Minutes for February 9, 2009History 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: Sue Burman, Roberta Monahan, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, Tony Sardis, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, Gina Voorhees, and Kathleen Winter
Absent: David Ricci arrived at 7:08 p.m.
Kathleen Winter departed at 9:40 p.m.

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

IV. PRESENTATION
None

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Winter moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes, of the following meeting:
January 26, 2009 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Toubin and approved by 7-1 voice vote. (Mr. Sardis voted no.)

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

  • a. Fire Drills

    ALT

    Central

    Mt. Horeb

    Woodland

    Middle

    January 13, 23

    January 13, 23

    January 13, 23

    January 8, 13

    January 9, 16

Mr. Daquila commented about the district receiving construction grants from the Department of Education on the four construction projects and suggested that the hallway renovation project at Central School be sent to the DOE as a Level 2 project. Item will be on the 2/23/09 agenda.

Mr. Ricci arrived at this point in the meeting (7:08 p.m.)

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Przybylski congratulated Mr. Ralph Celebre on the wonderful write-ups that he received in the newspapers and thanked him for helping Warren as the Woodland School interim principal.

He thanked Mr. Daquila for the hard work in obtaining the DOE construction funding on four school projects.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
None

IX. DISCUSSION
Draft 2009-2010 Budget

Dr. Crisfield commented on the Potential Budget Cut sheet and the Budget at a Glance that has been revised to include tax impact figures.

Mr. Daquila spoke about the tax impact based on the assessment figures provided by the town. The Board discussed the Potential Budget Cut Analysis.

X. PUBLIC COMMENTARY (including opportunity to speak about items for Board Consideration/Action)
Note on public input at BOE meetings: Board Policy #9322, adopted on April 14, 2008, provides for and encourages public participation in Board of Education meetings. Such participation is governed by the following rules:

  • 1. A participant must be recognized by the presiding officer and must preface comments by an announcement of his/her name and place of residence;
  • 2. Each Statement made by a participant shall be limited to three minutes' duration (limit may be adjusted at the discretion of the presiding officer as circumstances dictate);
  • 3. No participant may speak more than once on the same topic until all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard; and
  • 4. All Statements shall be directed to the presiding officer-no participant may address or question Board members individually.

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).

Mary Ellen Florey asked if the teachers pay for their health insurance or the district pays for the insurance costs. Dr. Crisfield responded.

Patricia Zahn asked when the current teachers' contract expires. Dr. Crisfield responded that the current contract expires on June 30, 2010.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Mr. Daquila and Dr. Crisfield answered a few questions on agenda items B.1 & B.2.

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

A. Education

A.1. Establishment of an Integrated Pre-School Class
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the establishment of one section of Integrated Pre-School class in Mt. Horeb School effective September 1, 2009.

A.2. Elimination of One Section of Project Grow
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the elimination of one section of Project Grow effective September 1, 2009.

A.3. 2009 Summer Fun Program
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the 2009 Summer Fun Program to begin on Monday, June 29, 2009 and end on Friday, July 31, 2009. School will not be in session on July 3, 2009.

A.4. Home Instruction
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one student (ID#2001172) to receive 10 hours of home instruction per week for 8 weeks, beginning February 5, 2009. The cost to the district will be $2,800.

A.5. 2009-2010 Professional Development Plan
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the Warren Township 2009-2010 Professional Development Plan, dated February 16, 2009, and it submission to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools.

A.6. Revised Pre-School Curriculum
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the district's updated Pre-School Curriculum dated February 2009

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Waiver of Requirements - Special Education Medicare Initiative (SEMI) program
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Waiver of Requirements Special Education Medicare Initiative (SEMI) Program:

WHEREAS, NJAC 6A:23A-5.3 provides that a school district may request a waiver of compliance with respect to the district's participation in the Special Education Medicare Initiative (SEMI) Program for the 2009-2010 school year, and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Board of Education desires to apply for this waiver due to the fact that it has fewer than 30 Medicaid eligible classified students.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Warren Township Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent to submit to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools in Somerset County the appropriate waiver of the requirementsof NJAC 6A23A-5.3 for the 2009-2010 school year.

B.2. Summer Fridays 2009-2010
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of Summer Fridays for 2009-2010 dated February 9, 2009.

B.3. Acceptance of Grant - Central School Roof Replacement Phase 2
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation has tentatively approved the Preliminary Eligible Cost Determination for the Central Elementary School Roof Replacement Phase 2 Project #5470-030-09-1001 in the amount of $189,500.00 (40% of the project costs), now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Warren Township Board of Education:

  • 1. Accepts the Preliminary Eligible Cost (PEC) Determination for the project
  • 2. Authorizes the Superintendent and Business Administrator to execute and submit the appropriate grant documents to the Department of Education, and
  • 3. Delegates to the School Business Administrator authority for supervision of the school facilities project.

B.4. Acceptance of Grant - Angelo L. Tomaso HVAC Replacement
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation has tentatively approved the Preliminary Eligible Cost Determination for the Angelo L. Tomaso HVAC Replacement Project #5470-040-09-1004 in the amount of $56,824.00 (40% of the project costs), now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Warren Township Board of Education:

  • 1. Accepts the Preliminary Eligible Cost (PEC) Determination for the project,
  • 2. Authorizes the Superintendent and Business Administrator to execute and submit the appropriate grant documents to the Department of Education, and
  • 3. Delegates to the School Business Administrator authority for supervision of the school facilities project.

B.5. Acceptance of Grant - Mt Horeb School Asbestos Floor Tile Replacement
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation has tentatively approved the Preliminary Eligible Cost Determination for the Mt Horeb Elementary School Asbestos Floor Tile Replacement Project #5470-035-09-1003 in the amount of $137,310.00 (40% of the project costs), now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Warren Township Board of Education:

  • 1. Accepts the Preliminary Eligible Cost (PEC) Determination for the project
  • 2. Authorizes the Superintendent and Business Administrator to execute and submit the appropriate grant documents to the Department of Education, and
  • 3. Delegates to the School Business Administrator authority for supervision of the school facilities project.

B.6. Acceptance of Grant - Central School Asbestos Floor Tile Replacement - WHEREAS, the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation has tentatively approved the Preliminary Eligible Cost Determination for the Central Elementary School Asbestos Floor Tile Replacement Project #5470-030-09-1002 in the amount of $104,783.00 (40% of the project costs), now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Warren Township Board of Education:

  • 1. Accepts the Preliminary Eligible Cost (PEC) Determination for the project
  • 2. Authorizes the superintendent and Business Administrator to execute and submit the appropriate grant documents to the Department of Education, and
  • 3. Delegates to the School Business Administrator authority for supervision of the school facilities project.

B.6. Somerset County ESC Transportation Contract
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with the Somerset County ESC for the transportation of a Warren Township Schools student to the Vanderveer School at a rate of $112.50 per day, effective December 8, 2008 for the 2008-2009 school year.

B.7. 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:

February 2009

  • Mike Gonnella, B & G - NJ Landscapers Trade Show, Secaucus, NJ $60
  • Elaine Hoffman, ALT - IR&S Training, Somerville, NJ $35
  • Marianne Larson, Central - Literacy Consortium, Kean Univ., Union, NJ $15

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.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Additional Work Days - Child Study Team
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Joan Darkenwald, LDTC, Mt. Horeb School and Michele Stein, School Psychologist, Mt. Horeb School to each work an additional half day per month for a total of 2.5 days each, effective February 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009 for a total cost to the district of $2,047.50 (to evaluate pre-school eligible students).

C.2. Medical Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the medical leave request under the FMLA for Shelley Stupay, Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, from February 10, 2009 through April 3, 2009 returning April 14, 2009. Six sick days will be utilized before the start of the medical leave.

C.3. Translation Services
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Maria Sendon, Spanish Teacher, Middle School, to provide up to 10 hours of translation services (Spanish) for one student's Child Study Team evaluation reports. The cost to the district will be $350.

C.4. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2008-2009 school year:

  • a) Francesca Pisano
  • b) Bridget Minogue
  • c) Katherine MacDonald
  • d) Andrea Licari
  • e) Karen Carapezzi
  • f) Marin Baltuch
  • g) Mark Darlington

C.5. Per Diem Deduct Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following per diem deduct requests for Harriet Stambaugh, School Nurse, Woodland School, for six days, September 8, 2009 through September 15, 2009.

C.6. Contracted Related Services Request - ABA Program
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Julie Jagiello to devise and supervise contracted related services (ABA program ) for one student (ID#0120949) for the 2008-2009 school year at a rate of $100 per hour for four hours per month beginning February 9, 2009. The cost to the district for this service will not exceed $4,000. (Ms. Jagiello is replacing Ms. DeLoretto.)

XII. OLD BUSINESS

  • Soccer and Cross Country - Continue into 2009-2010?

    The Board discussed whether soccer & cross-country should remain in the 2009/2010 budget after their 1st year in existence or are all sports on an equal basis.

    It was determined that all sports will remain in the budget at this time.

XII. NEW BUSINESS

Reschedule 3/23/09 BOE Meeting to 3/31/09 (Tuesday- still at WMS)

BOE meeting date is being changed to comply with the State's time table for conducting a public hearing for the budget presentation

2008-2009 BOE Self-Evaluation - Process and Time-Line
The board discussed the evaluation forms and the process. Comments need to be sent to Mrs. Burman by 2/23 and the evaluation forms will be discussed at the 3/9 meeting.

2008-2009 Superintendent's Evaluation
The board discussed the forms and the process. Information to be provided to Mrs. Burman by 3/9 for discussion at the 3/31 meeting.

2008-2009 Attorney and Architect Review - Process and Time-Line
Dr. Crisfield usually deals with the attorney and Mr. Daquila usually deals with the architect. If the board has any comments please forward them to Dr. Crisfield or Mr. Daquila. These reviews will be discussed at the 2/23 meeting.

Professional Services Contracts - Annual Renewals
Dr. Crisfield noted the professional services contracts are usually appointed at the April re-organization meeting. Mr. Sardis noted that in his opinion at a pre-determined dollar amount, the professional services should be reviewed and competitively bid. He also noted that the board should consider using a flat fee or a performance based contract for certain professional services.

The board discussed the ideas that Mr. Sardis suggested. The board discussed the possibility of doing the RFP's (Request For Proposals) for professional services on a rotational basis. Dr. Crisfield and Mr. Daquila will gather support information and report to the board with a proposal.

Health Benefits Plan
Mr. Sardis distributed select sections of the NJSA statutes regarding which items that should and should not be discussed in public session. Mr. Sardis desired to have certain items discussed in the public session and objected that these items were going to be discussed in private session. Dr. Crisfield noted that the district attorney was consulted and advised that these discussion items be discussed in private session.

Mrs. Winter made a motion to table the discussion of the executive session discussion until the issue could be clarified.

The motion failed 9-0 by voice vote.

Mr. Daquila reported to the board about a parent complaint regarding her first grader being dropped off at the bus stop with the parent not being present. The transportation procedure is that 1st to 8th graders can be dropped off at their stop without a parent being present. The board preferred the procedure to remain unchanged. Mr. Daquila will convey this to the parent.

Mr. Daquila reported on the vendor that wanted to donate material with advertisements. The board was against the idea and does not want to accept these donations.

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Mary Grosswieller asked what an RFP is. She also asked about the bidding process and if the rules for the district are similar to the rules for a municipality. She was informed that an RFP is a request for proposal and why it is used.

Mary Ellen Florey asked the difference between school soccer and recreation soccer. Dr. Crisfield responded.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 8:58 p.m. Mrs. Voorhees 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

8) specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session

9) 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. Spiller and seconded by Mrs. Toubin, the board reconvened in open session at 9:45 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Toubin, seconded by Mrs. Voorhees, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila