Minutes for February 28, 2011History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Central School, Mt. Bethel 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 Vice President, Mrs. Winter

OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT - Mrs. Winter 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 - Mrs. Winter led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL

Present: Sue Burman, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, James Sena, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, and Kathleen Winter

Absent: Dr. Gregory Przybylski

Tony Sardis arrived at 7:20 p.m.

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

IV. PRESENTATION

  • Central School - "Music Mayhem" and "Proud to be an American"

    Dr. Crader introduced Dr. Cebula. Dr. Cebula introduced 5th grader Clayton Bush who read his award winning essay "Proud To Be An American."

    The board thanked and congratulated Clayton Bush.

    Dr. Cebula introduced 4th grade teacher, Miss Meghan Harvey, who is doing "Music Mayhem" which has a different theme each month. The students sang the Central School theme song.

    The board thanked Miss Harvey and the students for sharing their song and congratulated them on doing such a great job.

EXECUTIVE SESSION #1:

At 7:10 p.m. Mrs. Burman 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. Burman, seconded by Mrs. Spiller the board reconvened in open session at 7:18 p.m.

V. MINUTES
Mr. Sena moved the following:

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

February 14, 2011 public and private session

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Burman and approved by 6--0-1 roll call vote. (Mrs. Toubin abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
None

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Mrs. Winter thanked Dr. Cebula for their hospitality in hosting the board meeting and for organizing the student presentations.

Mr. Sardis arrived at this point in the meeting (7:20 p.m.).

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Crader read a statement of recognition for Dr. Cebula and thanked her for her 24 years of service to Warren.

Dr. Crader noted that resume screening for the principal position starts tomorrow.

She mentioned that a catalogue of flex day classes is now available.

She indicated that she attended a dress rehearsal of the ALT 1st & 2nd grade musical.

Dr. Crader announced that here is one quiz bowl team left in the competition, which is now only 4 teams.

She clarified agenda item C.4. and stated that Mrs. Jackson is assuming the role of teacher in charge at Central.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Communication
Mrs. Spiller noted that Dr. Crader's monthly walk throughs are being well received by the students and the teachers.

Finance
Mrs. Monahan reported that the Finance Committee has met and items about the budget will be talked about in the discussion section. She also reported that for the approximately same costs the district will be converting to Cablevision /Lightpath for internet services.

Negotiation
Mr. Sardis reported that the district has settled with the administrators. The raise will be 1.5%, 1.75%, & 1.75% and they agreed to the SEHBP.

Mrs. Monahan thanked Mr. Sardis for chairing and Mrs. Burman for her work in updating the contract.

X. DISCUSSION

  • Board of Education Self-Evaluation
    Dr. Crader reported on the board's self-evaluation. Mrs. Burman and Dr. Crader will work on the self-evaluation.
  • 2011-2012 Elementary School Schedules
    Dr. Crader reported on the draft of the Elementary School Schedule Changes for 2011/12. The board discussed the changes and indicated they will be adopted in all 4 schools.
  • Preliminary 2011-2012 Budget - County Review

    Dr. Crader reported that the district is receiving an additional $387,000 of State aid and reviewed how the funds are being used in the preliminary budget. The proposed tax increase is 1.6%, and certain expense items have been increased.

    Mrs. Burman asked if the 1.6% tax increase instead of 2.0% increase is prudent since there is caution that the State will still alter the school funding.

  • RFP Cycle - Professional Services Providers
    Dr. Crader reported on the RFP cycle for attorney, accountant, architect, banking and insurance. An RFP for banking will be issued next week. Mr. Daquila and the Finance Committee will review the responses and determine if a change in provider is warranted.

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).

Andrea Freijomil asked about the budget and if the money has been taken from various areas to balance last year's budget. Mr. Daquila responded that funds have not been shifted between accounts to fund only a limited number of expense items.

Tia Allocco asked about the Capital Reserve account and its balance.

