Warren Township Schools: Minutes for January 7, 2013

Minutes for January 7, 2013 Archived Minutes

A reorganizational and 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 Board Secretary Patricia Leonhardt.

OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT - Mrs. Leonhardt 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 - Mrs. Leonhardt led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ELECTION RESULTS

Mrs. Monahan moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the combined statement of November 6, 2012 election results to be read aloud and made a part of the reorganization meeting minutes.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Sena and approved by a 6-0 roll call vote.

IV. OATH OF OFFICE

The Oath of Office was administered by Mrs. Leonhardt to Ms. DeNourie, Mrs. Helewa and Mr. Steier.

V. ROLL CALL

Present: Tia Allocco, Desiree DeNourie, Kathy Helewa, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, James Sena, Mildred Spiller and Greg Steier

Absent: John De Bellis

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

VI. ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS

The nominations for Board President were opened by Mrs. Leonhardt.

Mrs. Mildred Spiller was nominated by Mrs. Allocco.

There being no other nominations, the nominations were closed.

The nomination was approved by a 8-0 roll call vote.

Board President Spiller presided over the remainder of the meeting.

The nominations for Board Vice President were opened by Board President Spiller.

Mr. Don Huber was nominated by Mrs. Monahan.

There being no other nominations, the nominations were closed.

The nomination was approved by a 8-0 roll call vote.

The Board discussed the open positions as noted in G1 and G3 and completed the motions as follows:

Somerset County Educational Services Commission - Ms. DeNourie as Representative, Mr. Steier as Alternate

NJSBA Delegate Assembly - Mrs. Helewa as Delegate, Mrs. Allocco as Alternate

The board discussed the potential reorganization and renaming of selected committees. This discussion resulted in the relabeling of the following committees:

Curriculum and Technology (formerly Curriculum)

Finance, Operations and Security (formerly Finance and Operations)

Policy/Legislative (formerly Policy)

VII. ANNUAL REORGANIZATION ACTION ITEMS

On motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Monahan and approved on a 8-0 roll call vote, the board approved reorganizational agenda items A through G.

A. Policies

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves adoption of current Board Policies & Bylaws for the Calendar Year 2013.

B. Service Appointments

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following:

1. The Echoes Sentinel as the official school district newspaper for the Calendar Year 2013.

2. The Courier News and Star Ledger as official alternate newspapers to be used in lieu of The Echoes Sentinel, when necessary, for the Calendar Year 2013.

3. The appointment of Anthony Sciarrillo of Lindabury, McCormick and Estabrook as Board Attorney for the Calendar Year 2013 at an hourly rate of $160.

4. The appointment of USA Architects as the architect of record for the Calendar Year 2013 at the following hourly rates:

a. Principal $150 - $185 (depends on individual)

b. Associates/Project Manager $115

c. Project Manager/Sr. Architect $105

d. Project Architect $87

e. Staff Architect/Designer $72

f. Technical Assistant $60

g. Intern $45

C. Board Committees

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the plan to work generally as a committee of the whole, with a limited number of standing committees as follows (membership to be designated at a future Board meeting):

Committees

Communications

Curriculum and Technology

Finance, Operations and Security

Negotiations

Personnel

Policy/Legislative

Liaisons

Recreation Commission

Township

WHRHS

SCESC (see G.1 below)

MUJC

NJSBA (see G.3 below)

Senior Citizens

D. Board Meeting Dates

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following list of meetings for the Calendar 2013. {NOTE: All meetings will be held on a Monday in the BOE Admin. Bldg. unless otherwise noted.}

DATE	TIME	TOPICS/NOTES
January 7, 2013	7:00pm	REORGANIZATION
January 21	7:00 PM
February 11	7:00 PM (@ WS)
February 25	7:00pm (@ WMS)
March 11	7:00pm (@ ALT)
March 21	7:00pm	(NOTE: THURSDAY) BUDGET HEARING
April 8	7:00pm (@ CS)
April 22	7:00pm (@ MHS)
May 13	7:00pm
May 28	7:00pm
June 10	7:00pm
June 24	7:00pm
July 15	7:00pm
August 12	7:00pm
September 3	7:00pm	(NOTE: TUESDAY) Note: New Staff Welcome Reception to start at 6:30 PM
September 23	7:00pm
October 15	7:00pm	(NOTE: TUESDAY)
October 28	7:00pm
November 11	7:00pm
November 25	7:00pm
December 16	7:00pm
January 6, 2014	7:00pm	REORGANIZATION

E. Board Member Code of Ethics

RESOLVED, the Board of Education acknowledges that each Board Member has received a copy of the Code of Ethics as follows:

1. I will uphold and enforce all laws, state board rules and regulations, and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes should be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures.

2. I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools which meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex or social standing.

3. I will confine my board action to policymaking, planning, and appraisal, and I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them.

4. I will carry out my responsibility, not to administer the schools, but, together with my fellow board members, to see that they are well run.

5. I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action which may compromise the board.

6. I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of friends.

7. I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which, if disclosed, would needlessly injure individuals or the schools. But in all other matters, I will provide accurate information and, in concert with my fellow board members, interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its schools.

8. I will vote to appoint the best qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the Superintendent.

9. I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties.

10. I will refer all complaints to the Superintendent and will act on such complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution.

F. District Mission Statement

RESOLVED, the Board of Education readopts the district's mission statement as follows:

In partnership with family and community, provide an environment where each child is valued and experiences the challenge and excitement of learning with the expectation that all students shall achieve the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards at all grade levels.

G. Appointments

1. The election of Ms. DeNourie as the Board Representative to the Somerset County Educational Services Commission for the Calendar Year 2013 and the election of Mr. Steier as the alternate.

2. The appointment of Superintendent of Schools as the Board Representative to the Morris Union Jointure Commission Board of Education for the Calendar Year 2013.

3. The election of Mrs. Helewa as Board Representative to the NJSBA Delegate Assembly for the Calendar Year 2013 and the election of Mrs. Allocco as the alternate.

Other Agenda Items:

VIII. Presentation

Budget Presentation

Mrs. Leonhardt provided the first of four scheduled budgeting presentations.

IX. Minutes

Mrs. Helewa moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the December 10, 2012 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Monahan and approved by a 6-0-2 roll call vote (Ms. DeNourie and Mr. Steier abstained).

X. Correspondence and Information

HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:			Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:
	0			0

Fire Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

December 14

December 6

December 3

December 14

Security Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

December 17

Lockdown

December 17

Lockdown

December 19

Lockdown

December 17

Lockdown

December 19

Lockdown

XI. President's Remarks - Mildred Spiller

Mrs. Spiller wished all a Happy New Year, thanked the members of the board for their support of her nomination for board presidency, and welcomed the board members sworn in tonight. Mrs. Spiller also discussed the process for establishing the board's committee members. In addition, Mrs. Spiller requested that any Board member interested in serving as a mentor to a new Board member should please let her know.

XII. Superintendent's Remarks - Tami Crader

Dr. Crader discussed the district's review of its security, and invited all Board of Education members to the Middle School instrumental band concert. Also reported on was the status of the Strategic Plan, and the water damage which occurred at the Middle School over the holiday break.

XIII. Committee Reports

Mr. Sena reported on the Finance Committee meeting, which discussed generators, the results of the Energy Audit, the upcoming window replacement project at Central School, the Capital Improvement Plan and security review options.

Mrs. Monahan reported on the policy updates on this evening's agenda, specifically Local Wellness/Nutrition (Policy 3542.1). After discussion, it was determined to table the policy for further review. The board also reviewed two of its bylaws (9000 and 9010).

XIV. Discussion

NONE

XV. 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

XVI. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mr. Huber requested that two policies and one two-part regulation be discussed individually. Based on the conversation, Policy 6172 was modified and Policy 5143 and Regulation(s) 4119.23/4219.23 were pulled for further discussion and placement on a future agenda.

Mrs. Allocco asked some questions regarding the district's ELL students and their families (A.3).

Mrs. Spiller thanked the district's anonymous donor (B.6).

Mr. Steier asked some questions regarding the Principal's Evaluation System (A.2).

On a motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the consent agenda items A.1 through A.5, B.1 through B.6, C.1 through C.8, and D.1 (a, b and c only) were approved by an 8-0 roll-call vote.

A. Education

A.1. HIB Report

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the HIB Report submitted by the Superintendent for the period ending on January 2, 2013.

A.2. Principal Evaluation System

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Kim Marshall Principal Evaluation system, as required by the Teacher Effectiveness and Accountability for Children of New Jersey Act (TEACH-NJ Act) as its primary formal evaluation system for building administrators as well as curriculum supervisors.

A.3. Bilingual/ESL Three-Year Program Plan

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached Bilingual/ESL Three-Year Program Plan for the school years 2011-2014.

A.4. Tuition Out Student

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the placement of Student #121051 at The Center School beginning January 3, 2013 at a per diem rate of $276.05. The prorated tuition is not to exceed $30,642.

A.5. Home Instruction Student

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves up to 10 hours per week of home instruction for Student #120718 for an initial 30 day period beginning January 3, 2013, cost not to exceed $2,000.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills from December 11, 2012 through December 31, 2012 in the amount of $3,314,170.48.

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 November 2012.

