Minutes for October 25, 2010History icon Archived Minutes

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 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 7:01 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, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, James Sena, Mildred Spiller, and Kathleen Winter
Absent: Sue Burman arrived at 8:45 p.m.
Roberta Monahan
Tony Sardis arrived at 7:40 p.m.
Patricia Toubin arrived at 7:21 p.m.

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

IV. PRESENTATION

  • Special Education Review

    Dr. Crader introduced Dr. Faye Brady, Director of Special Services. Dr. Brady provided a Special Education presentation to the board. She responded to the board's questions regarding special education.

    Mrs. Toubin arrived at this point in the meeting (7:21 p.m.)

V. MINUTES

Mrs. Winter moved the following:

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

October 12, 2010 public and private session

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Spiller and approved by 4-0-2 roll call vote. (Mrs. Toubin

and Dr Przybylski abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

None

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Przybylski thanked Exxon Mobile-Basking Ridge Automotive for their generous donation and support of Central School. Dr. Przybylski thanked the Woodland School PTO for their generous support and donation of a SMART board and an ELMO. He also thanked the Middle School PTO for their generous donation of an ELMO.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Policy

Mrs. Winter indicated that the Policy Committee will continue to meet to review policies and present the revised policies to the board.

Finance

Mrs. Winter indicated that the Finance Committee has been meeting and will continue to meet in

order to review the finances prior to the budget.

IX. DISCUSSION

Process for Revising Policies

Dr. Crader summarized the 2 options presented last meeting to identify policies that should be reviewed. The board discussed the options and agreed that the majority of the board can request that a policy be reviewed in addition to the policies being reviewed to remain in compliance with legal updates.

Dr. Crader also noted that the WYBA wanted to donate a scoreboard but the donation should be addressed before the donation policy is reviewed and potentially changed.

Mr. Sardis arrived at this point in the meeting (7:40 p.m.).

Basketball Association Donation

The board discussed the donation of a scoreboard that was suggested by the WYBA. The board discussed if the donation policy should be revised in the future. The board discussed if the district should adopt a donation form. The WYBA should submit a formal proposal to the board about their donation.

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).

Ellyn Draikiwicz reported that the Middle School has interest in the board's decision about the 8th grade class trip. The Middle School PTO is in full support of the 8th grade overnight trip and has the funds to support the 8th grade activities and still support the school's needs. The PTO will support $128 per child leaving the parents' portion to be $275 per child for the overnight trip.

Eillien Likman reported that her 8th grader wants to go on the 8th grade overnight class trip.

Susan Morris, Tall Oaks Dr., is in support of the overnight trip and believes that the revised trip is much more interesting to the students.

Khristine Phillips, Wilderness Trail, reported that this "grade" has always been the grade that has their activities reduced.

Patricia Zohn asked that all the parents be considered when the board considers the 8th grade class trip. She noted that there may be parents that cannot afford the $275 and will not self identify the need for financial assistance.

Diane Mcbee, Ellsworth Drive, reported that the bus service this year has been changed and wants the pick up in front of her door re-instated for the safety of the children on Ellsworth Drive.

Edyta Sellinger, Ellsworth Drive, also reported that the door to door pick up should be re-instated due to safety issues.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mrs. Spiller asked a question about agenda item C.3.b. Dr. Crader responded. Dr. Crader will find out the details of how the girls' basketball program will operate.

Mr. Sardis asked that C.1. be pulled for discussion.

Mrs. Toubin asked a question about agenda item C.7. Dr. Crader responded.

Mrs. Toubin asked that agenda item C.6 be pulled for discussion in executive session.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item B.10. He asked for a procedure that all the fire companies can use the equipment. He also asked to consult an attorney regarding a hold harmless agreement for the donation.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda items C.4, Dr. Crader responded

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item C.5. Dr. Crader responded.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item C.9. Mr. Daquila responded.

Mr. Sardis asked a question about agenda item C.1. He questioned the need to hire an employee and start a program for one child.

Mr. Huber asked about an evaluation process and the program goals of the Behavioral Disabilities class.

Dr. Crader responded that there is currently one student that needs these Behavioral Disabilities services.

The board discussed the positives and negatives of creating a Behavioral Disabilities class for one child in comparison to sending the child out of the district.

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

Mr. Sardis made a motion to table C.1. until the next meeting so additional details can be provided

On motion by Mr. Sardis, seconded by Mr. Huber, the board voted to table agenda item C. 1 by a 3-4-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Burman abstained. Mrs. Winter, Mrs. Spiller, Mrs. Toubin and Dr Przybylski voted no.)

The board continued to discuss the merits of the program and the advantage of early intervention.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the consent agenda items A.1 - 3, B.1 - 11, C.2.-5 & 7-9, and D.1., were approved by an 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board voted on agenda item C.1. The motion failed on a 3-4-1 vote. (Mr. Huber, Mr. Sardis, Mr. Sena, and Mrs. Toubin voted no. Mrs. Burman abstained.)

A. Education

A.1. Out of District Educational Evaluation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an out of district educational evaluation (ABA) for one student (ID#120949) to be conducted by Douglass Outreach, Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at a cost to the district of $1,000.

A.2. Out of District Related Services Training

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves six hours of out of district related services training at $125 per hour for one teacher and one parent on the ALT-Chat (an augmentative/alternate communication devise) for one student (ID#120949). Services provided by Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey.

A.3. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one student (ID#2001172) to receive ten hours per week of home instruction for a period of 30 days beginning October 27, 2010 for a total cost to the district of $2,000.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the partial payment of bills for October 2010 in the amount of $3,400,871.66.

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 September

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on September 30, 2010

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$4,700,571.75

$1,065,558.62

(11) Current Expense

$4,729,127.27

(12) Capital Outlay

$224,240.64

(13) Special Schools

$129.18

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($115,897.15)

$76,428.39

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$78,418.62

($18,924.96)

$422,125.34

(40) Debt Service Fund

$636,563.21

$0.00

$14,224.96

TOTAL

$5,299,656.43

$5,011,000.52

$1,501,908.92

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 September 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:

11-000-222-500-11-01

Other Purch. Svcs. (Internet)

11-000-222-390-11-01

Other Purch. Tech Services

$770

11-000-230-610-11-02

Admin. Supplies - Software

11-000-230-610-11-01

Admin. Supplies - Hardware

$1,125

11-000-230-820-00-00

Judgments Against the District

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$60,000

11-000-261-610-09-04

Maintenance Supplies - MH

11-000-261-610-09-07

Maintenance Supplies - MS

$2,000

11-000-261-610-09-06

Maintenance Supplies - WD

11-000-261-610-09-07

Maintenance Supplies - MS

$1,000

11-000-270-593-10-00

Transp. - Misc. Purch. Svcs.

11-000-270-511-10-71

Contr. Transp. - Reg. Bus Routes

$500

12-000-400-450-00-00

Construction Services

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$1,060

13-422-100-610-00-00

Summer School Supplies

13-422-100-106-08-00

Summer School -Aides(Spec. Ed)

$15

Total Transfers

$66,470

B.4. Comprehensive Maintenance Plan

Whereas, the Department of Education requires New Jersey School Districts to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) and the Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) documenting "required" maintenance activities for each of its public school facilities, and

Whereas, the required maintenance activities as listed in the attached document for the various school facilities of the Warren Township Schools are consistent with these requirements, and

Whereas, all past and planned activities are reasonable to keep school facilities open and safe for use or in their original condition and to keep their system warranties valid, and

Now, therefore be it resolved that the Warren Township School District hereby authorizes the School Business Administrator to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) and the Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) for the Warren Township Schools in compliance with Department of Education requirements.

B.5. Central School Donation - Exxon Mobil Corporation-Basking Ridge Automotive

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of $750 from Exxon Mobil Corporation, Basking Ridge Automotive, Basking Ridge, NJ to Central School.

B.6. 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

  • Jan Brennan, ALT - American Academy of Pediatrics, Somerset, NJ $ 210
  • Kim Villanueva, SPS - Wilson Language Training, Chatham, NJ $ 250

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.7. No Child Left Behind Grant - Acceptance of Funds

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the acceptance of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Grant for school year 2010/2011 from the New Jersey Department of Education with the following amounts:

  • Title II-A $ 28,511.00
  • Title III $ 16,218.00

B.8. Middle School PTO Donation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of $570 from the Middle School PTO towards the purchase of one Elmo (digital camera).

B.9. Woodland School PTO Donation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of $4,070 from the Woodland School PTO towards the purchase of a SMART Board and an Elmo (digital camera).

B.10 Disposal of Equipment

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the donation of One (1) 1990 GMC G3500 Vandura Bus - Vin # 1GDGG35K4L7512714 and One (1)1997 GMC GMT Van/Bus - Vin # 1GDHG31R3V1061417 to the Township of Warren Volunteer Fire Department.

B.11 Excess Vehicle Sale

WHEREAS, on October 20, 2010, the Board of Education received bids for the for sale of the 1999 Ford Crown Victoria - Vin# 2FAFP7W2XX106601

  • Jersey One Auto Sales Inc, Jersey City, NJ - $612.00

RESOLVED, the Board of Education awards the sale of the above vehicle to Jersey One Auto Sales Inc, Jersey City, NJ.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Creation of a Behavioral Disabilities Special Education Program Class for the 2010-2011 School Year FAILED

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the creation of a new Behavioral Disabilities Special Education Program Class and special education teaching position at Angelo L. Tomaso School for the 2010-2011 school year.

C.2. Substitute Teachers

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

a) Geraldine Fiacco

b) Jessica Halpern

c) Brian Heuvelman

C.3. 2010-2011 Sport Coaches

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following sport coaches for the 2010-2011 school year:

a) Lisa Lonti - Cheerleading at a stipend of $2,900.

b) Laura Lamson - Girls Basketball at a stipend of $3,360 (replacing Nicholas Bayachek).

C.4. Rescind Retirement Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education rescinds the retirement approval of Terry Kraminitz, Learning Disabilities-Teacher Consultant (LDTC), Middle School, effective November 30, 2010.

C.5. Family Leave Request

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

a) Amanda McGrath, Grade 3 Teacher, Woodland School, (unpaid with benefits) from March 2, 2011 through June 3, 2011, returning June 6, 2011.

C.6. Rescind Placement on Teacher's Salary Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education rescinds the following placements on the teacher's negotiated salary guide effective September 1, 2010:

a) MaryBeth LeBlond, Central School, MA+15 to MA+30 step 23-24. (This was approved on August 23, 2010.)

b) Lisa Lontai, Middle School, MA to MA+15 step 9-10. (This was approved on August 23, 2010.)

c) Rachel Hildebrand, Mt Horeb School, MA+30 to MA+45 step 5-6. (This was approved on September 13, 2010.)

d) Elise Pelcz, Mt Horeb School, MA to MA+15 step 5-6. (This was approved on September 13, 2010.)

e) Alison Dmchowski, Special Services, MA+15 to MA+30 step 9-10. (This was approved on September 13, 2010.)

f) Catherine Murphy, Angelo L. Tomaso School, BA+15 to MA step 3-4. (This was approved on September 27, 2010.)

g) Shannon O'Shea, Woodland School, BA+15 to MA step 7-8. (This was approved on September 27, 2010.)

h) Doris Zanchelli, Mt Horeb School, BA to BA+15 step 5-6. (This was approved on October 12, 2010.)

C.7. Revised Contracted Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Adam Krass to assume the unused hours (3.5) from Tom Caine Associates for assistive technology training to Laurie Donovan and Carol Keirstead at a rate of $120 per hour for a total cost to the district of $420. (Approved September 27, 2010.)

C.8. After School Club - 2010-2011 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following after school club for the 2010-2011 school year and the instructors for each club at the negotiated stipend rate.

Mt. Horeb School

a) Math Club - advisor Michele Gaglioti at a stipend of $715.

C.9. Change of Assignment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the change of assignment for Elzbieta Dumala from Night Custodian, Angelo L. Tomaso School to Head Night Custodian, Angelo L. Tomaso School and to receive the prorated portion of the annual stipend of $500, effective September 16, 2010 through June 30, 2011.

D. Policy

D.1. Policy Revision - First Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the following revised policies:

a) Policy 2240 - Research, Evaluation and Planning

b) Policy 3516 - Safety

c) Policy 5118 - Nonresidents

d) Policy 5131.6 - Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco (Substance Abuse)

XII. OLD BUSINESS

Mrs. Winter reported on the School Boards convention and the sessions that she attended especially 21st Century learning.

Mrs. Spiller reported for herself and Mrs. Monahan that they spent the day walking the floor and viewed multiple companies' presentations on 21st century learning.

Mrs. Spiller asked that district look into the safely of the busing situation that the parents raised in public commentary.

Mr. Daquila responded and he and Dr. Crader will visit the street and report back to the board.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

8th Grade Trip

The board discussed the 8th grade trip, the merits of the trip, the cost of the trip, and how this affects parents that may be experiencing financial difficulties.

The Middle School has a 1 day trip and a 2 day trip alternative and can utilize either way.

Mrs. Burman asked that test material being sent home for review on the K-8 level be placed on the agenda for discussion.

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Christine Phillips commented that the 8th grade class trip is very important and the students should be made responsible for raising money to pay for their trip.

Ellyn Draikiwicz reported that with the help of the guidance counselors some of the students that are in financial need are identified and helped.

Patricia Zahn asked that the educational value of the trip be considered and that the residents that might have financial difficulties be considered.

Tia Allocco encourages the entrepreneurial aspects of the students raising money for their trip. She asked that the board carefully review certain streets and the safety of the bus stops on these streets.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 9:40 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. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board reconvened in open session at 10:22 p.m.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Burman, agenda item, C.6. was approved by an 8-0 roll-call vote.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Burman seconded by Mrs. Toubin, the meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Peter Daquila