Minutes for August 9, 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 7:05 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, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, Gregory Przybylski, James Sena, and Mildred Spiller

Absent: Susan Burman

John De Bellis

Patricia Toubin

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

At 7:08 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 Mr. Sena and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Monahan the board reconvened in open session at 7:30 p.m.

IV. PRESENTATION
None

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Spiller moved the following:

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

July 13, 2011 public and private session

The motion was seconded by Mr. Sena and approved by 6-0 roll call vote. (Dr. Przybylski abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
None

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Przybylski asked all in attendance to observe a moment of silence for the thirty members of the armed forces who recently lost their lives in Afghanistan in a helicopter crash, as well as all others who lost their lives in Iraq.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Crader reported the following:

  • Board Attorney Anthony Sciarrillo will conduct staff training on the Bullying & Harassment Policy in September.
  • The Township Newsletter mailed to Warren Township residents will include a copy of the Board's newsletter as part of a cooperative effort between the Township and the School District.
  • The School District is scheduled to participate in New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) during the coming months. Member Roberta Monahan will act as BOE Representative.
  • The Board recently received notice of grants in the amount of $25,438 for Title IIA and $12,877 for Title II.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS
None

X. DISCUSSION
2011-2012 Board and District Goals

Dr. Crader led a full- board discussion noting that she was open for suggestions.

Mrs. Spiller expressed concern that the goal of a Five-Year Strategic Plan may be difficult to achieve because of protracted negotiations with the Warren Township Education Association. Dr. Crader agreed stating while we could do the plan without making it a goal, we could not do the plan without the teachers association's input.

Mrs. Allocco asked a question regarding the process noting that she finds the goals being considered to be objectives of a functional board and suggests a communications plan as a more inspirational goal. Citing logistical issues, Dr. Crader suggests that such a plan be a process goal to assess the progress of the Board's Communication Committee.

Following the discussion, board consensus included removing the Five-Year Strategic Plan from the list of District Goals, and developing the communications goal mentioned above in the Communications Committee.

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 of Christie Drive commended ALT School Principal, Kathy Bond, as well as Board member Mrs. Monahan, and Transportation Supervisor Diana Raucci for their responsiveness with regard to a transportation issue. She also expressed concern that teachers might not get their classrooms completely ready for the opening of school as part of a job action related to negotiations. She wondered if parents could help. Dr. Crader responded by stating that while it would be inappropriate for parents to be involved in setting up classrooms, she was optimistic that teachers would do this work since September 6th and 7th are scheduled for teacher preparation for classrooms.

XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION
On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the consent agenda items A.1.- 8., B.1.-3., B. 5. & 6., C.1.- C.3., C.5.- C.8. C.10.-12., and D.1., were approved by a 6-0 roll-call vote.

Mr. Huber asked a question on agenda item A. 5.

Mr. Huber requested agenda item B.4. be pulled for a separate vote.

Mr. Huber requested agenda item C.4. be pulled for a separate vote

Mr. Huber requested agenda item C.9. be pulled for a separate vote

B.4. discussion - Mr. Huber noted that while he was struggling with the significant amount of money being transferred, he would vote in affirmative. His concern centered around the purchase of computer equipment using Extraordinary Aid. The Superintendent and Business Administrator will provide more information on this issue.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Monahan and approved on a 6-0 roll call vote, the board approved agenda item B.4.

C4 discussion - Mr. Huber expressed concern over the lack of limit for mileage reimbursement for the consultants named in the motion. Interim Business Administrator Robert Zeglarski assured Mr. Huber that the business office would place limits on future mileage contract provisions and continue to check on the reasonableness of mileage reimbursement requests.

Therefore, the motion was amended to add, "pending business office review of reasonableness of mileage and assurance that future contracts would not include unlimited mileage provisions."

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mr. Huber and approved on a 6-0 roll call vote, the board approved agenda item C.4.

C.9. discussion - Mr. Huber expressed concern over the fee for the 21st Century Fluency project. Dr. Crader indicated that the fee was in line with that of an internationally known speaker possessing the ability to provide a transformational experience for teachers. Dr. Przybylski agreed.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mr. Huber and approved on a 6-0 roll call vote, the board approved agenda item C.9.

A. EDUCATION

A.1. Instrumental Music Curriculum

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the revised Instrumental Music curriculum dated August 9, 2011.

A.2. Extension of Rental of the DynaVox

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the four week extension of rental of the DynaVox beginning August 1, 2011 for one student (ID#120949) for a cost to the district of $930.

A.3. Additional Summer Evaluations

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves additional summer evaluations for the following students:

a) One student (ID#121333) to include Speech at $330, Psychological at $484, Social History at $399, and Case Management at $484 for a total cost to the district of $1,697.

b) One student (ID#120540) to include Psychological at$484, Physical Therapy at $285, and Occupational Therapy at $420 for a total cost to the district of $1,189

A.4. Additional Case Management

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves additional case management days for the following students:

a) Two days for one student (ID#121295) at $484 per day for a total cost to the district of $968.

b) One day for one student (ID#120540) at $484 per day total.

