Minutes for October 15, 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 7:01 p.m. by the Board President, Dr. Przybylski.

OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT - Dr. Przybylski read the following Statement:

Re: Chapter 231 P.L. 1975: "The adequate notice of this regular meeting as required by the open public meetings act was provided by the posting, mailing/delivery, and filing of this notice on March 2, 2012. This notice was on that date posted on the bulletin board in the Township Office, mailed to the Courier News and the Echoes Sentinel, and filed with the Township Clerk of the Township of Warren, all in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act."

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Dr. Przybylski led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL

Present: Susan Burman, Kathy Helewa, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan,

Gregory Przybylski, James Sena, and Mildred Spiller

Absent: Tia Allocco arrived at 7:03 p.m.

John De Bellis arrived at 7:21 p.m.

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

IV. PRESENTATION

Math Placement

Dr. Crader introduced Middle School Principal, Mr. Comba, and Mt. Horeb School Principal, Mr. Kimmick, who presented an overview of the Math placement process. It was determined that an analysis will be done regarding cohorts of students.

Mrs. Allocco arrived at this point in the meeting (7:03 p.m.).

Mr. De Bellis arrived at this point in the meeting (7:21 p.m.).

V. MINUTES

Mrs. Spiller moved the following:

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

September 24, 2012 public and private session

The motion was seconded by Mr. Sena and approved by a 6-0-3 roll call vote. (Mrs. Burman, Mr. De Bellis and Dr. Przybylski abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

  • HIB Information

Dr. Crader reported on HIB information from September 24, 2012 through October 15, 2012 as follows:

  • HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

1

0
  • Security Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

Evacuation

September 28

 

Evacuation

September 19

Evacuation

September 27

Evacuation September 14

 

Evacuation

September 27

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Przybylski apologized for his absence at the last meeting and welcomed all back to the new

school year. The public was encouraged to attend BOE meetings and/or the Superintendent's

teas. The public is also encouraged to provide input for the budget process.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Crader reported on the Professional Service Day activities of October 8th. The follow-up activity for the Strategic Plan will be a community input session to be held November 1st.

Also discussed were the NJASK scores.

The board also reviewed the analysis of Extraordinary Services provided during the Extended School Year 2012, as compared to 2011.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mrs. Monahan reported on the Communications Committee meeting at which a board member's role at PTO meetings was discussed as well as the district's Strategic Plan. Another outcome of the meeting is that board members will receive notification of district events.

Mr. Sena reported on the Finance Committee meeting, which discussed budget goals, extra revenue allocation, and the tax levy. Also discussed were transfers of less than $1,000 which will not be individually discussed. The allocation of excess revenue as well as the levying of fees for facility usage by for- profit organizations was also discussed.

Subsequent discussion led the board to raise the transfer discussion threshold to $5,000.

X. DISCUSSION

None

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).

None

XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mrs. Monahan discussed item C.8. and Mrs. Burman discussed C.3. and C.6. It was clarified that C.11 is mandated.

Mr. Huber discussed agenda item B.2. (specifically the Mt. Horeb pavement project) and the need for additional paraprofessional hiring. Agenda item C.6. was pulled at Mr. Huber's request.

Mr. Huber also requested that the minutes reflect his reservations regarding the elimination of board approval for individual extraordinary services requests.

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

through C.5., and C.7. through C.11 were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

A. EDUCATION

A.1. 2012-2013 Board Goals

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Board Goals for the 2012-2013 school year, dated October 15, 2012.

A.2. Out of District

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves extending the school day from a half to full day program for student #121400, currently placed at PG Chambers, beginning October 15, 2012. The increased cost to the district is not to exceed $22,088.55.

B. FINANCE/OPERATIONS/TRANSPORTATION

B.1. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the attached report of the secretary for the month of August 2012.

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on August 31, 2012

August 31, 2012

      

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$5,647,291.73

 

$1,573,466.18

(11) Current Expense

 

$4,940,798.50

 

(12) Capital Outlay

 

$1,083,680.48

 

(13) Special Schools

 

$1,479.73

 

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($28,492.50)

($40,062.44)

 

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$0.00

 

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$628,161.65

$0.00

$84.65

TOTAL

$6,246,960.88

$5,985,896.27

$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.2. Budget Transfers for Month of August 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:    
11-000-213-100-00-00 Nurse and Doctor Salaries 11-000-222-100-00-01 Educ. Media/Library - Salaries $28,500
11-000-213-600-03-00 Health Supplies - Central 11-190-100-640-03-00 Textbooks - Central $450
11-000-213-600-07-00 Health Supplies - Middle 11-230-100-600-07-00 Basic Skills - Middle $300
11-000-216-100-00-00 Speech & OT Salaries 11-110-100-101-00-01 Kindergarten Teacher - Salaries $20,550
11-000-217-106-00-02 Extraordinary Salaries - Paras 11-000-217-100-00-02 Extraordinary Paras - Salaries 10,076.72
11-000-217-106-00-02 Extraordinary Salaries - Paras 11-213-100-106-00-00 RC Aides - Salaries $95,000
11-000-217-890-08-00 Extraordinary Services - Miscellaneous Expenses 11-000-217-600-08-00 Extraordinary Services - Supplies $99
11-000-218-600-06-00 Guidance Supplies - Woodland 11-190-100-640-06-00 Textbooks - Woodland $5
11-000-221-102-00-00 Curriculum Coordinator Salary 11-000-221-176-00-00 Salary - Math/ Literacy Coach $1,200
11-000-222-177-00-00 Technology Coordinator Salary 11-000-222-100-00-01 Educ. Media/Library - Salaries $1,201
11-000-223-500-11-02 Prof. Development - Software 11-000-223-320-12-00 Staff Training - Purchased Services $490
11-000-240-103-00-00 Salaries - Principals/Dean/Directors 11-110-100-101-00-01 Kindergarten Teacher - Salaries $22,200
11-000-240-105-00-00 Salaries - School Secretaries 11-110-100-101-00-01 Kindergarten Teacher - Salaries $5,750
11-000-251-100-01-01 Salaries - Business Office Staff 11-000-252-100-01-00 Salaries - Technology $450
11-000-261-100-09-00 Salaries - Maintenance 11-000-262-100-09-00 Salaries - Custodians $400
11-000-262-100-09-10 Salaries - Maintenance 11-000-262-100-09-00 Salaries - Custodians $300
11-130-100-101-00-01 Grades 6-8 Teachers - Salaries 11-110-100-101-00-01 Kindergarten Teacher - Salaries $70,000
11-204-100-101-00-00 LLD Teacher - Salaries 11-110-100-101-00-01 Kindergarten Teacher - Salaries $3,500
11-209-100-101-00-00 Behavior Disabilities - Teacher Salaries 11-213-100-106-00-00 RC Aides - Salaries $800
11-209-100-106-00-00 Behavior Disabilities - Aides Salaries 11-213-100-106-00-00 RC Aides - Salaries $1,700
11-213-100-101-00-00 RC Teachers - Salaries 11-213-100-106-00-00 RC Aides - Salaries $46,500
11-214-100-101-00-00 Autism Teacher - Salaries 11-240-100-101-00-00 Salaries - Bilingual Teachers $300
11-214-100-106-00-00 Autism Aides - Salaries 11-110-100-101-00-01 Kindergarten Teachers - Salaries $19,000
11-216-100-101-00-00 PSD Teachers - Salaries 11-240-100-101-00-00 Bilingual Teachers - Salaries $1,200
11-216-100-104-00-00 PSD Teachers - Salaries 11-240-100-101-00-00 Bilingual Teachers - Salaries $8,800
11-216-100-106-00-00 PSD Aides - Salaries 11-110-100-101-00-01 Kindergarten Teacher - Salaries $16,500
12-000-400-390-07-50 Professional Svcs. - Middle School Fire 11-000-230-334-01-00 Architect & Engineering Svcs. $70
12-000-400-450-04-02 Construction - MH Resurfacing 11-000-262-621-00-03 Heat - Central $28,850
13-422-100-101-00-00 Summer School Teachers - Salaries 11-110-100-101-00-01 Kindergarten Teachers - Salaries $8,800
13-422-100-106-08-00 Summer School Special Ed Aides - Salaries 13-422-100-106-00-00 Summer School Aides - Salaries $950
13-422-100-420-00-00 Summer School - Purchased Services 13-422-100-610-00-00 Summer School Supplies $160
    Total    $394,101.72

