Minutes for February 14, 2011 Archived Minutes
Skip NavigationA 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, Roberta Monahan, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, James Sena, Mildred Spiller, and Kathleen Winter
Absent: Patricia Toubin
Sue Burman arrived at 9:05 p.m.
Tony Sardis arrived at 7:15 p.m. & departed at 9:55 p.m.
Kathleen Winter departed at 9:55 p.m.
Also Present: Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, and 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:
January 24, 2011 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Spiller and approved by 6--0 roll call vote.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
Fire Drills
ALT |
Central |
Mt. Horeb |
Woodland |
Middle |
January 4 |
January 4 |
January 19 |
January 28 |
January 14 |
Security Drills
ALT |
Central |
Mt. Horeb |
Woodland |
Middle |
January 26 Lockdown |
January 25 Active Shooter |
January 26 Lockdown |
January 31 Lockdown |
January 31 Lockdown
|
Mr. Daquila reported to the BOE that Thomas Kean sent a thank you letter for the correspondence regarding charter schools.
Dr. Crader reported that she had numerous calls and e-mails from parents regarding the snow day make up days. All were pleasant to deal with and understood the reasons for the change in the school calendar on such short notice.
VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Przybylski thanked the Watchung Warren Rotary for the donation of dictionaries to all 3rd grade students. He congratulated the Warren Middle School ATOMS teams that made the top 16 elimination rounds.
Dr. Przybylski apologized for the quick notice and actions regarding the change in the school schedule to make up the extra snow days and any inconvenience this has caused the parents that need to alter their schedules.
VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Crader reported that she attended TEXPO regarding 21st Century Learning and gathered useful information that will aid the district's efforts. She also attended the Middle School Honors Band Concert that she reported was wonderful.
The dates for the PTO budget presentations have been determined and are on the website. District representatives visited Readington to see their middle school engineering program. She indicated that the district will be looking at School Wires for assistance in maintaining the website.
The superintendent's coffee is set for March 7th at 9:30 a.m. to discuss any items other than the budget.
IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Policy
Mrs. Winter explained the process of updating the policies and indicated that additional information about upgrading the policies will be distributed soon.
Mr. Sardis arrived at this point in the meeting (7:15 p.m.).
Finance
Mrs. Monahan indicated that the finance committee will meet on February 24th to discuss the governor's budget address and its effect on our budget.
X. DISCUSSION
- Budget Priorities
The board discussed the program ranking sheets and the 3 groupings of the programs by average ranking.
The board discussed the pros and cons of the "Outsourcing Night Custodians" item.
The board was reminded that this is still a work in process document and will be discussed again and is a long term review tool.
The board discussed whether or not the individual board member ranking would be issued to the public.
The board determined that the valuation method by each board member should be discussed in the public.
The board discussed individual items on the program evaluation sheet.
The board discussed revising the ranking system is order to make the document more useful and a better working tool.
Ranking sheets will be revised and re-distributed to the board.
- Strategic Plan
Dr. Crader reported that information has been gathered on creating a Strategic Plan. She has been advised not to start a strategic plan with an unsettled teacher's contract. She is seeking input from the board. Preference is to have organizations discuss the process with the board.
- Request From The Wrestling Association For Use of District Land
Matt Suam, Marc Hayward, and Eric Larson presented the proposal to use a piece of district property for a WHWA building. The board discussed the proposal with the WHWA.
Mrs. Burman arrived at this point in the meeting (9:05 p.m.).
- Calendar for 2011-2012
Dr. Crader asked the board to review the 2011/2012 calendar for potential snow make up days if more than the 4 snow days are used. The board will send Dr. Crader their thoughts and asked that all the "sending" districts work together on this.
XI. 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 commented that a legal review and preparation should not be that expensive. The board should control the review of the WHWA proposal.
She asked if there is a difference between a Strategic Plan and 21st Century Learning. Dr. Crader commented that these are 2 separate issues.
Mrs. Zohn commented about getting community support and trust in the Strategic Plan and the Plan for 21st Century Learning.
She indicated that she supports the concept of wrestling using the district land.
She asked about the status of the teacher's contract. Dr. Crader responded.
XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION
Mr. Sardis asked for a separate vote on agenda item C.3.
Mr. Sardis asked a question on agenda item C.4 "Girls on the Run."
He asked if the district can offer a program for only girls. The motion was amended pending attorney review if offering a girls only program is legal.
Dr. Przybylski asked for a separate vote on agenda item B.5
On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the consent agenda items A.1.-.2. B.1. - 4. & B.6., C.1.-2., C.4. (as amended), and D.1. were approved by an 8-0 roll-call vote.
On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mr. Sardis, agenda item B.5., as amended, was approved by a 6-1-1 roll call vote. (Mrs. Burman abstained. Dr. Przybylski voted no.)
On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, agenda item C.3., as amended, was approved by a 6-2 roll call vote. (Mrs. Burman and Mr. Sardis voted no.)
A. Education
A.1. Home Instruction
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves home instruction for the following students:
a) One student (ID#4001201) to receive 10 hours per week for a period of 8 to 10 weeks beginning January 26, 2011. The cost to district will be $4,000.
b) One student (ID#0121234) to receive 10 hours per week for a period of 20 days beginning January 24, 2011 at a cost of $75 per hour for a total cost to the district of $3,000.
A.2. Out of Zone Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of zone request, dated January 31, 2011, for one student, Grade 3 (ID#620409) to remain in Angelo L. Tomaso School for the balance of the 2010-2011 school year. Student's parents have moved into Central zone and will transport student until the end of the school year.
B. Finance/Operations/Transportation
B.1. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the attached report of the secretary for the month of January.