A.5. In-District and Out-of-District Related Services

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the list of in-district and out-of-district related services for the 2011-2012 school year dated August 1, 2011. (Inadvertently left off prior approved list.)

A.6. Curriculum Review and Technology Programming Meeting

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves a curriculum review and technology programming meeting for one student (ID#120949) to include Diane Harris, Julie Jagiello and Brian Friedlander at a cost not to exceed $420.

A.7. Related Services

RESOLVED, the Board of Education amends motion A.2.c. from July 18, 2011, to include home OT for one student (ID#120949) for the month of August not to exceed an additional cost of $400 for a total cost of all services of $10,850.

A.8. 2011-2012 Board and District Goals

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the Board and District Goals for the 2011-2012 school year dated August 9, 2011.

B. FINANCE/OPERATIONS/TRANSPORTATION

B.1. Partial Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the partial payment of bills from August 1, 2011 through August 9, 2011 in the amount of $581,128.64

B.2. Partial 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 August 10, 2011 to August 31, 2011, 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 June.

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on June 30, 2011

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$4,552,073.50

$1,227,562.99

(11) Current Expense

$1,517,241.28

(12) Capital Outlay

$140,692.37

(13) Special Schools

$129.18

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($1,127.78)

$33,616.42

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$0.00

($83,935.82)

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$14,239.21

$14.25

$14,239.21

TOTAL

$4,565,184.93

$1,607,757.68

$1,241,802.20

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 June 2011 Pulled for Discussion

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:

11-000-221-110-12-00

Curriculum Dev. - Stipends

11-000-221-600-12-00

Curriculum - Supplies

$2,810

11-000-230-590-01-00

Admin. -Other Purch. Services

11-000-230-339-01-00

Purchased Professional Svcs.

$960

11-000-252-580-11-01

Workshops & Travel - Tech.

11-000-252-330-01-00

Tech./Network - Purch. Svcs.

$150

11-000-262-340-09-00

B&G - Purch. Technical Svcs.

11-000-262-621-03-00

Heat - Central

$90

11-000-262-610-09-00

Building Supplies - Maint.

11-000-262-621-03-00

Heat - Central

$2,470

11-000-270-610-10-00

General Supplies - Transp.

11-000-270-420-10-00

Repair & Maint. - Transp.

$8,200

11-000-270-610-10-00

General Supplies - Transp.

11-000-270-615-10-00

Transportation Supplies

$3,200

11-000-270-610-10-00

General Supplies - Transp.

11-000-270-800-10-00

Transportation - Other

$375

11-120-100-101-00-02

Grades 1-5 Sub. Teachers

11-130-100-101-00-01

Gr. 6-8 Teachers - Salaries

$11,775

11-190-100-500-00-00

Other Purchased Services

11-190-100-890-00-00

Misc. Instr. Expenditure

$330

11-190-100-610-11-01

Supplies - Instr. Hardware

11-110-100-101-00-01

Kindergarten Teacher - Sals.

$35,000

11-190-100-610-11-01

Supplies - Instr. Hardware

11-130-100-101-00-01

Gr. 6-8 Teachers - Salaries

$17,000

11-190-100-610-11-01

Supplies - Instr. Hardware

11-190-100-610-12-00

Instructional Supplies - Kits

$17,000

11-190-100-610-11-01

Supplies - Instr. Hardware

11-190-100-640-03-00

Textbook Replacement - CS

$5,000

11-190-100-610-11-01

Supplies - Instr. Hardware

11-190-100-640-04-00

Textbook Replacement - MH

$7,000

11-190-100-610-11-01

Supplies - Instr. Hardware

11-190-100-640-05-00

Textbook Replacement - ALT

$4,500

11-190-100-610-11-01

Supplies - Instr. Hardware

11-190-100-640-06-00

Textbook Replacement - WD

$7,500

11-190-100-610-11-01

Supplies - Instr. Hardware

11-190-100-640-07-00

Textbook Replacement - MS

$5,000

11-190-100-610-11-01

Supplies - Instr. Hardware

11-190-100-640-12-00

Textbooks - Series Replace.

$24,200

11-240-100-610-04-00

ESL Supplies

11-204-100-610-08-00

LLD Supplies

$70

11-402-100-100-00-00

Sports Stipends

11-401-100-100-00-00

Co-Curricular Stipends

$615

12-000-252-730-00-00

Administrative IT Equipment

11-000-262-622-03-00

Electricity - Central

$8,000

12-000-252-730-00-00

Administrative IT Equipment

11-000-262-622-05-00

Electricity - ALT

$8,000

12-000-252-730-00-00

Administrative IT Equipment

11-000-262-622-07-00

Electricity - Middle

$15,250

Total Transfers

$184,495

B.5. 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

  • Faye Brady, Post Traumatic Stress Management, Piscataway, 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.6. Revised Board Meeting Dates

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the revised list of meetings for the 2011-2012 school year dated August 9, 2011.

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 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) Darlene Bernhard, Grade 2 Leave Replacement Teacher, Mt. Horeb 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 Rachel Hildebrand on family leave.)

b) Jessica Halpern, Special Education Leave Replacement Teacher, Middle School, BA, Step 1-2 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 December 30, 2011. (Ms. Halpern is replacing Leslie Ortega on child rearing leave.)

c) Jaclyn Aptekar, Kindergarten Leave Replacement Teacher, Mt. Horeb 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. (Ms. Aptekar is replacing Kristen Stoyanov on child rearing leave.)

d) Beth Ann Filiano, Classroom Paraprofessional, Middle School, Step 5-6 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. (Ms. Filiano is replacing Ms. Aptekar.)

e) Lyndsay Butler, Grade 3 Teacher, Central 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. (Ms. Butler is replacing Patrick Rock who resigned.)

f) Anastassia McAteer, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Woodland School, step 3-4, (2011-2012 step will be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. (Ms. McAteer is replacing Ms. Urso who resigned.)

g) *Melissa Kurlan, Guidance Counselor, Middle School, MA, step 3-4, (2011-2012 step will be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. (Ms. Kurlan is replacing Ms. Thompson who resigned.)

h) Alexis Sacks, School Nurse, Central School, MA, step 1-2, (2011-2012 step will be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. (Ms. Sacks is replacing Ms. Justice who resigned.)

C.2. Change of Contract to Tenure-Track Position

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the change of contract for Elena Marinello from a maternity Leave position to a tenure track position, Grade 1, Angelo L. Tomaso School, BA+15, step 1-2, effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

C.3. Related Service Contractors

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following related service contractors:

a) 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.

b) Cynthia Levy to have provided 12.5 hours of speech services to the ABA Pre-school class during the Summer Fun program for a total cost to the district of $875.

c) Assistivetek to provide assistive technology assessment and consultation for one student (ID#120949 beginning August 8, 2011 at a cost not to exceed $2,500.

d) IEP meeting attended by Brenda Hockstein, Laura Heil, Andrea Guglielmo, and Cynthia Marapodi, for one student (ID#120949), on or about August 18, 2011 at a cost not to exceed $950.

C.4. DynaVox Training Pulled for Discussion

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves 15 hours of staff and parent training on the DynaVox for student ID#120949, to be provided by Laurie Fischer or Andrea Guglielmo at a cost of $135 per hour plus mileage for a total cost to the district of $2,025 plus mileage pending business office review of reasonableness of mileage and assurance that future contracts would not include unlimited mileage provisions.

C.5. Related Services Training

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Mary Russo, Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School to receive up to 15 hours of training by our Physical Therapist and Speech Therapist for a total cost not to exceed $350.

C.6. Resignations

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following resignations:

a) Stephanie Thompson, Guidance Counselor, Middle School, effective August 1, 2011.

b) Lianne Heteji, Classroom Paraprofessional, Middle School, effective August 3, 2011.

C.7. 2011-2012 Substitutes

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of substitutes for the 2011-2012 school year dated August 9, 2011.

C.8. Home Instructors

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves all certificated teachers and classroom paraprofessionals who have a teacher certification as home instructors for the 2011-2012 school year.

C.9. 21st Century Fluency Project Presenter Pulled for Discussion

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Lee Crockett, from the 21st Century Fluency Project, as keynote/breakout session presenter for October 10, 2011 as well as presenter for October 10, 2011 Parent/Community Meeting presenter for a fee of $7500 and $1500 for expenses.

C.10. Technology Coordinator/Coach

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Suzanne Wisher and Michelle Zgombic for the Technology Coordinator/Coach position, to share a stipend of $12,000, effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

C.11. Summer Curriculum Work

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves an additional 14 hours total to the Language Arts committee, grades 4-5 for summer curriculum work to update the toolkit assessments, at the negotiated WTEA rate of $40 an hour. The committee has been previously approved.

C.12. Middle School Guidance Extended Work Schedule

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves three days of an extended work schedule, as per individual per diem rate, prior to the beginning of the school year for Melissa Kurlan - August 29, 30, & 31

D. Policy

D.1. Policy and Regulation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the following policy and regulation:

a) 6171.4 - Special Education

b) 6171.4 - Special Education Regulation

XIII. OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Sena asked Dr. Przybylski if he was able to research the issue of base-line testing for cognitive function for athletes as it relates to concussions. Dr. Przybylski, cautioning that the board could be getting into "the business of practicing medicine" by mandating such testing, stated that he would get the information in a matter of time. Mr. Sena responded that he only wanted the base-line information available to medical professions if needed.

Tia Allocco, School Board Association Delegate, asked board members to send her any resolutions that they would like the NJ School Boards Association Delegate Assembly to consider at its annual meeting by September 6, 2011.

Responding to a question from Mrs. Spiller, Dr. Crader stated that the proposal from the Warren Wrestling Association is still under attorney review which is being paid for by the association.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS
None

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Stacy McCateer of Highmount Avenue noted her support for the 21st Century Fluency Project Presenter stating her inspirational message is well worth the stipend.

Andrea Freijomil expressed concern that the final report card for the 2010-2011 school year was published the day before the last half-day making it difficult to reach her child's teacher who was retiring from the district. Dr. Crader noted her concern was that there should be no surprises in a child's report card.

XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
See earlier in the meeting.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Spiller seconded by Mr. Sena, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:
Robert Zeglarski