Minutes for June 24, 2013
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A 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 6:30 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 15, 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, Mildred Spiller, and Greg Steier
Absent: John De Bellis
Roberta Monahan
James Sena (arrived at 6:34 p.m.)
Also Present: Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of the staff and public
IV. PRESENTATION
Mrs. MaryEllen Roberts, Technology Supervisor, provided a brief overview of the district's Technology Plan, which is on this evening's agenda for approval. The board asked various questions.
Mr. Sena arrived at this point in the meeting (6:34 p.m.)
V. MINUTES
Mr. Huber moved the following:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and executive session minutes of the June 10, 2013 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Sena and approved by a 7-0 roll call vote.
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
Dr. Crader reported on HIB information from May 10, 2013 through June 24, 2013 as follows:
- HIB Information
|
Total # of Investigations: |
1 |
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: |
0 |
- Fire Drills
|
ALT |
Central |
Mt. Horeb |
Woodland |
Middle |
|
May 3 |
May 22 |
May 28 |
May 16 |
May 21 |
- Security Drills
|
ALT |
Central |
Mt. Horeb |
Woodland |
Middle |
|
May 17 Evacuation |
May 31 Evacuation |
May 31 Evacuation |
May 30 Evacuation |
May 24 Evacuation |
Dr. Crader discussed with the board an anonymous letter she received.
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 reported that Mrs. Monahan is regretful that she cannot attend this evening due to a family matter. In addition, board members were told to let Mrs. Monahan know if they wanted to comment on the composite superintendent's evaluation.
Mrs. Spiller also complimented all involved in the Wolverine Times and Pride in Our Schools.
VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Crader reported on three 21st Century lessons she recently observed, all of which were very well done. Dr. Crader also reported that the district administrators are slated to begin work on the Strategic Plan's Action Items on Wednesday.
Mrs. Spiller wished all a happy and healthy summer.
Mr. Leonard, the new Music Teacher, was introduced.
IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mrs. Allocco reported on the Communications Committee, which was responsible for the eblast inviting community participation, a planned survey, and the pilot for student data collection slated for Mt. Horeb.
Mr. Sena reported on the Finance Committee, which focused on state grants available for capital projects, the purchase of Chromebooks for 6th graders, and IEP software. In addition Mr. Sena reported that the committee discussed summer staff pay.
X. DISCUSSION
N/A
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).
N/A
XII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION
The board discussed the process regarding the superintendent's contract and her merit goals.
Mr. Huber discussed the role of unemployment costs in financial analyses, as well as discussing transfers in general. Also discussed was the cost of the textbooks.
On a motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Helewa, the consent agenda items A.1. through A.5., B.1. through B.11., C.1. through C.13., 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 June 19, 2013.
A.2. Warren Township Schools' Strategic Plan
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Warren Township Schools' Strategic Plan, dated June 10, 2013.
A.3. Technology Plan 2013-2016
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the district Technology Plan 2013-2016, dated June 24, 2013.
A.4. Out of District Placement ESY 2013 Updated
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached out of district 2013 ESY placement list, dated June 24, 2013. (Updates are reflected in bold.)
A.5. Out of District Placement School Year 2013-2014
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached out of district 2013-2014 school year placement list, dated June 24, 2013.
B. Finance/Operations/Transportation
B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills from June 11, 2013 through June 24, 2013 in the amount of $2,094,841.95.
B.2. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the School Business
Administrator/Board Secretary, pursuant to policy 3326, to audit pending bills and claims, to pay qualifying bills and claims within approved budget line item amounts, from June 25, 2013 to June 30, 2013, and to submit those bills to the Board of Education for approval at its next regular meeting.
B.3. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the attached report of the secretary for the month of May, 2013,
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on May 31, 2013
|
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
|
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$8,586,129.25 |
|
$1,573,466.18 |
|
(11) Current Expense |
$2,436,543.79 |
||
|
(12) Capital Outlay |
$149,961.31 |
||
|
(13) Special Schools |
$1,607.32 |
||
|
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
($58,998.85) |
$22,094.54 |
$0.00 |
|
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
|
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$168.04 |
$83.39 |
$84.65 |
|
TOTAL |
$8,527,298.44 |
$2,610,290.35 |
$1,573,550.83 |
WHERWHEREAS, 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.4. Budget Transfers for Month of May 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: |
|||
|
11-000-213-600-03-00 |
Health Supplies - Central |
11-000-213-600-04-00 |
Health Supplies - Mt. Horeb |
$50 |
|
11-000-216-320-08-00 |
Speech/OT/PT - Prof. Svcs. |
11-000-216-100-00-01 |
Speech & OT - Extra Pay |
$700 |
|
11-000-219-610-08-00 |
CST Supplies |
11-000-219-104-00-01 |
Child Study Team - Extra Pay |
$8,000 |
|
11-000-222-600-04-10 |
Library Supplies - Mt. Horeb |
11-190-100-610-04-10 |
Instructional Supplies - Mt. Horeb |
$550 |
|
11-000-223-580-05-00 |
Workshops & Travel - ALT |
11-190-100-610-05-10 |
Instructional Supplies - ALT |
$100 |
|
11-000-230-331-01-00 |
Legal Services |
11-000-230-340-01-00 |
Purchased Technical Services |
$7,000 |
|
11-000-230-590-00-23 |
Legal Ads |
11-000-230-340-01-00 |
Purchased Technical Services |
$8,000 |
|
11-000-240-105-00-00 |
Salaries - School Secretaries |
11-000-240-103-00-00 |
Sals. - Principals/Dean/Directors |
$5,000 |
|
11-000-252-500-11-01 |
Technology Software |
11-000-291-270-00-00 |
Health Benefits |
$30,300 |
|
11-000-261-420-09-05 |
Maintenance Repairs - ALT |
11-000-262-621-00-06 |
Heat - Woodland |
$5,000 |
|
11-000-261-420-09-06 |
Maintenance Repairs - Woodland |
11-000-262-621-00-06 |
Heat - Woodland |
$5,000 |
|
11-000-261-420-09-07 |
Maintenance Repairs - Middle |
11-000-262-621-00-06 |
Heat - Woodland |
$15,000 |
|
11-000-261-610-09-03 |
Maintenance Supplies - Central |
11-000-262-621-00-03 |
Heat - Central |
$5,000 |
|
11-000-261-610-09-04 |
Maintenance Supplies - Mt. Horeb |
11-000-262-621-00-03 |
Heat - Central |
$5,000 |
|
11-000-261-610-09-07 |
Maintenance Supplies - Middle |
11-000-262-621-00-03 |
Heat - Central |
$5,000 |
|
11-000-262-100-09-02 |
Substitute Custodians |
11-000-262-100-09-05 |
Overtime Custodians |
$7,000 |
|
11-000-291-250-00-00 |
Unemployment Compensation |
11-000-291-270-00-00 |
Health Benefits |
$100,000 |
|
11-190-100-320-08-00 |
Purch. Professional Svcs. (504s) |
11-190-100-320-07-00 |
Purch. Prof. Educational Services |
$2,280 |
|
11-190-100-500-11-02 |
Purch. Svcs.-Instr. Software |
11-190-100-500-03-00 |
Other Purchased Services - CS |
$250 |
|
11-190-100-610-03-10 |
Instructional Supplies - Central |
11-190-100-640-03-00 |
Textbooks - Central |
$2,000 |
|
11-190-100-610-11-01 |
Supplies - Instructional Hardware |
11-000-262-622-00-04 |
Electricity - Mt. Horeb |
$35,000 |
|
11-190-100-640-12-00 |
Textbooks - Series Replacements |
11-190-100-610-12-00 |
Instructional Supplies (Kits) |
$21,000 |
|
11-190-100-640-12-00 |
Textbooks - Series Replacements |
11-190-100-640-04-00 |
Textbooks - Mt. Horeb |
$800 |
|
12-130-100-730-07-00 |
Instructional Equipment - Middle |
11-190-100-610-07-10 |
Instructional Supplies - Middle |
$2,700 |
|
13-422-100-500-00-00 |
Summer Fun - Other Purch. Svcs. |
11-000-262-621-00-03 |
Heat - Central |
$1,730 |
|
12-000-260-730-00-00 |
Operations & Maintenance Equip. |
11-000-262-621-00-04 |
Heat - Mt. Horeb |
$47,000 |
|
12-000-260-730-00-00 |
Operations & Maintenance Equip. |
11-000-262-621-00-05 |
Heat - ALT |
$25,695 |
|
12-000-400-450-04-03 |
Const. - MH Toilet Renovations |
12-000-400-450-00-00 |
Construction Services |
$7,248 |
|
12-000-400-450-00-00 |
Construction Services |
11-000-262-622-00-03 |
Electricity - Central |
$7,248 |
|
GRAND TOTAL |
$359,651 |
|||
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:
July 2013
- Cynthia Cassidy, MS, Google Apps Certification, Chester $279
