Minutes for January 14, 2008History icon Archived Minutes

Skip Navigation

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 7:01 p.m. by the Board President, Mrs. Spiller.

OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT - Mrs. Spiller 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 - Mrs. Spiller led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL

Present: Susan Burman, Pamela Coley, Roberta Monahan, Gina Voorhees, Mildred Spiller, and Kathleen Winter 

Absent: Patricia Toubin
Dr. Gregory Przybylski (arrived at 7:05 p.m.)
David Ricci (arrived at 7:11 p.m.)                                              

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

IV. Presentation
None

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Monahan moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the amended minutes of the following meeting:
December 10, 2007 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Voorhees and approved by 5-0-1 voice vote. (Mrs. Burman abstained.)  

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
Fire Drills - The superintendent reported the following fire drills had been held:

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

December 7, 14

December 10, 12

December 18, 19

December 18, 19

December 11, 17

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Mrs. Spiller welcomed everyone back from the break and wished all the best for the New Year.  The BOE presidents of the four districts met again and will meet again in February.  Mrs. Spiller feels the meetings are very productive.  

Dr. Przybylski arrived at this point in the meeting (7:05 p.m.)         

VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance Committee
Mrs. Winter reported that the Finance Committee has met and will meet again tomorrow.  All of the budget info has not been released by the State.  The budget will be presented to the board on January 28, 2008.

IX. DISCUSSION

  • BOE Resolution concerning NJ Education Funding Plan
    Dr. Crisfield reported that the Education Funding Plan did pass and Warren is receiving a 2% increase in state aid. 

            Mr. Ricci arrived at this point in the meeting (7:11 p.m.)   

  • 2007-2008 Goals Progress Report
    Dr. Crisfield provided an update on the Board and District goals for 2007/08. 
  • Education Discussion: Pull Out Programs
    Mrs. Burman reported on the various pull out programs for the K-8 Students.  She discussed the pros and cons of the program and answered the board's question.

X. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
None

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Mrs. Monahan moved, and Mrs. Burman seconded, the following, including addendum items B.9, B.10, and C.1.c., C.17., C.18., C,19., as a consent agenda.   (Agenda item C.15. was pulled for discussion and C.16.a. was withdrawn due to previous approval.) The consent agenda as amended was approved by unanimous 8-0 role-call vote.   

A. Education

A.1. Home Instruction
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves home instruction for the following students:
a) One student (IS#0000629) to receive 10 hours per week after a three day absence on an as needed basis.
b) One Student (ID#2001172) to receive five hours per week beginning December 12, 2007 for approximately 8 weeks.

A.2. Instructional Sessions of Home Training
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves two 60 minute instructional sessions of home training per month for one student (ID#0120687), effective January 2, 2007 through June 20, 2007.  The cost of the sessions will not exceed $50 each for a total cost to the district of $600.

A.3. 2008 Summer Fun Program
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the 2008 Summer Fun Program to begin on Monday, June 30, 2008 and end on Thursday, July 31, 2008.  School will not be in session on July 4, 2008.

A.4. Out of Zone Request
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following out of zone request:
a) One student (ID#2006465) currently in fourth grade at Woodland School to remain in Woodland School for the balance of the 2007-2008 school year and to attend Woodland School in fifth grade for the 2008-2009 school year.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report (Attachment 1)
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the attached report of the secretary for the month of November, and
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on November 30, 2007:

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$3,865,356.97

 

$1,050,880.76

     (11) Current  Expense

 

$2,581,252.26

 

     (12) Capital Outlay

 

$320,911.79

 

     (13) Special Schools

 

$421.56

 

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($173,660.80)

$57,377.83

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$1,207,234.76

$0.00

$14,208.26

TOTAL

$4,898,930.93

$2,959,963.44

$1,065,089.02

WHEREAS, in compliance with N.J.A.C.6:20-2A(d) 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 N.J.A.C.6:20-2A.10(e), 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 N.J.A.C.6:20-2A.10(a)(1), and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district's financial obligations for the remainder of the year.

B.2. Budget Transfers for Month of November 2007
RESOLVED, the Board of Education ratifies the following 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 3160:

TO:

 

FROM:

 

 

11-000-100-562-08-01

Tuition - Other LEAs

11-000-100-566-08-01

Tuition - Private

$61,700.00

11-000-213-600-05-00

Nurse Supplies - ALT

11-190-100-610-05-10

Instructional Supplies - ALT

$200.00

11-000-213-600-07-00

Nurse Supplies - Middle

11-190-100-610-07-10

Instructional Suppl. - Middle

$150.00

11-000-223-600-12-00

Staff Training Supplies-Curr.

11-190-100-640-12-00

Textbooks - Series Replace.

$3,000.00

11-000-240-800-04-00

Principal Dues - Mt. Horeb

11-000-240-800-07-00

Principal Dues - Middle

$160.00

11-000-262-610-09-01

Building Supplies - BOE

11-000-262-610-09-00

Building Supplies - Maint.

$500.00

11-190-100-500-07-00

Other Purch. Svcs. - Middle

11-190-100-500-00-00

Other Purchased Services

$150.00

11-190-100-800-08-47

Field Trips - REACH

11-190-100-610-08-47

REACH Supplies

$830.00

11-190-100-890-12-00

Misc. Instruct. Exps. - Curr.

11-190-100-890-00-00

Misc. Instructional Expenses

$615.00

12-120-100-730-03-00

Instruct. Equipment -Central

12-000-240-730-00-00

School Admin. Equipment

$2,755.00

 

Total Transfers

$70,060.00

B.3. Somerset County United Way Grant
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with appreciation, a $1,000 grant from the Somerset County United Way in support of Central School's Giving Garden Project at the Wagner Arboretum.

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:

January 2008

  • Roberta Monahan, BOE - Board Member Training, North Branch $ 42
  • Gregory Przybylski, BOE - Board Member Training, North Branch $ 42
  • Gina Voorhees, BOE - Board Member Training, North Branch $ 42
  • Ellen Frauman, SPS - Understanding Aspergers & Autism, East Hanover $ 149
  • Dr. MaryLou Cebula, Central - Kindergarten Conference, Union $ 140
  • Marlene Roth, Central - Kindergarten Conference, Union $ 125
  • Margo Haldeman, Central - NJ Literacy Consortium, Union $ 125
  • Judy Beneveniste, ALT - NJ Ask, New Providence $ 100
  • Sandy Maxim, ALT - NJ Ask, New Providence $ 95
  • Joanne Marquis, ALT - NJ Ask, New Providence $ 100
  • Janet Kozik, SPS - NJ Smart & State Reports, New Providence $ 15

February 2008

  • Bruce Gant, ALT - Music Educators Conference, New Brunswick $ 135
  • Jill Zimmer, SPS - Gifted Children Conference, Princeton $ 160
  • Karen Marino, ALT - Kindergarten Literacy, Somerset $ 210
  • Barbara Pellicano, ALT - Kindergarten Literacy, Somerset $ 205
  • Elaine Hoffman, ALT - Service Learning Implementation, Piscataway $ 10
  • Rebecca Mauceri, Mt Horeb - Guided & Interactive Writing, Fairfield $ 220
  • Carla Cicalese, Mt Horeb - Guided & Interactive Writing, Fairfield $ 195
  • Lisa Lenci, Mt Horeb - Guided & Interactive Writing, Fairfield $ 185

April 2008 

  • Helen Scully, Central - Cancer the School's Response, Bedminster $ 25

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. IDEIA Acceptance
RESOLVED, the Board of Education accepts the funding for the 2007-2008 IDEIA Grant Application from the Department of Education for the following amounts for special education programs:

  • IDEIA Basic $461,112.00
  • IDEIA Pre-School $ 17,425.00

B.6. USA Architects - Central School Phase 1 - Roof Replacement
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves a contract with USA Architects of Somerville, NJ for the Central School Phase 1 - Roof Replacement.  The contract is for $35,550.00 and covers Design, Construction Documents, Bidding/Contract Award and Construction Administration.  The project construction costs are estimated at $325,000.00 at this time (this project was included in the 2007/2008 budget).

B.7 No Child Left Behind Grant - Acceptance of Funds
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the acceptance of the No Child Left   Behind (NCLB) Grant for school year 2007/2008 from the New Jersey Department of Education with the following amounts:   

  • Title II-Part A $25,704.00
  • Title III $10,000.00
  • Title V $ 2,577.00

B.8. Transportation for Out of District Student
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the change in transportation of one student (ID# 0000191) from Morris-Union Jointure Commission to Somerset County Educational Services Commission.  This change was necessary due to a modification of the student's out of district placement, effective November 26, 2007.  The expected cost for the current school year is $3,334.

B.9. Payment of Bills (Attachment 2)
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for December in the amount of $4,358,662.63

B.10. Rutgers University Eagleton Institute Transportation Grant-Middle School
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the Rutgers University Eagleton Institute Transportation Grant awarded to the Middle School E2 Program in the amount of $300.  Warren 7th grade E2 students will be touring the State House and participating in a Make a Law workshop.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2007-2008 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the application for emergent hiring for the following positions for the 2007-2008 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) Sandra Sebestyen, Classroom Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours per week, step 5-6, effective January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008. (Replacing Ms. LoPresti who resigned. Ms. Sebestyen is currently a sub in the district.)
  • b) Wayne Briner, Bus Monitor, 35 hours per week, effective January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008 at a ten month salary of $14,490, pro-rated. (Replacing Ms. Estelle Raucci who transferred to a custodial position in the district. Mr. Briner is currently a substitute bus monitor in the district.)
  • c)   Douglas Clark, Physical Education Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, BA step 9-10, effective March 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008.  (Mr. Clark is replacing Ms. Balent who is retiring.)

 C.2. Increase in Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the increase of hours for Heidi Errickson from 19.5 to 27 hours per week, effective January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008.

C.3. Leave Request
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the leave extension request from Michele Hunt, Basic Skills Math, Central/Woodland Schools, child care leave (unpaid and no benefits) from February 4, 2008 through June 30, 2008.  Returning September 1, 2008.

C.4. Amend Family Leave Return Date
RESOLVED, the Board of Education amends the family leave return date from May 1, 2008 to February 1, 2008 for Sanjita Livingston, Special Education Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School.

C.5. Summer Fun Principal 2008
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Meryl Lettire as Summer Fun Principal for the summer of 2008 at a salary of $8,000.

C.6. Student Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Students Teachers for the 2007-2008 school year:
a) Jacquelyn Brauckmann - District (Speech Extern - January 7-11, 2008)

C.7. Middle School Club Advisor
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Rosemary Poyatt as an after school Academic Skills Workshop advisor at Warren Middle School during the 2007-2008 school year for 30 sessions at a contractual rate of $1,430, effective January 2, 2008.

C.8. Resignation (Attachment 3)
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Saribet Gomez, Bus Aide, Transportation, effective January 4, 2008.

C.9. Home Instructor
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Deanna Benson as a Home Instructor for the 2007-2008 school year, effective January 2, 2008.  Ms. Benson is a special education teacher at Woodland School.

C.10. Additional Compensation
Approve Cynthia Bertsch, replacement for Roberto Patella, to work and be paid for 2 days in advance of January 1, 2008, hire date for shadowing purposes. 

C.11. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2007-2008 school year:

  • a) Cynthia Bertsch (Ms. Bertsch is currently a classroom para at Central School)
  • b) Joanne Ugarte

C.12. Amendment on Salary Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amended placements on the teachers' negotiated salary guide:

  • a) Faye Brady from, MA+30 to MA+45 (remaining at step 14), effective December 1, 2007.
  • b) Susan Kline from, MA=15 to MA+30 (remaining at step 7-8), effective December 1, 2007.

C.13. Independent Contractor
Approve Christeen Scarpa as an independent contractor for Applied Behavior Analysis services retroactive to November 1, 2007.  (Ms. Scarpa is replacing Lori Davis and will be working with student 0120098)

C.14. Re-Assignment of Employees
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following effective January 1, 2008:

  • a) Jason Sandt transferred from Middle School Day Custodian to Head Night Custodian at the Middle School and will receive a stipend of $750 per year.
  • b) Estelle Raucci transferred from Bus Monitor to Middle School Day Custodian at an annual twelve month salary of $29,328, pro-rated.

C.15. 2008-2011 WTAA Collective Bargaining Agreement (On file in Superintendent's office)
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the 2008-2011 WTAA Collective Bargaining Agreement that was ratified by the WTAA membership on January 8, 2008.

C.16. After School Clubs       
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following after school clubs for the 2007-2008 school year and the instructors for each club at the negotiated stipend rate.

Mt. Horeb School

  • a) Computer Club-advisor Janice O'Connor at a stipend of $715.
  • b) Approve Michele Stora DeCruz for 8 additional hours of World Travelers Club, retroactive from September, 2007, at an additional stipend of $387.26.

C.17. Interscholastic Sports Clubs
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following sport coaches for the 2007-2008 school year.

Winter Sports
Nick Bayachek               Boy's basketball          $3,025.00
Amanda Rodrigues       Girl's Basketball           $3,025.00
Donna Bardy                  Cheerleading                $2,530.00

Spring Sports
Dave Arnold                   Softball                       $2,530.00
Sean Mealy                     Baseball                      $2,530.00
Nick Bayachek               Track                           $1,980.00
Caroline McCloskey       Track                           $1,980.00
Donna Bardy                  Track                           $1,980.00 (If Needed)

C.18. Additional Days
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Amy Brunswick to work two additional days per month effective February 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008.  The cost to the district will be $3,098.80.

C.19. Middle School Play Stipend
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Jennifer Zimmerman as choreographer for the 2007-2008 Middle School play at a stipend of $1,430.

XII. OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Daquila indicated that the 2 school buses that were approved for disposal will be donated to the Warren Township Volunteer Fire Department.
Construction Updates
Middle School Brick Repair project
Work is progressing.  Some of the work is weather contingent.
Central School Lower Level
The Temporary Certificate of Occupancy has been granted.  The 2 bathrooms in the gym will be re-done on January 18th through the 21st.  The repairs to the remaining 4 bathrooms are contingent on the quality of work the contractor provides on the 2 gym bathrooms.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

  • Job Description Revisions/Updates-Process
    Dr. Crisfield mentioned that the job descriptions need to be reviewed and wanted to determine the best way to accomplish that task. 

10 Weeks Paid Family Leave

Mr. Daquila will determine when the issue will be voted on by the state.  A board resolution will be proposed on January 24th if necessary.

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Patricia Zahn commented on the amount of organizations opposing state legislations and verifying the background and true purpose of the organizations.  It was proposed that the board should have a legislation committee.

XV.  EXECUTIVE SESSION:  
At 8:13 p.m. Mrs. Monahan 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 Dr. Przybylski and approved by unanimous voice vote.
On motion by Mrs. Winter and seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the Board reconvened in open session at 8:35 p.m.
On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Dr. Przybylski and approved on a 8-0 roll call vote, the board approved motion C. 15. 

XVI. ADJOURNMENT:    On motion by Dr. Przybylski, seconded by Mrs. Coley, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila