Minutes for July 15, 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 7:01 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, Desiree DeNourie, Donald Huber, Kathy Helewa, Roberta Monahan, Mildred Spiller, and Greg Steier

Absent: John De Bellis

James Sena arrived at 7:18 p.m.

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

IV. PRESENTATION

  • 1:1 Proposal for WMS

Dr. Crader introduced Mr. Comba, Mr. Cook and Mrs. Roberts of the Technology Subcommittee of the Strategic Plan. Mr. Comba and Mr. Cook provided an overview of the proposed 1:1 initiative at the Middle School.

Mr. Sena arrived at this point in the meeting (7:18 p.m.).

The board asked follow-up questions of the initiative.

Executive Session

At 8:08 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:

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. Helewa and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mr. Huber seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the board reconvened in open session at 9:02 p.m.

V. MINUTES

Mrs Allocco requested a change in the minutes.

Mr. Huber moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public session minutes of the June 24, 2013 Board Meeting as amended.

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

VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

Dr. Crader reported on HIB information from June 10, 2013 through July 15, 2013 as follows:

  • HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

 1

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

 0
  • Fire Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

June 5

June 11

June 24

June 24

June 5
  • Security Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

June 25

June 18

June 25

June 24

June 18

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 sincerely thanked the Middle School, Mt. Horeb School, and Central School PTOs for their very generous donations.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Crader discussed her positive visit at Summer Fun and thanked Dr. Kozlik for his patience and endurance this evening.

Dr. Crader also reviewed for the Board the related services expense for 2012-2013.

X. DISCUSSION

Dr. Kozlik discussed the process whereby the services and placements of our classified students are determined. Also discussed was the appropriate level of BOE oversight of the Special Education department.

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mrs. Monahan reported on the Policy Committee meeting. Some policies will be presented to the entire BOE at the August meeting for discussion.

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

At Mrs. Allocco's request, agenda item C.2. was pulled for separate vote.

Mr. Huber reported that his questions regarding agenda items were answered previously.

Mrs. Spiller congratulated Ms. Tanzi on her hire as a science teacher.

Mrs. Allocco expressed her disagreement with merit pay based on tasks rather than results. It is Mrs. Allocco's opinion that merit pay should be based solely on excellent results.

Mr. Steier provided an opposing view regarding the appropriateness of paying for out of the ordinary work.

On a motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the consent agenda items A.1. through A.5., B.1. through B.22. (B.4 as amended), C.1., and C.3. through C.9., were approved by an 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the board approved agenda item C.2 on a 7-1 roll call vote. (Mrs. Allocco 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 July 9, 2013.

A.2. Summer Curriculum Work

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of summer2013 curriculum positions dated July 10, 2013 as per the 2011-2014 WTEA negotiated agreement.

A.3. Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Level I services for Student #120949 from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, for a total cost to the district of $1,750, beginning September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

A.4. 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 July 9, 2013. (This list was previously approved at the June 24, 2013 Board Meeting. Additions are in bold.)

A.5. Revised ESY Tuition

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the revised ESY tuition for student #120483 attending William Annin School in Bernards Township. The tuition is $5,530. The new tuition reflects the addition of an aide.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills from June 25 through June 30, 2013 in the amount of $1,833,331.25.

B.2. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of July 2013 in the amount of $1,287,229.84.

B.3. 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

  • Melissa Stoeckel, CS, Ed Tech Fest, NYC $249
  • Sean Convery, MS, Google Apps EDU Cert, Union $289
  • Robert Comba, MS, Google Apps EDU Cert, Union $279
  • Scott Cook, MS, Google Apps EDU Cert, Union $289

October 2013

  • Rebecca Black, CS, Art Educators Fall Conf, New Brunswick $225
  • Jo Ann Blatchford, MS, NJ Science Convention, Princeton $303

February 2014

  • Joel Van Tine, MS, NJ Music Ed Conference, East Brunswick $154

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.4. Donation - Warren Middle School PTO

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation totaling $48,500 to be allocated for the following, at Warren Middle School: Chrome Books, a SmartBoard, as well as equipment for the WMS cross country team and new archery program.

B.5. Donation - Mount Horeb School PTO

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation of approximately $23,800 to be allocated for the following, at Mount Horeb School: an iPad cart, iPads, and Elmos, for use by the Mt. Horeb teachers and students.

B.6. Regular Operating District Grant - Boiler Replacement - Central School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the submittal of a Regular Operating District (ROD) Grant application for the purposes of a Boiler Replacement Project at Central School.

B.7. Regular Operating District Grant - Exterior/Façade Repairs - ALT

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the submittal of a Regular Operating District (ROD) Grant application for the purposes of an Exterior/Façade Repairs Project at Angelo L. Tomaso School.

B.8. Regular Operating District Grant - Exterior/Façade Repairs - Mt. Horeb School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the submittal of a Regular Operating District (ROD) Grant application for the purposes of an Exterior/Façade Repairs Project at Mt. Horeb School.

B.9. Regular Operating District Grant - Exterior/Façade Repairs - Woodland School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the submittal of a Regular Operating District (ROD) Grant application for the purposes of an Exterior/Façade Repairs Project at Woodland School.

B.10. Regular Operating District Grant - Roof Replacement - Mt. Horeb School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the submittal of a Regular Operating District (ROD) Grant application for the purposes of a Roof Replacement Project at Mt. Horeb School.

B.11. Regular Operating District Grant - Windows Replacement - Middle School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the submittal of a Regular Operating District (ROD) Grant application for the purposes of a Windows Replacement Project at Middle School.

B.12. Regular Operating District Grant - Windows Replacement - Mt. Horeb School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the submittal of a Regular Operating District (ROD) Grant application for the purposes of a Windows Replacement Project at Mt. Horeb School.

B.13. No Child Left Behind Grant Application (Revised)

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the submission of the 2013-2014 No Child Left Behind application to the Department of Education with the following amounts (revised by NJ Department of Education):

  • Title II-A $20,889
  • Title III $10,294

B.14. Transportation Contract with SCESC

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Extended School Year (ESY) transportation contract with SCESC to transport Student #121513 to Concordia Learning Center, Jersey City, at a per diem cost of $222.60 (administrative fee included), for a total of $6,678, beginning July 1, 2013.

B.15. 2013-2014 School Year Tuition Agreement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2013-2014 tuition agreement dated July 15, 2013 for the following tuition in students at the annual tuition rate of $13,635. Parents will transport each student.

a. One student from Watchung (ID# 621185)

b. One student from Green Brook (ID#620915)

B.16. Membership in Educational Data Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the district's membership in Educational Data Services, Inc. for the 2013-2014 school year, at a reduced cost of $5,000.

B.17. Sale of Obsolete Item - Copier

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education declares as obsolete Savin 8080 Copier ID G18713; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the sale of the listed equipment in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A:45 - Sale of Property.

B.18. Extraordinary Aid 2012-2013 - Acceptance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts Extraordinary Aid funding from the 2012-2013 school year in the amount of $472,206.

B.19. Extraordinary Aid 2012-2013 - Allocation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase to the 2013-2014 budget to recognize 2012-2013 Extraordinary Aid in the amount of $472,206 and allocates the $272,206 which is above the budgeted $200,000 as follows:

Revenue Account: 10-3131 Extraordinary Aid (10-303 Budgeted Fund Balance)

Expense Acct: 11-000-100-562-Tuition-Other LEA - $25,000

Expense Acct:11-000-100-566-Tuition-Priv Schools for the Disabled - $247,206

B.20. Nonpublic Transportation 2012-2013 - Acceptance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts Nonpublic Transportation funding from the 2012-2013 school year in the amount of $25,230.

B.21. Nonpublic Transportation 2012-2013 - Allocation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase to the 2013-2014 budget to recognize 2012-2013 Nonpublic Transportation in the amount of $25,230 and allocates these funds as follows:

Revenue Account: 10-3190 Other State Aid (10-303 Budgeted Fund Balance)

Expense Acct: 11-000-270-518-Transportation-Contracted-Spec Ed-ESC $25,230

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2013-2014 School Year

RESOLVED, upon recommendation from the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves 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. James Corcoran, Substitute Bus Driver, at the substitute bus driver hourly rate of $18.56 per hour.

b. Michael Cain, Substitute Custodian, at the substitute custodian hourly rate of $16.30 per hour. (Resigned as Custodian.)

c. Melissa Dreher, Leave Replacement Teacher, ALT School, BA, Step 1 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $53,970, effective on or about September 1, 2013 through on or about December 13, 2013. (She will be a leave replacement teacher for Employee #1448.)

