Minutes for June 9, 2008History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Board of Education Administration Building, Mt. Horeb Road. The following is a record of that meeting.

I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by the Board President, Dr. Przybylski

OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT - Dr. Przybylski read the following statement:
In accordance with the provisions New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law, the Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be posted in the Board Office and in the Township Office, mailed to the Courier News and Echoes Sentinel, and filed with the Clerk of the Township of Warren.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Dr. Przybylski led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL
Present:
Susan Burman, Roberta Monahan, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, David Ricci, Tony Sardis, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, Mrs. Voorhees and Kathleen Winter 

Absent:                                   

Also Present:
Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of the public, staff and press

IV. PRESENTATION
None

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Winter moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes, as amended, of the following meeting:

May 27, 2008 public and private session

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Spiller and approved by 9-0 voice vote.  

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

  • Fire Drills - The superintendent reported the following fire drills had been held:

    ALT

    Central

    Mt. Horeb

    Woodland

    Middle

    May 6, 27

    May 13, 19

    May 7, 29

    May 7, 28

    May13, 28

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Przybylski wanted to thank and acknowledge the teachers that were recognized at last week's Teachers Dinner.   He also thanked the WHSA for following through with their pledge and donation for middle school soccer.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
None

IX. PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED 2008-2009 EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR SCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Dr. Przybylski spoke about the public hearing for the School Business Administrator's contract.

Members of the public are invited to submit public comments regarding the renegotiation of the SCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR'S employment contract.  The board, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b), the Open Public Meetings Act, shall not publicly discuss personnel matters and shall not respond to comments made by members of the public; however, the board will give all comments appropriate consideration.

Please be aware that the subject of this hearing retains the right of privacy and shall retain all rights regarding defamation and slander according to the laws of New Jersey.  The board shall not be held liable for comments made by members of the public.

  • Resolution for the Public Hearing on proposed 2008-2009 employment contract for School Business Administrator

    WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey has enacted P.L.2007, c.53, An Act Concerning School District Accountability; and

    WHEREAS, the Warren Township Board of Education provided public notice 30 days prior to the renegotiation, extension, amendment, or alteration of an employment contract with the school business administrator; and

    WHEREAS, said notice was provided to the public by the Township Clerk of Warren Township, on April 27, 2007; and

    WHEREAS, the Board provided public notice of a public hearing 10 days prior to the renegotiation, extension, amendment, or alteration of an employment contract with the school business administrator; and

    Now therefore be it

    RESOLVED, that the Warren Township Board of Education hereby designates from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the board office on June 9, 2008 as the public hearing required by the Act. 

  • Public Commentary on proposed contract for the School Business Administrator

    Patricia Zahn commended the board on the openness of the board for dealing with the superintendent and business administrator contracts.  She also commented that Mr. Daquila has a good grasp of all issues and discussions.

    On motion Mrs. Spiller and seconded by Mrs. Burman the board approved a public hearing on the business administrator's contract.

X. DISCUSSION
None

XI. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Tony Novo commented that he spoke to the town and George Lazo of Pop Warner regarding the use of the field and that all are in favor of middle school soccer.  He also noted that the WHSA board and supporters are in favor of a middle school soccer program.

XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
The board discussed Agenda items B.3., B.5., C.7. and D.1.   Agenda items B.2. and C.1. c & d. were pulled from the consent agenda for further discussion and separate vote. 

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the board approved the following as a consent agenda.  The consent agenda was approved by unanimous 9-0 role-call vote.

A. Education

A.1. Home Instruction
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one student (ID# 1001006) to receive 10 hours total of home instruction for four weeks while recovering from a viral infection to begin on or about May 27, 2008.

A.2. Out of District Related Services
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one student (ID#0120846) to receive one hour per week for a total of four hours of NDT (Neurodevelopmental Therapy) during the July 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008.  The cost to the district will be $540.

A.3. Curriculum Approvals
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following two curricula dated June 9, 2008:
a)         K-8 Writing
b)         6-8 Reading

A.4. ABA Services
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one student (ID#0120295) to receive six hours per week for the period of two weeks, effective August 4, 2008 through August 15, 2008 of ABA services from Carol Keirstead.  Mrs. Keirstead will design, track, implement, and analyze the ABA services at a cost of $35 per hour, not to exceed a total cost to the district of $840.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the partial payment of bills for June 2008 in the amount of $1,279,378.03

B.2. Custodial Charges for Building Usage for the 2008-2009 School Year  Pulled for discussion and separate vote
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following rates for the billing of custodial charges for the groups that use district buildings for the 2008-2009 school year.

  • Straight time $25.00 per hour
  • Time and a half $38.00 per hour
  • Double time $50.00 per hour

B.3. Warren Township Schools - Energy Management and Conservation
The Warren Township Schools Board of Education believes that it is their responsibility to ensure that every effort is made to conserve energy and natural resources, while exercising sound financial management.

The implementation of this policy is the joint responsibility of the board of education, administrators, teachers, students and support personnel.  Its success is based on cooperation at every level.

The district will maintain accurate records of energy consumption and energy costs and will provide information to the local media on the goals and progress of the energy conservation program.

The principal will be accountable for energy management in his/her facility with energy audits being conducted and conservation program outlines being updated.  Judicious use of the various energy systems of each facility will be the joint responsibility of the principal and head custodian to ensure that an efficient energy posture is maintained on a daily basis.

To ensure the overall success of the energy management program, the following specific areas of emphasis will be adopted:

1. All district personnel will be expected to contribute to the energy efficiency in the district. Every person will be expected to be an "energy saver" as well as an "energy consumer".
2. Energy management in his/her facility will be part of the principal's annual evaluation.
3. Within sixty (60) days, administrative Energy Guidelines will be adopted in order to properly implement the program.

Further, to maintain a safer and healthier learning environment and to complement the energy management program, the district shall develop and implement a preventive maintenance and monitoring plan for its facilities and systems, including HVAC, building envelope and moisture management. 

Whereas, the Board of Education bears the responsibility for the best use of tax dollars, and

Whereas, the public school district can provide leadership in developing a realistic energy ethic and awareness of energy need and costs,

RESOLVED, the Board of Education directs the superintendent and/or his/her agents to develop short and long range strategies in the areas of facilities management and preventive maintenance to conserve energy. 

B.4. Travel Approval
Whereas, in accordance with State of New Jersey School District Accountability Act (A-5) and the Warren Township Schools' policy number 4133 - Travel and Work Related Expense Reimbursement, 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:

July 2008

  • Laura Weitzman, SPS - Education Inclusion Conference, Montclair, NJ $ 145
  • Kurt Reck, Middle - Project Adventure Training, Flemington, NJ $ 520

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

B.5. Donation Acceptance Pulled for discussion and separate vote
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the acceptance, with appreciation, of the offer from the Watchung Hills Soccer Association, dated June 4, 2008, to give $14,000 to the district in order to establish a girls soccer team and a boys soccer team for the Warren Middle School Fall 2008 season.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2008-2009 School Year
c & d Pulled for discussion and separate vote

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the application for emergent hiring for the following positions for the 2008-2009 school year under the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:16-1 et seq.,  N.J.S.A. 18A:39-17 et seq., and N.J.S.A. 6-4.14 et seq., as listed below:

a) Kelly Clark, 7th grade Social Studies, Middle School, MA, step 10-11 (non-tenured leave replacement contract) effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  (Ms. Clark is replacing Mrs. Zgombic on family leave.)

b) Jill Andrews, BA step 1, (non-tenured leave replacement contract) Grade 3 teacher from September 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 and grade 4 teacher from December 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, Angelo L. Tomaso School.  (Ms. Andrews is replacing Mrs. DeRoner and Mrs. Ordner both on family leave.)

c) Elizbieta Dumala, Night Custodian, Mt. Horeb, effective July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 at the rate of $30,000 per year.  (Ms. Dumala is replacing Mr. Bennett who retired.)

d) Philip Shimko, Night Custodian, Middle, effective July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 at the rate of $30,000 per year.  (Mr. Shimko is replacing Mr. Marin who was reassigned to Buildings and Grounds.)

C.2. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Family Leave request for:

a) Dawn Gauvin Special Education Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, family leave (unpaid with benefits) from December 5, 2008 through January 4, 2009 and returning January 5, 2009.

C.3. Summer Instruction
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Karen Balich and Dan Ticchio to provide a total of 20 hours of 1:1 instruction during the summer recess for one student (IS#0120259).  Request for student services was approved May 27, 2008.

C.4. Amendment on Salary Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amended placements on the teachers' negotiated salary guide:

a) Carolyn McCloskey, MA+30 to MA+45 (remaining at step 23), effective May 1, 2008.
b) Sean Convery, BA+15 to MA (remaining at step 7-8), effective May 1, 2008, effective May 1, 2008.
c) Michele Zgombic, BA+15 to MA (remaining at step 9-10), effective June 1, 2008.

C.5. Student Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Student Teachers for the 2007-2008 school year:
a) Elyse Kanaley - Central School

C.6. Home Instructors
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following as home instructors for the 2007-2008 school year:

a) Katherine Harris
b) Caroline Sofo

C.7. Substitute Teacher Pulled for discussion and separate vote
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teacher for the 2007-2008 school year:
a) Megan Schroeder

b) Allison Winter

C.8. Reassignment of Staff
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the reassignment of the following staff:

a) Lisa Lukko from a Grade 4 teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School to a grade 5 teacher at Mt. Horeb School, effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

b) Josephine Maccagnan from a non tenure track family leave, Grade 3 teacher, Central School, to a tenure track grade 4 teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  (Ms. Maccagnan is replacing Mrs. Malangone who resigned.)

c) Joyce Perkarsky, classroom paraprofessional from Mt. Horeb School to Woodland School, effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

d) Linda DeRobertis from a Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School to a Special Education teacher at Mt. Horeb School effective October 13, 2008 through December 31, 2008.  (Ms. DeRobertis will be replacing Dawn Gauvin on family leave for this period of time and will be a Classroom Paraprofessional for the other parts of the school year.)

e) David Marin, night custodian, Mt. Horeb School, to Skilled Maintenance Buildings and Grounds, effective July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  (Mr. Marin is replacing Mr. Eger who resigned.)

C.9. Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the resignation of:
a) Kathy Marikakis, Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, effective June 30, 2008.
b) Jessica Malangone, Grade 5 Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, effective June 30, 2008.

C.10. Extended Work Schedule
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following extended work schedule for:
a) Midge Johnson, Barbara Tantillo, and Kathy Sanger, Middle School Guidance Counselors, three days each of work during June 23, 24, 25, 2008 at each individual's per diem rate.

C.11. 2008 Summer Employees
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the list of 2008 summer employees dated June 5/2008, at the listed hourly rate effective June 23, 2008 through August 31, 2008.

D. POLICY

D.1. 3000 Policy Series - First Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the revised 3000 policy series.

Mrs. Burman commented that the board is losing a great teacher in Jessica Malangone and she hoped she will be welcomed back in the future. 

Mr. Sardis questioned items A.1. A.4. and B.3.

Mrs. Winter questioned the process of accepting the donation and the longevity of the program.

Mr. Sardis questioned if the $14,000 was going to be enough to cover the program and if there would be an issue for the league to start a team and have a team for only 1 year.

Mrs. Spiller reminded the board that there was lengthy discussion about the philosophy of the donation at the last meeting.  She noted that there is no guarantee for any of the district programs from year to year.

Mr. Ricci also has some reservations about circumventing the budget process to create middle school soccer.  But after contemplating the issue is in favor of the program and accepting the donation.

Mrs. Winter asked about the effect the WHSA donation has on the district policies.

Mr. Sardis noted that no sports are "grandfathered" year to year. 

