Warren Township Schools: Minutes for June 28, 2010

Minutes for June 28, 2010 Archived Minutes

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 7:04 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: Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, Tony Sardis, James Sena, Mildred Spiller, and Kathleen Winter
Absent: Patricia Toubin arrived at 7:15 p.m. and departed at 8:00 p.m.
Sue. Burman departed at 8:45 p.m.

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

IV. PRESENTATION
Introduction of New Superintendent

Dr Przybylski introduced Dr. Tami Crader as the new superintendent. The board has chosen Dr. Crader after an extensive search and is excited about her joining the district. Dr. Crader stated that she is looking forward to working with the board and staff.

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Winter moved the following:

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes, of the June 14, and June 22, 2010 meetings:

The motion for the June 14^th meeting was seconded by Mr. Sena. The pubic minutes were approved by a 7-1 roll call vote and the private minutes by a 7-1-1 roll call vote. (Mr. Sardis voted no on the public session minutes and abstained on the private session minutes.)

The motion for the June 22^nd meeting was seconded by Mrs. Spiller. The minutes were approved by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. (Mr. Sardis abstained.)

Mrs. Toubin arrived at this point in the meeting (7:15 p.m.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
Fire Drills

The superintendent reported the following fire drills had been held.

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
June 4, 9	June 7, 15	June 21, 22	June 8, 23	June 15, 21

Warren Middle School Yearbook
Dr. Crisfield circulated a copy of the Warren Middle School yearbook among the board.

Central School Mural
Dr. Crisfield presented a sample of the mural that two local artists want to paint on the exterior of Central School. The board approved the acceptance of the mural.

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Przybylski thanked Warren Youth Services for their donation and mentioned the value Girls On The Run and the Century Club add to the district. He thanked Dr. Crisfield for the years of dedicated service to the district and indicated that Millburn's gain is Warren's loss.

Dr Przybylski asked if any of the audience wanted to comment about Dr. Crisfield.

The following audience members spoke about Dr. Crisfield:

Laura Weitzman

Jane Asch

Terry McConnell

Doreen Beninati

Ellen Zimmerman

Pam Coley

MaryLou Cebula

Each board member, Mrs. Markman and Mr. Daquila also spoke about Dr. Crisfield.

Roberta Monahan read a resolution of appreciation from the board to Dr. Crisfield.

Dr. Crisfield thanked all of the familiar faces for coming and reminding him of mostly fond memories he has had in Warren. He noted he believes Warren is a K-8 district that is above all other K-8 districts in the state.

Dr Przybylski congratulated Faye Brady on achieving her Doctorate Degree.

Mrs. Toubin left at this point in the meeting (8:00 p.m.)

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Curriculum

Mrs. Spiller noted that the whole committee hasn't met yet to discuss guidance.

Personnel

Mrs. Burman asked that the Resolution of Appreciation to Dr. Crisfield be added to the agenda as C.17.

Policy

Mrs. Winter noted that there are policies that need to be reviewed in the coming months.

IX. DISCUSSION

2009-2010 Goals - Final Report
Dr. Crisfield presented the final report on the goals 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).

Patricia Zohn, Mountain View Rd. noted that to settle the defeated budget the board decided and voted on the reduction of salaries in the 2010/2011 budget and she doesn't understand how & why guidance is currently being discussed. She feels that the current investigation into guidance is irresponsible by the board. She also noted that the counselors are needed and doesn't feel that a position vacancy warrants cutting a program.

Ellen Zimmerman noted that Mrs. Zohn's comments are accurate and that guidance is critical to the elementary schools.

Dave Ricci noted that the budget presented to the voters included certain programs that should not be eliminated unless there is a financial hardship in the district.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mr. Sardis asked a question about agenda item C.12. Dr. Crisfield responded.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item B.3. Mr. Daquila responded.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item B.6. Mr. Daquila responded.

Mr. Sardis to pull agenda item B.6.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item C.3. & C.4. and C.7. Dr. Crisfield responded.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item C.13. Dr. Crisfield responded.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item C.15. Mr. Daquila responded.

Mrs. Winter asked a question about agenda item C.1.a. Dr. Crisfield responded

Mr. Sardis asked to pull agenda items C.3, C.4, and C.10 for a separate vote.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the consent agenda items A.1 - 4, B.1 - 5, B.7 - 10, and C.1, 2, 5-9, and 11-17, were approved by unanimous 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, agenda items C.3, C.4., and C.10. were approved by a 7-0-1 roll-call vote (Mr. Sardis abstained.)

Mr. Sardis commented about agenda item B.6. and said that he is not in favor of the resolution.

