Minutes for May 13, 2013History 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 7:03 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, John De Bellis Donald Huber, Kathy Helewa, Roberta Monahan, James Sena, Mildred Spiller, and Greg Steier

Absent: Desiree DeNourie

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

IV. PRESENTATION

V. MINUTES

Mr. Huber moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public session minutes of the April 22, 2013 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Helewa and approved by an 8-0 roll call vote.

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

Dr. Crader reported on HIB information from April 22, 2013 through May 13, 2013 as follows:

  • HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

1

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

1
  • Fire Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

April 26

April 10

April 30

April 8

April 8

 
  • Security Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

April 9

Bus Evacuation

 

April 16

Bus Evacuation

April 25

Bus Evacuation

April 23

Bus Evacuation

April 29

Bus Evacuation

Mr. Huber expressed his concern with the definition of bullying.

VII ANNUAL ADOPTIONS

On motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mr. Sena, the annual adoptions were approved by an 8-0 roll-call vote.

1. Curriculum

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the K-8 curriculum guides, as aligned with NJ Core Content Standards, for the 2013-2014 school year.

2. Textbooks

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of existing district textbooks for the 2013-2014 school year.

3. Service Appointments

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. The appointment of Patricia Leonhardt as Board Secretary of the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2013-2014 school year.

b. The appointment of MaryGrace Suitovsky, Assistant Business Administrator, as Acting Board Secretary for the 2013-2014 school year in the absence of the Board Secretary.

c. The appointment of Ruth Davies as Treasurer of School Monies for the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2013-2014 school year.

d. The appointment of Patricia Leonhardt, Business Administrator, as Acting Treasurer of School Monies for the 2013-2014 school year for the Warren Township Board of Education in the absence of Ruth Davies.

e. The appointment of Suplee, Clooney & Company as the auditing firm for the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2013-2014 school year, at an annual cost of $23,135 (same rate as 2012-2013).

f. The appointment of Dr. Richard Lesko as District Medical Inspector for the 2013-2014 school year, at the annual cost of $7,500.

g. The appointment of Dr. Ronald Frank as Alternate District Medical Inspector for the 2013-2014 school year, at a cost to be determined at the time of service provided (if need be).

h. The appointment of Dr. Ted Kozlik as the district's Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX Coordinator, Anti-Bullying Coordinator, and 504 Officer for the 2013-2014 school year.

i. The appointment of G.R. Murray as the district's board and general liability insurance agent for the 2013-2014 school year.

i. The appointment of Brown & Brown Benefit Advisors, Inc. as the Board's program manager of record for the medical insurance program and group insurance broker of record for the district's dental insurance program and flexible spending plan for the 2013-2014 school year.

j. The appointment of Tyler Tribelhorn as the district's Right to Know contact, AHERA representative, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator (IPMC), Safety and Health Designee, Indoor Air Quality Designee, Chemical Hygiene Officer, and Asbestos Management Officer for the 2013-2014 school year.

k. The appointment of Patricia Leonhardt, Business Administrator, as the district's Public Agency Compliance Officer (PACO), District Custodian of Records, and District Purchasing Agent for the 2013-2014 school year.

l. The appointment of AIG/VALIC, AXA/Equitable, Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc. and ASPire as 403(b), 457(b) and Roth 403(b) plan providers for the 2013-2014 school year.

4. Finance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. The designation of the following bank as depository for district funds for 2013-2014, pending certification of approval by the Governmental Unit Deposit Protection Act: Bank of America.

b. Authorization for the Board Secretary to invest school funds in accordance with the limitations of State law and Board policy.

c. Authorization for the following persons to sign checks:

Account Name

No.

Signatory(s)

General Operating (Current) Account

3

Treasurer of School Monies and Board Secretary and Board President and Board Vice President

Salary Account

1

Treasurer of School Monies or Board Secretary

Payroll Deduction Account

1

Treasurer of School Monies or Board Secretary

Unemployment Account

1

Board Secretary or Superintendent

Juice and Water Account

1

Board Secretary or Superintendent

Milk Account

1

Board Secretary or Superintendent

Flexible Spending Account

1

Board Secretary or Superintendent

Superintendent Petty Cash Account

1

Superintendent or Board Secretary

Middle School Student Activity Account

2

Middle School Principal or Middle School Dean or Board Secretary

d. The financial records of the school district shall be maintained in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and all appropriations shall be recorded using the Chart of Accounts provided by the New Jersey Department of Education.

e. Authorization for the Purchasing Agent to make purchases of goods and services

entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property (state contract), Ed-Data time and materials bid, Somerset County Cooperative Pricing System, Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council (MCCPC) and Hunterdon County ESC Cooperative Purchasing.

f. Authorization, in recognition of Qualified Purchasing Agent status, of a bid threshold of $36,000.

