Minutes for May 28, 2013 Archived Minutes
Skip NavigationA regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Middle School, Old Stirling 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 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 May 22, 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, Desiree DeNourie, Donald Huber, Kathy Helewa, Roberta Monahan, James Sena, Mildred Spiller, and Greg Steier
Absent: John De Bellis arrived at 7:48 p.m.
Also Present: Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of the staff and public
IV. PRESENTATION
- Excellence in Education Recognition
Principals presented and spoke glowingly of the Excellence in Education award winners:
Mary Balkonis, ALT School
Jill Zimmer, Central School
Christine Burkhardt, Mt. Horeb School
Lauren Valera, Woodland School
Midge Johnson, Middle School
V. EXECUTIVE SESSION #1
At 7:29 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:
Curriculum Supervisor Interview
Action will be taken upon return to public session;
the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 20 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. Monahan, the board reconvened in open session at 7:55 p.m.
VI. MINUTES
Mr. Huber moved the following:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public session minutes of the May 13, 2013 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Monahan and approved by an 8-0-1 roll call vote. (Mrs. DeNourie abstained.)
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
Dr. Crader reported on HIB information from April 22, 2013 through May 13, 2013 as follows:
- HIB Information
Total # of Investigations: |
2 |
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: |
1 |
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 again the Excellence in Education award winners and the staff who came in support.
Mrs. Spiller also thanked the Rotary for the chess set.
IX. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Crader shared the wonderful experience she had the previous Friday with the Middle School Walkathon which raised over $10,000 for charity.
Dr. Crader reported on the work done today by the Leadership Team regarding teacher evaluation, and noted some areas for improvement.
Lastly, Dr. Crader reviewed projected student counts and its roll in staffing needs.
X. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mrs. Allocco reported on the Communications Committee, which discussed a consultation with a communications expert from NJSBA, the establishment of goals, and the need to communicate activities on in all of the schools. Also discussed was an increasing presence of the Communications Committee at the PTO presidents meeting and additional ways to effectively share the district's story.
XI. DISCUSSION
None
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).
N/A
XIII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION
Mr. Steier asked a question about agenda item B.8. and Mr. Huber asked additional questions regarding the same item.
Mrs. Allocco asked questions regarding A.2. and C.6. Mrs. Spiller asked additional questions regarding C.6. It was determined that the Finance Committee will review the pay scale of summer employees.
Mr. Huber asked questions regarding agenda items A.2., B.5., C.2., C.3., C.8., C.9., and C.10.
Mr. Steier asked a follow up question about A.2.
On a motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Allocco, the consent agenda items A.1. through A.4., B.1. through B.11., C.1. through C.12., were approved by a 9-0 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 May 21, 2013.
A.2. 2013-2014 Professional Development Plan
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the district's Professional
Development Plan, dated May 15, 2013, for the 2013-2014 school year.
A.3. Mathematics Textbook Order
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the additional expenditure of $4,000 (cost approved at the May 13, 2013 Board of Education meeting) 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.
A.4. Out-of-Zone Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out-of-zone request for the following student:
a. Student #208323 grade 5, Central School, from September 1, 2013 through June 25, 2014. The student is moving to a new home zoned for Mount Horeb School. The parents will transport the student.
B. Finance/Operations/Transportation
B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of May 2013 in the amount of $3,750,735.74.
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 April 2013
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on April 30, 2013
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$8,890,383.61 |
|
$1,573,466.18 |
(11) Current Expense |
$2,675,517.77 |
||
(12) Capital Outlay |
$1,008,750.08 |
||
(13) Special Schools |
$627.88 |
||
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
($75,193.35) |
($21,058.58) |
$0.00 |
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$168.04 |
$83.39 |
$84.65 |
TOTAL |
$8,815,358.30 |
$3,663,920.54 |
$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 are available to meet the district's financial obligations for the remainder of the year.
B.3. Budget Transfers for Month of April 2013
RESOLVED, that 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: |
|||
11-000-230-334-01-00 |
Architect & Engineering Services |
11-000-230-105-01-00 |
Salaries - Support Staff |
$4,715 |
11-000-230-334-01-00 |
Architect & Engineering Services |
11-000-230-332-01-00 |
Audit Fees |
$900 |
11-000-230-334-01-00 |
Architect & Engineering Services |
11-000-230-339-01-00 |
Admin. - Purch. Prof. Svcs. |
$2,000 |
11-000-230-334-01-00 |
Architect & Engineering Services |
11-000-230-530-01-21 |
Postage - District |
$2,000 |
11-000-230-334-01-00 |
Architect & Engineering Services |
11-000-230-530-01-22 |
Telephone - District |
$1,385 |
11-000-230-340-01-00 |
Purchased Technical Services |
11-000-230-530-01-22 |
Telephone - District |
$11,125 |
11-000-230-340-01-00 |
Purchased Technical Services |
11-000-230-590-00-51 |
Other Purch. Svcs. (Insurance) |
$755 |
11-000-230-340-01-00 |
Purchased Technical Services |
11-000-230-610-01-00 |
Administration - Supplies |
$4,120 |
11-000-261-340-07-51 |
Prof. Svcs. - Water Damage - MS |
11-000-261-420-07-51 |
Maint. Repairs-Water Damage |
$1,000 |
11-000-266-420-09-05 |
Security-Maint. Repairs - ALT |
11-000-262-621-00-07 |
Heat - Middle |
$3,640 |
11-000-266-420-09-07 |
Security-Maintenance Repairs-MS |
11-000-262-621-00-07 |
Heat - Middle |
$2,180 |
11-000-266-610-09-03 |
Security-Maint. Supplies - CS |
11-000-262-621-00-07 |
Heat - Middle |
$2,995 |
11-000-266-610-09-04 |
Security-Maint. Supplies - MH |
11-000-262-621-00-07 |
Heat - Middle |
$1,755 |
11-000-266-610-09-06 |
Security-Maint. Supplies - WS |
11-000-262-621-00-07 |
Heat - Middle |
$2,615 |
11-000-266-610-09-07 |
Security-Maint. Supplies - MS |
11-000-262-621-00-07 |
Heat - Middle |
$1,775 |
11-000-270-593-10-00 |
Miscellaneous Purchased Services |
11-000-270-161-10-02 |
Substitute Special Ed Transp. |
$12,300 |
12-000-240-730-05-00 |
School Admin. Equip. - ALT |
11-000-291-270-00-00 |
Health Benefits |
$20,025 |
12-000-240-730-06-00 |
School Admin. Equip. - WD |
11-000-291-270-00-00 |
Health Benefits |
$19,119 |
12-000-400-450-00-00 |
Construction Services |
12-000-400-450-04-03 |
Construction - MH Toilet Reno. |
$7,248 |
12-120-100-730-06-00 |
Instructional Equipment - WS |
11-000-262-621-00-07 |
Heat - Middle |
$5,396 |
13-422-100-500-00-00 |
Summer Fun - Other Purch. Svcs. |
13-422-100-106-00-00 |
Summer School Aides - Salaries |
$541 |
13-422-100-500-00-00 |
Summer Fun - Other Purch. Svcs. |
13-422-100-610-00-00 |
Summer School Supplies |
$507 |
GRAND TOTAL |
$108,096 |
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 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
- Michelle Zgombic, MS, Google Apps for EDU Cert, Union $279
- Lynn Alger, MS, Google Apps for EDU Cert, Union $314
- Sheila Connelly, ALT, Google Apps for EDU Cert, Union $300
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. Rates for Custodial Charges for Building Usage for the 2013-2014 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following rates for the billing of custodial charges for the groups that use our buildings:
Straight time $29.00 per hour
Time and a half $43.50 per hour
Double time $58.00 per hour
B.6. Maintenance Contract BetweenMUJCand Warren Township Board of Education
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the vehicle maintenance contract between the Morris Union Jointure Commission and the Warren Township Board of Education as per the proposal dated May 9, 2013, for the period beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014, at a rate of $69.36 per hour.
B.7. Joint Transportation Agreement
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes a Joint Transportation Agreement for the 2013-2014 school year with the Educational Services Commission of Morris County, which includes an administrative fee of 5%.
B.8. Field Upgrades at Woodland 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 Field Upgrades at Woodland 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 Wednesday, May 15, 2013, the Board received the following bid from potential bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A.18A:18A-1, et seq.;
Tec-Con Contractors $73,322
WHEREAS, the bid has been reviewed and has been determined to be responsive to the bid requirements for the Project,
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby awards the Project to Tec-Con Contractors in the amount of $73,322.
B.9. Transportation Contract for Out of District Students - Berkeley Heights
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Berkeley Heights School District for the transportation of their students for the 2013-2014 Extended School Year and School Year as follows:
Contractor |
District |
Route |
School |
Cost |
Warren |
Berkeley Heights |
W-137S |
DLC |
$1,123.18 |
Warren |
Berkeley Heights |
W-137 |
DLC |
$6,739.10
|
Warren |
Berkeley Heights |
W-139S |
WHRHS |
$1,552.20 |
B.10. Transportation Contract for Out of District Students - WHRHS - ESY
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Watchung Hills Regional High School for the transportation of their students for the 2013-2014 Extended School Year as follows:
Contractor |
District |
Route |
School |
Cost |
Warren |
WHRHS |
W-137S |
DLC |
$1,123.18 |
Warren |
WHRHS |
W-145S |
Class Trips |
$1,799.45 |
Warren |
WHRHS |
W-138S |
WHRHS |
$2,373.83 |
Warren |
WHRHS |
W143S |
WHRHS |
$2,828.28 |
B.11. Donation - Rotary Club
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation of one life-size chess board and E2 classroom items, for use at Middle School, at an approximate cost of $250.
C. Personnel/Student Services
C.1. 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. Transfer of Rebecca Olszyk-Kiseli, School Psychologist, Middle School, to Behavior Specialist, District, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.
b. Transfer of Catherine Maguire, Special Education Teacher, Central School, to Special Education Teacher, Mount Horeb School, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.
c. Marianne Larson, Literacy Coach, District, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.
d. Stacey Hann-Modugno, Curriculum Supervisor, District, at an annual salary of $105,000 (prorated), effective August 15, 2013 through June 30, 2014.
e. Michelle Barbagallo, Occupational Therapist, District, BA, Step 25 of the
2013-2014 salary guide, $78,670, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. (This motion reflects a change in hours from the May 13, 2013 agenda, from 21 hours to full time.)
C.2. Employment Contract - School Business Administrator/Board Secretary
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the employment contract for the 2013-2014 school year for Patricia Leonhardt, School Business Administrator/ Board Secretary, dated July 1, 2013.
C.3. 2013-2014 Employment Non-WTEA Employees
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of non-WTEA employee assignments and salaries for the 2013-2014 school year, dated May 21, 2013.
C.4. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:
a. Employee #1448 for family leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from September 3, 2013 through on or about September 13, 2013 and (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA from on or about September 16, 2013 through on or about December 12, 2013, with an anticipated date of return as December 13, 2013.
b. Employee #1750 for family leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from on or about October 14, 2013 through on or about December 6, 2013 and (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA from on or about December 9, 2013 through on or about March 14, 2014, with an anticipated date of return as March 17, 2014.
c. Employee #2055 for family leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from on or about October 7, 2013 through on or about November 29, 2013 and (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA from on or about December 2, 2013 through on or about March 11, 2014, with an anticipated date of return as March 12, 2014.
d. Employee #1797 for family leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from on or about October 9, 2013 through on or about December 4, 2013 and (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA from on or about December 5, 2013 through on or about March 14, 2014 and (unpaid without benefits) under Child Rearing Leave from on or about March 17, 2014 through June 30, 2014, with an anticipated date of return as September 1, 2014.
e. Employee #0718 for family leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from on or about October 9, 2013 through on or about December 4, 2013 and (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA from on or about December 5, 2013 through on or about March 14, 2014, with an anticipated date of return as March 17, 2014.
C.5. Extended Work Schedule
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an extended work schedule, to a maximum of five days total per school, beginning after the last day of the 2012-2013 school year and ending before the commencement of the 2013-2014 school year, at the employee's per diem rate, as follows:
a. Ellyn Jara, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School
b. Carmela Motyczka, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Central School
c. Michelle Delserro, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School
C.6. 2013 Summer Employees
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of summer employees
dated May 21, 2013, at the listed hourly rates, from June 26, 2013 through September 6, 2013, at a cost not to exceed $66,670.
C.7. Appointment of 2013-2014 Summer Fun Staff
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached list of Summer Fun Staff, Paraprofessionals and Substitutes, dated May 22, 2013.
C.8. Child Study Team 2013 Summer Evaluations and Therapy Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Child Study Team to conduct summer evaluations and therapy hours (in-district) per the attached list dated May 22, 2013, at a cost not to exceed $63,059.
C.9. 2013-2014 Non-WTEA Stipends
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of 2013-2014 non-WTEA stipends dated May 21, 2013.
C.10. Middle School Stipend Positions 2013-2014
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following stipend positions for the 2013-2014 school year as per the 2011-2014 WTEA negotiated agreement.
a. Lunchroom Supervisors:
Grade 6: Debra Granrath, Barbara LaSaracina, Brenda Sasso, John Seremula
Grade 7: David Arnold, Sean Convery (2), O'Brien Speckin
Grade 8: Robert Hartshorn, Kurt Reck (2), Joel VanTine,
b. Team Leaders:
Grade 6: Barbara LaSaracina
Grade 7: Dan Ticchio
Grade 8: Lynn Degen
Unified Arts: Bev MacGorman
c. Yearbook Advisors: Sean Convery, Bev MacGorman
d. Student Council Advisor: Bev MacGorman
C.11. Contracted Services
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:
a. Contracted services with Joseph A. Novak to provide Augmentative and Alternative Communication consultations, one time per month for Student #121295, at an hourly rate of $150, from July 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014, at a total cost not to exceed $1,650.
b. Contracted services with Cindy Levy to provide speech therapy 4 hours per week, for the 5 weeks of Summer Fun, at $70 per hour, for a total cost not to exceed $1,400.
C.12. Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the resignation of the following staff:
a. Employee #2287, effective June 30, 2013.
XIV. OLD BUSINESS
- Special Services Contracted Vendor List
Dr. Crader discussed the information to be included. It was determined that it might be of value for Dr. Kozlik to come to a Board of Education meeting to discuss special education vendors. It is anticipated that he will come to the July meeting.
- PTO Donation of Central School Playground Equipment
Dr. Crader discussed the timing of the Woodland School playground project. The board took a straw poll regarding support of allowing the Central School PTO to purchase the playground equipment, with fundraising for the remainder of the funds to commence upon return to school in September. The idea had the support of the majority of the board with the caveat that parameters be established.
- BOE Self-Evaluation
Mrs. Monahan discussed the results of the board's self-evaluation. Also discussed was the delineation between appropriate questions and micro-managing. The last topic of conversation was a calendar of school events for the board.
- Legislative Bills
Mrs. Helewa discussed the two controversial pieces of legislation awaiting the Governor's signature. One deals with privatized services and the other with binding arbitration for certain school district staff members. The board authorized Mrs. Spiller to write to the governor on behalf of the Board.
- Non-Renewal Process
Mr. Huber discussed the district's process for non-renewals. Mr. Huber asked that it be memorialized in the minutes that he feels strongly that the appeal process for non-renewal staff be presented to them in writing. It was determined that the matter will be discussed further, possibly at the committee level.
XV. NEW BUSINESS
Social Media Policy
Mrs. Allocco requested that the board discuss this topic in depth in the near future.
XVI. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
None
XVII. EXECUTIVE SESSION #2
At 9:48 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:
1. Specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session
2. Superintendent's contract renewal
Action may be taken upon return to public session;
the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 20 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. Helewa and approved by unanimous voice vote.
On motion by Mr. Sena seconded by Mr. Steier, the board reconvened in open session at 10:37 p.m.
XVIII. Adjourn
On motion by Mr. Sena seconded by Mr. Steier the meeting adjourned at 10:38 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:
Patricia Leonhardt
Last modified on Thursday, February 24, 2022