Minutes for February 13, 2012History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Middle School, Old Stirling 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, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, Gregory Przybylski, James Sena, Mildred Spiller, and Patricia Toubin

Absent: Susan Burman

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

IV. PRESENTATION

  • Budget Overview
    Dr. Crader provided an overview of the proposed 2012-2013 budget.  

V. MINUTES

Mrs. Spiller moved the following:

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

January 24, 2012 public and private session

The motion was seconded by Mr. Sena and approved by a 6-0 roll call vote. (Mrs. Spiller and Mrs. Toubin abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

  • HIB Information

    Dr. Crader reported on HIB information from January 24, 2012 through February 13, 2012 as follows:

    Total # of Investigations:

    4

    		  

    Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

    2

The superintendent reported the following drills had been held:

  • Fire Drills

    ALT

    Central

    Mt. Horeb

    Woodland

    Middle

    January 17

    January 6

    January 11

    January 10

    January 23
     
  • Security Drills

    ALT

    Central

    Mt. Horeb

    Woodland

    Middle

    January 27, 2012 Sheltering In

    January 20

    Sheltering In

    January 30

    Sheltering In

    January 25

    Sheltering In

    January20

    Sheltering-In
     

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Przybylski thanked the Central School PTO for their financial assistance with the playground and the Warren Lions for lunch time meals assistance. Also commended were the students who worked with Dr. Horn on The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers completion, the math students who worked with Dr. Cooper and earned a 1st place finish in the St. Joe's competition, as well as the 5th through 8th grade winners in the Elks essay contest.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Crader spoke of Mrs. Hartshorn's retirement, reading Mr. Comba's words of praise, and Mr. Sala's retirement, reading Ms. Bond's words of praise.

Dr. Crader thanked the retirees for their years of service to the district.

Also discussed was the new teacher evaluation system which the State is implementing.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Curriculum

Mrs. Spiller reported that the committee discussed the TAP Program, for which feedback from the evaluation is being reviewed. A Character Education presentation by Mr. Kimmick was praised and articulation continues to be reviewed. The district's LAL program was also presented to the committee.

Finance

Mr. Sena reported on the committee's February 6th meeting which discussed the budget, facilities projects' bids (Woodland playground and renovation of the rooms affected by the fire at Middle School). The cost of the Anti-Bully initiative was also an item of discussion.

X. DISCUSSION

Rezoning - final update

Dr. Crader discussed the successful meeting held last week for parents of students transferring to Central School. While rising 4th and 5th grades can be grandfathered, as of now very few are taking advantage of that option.

Board member Mr. Huber discussed his support of the rezoning process albeit with reservations concerning the selection of streets to be re-districted. Board Vice President Mrs. Spiller shared that her family was redistricted and the outcome was very positive.

Dr. Przybylski thanked Dr. Crader for all of her efforts to ensure that his process was well run.

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).

Jennifer Lapioli, Sycamore Way, complimented the board on their willingness to reassess when the community brought up valid points concerning rezoning.

XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mr. Huber asked of the pricing for the Central School playground equipment (B.2.), the number of substitute teachers the district employs (C.4), and the need for Power School training (C.5.).

In addition, Mr. Huber asked that motion B.10. be pulled for a separate vote.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the consent agenda items A.1.-3., B.1. - B.9., B.11., C.1. - C.5., and D.1. were approved by an 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mr. Sena, the board approved agenda item B.10. on an 8-0 roll call vote.

A. EDUCATION

A.1. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves home instruction for one student (ID#121374) to receive 10 hours per week of home instruction for a period of 30 days beginning February 1, 2012 at a cost not to exceed $2,000.

A.2. Tuition-In Student - 2011-2012 School Year

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves one tuition-in special education student (ID#121387) from Bridgewater to attend our SEED program, effective January 17, 2012, for the 2011-2012 school year at a per diem tuition rate of $172.76, with an additional cost of $95 per diem for paraprofessional staff, for a total of $267.76 per diem. Placement terminated January 27, 2012.

A.3. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves home instruction for one student (ID#121384) to receive 10 hours per week of home instruction for a period of 30 days beginning February 13, 2012 at a cost not to exceed $2,000.

B. FINANCE/OPERATIONS/TRANSPORTATION

B.1. NJSBAIG - ERIC North Sub-fund Application for 2012 Safety Program

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the submission of a grant application for the 2012 Safety Grant Program through the New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group's ERIC North Sub-fund for the qualified purposes of upgrading the security system at the doors of the schools in the Warren Township School District as described in the application, in the amount of $8,850.00 for the period of July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

B.2. Central School Playground Equipment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the purchase and installation of Central School Playground Equipment, as specified in Game Time's January 19, 2012 proposal, at a cost of $19,952.70, per the Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission (MRESC) bid.

B.3. PTO Donation - Central School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation in the amount of $10,000 from the Central School PTO, to be used to share the cost of the purchase and installation of the Central School Playground Equipment.

B.4. Warren Lions Club Donation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, a donation in the amount of $500 from the Warren Lions Club for use during lunch time in the Warren Township Schools.

B.5. Establishing the Election of Members of the Warren Board of Education As the

First Tuesday after the First Monday in November

WHEREAS, P.L. 2011, c. 202 authorizes changing the election date of school board members from the third Tuesday in April to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November (the General Election); and

WHEREAS, Such action requires the adoption of a resolution by a school district or the municipality or municipalities constituting such district, as set forth in P.L. 2011, c. 202; and

WHEREAS, P.L. 2011, c. 202 requires that the change to a November election remain in effect for four years; and

WHEREAS, P.L. 2011, c. 202 eliminates the annual voter referendum on the proposed general fund tax levy (i.e., the base budget which is at or below the statutory tax levy cap) in school districts where board of education members are elected at the General Election; and

WHEREAS, P.L. 2011, c. 202 requires that an additional general fund tax levy proposal (i.e., for an expenditure in excess of the tax levy cap) be presented to voters as a separate question at the General Election; and

WHEREAS, the Warren Board of Education believes that the financial interest of its constituents is safeguarded by the state's tax levy cap and the thorough review of the proposed school budget by the Executive County Superintendent and the Executive County School Business Administrator; and

WHEREAS, the Warren Board of Education believes that more citizens will participate in the selection of school board members at the General Election than on the third Tuesday in April and that the higher level of participation will foster positive interest in our public schools; and

WHEREAS, the Warren Board of Education is committed to the non-partisan status of school board membership and the non-partisan conduct of school elections, and believes this principle will not be compromised by conducting board member elections in November.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That, pursuant to P.L. 2011, c. 202, the Warren Board of Education changes the annual election date for school board members from the third Tuesday in April to the November General Election, beginning in 2012; and be it further

RESOLVED, That, pursuant to P.L. 2011, c. 202, the annual organization meeting of the Warren Board of Education will take place in the first week of January following the November General Election and that the board of education's next organization meeting will take place in the first week of January 2013; and be it further

RESOLVED, That, pursuant to P.L. 2011, c. 202, members of the Warren Board of Education whose terms would have expired by May 2012 will continue to serve in office until the January 2013 organization meeting; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to the Somerset County Clerk; the Somerset County Board of Elections and/or Superintendent of Elections; the Warren municipal clerk(s) and school board secretary or secretaries; the Department of State, Division of Elections; the Department of Education's Executive County Superintendent; and the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution also be provided to the New Jersey School Boards Association and New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

B.6. CHA Energy Audit

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes execution of a contract with CHA for an energy audit of the district's buildings, at a cost of $25,245. Total cost of the audit to be reimbursed by New Jersey's Clean Energy Program.

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

  • Bruce Gant, NJMEA State Conference, East Brunswick $ 150

March 2012

  • Laurie Donovan, Effective Sensory Diets 2012, Somerset $ 169
  • Alison Hales, Effective Sensory Diets 2012, Somerset $ 169

May 2012

  • Marilyn Goldstein, NJTESOL Workshop, New Brunswick $ 234

July 2012

  • Cathlin Rozman, NASA & Clouds Program, Houston, TX $3,400

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. Transportation Contract For Watchung Borough Students - 2011-2012 School Year

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Watchung Borough for related activities transportation of their students for the 2011-2012 school year at a cost of $101.23 per trip.

B.9. Contract Rejection for Construction Services - Playground Installation at Woodland School

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following resolution:

WHEREAS, a recommendation was made by the Superintendent of Schools to the Warren Township Board of Education ("Board") to seek a contract for construction services for the Playground Installation at Woodland School (hereinafter "Project"); and

WHEREAS, the Project was properly advertised to prospective bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-4; and

WHEREAS, on Thursday February 9, 2012 the Board received the following bids from potential bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A.18A:18A-1, et seq.;

Contractor

Base Bid

Alt # 1

All Surface Asphalt Paving

mce_markernbsp; 96,450

$ 8,500

Andy Matt, Inc.

$ 181,026

$ 18,974

Rich Picerno

$ 122,729

$ 21,900

Tec-Con Contractors

$ 91,128

$ 16,800

Halecon

$ 106,000

$ 18,400

WHEREAS, the bids submitted have been reviewed and have been determined to exceed the Board's budget for the Project, and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby rejects the bids as unresponsive based on the fact that they exceed the Board's budget for the Project, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes the Project be rebid pursuant to New Jersey Public Contract Laws, N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-1, et seq

B.10. District School Street Rezoning

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.11. Reconstruction of the Home Arts and REACH room at the Middle School

WHEREAS, on February 9, 2012, the Board of Education received bids for the Reconstruction of the Home Arts and REACH room at the Middle School as follows:

 

Base Bid

Aero Plumbing

$254,336

C&E Contracting

$224,600

DeSapio Construction

$252,800

GPC Inc.

$191,800

Hahr Construction

$242,000

Ingrassia Construction

$239,500

Lanyi & Tevald, Inc.

$247,500

Paley Construction Company

$272,213

Salazar & Assoc.

$219,000

Tekton Development Corp.

$209,000

TQM

$228,800

Tri-Form Construction

$199,600

WD Snyder

$219,000

And, it is the recommendation of both the Architect and the Board Attorney that the bid should be awarded to GPC Inc. since it is the lowest responsible bidder,

RESOLVED, the Board of Education awards the contract for the Reconstruction of the Home Arts and REACH room at the Middle School to GPC Inc., Millburn, NJ.

C. PERSONNEL/STUDENT SERVICES

C.1. Summer Fun Secretary 2012

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Eileen Haddican, Multi Duty Paraprofessional, Middle School, as Summer Fun Secretary for the summer of 2012 at a salary of $4,630.

C.2. Family Medical Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the family medical leave request under FMLA for:

a) Kristen Boni, French Teacher, Middle School, effective February 3, 2012 through March 16, 2012 (unpaid, with benefits) returning on or about March 19, 2012.

b) Karen Balich, Special Education Teacher, Middle School, effective January 4, 2012 through March 2 (1/2 day), 2012, paid with benefits and 3/2 (1/2 day), 2012 through March 25, 2012 unpaid with benefits with a return date of on or about March 26, 2012.

c) Karen Leski, School Psychologist, ALT and Woodland Schools, effective February 21, 2012 through March 23, 2012 (unpaid with benefits) with a return date of on or about March 26, 2012.

C.3. Resignation and Retirement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following resignations:

a) Jose Sala, Head Day Custodian, Angelo L. Tomaso School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for the 18 years of service to the Warren Township School district, effective July 1, 2012.

b) Ann Hartshorn, Grade 7 Reading and Grade 8 Elective Teacher, Middle School for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for the 37 years of service to the children of Warren, effective July 1, 2012.

c) Dawn DeLorenzo, Special Education Teacher, Woodland School, effective June 30, 2012.

C.4. Substitute Teachers

the following Substitute Teachers for the 2011-2012 school year:

a) Bridget Malin

b) Lorraine Larew (former ALT Teacher)

c) Arielle Weinstein

d) Kevin Harden

e) Violeta Lalveliene

f) Brittany Kraly

g) Lawrence Paruta

h) Linda Klauber

i) Mary Jackson

C.5. Power School Training

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves SJTP to provide Power School Administrator training to be complete by April 1, 2012 for 10 hours at a cost not to exceed $900.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies - Second and Final Reading

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

a) 4111/4211 - Recruitment, Selection And Hiring

b) 4121 - Substitute Teachers

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

Mrs. Toubin tendered her resignation due to her inability to attend board meetings. In exiting, she complimented Dr. Crader on her leadership.

Mrs. Monahan expressed her regret regarding Mrs. Toubin's resignation and shared that she also will have trouble attending Tuesday night meetings.

Mrs. Allocco expressed her concern regarding board attendance in light of the need to have a quorum.

On motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the board voted to accept with regret the resignation of BOE member Patricia Toubin, on a 7-0 roll call vote.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

  • Superintendent's Evaluation
  • Board of Education Self-Evaluation

These items were tabled until the next meeting due to BOE member Mrs. Toubin's resignation.

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Stacey McAteer, Highmount Ave., asked of the Woodland Playground Project's timeline.

Andrea Olivapotenza, Walnut Ct., asked of the scope of the Woodland Playground Project.

XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 8:04 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 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 Mr. Sena and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Monahan the board reconvened in open session at 8:45 p.m.

XVII. New Business (continued)

The board discussed the process regarding the appointment of a community member to the board vacancy. It is anticipated that the interviews and appointment will be held on March 13th.

In addition, the board discussed the scheduling of board meetings.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Spiller seconded by Mr. Sena, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Patricia Leonhardt