Minutes for September 4, 2012History 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, Susan Burman, Kathy Helewa, Donald Huber, Gregory Przybylski, and Mildred Spiller

Absent: John De Bellis

Roberta Monahan

James Sena (arrived at 7:06 p.m.)

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

IV. PRESENTATION

Ms. Bond, ALT Principal, and Mr. Cook, Middle School Dean of Students, provided an overview of the New Teacher Orientation Program.

Mr. Sena arrived at this point in the meeting (7:06 p.m.).

V. MINUTES

Mrs. Spiller moved the following:

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

August 13, 2012 public session

The motion was seconded by Mr. Sena and approved by a 5-0-2 roll call vote. (Mrs. Allocco and Mrs. Burman abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

None

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Przybylski welcomed all back for the 2012/13 school year and commended everyone involved in the opening session held earlier in the day.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Crader discussed the Character Education Program, and the Strategic Planning Process, canvassing the board members regarding their availability for the differing levels of participation.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

X. DISCUSSION

Board Goals

The board discussed the establishment of goals. The Strategic Plan will be a goal, and a number of other topics are also under consideration.

Contracted Vendor List and Process

The board discussed the process of approving related services provided by contracted vendors. In lieu of individual approvals, a report of spending will be provided. While initially this report will be created monthly, it is anticipated that this will transition to quarterly. This report will include the number of services as well as dollars.

In addition, the annual vendor approval will be accompanied by a survey of fees charged per service.

A motion reflecting this procedural change will be on the September 24th agenda.

Facilities

Dr. Crader discussed the issues with the Mt. Horeb bathroom faucets.

Mr. Huber discussed student purchased school supplies requested by teachers and the consequence of not purchasing.

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).

Brenda Nemcek asked about the status of the district's facilities projects.

XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mrs. Burman asked that agenda item C.6. be pulled for separate vote.

Mrs. Burman had a question about agenda item B.3. The motion was amended.

Mr. Sena had a question about agenda item B.5

Mr. Sena discussed agenda item C.6.

Mrs. Helewa requested that agenda item B.2. be pulled for separate vote.

Mrs. Spiller noticed the start date of agenda item C.1.f was incorrect. The motion was modified.

Mrs. Allocco asked that B.7 through B.9 be discussed in the future at the committee level.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the consent agenda items A.1. through

A.5., B.1., B.3. as amended, B.4. through B.10., C.1.a.-e., C.1.f. as amended, C.1.g., C.2.through C.5., and C.7. through C. 9., were approved by a 7-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Dr. Przybylski, the board approved agenda item B.2. on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. (Mrs. Helewa abstained.)

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mr. Sena, the board approved agenda item C.6. on a 4-3 roll call vote. (Mrs. Burman, Mr. Sena, and Dr. Przybylski voted no.)

A. EDUCATION

A.1. Extraordinary Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Livia Spingarn-Gabel to provide the following services:

a) Two hours ($60/hr) per week of ABA services to Student #120494 beginning July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, cost not to exceed $7,200.

b) Two hours ($60/hr) per week of ABA services to Student # 120540 beginning September 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013, cost not to exceed $4,800.

A.2. Related Services - Tuition Out Students

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves North Jersey Outreach/KDDS TOO, Inc. for the following:

a) An Occupational Therapy Evaluation for Student #620421, effective summer 2012, cost not to exceed $1,050.

b) One 30 minute session per week ($145/hr) of Occupational Therapy services beginning July 9, 2012 and ending August 17, 2012 for Student #620421, cost not to exceed $435.

c) Two 30 minute sessions per week ($145/hr) of Occupational Therapy services to Student #620421 for the 2012-2013 school year, cost not to exceed $5,400.

d) Continuation of Physical Therapy services for Student #620421, three 30 minute sessions per week ($145/hr) for the 2012-2013 school year, cost not to exceed $8,100.

A.3. Related Services - MUJC

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

a) Student #621179:

  • 3.5 hours of Speech ($230/hr) from July 6, 2012 through July 27, 2012, cost not to exceed $805.
  • 2 hours of Occupational Therapy ($195/hr) from July 6, 2012 through July 27, 2012, cost not to exceed $390.
  • 1 hour per week of Speech ($230/hr) for the 2012-2013 school year, cost not to exceed $9,200.
  • .5 hours per week of Occupational Therapy ($195/hr) for the 2012-2013 school year, cost not to exceed $4,290.

b) Student #120483:

  • 3 hours of Speech ($230/hr) from July 3, 2012 through August 8, 2012, cost not to exceed $690.
  • 5.5 hours of Physical Therapy ($215/hr) from July 2, 2012 through August 8, 2012, cost not to exceed $1,183.
  • 2.5 hours of Occupational Therapy ($195/hr) from July 5, 2012 through August 8, 2012, cost not to exceed $488.
  • .5 hours per week of Speech ($230/hr) for the 2012-2013 school year, cost not to exceed $4,600.
  • 1 hour per week of Physical Therapy ($215/hr) for the 2012-2013 school year, cost not to exceed $8,600.
  • .5 hours per week of Occupational Therapy ($195/hr) for the 2012-2013 school year, cost not to exceed $3,900.

A.4. Related Services - ABA

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a) Two 1 hour sessions per month of home programming for Student #121084, to be provided by the Morris Union Jointure Commission for the 2012-2013 school year, cost not to exceed $3,100.

b) Brenda Hockstein, to provide 5 hours per week ($55/hr) of ABA services for Student #120949 from July 1, 2012 through August 31, 2012, cost not to exceed $1,100, as well as 5 hours per week ($55/hr) for the 2012-2013 school year, cost not to exceed $13,200.

c) Catherine Bocage to provide 20 hours ($55/hr) of ABA services for Student #120540 from July 1, 2012 through August 9, 2012, cost not to exceed $1,100.

A.5. WHRHS Math Program for Middle School Students

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attendance of twelve Middle School students for first period math at Watchung Hills Regional High School for a total tuition cost of $5,018 for the 2012-2013 school year.

B. FINANCE/OPERATIONS/TRANSPORTATION

B.1. Partial Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the partial payment of bills from August 14, 2012 through August 31, 2012 in the amount of $1,201,652.87.

B.2. 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 RESOVED, 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:

October 2012

  • Kathy Helewa, BOE Member, NJSBA Convention, Atlantic City $460

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.3. Annual Flu Clinic 2012-2013

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the offering of a flu shot clinic to staff members on October 24, 2012, at no additional cost to the board.

B.4. Paving Project - Mt. Horeb School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an additional cost of $22,943 for the paving of the playground and parking lots at MHS, by Tilcon, through the 2012 Morris County Purchasing Cooperative, to reflect additional work due to unforeseen prior conditions.

B.5. Transportation for Out of District Students - MRESC

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation for out of district students with the Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission for the 2012-2013 school year as follows:

Contractor Student ID# School Cost___

MRESC 620750 Reed Academy $ 32,580.00

MRESC 120851 Cambridge Academy $ 29,340.00

B.6. District Budget Calendar

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2013-2014 District Budget Process calendar dated August 29, 2012.

B.7. 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 2012-2013 school year as follows:

Contractor

District

Route

School

Cost

Warren

WHRHS

W-137

DLC

$6,566.40

Warren

WHRHS

W-138

WHRHS

$10,663.20

Warren

WHRHS

W143

WHRHS

$17,965.80

Warren

WHRHS

W-144

Ridge High School

$21,404.49

Warren

WHRHS

W145

Class trips

$8,457.48

B.8. 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 2012-2013 school year as follows:

Contractor

District

Route

School

Cost

Warren

Watchung

W-150

Math students from WHRHS

$3,695.40

Warren

Watchung

W-151

Project Grow student to MH

$7,130.20

Warren

Watchung

W-136

DLC

$6,566.40

Warren

Watchung

W-148

School related activities

$103.14 ea

B.9. Transportation Contracts - Other Districts

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contracts with Long Hill and Berkeley Heights for the transportation of their students for the 2012-2013 school year as follows:

Contractor

District

Route

School

Cost

Warren

Long Hill

W137

Central Middle

$4,224.60

Warren

Berkeley Heights

W142

DLC

$6,566.40

B.10. Transportation Contract for In District Student with Morris County ESC

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Morris County ESC to transport one Warren student (Student #620626) to Hillcrest School in Morris County NJ for a per diem cost of $152.50 (including an aide) for 185 days beginning September 6th, 2012, at a total cost of $28,212.50.

C. PERSONNEL/STUDENT SERVICES

C.1. Employment for the 2012-2013 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 2012-2013 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) Vanessa Carmona, ESL Teacher, 20 hours, Middle School, MA, Step 4-5 of the 2012-2013 salary guide, $34,493, effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. (She is replacing M. Goldstein.)

b) Lisa Rica, Multi-duty Paraprofessional, 21.25 hours, Central School, Step 1 of the 2012-2013 salary guide, $10,618, effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. (She is replacing M. McGann.)

c) Karen Taylor, Multi-duty Paraprofessional, 10 hours, Central School, Step 4-5 of the 2012-2013 salary guide, $5,330, effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. (She is replacing A. McAteer.)

d) Joni Dethlefsen, Classroom Paraprofessional, 30 hours, Central School, Step 2-3 of the 2012-2013 salary guide, $17,240, plus a stipend of $1,800 for her teaching certificate, effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. (She is replacing A. Morgan.)

e) Linda DeRobertis, Long-term Substitute Teacher, ALT, at a per diem rate of $150, effective Sept 1, 2012 through on or about November 13, 2012. (She is a long-term substitute for Employee #1259 who is on leave.)

f) Michael Bracken, Night Custodian, ALT, at an annual salary of $31,000, effective October 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.

g) Moses Bobadilla, Bus Monitor, at an annual salary of $11,105, reflecting

reduced daily hours from 7 to 5, effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.

C.2. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2012-2013 school year:

a) Christina Tommaso

b) Christina Adubato

c) Linda DeRobertis

C.3. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a) Employee #1259 for family leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from September 4, 2012 to on or about November 13, 2012.

b) Employee #0515 for family leave (unpaid with benefits) under FMLA from September 4, 2012 through September 30, 2012.

c) Employee #1587 for family leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from September 4, 2012 to on or about October 31, 2012.

d) Employee #1361 for family leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from September 19, 2012 to on or about September 28, 2012.

C.4. Retirement/Resignation

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

a) Linda Myers, Paraprofessional, Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 13 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective September 30, 2012.

b) Diana Raucci, Transportation Coordinator, with appreciation for her 10 years of service to the Warren Township school district, effective September 28, 2012.

c) Nancy Yannazzone (Paraprofessional hired on the August agenda.)

d) Elise Tanner, District Software Support Specialist, as of a revised effective resignation date, changed from Aug 31, 2012 to October 31, 2012.

C.5. Movement on the Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2012-2013 salary guide:

a) Christina Grimm, with congratulations, for movement from BA to BA+15, effective September 1, 2012.

C.6. Salary Deductions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the per diem salary deductions for Employee #1930 on the following five days: October 15-19, 2012.

C.7. Previous Approval of Additional Hours - Modification

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves that the hours previously approved for Carrie Grapstein, Bookkeeper Assistant, may be expended by September 15, 2012. This is not a request for additional hours, but an extension of the amount of time during which the hours can be utilized.

C.8. Summer Curriculum Work

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Susan Cooper for summer curriculum work, Character Education/TAP, for 8 hours added to the original committee total of 40 hours. Susan Cooper is an additional teacher added to that committee which was previously approved.

C.9. Personnel/Student Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves payment for an additional 7 days of case management and Child Study Team work for Terry Godfrey effective between August 17, 2012 and August 31, 2012 at a per diem rate based on her contractual salary. Cost not to exceed $2,995.

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Mrs. Spiller asked Dr. Crader about the Middle School student walk through schedule.

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

None

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Spiller seconded by Mrs. Burman the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Patricia Leonhardt