Minutes for February 22, 2010History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Central School. The following is a record of that meeting.

I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by the Board President, Mrs. Monahan.

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

III. ROLL CALL

Present: Sue Burman, Roberta Monahan, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, Dave Ricci, Tony Sardis, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, Gina Voorhees, and Kathleen Winter
Absent:
Also Present: Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, & members of the staff and public

IV. PRESENTATION (Central Students and Staff)
Dr. Cebula introduced a group of Central students that presented to the board their wind energy from turbines project. The board asked the students questions about their project.

V. MINUTES

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

February 8, 2010 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Toubin and approved by 8-1 roll call vote. (Mr. Sardis voted no.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

  • Warren Middle School Health Survey (March)
    Dr. Crisfield noted that the Rutgers Health survey will begin in March and is very similar to the survey done a few years ago.

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Mrs. Monahan thanked Mrs. Zimmer and Dr. Cebula for hosting the meeting and providing snacks.

She noted that there are a few illnesses in the district and wished everyone a speedy recovery.

Mrs. Monahan indicated that the Watchung Boro did a cost study to evaluate the benefits of some possible regionalization/consolidation with the High School. This boro study was presented to the Warren BOE.

The results of the study showed that Warren could have long-term financial benefits. However, we found that besides potential benefits to Warren there are potentially major risks. But instead of dismissing the study the Board has decided to have an impartial outside evaluation. This evaluation is currently in process and we will announce the results when we receive them.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

IX. DISCUSSION

  • 2010-2011 Budget - (Including Setting Date for Public Hearing)
    Mr. Daquila reported that the budget public hearing will be Thursday, March 25th at 7:00 p.m. at Warren Middle School. He reviewed the effect on the 2010/2011 revenues as a result of the governor's latest plan and cuts.
  • Superintendent's Search Plans

    Mrs. Monahan discussed the district's options for the superintendent search. The board discussed the different firms/individuals that are being considered to conduct the search. The board decided to use HYA to conduct the superintendent search.

    On motion by Mrs. Voorhees, and seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board approved the hiring of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to conduct a superintendent search, on a roll call vote of 6-2-1. (Mr. Sardis and Mrs. Toubin voted no and Dr Przybylski abstained.)

  • Nursing Services Plan (see agenda item A.2.)
    Dr. Crisfield presented the annual report on the nursing services offered in the district. The board asked Dr. Crisfield to verify the consistency of the number of visits to the nurse.

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).

Patricia Puglisi, 35 Wolf Hill Drive, presented her concerns about the Kindergarten enrollment for 2010/2011, the space concerns at Woodland and the board's plans.

Mrs. Monahan responded and noted that the district is tracking and will continue to track the kindergarten enrollment. Dr. Crisfield responded about the facility concerns.

Mimi Morris, 4 Edmund Drive, asked if the district was concerned if all prospective Kindergarten students are registered.

Dr. Crisfield responded.

Katuska Rivera, 34 Stiles Road, expressed concern about class size and if there are full time aides in the classrooms.

Dr. Crisfield responded and noted that the State does not permit full time kindergarten aides.

The board discussed the concept of class size at Woodland and throughout the district.

Raquel Calvo, 7 Sage Drive, commented that the class size at Woodland has increased over the last few years and she is concerned about the attention the students are receiving.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mrs. Spiller asked to pull agenda item B.8.
On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Toubin, the consent agenda (items A.1-2, B.1 - 7, and C.1 - 6, and D.1 as altered.), was approved by unanimous 9-0 roll-call vote.

A. Education

A.1. Out of Zone Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of zone request, dated February 4, 2010, for two students, grades 5 and 4 (ID#2005247 and ID#2006207) to remain in Mt. Horeb School for the 2010-2011 school year.

A.2. Nursing Services Plan
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Nursing Services Plan for the 2009-2010 school year dated February 22, 2010

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for February 28, 2010 for $3,316,603.83.

B.2. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the attached report of the secretary for the month of January and

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on January 31, 2010:

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$5,743,547.68

$1,329,283.09

(11) Current Expense

$3,560,788.89

(12) Capital Outlay

$138,843.78

(13) Special Schools

$621.32

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($137,798.37)

$108,789.16

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$151,937.34

$610,104.34

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$599,859.46

$0.00

$14,212.71

TOTAL

$6,357,546.11

$4,419,147.49

$1,343,495.80

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.3. Budget Transfers for Month of January 2010
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:

11-000-216-100-00-00

Speech & OT - Salaries

11-000-221-176-00-00

Salaries - Math/Lit. Coach

$2,000

11-000-219-890-08-00

CST - Dues & Memberships

11-000-219-610-08-00

CST - Supplies

$1,000

11-000-230-610-11-01

Supplies Administration - HW

11-000-230-610-01-00

Supplies Administration

$1,000

11-000-252-100-01-00

Salaries - Tech Network Staff

11-000-222-100-00-01

Educ. Media/Library - Salaries

$2,500

11-000-262-107-00-00

Salaries - Staff Paras

11-000-217-100-00-02

Extraordinary Paras - Salaries

$2,500

11-213-100-106-00-00

RC Aides - Salaries

11-000-217-100-00-02

Extraordinary Paras - Salaries

$5,000

11-213-100-106-00-00

RC Aides - Salaries

11-130-100-101-00-01

Gr. 6-8 Teachers - Salaries

$10,000

11-213-100-106-00-00

RC Aides - Salaries

11-204-100-106-00-00

LLD Aides - Salaries

$12,000

12-120-100-730-03-00

Instructional Equipment - CS

11-190-100-610-03-00

Instructional Supplies - CS

$890

12-120-100-730-03-00

Instructional Equipment - CS

12-120-100-730-05-00

Instructional Equipment - ALT

$625

12-120-100-730-03-00

Instructional Equipment - CS

12-120-100-730-06-00

Instructional Equipment - WD

$485

12-120-100-730-04-00

Instructional Equipment - MH

11-190-100-610-04-00

Instructional Supplies - MH

$1,000

Total Transfers

$39,000

B.4. Somerset Hills YMCA After Care Services for 2010-2011
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the contract with Somerset Hills YMCA for After Care Services at the four Warren elementary schools for the 2010-2011 school year, dated February 22, 2010.

B.5. 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:

April 2010

  • Ann Marie Vernese, ALT - Childhood Neurology, Edison, NJ $ 200

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.6. Resolution Requesting Additional Federal Aid To The States

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the Federal government passed the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009, which included domestic spending for education; and

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey benefited from this legislation with over $1 billion being directly utilized for funding the education budget for 2009-2010 school year; and

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey, as all states in the union, are amidst a fiscal crisis that could potentially and negatively affect the educational system; and

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey continues to score above the national average in achievement tests; and

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey's educational system has made great strides in increasing the improvement of student achievement, and has been recently recognized by the Education Trust as one of the top states in closing the achievement gap between low-income or minority students and their peers; and

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey Department of Education has focused on implementing an accountability system for the spending of taxpayers resources; and

WHEREAS, the future of all the states and the nation as a whole are dependent upon the education of our children; in the words of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy: "Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource;" and

WHEREAS, without the infusion of federal aid, education in the State of New Jersey is destined to go backwards;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Warren Township Board of Education, Somerset County, New Jersey to respectfully request the enactment of federal legislation that would secure funding for the 2010-2011 school year similar to the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009 that funded the 2009-2010 education budgets.

B.7. Request for Adjustment of Surplus and Reserve Amount
RESOLVED, that the Warren Township Board of Education requests a reduction of $30,459.00 to the adjustment of the surplus and reserve amount that is being withheld from the district per the February 11, 2010 memo regarding State Aid from the Acting Commissioner of Education.

B.8. Legal Settlement (pulled for discussion)
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the legal settlement formally signed by petitioners on January 28, 2010 concerning the educational program for student ID# 0120009.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Student Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Jessica Chernetz to student teach one day per week February 2010 through May 2010, at Woodland School (SpEd - Kristina Morano cooperating teacher).

C.2. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2009-2010 school year:
a) Brendan Boylan

C.3. 2010 Summer Fun Secretary
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Eileen Haddican as the 2010 Summer Fun Secretary at a salary of $4,630.

C.4. Middle School Guidance Extended Work Schedule
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves three days each of an extended work schedule for Midge Johnson, Barbara, Tantillo, and William Tozier, Middle School Guidance Counselors, during June 2010 at each individual's per diem rate.

C.5. Temporary Extended Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an additional 3 hours per day for 20 days, effective March 1, 2010 through March 26, 2010 for the following employees at their negotiated hourly rate:
a) Elise Pelcz, ABA Teacher, Mt. Horeb School
b) Leslie Mupo, Classroom Paraprofessional

C.6. Temporary Classroom Paraprofessional Position
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the hiring of a temporary classroom paraprofessional for 10 half days in March 2010 at the district approved substitute rate.

D Policy

D.1. 9000 Series Bylaws
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first of two readings of the following revised bylaws:
a) 9000 - Roll Of The Board
b) 9010 - Role Of The Board Member
c) 9121 - Elections and Duties Of President
d) 9130 - Committees (as altered)
e) 9323/9324 - Agenda Preparation/Advance Delivery Of Meeting Material (as altered)

XII. OLD BUSINESS

Mrs. Voorhees noted that Martin Fonseca, head custodian at the middle school, is outside every morning assisting the traffic flow to keep the students safe.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS
None

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Mrs. Marino asked about the potential cut to full day kindergarten. Dr. Crisfield responded that many other districts are cutting full day Kindergarten but Warren does not want to do this.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 8:25 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:

matter rendered confidential by federal or State law

pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation and/or matters of attorney-client privilege

a matter in which release of information would impair the right to receive government funds

material the disclosure of which constitutes an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy

a collective bargaining agreement and/or negotiations related to it

a matter involving the purchase, lease, or acquisition of real property with public funds

protection of public safety and property and/or investigations of possible violations or violations of law

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

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 Dr Przybylski, seconded by Mrs. Voorhees, the board reconvened in open session at 9:15 p.m.

On motion by Dr Przybylski, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board approved agenda item B. 8. on a 9-0 roll call vote.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Voorhees, seconded by Dr Przybylski, the meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila