Minutes for March 16, 2009History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Administration Building, 213 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, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, Tony Sardis, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, Gina Voorhees, and Kathleen Winter
Absent: Roberta Monahan
David Ricci arrived at 7:07 p.m.
Mrs. Spiller departed at 9:00 p.m.

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

IV. PRESENTATION
Mr. Ricci arrived at this point in the meeting (7:07 p.m.)

  • Warren Middle School Parent Portal Pilot - Online Access to Student Grades for Parents
    Dr. Crisfield introduced Middle School Principal, Mr. Robert Comba, and Technology Coordinator, Mrs. MaryEllen Roberts. Both individuals presented to the board the power school data and that parents will have online access to their student's grades. The students will also be able to access their grades online through a different access than their parents. Mr. Comba and Mrs. Roberts answered numerous questions from the board members about the Parent Portal.

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Winter moved the following:

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes, of the following meeting:
February 23, 2009 public session

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Toubin and approved by 6-1-1 voice vote. (Mrs. Burman abstained. Mr. Sardis voted no.)

Mrs. Winter moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes, of the following meeting:

February 23, 2009 private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Toubin and approved by 7-0-1 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

    February 2, 11

    February 2, 9

    February 10, 11

    February 2, 9

    February 11, 24

     

    		        
             
             

Dr. Crisfield noted that the soccer association has distributed a letter at WMS in order to collect funds for the soccer program. The board had no input and no knowledge that this letter was circulated.

Mr. Daquila reported that Mrs. Shimko, Middle School Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher, had her students design going green t-shirts. Copies of the top three designs were available for the board to review.

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Przybylski, on behalf of the board, thanked the Morris family, Ellyn Draikiwicz, and Roberta Monahan for their efforts in making the music fundraiser a reality.

He noted that he had the pleasure of attending the Somerset County student awards and that Katherine Humphrey of the Middle School, was a recipient. PNC Bank awarded each winner a $100 savings bond.

Dr Przybylski thanked the board and administration for their diligence in looking for additional revenue and ways to contain costs in these tough economic times.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Personnel
Mrs. Burman indicated that the committee is waiting for one response and will distribute the board self-evaluation when received.
She also noted that the superintendent's evaluation comments are due.

Finance
Mrs. Winter reported that the committee has met with four health benefits brokers for the RFP process. The board discussed how the "process" should work and how the information should be utilized and reported back to the board.
Mrs. Voorhees reported that there will be an Education discussion on April 14, 2009.
The board discussed when the board self-evaluation should be conducted. The decision was April 14, 2009.

IX. DISCUSSION
None

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).

None

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Mrs. Spiller asked a question about B.8. a. & b. Mrs. Voorhees asked a question about B.8.c.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the board approved the following amended motions as a consent agenda. The consent agenda was approved by unanimous 8-0 roll-call vote.

A. Education

A.1. Home Instruction
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves home instruction for the following:

a) One student (ID#208130) to receive 10 hours per week of home instruction for a period of six weeks beginning February 25, 2009. The cost to the district will be $2,100.

b) One student (ID#4001149) to receive 10 hours per week of home instruction for a period of four weeks beginning March 11, 2009. The cost to the district will be $1,400.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Preliminary 2009-2010 Warren Township School Budget
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the PRELIMINARY 2009/2010 Warren Township School Budget and approves the PRELIMINARY budget for submission to the Somerset County Superintendent of Schools for review.

The proposed budget includes sufficient funds to provide curriculum and instruction which will enable all students to achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards and is in compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A and N.J.A.C Title 6 and 6A.

The Anticipated Enrollment for the school year 2009/2010 is 2,306 students.

Budget 2009/2010

Appropriations:
General Fund $37,927,158
Summer School 134,912
Capital Outlay 670,000
Capital Reserve 0
Special Revenue 520,000
Debt Service 1,014,105
TOTAL BUDGET: $40,266,175

Revenues:
Tax Levy - General Fund $35,534,274
Tax Levy - Debt Service 656,558
SUB-TOTAL: $36,190,832
State Aid $ 2,283,678
State Aid - Debt Service 357,545
SUB-TOTAL: $ 2,641,223

Surplus
General Fund $ 338,118
Withdrawal from Capital Reserve 387,000
Debt Service 2
Miscellaneous Revenue $ 209,000
Federal Funds Anticipated 500,000

TOTAL: $40,266,175

As per NJAC 6A:23B-1.2(b), the proposed budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement. The 2009/2010 tentative budget includes a maximum travel appropriation of $70,000. The School business Administrator shall track and record these costs to insure that the maximum amount is not exceeded.

B.2. Budget Transfers for Month of February 2009
Approve the following Resolution:

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:

    

11-000-213-600-05-00

Health Supplies - ALT

11-190-100-610-05-10

Instructional Supplies - ALT

$75

11-000-217-600-08-00

Extraordinary Svcs. - Supplies

11-000-217-100-00-02

Extraordinary Paras - Salaries

$1,000

11-000-218-390-11-01

Other Purch. Tech. Services

11-000-213-100-00-02

Nurse - Substitutes

$2,810

11-000-221-800-12-00

Misc. Expenses - Curriculum

11-000-221-110-12-00

Curriculum Deve. Stipends

$200

11-000-223-110-11-02

Tech. Academy Stipends

11-000-223-320-11-02

Tech. Acad. Purch. Prof.Svcs.

$600

11-000-223-110-12-00

Staff Training Salaries

11-000-223-320-12-00

Staff Training - Purch. Svcs.

$4,000

11-000-261-420-09-04

Maintenance Repairs - MH

11-000-261-420-09-07

Maintenance Repairs - Middle

$2,000

11-000-261-420-09-06

Maintenance Repairs - WD

11-000-261-420-09-07

Maintenance Repairs - Middle

$2,000

11-000-261-610-09-04

Maintenance Supplies - MH

11-000-261-610-09-07

Maintenance Supplies -Middle

$2,000

11-000-262-580-09-00

Workshops & Travel - Maint.

11-000-262-520-01-00

Insurance - Property & Liab.

$300

11-000-262-610-07-00

Building Supp. - Energy Mgmt.

11-000-262-620-03-60

Heat - Central

$25,000

11-000-262-610-07-00

Building Supp. - Energy Mgmt.

11-000-262-620-04-60

Heat - Mt. Horeb

$20,000

11-000-262-610-07-00

Building Supp. - Energy Mgmt.

11-000-262-620-05-60

Heat - ALT

$10,000

11-000-262-610-07-00

Building Supp. - Energy Mgmt.

11-000-262-620-06-60

Heat - Woodland

$10,000

11-000-262-610-07-00

Building Supp. - Energy Mgmt.

11-000-262-620-07-60

Heat - Middle

$60,000

11-000-270-161-10-02

Transportation - Sub. Drivers

11-000-270-517-10-00

Contr. Non-Public Transp.

$5,000

12-000-240-730-00-00

School Admin. Equipment

12-130-100-730-07-00

Instructional Equipment - MS

$14,100
   

Total Transfers

  

$159,085

B.3. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the attached report of the secretary for the month of February and

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on February 28, 2009:

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$5,366,685.40

$1,173,248.66

(11) Current Expense

  

$2,469,455.07

  

(12) Capital Outlay

  

$580,358.13

  

(13) Special Schools

  

$486.24

  

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($342,395.78)

$33,106.53

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$724,532.71

$0.00

$14,206.26

TOTAL

$5,748,822.33

$3,083,405.97

$1,187,454.92

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.4. 2009 4th and 5th Grade Class Trip - Angelo L. Tomaso School
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Angelo L. Tomaso School 4th and 5th grade class trip to the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, NJ on April 3, 2009 departing 9:00 am and returning 1:30 pm.

B.5. Peace Grant from The United Way - Middle School
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, a $550 Peace Grant from the United Way for the "Reachin' Out" Service Leadership Program awarded to Susan Cooper, E2 Teacher at Middle School.

B.6. Amend the District's Long Range Facilities Plan (LRFP)
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following:

  • Authorizes the New Jersey Department of Education to unlock the Long Range Facility Plan,
  • Authorizes USA Architects to amend the Long Range Facility Plan,
  • Authorizes USA Architects to add the Mt Horeb Kindergarten Toilet Room Project to the LRFP as a Building Improvement,
  • Authorizes USA Architects to submit project applications to the New Jersey Department of Education for the project listed above.

B.7. Architectural Services: USA Architects - Department of Education Filing
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves a contract with USA Architects of Somerville, NJ for the filing of the Mt Horeb Kindergarten Toilet Room Project with the Department of Education for the purpose of the review and approval from the State of New Jersey for this project. USA's fee is for this is based on time and will not exceed $3,500.00 for this service.

B.8. Transportation Contract - Warren Township and Watchung Board of Education
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation agreement between the Watchung Board of Education and the Warren Township Board of Education for the following Watchung student(s):

  • a. Transport student(s) from Irene Feldkirchner School in Green Brook and transport student(s) from Bayberry School in Watchung to their homes at their 11:15 AM dismissal time at a rate of $75.80 per day. Services are on an as needed basis.
  • b. Transport students to and from the Bayberry School at a rate of $178.90 per day. Services are on an as needed basis.
  • c. Transportation for basketball team for 9 games at a rate of $100.00 per game for a total of $900.00

B.9. Travel Approval - Amended
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:

March 2009

  • Christine Burkhardt, Central-LA & Reading Class Replacement, Clark, NJ $ 20
  • Noralys Rebimbas, ALT-Columbia Teachers Reading Workshop, NYC, NY $ 25
  • Barbara Murphy, Mt. Horeb - Columbia Teachers Reading Workshop, NYC, NY $100

April 2009

  • Ann Santee, ALT-School social Workers Finding Solutions, East Windsor, NJ $ 50

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.10. Mt. Horeb PTO Donations
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of $4,199.98 from the Mt. Horeb PTO, in conjunction with Brownie Troop 25 for the purchase of Smart Boards at that school.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. 2009 Summer Fun Secretary
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Eileen Haddican as the 2009 Summer Fun Secretary at a salary of $4,474.

C.2. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the family leave request for Kristina Morano, Special Education Teacher, Central School, (unpaid with benefits) from June 15, 2009 through November 19, 2009 and child care leave (unpaid with no benefits) beginning November 20, 2009 through January 1, 2010. Returning January 4, 2010.

C.3. Child Care Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the extension of child care leave for the following:

  • 1. Lauren Regal, Special Education Teacher, Middle School, for the 2009-2010 school year returning September 1, 2010.
  • 2. Lisa Beenders, Grade 6 Science Teacher, Middle School, for the 2009-2010 school year returning September 1, 2010.
  • 3. Kelly Hawkins, Special Education Teacher, Central School, for the 2009-2010 school year returning September 1, 2010.

C.4. Family Medical Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the family Medical leave under FMLA for:

  • a) Josephine Maccagnan, Grade 4 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, (unpaid with benefits) beginning March 5, 2009 through June 5, 2009 and family leave under NJFMLA beginning June 6, 2009 through June 30, 2009 (unpaid with benefits).
  • b) Joanne Butler, Media Specialist, Central School, (unpaid with benefits) beginning March 19, 2009 through March 27, 2009.

C.5. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2008-2009 school year:

  • a) Megan Nord
  • b) Jessica Erskine
  • c) Brenda Garcia
  • d) Antonietta Natoli
  • e) Carol Campbell
  • f) Thomas George
  • g) Leila Thursfield

C.6. Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following resignations:

  • a) Erica Brattner, Special Education Teacher, Middle School, with appreciation for the six years of service to the children of Warren, effective June 30, 2009.
  • b) Kristin Yates, Grade 1 Teacher, Central School, with appreciation for the four years of service to the children of Warren, effective June 30, 2009.

C.7. Student Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Student Teachers for the 2009-2010 school year:

  • a) Catherine Grundman, Central School, PE
  • b) Elyse Kanaley, Central School, Art

C.8. Per Diem Deduct Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following per diem deduct requests for:

  • a) Silvia Gebala, Multi Duty Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, for six days, February 26, 27, 2009, March 3, 4,5, 6, 2009.

C.9. Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the resignation of Dr. Laura Weitzman, Director of Student Personnel Services, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for the 16 years of service to the Warren Township School District, effective January 1, 2010.

D. Polling Locations

D.1. RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the 2009 School Board Elections on April 21, 2009 at the following designated polling places:

Districts 1 & 3
Mt. Horeb Fire House, 14 Elm Avenue

Districts 2 & 4
Mt. Horeb School, 80 Mt. Horeb Road

Districts 5 & 13
Angelo L. Tomaso School, 46 Washington Valley Road

Districts 6 & 10
Our Lady of the Mount Parish Center, 167 Mt. Bethel Road

Districts 7 & 8
Warren Middle School, 100 Old Stirling Road

District 9
Woodland School, 114 Stirling Road

District 11 & 12
Warren Township Library, 44 Mountain Boulevard

XII. OLD BUSINESS
Summer Employment

Mr. Daquila reported to the board that the district intends to again hire summer employees. The board decided that in the difficult economic times the rates will be the same as last year.

XII. NEW BUSINESS

  • Daily Schedule in 2009-2010
    Dr. Crisfield reported that the K-5 level will return to a "5" day schedule from the current "6" day schedule
  • Director of Student Personnel Services Search - Timeline and Transition
    Dr. Crisfield reported that Dr. Weitzman will be extremely difficult to replace. A suggested time line for the replacement will be provided by April. Dr. Crisfield is requesting an overlap of the replacement with Dr. Weitzman.
  • BOE Members to PTO Budget Chats
    Roberta Monahan will be the board's representative at the PTO budget meetings.
  • "Virtually Paperless" in 2009-2010
    Dr. Crisfield reported that the district will move to reduce and eliminate (where possible) the paper copies that are sent home with the students. The board asked about eliminating the paper distributed for the board meetings.

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Patricia Zahn asked how the district will estimate the effect on enrollment as a result of children returning from private school and if it will be appropriate to change from 6 day to 5 day schedule.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 8:40 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. Burman and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Voorhees and seconded by Mr. Sardis, the board reconvened in open session at 10:15 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Voorhees, seconded by Mr. Sardis, the meeting adjourned at 10:17 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila