Minutes for March 31, 2009History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Warren Middle School, Stirling Road. The following is a record of that meeting.

 

I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:04 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, David Ricci, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, Gina Voorhees, and Kathleen Winter

Absent: Mr. Sardis arrived at 7:09 p.m.
Mr. Ricci departed at 7:45 p.m.
Mr. Sardis departed at 8:40 p.m.

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

IV. PRESENTATION

Mr. Sardis arrived during this part of the meeting (7:09 p.m.)

  • Annual Public Budget Hearing
    Dr. Crisfield presented the 2009/2010 proposed budget via power point slides and discussed the budget with the members of the public.

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Winter moved the following:

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes, of the following meeting:

March 16, 2009 public & private session

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Toubin and approved by 7-1-1 voice vote. (Mrs. Monahan

abstained. Mr. Sardis voted no.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
None

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Przybylski wished Alex Rucker all the best in the Geography Bee competition. He thanked the Middle School PTO and WTEF for their generous donation of $10,000 for SMART boards. Dr Przybylski congratulated Mrs. Monahan for being awarded the 2008 Doris Dealaman volunteer award. He thanked the public for their interest and for attending the public hearing on the 2009/2010 budget.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Policy
Mrs. Monahan noted that there are a few policies that will need to be updated. They will be presented to the board for a single reading on 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).

MaryEllen Flory asked if there is a dress code for the students.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Mrs. Toubin asked for a separate vote on agenda item C.1.
Mr. Ricci left at this point in the meeting (7:45 p.m.).
On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Toubin, the board approved agenda items A.1-3, B.1-5, and C.2-8. The amended consent agenda was approved by unanimous 8-0 roll-call vote.
On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board approved agenda item C.1. on a 7-0-1 roll call vote. (Mrs. Toubin abstained)

Mrs. Toubin noted that she believes Mr. Huss will be an excellent principal.

A. Education

A.1. Out of Zone Request for the 2008-2009 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of zone request for one Kindergarten student (ID#208112) to remain at Angelo L. Tomaso School, for the 2008-2009 school year.

A.2. Course Addition
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the addition of an elective course at Middle School entitled "Video Editing" at grade 8 for the 2009-2010 school year (replacing the course entitled "Multi Media.")

A.3. Middle School Student to Attend the National Academic Association Quiz Bowl
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves up to eight Middle School ATOMS Bowl Team members to attend the three-day National Academic Association quiz bowl competition at Mary Mount University in Arlington, VA, from Friday, June 5, 2009 through Sunday, June 7, 2009 (team registration fee of $630 will be paid from previous competition winnings and all other per-person costs, estimated at roughly $200 per student, will be paid by families of the participating students).

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of the bill list dated March 31, 2009 in the amount of $5,482,817.88

B.2. 2009-2010 Warren Township School Budget
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the 2009/2010 Warren Township Budget and approves the budget for submission to the voters on April 21, 2009 as follows:

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 2,308 students.

Budget
Appropriations:
General Fund $37,925,159
Summer School 134,911
Capital Outlay 283,000
Capital Reserve 2,000
Withdrawal from Capital Reserve 387,000
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
TOTAL: $36,190,832
State Aid $ 2,283,678
State Aid - Debt Service 357,545
TOTAL: $ 2,641,223

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

TOTAL: $40,266,175

Tax Levy Cap Adjustment - Increase for Health Care Costs

RESOLVED, the Board of Education does apply for the Tax Levy Cap Adjustment for the Increase in Health Care costs for the 2009/2010 Warren Township School Budget:

Increase for Health Care Costs $355,463

This adjustment is included in the General Fund Tax Levy of $35,534,274

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 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. Included in the 2009/2010 budget is a maximum regular business travel amount of $1,500 per employee.

B.3. Somerset Hills YMCA After Care Services for 2009-2010
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the contracting with Somerset Hills YMCA for After Care Services at the four Warren elementary schools for the 2009-2010 school year, dated May 1, 2009.

B.4. Middle School Donation-Warren Township Education Foundation and Middle School PTO
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of $10,100.00 from the Middle School PTO in conjunction with the Warren Township Education Foundation for the purchase of Smart Boards at that school.

B.5. NJSBAIG - ERIC North Subfund Application for 2009 Safety Program
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the submission of a grant application for the 2009 Safety Grant Program through the New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group's ERIC North Subfund for the qualified purposes (exterior lighting) described in the application, in the amount of $6,655.00 for the period of July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment of Principal - Woodland School
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Christopher Huss as Principal of Woodland School , effective July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 at an annual salary of $115,000.

C.2. Job Description
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the job description for Supervisor of Student Personnel Services, dated March 31, 2009.

C.3. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the family leave request for Myranda Shimko, Grade 6 Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher, Middle School, (unpaid with benefits) from September 1, 2009 through December 3, 2009 and child care leave (unpaid with no benefits) beginning December 4, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Returning September 1, 2010.

C.4. Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following resignations:

  • a) Sara Goodman, Special Education Teacher, Woodland School, with appreciation for the three years of service to the children of Warren, effective June 30, 2009.
  • b) Kathryn Triwahjudi, Special Education Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for the 10 years of service to the children of Warren, effective June 30, 2009.

C.5. Interscholastic Sports Clubs
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following sport coaches for the 2008-2009 school year.

Spring Sports
David Arnold Softball $2,700.00
Sean Mealy Baseball $2,700.00
Robert Hartshorn Track $2,100.00
Caroline McCloskey Track $2,100.00
Donna Bardy Track $2,100.00

C.6. Per Diem Deduct Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following per diem deduct requests for Carol Krenek, Secretary, Middle School, for one day, April 13, 2009.

C.7. Music Teacher Consultant
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Doug Wheeler as a Music Consultant, for five days per week, at a rate of $250 per day, effective April 14, 2009 through May 8, 2009. Mr. Wheeler will be filling in for Bruce Gant.

C.8. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2008-2009 school year:
a) Cindy Wagner

XII. OLD BUSINESS
Search Process - Administrators

Dr. Crisfield noted that the current administrator search process will again be used for the search process for the Supervisor of Student Personnel Services. Mrs. Voorhees noted that the staff of the individual being replaced should be consulted regarding the search process. Mrs. Toubin asked a question about the stakeholder input section of the process. She also asked if a board member should be part of the search team. Mrs. Monahan noted that a board member may not be fully aware of the criteria and the day to day requirements of the position. Mrs. Monahan suggested that the Personnel Committee will review the process to determine if the process needs to be altered. The Board discussed the necessary actions.

XII. NEW BUSINESS
None

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Mary Ellen Flory asked if it is possible for an administrator or board member to attend a seniors meeting to present the budget. Ms. Flory will contact Dr. Crisfield to arrange the meeting.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 8:20 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
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.
Mr. Sardis left at this point in the meeting (8:40 p.m.).
On motion by Mrs. Winter and seconded by Mrs. Toubin, the board reconvened in open session at 8:55 p.m.
On motion by Mrs. Voorhees, seconded by Mrs. Toubin, the board approved agenda item B.6. on a 7-0 roll call vote.

B.6. RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following changes to its health insurance brokers effective July 1, 2009:

1. Appointment of G. R. Murray of Princeton, NJ as the Board's group insurance broker-of-record for the district's medical insurance program.

G. R. Murray is authorized to act on behalf of the Board in all matters related to the district's medical insurance coverage for the period of the July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010, effective April 1, 2009.

G. R. Murray's responsibilities will include - but are not limited to - negotiating annual renewal rates, marketing our group insurance programs, and aiding our staff in the resolution of billing, enrollment, and claim problems.

G. R. Murray is authorized to receive commission payments from the medical carrier as compensation for their services, percentages for which will be included in medical carrier's proposed premium rates, effective July 1, 2009.

2. Appointment of Grinspec Consulting of Murray Hill, NJ as the Board's group insurance broker-of-record for the district's dental insurance program.

3. All appropriate Board of Education staff are authorized to take such action and affect such documentation as necessary to implement this change.

ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Toubin, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Minutes recorded by: