Minutes for September 26, 2011History icon Archived Minutes

Skip Navigation

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 7:06 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, John De Bellis, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, Gregory Przybylski, James Sena, Mildred Spiller, and Patricia Toubin

Absent: Patricia Toubin arrived at 7:50 p.m.

John De Bellis departed at 8:45 p.m.

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

V. MINUTES

Mrs. Spiller moved the following:

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

September 12, 2011 public and private session

The motion was seconded by Mr. Sena and approved by 8-0 roll call vote.

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

  • HIB Information

Dr. Crader reported on HIB information for the month of September 2011 as follows:

  • Total # of Investigations: 9
  • Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: 2
    • The consequence of one was weekly counseling
    • The other resulted in a one-day suspension

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Przybylski read a prepared statement regarding the history and status of contract negotiations with the Warren Teachers Education Association including the following summation; "The Board of Education made an offer in the past that could not be maintained in the current legislative climate (referring to state mandates that cap property taxes and require employees to contribute to the payment of health benefits). The board is willing to negotiate health benefit changes, and willing to negotiate a fair salary increase."

His statement is attached to the minutes of this meeting.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Crader reported on four items. She announced she was discussing the possibility with other local Superintendents of joining a regional purchasing cooperative including the purchase of textbooks, special education software and paper. Dr. Crader also announced that she attended the annual "Senior Picnic" provided by the town and, she reported that local senior citizens were very interested in what Warren students are doing. Noting that her second round of building visits is concluded, she stated that most students now know her name and seem very happy to be back to school. Dr. Crader ended her report with a brief discussion of the implementation of the district HIB policy, explaining that administrators, while sensitive to the law, are hyper-vigilant to ensure that there is not over-reporting.

IV. PRESENTATION

Anthony Sciarrillo - HIB Training - The Impact of Anti-Bullying Legislation on our Schools

Athena Cornell of Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C., attorneys for the Board, conducted a presentation entitled, "Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying." The presentation centered the intent of the law which is to strengthen standards for preventing, reporting, investigation, and responding to incidents of bullying and consequently reduce the risk of suicide among students. Following the presentation, Ms. Cornell answered questions and heard concerns from the Board and public.

Mrs. Toubin arrived at this point in the meeting (7:50 p.m.).

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mrs. Monahan reported on the Policy Committee's recent meeting wherein a discussion of policy for future board approval was discussed. She also reported that the Communications Committee decided to have a committee member present at each PTO meeting.

Mr. Sena reported on the following topics discussed at the last Finance Committee meeting:

  • After review of three more transportation survey responses, the committee still feels there is no need for the board to change its current transportation model with a contractor handling to and from school transportation for regular education students while special education transportation are handled mostly in-house.
  • Andrew Adornado, of USA Architects, presented a detailed Capital Projects Plan for 2011 - 2015 including renovation projects at all district schools. Mr. Sena noted that since the plan includes some big ticket items, $7 million for building envelope repairs to five schools and $3 million for roofs at Mt. Horeb and Woodland Schools, the committee asked the administration to forecast a potential capital reserve amount for the coming years. He suggests trying to find ways to lower the cost of repairs to the building envelope by exploring the possibility of hiring a mason to handle brick re-pointing and other similar repairs.
  • The committee recommends participation in a state program to conduct an energy audit of district facilities which will be eventually paid for by the state.

After a discussion of this issue, the board determined to place the matter on the agenda for the next meeting.

X. DISCUSSION

None

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).

Celeste Cambone of Ashley Court asked for a description of anti-bullying staff training. Dr. Crader responded that two sessions would be conducted for Anti-Bullying Specialists in each school and one full session held for the entire staff. She also reported on the need to train bus drivers and parent volunteers, as well as some others. Dr. Crader noted that staff needs to move off the use of legal terms so as not to alienate students from reporting instances of bullying.

Ms. Cambone also asked for an explanation of the "hold-up" regarding fact-finding. Dr. Crader explained the hold-up was not due to the board's inaction but rather the fact that there are so few fact-finders to work with we will have to wait for one to become available.

Kim Pearlstein of Pudding Stone Way asked about parent volunteer training to which Dr. Crader responded that it would be done through a series of meetings.

XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mrs. Burman asked a question on agenda item C. 7

Mrs. Burman asked a question on agenda item C. 13

Mr. Huber asked a question on agenda item B. 3.

Mr. Huber asked a question on agenda item B. 4

Mr. Huber asked a question on agenda item C. 1. & C2

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

A. EDUCATION

A.1. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves home instruction for one student (ID#120881) to receive 10 hours per week of home instruction for 30 days beginning September 19, 2011 at a cost not to exceed $2,400.

A.2. Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the Annual Update to the Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement, dated September 21, 2011. (The Agreement between education and law enforcement officials is approved on an annual basis.)

A.3 Parent/Home Programming

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves parent/home programming for one student (ID#120540) two hours per week, provided by Barbara DeLoretto, beginning September 26, 2011 through June 30, 2012 at a cost not to exceed $8,000.

B. FINANCE/OPERATIONS/TRANSPORTATION

B.1. Payment of Bills - September 2011 (Attachment 1)

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for September 2011 in the amount of $2,075,459.90.

B.2. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report (Attachment 2)

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the attached report of the secretary for the month of August 2011.

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

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$3,958,253.51

$1,459,258.94

(11) Current Expense

$4,125,388.41

(12) Capital Outlay

$673,954.76

(13) Special Schools

$10,363.65

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($47,152.58)

$29,393.83

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$670,340.21

$14,237.21

TOTAL

$4,581,441.14

$4,839,100.65

$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 August 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:

11-000-222-500-11-01

Other Purch. Svcs. - Internet

11-000-100-566-08-01

Tuition - Private (Regular SY)

$30,000

11-000-222-500-11-01

Other Purch. Svcs. - Internet

11-000-219-104-00-01

Child Study Team - Extra Pay

$11,000

11-000-222-500-11-01

Other Purch. Svcs. - Internet

11-000-222-610-11-02

Library Supplies - Software

$10,000

12-000-400-390-00-00

Prof. Svcs. (Capital Projects)

11-000-230-334-01-00

Architect & Engineering Svcs.

$280

12-000-400-450-00-00

Construction Services

11-000-261-420-09-03

Maintenance Repairs - Central

$3,900

12-000-400-450-00-00

Construction Services

11-000-261-420-09-04

Maintenance Repairs - MH

$9,080

12-000-400-450-00-00

Construction Services

11-000-261-420-09-06

Maintenance Repairs - WD

$14,800

12-000-400-450-00-00

Construction Services

11-000-261-420-09-07

Maintenance Repairs - Middle

$6,810

13-422-100-610-00-00

Summer School Supplies

13-422-200-100-00-00

Summer Fun - Secr. Salary

$170

Total Transfers

$86,040

B.4. Transportation - Parental Contract

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves an amended parental transportation contract, to include summer school transportation and the new IRS mileage reimbursement rate, for the following students for the 2011-2012 school year:

a) One student (ID#0121121) to the Somerset Hills Learning Institute (ESY and regular school year) in the amount of $4,973.28 based on the current IRS rate.

b) One student (ID#0120992) to the Somerset Hills Learning Institute (ESY and regular school year) in the amount of $5,948.80 based on the current IRS rate.

B.5. 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-145

Various locations

8,402.09

Warren

WHRHS

W-143

WHRHS

10,301.45

B.6. Transportation for Out of District Students - MUJC

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation for out of district students with the Morris Union Jointure Commission for the 2011-2012 school year as follows:

Contractor Student ID# School Cost

MUJC 0120679 & 0121211 ARC Kohler School $43,278.34

MUJC 0120350 Banyan School $34,126.29

B.7. 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

  • Rebecca Black, Central School - Art Educators of NJ Association Conference, New Brunswick, NJ $180

October, 2011

  • Donna Pelagrino, ALT - Art Educators of NJ Association Conference, New Brunswick, NJ $190

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.8. Temporary Late Bus Service - Fred Dealaman

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with Fred Dealaman Bus for temporary late bus service at a daily rate of $300 per day, not to exceed $17,000, with temporary service expected to continue until on or about November 1, 2011 after a permanent contract for this services.

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) Rey Rodriguez, Bus Monitor, Transportation, at a salary of $15,500, effective October 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 prorated and approval to continue as a sub van driver at a rate of $17.79 per hour. (Mr. Rodriguez is replacing Julio Chavez.)

C.2. Part-Time Substitute Bus Monitor

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Maria Ortega as a part-time substitute bus monitor at a salary of $12.23 per hour, effective September 13, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

C.3. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following family leave request:

a) Andrea McGuire, Grade 3 Teacher, Central School, effective December 13, 2011 through March 16, 2012 (unpaid, with benefits) returning March 19, 2012.

C.4. Principal Extended Work Schedule

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Janet Milita, Principal, Central School, three days of an extended work schedule between July 1, 2011 and August 19, 2011, at a per diem rate of $468.02.

C.5. Extended Appointment of Interim Business Administrator/Board Secretary

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the extended appointment of Mr. Robert Zeglarski as Interim Business Administrator/Board Secretary on an as needed basis during the period of October 1 through on or about November 11, 2011, at a per diem rate of $525, not to exceed $9,450.

C.6. Business Administrator Orientation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Patricia Leonhardt for 3-5 days of orientation as Business Administrator, effective September 26, 2011 through November 14, 2011, at a per diem rate of $503.85.

C.7. 2011-2012 Sport Coaches

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following sport coaches for the 2011-2012 school year:

a) Girls' Soccer - Jen Miller

b) Boys' Soccer - Kurt Reck

c) Cross Country - Nick Bayachek

d) Girls' Basketball - Laura Lamson

e) Boys' Basketball - Zach Liu

f) Cheerleading - Liza Lontai

g) Softball - Kristen D'Alessandro

h) Baseball - David Arnold

i) Track - Carolyn McCloskey, Donna Bardy, Bob Hartshorn

C.8. Resignation (Attachment 3)

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the resignation for the purpose of retirement for Ann Menken with appreciation for the 13 years of service to the Warren School District, effective May 31, 2012.

C.9. Substitute Teachers

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

a) Kristina Franko

b) Luisa Estevez-Young

c) Maria DeSimone (previous sub 2010-2011)

d) Arielle Gartenberg

e) Ana Geraldes (previous sub 2010-2011)

f) James Zilinkski

g) Meghan Nadeau (previous sub 2010-2011)

C.10. Part-Time Soccer Coach

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Ray Balkonis, Math Teacher, Middle School as a part-time soccer coach to temporarily assist, Jen Miller until she receives her criminal history approval, effective September 19, 2011 at the WTEA hourly rate, not to exceed $800. (Most likely completed by September 30th.)

C.11 Computer Technician Services

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Jason Sandt as a contracted services Computer Technician for the period of September, 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 for up to 15 hours per week at a rate of $26.57 per hour, not to exceed $17,150.

C.12. Change of Assignment

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the change of assignment for Briana McLeroy from full-time Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School (September 1, 2011 through September 19, 2011) to .5 Special Education Teacher, BA, Step 1-2 (maternity leave) and .5 Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School, effective September 20, 2011 through June 30, 2012. (Mrs. Graef is leaving earlier than expected.)

C.13. After School Club - 2011-2012 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following after school club for the 2011-2012 school year and the instructors for each club at the negotiated stipend rate.

Central School

a) Art Club - advisor Rebecca Black at a stipend of $1,430.

b) Musical Theater Club 2 - advisor MaryBeth LeBlond at a stipend of $1,192.

c) Musical Theater Club 1 - advisor Laura Rodaman at a stipend of $1,192.

d) Sports Club - advisor Laura Lamson at a stipend of $715.

Mt. Horeb School

a) Chorus - advisor Mark Weber at a stipend of $1,430.

b) Creative Creations - advisor Michele Stora de Cruz at a stipend of $715.

c) Cup Stacking Club - advisor Andrew Ahimovic at a stipend of $715.

d) Math Club - advisor Michele Gaglioti at a stipend of $715.

e) Newspaper Club - advisors Christine Burkhardt & Michelle Cebula at a stipend of $715 each.

f) Service Club - advisor Christine Burkhardt at a stipend of $1,430.

g) Sports Club - advisor Andrew Ahimovic at a stipend of $1,430.

Woodland School

a) ASAP Math - advisor Nancy Braunstein at a stipend of $1,430.

b) Board Game Club - advisor Anita Brower at a stipend of $1,430.

c) Library Club - advisor Nancy Darby at a stipend of $1,430.

d) Service Club - advisor Christina Brink at a stipend of $1,430.

e) Study Island - advisor Marilyn Brown at a stipend of $1,430.

f) Top Notch Literacy & Math Skills Club - advisor Margee Pfeifer at a stipend of $1,430.

g) Computer Strategy Games - advisor Suzanne Wisher at a stipend of $1,430.

Middle School

a) "Bee" a Stellar Speller - advisor Debra Tambor at a stipend of $1,430..

b) Backstage - advisor Joel VanTine at a stipend of $1,430.

c) Basketball Club - advisor Amanda Rodriques at a stipend of $1,430.

d) Beginning/Inst. Guitar Club - advisor John Seremula

e) Board Games - advisor Josephine Brasile at a stipend of $1,430.

f) Buddy to Buddy - advisors Helen Scully and Midge Johnson at a stipend of $1,430 each.

g) Come Crochet With Me - advisor Lisa Seccamanie at a stipend of $1,430.

h) Grade 6 Computer Clue - advisor Sean Convery at a stipend of $1,430.

i) Grade 7/8 Computer Club - advisor Sean Convery at a stipend of $1,430.

j) Drawing Club - advisor Meryl Lettire at a stipend of $1,430.

k) E2 - advisor Susan Cooper at a stipend of $1,430.

l) Flag Football - advisor Deb Granrath at a stipend of $715.

m) Graphic Design Club - advisor Meryl Lettire at a stipend of $1,430...

n) Homework Help Club - advisor Josephine Brasile at a stipend of $1,430.

o) Homework Help Club - advisor Josephine Brasile at a stipend of $1,430.

p) Homework Help Club - advisor Jane Claussen and Lisa Seccamanie at a stipend of $715 each.

q) Homework Help Club - advisor Dan Ticchio at a stipend of $1,430.

r) Honor Band - advisor Diane McCloskey at a stipend of $715.

s) Jazz Band - advisor Joel VanTine at a stipend of $1,430.

t) Lego Robotics - advisor Susan Cooper at a stipend of $1,430.

u) Let's Make A Movie - advisor Lisa Seccamanie at a stipend of $1,430.

v) Marching Band - advisor Diane McCloskey at a stipend of $715.

w) M.A.T.H. Club - advisor Susan Cooper at a stipend of $715.

x) Musical Show - advisor Diane McCloskey at a stipend of $2,640.

y) New Jersey Peer to Peer - advisor Lynn Degen and Susan Cooper at a stipend of $1,430 each.

z) Ping Pong - advisor Deb Granrath at a stipend of $715.

aa) SGA - WMS - advisor Beverly MacGorman at a stipend of $1,430.

bb) Sim City - advisor Steve Verger at a stipend of $1,430.

cc) Solar Car - advisors Susan Cooper and Ernie Monaco at a stipend of $715 each.

dd) Talent Show - advisors Beverly MacGorman and Joel VanTine at a stipend of $357.50 each

ee) Tech Director -advisor Joel VanTine at a stipend of $1,430.

ff) Techno Wizards - advisor Sean Convery at a stipend of $1,430.

gg) Yearbook - advisors Sean Convery and Beverly MacGorman at a stipend of $1,430 each.

C.14. Extended Hours

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the extended hours for Beth Filiano to accompany one student (ID#121234) to clubs two days per week at a cost not to exceed $950.

C.15. Out-of District Contractor

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Valerie Roenbeck to provide five hours per week of home based ABA for one student (ID#1209490), effective September 27, 2011, at a cost not to exceed $8,000effective September 27, 2011 through June 30, 2011.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies - First Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of policy 9111 Qualifications and Requirements of Board Members.

Mr. DeBellis departed at this point in the meeting (8:45 p.m.)

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

Baseline Concussion Software

After Dr. Crader asked for an update on this issue, a discussion ensued. Consensus of the board is to have Dr. Crader request policy information on this topic from Montgomery, Livingston and Warren Regional Schools.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

None

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

None

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 Mrs. Burman and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Burman the board reconvened in open session at 9:11 p.m.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Spiller seconded by Mr. Sena, the meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Robert Zeglarski