Minutes for September 12, 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, John De Bellis, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, Gregory Przybylski, James Sena, Mildred Spiller, and Patricia Toubin

Absent: Susan Burman arrived at 8:05 p.m.

Also Present: Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent, Robert Zeglarski, Interim School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, ALT School Principal, Kathy Bond, Central School Principal, Janet Milita, Mt. Horeb School Principal, William Kimmick, Middle School Principal, Robert Comba, Woodland School Principal, Chris Huss, members of the staff, public, and press

Following the call to order, Dr. Crader asked the principals to introduce new staff members to the members of the Board and to the public. Each principal did so, introducing their new staff members while noting the subject areas they will teach.

IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION

  • Interview School Business Administrator Candidate

At 7:11 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 personnel matter, an interview of the final candidate for School Business Administrator and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, the minutes of this closed session be made public when the need for confidentiality no longer exists.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Sena and approved by unanimous voice vote.

Mrs. Burman arrived at this point in the meeting (8:05 p.m.).

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mr. Sena the board reconvened in open session at 8:00 p.m.

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. (Mrs. Burman, Mr. DeBellis and Mrs. Toubin abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

None

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Przybylski asked for a moment of silence for the victims of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center as we mark the 10th Anniversary of September 11, 2001. The Board president also welcomed students, staff, and parents to a new school year. Dr. Przybylski concluded his remarks by congratulating the attainment of degrees and certificates of higher learning:

Ms. Susan Cooper is now Dr. Susan Cooper.

Megan Harvey finished her masters program from Marygrove College.

Harriet Stambaugh completed her masters in nursing from Seton Hall.

Colleen Krumm completed her supervisory program through Thomas Edison College.

Nancy Braunstein completed a masters in Brain-Based Teaching with a concentration in Reading and Literacy from Nova Southeastern.

 

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS

Noting that a fire in the Home Economics Room at the Middle School posed a major problem for the district, Dr. Crader stated that nonetheless, the district still had a very successful opening to the school year. Referring to the fire, the Superintendent announced that the Middle School passed air quality tests conducted by both in-house personnel and an independent air quality testing firm. She hoped that restoration work on the areas involve could be completed in a few months.

Dr. Crader also referenced an article that appeared in a professional journal by Dennis Pierce, entitled, "A Whole New Game Internet Search" which discusses the "huge implications for students and society" of new search engines.

Following Dr. Crader's remarks, board members asked questions of the Superintendent and the School Business Administrator about the Middle School fire.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Sena, Chairman of the Finance Committee, reviewed the topics discussed and the conclusions reached as follows:

  • Transportation Survey - The committee recommends remaining with the out-sourced model for regular education student transportation at this time.
  • Capital Expenditure Plan - The committee review the preliminary spreadsheet of a proposed Five-Year Capital Expenditure Plan prepared by the architect. At the next finance meeting, the architect will review an updated, more complete plan.
  • Special Ed Costs - While the committee feels the board should continue to provide excellent education for our special needs students, the board needs to monitor spending in this area.
  • Energy Costs - The committee reviewed the current arrangements to purchase deregulated electric and natural gas through a state-wide consortium that consolidates bidding for school districts to take advantage of economy of scale. It also looked into additional savings through third-party providers such as Vridien, and found it not feasible.
  • The committee is still looking into an energy audit of the district facilities.
  • The committee discussed an initiative by State Senator Doughtery to create a new state aid formula which would use district funds on a per student basis.

X. DISCUSSION

October 24, 2011 Board of Education Meeting

Due to a potential for a lack of a quorum at this meeting, the board determined to change the date of the meeting to Monday, October 17, 2011 at 7:00 pm. The public is also reminded that because schools are closed on October 10, 2011 for Veteran's Day, the first board meeting in October is Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 7:00 pm as per the annual meeting notice.

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 Christy Drive asked about the best ways for parents to express their feelings and find out more about stalled teacher negotiations. Dr. Crader suggested that parents encourage the WTEA to share its position with the community.

Stacey Macketeer of Highmount Avenue asked about the status of fact-finding. Dr. Crader noted that a tentative date for such a session was scheduled. Dr. Przybylski added that whether a fact-finding session actually takes place depends on whether or not it would be useful.

Pam Nemcek of Smalley town Road asked when the construction of the Woodland Playground would begin. Dr. Crader responded that the date had not been determined yet.

XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mrs. Burman asked a question on agenda item B. 8.

Mr. Huber asked a question on agenda item B. 9.

Mr. Huber asked a question on agenda item B. 10.

Mr. Huber asked a question on agenda item D. 1.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Toubin, the consent agenda items A.1through D.1., including addendum C.11. were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

A. EDUCATION

A.1. Related Services

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following related services for the 2011-2012 school year:

a) One student (ID#120851) to increase the number of hours per week of Multi Sensory Reading Instruction from 3 hours to 4 hours for the months of September through November at a cost not to exceed $560.

b) One student (ID#120903) to receive up to 4 hours per year of Teacher of the Deaf consultation for the 2011-2012 school year from the Mountain Lakes School district at a cost not to exceed $540.

c) One student (ID#120949) to receive the following:

  • Applied behavior analysis evaluation by the Morris Union Jointure Commission at a cost not to exceed $1,150.
  • Applied Behavior Analysis service provided by Brenda Hockstein at a cost not to exceed $21,500.
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Supervision/Consultation provided by Julie Jagiello at a cost not to exceed $29,000.
  • Speech therapy provided by Creative Speech Solutions at a cost not to exceed $42,500.
  • Creative Speech Solutions to provide Clinic OT at a cost not to exceed $10,000.
  • Home OT provided by Regan Lakritz at a cost not to exceed $12,000.
  • Home PT provided by Pediatric Workshop at a cost not to exceed $11,000.
  • Clinic PT provided by Pediatric Physical Therapy Specialties, PA at a cost not to exceed $4,500.
  • Augmentative/Alternative Communication Device (DynaVox) school consultation provided by Laurie Fischer or Andrea Guglielmo at a cost not to exceed $5,500.

B. FINANCE/OPERATIONS/TRANSPORTATION

B.1. Partial Payment of Bills - August 2011

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for August 2011 in the amount of $1,365,556.97.

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 July.

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

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$4,070,546.39

$1,459,258.94

(11) Current Expense

$6,205,727.90

(12) Capital Outlay

$856,751.00

(13) Special Schools

$111,024.27

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($9,737.35)

$32,861.43

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$14,239.21

$14,237.21

TOTAL

$4,075,048.25

$7,206,364.60

$1,473,496.15

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 July 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:

11-000-100-566-08-02

Tuition - Private (Ext. SY)

11-000-100-566-08-01

Tuition - Private (Regular SY)

$30,000

11-000-230-332-01-00

Audit Fees

11-000-230-339-01-00

Purch. Prof. Svcs. - Admin.

$60

11-000-291-260-00-00

Workers Compensation

11-000-291-290-00-00

Other Employee Benefits

$670

11-209-100-610-08-00

Behavior Disabilities- Supplies

11-190-100-610-05-00

Instructional Supplies - ALT

$600

11-214-100-610-08-00

Autism Classroom - Supplies

11-000-100-562-08-01

Tuition - Other LEAs

$8,000

12-000-400-390-00-00

Prof. Svcs. (Capital Projects)

11-000-230-334-01-00

Architect & Engineering Svcs.

$3,500

12-000-400-450-00-00

Construction Services

11-000-262-610-09-01

Building Supplies - BOE

$2,640

Total Transfers

$45,470

B.4. No Child Left Behind Grant Application

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the submission of the 2011-2012 NCLB Application to the Department of Education with the following amounts:

  • Title II-A $25,438
  • Title III $12,877

B.5. School Safety and Security Plan - 2011-2012

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the Warren Township School Safety and Security Plan for the 2011-2012 school year dated September 12, 2011.

B.6. 2011-2012 School Year Tuition-In Student

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves one tuition-in special education student (ID#121135) from Westfield to complete 8th grade at Warren Middle School for the 2011-2012 school year at a tuition rate of $29,338 as per MUJC tuition formula.

B.7. 2011-2012 Annual Flu Clinic

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the offering of a flu shot clinic to staff members on October 19, 2011 at a cost to the board not to exceed $500.