Mr. Daquila responded that projected balance at 6/30/11 is $1,200,000, the 2011/12 budget calls for project spending of $700,000 and the balance at 6/30/12 should be $500,000. He went on to say that prior to June 30, 2011 the board may choose to add dollars to the Capital Reserve if funds are available.

Mrs. Allocco asked how it was determined to use the excess funds in the 2011/12 budget.

Dr. Crader responded that the board wanted to use the funds on areas that would not be adversely affected if they are only in the budget for one year.

XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item C.1 & C.2. - if a new position is being created. Dr. Crader responded that it is a long term sub and that a new position is not being created.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item C.3.

Dr. Crader responded about the change in provider which results in the increased cost.

Mr. Huber asked questions about agenda item D.1. policy

2nd reading

1120 - he asked about the wording of shall and may. Dr. Crader responded about the wording.

6164.11 - he asked who comprises the I&RS team. Dr. Crader responded that the staff in each

school makes up the team.

1st reading

4112.2/4212.2 - he asked for verification that the mentoring program exists and that the evaluation process of employees is done by the principal. Dr. Crader clarified the process and wording was altered.

5131.5 - he asked for a clarification on wording. Dr. Crader responded and clarified wording.

6121 - he asked for a clarification on wording. Dr. Crader responded and wording was altered.

6178 - he asked for clarification on the policy. Dr. Crader responded that this is a brand new policy and is being created since the district now has a preschool.

Mrs. Toubin asked a question on agenda item C.3. - that the $1,000 increase in costs for a 4 month period seems excessive. Dr. Crader will report on the number of sessions being provided.

On motion by Mrs. Burman, seconded by Mrs. Toubin, the consent agenda items A.1.-.3. B.1. - 3., C.1.- 4., and D.1.-2., were approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

A. Education

A.1. Home Instruction
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the extension of home instruction for the following students:

a) One student (ID#620272) for a period of 60 days beginning February 22, 2011. The cost to district will be $5,200.

b) One student (ID#0121234) for a period of 30 days beginning February 22, 2011. The cost to the district will be $4,500.

A.2. Out of Zone Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of zone request, dated February 25, 2011, for two students, Grade 3 (ID#2008436) and Grade 5 (ID#2008437) to remain in Woodland School for the balance of the 2010-2011 school year. Student's parents have moved into Mt. Horeb zone and will transport students until the end of the school year.

A.3. 2011-2014 WTAA Collective Bargaining Agreement
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the 2011-2014 WTAA Collective Bargaining Agreement that was ratified by the WTAA membership on February 25, 2011.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for February 28, 2011 in the amount of $4,457,126.93.

B.2. 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:

March 2011

  • Paula Pontoriero, Woodland - First Grade Forum at Kean University, Union, NJ $175
  • Susan Leonard, Woodland - First Grade Forum at Kean University, Union, NJ $175

April 2011

  • Michelle Zgombic, Middle - Creating 21st Century Learning, East Brunswick, NJ $300
  • Allison Hales, SPS - American Occupational Therapy Conference, Philadelphia, PA $400

May 2011

  • Michelle Stein, SPS - NJASP Spring Meeting, Elizabeth, NJ $175
  • Mary Sfiris, Middle - NJTESOL - ELL regulations, New Brunswick, NJ $225

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.3. PRELIMINARY 2011-2012 Warren Township School Budget

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the PRELIMINARY 2011-2012 Warren Township School Budget and approves the PRELIMINARY budget for submission to the Somerset County Executive Superintendent of Schools for review.

The proposed budget includes sufficient funds to provide curriculum and instruction which will enable all students to achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards and is in compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A and N.J.A.C Title 6 and 6A.

The Anticipated Enrollment for the school year 2011-2012 is 2,220 students.

