Minutes for September 24, 2012
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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 7:02 p.m. by the Board Vice-President, Mrs. Spiller
OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT - Mrs. Spiller 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 - Mrs. Spiller led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
Present: Tia Allocco, Kathy Helewa, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan,
James Sena, and Mildred Spiller
Absent: Susan Burman
John De Bellis
Gregory Przybylski
Also Present: Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of public, and press
IV. PRESENTATION
Curriculum Revisions and Common Core
Dr. Crader thanked all who were involved in the Curriculum Guides and introduced the district's Curriculum Supervisor, Sondra Markman. Mrs. Markman presented those staff members who worked on the various curriculum guides, which are on the board's agenda for approval this evening.
Mrs. Spiller, on behalf of the board, thanked all involved for their efforts.
V. MINUTES
Mr. Sena moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes of the following meeting:
September 4, 2012 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mr. Huber and approved by a 5-0-1 roll call vote. (Mrs. Monahan abstained.)
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
- HIB Information
Dr. Crader reported on HIB information from September , 2012 through September 24, 2012 as follows:
| Total # of Investigations: | 1 | Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: | 0 |
- Fire Drills
|
ALT |
Central |
Mt. Horeb |
Woodland |
Middle |
|
September 12 |
September 10 |
September 13 |
September 10 |
September 12
|
- Security Drills
|
ALT |
Central |
Mt. Horeb |
Woodland |
Middle |
|
|
|
|
September 14 Evacuation |
|
Dr. Crader shared a thank you received from Central School Principal, Mrs. Milita, regarding he board's support .
VII. VICE-PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Mrs. Spiller welcomed Mrs. Monahan back.
VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Crader reported on the Strategic Plan process and timeline.
Also discussed was the 21st Century Learning initiative and the process underway regarding nutrition.
IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mrs. Monahan reported that a Communication Committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for this Thursday morning.
X. DISCUSSION
Board Goals
Mrs. Spiller reported that there appears to be three areas for goals: the strategic plan (holdover),
communications, and policy. Additionally, the board decided to develop a communications plan.
Dr. Crader will create a first draft of the board's goals for review/modification.
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).
Cecelia Fontana, Mt. Horeb Rd., discussed our strong Language Arts program and the need for our district to extol its own virtues. Also discussed was the Superintendent's coffees, the first of which is slated to occur October 4th.
Stacy McAteer, Highmount Ave. agreed with the need for the district to share its strengths.
XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION
Mr. Huber requested discussion regarding agenda items B.3., B.9., B.10., B.11 and C.1.b. Regarding budget transfers, Dr. Crader will be discussing in her weekly update only those transfers in excess of $1,000.
Mr. Huber thanked both the Middle School PTO (B.9.) and the Somerset County Child Assault Prevention Program (B.10.) for their donations.
Mr. Huber asked about the timing of the auditor appointment (B.11.) and asked a question about the transportation coordinator recommendation.
On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Helewa, the consent agenda items A.1. through
A.11., B.1., through B.11., and C.1..through C.12., were approved by a 6-0 roll-call vote.
A. EDUCATION
A.1. Out of Zone Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of zone request for one student (ID#208230) grade 4, Mount Horeb School, from September 6, 2012 through January 2, 2013. The student's home is under renovations and temporary housing is zoned for Central School. Therefore, the parents will transport the student.
A.2. Language Arts Curriculum - Grades K-8
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the K-8 Language Arts Curriculum, as aligned with the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards, dated September 24, 2012. Retroactive to September 1, 2012, for implementation.
A.3. Social Studies Curriculum - Grades K-8
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the K-8 Social Studies Curriculum, as aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards, dated September 24, 2012. In addition, the Gr. 6-8 Social Studies Curriculum is aligned to the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards. Retroactive to September 1, 2012, for implementation.
A.4. Mathematics Curriculum- Grades 3-5
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the Grades 3-5 Mathematics Curriculum, as aligned with the Mathematics Common Core State Standards, dated September 24, 2012. Retroactive to September 1, 2012, for implementation.
A.5. 21st Century Life and Careers Curriculum - Grades K-8
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the K-8 21st Century Life and Careers Curriculum, as aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards, dated September 24, 2012. Retroactive to September 1, 2012, for implementation.
A.6. World Language Curriculum - Grades K-8
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the K-8 World Language Curriculum, as aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards, dated September 24, 2012. Retroactive to September 1, 2012, for implementation.
