Minutes for June 14, 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 7:02 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, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, Tony Sardis, James Sena, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin and Kathleen Winter

Absent: Mr. Sardis departed at 9:00 p.m.

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

IV. PRESENTATION

  • Resolutions of Merit and Distinction
    Dr. Crisfield noted that there are two resolutions acknowledging two former board members. Mrs. Winter spoke about Dave Ricci and read his Resolution of Merit and Distinction. Mr. Ricci thanked the board for remembering him and acknowledging his service. Mrs. Monahan spoke about Gina Voorhees and read her Resolution of Merit and Distinction. Mrs. Voorhees thanked the board for the recognition.

V. MINUTES

Mrs. Winter moved the following:

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes, of the following meetings:

May 24, 2010, June 1, 2010

May 25, 2010, June 2, 2010

May 26, 2010,

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Toubin. The May 24th minutes were approved by a 7-1-1 roll call vote. (Mrs. Toubin abstained. Mr. Sardis voted no.)

The May 25, 2010, May 26, 2010, June 1, 2010, and June 2, 2010 minutes were approved by an 8-1 roll call vote. (Mr. Sardis voted no.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

Fire Drills

The superintendent reported the following fire drills had been held.

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

May 7, 20

May 4, 25

May 13, 26

May 25, 28

May 5, 21

Bus Evacuation Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

May 14

May 11

April 28

May 19

April 15

Mr. Daquila reported that the district will receive $12,345 from ERIC North (insurance consortium) in 2010/2011. The funds will be used to upgrade exterior lighting in the district.

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Przybylski thanked the Middle School PTO for their very generous donation for the purchase of SMART boards & Elmos.

He thanked Dr. Crisfield and Mr. Daquila for their work in achieving the additional two SDA grants from the State of New Jersey.

Dr Przybylski thanked the board and Mr. Daquila for their extra efforts and time in the last two weeks working to find a replacement for Dr. Crisfield.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Finance

Mrs. Monahan reported that the finance committee met and is reviewing various items regarding the budget and will report to the board in the future.

IX. DISCUSSION

  • 2010-2011 Budget - Final Disposition

    Dr. Crisfield noted that the 2010/2011 budget is final but the board desires to discuss an issue a effecting the budget.

    Dr Przybylski noted that the elementary guidance counselors are in the budget but the board wanted to determine if they should remain in the budget since a replacement guidance counselor and a maternity leave replacement need to be hired for 2010/2011. The board discussed the matter and determined that the curriculum committee will evaluate the need of the guidance counselors and report at the July meeting. The superintendent will search for a replacement guidance counselor.

  • Enrollment Projections for 2010-2011
    Dr. Crisfield reviewed and reported on the enrollment update.

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).

Jackie Mandelbaum, 20 Roberts Rd., stated that she appreciates that the board is not taking the easy way out and is taking the time to evaluate the need for guidance counselors.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mr. Sardis asked about agenda item A.2.a. and the services being provide to the student. Dr. Crisfield replied. He also asked about agenda item C.1 and if the positions were necessary. Dr. Crisfield responded.

Mrs. Burman asked a question about agenda item C.12. and whether the board should be voting on the staffing assignments. The board discussed the issue.

Dr Przybylski asked a question about agenda item C.9. & C.10. and noted that these are after the fact and asked the reasoning. Dr. Crisfield responded.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the consent agenda items A.1 - 5 (A.5 as amended), B.1 - 6, and C.1-14 (C.1 as amended)), were 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 May 28, 2010, for one student, grade 4 (ID#2006408) to remain in Woodland School for the 2010-2011 school year.

A.2. In District Related Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves in district related services for the following students:

a) One student (ID#0120949) to receive the following services from July 1, 2010 through August 2010:

  • Five hours per week of speech provided by Allison Bucciarelli at an hourly rate of $115 for a total cost to the district of $5,175.
  • Three hours per week of occupational therapy provided by Colleen Roth at an hourly rate of $70 for a total cost to the district of $1,890.
  • Five hours of physical therapy provided by Pediatric Workshop at an hourly rate of $106 for a total cost to the district of $4,770.
  • Two hours per week of sensory gym services provided by Child Centered Therapeutics at an hourly rate of $120 for a total cost to the district of $2,160.

b) One student (ID#0120846) to receive the following services from July 1, 2010 through July 31, 2010:

  • Two hours of speech provided by Dr. Golding Kushner at an hourly rate of $75 for a total cost to the district of $600.

c) One student (ID#0120782) to receive the following services from July 1, 2010 through July 31, 2010:

  • One hour per week of speech provided by Speech Partners at an hourly rate of $130 for a total cost to the district of $650.
  • Two hours per week of Services from Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf at an hourly rate of $126 for a total cost to the district of $1,260.

d) One student (ID#0120445) to receive the following services from June 24, 2010 through July 30, 2010:

  • One hour per week of NDT speech provided by Vista Rehab at an hourly rate of $105 for a total cost to the district of $525.

e) One student (ID#0120903) to receive the following services from July 1, 2010 through July 30, 2010:

  • Two hours per week of Services from Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf at an hourly rate of $126 for a total cost to the district of $1,260.

A.3. Out of District Related Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves out of district related services for the following students:

a) One student (ID#0120115) to receive the following services from July 6, 2010 through July 29, 2010:

  • Two 25-minute sessions per week of speech (one individual at an hourly rate of $115 and one small group provided by the receiving school at an hourly rate of $90) for a total cost to the district of $820.

b) One student (ID#0000629) to receive the following services from June 30, 2010 through August 11, 2010:

  • One 45 minute session per week of occupational therapy provided by Child Centered Therapeutics at a rate of $90 per 45 minutes for a total cost to the district of $840.
  • One 30 minute session per week of speech provided by the receiving school at an hourly cost of $105 for a total cost to the district of $735.
  • One 30 minute session per week of occupational therapy provided by the receiving school at a rate of $90 per session for a total cost to the district of $630.

c) One student (ID#0120483) to receive the following services:

  • One 30 minute session per week of speech provided by the receiving school at a rate of $105 per session from June 30, 2010 through August 11, 2010 for a total cost to the district of $735.
  • One hour per week of physical therapy provided by the receiving school for an hourly rate of $195 from June 30, 2010 through August 11, 2010 for a total cost to the district of $630.
  • Eleven 30 minute sessions per week of occupational therapy provided by the receiving school at an hour rate of $90 from June 30, 2010 through August 11, 2010 at a total cost to the district of $630.
  • One and half hours of occupational therapy per week provided by the Warren Township School District at an hourly rate of $70 from August 12, 2010 through August 31, 2010 for a total cost to the district of $105.
  • Four and half hours per week of speech provided by school staff at an hourly rate of $70 from August 12, 2010 through August 31, 2010 for a total cost to the district of $315.
  • One and half hours per week of physical therapy provided by Pediatric Workshop at a rate of $106 per hour from August 12, 2010 through August 31, 2010 for a total cost to the district of $159.

d) One student (ID#0120098) to receive the following services:

  • Three hours per month of ABA skills training provided by ABA Skills for an hourly rate of $110 for July and August for a total cost to the district of $660.
  • 15 hours total of ABA services provided by Joyce Pekarsky and Michele Hayes at an hourly rate of $40 and $50 respective from July 6, 2010 through August 5, 2010 for a total cost to the district of $3,750.

A.4. Extended School Year (ESY) Placement

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the out of district placement for the following student:

a) Student (ID#0120992) at Somerset Hills Learning Institute for a cost to the district of $11,824.40 from July 6, 2010 through August 19, 2010.

b) Student (ID#0120540) at Garden Academy for a cost to the district of $12,297.04 from July 6, 2010 through August 13, 2010.

A.5. Annual Statement of Assurance-Comprehensive Equity Plan (As Amended)

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Annual Statement of Assurance- Comprehensive Equity Plan for Academic Years 2010-2011 through 2011-2012 dated and submitted to the Division of District and School Improvement on April 1, 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 $1,599,083.65

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 February and

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

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$4,445,842.50

$1,329,283.09

(11) Current Expense

$1,888,713.98

(12) Capital Outlay

$125,370.04

(13) Special Schools

$97.32

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($60,925.68)

$52,896.52

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$109,345.84

$562,811.80

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$14,226.96

$14.25

$14,212.71

TOTAL

$4,508,489.62

$2,629,903.91

$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 May 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:

11-000-211-500-00-00

Purch. Prof. Svcs.-Attendance

11-000-222-100-00-01

Educ. Media/Library - Salaries

$1,000

11-000-216-320-08-00

Speech - Purch. Prof. Svcs.

11-000-217-100-00-02

Extraordinary Paras - Salaries

$1,100

11-000-216-610-08-00

Speech/OT/PT - Supplies

11-000-217-600-08-00

Extraordinary Svcs. - Supplies

$800

11-000-218-104-00-00

Guidance Counselors - Sals.

11-000-222-100-00-01

Educ. Media/Library - Salaries

$2,000

11-000-230-334-01-00

Architect & Engineering Svcs.