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on November 30, 2012:

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$8,881,387.45		$1,573,466.18
(11) Current Expense		$4,027,528.77
(12) Capital Outlay		$1,092,704.23
(13) Special Schools		$1,675.38
(20) Special Revenue Fund	($184,720.19)	$33,563.84
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$0.00		$0.00
(40) Debt Service Fund	$587,329.04	$0.00	$84.65
TOTAL	$9,283,996.30	$5,155,472.22	$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 November 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:
11-000-213-600-03-00	Health Supplies - Central	11-190-100-610-03-00	Instructional Supplies - Central	$100
11-000-223-600-12-00	Staff Training Supplies	11-000-221-600-12-00	Curriculum Supplies	$1,000
11-402-100-610-07-00	Sports Supplies	11-230-100-600-07-00	Basic Skills - Middle School	$700
	GRAND TOTAL			$1,800

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 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:

January 2013

Susan Kline, ALT, Techspo I&D Presentation, Atlantic City $280
Mary Ellen Roberts, District, Techspo I&D Present, Atl City $280
Sheila Connelly, ALT, Techspo I&D Presentation, Atlantic City $241
Tami Crader, Superintendent, Techspo (2 days), Atlantic City $670
Ernest Monaco, MS, Techspo I&D Presentation, Atlantic City $250
Steven Verger, MS, Techspo I&D Presentation, Atlantic City $186
Wendy Piller, MHS, Techspo I&D Presentation, Atlantic City $180

February 2013

Tyler Tribelhorn, B&G, AHERA Refresher Course, Piscataway $300
Bruce Gant, CS, NJ Music Educators Conf, New Brunswick $150

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. Central School Window Replacement Project

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the submission of the documents to the Department of Education for review for the Window Replacement Project at Central School. The documents will be prepared by USA Architects. If required, USA Architects is authorized to update the Long Range Facilities Plan for these projects. Approval also includes the solicitation of bids for the project.

B.6. Donation - Middle School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, an anonymous donation in the amount of $2,000 for use by the Warren Township Middle School.

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. Michelle Barbagallo, Occupational Therapist, District, BA, Step 24 of the 2012-2013 salary guide, $75,945, effective January 21, 2013, through June 30, 2013. (She will be a leave replacement teacher for Employee #2045.)

b. Joan Darkenwald, Learning Disabilities Teacher - Consultant, Woodland School and Angelo L. Tomaso school effective January 2, 2013 until on or about February 12, 2013 at a per diem rate of $400. Cost for the district not to exceed $12,000. (She will be a temporary replacement.)

c. Michelle Antonelli, Leave Replacement Teacher, Woodland School, MA, Step 1-3 of the 2012-2013 salary guide, $59,318, effective on or about Feb 4, 2013 through on or about June 5, 2013. (She will be a leave replacement teacher for Employee #1109.)

d. Steven Rizzoli, Leave Replacement Teacher, Woodland School, MA+30, Step 1-3 of the 2012-2013 salary guide, $64,710, effective December 17, 2012 through June 30, 2013. (Movement on the guide is reflected in bold.)

C.2. Appointment of Interim Director of Special Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Dr. Theodore Kozlik as Interim Director of Special Services, effective July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014, for a maximum of 230 days, at a per diem rate of $600, not to exceed $138,000, and with no benefits.

C.3. Substitute Teachers

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

a. Diane Galfy

b. Marisa Davison

c. Margaret Austin

C.4. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2410 for family leave under FMLA (paid with benefits) from on or about March 22, 2013 through on or about April 22, 2013 and NJFLA (unpaid with benefits) from on or about April 23, 2013 through June 30, 2013, with an expected return date of September 1, 2013.

b. Employee #2159 for family leave under FMLA (paid with benefits) from on or about April 1, 2013 through on or about May 24, 2013 and NJFLA (unpaid with benefits) from on or about May 27, 2013 through June 30, 2013, with an expected return date of September 1, 2013.

c. Employee #1952 for an extension of family leave (unpaid with benefits) under FMLA from on or about December 19, 2012 to on or about February 4, 2013.

C.5. Resignation

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

a. Diane Burak, Library Media Specialist, Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, with regret and appreciation for the 19 years of service to the children of Warren, effective February 28, 2013.

C.6. Summer Fun Coordinator

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Meryl Lettire as the 2013-2014 Summer Fun Coordinator, at a salary of $10,539.60, effective January 8, 2013 through August 9, 2013.

C.7. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Debra Tambor, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to

MA+30, retroactive to January 1, 2013.

C.8. Extended Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves extended hours of one hour per week, for Diane Pasi to accompany Student #120540 to an after school club, for a period of 6 weeks, beginning January 7, 2013, cost to the district not to exceed $120.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies - First Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the following policies and regulations:

a. 6172 Alternative Educational Programs

b. 3515.1 Personal Communication Devices

c. 9322 Public and Executive Sessions

d. 3542.1 Local Wellness/Nutrition - TABLED

e. 5143 Physical Restraint/Seclusion - TABLED

f. 4119.23/4219.23 Employee Substance Abuse (regulation) - TABLED

XVII. Old Business

NONE

XVIII. New Business