- Christine Burkhardt, MHS, Google Apps Certification, Chester $331
August 2013
- Mary Ellen Roberts, Distr-Tech, Google Apps Certif, Union $294
October 2013
- Doris Zanchelli, MHS, Pediatrics School Health Conf, Somerset $175
- Carolyn McCloskey, MS, NJ Science Teacher's Conv, Princeton $289
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. Transfer of Current Year Surplus to Capital Reserve
WHEREAS, NJSA 18A:21-2 and NJSA 18A:7G-13 permit a Board of Education to establish and/or deposit into certain reserve accounts at year end, and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned statutes authorize procedures, under the authority of the Commissioner of Education, which permit a board of education to transfer anticipated excess current revenue or unexpended appropriations into reserve accounts during the month of June by board resolution, and
WHEREAS, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education wishes to deposit the anticipated current year surplus of up to $2,200,000 into Capital Reserve at year end, and
WHEREAS, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education has determined that up to $2,200,000 is available for such purpose of transfer;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren Township Schools Board of Education hereby authorizes the district's School Business Administrator to make this transfer consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.
B.7. Contract for Expanded Internet Service
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves amending the district's contract with Optimum Lightpath to increase bandwidth from .1 gigabyte to 1 gigabyte, at a cost of $8,199 per month (current cost of $5,699). Term of contract to remain at original length of 5 years, which commenced March 2011.
B.8. IDEA Application
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the submission of the 2013-2014 IDEA grant application to the Department of Education with the following amounts for special education programs:
- IDEA Basic $ 436,398.00
- IDEA Pre-School $ 15,864.00
B.9. Transportation Contract for Out of District Students - Watchung Borough
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Watchung Borough School District for the transportation of their student for Summer 2013 ESY (Route W-137S) and the 2013-2014 school year (Route W-137) as follows:
|
Contractor |
District |
Route |
School |
Cost |
|
Warren |
Watchung Borough |
W-137S |
DLC |
$1,123.18 |
|
Warren |
Watchung Borough |
W-137 |
DLC |
$6,739.10 |
B.10. Transportation Contract with SCESC
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with SCESC to transport Student #121287 to Shephard Middle School at a cost of $3,484.27 (administrative fee included), beginning March 11, 2013.
B.11. Transportation for Out of District Students - MUJC
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves ESY transportation for out of district students with the Morris Union Jointure Commission as follows:
Contractor Student ID# School Cost
MUJC 121424 Children's Institute $ 3,567.09
MUJC 120350 Banyan School $ 4,231.93
MUJC 620421 New Beginnings $ 4,009.72
MUJC 621049 P.G. Chambers $ 6,512.31
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. Kelly Brown, Science Teacher, Middle School, MA, Step 1 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $59,367, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. (She is replacing Kevin Sullivan.)
b. Tim Leonard, Music Teacher, District, BA, Step 1 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $53,970, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. (He is replacing George Nimmo.)
c. Steven Rizzoli, Gr 3 Teacher, Woodland School, MA+30, Step 9-10 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $69,906, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. (He is replacing PJ Jones, who will replace Stacey Hann-Modugno.)
d. Emily Green, Speech Teacher, District, MA, Step 2-4 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $60,412, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.
e. Beatrice Truica, School Psychologist, Middle School, MA+45, Step 9-10 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $72,819, plus $1,500 for Doctorate, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. (She is replacing Rebecca Olszyk-Kiseli.)
C.2. Employment Contract - Superintendent
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the contract of employment dated July 1, 2013 between the Warren Township Board of Education and Dr. Tami Crader for the position of Superintendent of Schools for the period July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2016. A copy of this contract is on file at the Board of Education Office and will be posted on the district website.
C.3. Movement on the Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2012-2013 salary guide:
a. Patricia Iannacone, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, retroactive to June 1, 2013.
b. Jessica Halpern, with congratulations, for movement from BA to BA+15, retroactive to June 1, 2013.
c. Sheila Connelly, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, retroactive to June 1, 2013.
C.4. Medical Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:
a. Employee #2186 for leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from June 11, 2013 through on or about June 24, 2013.
b. Employee #1598 for leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from May 30, 2013 through on or about June 28, 2013.
C.5. After School Club - 2012-2013 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following ALT afterschool club and instructor for the 2012-2013 school year, at the negotiated stipend rate:
a. Have Homework? Need Help?, Geraldine Vesey, at a stipend of $715.
C.6. Summer Fun Staff
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following additional Summer Fun staff:
a. Jill Ziobro, Summer Fun substitute, $17 per hour.
b. Eleanore Wilson, Summer Fun substitute, $17 per hour.
c. PJ Jones, Summer Fun Paraprofessional, $15 per hour, 5 weeks.
C.7. Child Study Team Summer 2013 - Additional Evals and Case Management
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves additional Child Study Team Summer work to conduct evaluations and case management for 17 days, at a cost not to exceed $8,415.
C.8. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:
a. Employee #1326 for family leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA from October 14, 2013 to on or about November 28, 2013 and (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA from on or about December 2, 2013 to on or about March 11, 2014, with an anticipated date of return as March 12, 2014.
C.9. Summer Hiring
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to extend offers of employment after consulting with the Board of Education regarding budgeted positions for which there may be a vacancy between June 25, 2013 and September 3, 2013, subject to ratification of the Board at the next scheduled Board meeting.
C.10. Approval of Summer Work
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following additional summer work:
a. Rebecca Olszyk-Kiseli, Behavior Specialist, District, to work up to four days over the summer for the purposes of training, at a per diem rate of $380.03, total cost not to exceed $1,520.12.
b. Mary Russo, Classroom Professional, to work a total of 200 hours, at an hourly rate of $23.17, total cost not to exceed $4,634.
C.11. Additional Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Diane Pasi to accompany Student #120540 to an after-school club that was held in January and February, for a total of five hours, at $19.64 per hour, total cost not to exceed $98.20.
C.12. Retirement/Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement/resignations of the following staff:
a. Michael Cain, Head Night Custodian, Middle School, with appreciation for his 3 ½ years of service to the Warren Township staff and students, effective July 26, 2013.
b. Jordan DeGroat, SAC, Middle School, with appreciation for her 1 ½ years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2013.
c. Susan Bohler, Paraprofessional, Middle School, with appreciation for her 6 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2013.
C.13. 2013 Summer Employees - Updated
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the updated list of summer employees dated June 24, 2013, at the listed hourly rates, from June 26, 2013 through September 6, 2013, at a cost not to exceed $57,245.
XIII. Unfinished Business
N/A
XIV. New Business
N/A
XV. Public Commentary
N/A
XVI. Executive Session
At 7:14 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:
specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session
Action will not be taken upon return to public session;
the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 15 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. Huber seconded by Mrs. Helewa, the board reconvened in open session at 7:25 p.m.
XVIII. Adjourn
On motion by Mrs. Helewa seconded by Mrs. DeNourie the meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:
Patricia Leonhardt
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