Minutes for January 24, 2012History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Angelo L. Tomaso School, Washington Valley Road. The following is a record of that meeting.

I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:04 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, Susan Burman, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, Gregory Przybylski, and James Sena

Absent: Mildred Spiller

Patricia Toubin

Also Present: Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of public, and press

IV. PRESENTATION

5th Grade Research Projects

Mrs. Ziobro's 5th grade social studies class gave a presentation on Ponce de Leon.

Recess - Math Outdoor Education

Mrs. Balkonis's class presented their project relating math to an outdoor planting area.

V. MINUTES

Mrs. Monahan moved the following:

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

January 10, 2012 public and private session

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Burman and approved by an 7-0 roll call vote

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

  • HIB Information

    Dr. Crader reported on HIB information from January 10, 2012 through January 24, 2012 as follows:

    Total # of Investigations:

    2

    Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

    1
     

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

On behalf of the board, Dr. Przybylski congratulated the Middle School Math Team for its 1st place finish.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS

See below

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Sena reported on the Finance Committee's work on the district's Five Year Capital Improvement Plan and its review of the preliminary budget. Additionally, he reported on the committee discussion regarding the district's change of Health Insurance Program Manager, slated for action this evening.

X. DISCUSSION

Rezoning - Woodland School

Dr. Crader gave a presentation regarding the proposed rezoning. Questions regarding the issue were asked by:

Mrs. Linton, Arrighi Drive, spoke of grandfathering 4th graders as well as the road selection.

Mr. Linton, Arrighi Drive, asked of the effect of parent volunteering to drive their students.

Mr. Webster, Old Church Road, asked of the impetus for the rezoning.

Mrs. Mortillo, Mt. Bethel Rd., asked about the effect of the new houses on Hillcrest Blvd. and also discussed class size.

Mrs. Doucette, Old Stirling Rd., asked about the frequency and cost of rezoning.

Mr. Bellovin, Arrighi Drive, questioned the selection of streets.

Mrs. Shanahan, Hillcrest Rd., spoke of class sizes.

Mrs. Dario, Sandalwood Dr., spoke of classroom utilization and staffing.

Mr. MacManus, Helen St, spoke of concerns regarding the timing and management of impact.

Mrs. Helewa, Reinman Rd., reiterated the request for grandfathering of 4th graders.

Mrs. Dario, Sandalwood Drive, asked of the effect of apartments potentially in the works.

Mrs. Morris, Edmurd Drive, asked if there was only one plan currently under discussion.

Mrs. Linton, Arrighi Drive, asked about the use of temporary portable classrooms.

Mrs. Lapioli, Sycamore Way, asked about the timeline for implementation.

Board member Mrs. Allocco reiterated the sentiments of the audience regarding the grandfathering of 4th graders (as well as 5th) and review of the inclusion of Arrighi Drive.

Mr. Huber suggested a more expanded review of the streets.

It was announced that there will be a meeting on February 7th at 6:00 p.m. for affected families.

2012-2013 Budget- Process and New Law Regarding Budget Vote

Dr. Crader discussed the recent legislation regarding school board/budget elections.

Mrs. Burman shared the fact that the board, if the election is moved to November, would only be responsible for any costs directly attributed to the addition of the board election.

While the board will not be voting tonight, Dr. Przybylski encouraged board members to share their thoughts.

Mr. Huber discussed the Patch's preliminary survey and stated that he sees the move to November, while acknowledging it has pros and cons, overall as a positive move, as long as the public still has the ability to provide input in the budget building process. He shared that he sees this as an attempt to streamline the process and keep government officials accountable.

Mrs. Monahan discussed the various reasons driving budget votes, and the historically low voter turnout. Increased voter turnout is her reason for leaning toward a move to November.

Mr. Sena expressed his conflict wishing that the budget vote could remain in April, with board member elections in November, but recognizes that this cannot be. He welcomes public input.

Mr. DeBellis shared that he is currently in favor of moving the election to November, allowing the public to have input in the budget building process prior to the vote. He stated that additionally, in light of the 2% cap, it must be recognized that difficult decisions must be made.

Mrs. Burman questioned the reliability of the 2% cap, and the net effect should it be lowered. However, she recognizes that the move to November removes the instability of the budget process. Although she is leaning toward moving the vote, she would like to hear from the public.

Mrs. Allocco spoke of her conflict but, based on the instability of the process, was leaning toward moving the election. In addition Mrs. Allocco shared that she had directly spoken with the Governor at a town meeting regarding this decision. The Governor responded that he feels more accountability will be the end result of increased voter participation a result of a move to November.

Dr. Przybylski spoke of the historic low voter turnout in April elections and indicated that there remains an opportunity to affect the budget by attending meetings and providing input. Therefore, he supports the move to November.

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).

Mrs. Freijomil, Christie Dr., spoke of her desire to retain the budget vote.

Mrs. Campos, Ashwood Court, spoke in support of the move to November for the stability it provides the district's programs.

Stacey McAteer, Highmount Ave. asked of the result of the move regarding public knowledge of board procedure.

Board member Mrs. Monahan shared that the Communications Committee intends to be very proactive regarding budget publicity.

Mrs. Patricia Zohn, Mountainview Road, would want the budget vote to remain in April but thinks the board should vote to move it to November, to protect it from being dictated by municipal government.

Mrs. Darlene Fenton, King George Rd., supports the move to November, based on her trust in the Board of Education to craft a quality budget.

Mrs. Marion, Raspberry Trail, also supports the move to November based on the variety of rationales behind budget votes.

XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Dr. Crader requested that agenda item B. 4. be tabled.

Dr. Crader removed agenda item C.1.

Mr. Huber asked about the facilities project schedule. (B.5.)

Mrs. Burman thanked Dr. Crader and Mrs. Raucci, as well as Mr. Huber and Mrs. Allocco, for their hard work on the rezoning process. Mrs. Burman also commended the public for their respectful demeanor.

Mrs. Monahan thanked the ALT PTO for the pens distributed this evening.

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the consent agenda items B.1. - B.3., B.5. - B.9., C.2. - C.10., and D.1. were approved by a 7-0 roll-call vote.

A. EDUCATION

B. FINANCE/OPERATIONS/TRANSPORTATION

B.1. Payment of Bills - January 31, 2012

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for January 2012 in the amount of $1,986,141.25

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 December 2011.

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

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$7,760,089.54

$1,459,258.94

(11) Current Expense

 

$2,236,930.24

 

(12) Capital Outlay

 

$647,253.76

 

(13) Special Schools

 

$8,248.65

 

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($32,680.39)

$34,313.19

 

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$618,996.65

 

$14,237.21

TOTAL

$8,346,405.80

$2,926,745.84

$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 December 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:

11-000-219-610-08-00

CST - Supplies

11-000-219-104-00-01

Child Study Team - Extra Pay

$3,000

11-000-222-500-11-02

Educ. Media/Library - Other Purch. Svcs.

11-000-222-610-11-02

Library Supplies - Software

$28,000

11-000-230-331-01-00

Legal Services

11-000-291-241-00-00

Retirement Contributions (PERS & DCRP)

$25,000

11-000-230-530-01-22

Telephone - District

11-000-262-621-05-00

Heat - ALT

$15,000

11-000-230-610-11-01

Supplies Admin. Hardware

11-000-262-621-03-00

Heat - Central

$20,000

11-000-251-600-01-00

Business Office - Supplies

11-000-262-621-03-00

Heat - Central

$5,000

11-000-252-330-11-01

Technology - Prof. Services

11-000-222-390-11-01

Educ. Media/Library - Purch. Tech. Svcs.

$27,000

11-000-261-420-07-50

Maint. Repairs - MS Fire.

11-000-262-621-04-00

Heat - Mt. Horeb

$10,000

11-000-262-580-09-00

Workshops & Travel - Maint.

11-000-262-520-01-00

Insur. - Property & Liability

$1,500

11-190-100-500-11-02

Other Purchased Services - Instr. Software

11-190-100-610-11-02

Supplies - Instr. Software

$15,000

12-000-400-390-03-01

Prof. Svcs. - CS APR

12-000-400-931-00-00

Capital Reserve Transfer

$20,000

12-000-400-450-03-01

Construction - CS APR

12-000-400-931-00-00

Capital Reserve Transfer

$130,000

12-000-400-390-06-01

Prof. Svcs. - WD Playground

12-000-400-931-00-00

Capital Reserve Transfer

$10,000

12-000-400-450-06-01

Construction - WD Playground

12-000-400-931-00-00

Capital Reserve Transfer

$60,000

12-000-400-390-07-50

Prof. Svcs. - MS Fire

11-000-262-621-07-00

Heat - Middle

$24,000

12-000-400-450-04-01

Constr. - MH ATC Controls

12-000-400-450-00-00

Construction Services

$91,800

12-000-400-450-07-01

Construction - MS Bleachers

12-000-400-450-00-00

Construction Services

$91,000

Total Transfers

$576,300

B.4. District School Street Rezoning TABLED

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following streets from the Woodland Zone to the Central Zone, beginning in September, 2012:

Arrighi Dr

Loren Way

Blackthorne Rd

Marian Ln

Currently no students

Carriage Ct

Currently no students

Mountain Ave (200 and above)

Countryside Ln

Currently no students

Mountain Blvd

Crest Ln

Currently no students

Mountain Ct

Currently no students

Crown Dr

Mt. Bethel Rd

Deerfield Rd

Old Church Rd

Dubois Rd

Currently no students

Old Stirling Rd (between Reinman & Mountain Blvd)

Forest Dr

Currently no students

Peach Tree Ln

Giddes Ln

Currently no students

Reinman Rd (between Dubois and Mt. Bethel)

Helen St

San Rd

Hemlock Cr

Sycamore Way

Hillcrest Blvd

Wexford

Currently no students

Isabella Way

Wilshire Rd

Lauriel Ct

B.5. Building Envelope Repairs Project at Central School

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the commencement of the Building Envelope Repairs Project at Central School including the submission of the documents to the Department of Education for review. The documents will be prepared by USA Architects. If required, USA Architects is authorized to update the Long Range Facilities Plan for these projects.

B.6. Waiver of Requirements - Special Education Medicare Initiative (SEMI) program

RESOLVED, that the Warren Township Board of Education approves the Waiver of Requirements Special Education Medicare Initiative (SEMI) Program:

WHEREAS, NJAC 6A:23A-5.3 provides that a school district may request a waiver of compliance with respect to the district's participation in the Special Education Medicare Initiative (SEMI) Program for the 2012-2013, and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Board of Education desires to apply for this waiver due to the fact that it has fewer than 40 Medicaid eligible classified students.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Warren Township Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent to submit to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools in Somerset County the appropriate waiver of the requirementsof NJAC 6A:23A-5.3 for the 2012-2013 school year.

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:

Feb 2012

  • John Seremula, NJMEA Music Conference, East Brunswick $156
  • Diane McCloskey, NJMEA Music Conference, East Brunswick $169
  • Joel Van Tine , NJMEA Music Conference, East Brunswick $153
  • George Nimmo, NJMEA Music Conference, East Brunswick $150

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. Termination of Contract With Willis HRH

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education terminates the contract with Willis HRH as the Board's School Employee Health Benefit Plan (SEHBP) Program Manager for the district's medical and prescription insurance program, effective February 29, 2012.

B.9. Warren Township Board of Education Benefits Advisor Designation

The Warren Township Board of Education hereby resolves effective March 1, 2012 as follows:

1. Pursuant to their proposal of January 19, 2012, designate Brown & Brown Benefit Advisors, Inc. as the Board's Program Manager for the Board's School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP).

2. All appropriate Board of Education staff are authorized to take such action and affect such documentation as necessary to implement these changes.

3. This resolution rescinds any prior Program Manager appointments.

C. PERSONNEL/STUDENT SERVICES

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

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) Tim O'Heney, Grade 3 Teacher, Central School, Step 1-2 of the 2009-2010 salary guide (2011-2012 step will be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective January 26, 2012 through June 30, 2012. (Mr. O'Heney is replacing Andrea McGuire and then Megan O'Donnell on family leave.) (Currently an approved sub in the district.)

C.2. Summer Fun Coordinator 2012

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Meryl Lettire, Middle School, as Summer Fun Coordinator for the summer of 2012 at a salary of $8,783.

C.3. Amendment of Additional Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education amends the dates for Carmella Motyczka to work an additional 32 hours total, for four Thursdays, from February 2, 2012 through February 23, 2012 to March 1, 2012 through March 22, 2012 at her hourly rate of $15.57 at a cost not to exceed $500.

C.4. Medical Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a medical leave request under FMLA for Joan Gwozdz effective January 19, 2012 to on or about March 1, 2012 (unpaid with benefits).

C.5. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the family leave request for Kelly Stankiewicz, School Guidance Counselor, Mt. Horeb School, effective September 4, 2012 through December 4, 2012 (unpaid, with benefits) returning December 5, 2012.

C.6. Substitute Teachers

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

a) Jordan DeGroat

b) Debra Rothenberg

C.7. Middle School Play Staff and Stipends

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following personnel and stipends in support of the 2011-2012 Middle School play as follows:

  • Director - Diane McCloskey, $2,640
  • Stage/Sound - Joel VanTine, $1,430
  • Production - Bev MacGorman, $1,430
  • Set Designer - Doug MacGorman, $1,430
  • Choreographer - Jennifer Zimmerman, $1,430
  • Assistant Director - Cathy Lazas, $1,430

C.8. 2011-2012 Sport Coach

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Laura Lamson as the girls' softball coach for the 2011-2012 school year at the negotiated WTEA stipend.

C.9. Resignation

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the resignation of Marylynn Calandruccio, Grade 3 Teacher, Central School, effective January 27, 2012.

C.10. Out of District Service Provider

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the addition of the following out of district service provider:

a) The Delta Group to provide Board Certified Behavior Analyst consultation and behavioral services beginning January 25, 2012 at a cost not to exceed $7,590.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies - First Reading

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

a) 4111/4211 - Recruitment, Selection And Hiring

b) 4121 - Substitute Teachers

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Dr. Crader reminded all that Mt. Horeb has used an extra "snow" day. Should they eventually need to make up a day, per the calendar, it will be Monday April 9th.

Mrs. Allocco asked if the board would like to place any motions on the NJSBA Delegates Assembly agenda.

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Mrs. Shanahan asked about the schedule for receipt of the fact finder's report.

XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 9:15 p.m. Mrs. Monahan moved the following:

WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A.10:4-11, permits the Board of Education to meet in closed session to discuss certain matters, now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, the Board of Education adjourns to closed session to discuss

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

and be it further

RESOLVED that no action will be taken upon the return to the public session

and be it further

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

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Burman and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Burman the board reconvened in open session at 9:44 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS

XVII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Monahan seconded by Mrs. Burman, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Patricia Leonhardt