Minutes for July 18, 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 7:00 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: Tia Allocco, Susan Burman, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, Gregory Przybylski, James Sena, Mildred Spiller and Patricia Toubin

Absent: John De Bellis arrived at 7:20 p.m.

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

IV. PRESENTATION
None

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Spiller moved the following:

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

June 27, 2011 public and private session

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Monahan and approved by 7-0-1 roll call vote. (Dr. Przybylski abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
None

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Przybylski thanked the Mt. Horeb School PTO for its generous support of the school district throughout the year and for the donation of Elmo document cameras which the board will accept this evening. He also acknowledged the Warren Youth Services Commission and Mrs. Monahan for supporting the Girls on the Run and Century Club.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Crader read a letter of acknowledgement about Valerie Justice, who is retiring on June 30, 2011 after 24 years of service to Warren.

She also reported on the progress of two construction projects noting the roof replacement project at the ALT School is almost complete and the one-month postponement on the completion of the bleacher project at the MS was due to a manufacturing delay. On this subject, Dr. Crader commended Tyler Tribelhorn for the implementation of his idea to dismantle the bleachers using Warren maintenance personnel and recycling the old bleacher parts for a total savings of $9,500.

After Dr. Crader reported on a new state requirement that subjects board members criminal background checks and fingerprinting, the board determined that expenses for this new mandate should be reimbursed by the school district.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Monahan and approved by an 8-0 roll-call vote, the board authorized reimbursing board members for expenses associated with fingerprinting and criminal background checks recently mandated by the state for all board of education members.

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

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mrs. Spiller submitted and summarized the minutes of the Curriculum Committee's July 7, 2011 meeting, which included an explanation of Tap and Guide at WMS, a report of the status of Character Education in the district, and discussion of Goals for 2011-2012.

Mr. Sena submitted and summarized minutes of the Finance Committee's meeting of July 13, 2011 including a recommendation to use all $387,320 of additional state aid for tax relief.

X. DISCUSSION
2011-2012 Goals Setting Session

Dr. Crader led a full- board discussion suggesting that goals center around three areas:

1. Strategic Planning

2. Bullying Legislation - Getting to know it better.

3. 21st Century Skill and Curriculum

During the discussion, board members suggested adding goals related to contract negotiations with the teachers' association, the annual school budget, and professional development, among other ideas. Other members asked that the goals center on finance, planning, and education, making sure that the goals are above and beyond what a board member is expected to do. It was suggested to make sure there is an action plan associated with the process.

After listening to the board's input, Dr. Crader stated that she would write the goals and submit them to the board for further review.

Kindergarten Sections at Mt. Horeb

Dr. Crader reported on the need to reopen a third kindergarten section at Mt. Horeb Elementary School including a new teacher hire. Full board consensus was reached to fully support the creation of a new section.

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).

A resident of Ashwood Court, who has a child entering Mt. Horeb School, thanked the board for the addition of a new kindergarten section.

XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION
On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the consent agenda items A.1.-3., B.1.-5., B. 7. - 13., C.1., C.3. - 5., C.6. as amended, C.7.-10., and D.1., were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Burman and approved on an 8-1 roll call vote, the board approved agenda item C.2. (Mrs. Toubin voted no.)

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mr. De Bellis and approved on a 9-0 roll call vote, the board approved agenda item C11.h..

A. EDUCATION

A.1. Out of District Placement for the 2011-2012 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of out of district placements for the 2011-2012 school year dated July 12, 2011.

A.2. Related Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following related services:

a) One student (ID#120485) to receive two sessions per week of OT during the Summer Fun program, effective June19, 2011 through July 29, 2011 at a cost not to exceed $700. Services to be provided by Regan Lakritz.

b) One student (ID#1211781) to receive 10 sessions of 1:1 Wilson Reading instruction from July 19,2011 through July 29, 2011 at a cost not to exceed $400. Services to be provided by Stephanie Giordano.

c) One student (ID#120949) to receive the following services for the month of August not to exceed a total cost of $10,450.

  • Home PT provided by Pediatric Workshop, for 1.5 hours, two times per week at $168 per session.
  • Clinic PT provided by Novogrow, for 45 minutes, two times per week at $120 per session.
  • Home OT provided by Laurie Donovan or Colleen Roth, one hour, two times per week at $70 per session.
  • Clinic OT provided by Creative Speech, one hour, two times per week at $110 per session.
  • Home Speech provided by Creative Speech, two hours, two times per week at $110 per session.
  • Clinic Speech provided by Creative Speech one hour, two times per week at $143 per session.
  • ABA services provided by Brenda Hockstein, 20 hours total at $55 per hour.
  • ABA services provided by Julie Jagiello, four hours total at $60 per hour.
  • Parent training provided by Julie Jagiello, four hours total at $100 per hour.
  • ABA consultation provided by Julie Jagiello, four hours total at $100 per hour.

d) One student (ID#121209 to receive two hours per week of home based ABA services beginning September 8, 2011 through June 20, 2012. Services will be provided by MUJC for a total cost to the district of $12,400.

A.3. Amendment of Summer Evaluations

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the amended summer evaluations as dated June 29, 2011.

B. FINANCE/OPERATIONS/TRANSPORTATION

B.1. Payment of Bills - June 2011 AMENDED

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the partial payment of bills for June 2011 in the amount of $629,944.40. (see amended motion after executive session)

B.2. Payment of Bills - July 2011

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for July 2011 in the amount of $1,275,189.74.

B.3. New Jersey Nonpublic Textbook Program

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following resolution:

WHEREAS, 18A:58-37-1 et seq., as amended by Chapter 121, Laws of 1984, requires that the state and local community purchase and loan textbooks upon individual request to all students enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12 in nonpublic schools located within the local school district; and,

WHEREAS, no Board of Education is required to expend funds for the purchase and loan of textbooks in excess of the amounts provided in state aid; and,

WHEREAS, the Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) has agreed to administer the purchasing and processing of nonpublic school textbooks for local public school districts for the purpose of greater cost effectiveness through joint purchasing and centralized administration;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren Board of Education enters into an agreement with the SCESC whereby the SCESC will administer a nonpublic textbook program for those eligible students attending nonpublic schools located within the county for the 2011-2012 school year, in accordance with I 8A:58-37-1 et seq.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Warren Board of Education agrees to pay the total amount allocated by the State for the New Jersey Nonpublic School Textbook Program to the SCESC on or beforeAugust 31, 2011. Any unexpended funds will be refunded to the local district.

This is a certified true copy of a Warren Township Bd. Of Ed. Meeting which was held July 18, 2011. This motion passed on a 7-0 roll call vote.

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:

October 2011

  • Michele Gaglioti, Mt. Horeb - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Atlantic City, NJ $320

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. Mt. Horeb PTO Donation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of 2 Elmo document cameras valued at $1,139.08 from the Mt. Horeb School PTO.

B.6. Revised Board Meeting Dates TABLED

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 10

7:00pm

(NOTE: TUESDAY)

January 24

7:00pm

(@ ALT)

(NOTE: TUESDAY)

February 13

7:00pm

 

February 28

7:00pm

(@ Central)

(NOTE: TUESDAY)

March 13

7:00pm

(NOTE: TUESDAY)

March 27

7:00pm

(@ WMS)

BUDGET HEARING (NOTE: TUESDAY)

April 10

7:00pm

(NOTE: TUESDAY)

May 1

7:00pm

REORGANIZATION (NOTE: TUESDAY)

May 7

7:00pm

May 21

7:00pm

(@ WMS)

June 11

7:00pm

 

June 25

7:00pm

 

B.7. 2011-2012 School Year Tuition Agreement

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the 2011-2012 tuition agreement at an annual tuition of $13,349, dated July 19, 2011.

B.8. Out of District Students for the Extended School Year

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the transportation contracts with other districts for the receipt of funds for transporting out of district students for the 2011 extended school year as follows:

Contractor District School Fee

Warren WHRHS1 WHRHS $1,843.50

Warren WHRHS2 WHRHS $1,416.90

Warren WHRHS DLC $ 999.90

Warren WHRHS Various class Trips $1,822.14

Warren WHRHS Newmark $ 965.77

Warren Watchung DLC $ 999.90

Warren Watchung Cedar Hill $ 510.08

Warren Berkeley Heights DLC $ 999.90

 

B.9. Transportation Contract with Watchung BOE and Warren Township Schools

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with the Watchung BOE for the receipt of funds for transporting students for athletic competitions during the 2010-2011 school year as follows:

Contractor District School Fee

Warren Watchung Paramus $ 85.00

Warren Watchung Bedminster $100.00

Warren Watchung Warren $100.00

B.10. Dealaman Bus Services Contract Renewal for 2011-2012

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the renewal of the transportation contract for the 2011-2012 school year with Dealaman Bus Services of Warren, NJ. The ten (10) routes are all being renewed in accordance with the State of New Jersey's CPI of 1.23%. The detail is as follows:

Route Number Renewal Number Amount for

Route Number Renewal Number Amount for 
1 17 $266,522.23
2 13 $108,814.73
5 3 $175,736.31
6 12 $39,312.76
7 11 $66,378.75
8 3 $156,226.13
9 9 $53,280.93
10 8 $26,471.41
11 7 $51,173.22
12 6 $45,066.48
Total
$988,982.95

 

B.11. Award Contract - ATC Controls Upgrade for Mt. Horeb Elementary School

WHEREAS, on July 6, 2011, the Board of Education received bids for Automatic Temperature Controls Upgrade for Mt. Horeb Elementary School:

  • Integrated Control Solutions, LLC
    • Base Bid - $91,800
    • Alternate Bid for upgrades to existing pneumatically controlled unit ventilators - add $2,860 per classroom

Upon the Engineer's recommendation the bid should be awarded to Integrated Control Solutions, LLC since it is the lowest responsible bidder.

RESOLVED, the Board of Education awards the contract for work associated with the base bid only to Integrated Control Solutions, LLC in the amount of $91,800.

B.12. Donation-Warren Township Youth Services Commission

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of $2,000.00 from the Warren Township Youth Services Commission for the Girls on the Run program and Century Club.

B.13. Use of Additional State Aid for Property Tax Relief

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following resolution regarding use of additional state aid for property tax relief:

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Board of Education received notice dated July 11, 2011 of additional state aid which may be used for property tax relief in the 2011-2012 school year; and

WHEREAS, the original Special Education Categorical Aid allocation of $526,719 was increased in the above mentioned notice of $914,039, an additional $387,320; and

WHEREAS, district boards of education that wish to use any portion of the additional state aid for property tax relief must act immediately to revise the general fund tax certification; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has determined to use the full amount of the increase in state aid for property tax relief;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren Township Board of Education reduces the General Fund Tax Levy in the amount of $387,320 from $36,911,808 to $36,524,488; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this reduced tax levy amount be included in the Board Secretary's certification of taxes for immediate distribution to Warren Township and other appropriate agencies.

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 (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) Shayna Germansky, Special Education Teacher, Elementary Autism Class, Central School, BA, 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 Elise Pelcz.)

b) William Kielblock, Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, Step 3-4 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2011-2012 step will be determined once collective bargaining is concluded) and a stipend of $1,800 for his teaching certificate, effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

c) Susan Cornet, Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, Step 5-6 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2011-2012 step will be determined once collective bargaining is concluded) and a stipend of $1,800 for her teaching certificate, effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

d) Jessica Matos, Classroom Paraprofessional, Central and Mt. Horeb Schools, Step 3-4 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2011-2012 step will be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), and a stipend of $1,800 for her teaching certificate, effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

e) Allan Huang, Classroom Paraprofessional, Middle School, Step 3-4 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2011-2012 step will be determined once collective bargaining is concluded) and a stipend of $1,800 for his teaching certificate, effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

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

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Leadership Links for Strategic Planning for 2011-2012, at the rate of $18,000.

C.3. Central School Interim Principal

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Harold Blackstone as interim principal for Central School from August 1, 2011 through August 19, 2011, at a per diem rate of $500 not to exceed $7,500.

C.4. 2011-2012 Stipend Positions

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following stipend positions for the 2011-2012 school year at the negotiated WTEA rate for 2009-2010:

Middle School - Lunchroom Supervisors:

Grade 6 - Barbara LaSaracina, Brenda Sasso, Debra Granrath, John Seremula

Grade 7 - David Arnold, Sean Convery (2), O'Brien Speckin

Grade 8 - Joel VanTine, Kurt Reck (2), Robert Hartshorn

C.5. Middle School Guidance Extended Work Schedule

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves three days each of an extended work schedule, as per individual per diem rate, prior to the beginning of the school year for the following:

a) Midge Johnson - August 29, 30, 31

b) Helen Scully - August 29, 30, 31

c) Stephanie Thompson - August 29, September 1, 2

C.6. 2011 Summer Fun Staff Amended

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following 2011 Summer Fun staff:

a) Peter Kassalow - Teacher $40 per hour

b) Juliette Klein - Student Aide $10 per hour

c) Lianne Heteji - Adult Aide $15 per hour

d) Brian Kraminitz - Adult Aide $15 per hour

e) Matthew Totenkopf - Student Aide $10 per hour

C.7. 2011 Summer Fun Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following as 2011 Summer Fun Substitute teachers at the negotiated rate of $17 per hour:

a) Brian Kraminitz

b) Maria Sendon

c) Lori Vigliotti

d) Lisa Seccamanie

e) Cindy Helmers

f) Elena Marinello

g) Alexis Slack

C.8. Resignations

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following resignations:

a) Valerie Justice, School Nurse, Central School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for the 24 years of service to the children of Warren, effective June 30, 2011.

b) Patrick Rock, Grade 3 Teacher, Central School, effective June 30, 2011.

C.9. Change of Assignment Hours

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the change of assignment hours for Leslie Mupo, Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, from full-time to part-time (26 hours per week), effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

C.10. Outside Evaluators for the 2011-2012 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of outside evaluators for the 2011-2012 school dated July 12, 2011.

C.11. Related Service Contractors

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following related service contractors as required per IEP's for the 2011-2012 school year:

a) Vista Rehab Services (speech) at $105 per hour.

b) P.G. Chambers to provide OT for one out of district student at $72 per half hour.

c) Pediatric Workshop to provide PT at a rate of $107 per hour, $85 per 45 minutes, $61 per 30 minutes, $43 per 20 minutes, and $285 per evaluation, cost not to exceed $45,000.

d) Regan Lakritz to provide seven hours per week of OT at $70 per hour at a cost not to exceed $19,600.

e) Cynthia Levy, through shared services agreement with Watchung Borough Schools to provide two days per week of speech services at a cost not to exceed $44,111.85.

f) Erica Grossberg to provide Behavior Consultation five hour per week at $50 per hour at a cost not to exceed $10,000.

g) Stephanie Giordano to provide ten sessions of Wilson Reading Instruction for one student at a cost not to exceed $400.

h) The Newmark School to provide six hours per month of consultation to school based behavioral disabilities program (SEED) at an hourly rate of $150 for a total cost to the district of $9,000.

C.12. Summer Curriculum Work

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Donna Bardy for summer curriculum work, special education NJ ASK and MAP test analysis grades 3-8 up to 54 hours total at the negotiated WTEA rate of $40 an hour.

D. POLICY- Second Reading

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

Dr. Crader led a discussion of this issue explaining two central questions for the board:

1. Is the board willing to appeal to the DOE for a ruling to allow a 10-year lease?

2. Is the Board willing to approve a 10-year lease renewel?

Mrs. Toubin stated her support for a 10-year lease provided the Wrestling Association pay all legal and other associated costs. She also asked that the "Reverter" Clause in the lease be very clear so that there is no possibility that the Board could lose its land.

Mrs. Spiller voiced her support.

Mr. Sena questioned whether or not a bid was necessary to move the process forward.

As a result of the discussion, the board authorized the Superintendent to direct the attorney to make an appeal to the DOE for a ruling to allow a 10-year lease.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Mrs. Monahan asked that a press release be prepared regarding the board determination to use all of the additional state aid for tax relief. Dr. Crader answered that she agreed, and was already in the process of doing so.

Mrs. Allocco commended staff and the Summer Fun program noting that her daughter and many other youngsters are enjoying, actually loving, their summer experience.

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

None

XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 8:40 p.m. Mrs. Spiller 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. Allocco and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Monahan the board reconvened in open session at 9:05 p.m.

Mr. Zeglarski, Interim School Business Administrator, asked the board to consider an amended bill list B.1. June 2011 since the amount listed in the agenda, $629,944.40 was actually increased just before the beginning of the board meeting to $639,848.85 to include another payment of $9,904.45.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mr. De Bellis, and approved on a 9-0 roll call vote, the board approved an amended agenda item B.1.- partial payment of bills for June 2011 in the amount of $639,848.85.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Robert Zeglarski