11-000-230-630-01-00

BOE Training Mtg. Supplies

$3,000

11-000-230-590-01-00

Other Purch. Services -Admin.

11-000-230-339-01-00

Purchased Prof. Services

$2,700

11-000-230-610-11-01

Supplies - Admin. Hardware

11-000-230-530-01-21

Postage - District

$5,500

11-000-230-610-11-01

Supplies - Admin. Hardware

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$17,500

11-000-262-100-09-02

Substitute Custodians

11-000-262-621-03-00

Heat - Central

$12,000

11-000-262-107-00-02

Paras - Substitute

11-000-262-621-03-00

Heat - Central

$12,000

11-000-262-800-09-00

Miscellaneous - B & G

11-000-262-621-03-00

Heat - Central

$500

11-000-270-161-10-02

Special Ed Transp. - Subs

11-000-270-512-03-00

Field Trip Transportation - CS

$3,000

11-000-270-161-10-02

Special Ed Transp. - Subs

11-000-270-512-04-00

Field Trip Transportation - MH

$4,500

11-000-270-161-10-02

Special Ed Transp. - Subs

11-000-270-512-05-00

Field Trip Transportation -ALT

$4,500

11-000-270-161-10-02

Special Ed Transp. - Subs

11-000-270-512-06-00

Field Trip Transportation -WD

$3,000

11-000-270-442-10-00

Rental - School Buses

11-000-270-512-07-00

Field Trip Transportation - MS

$1,500

11-000-270-610-10-00

Transp. - General Supplies

11-000-270-512-07-00

Field Trip Transportation - MS

$5,000

11-000-270-610-10-00

Transp. - General Supplies

11-000-270-512-07-01

Sports & Music Trips - Middle

$10,000

11-190-100-320-08-00

Purchased Prof. Svcs. - SPS

11-190-100-500-00-00

Other Purchased Services

$1,000

11-213-100-106-00-00

RC Aides - Salaries

11-130-100-101-00-01

Gr. 6-8 Teachers - Salaries

$5,300

11-230-100-600-03-00

Basic Skills Supplies - Central

11-230-100-101-00-00

Basic Skills - Salaries

$100

11-230-100-600-04-00

Basic Skills Supplies - MH

11-230-100-101-00-00

Basic Skills - Salaries

$100

11-230-100-600-05-00

Basic Skills Supplies - ALT

11-230-100-101-00-00

Basic Skills - Salaries

$100

11-230-100-600-06-00

Basic Skills Supplies - WD

11-230-100-101-00-00

Basic Skills - Salaries

$100

11-230-100-600-07-00

Basic Skills Supplies - Middle

11-230-100-101-00-00

Basic Skills - Salaries

$1,000

12-000-270-734-00-00

School Bus - Special Ed

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$20,000

Total Transfers

$117,300

B.4. 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:

June 2010

  • Mildred Spiller, BOE - NJSBA Spring Law Forum, Monroe, NJ $ 175

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.5. Inter Local Transportation Agreement

RESOLVED, that the board of education approves the Inter Local Transportation Agreement with the Somerset County Educational Services Commission for the 2010-2011 school year.

B.6. SMART Board and Elmos Donation -Warren Middle School PTO

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of up to $32,000 from the Warren Middle School PTO towards the purchase of SMART Boards and Elmos.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2010-2011 School Year (As Amended)

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) Shannon Sharkey, Speech Teacher, tenure track, MA, Step 9-10 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2010-2011 step will be the equivalent of this 2009-2010 step), effective September 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 (replacing Joyce Stapperfenne who retired).

b) Cecilia Hwang, Grade 8 tenure track Math Teacher, Middle School, MA+15, Step 9-10 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2010-2011 step will be the equivalent of this 2009-2010 step), effective September 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 (replacing Diane Staph who retired).

c) Christina Ulloa, Elementary tenure track Teacher, MA, Step 1-2 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2010-2011 step TBD), effective September 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 (replacing Barbara Novak who retired).

d) Catherine Lazas, Special Education tenure track Teacher, Middle School, BA, Step 15 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2010-2011 step TBD), effective September 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 (replacing Kelly Hawkins who resigned).

e) Jill Andrews, full year Elementary Teacher leave position, BA, Step 1-2 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2010-2011 step TBD), effective September 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.