B.8. WHRHS Math Program for Middle School Students

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attendance of nine Middle School students for first period math at Watchung Hills Regional High School for a tuition cost of $455.70 per student for a total cost of $5,208 for the 2011-2012 school year.

B.9. Transportation - Parental Contract

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves a parental transportation contract, for the following students for the 2011-2012 school year:

a) One student (ID#0121121) to the Somerset Hills Learning Institute in the amount of $3,990.60.

b) One student (ID#0120992) to the Somerset Hills Learning Institute (ESY and regular school year) in the amount of $7,242.56

B.10. Somerset Hills YMCA Before Care Services for 2011-2012

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the contracting with Somerset Hills YMCA for Before Care Services at the four Warren elementary schools for the 2011-2012 school year, beginning on or about October 3, 2011.

B.11. Revised Tax Payment Schedule for 2011-2012 School Year

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following revised tax payment schedule for 2011-2012 from the Township of Warren:

Revised Tax Payments 2011-2012

July 6, 2011

mce_markernbsp; 700,000.00

January 4, 2012

$3,098,382.00

July 19, 2011

mce_markernbsp; 700,000.00

February 1, 2012

$3,098,382.00

August 1, 2011

mce_markernbsp; 700,000.00

March 1, 2011

$3,098,382.00

August 23, 2011

$1,000,000.00

April 2, 2012

$3,098,382.00

September 6, 2011

$2,000,000.00

May 1, 2012

$3,098,382.00

September 20, 2011

$2,000,000.00

June 1, 2012

$3,098,382.00

October 3, 2011

$3,830,098.00

November 1, 2011

$3,830,098.00

December 1, 2011

$3,830,098.00

Total

$18,590,294.50

Total

$18,590,294.50

Total Taxes for 2011-2012

$37,180,589.00

B.12. Transportation Contract for Out of District Students - Watchung Hills Regional HS

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Watchung Hills Regional High School for the transportation of their students for the 2011-2012 school year as follows:

Contractor

District

Route

School

Cost

Warren

WHRHS

W-137

DLC

5,999.40

Warren

WHRHS

W-137S

DLC

999.90

Warren

WHRHS

W-138

WHRHS

15,854.40

Warren

WHRHS

W-138S

WHRS

1,843.50

Warren

WHRHS

W143S

WHRHS

1,416.90

Warren

WHRHS

W-144

Ridge High School

21,007.45

Warren

WHRHS

W148S

Newmark

965.77

B.13. Transportation Contract for Out of District Students - Watchung Borough

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Watchung Borough for the transportation of their students for the 2011-2012 school year as follows:

Contractor

District

Route

School

Cost

Warren

Watchung

W-136

DLC

5,999.40

Warren

Watchung

W-136S

DLC

999.90

Warren

Watchung

W-147

Cedar Hill-Basking Ridge

10,680.40

Warren

Watchung

W-147S

Cedar Hill-Basking Ridge

510.08

B.14 Transportation Contracts - Other Districts

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the transportation contracts with Long Hill, Green Brook, and Berkeley Heights for the transportation of their students for the 2011-2012 school year as follows:

Contractor

District

Route

School

Cost

Warren

Long Hill

W137

Central Middle

1,822.14

Warren

Berkeley Heights

W142

DLC

5,999.40

Warren

Berkeley Heights

W142S

DLC

999.90

B.15. 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:

September 2011

  • Sondra Markman, BOE-IPAD Workshop for School Leaders, Monroe Twp, NJ $187
  • Carol Kierstead, Mt. Horeb - Creative Curriculum Training, Manville, NJ $412
  • Tara Keller, Mt. Horeb - Creative Curriculum Training, Manville, NJ $412
  • Alida Gorin, ALT/Woodland - CEDS Annual Conference, Kansas City, MO $100 (partial reimbursement)

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.16. IDEA Application

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the submission of the 2010-2011 IDEA Grant Application to the Department of Education with the following amount for special education programs:

  • IDEA Basic $474,686.00
  • IDEA Pre-School $ 17,096.00

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) Diane Pasi, Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, Step 7-8 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. (Ms. Pasi is replacing Ms. Aptekar who is a maternity leave replacement Kindergarten teacher at Mt. Horeb School.)

b) Peter Kassalow, Special Education Teacher, Middle School, MA, 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 Judith Motz who retired.)

