Minutes for December 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: Sue Burman, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, Tony Sardis, James Sena, Mildred Spiller, and Kathleen Winter
Absent: Tony Sardis departed at 9:50 p.m.

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

IV. PRESENTATION
None

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Winter moved the following:

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

November 22, 2010 public and private session

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

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

  • Fire Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

November 12

November 9, 12

November 22,

November 10,

November 12,
  • School Bus Emergency Evacuation Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

October 28

November 30

October 19

October 8

Sept 24 & Nov 18
  • Security Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

November 29

Faculty Mgt Security Procedures

November 29

Faculty Mgt Security Procedures

November 11

Faculty Mgt Security Procedures

November 11

Faculty Mgt Security Procedures

November 22

Faculty Mgt Security Procedures

VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Curriculum
Mrs. Spiller indicated that the Curriculum Committee conducted a detailed analysis of the World Language, Guidance, REACH, REACH2 and the gifted and talented programs.

She reported on the detailed evaluation of each program.

Finance
Mrs. Monahan reported that finance has worked to gather the program evaluation sheet that will be discussed this evening.

She also reported:

The solar panel investigation is continuing

Quotes have been received for a canopy for the front entrance of Mt. Horeb. The Finance Committee recommends having the canopy installed.

Policy
Mrs. Winter noted that work on the policies is still continuing. There are three policies for review this evening and more will be reviewed and presented to the board.

VIII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Przybylski introduced Dr. Crader. Dr. Crader presented an overview of the budget process, budget history, and how tonight's program for public commentary will occur.

Dr. Przybylski discussed the parameters of tonight's forum for public commentary. He stated that each person will have a limit of 3 minutes.

IX. DISCUSSION
Public Input

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).

Betty Grossweiler, Grossweiler Lane, spoke about class size and noted that a good teacher controls the class - not the number of students in the class room. She asked if water is provided to the teachers.

Lisa Scherzer, Conifer Drive, expressed that today's curriculum class size needs to be smaller since the curriculum is much more advanced. She feels payments for extracurricular activities and busing should be considered before adjusting class size. She stated she is not in favor of video teaching.

John Micheller, Ferguson Rd., spoke about the need for a before school care program at Mt. Horeb and in the district. He has presented his proposal to the district. He stated he is in favor of world language and Mandarin and is willing to donate money to support Mandarin.

Andrea Tomms is very supportive of REACH and compacting. REACH teaches logic and problem solving which is critical at a young age and sparks the passion for learning.

Liz Peterson, Third St., is in support of REACH and he compacting program at the elementary schools. These programs are needed to challenge the students. She feels the "gifted" students raise the scores for the district.

Julie Hoffman, Darkwood Court, agrees with comments made about REACH. She is strongly against increasing class size since it will create too much strain on the teachers.

Sheeba Varghese, Skyline Drive, noted that Warren has top ranked schools in NJ and that the REACH, REACH2 and gifted and talented programs make our schools what they are.

Diane Horan, Darkwood CT., spoke in favor of REACH, REACH2 and gifted and talented programs. She feels the program allows for out-of-box thinking which is key to learning.

Dr. Przybylski asked for a show of hands from parents in favor or REACH, REACH2 and the gifted and talented programs. 27 hands were raised. He then asked that different issues be discussed.

Nicole Orlov, Flintlock Drive, stressed that a full day kindergarten program is necessary to prepare the students for school and is why the district curriculum is so advanced.

Peter Fallon, Gregory Lane, stated that the governor and law makers are making it impossible to maintain the budgeted programs as they exist today. The public needs to be educated on the budget process and the fact that the 2% cap extremely limits spending.

Michael Decker, North Lane, appreciated the program list and noted that academics should be the top priority and supports pay to play.

Tina Walters supports full day kindergarten and doesn't want to reduce academics in the district. She also noted that guidance counselors and paraprofessionals are important to the students.

Lori Beck, Quill Penn Way, feels that class size adjustments will affect every student in the district.

She supports the full day kindergarten program.

She supports the sports program since non-academic activities contribute to the "well rounding" of the students.

Tia Allocca, Mustang Drive, thanked the board for the feedback session. She noted that the cuts that affect the least amount of children should be considered first. She stated the priority should be the academic programs.

Andrea Freijomil, Christy Drive, stated that she is trying to evaluate the list and determine what the district can afford. She feels that the cost of health benefits need to be controlled and a $10 co-pay is a thing of the past.

Linda Draper, Briarwood Drive East, suggested keeping educational programs and that the parents should pay for extra programs and busing.

Bob Morrison, Briarwood Drive East, supports the board in the difficult challenge of creating a budget with the current $ restrictions. He feels that consolidation with neighboring districts should be investigated and reported to the public. He stated the district should investigate converting the district to all charter schools. He is in full support of the arts program and noted that the arts offerings are limited and should be expanded. He feels the arts will aid the thinking process.

Gretchen Leary spoke in support of full day kindergarten and supports current class sizes.

Christine Tommaso, Tangelwood Drive, stated that increasing class size is unfair to the wide range of students that are in each class.

Maureen Williams, Tangelwood Drive, recognizes the work that each teacher and educator handles. She asked that attention be paid to academics and requested that the school's priority be education. She stated that she moved to Warren for the school system.

Lisa Checchio, Raspberry Trail, stated education is the priority and the teachers are the key to the learning. She feels the education process should be maintained and she is an advocate of full day kindergarten. She asked that tenured teachers be reviewed and not allowed to coast by.

Kathy Chang supports full day kindergarten and stated that converting to half day kindergarten would negatively affect the curriculum. She asked that the board share figures and potential cuts before they are finalized.

Patricia Zohn, Mountainview Road, spoke about the program evaluation sheet and asked if the potential for pay to play activities is appropriate.

She stated that she is surprised that the teacher contract is not settled considering the amount of the budget that is spent on teachers' salaries and benefits.

Dr. Przybylski thanked the public for their input and noted that all the comments will be considered and asked that the public continue to provide input to the budget process during the upcoming board meetings.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION
Mrs. Burman asked a question about agenda item B.2. Mr. Daquila responded.

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

Mrs. Burman asked that agenda item C.5. be pulled for a separate vote.

Mr. Sena asked a question about agenda item B.8. Dr. Crader responded.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item C.1. Dr. Crader responded.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item C.7. Dr. Crader responded.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item C.8. Dr. Crader responded.

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

Mrs. Monahan asked a question about agenda item C.7 regarding Reading Recovery and questioned spending $3,000. Dr. Crader responded that expertise will remain.

Mr. Sena suggested that the district is dealing with a precedent by approving deduct days. Dr. Crader responded that the attorney has advised the district that prior practice exists and the policy will change in the next school year. The board discussed the issue. Dr. Crader stated that the Union president has been notified that as of 7/1/11 the deduct days will no longer be approved.

Mrs. Burman noted that she is voting no on the principle of deduct days and noted that the students will miss four class days with a fabulous teacher.

The deduct day issue as of July 1, 2011 will be discussed by the personal committee.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mr. Sena, the consent agenda items A.1. - 2. B.1.- 8. C.1.- 4. & C.6. - 8, and D.1., were approved by an 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, agenda item C.5 was approved by a 5-3 roll call vote. (Mrs. Burman, Mr. Sardis, and Mr. Sena voted no.)

A. Education

A.1. Out of District Placement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of district placement for one student (ID#0121121) at Somerset Hills Learning Institute beginning December 8 , 2010 through June 30, 2011 for a total prorated cost to the district of $48,000.

A.2. Home Instruction - Extension

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a 60 day extension of 10 hours per week of home instruction for one student (ID#2001172) at a cost to the district of $3,200.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Partial Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the partial payment of bills for December 2010 in the amount of $1,464,599.03.

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 December 14, 2010 to December 31, 2010 and to submit those bills to the Board of Education for approval at its next regular meeting.

B.3. 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.

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

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$6,237,596.54

$1,065,558.62

(11) Current Expense

$4,228,410.09

(12) Capital Outlay

$218,505.65

(13) Special Schools

$129.18

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($55,275.97)

$89,705.10

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$20,176.76

($83,935.82)

$422,125.34

(40) Debt Service Fund

$636,563.21

$0.00

$14,224.96

TOTAL

$6,839,060.54

$4,452,814.20

$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.4. Budget Transfers for Month of November2010

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:

11-000-100-561-00-00

Tuition Other LEAs - Reg. Ed.

11-000-100-562-08-02

Tuition - Other LEAs (Ext. SY)

$2,415

11-000-216-320-08-00

Speech/OT/PT -Purch. Prof. Svcs.

11-000-100-566-08-02

Tuition - Private (Ext. SY)

$31,350

11-000-217-320-08-00

Extraordinary Svcs. - Prof. Svcs.

11-000-100-562-08-01

Tuition - Other LEAs (Reg.SY)

$15,000

11-000-230-890-01-01

Dues & Membership - Super.

11-000-230-332-01-00

Audit Fees

$185

11-000-262-610-09-00

Bldg. Supplies -Maintenance

11-000-262-621-03-00

Heat - Central

$10,000

11-000-270-518-10-00

Contracted Transp. - ESC

11-000-270-511-10-71

Contr. Transp. - Reg. Bus Routes

$5,700

11-000-291-260-00-00

Workers Compensation

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$3,730

12-000-400-390-00-00

Prof. Svcs. (Capital Projects)

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$5,000

12-000-400-450-00-00

Construction Services

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$7,170

Total Transfers

$80,550

B.5. Angelo L. Tomaso School PTO Donation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of $16,365 from the Angelo L. Tomaso School PTO towards the purchase of a classroom SMART Board, a projector with audio, and a projection screen for the all-purpose room.

B.6. Transportation Contract - Other District Correction

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the corrected amount for a transportation contract with Green Brook, for the transportation of their students for the receipt of funds for transporting out of district students for the 2010-2011 school year as follows:

Contractor

District

Route

School

Cost

Warren

Green Brook

W141

DLC

5,904.00

a previous amount of $5,094 was approved

B.7. Amended Resolution for Transportation for Out of District Student

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the change in transportation of one student under the joint transportation agreement with WHRHS (Route #W139), previously approved for $19,032.83. Transportation for this student has been cancelled. This change was effective October 18, 2010. The new amount to be approved is $2,960.72 (28 days at a per diem rate of $105.74.)

B.8. Transportation - Parental Contract

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves a parental transportation contract, effective December 8, 2010, for one student (ID#0121121) to the Somerset Hills Learning Institute for the 2010-2011 school year in the amount of $2,608.80 (120 days at 21.74 a day).

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) Meghan Madden, Special Education Teacher, BD Class, Angelo L. Tomaso 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 December 14, 2010 through June 30, 2011

C.2. Family Medical Leave/Family Leave Requests

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education amends and approves the family medical leave and family leave requests for the following staff:

a) Alison Hales (Dmochowski), OT, District, amend FMLA unpaid with benefits, changed from November 29, 2010 to December 1, 2010 through February 2, 2011 with a return date on or about February 3, 2011.

b) Patricia Toscano, Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb, approve FMLA unpaid with benefits effective December 9, 2010 through January 31, 2011 with a return date of February 1, 2011.

c) Michele Kurilla, Basic Skills Teacher, Central School approve family medical leave (FMLA) to beginning December 10, 2010 through December 31, 2010 (unpaid with benefits), amend family leave (FLA) originally to begin on December 8, 2011 to begin January 1, 2011 through March 31, 2010, (unpaid with benefits), and child rearing leave beginning April 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011 (unpaid without benefits). Returning September 1, 2011.

C.3. Substitute Teachers

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

a) Amanda Lockhart

b) Ridhima Bajaj (former substitute)

C.4. Bus Monitor

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Julio Chavez as a bus monitor for the 2010-2011 school year at an annual salary of $15,500, prorated from December 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. Mr. Chavez substitute bus driver rate will be $17.48 per hour (Mr. Chavez is replacing Elyssa Raucci).

C.5. Per Diem Deduct Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following per diem deduct request for Susan Horn, Grade 8 LA/SS Teacher, Middle School, for four days, December 20-23, 2010.

C.6. Temporary Employee

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Jeff Sutherland to work in the Maintenance Department for the period of December 27, 2010 to January 3, 2011 at his summer employee rate of $9.00 per hour.

C.7. Reading Recovery Technical Support Contract

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the use of the NYU Reading Recovery network for technical support for Nancy Braunstein, Denise Kennedy, Fran Perlman, MaryLou Psak throughout the 2010-2011 school year at a cost to the district of $3,000.

C.8. Consultative Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Newmark School personnel to provide consultative services beginning January 3, 2011 for the Behavioral Disabilities class at Angelo L. Tomaso school, 3 hours a week, for the remainder of the 2010-2011 school year (24 weeks) at a cost of $125 per hour for a total cost to the district of $9,000. This consultation was part of the Behavioral Disabilities program proposal discussed and approved by the BOE.

D. Policy

D.1. Policy Revision - Second and Final Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second and final reading of the following revised policies:

a) Policy 2255 - Action Planning For State Monitoring NJQSAC New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum

b) Policy 3327 - Relations With Vendors

c) Policy 6114 - Emergencies And Disaster Preparedness

XII. OLD BUSINESS

Mrs. Spiller asked for input on the FAQ. She noted that the curriculum report may have been misunderstood due to the program evaluation document and the public input on the programs.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

Mrs. Monahan reported that the Garden State Coalition asked for input about charter schools. Dr. Crader will email info to the board for input. She noted that the music department is bringing in the Boston Brass. She asked if the members of the board would contribute for an ad in the program book.

Mr. Huber noted the success of the Watchung Hills Pop Warner Football & Cheer Program and its leaders George Lazo & Michael Marion. The Junior Pee Wees achieved the Mountain Valley Championship title and the Pee Wees took the State Championship title.

Mr. Sardis reported that over the weekend an offsite issue occurred between 2 students. He asked about the district's role in these types of issues. Dr. Crader responded that the school(s) should be informed.

Mr. Sardis also asked that the district collect un-opened sealed food left from lunch for the food banks.

Dr. Przybylski thanked the ALT PTO for their generous donation of SMART boards and equipment.

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Andrea Frejomil asked a question about Watchung Hills Pop Warner & Jr. Warriors Football.

Patricia Zahn thanked the board for the openness in discussing the items on the program evaluation list and budget items.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 9:22 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.

Mr. Sardis departed at this point in the meeting (9:50 p.m.).

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Winter, the board reconvened in open session at 10:12 p.m.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Winter seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Peter Daquila