Appropriations:

General Fund

$37,846,880

Summer School

178,800

Capital Outlay

136,751

Capital Reserve

0

Withdrawal from Capital Reserve

720,000

Special Revenue

500,000

Debt Service

936,870

TOTAL BUDGET:

$40,319,301

Revenues:

Tax Levy - General Fund

$36,911,808

Tax Levy - Debt Service

656,101

SUB-TOTAL:

$37,567,909

State Aid

$726,719

State Aid - Debt Service

280,767

SUB-TOTAL:

$1,007,486

Surplus - General Fund

$208,180

Withdrawal from Capital Reserve

720,000

Debt Service

2

Miscellaneous Revenue

247,000

Federal Funds Anticipated

568,724

TOTAL:

$40,319,301

 

As per NJAC 6A:23B-1.2(b), the proposed budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement. The 2011/2012 tentative budget includes a maximum travel appropriation of $100,000. The School Business Administrator shall track and record these costs to insure that the maximum amount is not exceeded.

As per NJAC 6A:23A-5.2(1), the proposed budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that is annually established for each type of professional service including public relations, with appropriate notification to the board of education if it becomes necessary to exceed the maximum. Upon such notification, the board of education may adopt a dollar increase in the maximum amount through board action.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. RESOLVED, upon recommendation from the Superintendent that the Board of Education approve the following Personnel items including the emergent employment of the following employees (indicated by*) conditional upon the final approval by the New Jersey Department of Education, for the 2011-2012 school year and the Board further authorizes the submission of an application for emergency hiring pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1, et. Seq., N.J.S.A. 18A:6.14.12, et. Seq."

a) Tiffany Pillard, Special Education Teacher, Woodland School, MA, Step 3-4 of the

January 10, 2011 through June 30, 2011. (Ms. Pillard was a previous teacher and is currently a substitute. Ms. Pillard is replacing Amanda McGrath on Family Leave.)

C.2. Extend Return From Family Leave

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education extends the return from family leave for Amanda McGrath, Grade 3 Teacher, Woodland School from June 6, 2011 to June 8, 2011.

C.3. Outside Contractor

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Melissa Selman, Creative Speech Solutions to provide speech services for one student (ID#102949) for the remainder of the school year. Ms. Selman is replacing the current provider Mrs. Bucciarelli at an additional cost to the district of $1,000. Ms. Selman's credentials are on file.

C.4. Teacher in Charge for the 2010-2011 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Hildy Jackson, Central School, as teacher in charge, replacing Paul Duncan, at the WTEA stipend rate prorated from April 1, 2011, through June 30, 2011.

XIII. D. Policy

D.1. Policies - Second and Final Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second and final 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.

D.2. Policies - First Reading

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

a) Policy 4112.2/4212.2 - Certification.

b) Policy 5131.5 - Vandalism/Violence

c) Policy 6121 - Nondiscrimination/Affirmative Action

d) Policy 6142.2 - English As A Second Language; Bilingual Programs

e) Policy 6178 - Early Childhood Education/Preschool

XIV. OLD BUSINESS
Mrs. Spiller asked when the board is going to discuss Dr. Crader's 100 day report. Dr. Crader is trying to find a meeting to discuss the report when there isn't a full agenda.

XV. NEW BUSINESS
Mrs. Monahan reported that the PTOs are doing fund raisers that only require telling a restaurant that you are from a school in Warren when you are dinning.

XVI. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Andrea Freijomil asked about the food that the PTO serves for lunch and who approves the food content and verifies that the food complies with the nutritional regulations. Dr. Crader responded and indicated that she will speak to the PTO presidents about the food day selections.

Patricia Zohn asked about the teacher's contract. Dr. Crader responded that it is still in fact finding.

She asked if an amount for retroactive pay is included in the budget. Dr. Crader responded that due to negotiations the question cannot be answered.

XVII. EXECUTIVE SESSION #2:
At 8:10 p.m. Mrs. Monahan moved the following:

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Spiller and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Burman, seconded by Mrs. Monahan the board reconvened in open session at 8:35 p.m.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Burman seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila