Minutes for June 27, 2011History icon Archived Minutes

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A 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 6:11 p.m. by the Board Vice-President, Mrs. Spiller

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

III. ROLL CALL
Present:
Tia Allocco, Susan Burman, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, James Sena, and Mildred Spiller

Absent: John De Bellis arrived at 6:20

Patricia Toubin arrived at 6:25

Gregory Przybylski

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

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 6:14 p.m. Mrs. Monahan 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 for the purpose of interviewing the Central School Principal candidate.

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.

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Toubin the board reconvened in open session at 6:58p.m.

Members of the public and press joined the meeting.

IV. PRESENTATION
None

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Monahan moved the following:

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

June 13, 2011 public and private session

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Burman and approved by 7-0-1 roll call vote. (Mrs. Toubin abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

The superintendent reported the following drills had been held.

  • Fire Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

June 3

June 13

June 20

June 10

June 14

  • Security Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

June 20

Evacuation Drill &

Bomb Threat Drill

June 9

Bomb Procedure

June 16

Evacuation Drill

June 20

Evacuation Drill

June 21

Bomb Threat

June 17

Bomb Threat

June 21

Evacuation

June 21

Lockdown

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Mrs. Spiller read a resolution of appreciation for Peter Daquila, Business Administrator, who is leaving after 5 ½ years as the district School Business Administrator.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Crader reported that she attended a meeting with the Commissioner of Education and explained how he is revamping the office structure. She noted that the board member criminal check is on hold until the state provides clarification. Dr. Crader also indicated that only 26 graduating 8th graders are not attending the WHRHS. All are going to private schools.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Policy

Mrs. Monahan noted the policy committee met and will meet again in July.

Communication

Mrs. Monahan noted the communication committee met and will continue with the school/PTO liaisons.

Finance

Mr. Sena noted that the committee met. He reported that goals will be created: a 5 year capital plan will be created & maintained, busing will be reviewed and special education spending will also be reviewed. He noted that Senator Doherty's letter was reviewed and discussed; additional info will be gathered and reported at the next meeting.

A colleague of Mr. Huber will review the district's energy purchases at no cost to the district. Two motions B.6. & B.7. on the agenda are recommended by the Finance Committee.

X. DISCUSSION
2010-2011 Goals - Final Report

Dr. Crader updated the board on the status of the 2010/2011 board goals and the district goals.

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).

Jody Schinner asked about class size and why the class sections are being reduced. She noted that students are leaving the district and going to private school because of class size. Dr. Crader responded that none of the transfer sheets indicate students are leaving due to class size.

Patricia Zohn thanked Mr. Daquila for his responsiveness, openness, and his vast contributions to Warren.

XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION
Mrs. Burman asked that agenda item B.7. be pulled for a vote after the executive session and that agenda item C.5. be pulled for a separate vote.

Mr. Sena asked a question about agenda item C.4. - why a paraprofessional is needed for extra .5 hour. Dr. Crader noted that a student needed extra attention.

Mr. Huber asked that agenda items B.3. be pulled for a separate vote.

He questioned agenda item A.3 and the reason for the motion.

Dr. Crader noted that this is an ESY placement put of the district.

Mr. Huber asked a question about agenda item B.9. and why the item is being rented.

Dr. Crader clarified that Dynavox must be rented for the student before parents can purchase the machine.

Mrs. Burman asked that agenda item C.7. have dates changed to 6/28 & 9/12 - the resolution was amended.

Mrs. Monahan and Mrs. Allocco asked a question regarding agenda item C.8 - if there are enough staff members to perform the work.

Dr. Crader noted that there is enough staff to get the curriculum work accomplished.

Mrs. Allocco asked a question about agenda item C.2. and noted that all of the additional information has not been provided. Agenda item C.2. will be pulled and put on the 7/18 agenda.

Mrs. Spiller asked a question about agenda item B.8. and noted that some of the dates are still incorrect. The item was pulled to be corrected and will put on the 7/18 agenda.

Mr. Huber commented on item B.3. that even though finance discussed the transfers he is still uncomfortable with the transfer of funds between accounts.

Mrs. Burman noted that a limit for transfers exists and wondered if the transfers needed approval.

Mr. Daquila noted that all transfers over 10% in a line item need to be approved by the executive county superintendent.

Mr. Daquila noted that the transfers in question are all going to a fund 12 - equipment account. Both the 2010/11 and 2011/12 budgets have $0.00 budgeted for equipment replacement. He noted that finance will develop a procedure on monitoring the amount and reasons for the transfers.

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Burman and approved on an 8-0 roll call vote, the consent agenda items A.1.-5., B.1.-2., B.4.-6., B.9.-12., C.1., C.3. & 4., C.6. C.7. as amended, C.8. - 10., and D.1.-2., were approved by an 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mr. Sena and approved on a 6-2 roll call vote, the board approved agenda item C.5. (Mrs. Burman and Mrs. Toubin voted no.)

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Burman and approved on an 8-0 roll call vote, the board approved agenda item B.3.

A. EDUCATION

A.1. Extended School Year Related Services - Out-of-District and In-District

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the extended of school year related service provider and student lists for out-of-district and in-district students dated June 16, 2011.

A.2. Removal of Student from Extended School Year Placement

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the removal of one student (ID#0120088) from ESY out of district placement at a savings to the district of $4,923.09

A.3. Extended School Year Placement

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the out of district placement for one student (ID#0120540) at the Garden Academy at a tuition of $12,666.08.

A.4. Out of District Related Services

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves one student (ID#0120949) to receive Level 1 services from NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired for a cost to the district of $1,700.

A.5. Art Curriculum - K-6

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the revised K-8 Art Curriculum dated June 27, 2011.

B. FINANCE/OPERATIONS/TRANSPORTATION

B.1. Partial Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the partial payment of bills for June 2011 in the amount of $2,666,800.05

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 May.

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on May 31, 2011

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$6,232,387.42

$1,065,558.62

(11) Current Expense

$1,817,973.58

(12) Capital Outlay

$140,813.65

(13) Special Schools

$129.18

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($61,061.69)

$34,149.96

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$16,626.45

($83,935.82)

$422,125.34

(40) Debt Service Fund

$14,239.21

$14.25

$14,224.96

TOTAL

$6,202,191.39

$1,909,144.80

$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 May 2011

Approve the following Resolution:

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:

11-000-223-110-12-00

Staff Training Salaries

11-000-223-320-12-00

Staff Training - Purch. Svcs.

$9,000

11-000-230-590-00-23

Legal Ads

11-000-230-530-01-21

Postage - District

$1,500

11-000-230-590-01-00

Other Purchased Services

11-000-230-530-01-21

Postage - District

$2,500

11-000-270-503-10-00

Contracted Aide in Lieu

11-000-270-515-10-00

Special Ed Transp. - Jointure

$5,000

11-000-270-503-10-00

Contracted Aide in Lieu

11-000-270-615-10-00

Transportation Supplies

$10,000

11-150-100-101-00-00

Home Instruction - Salaries

11-190-100-640-12-00

Textbooks - Series Replace.

$10,000

11-240-100-610-04-00

ESL Supplies

11-204-100-610-08-00

LLD Supplies

$600

12-000-230-730-00-00

General Admin. Equipment

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$6,100

12-000-240-730-07-00

School Admin. Equipment-MS

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$55,300

12-000-400-390-00-00

Prof. Svcs. (Capital Projects)

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$24,500

12-000-400-450-00-00

Construction Services

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$3,000

12-000-400-720-00-00

Building

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$27,450

12-120-100-730-03-00

Instructional Equipment - CS

11-000-100-562-08-01

Tuition - Other LEAs

$3,400

12-120-100-730-04-00

Instructional Equipment - MH

11-000-100-562-08-01

Tuition - Other LEAs

$3,400

12-120-100-730-05-00

Instructional Equipment - ALT

11-000-100-562-08-01

Tuition - Other LEAs

$3,350

12-130-100-730-07-00

Instructional Equipment - MS

11-000-100-562-08-01

Tuition - Other LEAs

$3,350

Total Transfers

$168,450

B.4. 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:

July 2011

  • Sheila Connelly, ALT - Engineering in the Classroom, Piscataway, NJ $ 180
  • Kris Stankiewicz, Middle - MUJC Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Program,

New Providence, NJ $1,800

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.5. Middle School PTO Donation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of 28 Elmo document cameras valued at $600 each and three Smartboards valued at $4,000 each from the Middle School PTO for a total donation of $28,800.

B.6. Transfer of Current Year Surplus to Capital Reserve

WHEREAS, NJSA 18A:21-2 and NJSA 18A:7G-13 permit a Board of Education to establish and/or deposit into certain reserve accounts at year end, and

WHEREAS, the aforementioned statutes authorize procedures, under the authority of the Commissioner of Education, which permit a board of education to transfer anticipated excess current revenue or unexpended appropriations into reserve accounts during the month of June by board resolution, and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education wishes to deposit the anticipated current year surplus of up to $1,000,000 into Capital Reserve at year end, and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education has determined that up to $1,000,000 is available for such purpose of transfer;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren Township Schools Board of Education hereby authorizes the district's School Business Administrator to make this transfer consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.

B.7. REVISED Transfer of Current Year Surplus to Emergency Reserve

WHEREAS, NJSA 18A:21-2 and NJSA 18A:7G-13 permit a Board of Education to establish and/or deposit into certain reserve accounts at year end, and

WHEREAS, the aforementioned statutes authorize procedures, under the authority of the Commissioner of Education, which permit a board of education to transfer anticipated excess current revenue or unexpended appropriations into reserve accounts during the month of June by board resolution, and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education wishes to deposit the anticipated current year surplus of up to $600,000 into Emergency Reserve at year end, and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education has determined that up to $600,000 is available for such purpose of transfer;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren Township Schools Board of Education hereby authorizes the district's School Business Administrator to make this transfer consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.

B.8. Revised Board Meeting Dates PULLED

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the revised list of meetings for the 2011-2012 school year. {NOTE: All meetings will be held on a Monday in the BOE Admin. Bldg. unless otherwise noted.}

DATE

TIME

TOPICS/NOTES

May 9

7:00pm

 

May 23

7:00pm

(@ WMS)

 

June 13

7:00pm

 

June 27

7:00pm

 

July 18

7:00pm

 

August 22

7:00pm

 

September 12

7:00pm

NOTE: New Staff Welcome Reception to start at 6:30pm

September 26

7:00pm

 

October 11

7:00pm

(NOTE: TUESDAY)

October 24

7:00pm

 

November 14

7:00pm

(@ WMS)

 

November 28

7:00pm

(@ Mt. Horeb)

 

December 12

7:00pm

(@ Woodland)

 

January 9

7:00pm

 

January 23

7:00pm

(@ ALT)

 

February 13

7:00pm

 

February 27

7:00pm

(@ Central)

 

March 12

7:00pm

 

March 26

7:00pm

(@ WMS)

BUDGET HEARING

April 10

7:00pm

April 30

7:00pm

REORGANIZATION

May 7

7:00pm

May 21

7:00pm

(@ WMS)

June 11

7:00pm

 

June 25

7:00pm

 

B.9. Rental of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the four week rental during the month of July of a Dyna Vox Maestro (Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device) for one student (ID#0120949) at a cost to the district of $1,000.

B.10. 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 June 28, 2011 to June 30, 2011, and to submit those bills to the Board of Education for approval at its next regular meeting.

B.11. Award Contract for 2011/2012 Transportation for In-District Students -

Four Transportation Routes for Middle School Late Bus

WHEREAS, on June 21, 2011, the Board of Education received bids for the 2011/2012 Transportation for In-District Students - Four Transportation Routes for the Middle School Late Bus:

  • Fred Dealaman Bus Service LTD, Warren, NJ $27,000
  • Kensington Bus Co., Lebanon, NJ $84,000

RESOLVED, the Board of Education awards the contract for the Transportation for In-District Students - Four Transportation Routes for the Middle School Late Bus to Fred Dealaman Bus Service LTD of Warren, NJ.

B.12. Somerset County Solar Project - Renewable Energy Program

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the execution or acknowledgment and delivery of certain agreements and certain other actions to be taken all in connection with the Somerset County Improvement Authority's County of Somerset guaranteed renewable energy program lease revenue bonds, series 2011 as per the attached.

C. PERSONNEL/STUDENT SERVICES

C.1. Employment for the 2011-2012 School Year

RESOLVED, upon recommendation from the Superintendent that the Board of Education approve the following Personnel items including the emergent employment of the following employee 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) Stephanie Thompson, Guidance Counselor, Middle School, MA, Step 3-4 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2011-2012 step will be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. (Replacing William Tozier.)

b) Tiffany Pillard, Grade 3 Teacher, Woodland School, MA, Step 3-4 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2011-2012 step will be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. (Replacing Rita Brown.)

c) Elena Marinello, leave replacement Grade 1 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, BA+15, Step 1-2 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2011-2012 step will be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. (Replacing Kristen Stoyanov on child rearing leave.)

d) Michelle Jarmicki, leave replacement Grade 2 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, BA, Step 1-2 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2011-2012 step will be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. (Replacing Michele Kurilla on child rearing leave.)

C.2. Leadership Links for Strategic Planning - 2011-2012 Pulled

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Leadership Links for Strategic Planning for 2011-2012, pending the resolution of the WTEA-WTBOE collective bargaining agreement, at the rate of $18,000.

C.3. Middle School Team Leaders

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following Middle School Team Leaders for the 2011-2012 school year per the WTEA agreement:

a) Barbara LaSaracina - 6th Grade

b) Dan Ticchio - 7th Grade

c) Lynn Degen -8th Grade

d) Diane Burak - Unified Arts

C.4. Extended Work Time

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves an additional half hour for Lianne Heteji, Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, from May 23, 2011 through June 23, 2011 at an additional cost of $200. (Ms. Heteji is a 1:1 aide.)

C.5. Per Diem Deduct Request

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

a) Debra Tlumacki, Multi-duty Paraprofessional, Middle School, for a half day, June 21, 2011.

b) Carol Krenek, Secretary, Middle School, for three days, June 28-30, 2011.

c) Silvia Gebala, Multi-duty Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, for five days, June 8-10, 13-14, 2011.

C.6. Out of District Consultant and Related Services

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following out of district consultant and related services:

a) Brian Friedlander as the Assistive Technology Consultant for the 2011-2012 school year at a total cost not to exceed $10,000.

b) Pediatric Workshop to provide physical therapy during the Summer Fun Program (June 27, 2011 to July 29, 2011) at a cost not to exceed $3,000.

C.7. Offers of Employment During Summer Months Amended

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to extend offers of employment after consulting with the Board of Education regarding budgeted positions for which there may be a vacancy between June 28, 2011 and September 12, 2011, subject to ratification of the Board at the next available Board meeting.

C.8. Summer Curriculum Work

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the list of Summer 2011 Curriculum positions dated June 23, 2011 at the negotiated WTEA rate of $40 an hour.

C.9. Employment of Principal - Central School

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the hiring of Janet Milita as Principal of Central School, on or about August 29, 2011 through June 30, 2012 as per the employment contract on file in the Board Office and in accordance with the terms and conditions of employment as set forth in the WTAA collective bargaining agreement.

C.10. 2011 Summer Bus Monitor

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Maria Ortega as a summer bus monitor at $12.23 per hour beginning July 1, 2011 through August 30, 2011.

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) 1100 - Communicating with the Public

b) 1120 - Board of Education Meetings

c) 5114 - Suspension and Expulsion

d) 5131.1 - Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

e) 5131.5 - Vandalism and Violence

f) 9200 - Orientation and Training of Board Members

g) 9270 - Conflict of Interest

D.2. Policies - First Reading

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

a) 5131 - Conduct and Discipline

b) 5131.6 - Drugs, Alcohol, Steroids, Tobacco

c) 5141.8 - Sports-Related concussions

d) 6145.1/6145.2 - Intramural/Interscholastic Competition

XIII. OLD BUSINESS
Wrestling Association Lease Proposal

Mrs. Allocco asked for some background information on the wrestling lease proposal.

Mr. Daquila provided an update on the history of the wrestling association asking to use district land to build a wrestling facility.

The board discussed the comments from the attorney about the lease proposal and the district being restricted to a 5 year lease term.

Mr. Sciarrillo joined the meeting and added information about the DOE limits on approving a lease for land for more than five years.

Mr. Daquila will inform the wrestling association of this information.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS
None

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
None

XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 8:18 p.m. Mrs. Monahan 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

a collective bargaining agreement and/or negotiations related to it,

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. Toubin and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Toubin the board reconvened in open session at 9:24 p.m.

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Toubin and approved on an 8-0 roll call vote, the board approved agenda item B.7.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Burman seconded by Mrs. Allocco, the meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Peter Daquila