The board discussed the bidding threshold.

Mrs. Burman left at this point in the meeting (8:45 p.m.).

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, agenda items B.6. was approved by a 6-1 roll-call vote (Mr. Sardis voted no.)

A. Education

A.1. In District Related Services- Extended School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves in district related services for the extended school year for one student (ID#0120949) to receive ten hours per week of ABA provided by Kerry Fee from July 1, 2010 through August 27, 2010, at an hourly rate of $50 for a total cost to the district of $4,500 and four hours per month of ABA supervision provided by Julie Jagiello at an hourly rate of $100 for a total cost to the district of $800.

A.2. In District Related Services for the 2010-2011 School year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves in district related services for the 2010-2011 school year for the following:

a) One student (ID#0120445) to receive one hour per week of NDT (Neurodevelopmental Therapy) provided by Vista Rehabilitation Services, at an hourly rate of $105 for a total cost to the district of $4,200.

b) One student (ID#0120846) to receive one hour per week of speech services provided by Dr. Golding-Kushner, at an hourly rate of $75 for a total cost to the district of $3,000.

c) One student (ID#0120782) to receive:

five hours per week of Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf services provided by Mountain Lakes School District at an hourly rate of $126 for a total cost to the district of $25,200.
one hour per week of Auditory Verbal Based Therapy provided by Speech Partners, Inc. at an hourly rate of $130 for a total cost to the district of $5,200.
ten hours per year, as needed, of Educational Audiologist Services provided by Lake Drive School at an hourly rate of $150 for a cost not to exceed $1,500.

d) One student (ID#0120903) to receive up to ten hours per year of Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf service at an hourly rate of $126 for a total cost to the district of $1,260.

e) One student (ID#0120485) to receive:

one 30 minute session of physical therapy per week provided by Pediatric Workshop at a total cost to the district of $2,120.
four hours per week of out of school instruction provided by Linda Yu at a total cost to the district of $6,400.

f) One student (ID#0120573) to receive six hours per week of home based instruction provided by Joyce Pekarsky for a total cost to the district of $9,600.

g) One student (ID#0120098) to receive three hours per month of ABA supervision and consultation provided by ABA Skills at an hourly rate of $110 for a total cost to the district of $3,300.

A.3. Out of District Related Services for the 2010-2011 School year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves out of district related services for the 2010-2011 school year for the following:

a) One student (ID#0120115) to receive:

one 30 minute individual session of speech per week provided by the receiving school at $58 per session for a total cost to the district of $2,320.
two 30 minute small group session of speech per week provided by the receiving school at $45 per session for a total cost to the district of $3,600.
two 30 minute sessions per week of occupational therapy provided by P.G. Chamber's School for a total cost to the district of $5440.

b) One student (ID#0120540) to receive one hour per week of parent in-home training provided by Catherine Bocage at an hourly rate of $55 for a total cost to the district of $2,200.

c) One student (ID#0000629) to receive:

one 30 minute session of speech per week provided by the receiving school at $105 per session for a total cost to the district of $4,410.
one 30 minute session of occupational therapy per week provided by the receiving school at $90 per session for a total cost to the district of $3,780.
one 45 minute session of Sensory Gym per week provided by Child Centered Therapeutics at $90 per session for a total cost to the district of 4,410.

d) One student (ID#0120483) to receive:

one 30 minute session of speech per week provided by the receiving school at $105 per session for a total cost to the district of $4,410.
one hour per week of physical therapy provided by the receiving school at an hourly rate of $195 for a total cost to the district of $8,190.

A.4. Out of District Placement for the 2010-2011 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of out of district placements for the 2010-2011 school dated June 20, 2010.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the partial payment of bills for June 2010 in the amount of $2,989,847.53

B.2. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, the Board of Education authorizes the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, pursuant to policy 3326, to audit pending bills and claims, to pay qualifying bills and claims within approved budget line item amounts, from June 28 to 30, 2010 and to submit those bills to the Board of Education for approval at its next regular meeting.

B.3. 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:

July 2010

Katie DiDia Woodland-Kean University Math/Science SmartBoard, Union, NJ $ 350
Colleen Krumm, Woodland-Kean University Math/Science SmartBoard, Union, NJ $350
Dan Ticchio, Middle-Rider University Summer Quest, Princeton, NJ **$ 1,400
Kevin Sullivan, Middle Rider University Summer Quest, Princeton, NJ **$ 1,500

** Cost of seminar ($1,300) is being funded by the Lucent Grant for Science curriculum

B.4. Approve Tax Payment Schedule for 2010-2011 School Year

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following tax payment schedule for 2010-2011 from the Township of Warren:

Tax Payments 2010/2011
July 6, 2010	$700,000.00	January 4, 2011	$3,084,142.00
July 20, 2010	$700,000.00	February 1, 2011	$3,084,142.00
August 3, 2010	$700,000.00	March 1, 2011	$3,084,141.00
August 24, 2010	$1,000,000.00	April 4, 2011	$3,084,141.00
September 7, 2010	$2,000,000.00	May 2, 2011	$3,084,141.00
September 21, 2010	$1,851,212.00	June 1, 2011	$3,084,141.00
October 4, 2010	$3,851,212.00
November 2, 2010	$3,851,212.00
December 1, 2010	$3,851,212.00
Total	$18,504,848.00	Total	$18,504,848.00
Total Taxes for 2010/2011		$37,009,696.00

B.5. Joint Agreement Between Morris Union Jointure Commission and Warren Township Board of Education

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a joint agreement between Morris Union Jointure Commission and the Warren Township Board of Education to enter into an interlocal/shared services agreement, dated June 10, 2010, for bus maintenance effective July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.

B.6. Increasing Bid Threshold

WHEREAS, the Board of Education approves the increase to the bid threshold, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-2, N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-2, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-39a) and 18A:18A-3(a), and

WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of New Jersey increased the bid threshold for boards of education with a Qualified Purchasing Agent to $36,000 as of July 1, 2010; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the governing body of the Warren Township Board of Education, in the County of Somerset, in the State of New Jersey hereby increases its bid threshold to $36,000.00.

B.7. NJSBAIG - ERIC North Sub-fund Application for 2010 Safety Program

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the submission of a grant application for the 2010 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 $12,345.00 for the period of July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.

B.8. Transfer of Current Year Surplus to Reserve

WHEREAS, NJSA 18A: 7F-41 permits a Board of Education to establish and/or deposit into certain reserve accounts at year end, and

WHEREAS, the aforementioned statutes authorize procedures, under the authority of the Commissioner of Education, which permit a board of education to transfer anticipated excess current revenue or unexpended appropriations into reserve accounts during the month of June by board resolution, and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education wishes to deposit the anticipated current year surplus of up to $600,000 into Capital Reserve at year end, and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education has determined that up to $600,000 is available for such purpose of transfer;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren Township Schools Board of Education hereby authorizes the district's School Business Administrator to make this transfer consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.

B.9. Approve Rates for Custodial Charges for Building Usage for the 2010-2011 School Year

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following rates for the billing of custodial charges for the groups that use our buildings

Straight time $27.00 per hour

Time and a half $41.00 per hour

Double time $54.00 per hour

B.10. Donation-Warren Township Youth Services Commission

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of $2,000.00 from the Warren Township Youth Services Commission for the Girls on the Run program and Century Club.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2010-2011 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the application for emergent hiring for the following positions for the 2010-2011 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) George Nimmo, Music Teacher, tenure track, BA, Step 3-4 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2010-2011 step will be the equivalent of this 2009-2010 step, to be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.

b) Rebecca Black, Art Teacher, tenure track, BA, step 5-6 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2010-2011 step will be the equivalent of this 2009-2010 step, to be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.

C.2. Offers of Employment During Summer Months

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to extend offers of employment after consulting with the Board of Education regarding budgeted positions for which there may be a vacancy between June 30, 2010 and September 1, 2010, subject to ratification of the Board at the next available Board meeting.

C.3. Employment Contract - School Business Administrator/Board Secretary

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the employment contract for the 2010-2011 school year for Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, dated June 28, 2010.

C.4. 2010-2011 Employment - Non WTEA Employees

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of non WTEA employee assignments and salaries for the 2010-2011 school year dated June 28, 2010.

C.5. Speech Summer Evaluations

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the increase of summer speech evaluations from 8 to 9 at an additional cost to the district of $420.

C.6. Middle School Talent Show Advisor

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Sean Convery replacing Joel VanTine as talent show advisor for a stipend of $715 (divided equally with Bev MacGorman approved 4/16/2010)

C.7. Summer Fun Staff

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a) Emallah Abraham as a Summer Fun aide, effective June 28, 2010 through July 30, 2010 at a rate of $10 per hour.

b) Linda DeRobertis as a Summer Fun Aide, effective June 28, 2010 through July 30, 2010 at a new rate of $15 per hour.

C.8. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the family leave request for:

a) Shannon O'Shea, Spanish Teacher, Woodland School, (unpaid with benefits) from October 22, 2010 through December 31, 2010, returning January 1, 2011.