5. Petty Cash Accounts

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the establishment of the following petty cash accounts and the individual responsible for the account for 2013-2014:

a. Superintendent's Office (Superintendent's Secretary) $500

b. Buildings and Grounds (Supervisor of B & G) $200

c. Schools (Building Principal) $200

(each school)

d. SPS (Director of SPS) $100

e. Curriculum (Curriculum Supervisor) $100

The maximum expenditure from each account for each purchase is $25.00. The School Business Administrator will review a summary of the disbursements on a semi-annual basis.

6. Organizational Chart

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the district's organizational chart for the 2013-2014 school year dated May 3, 2011.

VIII. 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 congratulated the 6th grade on its Quiz Bowl 1st Place finish.

Mrs. Spiller also read a congratulatory letter to the district from Assemblyman Bramnick regarding the Child Abuse Prevention program.

Lastly it was discussed that the board president does send notes to staff members on behalf of the BOE as occasions arise.

IX. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Crader read words of appreciation for Mr. Antonio Alberto, as he prepares to retire.

  • Strategic Plan Update
    The status of the Strategic Plan, which will be presented at the Board's June 10th meeting, was reviewed. 
  • Mandarin Update
    The Mandarin program was also reviewed. 

X. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mrs. Monahan reported on the Personnel Committee meeting, which discussed staffing and salaries.

Mrs. Monahan also reported on the Policy Committee, which discussed the resolutions slated for vote at the upcoming Delegate Assembly.

elewa reported on the meeting with Assemblyman BramnickHeleHHHH HHHHH

Mr. Sena reported on the Finance Committee meeting which discussed the Capital Improvement Plan, and the security audit.

XI. DISCUSSION

  • June 24th BOE meeting
    It was determined that the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and moved to the Middle School. 

XII. 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).

Susan Leonard, Woodland School staff member, asked a question regarding the Director of Special Services hiring.

Patricia Zohn, Mountain View Rd., discussed the 7th and 8th grade overnight trips, including noting the cost.

Ian Zohn discussed what it feels like to be unable to attend.

Mrs. Spiller and Dr. Crader addressed Mrs. Zohn's concerns.

XIII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mr. Steier asked questions regarding the bidding for the C.5. window project (motion B.11.).

Mr. Huber asked questions regarding agenda item B.2. (transportation renewal) and discussed agenda item C.4. (staff hiring). Dr. Crader provided an overview of the process re renewal/non-renewal. Mr. Huber discussed his concerns. The board discussed the topic at length.

It was decided that motion C.4. would be pulled for separate vote.

On a motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Helewa, the consent agenda items A.1. through A.2., B.1. through B.11., C.1. through C.3., and C.5. through C.8., were approved by an 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Helewa, the board approved agenda item C.4 on a 7-1 roll call vote. (Mr. Huber voted no.)

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 May 7, 2013.

A.2. Math Cost Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the expenditure of $159,000 to purchase the new mathematics textbooks for grades K-5 and grades 6-8 that were approved at the April 22, 2013 Board of Education Meeting.

 

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group By-Law Amendment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the amendment of the

New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group bylaws, as outlined in the attached documentation.

B.2. Dealaman Bus Services Contract Renewal for 2013-2014

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the renewal of the eleven (11) transportation contracts for the 2013-2014 school year with Dealaman Bus Services of Warren, NJ. All are being renewed at 1% increase, below the State of New Jersey's CPI of 2.63%. The details are as follows:

Multi contract #

Renewal #

2013-2014

1

18

$274,275.12

2

14

$111,980.03

4

1

$32,519.21

5

14

$180,848.30

6

13

$40,456.33

7

12

$68,309.63

8

4

$160,770.60

9

10

$54,830.81

10

9

$27,241.43

11

8

$52,661.79

12

7

$46,377.41

 

 

 

Total

 

$1,050,270.66

B.3. Joint Transportation Agreements

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes Joint Transportation Agreements for the 2013-2014 School Year as follows:

  • Middlesex Regional Educational (MRESC) with an administrative fee of either 2% or 4%.
  • Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) with an administrative fee of 6%.

B.4. Purchase of Truck

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the purchase of a Ford 2013 F550 Dump Truck from Route 23 Automall. The total cost, including options, is $72,693.27. This item will be purchased under Morris County Cooperative Pricing.

B.5. 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:

August 2013

 

  • Suzanne Wisher, WS, Preparing for Google Apps, Union $279

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.6. Waste Removal

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

WHEREAS, on May 2, 2013, the Board of Education received bids for the Waste Removal services for the district for the three year period of July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016:

Active Disposal Service, Somerville

$65,647.50

Kohler Waste Services, Gillette

$58,713.60

Midco Companies, New Brunswick

$60,085.68

Pinto Bros Disposal, South Plainfield

$62,424.00

Rubinetti Private Disposal, New Vernon

$70,800.00

The contract should be awarded to Kohler Waste Services since it is the lowest responsible bidder.

WHEREAS, the contract amount for each year is

  • July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 $19,571.20
  • July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015 $19,571.20
  • July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 $19,571.20

Total Costs $58,713.60

Extra trash pick-ups are $6.00 per yard and an increase in container size is $6.00 per yard.

