Minutes for September 13, 2010History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Middle School, Old Stirling 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, 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, James Sena,Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, and Kathleen Winter

Absent: Sue Burman arrived at 7:50 p.m.
Tony Sardis arrived at 7:25 p.m.

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

IV. PRESENTATION
None

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Winter moved the following:

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

August 26, 2010 public (as corrected) and private session

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Spiller and approved by 4-0-3 roll call vote. (Mrs. Monahan, Mr. Sena, and Dr Przybylski abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
None

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Dr Przybylski welcomed all of the students, parents, and staff to the 2010/2011 school year and wished everyone a wonderful year.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Finance will report in executive session.

IX. DISCUSSION
Garden State Coalition of Schools (GSCS)

Lynn Strickland spoke to the board about the GSCS. Ms. Strickland answered questions from the board about the GSCS. The board asked for GSCS by-laws and will discuss this at a future meeting.

Board Meeting Dates

Mrs. Burman asked if the board meetings can be changed from Monday nights to a different night of the week. The board discussed the possibility of changing dates of the meetings. The board could not agree on an alternate date.

Class Size Guidelines

Dr. Crader spoke about the district's current class room guidelines, some of the neighboring schools' guidelines and suggested that the district maintain the current class size guidelines. The board discussed the class size guidelines and how size relates to achievement of the student..

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).

Jill Pilla, 21 Rapids Rd., spoke about class size and requested the district to continue small class sizes.

Sheila Marian, 1 Raspberry Trail, spoke about class size.

Chris Monahan, 13 Robin Rd., spoke about class size.

Patricia Zahn spoke about the process the board is following since the budget defeat. She feels that the board should be proactive not re-active in addressing the difficult issues.

Tia Allocco spoke about the budget being voted down and stated that she is not happy paying higher taxes while having items removed from the budget.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mr. Sardis asked a question about agenda items B.4 and B.7. Mr. Daquila responded and wording was changed.

Mr. Sena asked a question about agenda items A.3. Mr. Daquila responded.

Mrs. Burman asked that agenda items B.6., C.12, and C.13. be voted on separately and C.13 be voted on after the executive session.

Mr. Sardis asked a question about C.1. and C.2.a., b.and c. Dr. Crader responded.

Mr. Sardis asked that C.1 and C.2.c. be pulled for a separate vote.

Mrs. Monahan asked about agenda item B.5. Dr. Crader and Mr. Daquila responded. Mrs. Monahan asked that professional development for principals be pulled. Dr. Crader and Mr. Daquila will verify that they have attended these types of professional development in the past.

Mrs. Burman asked about agenda item A.2. and the wording was changed to home instruction.

Mr. Huber asked to pull agenda item C.2.b. & c., C.10 and C.11 for a separate vote.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item C.10. Mr. Daquila responded.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item C.11. Dr. Crader responded.

Mrs. Burman and Mrs. Toubin spoke about C.12. The board discussed the deduct day issue.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Toubin, the consent agenda items A.1 - 3, B.1 - 5, B.7 and C.2.a. and C.3- 9, were approved by unanimous 9-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, agenda item C. 1 was approved by a 7-2 roll-call vote. (Mr. Huber and Mr. Sardis voted no.)

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, agenda item C. 2. (b. & c.) was approved by a 7-2 roll-call vote. (Mr. Huber and Mr. Sardis voted no.)

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, agenda item C. 10 was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, agenda item C. 11 was approved by an 8-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. Huber voted no.)

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, agenda item C. 12 was approved by a 7-2 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Burman and Mrs. Toubin voted no.)

A. Education

A.1. Out of Zone Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of zone request, dated August 25, 2010, for one student, Grade 5 (ID#2005211) to remain in Mt. Horeb School for the 2010-2011 school year.

A.2. Home Programming

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one student (ID#0120540) to receive two hours per week of home instruction from June 6, 2010 through August 13, 2010 at an hourly rate of $55. The total cost to the district will be $660.

A.3. Tuition-In Students

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following tuition-in students for the 2010-2011 school year:

a) One Student (ID#0121123) from Westfield to Middle School at a tuition rate of $41,896.

b) One Student (ID#0121239) from Watchung to Woodland at a tuition rate of $16,439.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Donation-Watchung/Warren Rotary Club

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of $500 from the Watchung/Warren Rotary Club awarded to Adam Yenish for being selected as Teacher Of The Year.

B.2. Annual Flu Clinic

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the offering of a fully subsidized flu shot clinic to staff members on October 13, 2010 at a cost of $20 per flu shot.

B.3. Street Zone Listing

Resolved that the Board of Education approve the zoning, per the attached street zone listing, dated September 13, 2010 for the new streets Pine Place, Carriage Court, and Countryside Lane to the Woodland School.

B.4. Transportation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one Watchung student to be transported to Woodland School by Warren Township Board of Education at a per diem cost of $13.36 for a total cost of $2,404.80 to Watchung for the 2010-2011 school year.

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:

October 2010

  • Elise Pelcz, Mt Horeb-Autism Training, Atlantic City, NJ $ 475
  • Bill Kimmick, Mt Horeb-NJPSA/FEA/NJASCO Fall Conference, Monroe Twp, NJ $ 200 REMOVED
  • Tami Crader, BOE-Examining District Finances, Monroe Twp, NJ $ 120
  • Tyler Tribelhorn, B&G-AHERA Management Planning, Piscataway, NJ $ 300
  • MaryLou Cebula, Central-FEA 2010 Fall Conference, Monroe Twp, NJ $ 200 REMOVED

November 2010

  • Shannon Sharkey, SPS - PROMPT Training at MUJC, New Providence, NJ $ 675

December 2010

  • Tami Crader, BOE-Special Education Cost Containment, Trenton, NJ $ 120

All of the above travel has been approved by the Superintendent. The School Business Administrator shall track and record these costs to insure that the maximum amount is not exceeded.

B.6. Legal Settlement

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves and ratifies the settlement between the Warren Township Schools and the Parents of Student #0120592 dated September 13, 2010.

B.7. Transportation Contract - Parent Contract

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves a parental transportation contract for one student (ID#0120992) to the Somerset Hills Learning Institute for the 2010-2011 school year (ESY and regular school year) in the amount of $7,101.12.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. New Teaching Position for the 2010-2011 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves creating a first grade teaching position at Central School for the 2010-2011 school year.

C.2. 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) Darlene Bernhard, Grade 1 Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, BA+15, Step 1-2 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. (This is a new position.)

b) Patricia Iannacone, Special Education Teacher, Central School, MA, Step 7-8 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. (Mrs. Iannacone is replacing Mrs. Rodaman who will be teaching grade 2.)

c) Briana McLeroy, Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School, Step 5-6 of the 2009-2010 salary guide, includes $1,800 stipend for her teaching certificate, (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. (Ms. McLeroy is replacing Ms. Bernhard who will be teaching grade 1.)

C.3. Change of Assignment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the change of assignment for Laura Rodaman, from Special Education Teacher to Grade 2 Teacher, Central School, for the 2010-2011 school year.

C.4. Amendment on Salary Guide

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

a) Rachel Hildebrand, Mt. Horeb School, MA+30 to MA+45 (remaining at the 2009-2010 step 5-6. The 2010-2011 step to be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2010.

b) Elise Pelcz, Mt. Horeb, MA to MA+15 (remaining at the 2009-2010 step 5-6. The 2010-2011 step to be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2010.

c) Alison Dmchowski, MA+15 to MA+30 (remaining at the 2009-2010 step 9-10. The 2010-2011 step to be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2010.

C.5. Resignation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the resignation of Lorraine Gaier, Nurse, District, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for the 17 years of her service to the children of Warren, effective December 31, 2010.

C.6. Substitute Bus Driver

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the reemployment of Julio Chavez as a substitute bus driver, effective August 10, 2010 through June 30, 2011 at the starting rate of $17.48 per hour.

C.7. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2010-2011 school year:

a) Gregg Floyd (previous District substitute)

b) Jena Davison (previous District substitute)

c) Elena Keegan

C.8. Summer Fun Substitute Teacher

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Vivien Plesmid as a Summer Fun substitute teacher at a rate of $17 per hour effective June 28, 2010 through July 30, 2010.

C.9. PTO Calendar of Events

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of each schools' PTO Calendar of Events dated September 13, 2010 for the 2010-2011 school year.

C.10. Computer Technician Services

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Jason Sandt as a contracted services Computer Technician for the period of September, 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 for up to 15 hours per week at a rate of $25.58 per hour.

C.11. 2010-2011 Middle School Stipend Positions

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

a) Sean Convery - Yearbook Club Advisor at $1,430.

b) Beverly MacGorman - Yearbook Club Advisor at $1,430.

c) Beverly MacGorman - Student Council Advisor at $1,430.

C.12. Per Diem Deduct Request

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

a) Carol Krenek, Middle School, for one day, November 3, 2010.

C.13. Termination of District Employee

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the termination of district employee #004591 effective September 15, 2010.

XII. OLD BUSINESS
Board goals will be discussed at the next meeting on 9/27/10.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS
None

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
None

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 9:42 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.

Mrs. Burman left at this point in the meeting (10:00 p.m.)

Mrs. Toubin left at this point in the meeting (10:15 p.m.)

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board reconvened in open session at 10:25 p.m.

On motion by Mrs. Winter. seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board approved agenda item B.6. on a 7-0 roll call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Winter. seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board approved agenda item C.13. on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. (Dr Przybylski abstained.)

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Peter Daquila