Mrs. Toubin asked about the funding and the potential conflict for funds in the next budget year.  She also commented that each sport must be reviewed on an annual basis.

Mrs. Voorhees noted that the interest in sports changes over time and must be constantly evaluated.

Mrs. Burman noted that interest in sports must be evaluated annually and interests do change.

Dr. Przybylski noted that Dr. Crisfield is in support of the donation and the program.  He also stated that the board has had a robust discussion on the topic.

Mrs. Spiller commented on the 3000 Policy Series.  She asked about the use of the term business administrator/board secretary.
Policy 3100 specific
         3323 recommended for appeal discretionary policy and is covered by law
         3510 asked about wording
         3542.1 encouraging food consumption will be deleted.       

On motion by Mrs. Voorhees and seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board approved agenda item B.5. as amended by an 8-1 roll vote.  (Mrs. Winter voted no.)

On motion by Mrs. Voorhees, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board approved agenda item C.7.  by an 8-0-1 roll vote. (Mrs. Winter abstained.)

 XIII. OLD BUSINESS

  • Committee Mission Statement - Communications Committee
    Mrs. Spiller commented that the Communications Committee met and discussed its goals.  She distributed proposed goals for the committee.  The board commented on the proposed goals. 
  • Updated 2008-2009 Enrollment Projections
    Dr. Crisfield discussed and commented on the updated enrolment projects.  The board discussed the projected enrollments.

XIV.      NEW BUSINESS

  • Warren Middle School Physical Education Elective Program Proposal
    Dr. Crisfield presented the concept of the PE elective proposal at Warren Middle School.  The board discussed the concept and suggested that the students must rotate their choices. 
  • Public Commentary at Board of Education Meetings
    Dr. Przybylski noted that the packet includes information on public comments at B.O.E.  meetings.  The board discussed the information and will draft a policy. 
  • Board of Education Members attending district events - possible schedule?
    Dr. Crisfield noted that a system is being created to inform the board of upcoming events.

    Mrs. Monahan commented about an education issue concerning the math offerings at WHRHS.  Dr. Crisfield noted that it is the WHRHS' decision to change the sequence of offerings.  He stated that the discussion needs to be a regional discussion.  He will ask how the middle school students will be supported.

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Tony Novo wanted to thank the B.O.E. for adopting and accepting soccer's donation.

Mindy Lee commented about the Central School class size for the 3rd grade class for 2008/2009.

Dr. Crisfield replied that the guidelines were developed years ago and were established to assist the administrative team in establishing class size. 

Mrs. Lee asked the board to review the guidelines and consider keeping four sections of 3rd grade at Central for 2008/2009.

Dr. Crisfield noted that the district has an excellent plan in place to transition the students to 3rd grade.

Mrs. Burman excused herself at 8:45 p.m.

Linda Herteberg, 10 Fox Hill Drive, expressed concerns about the size of 3rd grade class for 2008/2009.  She asked what the district will do to help the students since she is not as confident as the superintendent. 

Barbara Todtenkopf commented about the district communications especially with the seniors.  She noted that the board especially Mrs. Winter is prudent with the district funds.  She asked if parents can volunteer to run clubs.

XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION:  
At 8:57 p.m. Mrs. Winter 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:                  
1) matter rendered confidential by federal or state law
2) pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation and/or matters of attorney-client privilege
3) a matter in which release of information would impair the right to receive government funds
4) material the disclosure of which constitutes an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy
5) a collective bargaining agreement and/or negotiations related to it
6) a matter involving the purchase, lease, or acquisition of real property with public funds
7) protection of public safety and property and/or investigations of possible violations or violations of law
11) specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session
12) deliberation after a public hearing that could result in a civil penalty or other loss

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 Mrs. Toubin and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, and seconded by Mr. Sardis, the board approved agenda items B.2 and C.1, c & d on an 8-0 roll call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Winter and seconded by Mrs. Voorhees, the board reconvened in open session at 9:16 p.m.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT:    On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mr. Sardis, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila