of the Board;

The portion of the meeting during which participation of the public is invited shall be limited to fifteen minutes (limit may be adjusted at the discretion of the presiding officer as circumstances dictate).

The Board of Education welcomes and encourages input from the public. Being mindful of privacy rights regarding students and board employees and to avoid any potential liability on the part of the speaker, the board discourages references to specific individuals. While directing your comments or questions to the board president, please understand that the public comment portions of the meeting are not structured as question and answer sessions but rather are offered as opportunities for you to share your thoughts with the board. The board president may need to refer an issue to the superintendent if the particular issue has not been handled through the appropriate chain of command with the school district. However, responses may be provided at the end of this session. There are times when comments and questions will require additional fact gathering before a response is provided.

● Kevin Brotspies - Snyder Road - Thanked the board for its proactive position on the regionalization study findings. Asked for clarification on the process of regionalization. Regarding Mr. Kimmick’s presentation, he wanted to understand why certain results were considered acceptable.

On motion by Mr. Weinstein to close public commentary, seconded by Mr. Toor, the motion was approved by a 5-0 voice vote.

XIV. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. Zohn responded to Mr. Brotspie's questions on the regionalization study and the process to create a larger regional district.

Dr. Mingle stated that the calendar discussion is in November, with a vote at the December meeting.

Dr. Mingle thanked Judy Weiniger for the donation of the district strategic plan video.

On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mr. Weinstein, the consent items A.1., through A.5., B.1., through B.6., and C.1., through C.10., were approved by a 5-0 roll-call vote.

The Superintendent recommends that it be:

A. Education

A.1. HIB Report

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the HIB Report submitted by the Superintendent for the period ending on September 29, 2025.

A.2. Curriculum Committee Goals

○ Support the implementation of strategic plan priorities that focus on Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology. In doing so, prioritize district efforts to:

○ Elevate academic rigor, personalize learning through assessment and intervention supports, and ensure inclusive and comprehensive support for all learners.

○ Strengthen mental health awareness, safety and support; enhance student wellness, security, and social emotional development; and foster a positive, inclusive, and secure school climate.

A.3. Ad Hoc Calendar Committee Goals

● Recommend a 2026-2027 calendar to the Board of Education.

A.4. Ad Hoc Regionalization/Shared Services Committee Goals

● Advise the Board in matters pertaining to the Rowan School Regionalization Institute October 2025 Feasibility Study on Regionalization and Shared Services in the Watchung HIlls Regional, Warren, Long Hill, Watchung, and Green Brook School Districts.

A.5. Feasibility Study on Regionalization and Shared Services

WHEREAS, NJ Public Law 2021, Chapter 402 (P.L. 2021, c402) was signed into law by Governor Murphy on January 18, 2022 creating the School Regionalization Efficiency Program (“SREP”); and

WHEREAS, the SREP created a grant program within the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs (“DCA”) , the purpose of which was to provide for reimbursement of costs associated with conducting feasibility studies to form or expand regional school districts; and

WHEREAS, a grant application was filed by the Watchung Hills Regional High School (“WHRHS”) District and the Watchung Borough School District (“Watchung”) and approved by the DCA for the purpose of conducting a study of the feasibility of consolidating operations to enlarge the current limited purpose, grades 9-12, regional WHRHS district into one all purpose, grades pre-kindergarten (pK) to 12 regional school district with its four constituent districts, Watchung, Warren Township School District (“Warren”), Long Hill Township School District (“Long Hill”) and Green Brook Township School District (“Green Brook”) (collectively, the “Districts”) or, alternatively, to share services among the Districts; and

WHEREAS, WHRHS and Watchung, as co-applicants, engaged the services of the Rowan School Regionalization Institute (which, in turn engaged various consultants, collectively the “Study Team”) to study relevant data in order to provide recommendations on the feasibility of 1) creating an All Districts Regional, or 2) creating a Current Constituents Regional with Green Brook entering into a revised send-receive agreement, or 3) maintain the Status Quo with recommendations to align educational programs and support services; and

WHEREAS, Warren was not a co-applicant on the SREP grant application, but Warren nonetheless cooperated fully with all information requests and provided representation from its Board of Education on the advisory committee formed by the Study Team; and

WHEREAS, on August 28, 2025, the Study Team circulated a first draft of “A Feasibility Study on Regionalization and Shared Services in the Watchung Hills Regional, Warren, Long Hill, Watchung and Green Brook School Districts” (the “Feasibility Study”); and

WHEREAS, on September 12, 2025, Warren provided extensive comments on the August draft Feasibility Study, and

WHEREAS, on October 10, 2025, the Study Team circulated a revised Feasibility Study which it described as the penultimate report, requested any feedback on factual or egregious errors, and advised of the intent to make a public presentation of the Feasibility Study on October 30, 2025; and

WHEREAS, on October 17, 2025, Warren again provided extensive comments on the October draft Feasibility Study; and

WHEREAS, Warren’s extensive review of the draft Feasibility Study identified numerous factual inaccuracies, data inconsistencies and unsupported conclusions including conflicting enrollment projections, unverified demographic and income data, inaccurate descriptions of class size and facility capacity, and mischaracterizations of district programs and special education practices; and

WHEREAS, the draft Feasibility Study analysis depends on various assumptions such as using state guidelines for class sizes, rather than local class size guidelines; projecting unrealistic facility capacity; alternately promising that neighborhood schools would be retained but also that students could be transported to schools in other communities where space exists; and

WHEREAS, the draft Feasibility Study estimates regionalization will provide a modest overall taxpayer savings of 1-1.6%, which understates the cost of aligning collective negotiations agreements, salaries, health benefits, filling district-level positions, as well as increased curriculum and transportation costs of an enlarged district; and

WHEREAS, the draft Feasibility Study acknowledges that all of the Districts are high performing, with low administrative costs and that differences in student preparedness among the sending districts have become less acute over the years; and

WHEREAS, the draft Feasibility Study acknowledges that the creation of a regional district would result in a sharing of all existing debt obligations across the constituent communities without regard to where the debt originated; and

WHEREAS, Warren does not carry any long-term debt but would contribute to the payment of debt incurred in other districts under regionalization; and

WHEREAS, the credibility of the final Feasibility Study depends on accurate information, evidentiary rigor, balanced analysis, transparent process, and respect for local governance;

NOW THEREFORE,

Warren is committed to transparency, collaboration and ensuring that discussions about shared services or regionalization across the Watchung Hills area are grounded in accurate information and thoughtful analysis.

Warren recognizes the time and effort of the Study Team in conducting its review and remains committed to collaboration with the Study Team.

Warren regards the Feasibility Study in its current form as advisory only and does not endorse or support its conclusions and/or recommendations.

Warren will continue to evaluate any future regional or shared-services discussions through the lens of student outcomes, community values and long-term fiscal sustainability for the Warren Township taxpayers.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of October 2025 in the amount of $5,074,739.24.

B.2. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of September 2025.

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on September 30, 2025

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$3,601,848.75		$1,764,029.33
(10) General Current Expense		$0.00
(11) Current Expense		$1,479,145.24
(12) Capital Outlay		$1,594,598.66
(13) Special Schools		$60,551.15
(20) Special Revenue Fund	($77,112.50)	$99,806.18	$0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$3,138.30	($816,461.91)	$586,804.37
(40) Debt Service Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
TOTAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS	$3,527,874.55	$2,417,639.32	$2,350,833.70
Wealth Mgmt - Capital Reserve	$8,440,000.00
Wealth Mgmt - Operating	$3,200,000.00
Wealth Mgmt - Capital Projects	$9,312,101.00
Wealth Mgmt - Debt Service	$82,668.17
TOTAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT	$21,034,769.17
(62) Food Service Account	$180,406.96	($418,563.05)	$108,603.29

WHEREAS, in compliance with law and code the secretary has certified that, as of the date of the reports, no budgetary line item account has obligations and payments (contractual orders) which in total exceed the amount appropriated by the district board of education, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Board of Education accepts the above reference reports and certifications and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, in compliance with law and code, the Board of Education certifies that, after review of the secretary's monthly financial report (appropriation section), to the best of its knowledge, no major account or fund has been over expended in violation of law and code and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district's financial obligations for the remainder of the year.

B.3. Budget Transfers for Month of September 2025

RESOLVED, the Board of Education ratifies the transfers between budget line items that have been approved by the Superintendent of Schools and that are now being reported to the Board pursuant to Policy 6422.

B.4. Travel Approval

Whereas, in accordance with State of New Jersey School District Accountability Act (A-5) and the Warren Township Schools’ Policy 6471-School District Travel, travel by school district employees and Board of Education members must be approved in advance.

Now Therefore Be It RESOLVED, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education approves the following expenses for faculty, staff, administrators, and board members for seminars, conferences and workshops. The expense includes travel costs, if applicable:

Name	School	Workshop/ Conference	Location	Month/Yr	Cost
Melissa Smolenski	WMS	Preschool Series: Legal Requirements and Best Practices for Students with Disabilities	Monroe Twp	Oct 2025, Jan and April 2026	$543

All of the above travel has been approved by the Superintendent. The School Business Administrator shall track and record these costs to ensure that the maximum amount is not exceeded.

B.5. Student Transportation - Morris Union Jointure Commission

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Morris Union Jointure Commission during the 2025-2026 School Year as follows:

School	Student ID #	Transportation Cost (Per diem)
DLC	1688687297	$160.74

School

Student ID #

Transportation Cost

(Per diem)

DLC

1688687297

$160.74

B.6. Donation - Weiniger Realty

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts a donation of $2,000 from Weiniger Realty for the creation of the district strategic plan video.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2025-2026 School Year

RESOLVED, upon recommendation from the Superintendent that the Board of Education approve the following Personnel items including the emergent employment of the following employees (indicated by *) conditional upon the final approval by the New Jersey Department of Education The Board further authorizes the submission of an application for emergency hiring pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1, et. Seq., N.J.S.A. 18A:6.14.12, et. Seq., if applicable Staff members shall be paid in accordance with provisions in their collective bargaining agreement and/or in accordance with a schedule provided to all employees prior to the beginning of the contract or school year:

Name

Position

Location

Degree

Step

Salary

Stipend

Total Salary

Tenure

Effective Date

Discussion

Francisca Orellana-

Monge

Bus Monitor

District

N/A

$15,579

On or around November 10, 2025, through June 30, 2026

Replacing Employee #3537

Sydney Fielding

Special Education Teacher

ALT

$70,336

Yes

On or around December 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026

Replacing Employee #3992

C.2. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2025-2026 school year.

Name

Andrew Cantone

Cassidy Meeks

Juliana Porcelli

C.3 Long Term Substitute

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Long Term Substitute:

Name	Dates	Employee #
Sadie Nochimson	August 28, 2025, through October 30, 2025	#0667

(This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on August 25, 2025)

C.4. Substitute Custodian

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as a substitute custodian for the 2025-2026 school year.

Name

Brendan Vlasak

C.5. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following leave requests:

Employee ID	Paid/Unpaid
#0667	FMLA - August 26, 2025, through November 7, 2025 (Paid) (This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on September 29, 2025)
#2167	Intermittent FMLA - October 14, 2025, through December 12, 2025 (Paid)
#1291	Intermittent FMLA - October 14, 2025, through March 30, 2026 (Paid)
#0431	Intermittent FMLA - October 6, 2025, through June 30, 2026 (Paid)
#2795	Intermittent NJFLA - October 13, 2025, through June 30, 2026 (Paid)
#3958	Medical Leave - March 2, 2026, through March 23, 2026 (Paid) FMLA - March 24, 2026, through March 27, 2026 (Paid) FMLA - March 30, 2026, through April 24, 2026 (Unpaid) NJFLA - April 27, 2026 through June 30, 2026 (Unpaid) NJFLA - First day of school through September 11, 2026 (Unpaid)
#3218	Medical Leave - March 27, 2026 through April 24, 2026 (Paid) Medical Leave - April 27, 2026 through May 8, 2026 (Unpaid) Child Rearing Leave - May 11, 2026 through June 30, 2026 (Unpaid) Extended Leave - First Day of School through June 30, 2027 (Unpaid)

C.6. Approval to Abolish Positions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the abolishment of the following positions for 2025-2026 school year:

Location

Position

Full-Time Equivalent

ALT

1:1 Paraprofessional

(32.5 Hours)

1.0

C.7. Retirement/Resignation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement/resignations

of the following staff:

Name	Position	Location	Retirement/ Resignation	Dates of Service
Vivian Plesmid	ELA Teacher	WMS	Retirement	March 25, 2003, through June 30, 2026
*Paula Williams	ELL Teacher	CS	Retirement	March 15, 2004, through June 30, 2026
Brenda Sasso	ELA Teacher	WMS	Retirement	January 12, 1999, through June 30, 2026

(This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on September 29, 2025)

C.8. Warren Academy Courses - Instructor Stipend 2025-2026

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for reimbursement as an Instructor. Each instructor will be reimbursed at the WTEA contractual rate $50.00 per hour.

Staff Member	Course	Date	Prep Hours	Instructor Hours	Cost Total Not to Exceed
Beth Alcaraz	Autism de-escalation strategies	December 16, 2025	3	1	$200
Beth Alcaraz	Autism discrete trial instruction at ALT	November 18, 2025	1	1	$100
Christina Barlik	Voices Beyond Words: Unlocking Communication Through AAC	November 5, 2025	3	1	$200
Cynthia Cassidy	Gamifying Learning	November 13, 2025	3	1	$200
Cynthia Cassidy	Using Gemini in the Classroom	December 15, 2025 & March 2, 2026	2	2	$200
Cynthia Cassidy	Gimkit for WMS	December 4, 2025	1	1	$100
Cynthia Cassidy	Incorporating Choice in the Middle School Classroom	December 10, 2025	1	1	$100
Cynthia Cassidy	Blooket for WMS	December 11, 2025	1	1	$100

C.9. Transfer/Change in Assignment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transfer/change in

assignment of the following district staff:

Name

Effective Date

From

Base Salary

Stipend

Total Salary

Alison Fernandes

October 6, 2025 through June 30, 2026

1:1 Paraprofessional (32.5 Hours)

ALT

1:1 Paraprofessional

(30 Hours)

MTH

$29,615

C.10. Multilingual Learners Parent Information Night- Staff

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following employees for their participation in the Virtual MLL Parent Information Night at the WTEA contractual rate of $50 per hour per employee, for a total cost not to exceed $200.00 fully funded using Federal Funds.

Names
Minelli De Matos	Sandra Rama
Lauren Valera	Paula Williams

XV. Unfinished Business

None

XVI. New Business

None

XVII. Public Commentary (any topic)

Note on public input at BOE meetings: Board Policy #0167, adopted on June 18, 2018, provides for public participation in Board of Education meetings. Such participation is governed by the following rules:

A participant must be recognized by the presiding officer and must preface comments by an announcement of his/her name, address, and group affiliation, if applicable;
Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to three minutes’ duration. If necessary, the public comment portion of the meeting may be extended fifteen minutes with Board approval;
No participant may speak more than once on the same topic until all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard;
All statements, questions, or inquiries shall be directed to the presiding officer and any questions or inquiries directed by a participant to another Board member shall be redirected to the presiding officer who shall determine if such statement, question, or inquiry shall be addressed by the presiding officer on behalf of the Board;

● None

On motion by Mr. Weinstein to close public commentary, seconded by Mr. Toor , the motion was approved by a 5-0 voice vote.

XVIII. Adjourn

On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mr. Weinstein, the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Christopher Heagele

Board Secretary

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