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on January 31, 2010
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$7,011,234.92 |
|
$1,065,558.62 |
(11) Current Expense |
|
$3,317,436.26 |
|
(12) Capital Outlay |
|
$213,354.94 |
|
(13) Special Schools |
|
$129.18 |
|
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
($73,722.89) |
$66,231.65 |
$0.00 |
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$16,626.45 |
($83,935.82) |
$422,125.34 |
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$636,563.21 |
$0.00 |
$14,224.96 |
TOTAL |
$7,590,701.69 |
$3,513,216.21 |
$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.2. Budget Transfers for Month of January 2011
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: |
|||
11-000-222-600-03-10 |
Library Supplies - Central |
11-000-222-600-03-13 |
Periodicals & Subs. - Central |
$350 |
11-000-251-600-01-00 |
Business Office Supplies |
11-000-251-592-01-00 |
Misc. Purchased Svcs.-Business Office |
$3,000 |
11-000-262-490-03-00 |
Sewer & Water - Central |
11-000-262-621-03-00 |
Heat - Central |
$800 |
11-000-262-490-04-00 |
Sewer & Water - Mt. Horeb |
11-000-262-621-03-00 |
Heat - Central |
$550 |
11-000-262-490-05-00 |
Sewer & Water - ALT |
11-000-262-621-03-00 |
Heat - Central |
$910 |
11-000-262-490-07-00 |
Sewer & Water - Middle |
11-000-262-621-03-00 |
Heat - Central |
$1,460 |
11-000-262-610-09-00 |
Building Supplies - Maint. |
11-000-262-621-04-00 |
Heat - Mt. Horeb |
$20,000 |
11-000-270-610-10-00 |
General Supplies - Transp. |
11-000-270-515-10-00 |
Special Ed Transp. - Jointure |
$30,000 |
11-150-100-101-00-00 |
Home Instruction - Salaries |
11-190-100-890-00-00 |
Misc. Instructional Expend. |
$5,000 |
12-000-252-730-00-00 |
Administrative IT Equipment |
11-000-291-270-00-00 |
Health Benefits |
$94,000 |
Total Transfers |
$156,070 |
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:
February 2011
- Joel Van Tine, Middle - NJMENC State Music Convention East Brunswick, NJ $150
March 2011
- Faye Brady, SPS - Learning & The Brain - Mind & Memory, NYC, NY $325
- Faye Brady, SPS - NJAPSA Director's Conference, Long Branch, NJ $200
- Amanda Rodrigues, Middle - Activities for Social/Emotional Learning, Rockaway, NJ $375
- Peter Daquila, BOE - Public bidding & Contracts, New Brunswick, NJ $250
May 2011
- Marilyn Goldstein, ALT - NJTESOL - ELL Methods, New Brunswick, NJ $200
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.4. Watchung-Warren Rotary Club Donation
RESOLVED, the Board of Education accepts, with appreciation, the donation by the Watchung-Warren Rotary Club of dictionaries for all Warren third grade students in the approximate amount of $1,500.
B.5. Amend School Calendar
RESOLVED, the Board of Education amends the 2010-2011 School Calendar as follows:
February 17 - Schools Open full day
February 18 - Schools Open full day
May 27 - Schools Closed - Open for Staff only
In the event of additional snow days, makeup days, schools will be open as follows:
1 Additional Snow Day, Schools Open - April 25
2 Additional Snow Days, Schools Open June 24
3 Or More Snow Days, Schools Open June 27-30, as needed
B.6. Angelo L. Tomaso School Roof Replacement Project
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the submission of the documents for the Angelo L. Tomaso School Roof Replacement Project to the Department of Education for review. The documentation has been prepared by USA Architects. If required, USA Architect is authorized to update the Long Range Facilities Plan for this project.
C. Personnel/Student Services
C.1. 2010-2011 Sport Coach
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following sport coach for the 2010-2011 school year:
a) Kristen D'Alessandro - Softball at a stipend of $2,900.
C.2. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the family leave request for the following:
a) Cheryl Plager, Kindergarten Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, (unpaid with benefits) from June 15, 2011 through June 30, 2011. Returning September 1, 2011.
C.3. Per Diem Deduct Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following per diem deduct request for the following staff:
a) Michele Lepore, Health Teacher, Middle School, for one day, February 16, 2011.
C.4. After School Club - 2010-2011 School Year Amended
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. Pending attorney review and confirmation that district can offer a girl's only program.
Angelo L. Tomaso School
a) Girl's on the Run - advisors Jill Andrews and Kathryn DiDia at a stipend of $715 each.
Central School
a) Girl's on the Run - advisors Megan Harvey and Patricia Pilat at a stipend of $715 each.
D. POLICY
D.1. Policies
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the following policies:
a) Policy 1120 - Board of Education Meetings.
b) Policy 3100 - Budget Planning, Preparation and Adoption.
c) Policy 5141 - Health.
d) Policy 5141.21 - Administering Medication.
e) Policy 6164.1 - Intervention and Referral Services for General Education Students.
f) Policy (Bylaw) 9200 - Orientation and Training of Board Members.
XIII. OLD BUSINESS
Mrs. Spiller suggested that wrestling's attorney should clarify their proposal before the district contacts our attorney.
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
None
XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Patricia Zohn asked if the student's art work and all of their work be displayed and shared in different areas throughout the town.
XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 9:25 p.m. Mr. Sardis 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 Mr. Sena and approved by unanimous voice vote.
Mrs. Winter and Mr. Sardis departed at this point in the meeting (9:55 p.m.)
On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Burman the board reconvened in open session at 10:15 p.m.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Spiller seconded by Mr. Sena, the meeting adjourned at 10:17 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila
Last modified on Thursday, February 24, 2022