RESOLVED, the Board of Education awards the contract for the Waste Removal for the district to Kohler Waste Services, Gillette, NJ.

B.7. Tuition Contract with Watchung Borough

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a tuition contract in the amount of $1,500 for one Watchung Borough Student #121423 to attend the 2013 Warren Township Summer Fun/ESY program.

B.8. Appropriation from Capital Reserve

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appropriation of $1,225,000 from Capital Reserve to Fund 12 for the Woodland School Roof Replacement project, as awarded by the Board of Education on April 22, 2013.

B.9. Somerset Hills YMCA Before and After Care Services for 2013-2014

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the contracting with Somerset Hills YMCA for before and after care services at the four Warren elementary schools for the 2013-2014 school year, dated July 1, 2013.

B.10. Technology Purchasing

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the purchase of Prism Deploy Licensing and Technical Support for the district, at a cost of $37,944. Contract to be with Dell, through NJ State contract A77003.

B.11. Window Replacement and Building Envelope Repairs at Central School

WHEREAS, a recommendation was made by the Superintendent of Schools to the Warren Township Board of Education ("Board") to seek a contract for construction services for the Window Replacement and Building Envelope Repairs at Central School (hereinafter "Project"); and

WHEREAS, the Project was properly advertised to prospective bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-4; and

WHEREAS, on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, the Board received the following bids from potential bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A.18A:18A-1, et seq.;

Contractor

Base Bid

Alt #1

Alt #2

Alt #3

Total Bid

Hahr Construction

$502,000

$36,000

$18,000

$44,000

$600,000

APEX Enterprises

$487,000

$37,000

$33,000

$49,000

$606,000

Brockwell & Carrington

$569,000

$39,000

$27,000

$53,000

$688,000

Cypreco

$643,823

$25,000

$40,000

$55,000

$763,823

DeSapio Construction

$635,400

$70,700

$47,250

$76,650

$830,000

WHEREAS, the bids have been reviewed and have been determined to be responsive to the bid requirements for the Project,

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby awards the Project (Base plus Alternates 1-3) to Hahr Construction in the amount of $600,000.

 

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. Aparna Virmani, Database Manager, at an annual salary of $60,000 (prorated), effective May 14, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

b. Timothy Leonard, Long-term Substitute Teacher, Instrumental Music, District,

at a per diem rate of $150, effective May 14, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

(He is a long-term substitute for Employee #2491 who is on leave.)

C.2. Retirement/Resignation

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

a. Antonio Alberto, Custodian, Woodland School, for the purpose of retirement, with

appreciation for his over 12 years of service to the Warren Township students and

staff, effective June 30, 2013.

b. George Nimmo, Instrumental Music, District, with appreciation for his 3 years of

service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2013.

C.3. Medical Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2491 for medical leave (unpaid with benefits) under FMLA from May 3,

2013 through June 30, 2013.

C.4. Appointment of Staff for the 2013-2014 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approved the list of staff employment

(administrators, certificated staff, WTEA support staff), dated May 13, 2013, for

the 2013-2014 school year.

C.5. Contracted Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Contracted services with Robert Dearey to provide occupational therapy five days per week at an hourly rate of $98 for the 2013 Summer Fun/ESY program, at a total cost not to exceed $11,760.

b. Contracted services with the Watchung Borough School District for Cynthia Levy to provide speech therapy two days per week for the 2013-2014 school year, at a total cost to the district of $45,482, inclusive of pro-rated salary and benefits.

C.6. Intervention

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Laurie Green, Central School, to provide additional intervention to Student # 621270, for a maximum of 5 hours per week, at the per diem rate of $44.64, from May 7, 2013 through June 21, 2013, total cost not to exceed $1,562.40

C.7. Employment for the 2013-2014 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 2013-2014 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, 21 hours, District, BA, Step 25 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $47,202, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

b. Julie Jagiello, ABA Teacher, Mount Horeb School, MA, Step 17 of the 2013- 2014 alary guide, $70,477, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

c. Aparna Virmani, Database Manager, at an annual salary of $60,000, effective July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

C.8. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #0193 for leave (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA from May 7, 2013 through on or about June 30, 2013.

XIV. OLD BUSINESS

  • Board Self-Evaluation
    In light of a need to discuss this in depth, the BOE decided to move this topic to the May 28th meeting. 
  • Mr. Huber asked questions regarding Birdsall and cheerleading facility usage.

XV. NEW BUSINESS

Mrs. Allocco reported on a NJSBA Communications workshop she and Mrs. Helewa attended. It was recommended that one of the presenters be invited to our district.

XVI. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

None

XVII. EXECUTIVE SESSION

At 8:39 p.m. Mr. Huber 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:

Non-aligned 2013-2014 salary increases

Superintendent's evaluation

Action will not 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 Mr. Huber seconded by Mrs. Helewa, the board reconvened in open session at 9:44 p.m.

XVIII. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. Huber seconded by Mr. Sena the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Patricia Leonhardt