C.2. Amendment on Salary Guide

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

a) Jolanta Scassera, Mt. Horeb School, MA+15 to MA+30 (remaining at step 5-6), effective May 1, 2010.

b) Megan O'Donnell, Central School, BA+15 to MA (remaining at step 9-10), effective May 1, 2010.

c) Jennifer DePinto, Woodland School, BA+15 to MA (remaining at step 3-4), effective May 1, 2010.

C.3. Correction in Assignment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the correction in assignment for Barbara LoSapio, Woodland School, from Multi Duty Aide to Kindergarten/Multi Duty Aide effective September 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.

C.4. Resignation

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

a) Sandella Marmorato, Art Teacher, Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for the 29 years of service to the children of Warren, effective June 30, 2010.

C.5. Family Leave Request

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

a) Laurie Green, Grade 1 Teacher, Central School (unpaid and no benefits due to her being under the benefits threshold) from September 1, 2010 through October 29, 2010. Returning November 1, 2010.

b) Michele Kurilla, Grade 4 Teacher, Central School (unpaid with benefits) from December 8, 2010 through March 14, 2011 and child rearing leave (unpaid and no benefits) from March 15, 2011 through June 30, 2011. Returning September 1, 2011.

C.6. Extension of Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the extension of a family leave request for Kelly Blessing-Maire, Guidance Counselor, Mt. Horeb School, from September 1, 2010 through October 20, 2010 (unpaid with benefits) and a child rearing leave from October 21, 2010 through June 30, 2011 (unpaid no benefits), returning September 1, 2011.

C.7. Summer Fun Staff

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a) Philip Jones as a Summer Fun teacher, effective June 28, 2010 through July 30, 2010 at a rate of $40 per hour.

b) Linda Yu, from Summer Fun teacher, to Summer Fun Paraprofessional, effective June 28, 2010 through July 30, 2010 at a new rate of $15 per hour.

C.8. Per Diem Deduct Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following per diem deduct request for:

a) Patricia Anderson, Central School, for one day, June 1, 2010.

C.9. Philadelphia Chaperone - Middle School 8th Grade Overnight Trip

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Joann Blatchford to chaperone the Middle School 8th grade overnight trip to Philadelphia, June 3, 2010 to June 4, 2010.

C.10. Fairview Lake Chaperones - Middle School 7th Grade Overnight Trip

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff to chaperone the Middle School 7th grade overnight trip to Fairview Lake June 10, 2010 to June 11, 2010:

a) Lisa Lontai, school nurse

b) Scott Cook

c) Kurt Reck who will replace Midge Johnson previously approved.

C.11. After School Club - 2009-2010 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following after school club for the 2009-2010 school year and the instructors for each club at the negotiated stipend rate.

Middle School

a) Art Club - advisor Sandy Marmorato at a stipend of $715.

C.12. 2010-2011 Staffing Assignments

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of 2010-2011 staffing assignments dated June 10, 2010.

C.13. 2010 Summer Employees

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the list of 2010 Summer Employees dated June 10, 2010, at the listed hourly rates effective June 21, 2010 through September 3, 2010.

C.14. Child Study Team 2010 Summer Hours

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the list of 2010 Child Study Team summer hours, at the listed hourly rated, dated June 14, 2010.

XII. OLD BUSINESS
None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

Woodland School PTO Field Trip Proposal

Dr. Crisfield noted that Woodland School PTO is proposing that the Woodland PTO pay for the schools field trips in 2010/2011. Dr Przybylski asked Mrs. Jackie Mandelbaum to comment. She commented that she is in favor of Pay 2 Play for certain areas but is in favor of the Woodland PTO paying for the school field trips since they are an important part of the curriculum. The board discussed the proposal.

Mr. Huber made a motion to allow the PTOs to present to their members the option to subsidize the school's field trips so every student will go on the trips.

On motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Toubin, the board approved on a 6-3 roll call vote, the Woodland PTO to present to its members the option to subsidize filed trips. (Mrs. Winter, Mrs. Burman, and Mrs. Spiller voted no.)

Mr. Sardis departed at this point in the meeting (9:00 p.m.).

  • Legislation Monitoring/Reporting and District Advocacy Options

Dr. Crisfield noted there are various methods the districts are using to stay abreast of the ever changing laws and legislation. The board discussed a few of the options available to the district. Mrs. Monahan will gather information and report back to the board.

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Patricia Zohn, Mountain View Rd., commented on 1 PTO being granted the ability to pay for field trips and asked the board to consider whether accepting private funding for educational items is prudent. She feels the issue will continue in the future.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 9:25 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. Burman and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Burman, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board reconvened in open session at 10:39 p.m.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Burman, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the meeting adjourned at 10:41 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Peter Daquila