Warren Township Schools

• Board Agenda
• Board Meeting Minutes
• Board Meeting Videos
• Board Members
• Board Office
• Board Policies
• Contact Information
• District Bulletin Board
• General Information
• History
• Mission
• Rules for Public Commentary

A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Angelo L Tomaso School, Washington Valley 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 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 February 12, 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, and Mildred Spiller

Absent: John De Bellis

Greg Steier

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

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 7:04 p.m. Mr. Huber moved the following:

Executive Session

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 a collective bargaining agreement and/or negotiations related to it.

Action will be taken upon return to public session;

the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 30 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. Monahan and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mr. Sena, the board reconvened in open session at 7:31 p.m.

IV. PRESENTATION

• First grade at ALT

The 1^st grades of ALT expressed gratitude of their school in a skit.

V. MINUTES

Mr. Huber moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public session minutes of the February 25, 2013 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Sena and approved by a 7-0 roll call vote

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

• HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:			Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:
	1			1

• Fire Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
February 25	February 15	February 15	February 25	February 22

• Security Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
February 21 Lockdown	February 27 Sheltering In	February 22 Lockdown	February 27 Lockdown	February 27 Lockdown

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 was effusive in her praise of tonight's first grade presentation.

Mrs. Spiller thanked all the board members for their commitment.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Crader read words of praise for Mr. Verger on his upcoming retirement.

Dr. Crader thanked those who read for Read Across America Day and demonstrated the use of a picture book for a range of skill development.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Sena reported on the Finance Committee's meeting which discussed the proposed 2013/14 budget. The board discussed the tax levy increase at length.

X. DISCUSSION

• 2013-14 Proposed Budget Presentation

Dr. Crader and Mrs. Leonhardt presented an overview of the proposed budget.

On a motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the board approved the budget below on a 7-0 roll call vote.

B.4. TENTATIVE 2013-2014 Warren Township School District Budget

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the tentative 2013-2014 Warren Township School District Budget and approves the tentative budget for submission to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools for Somerset County for review.

The tentative budget includes sufficient funds to provide curriculum and instruction which will enable all students to achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards and is in compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A and N.J.A.C Title 6 and 6A.

Tentative 2013/2014 Budget
Appropriations:			Revenue:
Operating Budget	$39,434,657		State Aid: General Fund	$1,187,441
Capital Outlay	$159,985		Tax Levy: General Fund	$37,746,557
Capital Reserve	$2,061,500		Other Revenues	$382,839
Summer School	$190,223		Withdrawal from Capital Reserve:	$2,061,500
	$41,846,365		Fund Balance	$468,028
				$41,846,365
Tentative 2013/2014 Budget
Appropriations:			Revenue:
Operating Budget	$39,434,657		State Aid: General Fund	$1,187,441
Capital Outlay	$159,985		Tax Levy: General Fund	$37,746,557
Capital Reserve	$2,061,500		Other Revenues	$382,839
Summer School	$190,223		Withdrawal from Capital Reserve:	$2,061,500
	$41,846,365		Fund Balance	$468,028
				$41,846,365
Special Revenue Appropriations	$409,848		Grants: Federal, State and Local	$409,848
Principal	$87,210		Fund Balance	$85
Interest	$775,000		State Aid: Debt Service	$258,392
	$862,210		Tax Levy: Debt Service	$603,733
				$862,210
Total Appropriations:	$43,118,423		Total Revenues:	$43,118,423

FURTHER RESOLVED the Board of Education requests the approval of a capital reserve withdrawal in the amount of $2,061,500. The district intends to utilize these funds for Capital Projects as follows:

Boiler Replacement at Central School $250,000

Angelo L. Tomaso and Mt. Horeb Schools Building Envelope Repairs $327,500

Woodland School Roof Replacement - $1,484,000

FURTHER RESOLVED, per NJAC 6A:23B-1.2(b), the tentative budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement. The 2013-2014 tentative budget includes a maximum travel appropriation of $100,000. The School Business Administrator shall track and record these costs to insure that the maximum amount is not exceeded, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, a Board of Education may, and this Board does, establish, for regular district business travel only, an annual school year threshold of $1,500 per staff member where prior Board approval shall not be required for regular business travel, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby establishes March 21, 2013 as the date for the Public Hearing on the budget and authorizes the Superintendent and Board Secretary, after approval by the Executive County Superintendent of Schools, or prior to approval with authorization, to advertise the budget and the budget hearing as required by law.

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 called the board's attention to the updates to D.2.

Mrs. Allocco recommended wording changes, with which the board concurred.

Mr. Huber requested that the entry on B.2. regarding June 2013 travel be discussed. Dr. Crader provided the background for the trip and the parameters for follow up she has established.

On a motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the consent agenda items A.1. through A.4., B.1. through B.3., C.1. through C.7., and D.1 & D.2., were approved by a 7-0 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 26, 2013.

A.2. Out of District Placement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the placement of Student #121287 at Shephard Prep High School, beginning on or about March 11, 2013, at a per diem rate of $256.01. The prorated total cost to the district is approximately $17,153.

A.3. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves 5 hours per week of home instruction for Student #2001272, beginning March 4, 2013 through June 25, 2013, cost not to exceed $3,000.

A.4 Out of District Placement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the placement of Student

#120718 at Center School, beginning March 5, 2013, at a per diem rate of $276.05. The prorated total cost to the district is approximately $19,599.55.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Settlement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves and ratifies the settlement between the Warren Township Schools and Parents of Student #120747 dated February 28, 2013.

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:

March 2013

• Michelle Zgombic, MS, Google Apps Summit, Union $199
• Sheila Connelly, ALT, Google Apps Summit, Union $199
• Suzanne Wisher, WS, Google Apps Summit, Union $199

April 2013

• Jan Donlay, Pupil Transportation Conference, Atlantic City $493
• Jennifer Curran, MHS, NJSHA Convention, Long Branch $150
• Jamie Perry, WS, NJSHA Convention, Long Branch $150

June 2013

• Sondra Markman, ASCD-Teaching Excellence, National Harbor, MD $2,083

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. Transportation Contract with SCESC

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with SCESC to transport Student #121449 to Hunterdon Learning Center in Califon, for a per diem cost of $31.65 (administrative fee included), for a total of $4,019.55, beginning December 3, 2012. This motion supersedes motion B.7 from the November 26, 2012 agenda.

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. Christina Tommaso, Long-term Substitute Teacher, Central School, 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 #2159 who is on leave.)

b. Pamela Schroeder, Transportation Monitor, effective March 4, 2013 through June 30, 2013, 4.5 hours per day, $15 per hour, cost not to exceed $5,130.

c. Bernadette Barnes, Transportation Driver, effective March 5, 2013 through June 30, 2013, Tuesdays and Thursdays only, 4.5 hours per day, $18.20 per hour, cost not to exceed $2,793.

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. Joanna Bartlett

b. Sherine Alhamrawy

c. Valerie Awender

C.3. Substitute Bus Driver

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

a. Bernadette Barnes

C.4. Additional Time

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Michele Stein, School Psychologist, for five additional days of work, for the

purpose of conducting evaluations, to be completed between March 1, 2013

and April 30, 2013, at a per diem rate of $390, cost not to exceed $1,950.

b. Patrick MacNamara, for up to 15 hours per week of technical support

services, effective March 5, 2013 through June 30, 2013, at an hourly rate

of $31.70, cost not to exceed $8,083.50.

c. Beth Ann Filiano and Michele Tanzi, to alternate accompanying Student

#120701 to after-school Track which is held twice a week, beginning March

14, 2013, for a total cost not to exceed $400.

C.5. Medical Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2258 for leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from February 26,

2013 through on or about March 24, 2013.

C.6. Retirement

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

a. Steven Verger, Electives Teacher, Middle School, for the purpose of

retirement, with appreciation for his 38 years of service to the Warren

Township students, effective April 30, 2013.

C.7. Middle School Coach

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff member as coach for the 2012-2013 school year:

a. Softball, Debra Granrath, at a stipend amount of $2,900.

D. POLICY

D.1. Policies - Second Reading

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

a. 4119.23/4219.23 Reg - Employee Substance Abuse

b. 5118 - Nonresidents

D.2 Policies - First Reading

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

a. 3542.1 Reg - Wellness/Nutrition

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

None

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Mrs. Allocco reported on her positive experience with Read Across America day.

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Mrs. Tambor, staff member, asked a question regarding the new curriculum position.

XVI. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. Huber seconded by Mr. Sena the meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Patricia Leonhardt