C.9. Transfer

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transfer of Meryl Lettire, Art Teacher, from Central School to Middle School effective September 1, 2010.

C.10. 2010 Summer Transportation Employees

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of 2010 Summer Transportation Employees dated June 17, 2010, at the listed hourly rates effective June 21, 2010 through September 3, 2010.

C.11. Amendment on Salary Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amended placement on the teachers' negotiated salary guide:

a) Lauren Valera, Woodland School, MA+ to MA+15 (remaining at step 9-10), effective June 1, 2010.

C.12. Middle School Guidance Extended Work Schedule - Summer 2010

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves three days each of an extended work schedule for Midge Johnson, William Tozier, and Helen Scully Middle School Guidance Counselors, during August 27, 30, and 31 at each individual's per diem rate.

C.13. 2010-2011 Stipend Position

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following stipend positions for the 2010-2011 school year

Middle School

Lunchroom Supervisor

Grade 6 - Barbara LaSaracina, Brenda Sasso, Debra Granrath, John Seremula

Grade 7 - Sean Convery (2), David Arnold, O'Brien Speckin,

Grade 8 - Kurt Reck (2), Robert Hartshorn, Joel VanTine

Team Leaders

Grade 6 - Barbara LaSaracina

Grade 7- Daniel Ticchio

Grade 8- Laura Sudol

Unified Arts - Diane Burak

C.14. Out of District Evaluators for the 2010-2011 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of district evaluators for the 2010-2011 school year dated June 28, 2010.

C.15. Summer 2010 Speech Providers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Speech providers

a) Therapy Center, LLC to provide two 30 minute session per week of speech services for one out of district student from July 6, 2010 through July 29, 2010 at $75 per session for a total cost to the district of $600.

b) Jill Pila to provide a total of 4 ½ hours of speech therapy for one student (ID#0120483) from August 12, 2010 through August 31, 2010 for a total cost to the district of $315.

C.16. Creation and Elimination of Paraprofessional Positions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the creations and elimination of the following Paraprofessional positions for the 2010-2011 school year:

a) Create one new 1:1 Paraprofessional for a new student

b) Create one new LLD Classroom Paraprofessional for a new student

c) Create two new part-time (no benefits) Multi Duty Paraprofessionals at Central/Woodland Schools.

d) Eliminate one full-time Multi Duty Paraprofessional at Central/Woodland Schools.

C.17. Resolution of Appreciation

Whereas, Dr. James A. Crisfield did become the Superintendent of the Warren Township K-8 School District on January 1, 2004,

Whereas, Dr. Crisfield wore many hats while serving our district such as serving as the Warren Township Business Administrator from July 1, 1999, to June 30, 2002, and then becoming the Assistant Superintendent from July 1, 2002, until his promotion to Superintendent,

Whereas, Dr. Crisfield also served as Interim Principal of the Woodland School for a period of several months,

Whereas, Dr. Crisfield is a consummate professional who appreciates educational excellence for all - the children in the district, the teachers, the administrators and himself,

Whereas, Dr. Crisfield developed the idea of innovating the plan to finance the expansion of Angelo Tomaso School and the Central School without the need for a referendum,

Whereas, Dr. Crisfield has been a role model to his faculty, his administrators, and students,

WHEREAS, Dr. Crisfield is recognized as a man of integrity and high moral character who has demonstrated that his priority has been the well being of each and every student in our district,

Whereas, Dr. Crisfield has continued his unwavering support for the Boston Red Sox in a sea of New York Yankee fans,

Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Warren Township Board of Education does express to Dr. Crisfield its respect, admiration, and heartfelt gratitude for all of his contributions and accomplishments while serving this district, and wishes Dr. Crisfield a wonderful future in whatever endeavors he undertakes.

XII. OLD BUSINESS
Mrs. Winter asked about guidance and the process. Dr. Crisfield responded that the district is in the process of interviewing and if the board approves guidance at the July meeting the district will be ready to hire replacement employees.

Mrs. Winter noted that she objects to any elementary schools paying for field trips.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS
None

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Dave Ricci commented that during the budget presentation a proposal to reduce the elementary school special area teachers was proposed and then left in the budget. He asked if this area is being considered to save money. Dr. Crisfield responded that the special area teachers will remain full time and will be utilized in other areas.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 8:55 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:

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. Spiller and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mr. Huber, the board reconvened in open session at 9:12 p.m.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mr. Huber, the meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Peter Daquila

Google Translate Google Translate Google Translate Google Translate Google Translate