C.2. Sonday System Reading Program

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves supplemental/training for up to 10 teachers for The Sonday System reading program delivered via Webex by Winsor Learning for a total cost to the district not to exceed $560.

C.3. Change of Assignment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the change of assignment for the following staff:

a) Briana McLeroy from full-time Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School (September 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011) to .5 Special Education Teacher, BA, Step 1-2 (maternity leave) and .5 Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School, effective on or about October 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

b) Allen Huang, Classroom Paraprofessional, Middle School from 30 hours per week to step 7-8, 32.5 hours per week, effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

c) BethAnn Filiano, Classroom Paraprofessional, Middle School from 30 hours per week to step 5-6, 32.5 hours per week, effective September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

d) Suzanne Lathrop, from Multi-Duty Paraprofessional to Classroom Paraprofessional Woodland School, step 15 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.

C.4. 2011-2012 Middle School Stipend Positions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following stipend positions, for the 2011-2012 school year:

a) Sean Convery - Yearbook Club Advisor at $1,430.

b) Beverly MacGorman - Yearbook Club Advisor at $1,430.

c) Beverly MacGorman - Student Council Advisor at $1,430.

C.5. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2011-2012 school year:

a) Michelle Marone (previous subs)

b) Allison Tankel (previous subs)

c) Michelle Antonelli

d) Jessica Freeman

e) Elizabeth Cullen

f) Desiree DeNourie (previous substitute)

C.6. Extension of Summer Employment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the extension of summer employment for the following for 5 additional days:

a) Jeffery Sutherland to September 9, 2011 at an hourly rate of $9.00, not to exceed $360.

b) Justin Kozik to September 9, 2011 at an hourly rate of $8.00, not to exceed $320.

C.7. Out of District Contractors

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following out of district contractors for the 2011-2012 school year:

a) Stephanie Giordano to provide specialized reading instruction at a cost not to exceed $6,400.

b) Pediatric Physical Therapy Specialties, PA to provide physical therapy at a cost not to exceed $4,500.

C.8. Retirement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement of the following staff:

a) Costel Gherghescu, Night Custodian, Woodland School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for the 16 years of service to the Warren School district, effective October 7, 2011.

b) Georgeta Gherghescu, Head Night Custodian, Woodland School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for the 15 years of service to the Warren School district, effective October 7, 2011.

C.9. Employment of School Business Administrator/Board Secretary

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Patricia Leonhardt as School Business Administrator/Board Secretary beginning on or about November 14, 2011 per the terms and conditions of her employment contract dated September 12, 2011.

C.10. Middle School Girls Soccer Coach

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Jennifer Miller (pending approval from Criminal History Review) as the Middle School girls soccer coach at a stipend of $2,900.

C.11. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the family leave request for Kara Miletic, Grade 5 Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, effective March 23, 2012 through June 30, 2012 (unpaid, with benefits) returning September 1, 2012.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies - Second Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second and final reading of the following policies:

a) 6171.4 - Special Education

b) 6171.4 - Special Education Regulation

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

Wrestling Association Update

The Board attorney is handling the reverter clause with the town. On hold until resolved.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

None

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Ms. Angleini of Smoke Rise Drive asked about buttons (related to negotiations) worn by teachers. Dr. Crader noting that the buttons were legal to wear, stated that she directed teachers not to speak to students about the buttons.

Stacey Macketeer of Highmount Avenue asked about the potential of redistricting. Dr. Crader, agreeing that Woodland School was running out of space, outlined her efforts to assess the issue.

Angela Azevevo of Dock Watch Hollow Road expressing her concern over protracted negotiations between the Board and teachers, asked if there is a safeguard to ensure the maintenance of quality education. Dr. Crader replied that the contract provided such insurance. She also explained that our teachers are professional enough to do quality work while on their work time.

XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 8:55 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 Mr. Sena the board reconvened in open session at 9:20 p.m.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Spiller seconded by Mr. Sena, the meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Robert Zeglarski