Warren Township Schools: Minutes for September 29, 2025

Minutes for September 29, 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 Vice President Laura Keller.

Open Public Meeting Statement – Ms. Keller 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 – Ms. Keller led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Roll Call

Present: Nicole Dalton, Bridget Granholm, Laura Keller, Richard Molfetta, Scott Otto, Ryan Valentino, and Todd Weinstein

Absent: Stephen Toor and Patricia Zohn

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

IV. Minutes

● Mr. Weinstein moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public minutes of the August 25, 2025 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Otto and approved by a 7-0 roll-call vote.

V. Correspondence and Information

● Dr. Mingle reported on one HIB.

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:			Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:
	1			0

· Suspension Report

In School:			Out of School:
	0			0

VI. Vice President's Remarks – Ms. Laura Keller

● Ms. Keller reported on the following:

○ Welcome back all staff and students.

○ Reported on staff convocation with a former student, Julia deMontagnac, as the keystone speaker.

○ On September 11, the Warren Middle School hosted a delegation of educators from Taiwan on behalf of the 2025 Yilan County International Educational visit.

○ District staff and students represented the District at the 9/11 memorial ceremony. Students who were not part of the ceremony will also present speeches tonight.

○ Reported on four staff retirements.

○ Asked for Board participation in calendar setup for next two years as part of a calendar ad hoc committee.

○ Asked for Board participation in the Ad Hoc committee on regionalization.

VII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle

● Thanked Ms. Keller for stepping in for Mrs. Zohn this evening.

● Thanked Mr. Villar and Ms. Cirrcotti for putting together the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Speech competition.

VIII. Presentations

● 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Speeches - Warren Middle School Students

○ Mr. George Villar introduced three Warren Middle School students to make 9/11 Memorial Ceremony speeches:

■ Divisha Choudhary

■ Hansvi Chintapalli

■ Farrah Hassimi

● Update on Summer 2025 Work and Capital Improvement Plan

○ Mr. Michael Pate presented an update on the summer facility projects as well as the capital and maintenance plan for the coming 12 months.

IX. Discussion

None

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

● New Jersey School Board Association Delegate Assembly

○ Patricia Zohn, and Richard Molfetta, alternate

● Somerset County Educational Services Commission

○ Nicole Dalton and Stephen Toor, alternate

● Watchung Hills Municipal Alliance Committee

○ Bridget Granholm and Ryan Valentino, alternate

● Warren Township Opioid Advisory Committee

○ Bridget Granholm

● Watchung Hills Shared Services/Regionalization Study Advisory Committee

○ Patricia Zohn and Todd Weinstein

■ Mr. Weinstein reported that a meeting took place on September 25. Report expected on October 30, with Board discussion expected at the November Board meeting.

XI. Committee Reports

● Curriculum and Technology Committee - No meeting

○ Stephen Toor - Chair, Bridget Granholm, Rich Molfetta, Laura Keller - Alternate

● Finance, Operations, and Security Committee - September 15, 2025

○ Patricia Zohn - Chair, Scott Otto - Vice Chair, Ryan Valentino, Rich Molfetta - Alternate

● Personnel, Negotiations, and Communication Committee - August 25, 2025 and September 24, 2025

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

■ Ms. Keller reported that the committee met on August 25, to discuss auto-reply emails for staff and a communications strategy for the Board. On September 24, the committee continued to discuss outreach and Board goals (Item A.5.). Ms. Keller asked members to provide feedback on Board representations at community organizations. Ms. Keller set a deadline of October 10. Ms. Keller spoke about personnel committee goals, which will be the same goals as last year.

● Planning for Growth Working Group - September 4 and September 22, 2025

○ Patricia Zohn, Laura Keller

■ Ms. Keller reported on the most recent Planning for Growth meeting, which were held on September 4 and September 22, as well as announced the dates of upcoming meetings.

XII. 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.

None

On motion by Mr. Otto to close public commentary, seconded by Mr. Valentino, the motion was approved by a 7-0 voice vote.

XIII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

On motion by Mr. Weinstein, seconded by Mr. Otto, the consent items A.1., through A.5., B.1., through B.16., C.1., through C.15., and D.1., were approved by a 7-0 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 August 25, 2025.

A.2. Out-of-District Placement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Out-of District placements for the 2025-2026:

School	Student ID	Dates	SY Cost
Berkeley Heights P.S.	9623171219	June 30, 2025 through August 8, 2025	$9,021 ESY
Berkeley Heights P.S.	9623171219	September 2, 2025 through June 30, 2026	* $93,749 SY
Berkeley Heights P.S.	9024190325	June 30, 2025 through August 8, 2025	$8,791 ESY
Bergen County Special Services	1144981605	September 5, 2025 through June 30, 2026	$93,762

(*This motion supersedes previously approved motion on 08/25/25)

A.3. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves bedside instruction as follows:

Students	School	Start Date	Amount
7756726904	Somerset County Educational Services Commission	August 28, 2025	Not to exceed $5,700

A.4. Settlement Agreement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves a settlement agreement and general release with the guardian of student #2952528856.

A.5. Board Goal

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Board Goal

for the 2025-2026 School Year:

1. Each Board member will participate in at least one community outreach activity during the 2025-2026 school year to strengthen two-way communication with the broader community.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of September 2025 in the amount of $4,125,251.54.

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 June 2025 - FINAL

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

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$1,355,536.50		$1,764,029.33
(10) General Current Expense		$0.00
(11) Current Expense		$1,210,279.70
(12) Capital Outlay		$23,418.00
(13) Special Schools		$6,561.48
(20) Special Revenue Fund	$73,145.16	$138,038.38	$0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$168,277.82	$271,515.91	$586,804.37
(40) Debt Service Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
TOTAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS	$1,596,959.48	$1,649,813.47	$2,350,833.70
Wealth Mgmt - Capital Reserve	$7,900,000.00
Wealth Mgmt - Operating	$1,200,000.00
Wealth Mgmt - Capital Projects	$2,692,000.00
TOTAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT	$11,792,000.00
(62) Food Service Account	$99,920.52	($350,139.13)	$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. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report

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

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on July 31, 2025

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$468,879.79		$1,764,029.33
(10) General Current Expense		$0.00
(11) Current Expense		$2,295,001.08
(12) Capital Outlay		$1,762,836.66
(13) Special Schools		$60,715.90
(20) Special Revenue Fund	$84,416.16	$127,620.01	$0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$12,151.39	($562,519.90)	$586,804.37
(40) Debt Service Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
TOTAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS	$565,447.34	$3,683,653.75	$2,350,833.70
Wealth Mgmt - Capital Reserve	$7,900,000.00
Wealth Mgmt - Operating	$3,200,000.00
Wealth Mgmt - Capital Projects	$10,932,101.00
Wealth Mgmt - Debt Service	$82,668.17
TOTAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT	$22,114,769.17
(62) Food Service Account	$100,518.40	($418,300.20)	$108,603.29

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

B.4. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report

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

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on August 31, 2025

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$1,378,380.73		$1,764,029.33
(10) General Current Expense		$0.00
(11) Current Expense		$1,919,863.46
(12) Capital Outlay		$1,619,298.66
(13) Special Schools		$60,353.58
(20) Special Revenue Fund	$53,680.91	$124,090.18	$0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$71,606.45	($816,461.91)	$586,804.37
(40) Debt Service Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
TOTAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS	$1,503,668.09	$2,907,143.97	$2,350,833.70
Wealth Mgmt - Capital Reserve	$7,900,000.00
Wealth Mgmt - Operating	$3,200,000.00
Wealth Mgmt - Capital Projects	$9,732,101.00
Wealth Mgmt - Debt Service	$82,668.17
TOTAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT	$20,914,769.17
(62) Food Service Account	$135,341.60	($418,563.05)	$108,603.29

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

B.5. Budget Transfers for Month of July 2025

RESOLVED, the Board of Education ratifies the attached 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.6. Budget Transfers for Month of August 2025

B.7. Extraordinary Aid 2024-2025 - Acceptance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts Extraordinary Aid funding from the 2024-2025 school year in the amount of $828,620.

* This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on August 25, 2025

B.8. Extraordinary Aid 2024-2025 - Allocation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase to the 2025-2026 budget to recognize 2024-2025 Extraordinary Aid in the amount of $828,620 and allocates the $678,620 which is above the budgeted $150,000 as follows:

● Revenue Account: 10-3131 Extraordinary Aid (10-303 Budgeted Fund Balance)

● Expense Account: 11-000-216-100: Speech & OT - Salaries - $62,000

● Expense Account: 11-000-219-104: Child Study Team - Salaries - $30,000

● Expense Account: 11-120-100-101: Grades 1-5 Teacher Salaries - $90,000

● Expense Account: 11-216-100-106: Preschool Aides - Salaries - $263,000

● Expense Account: 11-000-291-270: Health Benefits - $233,620

* This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on August 25, 2025

B.9. 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
Molly Lange	District	National Council for Exceptional Children Special Education Conference	Salt Lake City, UT	Mar 2026	$1,036
Jeff Heaney	WS	New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association Fall Conference	Atlantic City	Oct 2025	$655
Scott Cook	MTH	New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association Fall Conference	Atlantic City	Oct 2025	$663
Catherine Murphy	ALT	New Jersey Branch International Dyslexia Association 40th Annual Conference	Somerset	Oct 2025	$250
Erin Allen	MTH	New Jersey Branch International Dyslexia Association 40th Annual Conference	Somerset	Oct 2025	$350
Kimberly Lopes	MTH	New Jersey Branch International Dyslexia Association 40th Annual Conference	Somerset	Oct 2025	$250
Claire Vivenzio	ALT	New Jersey Branch International Dyslexia Association 40th Annual Conference	Somerset	Oct 2025	$250
Nancy Braunstein	WS	New Jersey Branch International Dyslexia Association 40th Annual Conference	Somerset	Oct 2025	$250
Christina Mancino	CS	New Jersey Branch International Dyslexia Association 40th Annual Conference	Somerset	Oct 2025	$250
Sydney Lynn	ALT	New Jersey Branch International Dyslexia Association 40th Annual Conference	Somerset	Oct 2025	$250
Celeste Ostry	CS	New Jersey Branch International Dyslexia Association 40th Annual Conference	Somerset	Oct 2025	$350
Josephine Maccagnan	ALT	New Jersey Branch International Dyslexia Association 40th Annual Conference	Somerset	Oct 2025	$250
Simone Miller	WS	New Jersey Science Convention	Princeton	Oct 2025	$232
Jamie Einiger	MS	Conquer Math	Pompton Plains	Oct & Dec 2025 Jan 2026	$672
Sara Callahan	MTH	Preschool Series: Legal Requirements and Best Practice for Students with Disabilities	Monroe	Oct 2025 Jan & Apr 2026	$598
Matthew Mingle	District	2025 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2025	$1,446
William Kimmick	District	2025 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2025	$1,460
Chris Heagele	District	2025 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2025	$1,462
Molly Lange	District	2025 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2025	$1,442
Jennifer Ronkiewicz	WMS	Art Educators of New Jersey Conference	Princeton	Oct 2025	$315
Marissa Marton-Sarao	WS	Art Educators of New Jersey 2025 Conference	Princeton	Oct 2025	$315
Susan Sage	MTH	Art Educators of New Jersey 2025 Conference	Princeton	Oct 2025	$340

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.10. Authorization to Join Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11 (5) authorizes contracting units to establish a Cooperative Pricing System and to enter into Cooperative Pricing Agreements for its administration; and

WHEREAS, the Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission (MOESC), hereinafter referred to as the “Lead Agency " has offered voluntary participation in a Cooperative Pricing System for the purchase of goods and services; and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Board of Education, pursuant to N.J.A.C 5:34-7.6 (a), duly considered participation in a Cooperative Pricing System for the provision and performance of goods and services;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5) and N.J.A.C 5:34-7.6 (a), the Warren Township Board of Education is hereby authorized to enter into a Cooperative Pricing Agreement with Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission (MOESC), the Lead Agency. The Lead Agency shall comply with the Public School Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-1 et seq.) and all other provisions of the revised statutes of the State of New Jersey.

B.11. Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP)

Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (Form M-1)

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following motion:

WHEREAS, the Department of Education requires New Jersey School Districts to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) and the Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) which documents "required" maintenance activities for each of its public school facilities, and

WHEREAS, the required maintenance activities as listed in the attached document for the various school facilities of the Warren Township Schools are consistent with these requirements, and

WHEREAS, all past and planned activities are reasonable to keep school facilities open and safe for use or in their original condition and to keep their system warranties valid, and

Now, therefore be it RESOLVED that the Warren Township School District hereby authorizes the School Business Administrator to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) and the Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) for the Warren Township Schools in compliance with Department of Education requirements.

B.12. Shared Services Agreement - Watchung Hills Regional High School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a shared services agreement with the Watchung Hills Regional High School to provide a Public Relations Specialist.

B.13. Alternate Toilet Room Facilities Waiver

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a resolution to provide an alternate method of compliance with N.J.A.C. 6A:26-6.3, by providing toilet rooms adjacent to but not inside the classroom in lieu of individual toilet rooms in each classroom for 3 Kindergarten classrooms in Mount Horeb School.

B.14. Finance, Operations, and Security Committee Goals 2025-2026

1. Support the implementation of year one strategic plan priorities that focus on Finance, Operations, and Security:

a. Evaluate the district’s safety and security procedures and identify opportunities for enhancement.

b. Implement referendum projects and long-range capital plans.

c. Support the efforts of the Planning for Growth Working Group.

2. Advise the board regarding the development of the 2026-2027 budget.

B.15. Technology Purchasing 2025-2026

RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the following technology purchasing:

Equipment

Cost

Accidental Damage Service for New 3120 Chromebooks for 5th Grade

(ALT, CS, MTH and WS)

$15,268.00

(This motion is in addition to the amounts approved in a motion approved on June 16, 2025)

*Purchasing through State of NJ Purchasing Contract M0483/24-TELE-71883.)

B.16. Student Transportation - SCESC

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contracts with Somerset County ESC during the 2025-2026 School Year as follows:

Schools	Student ID #	Transportation Cost (Per diem)
Pillar Elementary	1872585496	$273.17
P.G. Chambers	3138342376	$580.68
Center for Lifelong Learning	9043525165	$426.14
Deron School II-Montclair	6633536241	$261.64
New Beginnings	9084150327	$333.38
The Union Street School for the Deaf	1144981605	$379.80
Somerset to ALT North Plainfield to MS	2348069558 3244765458	$183.57

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
*Dana Bohler	Preschool Teacher	MTH	BA	11	$76,187	$0	$76,187	Yes	August 28, 2025 through June 30, 2026	Replacing Employee #3356
**Linda Hatcher	Classroom Paraprofessional (30 Hours)	MTH	N/A	10-14	$32,325	$0	$32,325	No	August 26, 2025 through June 30, 2026	New Position
Eileen Jimenez	1:1 Paraprofessional (32.5 Hours)	ALT	N/A	10-14	$35,019	$2,000	$37,019	No	September 9, 2025 through June 30, 2026	Replacing Employee #3835
Alison Fernandes	1:1 Paraprofessional (32.5 Hours)	ALT	N/A	5	$32,083	$2,000	$34,083	No	On or around September 29, 2025 through June 30, 2026	Replacing Employee #3608
Luis Sanchez	Bus Driver	District	N/A	N/A	$31,850	$0	$31,850	No	On or around October 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026	Replacing Employee #3959
Preeti Tyagi	1:1 Paraprofessional (32.5 Hours)	CS	N/A	1	$29,938	$2,000	$31,938	No	October 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026	Replacing Employee #2085

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

**(This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on July 21, 2025)

C.2. Substitutes

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

Name

Emily Imiolek

Daniel McDermott

All current paraprofessionals who possess a NJ Teaching Certificate or NJ Substitute Teacher Certificate

C.3. Leave Request

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

Employee ID	Paid/Unpaid
#0667	FMLA - August 26, 2025 through October 24, 2025 (Paid)
#2553	FMLA - October 30, 2025 through December 25, 2025 (Paid) Extended Medical Leave - December 26, 2025 through around January 16, 2026 (Paid) Extended Medical Leave - Around January 19, 2026 through January 30, 2026 (Unpaid)
#3399	Medical Leave - December 1, 2025 through December 16, 2025 (Paid) Medical Leave - December 17, 2025 through February 4, 2026 (Unpaid/No Benefits) Child Rearing Leave - February 5, 2026 through April 30, 2026 (Unpaid/No Benefits)

C.4. Retirement/Resignation

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

of the following staff:

Name	Position	Location	Retirement/ Resignation	Dates of Service
Joyce Pekarsky	1:1 Paraprofessional (32.5 Hours)	CS	Retirement	October 30, 2006, through September 30, 2025
David Rios	Bus Driver	District	Resignation	March 6, 2025, through August 27, 2025
*Cynthia McCabe	Bus Monitor	District	Retirement	November 14, 2012, through September 30, 2025
Susan Kline	Reach Teacher	ALT/WS/CS/MTH	Retirement	September 1, 2002, through June 30, 2026
Paula Williams	ELL Teacher	CS	Retirement	March 15, 2004, through December 31, 2025
Hildegarde Jackson	Spanish Teacher	CS/MTH	Retirement	September 1, 2003, through March 31, 2026
Sara Laster	Special Education Teacher	ALT	Resignation	August 26, 2025 through November 27, 2025

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

C.5. 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
Kelly Stankiewicz	Selective Mutism	October 2, 2025	3	1	$200
Cynthia Cassidy	Demonstrating Understanding through Projects	November 3, 2025	3	1	$200
Cynthia Cassidy	Differentiating Learning	November 10, 2025	3	1	$200
Cynthia Cassidy	Using GoGuardian to Provide Feedback	October 29, 2025	3	1	$200
Cynthia Cassidy	Getting to Know Your Students Through Data Analysis	November 19, 2025	3	1	$200
Cynthia Cassidy	Padlet for Schools	October 22, 2025	3	1	$200
Jessica Decelle	AI-Driven Strategies for Differentiation and Engagement	November 3, 2025	3	1	$200
Jennifer Ronkiewicz	Color & Emotion: Using Art to Explore Social-Emotional Learning	December 15, 2025	3	1	$200
Jennifer Ronkiewicz	Building Opportunities for Discourse in the Classroom	November 10, 2025	3	1	$200
Jennifer Ronkiewicz	AI Applications	October 8, 2025	3	1	$200
Jennifer Ronkiewicz	The Power of Process: Growth Mindset Through Art	March 16, 2026	3	1	$200
Jennifer Ronkiewicz	Paint & SIP: Share, Inspire, Plan	February 2, 2026	3	1	$200
Jennifer Ronkiewicz	Visual Metaphors: Turning Big Ideas Into Images	January 21, 2026	3	1	$200
Myranda Shimko	Let’s be a Revolutionary School!	October 8, 2025	3	1	$200
Beth Alcaraz	Autism Discrete Trial Instruction at ALT	October 16, 2025	3	1	$200

C.6. Approval to Create Positions

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

Location	Position	Full-Time Equivalent
WMS	1:1 Paraprofessional (2.5 Hours per day)	0.416
WMS	1:1 Paraprofessional (1 Hour 40 Minutes per day)	0.277
MTH	1:1 Paraprofessional (30 Hours)	1.0

C.7. 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

Kira Harkness

August 26, 2025 through June 30, 2026

General Education Teacher

TBD

Grade 4 Teacher

MTH

$63,942

Marlon Klee

September 22, 2025, through June 30, 2026

Maintenance

District

Bus Mechanic / Grounds Maintenance

District

$63,000

C.8. After School Activities/Club Advisors

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2025-2026 after school activities/clubs, and the instructors for each, at the negotiated stipend rate.

C.9. After-School Activities/Club Paraprofessional Support

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves all certificated staff, paraprofessionals, and substitutes to be appointed as After-School Activities/Clubs aides to any student with an IEP requiring additional supervision for the 2025-2026 school year. All employees who accompany a student at all after-school clubs and/or sports connected to a particular IEP shall be compensated at a rate of $30 per hour.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this amount will not exceed $27,000 for the 2025-2026 school year.

C.10. RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following WTEA stipend positions per the contracted rate for the 2025-2026 school year:

Name	Position
Timothy Fabiano	Girls Basketball Coach
Lisa Lontai Laura Colantoni	Student Government Advisors
Michael Gasko	Assistant Director School Play

C.11. 2025-2026 Extended Day Instructors

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves all certificated teachers and paraprofessionals, to be appointed as extended day instructors for the 2025-2026 school year. Instructors to be paid at the contractual rate of $50 per hour. Total cost dependent upon needs of identified students in the district’s Extended Day Instructional Program. The total cost not to exceed $63,720 and to be partially funded by Federal Grants.

C.12. Extended Day Coordinators

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following staff member(s) as Extended Day Coordinator, to be paid a stipend commensurate with building program funding sources. The total cost not to exceed $11,000 and to be fully funded by Federal Grants.

Names	School	Stipend
Kristen Stoyanov	WS	$3,500
Marianne Larson	CS	$3,500
Linda Yu	WMS	$4,000

C.13. Special Education Service Provider List

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following addition to the Service Provider List for the 2025-2026 school year:

Name	Rate
Somerset County Educational Services Commission	- Home Instruction (within 10 miles of SCESC) at a rate of $95.00 per hour. - Home Instruction (beyond 10 miles of SCESC) at a rate of $115.00 per hour.

Name

Rate

Somerset County Educational Services Commission

- Home Instruction (within 10 miles of SCESC)

at a rate of $95.00 per hour.

- Home Instruction (beyond 10 miles of SCESC)

at a rate of $115.00 per hour.

C.14. Job Description

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adopts the following new job description:

Position

Extended Day Paraprofessional

C.15. Personnel, Negotiations, and Communication Committee Goals 2025-2026

1. Review and advise on Superintendent recommendations for adjustments to nonaligned staff compensation.

2. Conduct the Superintendent evaluation process.

3. Draft a communications/messaging strategy for key community topics.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies and Regulations – Second Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second reading of the following policies and regulations:

Number	Policy Name	New/Revision	Source of Changes
0143	Board Member Election and Appointment	R	SEA
0173	Duties of Public School Accountant	R	SEA
0174	Legal Services	R	SEA
0177	Professional Services	R	SEA
1570	Internal Controls	R	SEA
1620	Administrative Employment Contracts	R	SEA
1636.01	Notification of Promotion, New Job, and Transfer Opportunities	N	SEA
2422	Statutory Curricular Requirements	R	SEA
5339.01	Student Sun Protection	N	SEA
6111	Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program	R	SEA
6220	Budget Preparation	R	SEA

Number	Regulation Name	New/Revision	Source of Changes
1570	Internal Controls	R	SEA
6111	Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program	R	SEA
6220	Budget Preparation	R	SEA

XIV. Unfinished Business

None

XV. New Business

None

XVI. Public Commentary (any topic)

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;

● Kevin Brotspies, Sneider Road - Commended the district for its outreach to outside groups, including Senior Citizen Club. Offered concerns about numerous emails sent from the district’s schools and leaders and suggested that communications be bundled into more targeted, less frequent emails.

On motion by Mr. Weinstein to close public commentary, seconded by Mr. Otto, the motion was approved by a 7-0 voice vote.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. Weinstein, seconded by Mr. Otto, the meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Christopher Heagele

Board Secretary

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