B.3. 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:

Oct. 2012

  • Susan Leonhard, Woodland, Teachers K-Gr 1 Wkshop, West Orange $214

Dec. 2012

  • Michele Stein, SPS, NJASP Conference, Jamesburg $155
  • Allison Reu, CS, Conf for Speech-Lang Pathologists, West Orange $229
  • Jennifer Curran, MHS, Conf for Speech-Lang Pathologists,West Orange$229
  • Jamie Perry, WS, Conf for Speech-Lang Pathologists, West Orange $229
  • Alexis Sacks, CS, Manage Student Healthcare, Parsippany $219

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.4. QSAC Statement of Assurance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the annual Statement of Assurance in compliance with the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC).

B.5. Joint Transportation Agreement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes a Joint Transportation Agreement between the Educational Services Commission of Morris County and the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2012-2013 school year, with an administrative fee of 5%.

B.6. Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP)

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

Whereas, the Department of Education requires New Jersey School Districts to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) and the Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) documenting "required" maintenance activities for each of its public school facilities, and

Whereas, the required maintenance activities as listed in the attached document for the various school facilities of the Warren Township Schools are consistent with these requirements, and

Whereas, all past and planned activities are reasonable to keep school facilities open and safe for use or in their original condition and to keep their system warranties valid, and

Now, therefore be it resolved that the Warren Township School District hereby authorizes the School Business Administrator to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) and the Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) for the Warren Township Schools in compliance with Department of Education requirements.

B.7. Transportation for Out of District Students - MUJC

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the revised transportation amounts for out of district students with the Morris Union Jointure Commission for the 2012-2013 school year as follows:

Contractor Student ID# School Cost__

MUJC 120679 & 121211 ARC Kohler School $ 44,269.99

MUJC 620620 Center School $ 18,468.90

B.8. IDEA Acceptance of Award

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the application for and acceptance of funds for the 2012-2013 IDEA Grant Application from the Department of Education for the following amounts for special education programs:

  • IDEA Basic $462,552

B.9. Transportation Contract With SCESC

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with SCESC to transport one Warren student (ID#621049) to P.G. Chambers in Cedar Knolls one-way (afternoons only) for a per diem cost of $79.56 (administrative fee of 6% included) for a total of $12,331.80, beginning October 15, 2012.

C. PERSONNEL/STUDENT SERVICES

C.1. Employment for the 2012-2013 School Year

RESOLVED, upon recommendation from the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves 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) Laurie Pelosi, Classroom Paraprofessional, 30 hours, Woodland School, Step 1 of the 2012-2013 salary guide, $16,740, effective October 16, 2012 through June 30, 2013. (She is replacing Suzanne Lathrop.)

b) Diane Lindsley, Classroom Paraprofessional, 30 hours, Woodland School, Step 1 of the 2012-2013 salary guide, $16,740, plus a stipend of $1,800 for her teaching certificate, effective October 16, 2012 through June 30, 2013. (This is a new position.)

c) Pavel Dobrakin, Night Custodian, Middle School, at an annual salary of $36,000, effective November 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. (He is replacing Michael Cain.)

d) Aparna Virmani, Database Manager, 18.75 hours, at an annual salary of $25,417.50, effective on or about October 16, 2012, pending completion of paperwork. (She is replacing Elise Tanner.)

C.2. Substitute Teachers/Custodian

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

a. Stephanie Reed

b. Lisa Del Gaudio

c. Jessica Kropp

d. Vanessa Carmona (current part-time teacher)

e. Steven Rizzoli (substitute custodian at $16.30/hr)

C.3. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a) Employee #1340, who was on leave under NJFLA through October 30, 2012, for child rearing leave from October 31, 2012 through November 7, 2012 (unpaid without benefits) with an anticipated return date on or about November 12, 2012.

C.4. Retirement

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

a) Alida Gorin, LDTC, with appreciation for over 7 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective December 31, 2012.

C.5. Rescinding of Employment Offer

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education rescinds the offer of probationary employment for Giovanni Cerbone, Night Custodian, Middle School, slated to have begun October 1, 2012.

C.6. Sidebar Agreement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a non-precedent setting sidebar agreement between the Warren Township Board of Education and the Warren Township Education Association regarding the provision of and payment for in-home ABA services for a student (#120098).

C.7. Middle School Coaches

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff members as coaches:

Cross Country, Nicholas Bayacheck, at a stipend amount of $2,200.

Boys' Soccer, Timothy O'Heney, at a stipend amount of $2,900.

Girls' Soccer, Michele Tanzi, at a stipend amount of $2,900.

Cheerleading, Lisa Lontai, at a stipend amount of $2,900.

Boys' Basketball, Zachary Liu, at a stipend amount of $3,360.

Girls' Basketball, Laura Lamson, at a stipend amount of $3,360.

C.8. Girls' Basketball Supervisor

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of David Arnold as the hourly girls' basketball supervisor, beginning November 2012, at a rate of $40/hr, total cost not to exceed $2,000.

C.9. Translation Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following world language teachers, to provide translation services in Spanish and Mandarin respectively:

a) Hildegarde Jackson, at a rate of $40/hr, cost not to exceed $160.

b) Jeannie Pang, at a rate of $40/hr, cost not to exceed $320.

c) d.) Aparna Virmani, Database Manager, 18.75 hours (FTE .5), Step 13 of the 2012-13 Twelve-Month Secretarial Salary Guide, at an annual salary of $25,417.50, effective on or about October 16, 2012, pending completion of paperwork. (She is replacing Elise Tanner.)

C.10. Extended Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves 1 extended hour per week for William Kielblock to accompany one student to a weekly club (8 week duration) effective October 16, 2012, at a cost not to exceed $144.24.

C.11. Extended Hours - Amended

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amended motions:

a) Extend to 3 hours per week for Mary Kovac to accompany one student to 2 clubs per week, effective October 4, 2012, at a cost not to exceed $1,500. This supersedes the September 24, 2012 motion C.C.11.

b) Extend to 1.5 hours per week for Susan Bohler, to accompany one student to 1 club per week, effective October 4, 2012, at a cost not to exceed $780. This supersedes the September 24, 2012 motion C.C.12.

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

Mrs. Allocco discussed the services list, and the fact that the list for next year's approved providers will include the range of rates charged by providers within that service type.

Mrs. Monahan discussed the Nutrition Policy review, and referred all to the various policies and regulations included in the board packet. The board will discuss the topic again at the next meeting.

Mrs. Helewa reported on her upcoming meeting with Assemblywoman Munoz and introduced legislation regarding the audio taping of board meetings.

Mrs. Monahan left at this point in the meeting (8:40 p.m.).

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

The board discussed at length the billing issue with Tilcon.

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Stacey McAteer, Highmount Ave., discussed the extent of government mandates on school operations using Body Mass Index monitoring as an example. This led to a discussion of the need for confidentiality regarding the results.

Andrea Freijomil, Christy Drive, discussed the implementation of nutritional standards.

Celeste Campos, Ashwood Ct., continued the discussion regarding food days.

XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 8:59 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 pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation and/or matters of attorney-client privilege

Action will 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. Burman and approved by unanimous voice vote.

Dr. Przybylski left at this point in the meeting (9:00 p.m.).

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Burman the board reconvened in open session at 9:06 p.m.

On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mr. Sena, the board approved agenda item C.6. on a 7-0 roll call vote.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Spiller seconded by Mrs. Burman, the meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Patricia Leonhardt