Minutes for January 11, 2010History 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 7:06 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, David 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
None

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Spiller moved the following:

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

December 14, 2009 public and private session

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Burman and approved by 6-1-2 roll call vote. (Mr. Sardis voted no. Mr. Ricci and Mrs. Toubin abstained. )

Mr. Daquila noted that the approved minutes for various executive sessions from 6/30/03 through 6/8/09 will be on the 1/25/10 agenda for release to the public. Copies will be provided if requested.

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

  • Attendance Update

Dr. Crisfield provided an attendance update for students and teachers and indicated attendance is approximately the same as last year.

  • Fire Drills The superintendent reported the following fire drills had been held:

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

December 7, 18

December 1, 8

December 2, 3

December 3, 14

December 14, 18

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Mrs. Monahan wished everyone a Happy New Year and hoped that everyone had a great holiday.

She reported that at the last library meeting Congressman Lance presented an award to Joanne Butler who has retired after serving as the Central School librarian.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Communications

Mrs. Spiller asked if Mr. Sardis has been in contact with the seniors. Mr. Sardis has been in contact and will attend one of their meetings and establish a special meeting to discuss the budget.

Mrs. Toubin reported that all appears well with sport groups and that she will contact the rec commission.

Mrs. Toubin also reported that the Curriculum Committee will be meeting this week.

IX. DISCUSSION
2009-2010 Goals - Progress Report

Dr. Crisfield reported on the board and district goals. The board discussed the goals.

2010-2011 Budget - Initial Public Deliberations

Mr. Daquila reported on the budget planning document and presented the very preliminary 2010/2011 budget.

Board of Education Bylaw #9121-Election and Duties of President

Mrs. Monahan noted that the Bylaw 9121 Election & Duties of the President is up for discussion.

Mrs. Burman noted that there is nothing in the bylaw about the election of president and vice-president. This action will be added to the bylaw.

Mrs. Voorhees asked about the appointment of committees and committee members.

Mr. Ricci asked if the president should have the full authority to select the members of the committee.

The board discussed the appointment of the committee members. Bylaw will be altered and presented to the board.

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
Dr. Crisfield noted that item C.8. is a result of an out of district student returning to the district.

Mrs. Spiller asked to pull item B.4. for discussion.

Mrs. Burman asked about C.1.a. and why the person is going on the guide and receiving benefits. Dr. Crisfield responded.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the consent agenda (items A.1 - 2, B.1 - 3, B.5., and C.1 to 8.), with addendum, was approved by unanimous 9-0 roll-call vote.

A. Education

A.1. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves home instruction for one student (ID#0120637) of 10 hours per week for 8 weeks at an hourly rate of $40, effective January 1, 2010 through March 1, 2010. The cost to the district will be $3,200.

A.2. Additional After School Instruction

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves one student ID#0120349) to receive additional after school instruction for two 30 minute sessions per week, effective January 4, 2010 through June 30, 2010 for a total cost to the district of $960.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Partial Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for December 15, 2009 through December 31, 2009 amounting to $3,235,439.14

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 November, and

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on November 30, 2009:

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$5,199,396.97

$1,329,283.09

(11) Current Expense

$4,126,146.01

(12) Capital Outlay

$57,326.87

(13) Special Schools

$621.32

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($377,028.94)

($293,571.40)

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$182,100.34

$610,104.34

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$599,859.46

$0.00

$14,212.71

TOTAL

$5,604,327.83

$4,500,627.14

$1,343,495.80

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.3. Budget Transfers for Month of November 2009

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:

11-000-222-100-00-02

Library Paras - Salaries

11-000-222-100-00-01

Educ. Media/Library - Salaries

$1,200

11-000-230-895-01-02

BOE Member. Dues & Fees

11-000-230-530-01-21

Postage - District

$1,200

11-000-261-610-09-04

Maintenance Supplies - MH

11-000-261-420-09-04

Maintenance Repairs - MH

$2,000

11-000-261-610-09-06

Maintenance Supplies - WD

11-000-261-420-09-06

Maintenance Repairs - WD

$2,000

11-000-261-610-09-07

Maintenance Supplies - MS

11-000-261-420-09-07

Maintenance Repairs - MS

$2,000

11-000-263-610-09-00

Grounds - Supplies

11-000-263-420-09-00

Grounds -Cleaning, Repair & Maintenance

$1,000

11-000-270-161-10-00

Special Ed Transp. - Salaries

11-000-270-515-10-00

Contr. Spec. Ed Transp.- Join.