A.7. Innovation and Design Curriculum - Grades 3-5
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the Grades 3-5 Innovation and Design Curriculum, as aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards, dated September 24, 2012. Retroactive to September 1, 2012, for implementation.
A.8. Computer Science Curriculum - Grades K-2
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the Grades K-2 Computer Science Curriculum, as aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards, dated September 24, 2012. Retroactive to September 1, 2012, for implementation.
A.9. Computer Science Curriculum - Grade 6
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the Grade 6 Computer Science Curriculum, as aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards, dated September 24, 2012. Retroactive to September 1, 2012, for implementation.
A.10. Digital Literacy Curriculum - Grades K-8
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the Grades K-8 Digital Literacy Curriculum, as aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards, dated September 24, 2012. Retroactive to September 1, 2012, for implementation.
A.11. Home Instruction
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Student #120748 to receive 10 hours per week of home instruction beginning September 24, 2012 for an initial 60 day period, at a cost not to exceed $4,400
B. FINANCE/OPERATIONS/TRANSPORTATION
B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for September 2012 in the amount of $2,492,527.88.
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 July, 2012,
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on July 31, 2012
|
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
|
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$6,463,862.46 |
|
$1,573,466.18 |
|
(11) Current Expense |
$6,324,879.70 |
||
|
(12) Capital Outlay |
$1,163,006.60 |
||
|
(13) Special Schools |
$105,315.23 |
||
|
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
$4,644.98 |
$21,422.15 |
|
|
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
|
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$628,161.65 |
$0.00 |
$84.65 |
|
TOTAL |
$7,096,669.09 |
$7,614,623.68 |
$1,573,550.83 |
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 July 2012
RESOLVED, that 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: |
|||
|
|
||||
|
11-000-217-106-00-02 |
Extraordinary Salaries - Paras |
11-000-217-100-00-02 |
Extraordinary Paras - Salaries |
$177,382 |
|
11-000-222-600-03-13 |
Periodicals & Subs. - Central |
11-000-222-500-03-02 |
Online Subscriptions - Central |
$500 |
|
11-000-222-600-04-13 |
Periodicals & Subscriptions. - MH |
11-000-222-500-04-02 |
Online Subscriptions - MH |
$500 |
|
11-000-222-600-05-13 |
Periodicals & Subscriptions - ALT |
11-000-222-500-05-02 |
Online Subscriptions - ALT |
$500 |
|
11-000-222-600-06-13 |
Periodicals & Subscriptions. - WD |
11-000-222-500-06-02 |
Online Subscriptions - WD |
$500 |
|
11-000-222-600-07-13 |
Periodicals & Subscriptions - Middle |
11-000-222-500-07-02 |
Online Subscriptions - Middle |
$800 |
|
11-000-222-600-07-13 |
Periodicals & Subscriptions - Middle |
11-000-222-600-07-12 |
Library Books - Middle |
$265 |
|
11-000-230-590-00-51 |
Other Purchased Services. (Insur.) |
11-000-230-590-01-00 |
Other Purchased Services (Various) |
$2,500 |
|
11-000-252-330-11-01 |
Technology - Prof. Services |
11-000-222-390-11-01 |
Educ. Media/Library - Purch. Tech. Services |
$27,000 |
|
11-000-262-490-00-01 |
Sewer & Water-Administration |
11-000-262-490-00-07 |
Sewer & Water - Middle |
$200 |
|
11-000-262-610-00-00 |
Bldg. Supplies - Energy Management |
11-000-262-610-09-00 |
Building Supplies - Maintenance |
$500 |
|
11-000-263-610-09-00 |
Grounds - Supplies |
11-000-262-621-00-06 |
Heat - Woodland |
$13,500 |
|
11-000-270-593-10-00 |
Misc. Purch. Svcs. (Incl. Insurance.) |
11-000-270-511-10-71 |
Contracted Bus Transp. |
$5,000 |
|
11-190-100-500-11-02 |
Purch. Svcs. - Instr. Software |
11-190-100-500-03-00 |
Other Purch. Services - CS |
$2,000 |
|
11-190-100-500-11-02 |
Purch. Svcs. - Instr. Software |
11-190-100-500-04-00 |
Other Purch. Services - MH |
$2,000 |
|
11-190-100-500-11-02 |
Purch. Svcs. - Instr. Software |
11-190-100-500-05-00 |
Other Purch. Services - ALT |
$2,000 |
|
11-190-100-500-11-02 |
Purch. Svcs. - Instr. Software |
11-190-100-500-06-00 |
Other Purch. Services - WD |
$2,000 |
|
11-190-100-500-11-02 |
Purch. Svcs. - Instr. Software |
11-190-100-500-07-00 |
Other Purch. Services - MS |
$7,000 |
|
11-190-100-610-01-00 |
Instructional Supplies - Music |
11-190-100-610-03-10 |
Instructional Supplies - CS |
$500 |
|
11-190-100-610-01-00 |
Instructional Supplies - Music |
11-190-100-610-04-10 |
Instructional Supplies - MH |
$500 |
|
11-190-100-610-01-00 |
Instructional Supplies - Music |
11-190-100-610-05-10 |
Instructional Supplies - ALT |
$500 |
|
11-190-100-610-01-00 |
Instructional Supplies - Music |
11-190-100-610-06-10 |
Instructional Supplies - WD |
$500 |
|
12-000-400-390-04-03 |
Prof. Svcs.-MH & WD Toilet Renovations |
11-000-262-621-00-07 |
Heat - Middle |
$30,500 |
|
12-000-400-450-04-03 |
Construction-MH & WD Toilet Renovations |
11-000-291-270-00-00 |
Health Benefits |
$10,000 |
|
Total |
$286,647 |
B.4. 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:
September 2012
- Harriet Stambaugh, Woodland, Diabetes Intensive, Online $ 150
October 2012
- Doris Zanchelli, Mt. Horeb, School Health Conference, Somerset $ 195
- Sitta Cohen, Middle, Math Teachers Conference, East Windsor $ 180
- Debbie Hunt, Middle, Math Teachers Conference, East Windsor $ 180
- Jeannie Pang, Middle, Math Teachers Conference, East Windsor $ 180
- Peter Kassalow, Middle, Math Teachers Conference, East Windsor $ 180
- Alida Gorin, SPS, Assoc of Learn Consult Symposium, Long Branch $ 155
- Donna Pellagrino, ALT, Artology-AENJ Conf, New Brunswick $ 190
- Debra Tambor, MS, NJ Science Convention, Princeton $ 168
- Brenda Sasso, MS, Reading Workshop, New Brunswick $ 150
- Katie Didia, ALT, Transforming Literacy Workshop, Somerset $ 200
- Catherine Murphy, ALT ,Transforming Literacy, Somerset $ 200
- Jill Graef, CS, Transforming Literacy, Somerset $ 170
December 2012
- Kristie Morano, SPS, Hot Buttons in Sp Ed, Long Branch $ 179
- Amy Brunswick, SPS, Hot Buttons in Sp Ed, Long Branch $ 179
- Frances Blabolil, SPS, Hot Buttons in Sp Ed, Long Branch $ 171
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.5. Joint Agreements
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the following joint agreement:
a) Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program Agreement with Somerset County Educational Services Commission, dated July 1, 2012, for the 2012-2013 school year, with a 5% administrative fee to be charged and state-mandated to not be paid out of the Nonpublic allocation.
B.6. Nonpublic Funds
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, and authorizes for distribution through a previously approved agreement with Somerset County Educational Services Commission, the following Nonpublic Funds for the 2012-2013 school year:
Nonpublic Technology Aid $ 195
Nonpublic Textbook Aid $ 528
Nonpublic Nursing Aid $ 733
B.7. Transportation for Out of District Students - Sussex County Cooperative
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation for an out of district student with the Sussex County Regional Transportation Cooperative for the 2012-2013 school year as follows:
Contractor Student ID# School Cost______
Sussex County 620750 Reed Academy $ 44,980
This motion supersedes motion B5, Reed Academy, from the September 4, 2012 agenda.
B.8. 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 a cost to the board not to exceed $500.
B.9. Donation - Middle School PTO
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a $7,500 donation from the Middle School PTO, for the purchase of 12 cordless microscopes and a microscope cart.
B.10. Donation - CAP Program
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation from the Somerset County Child Assault Prevention Program in the amount of $2,004.
B.11. Auditor - 2011-2012 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of T.M. Vrabel & Associates, LLC for the Warren Township Board of Education School Audit for the year ending June 30, 2012 at a cost of $23,100.
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) Michele Tanzi, Classroom Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours, Middle School, Step 1 of the 2012-2013 salary guide, $18,135, plus a stipend of $1,800 for her teaching certificate, effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. (She is replacing A. Huang.)
b) Jan Donlay, Transportation Coordinator, $63,000, effective October 26, 2012 through June 30, 2013. (She is replacing D. Raucci.)
c) Giovanni Cerbone, Night Custodian, Middle School, at an annual salary of $31,000, for a probationary period not to exceed 90 days, to begin October 1, 2012. (He is replacing Michael Cain.)
d) Transfer of Michael Cain, from Night Custodian, Middle School, to Night Custodian, Woodland School, effective on or about October 1, 2012. (He is replacing Michael Montross.)
e) Transfer of Suzanne Lathrop, from Classroom Paraprofessional, Woodland School, to Multi-duty Paraprofessional, 37.5 hours, Middle School, Step 18 of the 2012-2013 salary guide, $29,356, effective October 16, 2012 through June 30, 2012. (She is replacing L. Myers.)
f) Heidi Errickson, Multi-Duty Professional, WS, at an annual salary of $9,972, reflecting a reduction in weekly hours from 18 to 16.5, effective October 1, 2012.
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) Leslie Mupo (She is currently a Classroom Paraprofessional.)
b) Regina McKenna Nadbienty
c) Diane Fahmy
d) Melissa Cody
C.3. Substitute Custodians
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Michael Montross (see C5) as a substitute custodian effective October 3, 2012 at an hourly rate of $15.25.
C.4. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:
a) Employee #0515 for family leave (unpaid with benefits) under FMLA from October 1, 2012 to on or about November 2, 2012.
b) Employee #2106 for family leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from on or about January 1, 2013 through February 8, 2013, and (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA from on or about February 11, 2013 through April 30, 2013.
C.5. Resignations
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff resignations:
a) Allen Huang, Paraprofessional, Middle School, with appreciation for his 6 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective August 31, 2012.
b) Michael Montross, Custodian, Woodland School, with appreciation for his service to the Warren Township school district, effective October 2, 2012.
C.6. Movement on the Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2012-2013 salary guide:
a) Michele Stora de Cruz, with congratulations, for movement from BA+15 to MA, retroactive to September 1, 2012.
b) Jennifer Ronkiewicz, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective December 1, 2012. (She is currently on leave.)
C.7. After School Activities/Clubs
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2012-2013 after school clubs and the instructors for each club at the negotiated stipend rate, as per the attached document.
C.8. Modification of Special Education Services Approval Process
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves modifying the approval process for special education services. The Board will now be presented annually with a list of providers and their fees, not-to-exceed amounts, and/or time-bound rates, with the understanding that services to individual students need not be approved. The list of providers will be reviewed each year by the Administration, and every effort will be made to survey like districts for a cost comparison analysis. The Administration will provide the Board of Education with a meaningful quarterly report of expenditures in this area.
C.9. Outside Professionals
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached updated list of Outside Professionals for the 2012-2013, dated September 19, 2012. Changes are in bold.
C.10. Extended Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves 2 extended hours per week for Anastasia Papalitskas to accompany one student to two weekly clubs (1 hour each), effective October 4, 2012, at a cost not to exceed $1,265.
C.11. Extended Hours
RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves 2 extended hours per week for Mary Kovac to accompany one student to two weekly clubs (1 hour each), effective October 4, 2012, at a cost not to exceed $1,130.
C.12 Extended Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves 1 extended hour per week for Susan Bohler to accompany one student to a weekly club (1 hour), effective October 4, 2012, at a cost not to exceed $610.
XIII. OLD BUSINESS
Mrs. Monahan discussed the process regarding the application of the district's Nutrition Policy.
Mrs. Allocco asked about the status of the partial re-districting. Dr. Crader reported that all is going very well. Mrs. Cann, resident, reported that her experience has been very positive.
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
Mrs. Helewa reported on attending the NJSBA Legislative Committee meeting. Discussion included the Education and Task Force Report.
Mrs. Helewa also requested that any matters which should be brought up to Assemblywoman Munoz be given to her. It was also mentioned that Assemblyman Bramnick is also a legislative asset.
XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Stacey McAteer, Highmount Ave., asked about the origin of the nutrition policy conversation.
XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 7:57 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, material the disclosure of which constitutes an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy.
No Action may be taken upon return to public session;
the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 10 minutes; 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. Helewa and approved by unanimous voice vote.
On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mr. Sena the board reconvened in open session at 8:14 p.m.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Monahan seconded by Mr. Sena, the meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:
Patricia Leonhardt
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