Warren Township Schools

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Woodland School, Stirling Road. The following is a record of that meeting.

I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Board President Mildred Spiller.

OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT - Mrs. Spiller 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 January 8, 2013. 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. Spiller led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL

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

Absent: John De Bellis

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

IV. PRESENTATION

• Woodland School Science Fair 7:00-7:15
  Upon completion of the BOE's visit to the Science Fair, Dr. Crader discussed the district's science curriculum. 

• 2013-14 Proposed Budget Presentation - Part III
  Mrs. Leonhardt provided the third of four scheduled budgeting presentations, discussing the budget building process. 

V. MINUTES

Mr. Huber moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public session minutes of the January 21, 2013 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Monahan and approved by a 7-0-1 roll call vote (Mrs. Monahan abstained).

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

• HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

1

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

0

 

• Fire Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
January 29	January 14	January 10	January 10	January 25

• Security Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
January 21 Sheltering In	January 8 Lockdown	January 31 Sheltering In	January 29 Sheltering In	January 11 Sheltering In

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Mrs. Spiller read the District's Mission Statement.

Warren Township Schools' Mission Statement: 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.

Mrs. Spiller thanked Dr. Crader for her update regarding the Science Curriculum, and Mrs. Spiller discussed her desire to discuss curriculum on an ongoing basis.

Mrs. Spiller thanked Camp Riverbend, Mt. Horeb School PTO, and especially Middle School PTO for their generous donations.

Mrs. Spiller also thanked Laura Sudol and Eileen Meyers for their years of service.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS

• Strategic Plan Update

Dr. Crader reported on the Strategic Plan noting that teams are well under way and the process is going smoothly.

Dr. Crader reported on the successful presentation by district staff @ Techspo, the focus of which was the district's Innovation and Design program.

Dr. Crader read words of acknowledgement and gratitude for both Mrs. Meyers and Mrs. Sudol as they prepare to retire.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mrs. Monahan reported on the Policy Committee, which is discussing a multitude of policies. A meeting is scheduled for next week.

Mrs. Monahan also reported on the Personnel Committee, which is working on Dr. Crader's review contract and goals. Additionally, the committee is working on the format for the Board's self -evaluation.

Mr. Sena reported on the Finance Committee, which has focused on the budget, including its goals. Also discussed was the Woodland School roof project, a district wide security audit, and committee goals.

Mr. Sena also reported on the Curriculum Committee which discussed the Math placement process for Middle School, new Middle School electives, and committee goals.

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

Item C.5.c. was pulled due to rescinding of the retirement.

The board discussed the specifics of the donation of the smartboard by the Mt. Horeb School PTO.

On a motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the consent agenda items A.1. through A.3., B.1. through B.8., C.1. through C.8. (except agenda item C.5.c.), and D.1 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 February 5, 2013.

A.2. Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the annual update to the Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement, dated February 11, 2013. (The Agreement between education and law enforcement officials is approved on an annual basis.)

A.3. Home Instruction Extension

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an extension of thirty hours of home instruction, for Student #120718, beginning January 30, 2013, at a cost not to exceed $1,200.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. 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:

March 2013

 

• Laurie Donovan, MHS, Sound and Movement Foundations, Westfield $435
• Stacey Hann-Modugno, WS, CCSS and Curric Mapping, Union $199
• Alexis Sacks, CS, School Nurses' 2013 Conference, Parsippany $249
• Shannon Sharkey, MHS, Kaufman Speech, Saddle Brook $199
• Pat LaPensee, ALT, Beyond Social Skills, Union $150
• Jan Brennan, ALT, School Nurses' 2013 Conference, Parsippany $249

May 2013

• Paula Williams, MHS, NJ Tchrs of English to Other Lang, New Brunswick$174

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.2. 2013-2014 Budget Goals

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education establishes the following as its goals for the 2013-2014 budget:

1. Complete a funding plan that utilizes sustainable zero-based budgeting practices.

2. Fund appropriate personnel, programs, and supplies to meet state mandates in curriculum, evaluation, and assessment.

3. Support the development of an in-house program for student with autism.

B.3. Donation - Camp Riverbend

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation of a Gaga Pit and labor to install, at an approximate value of $1,000, for Woodland School.

B.4. Donation - Mt. Horeb School PTO

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation of one SmartBoard for use by the Mt. Horeb Preschool classes, at an approximate cost of $2,700.

B.5. Donation - Middle School PTO

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation of

approximately 30 new laptop computers, at an approximate cost of $25,000, for

Middle School.

B.6. Board of Education Meeting Schedule

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education moves its meeting originally scheduled for March 11, 2013 to March 4, 2013 due to state-mandated deadlines. The meeting will be held at ALT, beginning at 7:00 P.M.

B.7. Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission Cooperative Pricing System

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the membership of the Warren Township School District in the Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission Cooperative Pricing System.

B.8. Roof Replacement at Woodland School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the commencement of the Roof Replacement Project at Woodland School including the submission of the documents to the Department of Education for review. The documents will be prepared by USA Architects. If required, USA Architects is authorized to update the Long Range Facilities Plan for these projects.

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. Kelly Brown, Long-term Substitute Teacher, Middle School, pending certification, at a per diem rate of $150, effective on or about April 1, 2013 through on or about June 30, 2013. (She is a long-term substitute for Employee #2410 who is on leave.)

b. Transfer of Michael Cain, Night Custodian, Woodland School, to Head Night Custodian, Middle School, effective January 28, 2013 through June 30, 2013 at a salary of $33,021 (to be prorated).

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. Marlene Roth (Retired Central School Teacher)

b. Rachel Byra

c. Kelly Brown

d. Nicole Uslan

e. Robert Gallagher

C.3. Substitute Bus Monitor

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

a. Pamela Schroeder

C.4. Medical Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #0703 for leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from February 20,

2013 to on or about April 1, 2013.

C.5. Retirements

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

a. Eileen Meyers, Secretary to the Director of Special Services, for the purpose

of retirement, with appreciation for 19 years of service to the Warren

community, effective March 31, 2013.

b. Laura Sudol, Science Teacher, Middle School, for the purpose of retirement,

with appreciation for 28 years of service to the children of Warren,

effective June 30, 2013.

c. Nancy Harter, PE Teacher, Woodland School, for the purpose of retirement,

with appreciation for over 31 years of service to the children of Warren, effective March 31, 2013.

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. Adam Yenish, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15,

retroactive to January 1, 2013.

b. Kristina Morano, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30,

retroactive to January 1, 2013.

C.7. Middle School Stipend Position 2012-2013

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following stipend position for the 2012-2013 school year as per the 2011-2014 WTEA negotiated agreement:

a. Unified Arts Team Leader - Beverly MacGorman (Effective March 1, 2013)

C.8. Professional Service Provider

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Joyce Stapperfenne to conduct up to 12 Speech/Language evaluations at an hourly fee of $70, with total cost not to exceed $5,040.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies - Second Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second and final reading of the following policies:

a. 3542.1 Local Wellness/Nutrition

b. 5143 Physical Restraint/Seclusion

c. 3327 Relations With Vendors

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Mrs. Helewa discussed the possibility of adding class trips to the 2013/2014 budget back into the budget. It was the consensus of the board that current economic constraints prohibit this action.

Mrs. Helewa discussed the graduation venue and the possibility of air conditioning for the Middle School gym. The board discussed the prior work done on this topic which proved resolutions to be too costly.

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Mrs. McAteer, Highmount Ave. reported on a planned virtual class trip

XVI. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. Huber seconded by Mr. Sena the meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Patricia Leonhardt