$15,000

11-000-270-442-10-00

Rental - School Buses

11-000-270-518-10-00

Contr. Spec. Ed Transp. -ESC

$2,805

11-190-100-610-11-02

Supplies - Instruct. Software

11-190-100-610-11-01

Supplies - Instruct. Hardware

$11,000

11-204-100-106-00-00

LLD Aides - Salaries

11-213-100-101-00-00

RC Teacher Salaries

$11,500

11-213-100-106-00-00

RC Aides - Salaries

11-213-100-101-00-00

RC Teacher Salaries

$6,900

11-216-100-101-00-00

PSD Teachers - Salaries

11-213-100-101-00-00

RC Teacher Salaries

$16,600

11-216-100-106-00-00

PSD Aides - Salaries

11-000-100-562-08-02

Tuition - Other LEAs (Ext. SY)

$13,750

11-230-100-101-00-00

Basic Skills - Salaries

11-120-100-101-00-01

Gr. 1-5 Teachers - Salaries

$5,000

11-230-100-101-00-00

Basic Skills - Salaries

11-130-100-101-00-01

Gr. 6-8 Teachers - Salaries

$13,600

Total Transfers

$105,555

B.4. Consulting Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Mr. Vince Yaniro to provide financial consulting services to the district at an hourly rate of $125 not to exceed $4,000 for the period January 12, 2010 through June 30, 2010.

B.5. School Alliance Insurance Fund Indemnity and Trust Renewal Agreement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the renewal of the Board's membership in the School Alliance Insurance Fund for a three year period, beginning July 1, 2009 and ending July 1, 2012.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2009-2010 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the application for emergent hiring for the following positions for the 2009-2010 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) Patricia Conron, Grade 5 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, MA+30, Step 9-10, effective February 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 (replacing Mary Lynch on Maternity Leave).

b) Mary DeNunzio, Media Specialist/Librarian, Central School, MA, Step 1-2, effect on or before March 15, 2010 through June 30, 2010 (replacing Joann Butler who retired effective December 31, 2009).

C.2. Additional Work Days
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves payment for five days in December 2009 for Elise Pelcz at her per diem rate in preparation for the new ABA Program that starts in January 2010.

C.3. Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the resignation, for the purpose of retirement, of Andrea Casellini, Basic Skills Teacher, Central School, with appreciation for the 35 years of her service to the children of Warren, effective June 30, 2010.

C.4. Amendment on Salary Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amended placement on the teachers' negotiated salary guide:

a) Stacey Modugno, Woodland School, MA+30 to MA+45 (remaining at step 17), effective January 1, 2010.

b) Mary Pat Brown, Woodland School, MA+15 to MA+30 (remaining at step 7), effective January 1, 2010.

C.5. Student Teacher

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following student teacher for the 2009-2010 school year:

a) Sherilyn Cohen, Woodland School, Grade K, effective January 11, 2010 through March 19, 2010 and Grade 5, effective March 29, 2010 through June 4, 2010.

C.6. Substitute Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teacher for the 2009-2010 school year:

a) John Clark

C.7. Job Descriptions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following job descriptions dated January 11, 2010:

a) Administrative Assistant to School Business Administrator

b) Assistant Business Administrator

c) Bookkeeper - Payroll

d) Confidential Secretary

e) Curriculum Secretary

f) Curriculum Supervisor

g) Executive Secretary to the Superintendent

h) Medical Inspector

i) Purchasing Specialist

j) School Business Administrator/Board Secretary

k) Student Personnel Services Secretary

l) Superintendent of Schools

m) Supervisor of Student Personnel Services

n) Treasurer of School Monies

C.8. Creation of New Position

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the creation of one 0.5 FTE Pre-School Classroom Paraprofessional, effective as soon as possible through June 30, 2010.

XII. OLD BUSINESS
Grade 5 Math - Monthly Update

Dr. Crisfield reported on grade 5 math through 12/18, the range of chapters is 8.5 to 13. All classes are receiving homework. The sub at Mt. Horeb starts next week. He indicated that if there are concerns about math they should be addressed to the Mt. Horeb principal not to the new teacher.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS
Race to the Top (RTTT) state grant process

Dr. Crisfield reported on the RTTT federal grant process. Districts are required to sign the report indicating the items to be affected. Warren is eligible to receive $0.00 from the grant. He reported that Warren should submit the document even though the NJEA will not sign the report.

Mrs. Monahan reported that there is a bill that will require all electrical work be completed by a electrical journeyman. The township is against this and it will also have an adverse effect on the district.

Mrs. Burman asked that the non-tenured admin review be moved to February 8th.

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
None

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 8:06 p.m. Mrs. Spiller 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. Burman and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Voorhees, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board reconvened in open session at 9:25 p.m.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Voorhees agenda item B.4. was approved on a 8-0 roll call vote.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion Dr Przybylski, seconded by Mrs. Voorhees, the meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Peter Daquila