d. Darlene Bernhard, Leave Replacement Teacher, Mount Horeb School, BA, Step 2-4 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $54,920, effective on or about September 1, 2013 through on or about March 11, 2014. (She will be a leave replacement teacher for Employee #2055.)

e. James Zilinski Jr, Classroom Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours, Middle School, Step 1-2 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $19,067, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

f. Eleanore Wilson, Classroom Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours, Middle School, Step 1-2 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $19,067, plus a stipend of $1,800 for her teaching certificate, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. (She is replacing Susan Bohler.)

g. Transfer of Carol Brown, Warren Middle School, Social Worker to SAC, 16 hours, Warren Middle School, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. (She is replacing Jordan DeGroat.)

h. Transfer of Pavel Dobarkin, Night Custodian, Middle School, to Head Night Custodian, Woodland School, effective July 16, 2013 through June 30, 2014 at a salary of $36,828, plus a stipend of $500. (He is replacing Tony Alberto.)

i. Christopher Grundman, Night Custodian, Middle School, at an annual salary of $31,500, effective July 16, 2013 through June 30, 2014. (He is replacing Pavel Dobrakin.)

j. Kelly Backus, Music Teacher, ALT School, BA, Step 2-4 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $54,920, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. (She is replacing Amy Jensen who has transferred to the Warren Middle School.)

k. Danielle Riccio, Special Education Teacher, Central School, BA, Step 1 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $53,970, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. (She is replacing Cathy Maguire who was transferred to Mt. Horeb.)

l. Michele Tanzi, .6 Science Teacher, Middle School, BA, Step 1 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $32,382, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. (She is replacing Debra Tambor.)

m. Kathleen Reynolds, Math Teacher, Middle School, BA, Step 11-12 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $59,605, effective September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. (She is replacing Kristen D'Alessandro.)

n. Christina Tommaso, Leave Replacement Teacher, Central School, MA, Step 1 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $59,367, effective on or about September 1, 2013 through on or about June 30, 2014. (She will be on a leave replacement teacher for Employee #1797.)

C.2. Merit goals

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the merit goals as attached, for the Superintendent of School, for the 2013-2014 school year.

C.3. Retirement/Resignation

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

a. Jo Ann DePerte, Curriculum Secretary, Board Office, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 10 years of service to Warren Township, effective July 31, 2013.

b. Megan Presutti, Grade 2 Teacher, Central School, with appreciation for her 6 years of service to the students of Warren Township, effective June 30, 2013.

c. Debra Tambor, REACH teacher, Middle School, with appreciation for her 16 years of service to the students of Warren Township, effective July 1, 2013.

d. Jill Graef, Special Education Teacher, Central School, with appreciation for her 6 years of service to the students of Warren Township, effective June 30, 2013.

C.4. Middle School Guidance Additional Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff to work three days, from August 27, 2013 through August 29, 2013, at the individual per diem rate:

a. Midge Johnson - Grade 6

b. Melissa Kurlan - Grade 7

c. Helen Scully - Grade 8

C.5. Movement on the Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2012-2013 salary guide:

a. Myranda Shimko, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, retroactive to June 1, 2013.

b. Linda Yu, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, retroactive to June 1, 2013.

C.6. 2013 Summer Employees - Updated

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the updated list of Building and Grounds summer employees (changes in bold) dated July 9, 2013, at the listed hourly rates, from June 26, 2013 through September 6, 2013, at a cost not to exceed $63,142.

C.7. Special Education Service Providers' List

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached list of special education service providers for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year, dated July 9, 2013.

C.8. 2013 Summer Transportation Employees - Updated

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached list (updated) of Summer Transportation Employees at the listed hourly rates, from June 26, 2013 through September 6, 2013, at an approximate estimated cost of $40,500. (Change in bold.)

XIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

ROD grants

Dr. Crader discussed with the BOE the status of projects for ROD grants. In addition to those projects approved for submittal this evening the board discussed additional options. It was determined that an effort will be made to determine the cost of a Middle School vestibule for security purposes in time for a ROD grant submittal. The Finance Committee will discuss prior to the August BOE meeting.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Dr. Crader thanked the board for her very positive evaluation.

The board discussed board meeting attendance.

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

N/A

XVI. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Monahan seconded by Mrs. Helewa the meeting adjourned at 10:09 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Patricia Leonhardt