Minutes for February 28, 2012
Archived Minutes
Skip Navigation
A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Central School, Mt. Bethel Road. The following is a record of that meeting.
I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:02 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, Gregory Przybylski, James Sena, and Mildred Spiller
Absent: Roberta Monahan arrived at 7:20 p.m. and departed at 8:10 p.m.
Also Present: Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of public, and press
IV. PRESENTATION
5th Grade Research Projects
Mr. Duncan and his 5th grade Central School students provided a wonderful presentation of various projects under 21st Century Learning.
V. MINUTES
Mrs. Spiller moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes of the following meeting:
February 13, 2012 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mr. Sena and approved by a 6-0-1 roll call vote. (Mrs. Burman 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:
1
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:
0
VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Przybylski congratulated the thirteen Warren Middle School students who placed 2nd in the Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl and the girls' basketball team on their Central Jersey Regular and Tournament Junior Championships.
VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Crader spoke of Mrs. Buehler's retirement, reading Mr. Huss' words of praise, and of Mr. Zuarino's retirement, reading Mrs. Raucci's words of praise.
Dr. Crader also reported on a recent county-wide survey regarding class size and found that Warren is within the range used across the county.
In addition Dr. Crader reported that a review of our teacher substitute pay found us to be at an appropriate level.
Dr. Crader also reported on the new teacher evaluation.
IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS
N/A
X. DISCUSSION
- Preliminary Budget
Dr. Crader presented an overview of the preliminary budget. Mr. Sena followed up with a discussion of the late notice of the increased state aid which has brought them to this evening, whereby the board needs to finalize the budget figures, hopefully at this meeting. He further explained the ramifications of the options.
Mrs. Spiller spoke of her contemplation of the choices, and her thought that the money should be reserved at this point to retain options.
Mrs. Monahan spoke of the fiscal unknowns, and her wish for the board to hold onto the money now and further consideration be given with the advantage of time.
Mrs. Spiller also reminded all that the district did give back all of the increased aid the district received over the summer.
Mr. DeBellis also agreed with the wait and see approach.
Mr. Huber spoke of his willingness to compromise with a split of the monies with half going to tax relief.
Mrs. Burman spoke of the formula which brought extra dollars to the district, as well as the budget building process. In addition, Mrs. Burman expressed a concern regarding the reliability of this increased state aid in future years.
Mr. Sena supported a 50/50 split, for he feels the 50% of expenses is clearly defendable.
Mrs. Allocco shared her initial concern with increased expenditures, but now feels that the teacher evaluation program and IPad cards are good uses of the funds.
Dr. Przybylski spoke of the rotation of technology equipment in our schools. He also spoke of the origin of income taxes and the appropriate application of new monies.
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).
Laura Lamson, Mitchell Ave., resident and staff member, spoke of her concerns with the board not using the monies to settle the WTEA contract.
Patricia Zahn, Mountainview Rd., spoke of using the money to show tokens of appreciation. It was her thought that these monies might be used to help the staff.
Don Marcela, suggested making the most of the money.
Andrea Freijomil, Christie Dr., shared that she found the terminology "giving money back" abrasive, and expressed concerns regarding increasing raises.
Board member Mildred Spiller asked of Dr. Crader's thoughts regarding the funds. Dr. Crader spoke of the district's needs notably for teacher professional development and technology for the students.
Community member Andrea Freijomil spoke of the possibility of the PTO assisting with technology purchases.
Resident and staff member Laura Lamson spoke of the salaries of teachers in the district.
On motion by Mrs. Allocco, seconded by Mr. Sena and approved on a 5-3 roll call vote it was RESOLVED, that the Board of Education allocates the net additional state aid as follows:
$90,000 instructional supplies (Technology), $30,000 professional development necessitated by the new state mandated teacher evaluation process, and $128,702 to be used to decrease the local tax levy. (Mrs. Spiller, Mr. De Bellis, and Mrs. Monahan voted no.)
Mr. Huber requested that the minutes reflect his wish that all of the increased aid be allocated to decreasing the local tax levy, but has voted in support of this motion in the interest of compromise.
Mrs. Monahan left at this point in the meeting (8:10 p.m.)
XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION
Mrs. Burman asked that agenda item C.3. be pulled for a separate vote.
Mr. Huber asked about the reallocation of salaries (B.4., B.5., and B.6.) and substitute staffing (C.2.).
On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the consent agenda items A.1. - A.2., B.1. - B.7., C.1. - C.2., C.4. - C.7., and D.1. were approved by a 7-0 roll-call vote.
On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mr. Sena, the board approved agenda item C.3. on a 5-2 roll call vote. (Mrs. Burman and Mr. Sena voted no.)
On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the board approved agenda item B.8. on a 5-2 roll call vote. (Mrs. Spiller and Mr. De Bellis voted no.)
A. EDUCATION
A.1. Home Instruction
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one student (ID#2001273) to receive 10 hours per week of home instruction for an initial 60 day period beginning February 29, 2012 for a total cost to the district not to exceed $4,400.
A.2. Out of Zone Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of zone request for the following students:
a) Student (ID#208414) to complete 4th grade at Woodland School for the 2012-2013 school year. The student has been rezoned to Central School.
b) Student (ID#208427) to complete 4th grade at Woodland School for the 2012-2013 school year. The student has been rezoned to Central School.
c) Student (ID#208429) to complete 4th grade at Woodland School for the 2012-2013 school year. The student has been rezoned to Central School.
d) Student (ID#2007490) to complete 5th grade at Woodland School for the 2012-2013 school year. The student has been rezoned to Central School.
e) Student (ID#2007507) to complete 5th grade at Woodland School for the 2012-2013 school year. The student has been rezoned to Central School.
f) Student (ID#2007522) to complete 5th grade at Woodland School for the 2012-2013 school year. The student has been rezoned to Central School.
B. FINANCE/OPERATIONS/TRANSPORTATION
B.1. Payment of Bills - February 29, 2012
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for February 2012 in the amount of $3,372,395.60
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 January 2012.
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on January 31, 2012
|
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
|
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$9,114,860.56 |
$1,459,258.94 |
|
|
(11) Current Expense |
$1,978,580.42 |
||
|
(12) Capital Outlay |
$641,269.14 |
||
|
(13) Special Schools |
$8,248.65 |
||
|
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
($20,541.08) |
$34,294.59 |
|
|
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$618,996.65 |
$14,237.21 |
|
|
TOTAL |
$9,713,316.13 |
$2,662,392.80 |
$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 January 2012
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: |
|||
|
11-000-100-566-08-01 |
Tuition - Private (Regular SY) |
11-000-100-562-08-01 |
Tuition - Other LEAs (Reg.SY) |
$700 |
|
11-000-100-566-08-01 |
Tuition - Private (Regular SY) |
11-000-100-566-08-02 |
Tuition - Private (Ext. SY) |
$3,100 |
|
11-000-100-566-08-01 |
Tuition - Private (Regular SY) |
11-000-216-100-00-01 |
Speech & OT - Extra Pay |
$5,000 |
|
11-000-100-566-08-01 |
Tuition - Private (Regular SY) |
11-000-223-110-11-02 |
Technology Stipends |
$10,000 |
|
11-000-100-566-08-01 |
Tuition - Private (Regular SY) |
11-000-270-518-10-00 |
Special Ed Transp. - ESC |
$26,800 |
|
11-000-100-566-08-01 |
Tuition - Private (Regular SY) |
11-000-262-621-06-00 |
Heat - Woodland School |
$20,000 |
|
11-000-217-600-08-00 |
Extraordinary Svcs. - Supplies |
11-204-100-640-08-00 |
LLD Textbooks |
$1,000 |
|
11-000-261-420-09-03 |
Maintenance Repairs - Central |
11-000-262-340-09-00 |
Maint. - Purch. Tech. Svcs. |
$10,000 |
|
11-000-261-420-09-04 |
Maintenance Repairs - MH |
11-000-262-340-09-00 |
Maint. - Purch. Tech. Svcs. |
$10,000 |
|
11-000-270-515-10-00 |
Special Ed Transp. - Jointure |
11-000-270-518-10-00 |
Special Ed Transp. - ESC |
$13,500 |
|
11-000-291-260-00-00 |
Worker's Compensation |
11-000-291-290-00-00 |
Other Employee Benefits |
$8,150 |
|
12-000-217-730-08-00 |
Other Support - Extraord. Equip. |
11-204-100-610-08-00 |
LLD Supplies |
$2,250 |
|
12-000-400-390-06-01 |
Prof. Svcs. - WD Playground |
12-000-400-390-00-00 |
Prof. Svcs. (Capital Projects) |
$10,000 |
|
12-000-400-390-07-01 |
Prof. Svcs. - MS Bleachers |
12-000-400-390-00-00 |
Prof. Svcs. (Capital Projects) |
$6,794 |
|
12-000-400-390-07-50 |
Prof. Svcs. - MS Fire Replace. |
11-000-262-621-07-00 |
Heat - Middle |
$1,320 |
|
Total Transfers |
$128,614 |
B.4. Educational Jobs Fund
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the reallocation of ARRA Grant monies from certificated salaries to non-certificated salaries for 2011-2012:
Eileen Haddican $36,647 (total salary) and
Jane Claussen $34,230 (96.2% funded)
B.5. NCLB Application Amendment
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an amendment to the FY12 NCLB application, whereby Title IIA monies will be reallocated from salary to purchase services.
B.6. NCLB Salary Funding
Resolved, that federal NCLB funds, Title IIA, will no longer be used to fund the salary of teacher BK, as approved in October, 2011. Monies to be used to fund 2011-2012 Professional Development.
B.7. Amended Board of Education Meeting Schedule
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the amended Board of Education meeting schedule as follows:
|
2012 Current Dates 2/28 Tuesday 3/12 Monday (change) 3/27 Tuesday 4/10 Tuesday (May 1 cancelled) 5/7 Monday 5/21 Monday 6/11 Monday 6/25 Monday |
Newly Scheduled Dates 7/16 Monday 8/13 Monday 9/4 Tuesday 9/17 Monday 10/15 Monday 10/29 Monday 11/12 Monday 11/26 Monday 12/10 Monday 1/7/13 Reorg Monday |
B.8. PRELIMINARY 2012-2013 Warren Township School Budget
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the PRELIMINARY 2012-2013 Warren Township School Budget and approves the PRELIMINARY budget for submission to the Somerset County Executive Superintendent of Schools for review.
|
The proposed budget includes sufficient funds to provide curriculum and instruction which will enable all students to achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards and is in compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A and N.J.A.C Title 6 and 6A. |
||||
|
Appropriations: |
Revenue: |
|||
|
|
||||
|
Operating Budget |
$38,772,416 |
State Aid: General Fund |
$1,187,441 |
|
|
Capital Outlay |
$73,700 |
Tax Levy: General Fund |
$37,026,216 |
|
|
Capital Reserve |
$1,338,000 |
Other Revenues |
$369,533 |
|
|
Summer School |
$176,950 |
Withdrawal from Capital Reserve: |
$1,338,000 |
|
|
$40,361,066 |
Fund Balance |
$439,876 |
||
|
$40,361,066 |
||||
|
|
||||
|
Special Revenue Appropriations |
$420,316 |
Grants: Federal, State and Local |
$420,316 |
|
|
|
||||
|
Principal |
$780,000 |
Fund Balance |
$14,237 |
|
|
Interest |
$116,850 |
State Aid: Debt Service |
$268,773 |
|
|
$896,850 |
Tax Levy: Debt Service |
$613,840 |
||
|
$896,850 |
||||
|
Total Appropriations: |
$41,678,232 |
Total Revenues: |
$41,678,232 |
|
FURTHER RESOLVED, per NJAC 6A:23B-1.2(b), the proposed budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement. The 2012/2013 tentative budget includes a maximum travel appropriation of $100,000. The School Business Administrator shall track and record these costs to insure that the maximum amount is not exceeded.
FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby establishes March 27, 2012 as the date for the Public Hearing on the budget and authorizes the Superintendent and Board Secretary, after approval by the Executive County Superintendent of Schools, to advertise the budget and the budget hearing as required by law.
C. PERSONNEL/STUDENT SERVICES
C.1. Retirement and Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following retirements and resignations:
a) Bernardo Zuarino, Van Driver, Transportation, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for the 12 years of service to the Warren Township School district, effective June 30, 2012.
b) Lorraine Buehler, Kindergarten Teacher, Woodland School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for the 40 years of service to the children of Warren, effective June 30, 2012.
C.2. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2011-2012 school year:
a) Laura Colantoni
b) Jena Davison (previous sub 2010-2011)
c) Ann Marie Vernese (previous Angelo L. Tomaso School Nurse and Sub)
d) Zahra Babakhani
e) Trevor Peters
C.3. Per Diem Deduct Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following per diem deduct request for the following:
a) Employee ID#4461, for one day, February 21, 2012.
b) Employee ID#4383, for one day, February 16, 2012.
C.4. Amended Family Medical Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the amended family medical leave request under FMLA for Karen Leski, School Psychologist, ALT and Woodland Schools, effective on or about March 2, 2012 through on or about March 23, 2012 (unpaid with benefits) with a return date of on or about March 26, 2012.
C.5. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the family leave request for K. O'Brien Speckin, School Grade 7 Science Teacher, Middle School, effective on or about May 30, 2012 through June 30, 2012 (unpaid, with benefits) returning on or about September 1, 2012.
C.6. Out of District Service Providers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the addition of the following out of district service providers:
a) Kim White (replacing Valerie Roenback) to provide 5 hours per week of ABA services at a cost of $40 per hour for the 2011-2012 school year, beginning February 29, 2012 at a cost not to exceed $3,400.
b) Carrie Leshin to provide one hour of speech services per week at a per hour cost of $100 per hour for the 2011-2012 school year beginning February 29, 2012 at a cost not to exceed $1,700.
C.7. Extended Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Michele Stein adding one day per week beginning on or about March 2, 2012 and ending on or about March 26, 2012 at a cost not to exceed $1,793. (During Karen Leski's leave.)
D. Policy
D.1. Policies - First Reading
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the following policies:
a) 1330 - Use Of School Facilities
b) 4111/4211 - Recruitment, Selection And Hiring
c) 5131.8 - Dating Violence At School
XIII. OLD BUSINESS
Mrs. Spiller discussed the superintendent's evaluation, both process and timeline.
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
N/A
XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
N/A
XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 8:20 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,
specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session
and be it further
RESOLVED that 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. Burman the board reconvened in open session at 9:02 p.m.
On motion by Mrs. Allocco, seconded by Mr. Sena and approved on a 7-0 roll call vote, it was Resolved that the BOE moves to reconsider motion C.3. and divide the motion into two separate motions.
On motion by Mrs. Burman, seconded by Mrs. Spiller and approved on a 7-0 roll call vote, it was Resolved that the BOE approved the change the language in motion C.3.a. to state that a day without pay be granted for a mandated court appearance for employee ID#4461
On motion by Mrs. Burman, seconded by Mr. Sena, it was Resolved that the BOE approve the per diem deduct day for employee ID#4383 in motion C.3.b. This motion was not approved on a 7-0 roll call vote.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Spiller seconded by Mrs. Burman, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:
Patricia Leonhardt
Contact Us
Last modified on Thursday, February 24, 2022