Warren Township Schools: Minutes for September 23, 2013

Minutes for September 23, 2013 Archived Minutes

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: Desiree DeNourie, Kathy Helewa, Donald Huber, Roberta Monahan, James Sena, Mildred Spiller, and Greg Steier

Absent: Tia Allocco (arrived at 7:04 p.m.), Mr. John DeBellis

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

Mrs. Spiller referenced a change of order for tonight's meeting. The topic of Warren Middle

School overnight trips, listed under Old Business, will be discussed now.

Dr. Crader introduced the topic. The board discussed various aspects of the topic, including

fund-raising, overall cost and educational value. Various members of the public provided input

and opinions. After extensive discussion, and in an attempt to gauge the board's sentiments, Board President Spiller called for a straw poll. The results showed no board member to be opposed to the current overnight trip structure. Additionally, seven board members are comfortable with the current structure. (Mr. Steier did not participate.)

IV. PRESENTATION

New Jersey School Boards Association: Parent Engagement/Communication

Mrs. Charlene Zoerb of NJSBA presented on Parent Engagement/Communication. The board discussed the status of, and ways to improve, communication and parental involvement in the Warren Township School District.

V. MINUTES

Mr. Huber moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public session minutes of the September 3, 2013 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Monahan and approved by a 7-0 roll call vote. (Mrs. Allocco had excused herself from the meeting at this time.)

VI. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Mrs. Spiller requested a moment of silence in memory of beloved district employee Pat Haddican.

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 assured all that the school board cares deeply and values all aspects of the district operations, especially the students, parents, and staff.

Mrs. Spiller announced that due to professional demands, Board Member John DeBellis has resigned. He was thanked in absentia for his service to the board. The vacancy will be advertised and interviews held on October 15,^,2013.

VII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Crader thanked the community for its patience as the transportation problems encountered at the start of the school year are remedied.

Dr. Crader also encouraged all to fill out the Communications Survey.

Planning for Math presentations is underway and are being advertised.

Dr. Crader read a letter of appreciation from a family in the district.

Dr. Crader requested that motion A.6.b. be tabled at this time. The matter will be discussed in Executive Session.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mrs. Monahan reported on some minor wording changes on first reading policies.

Mr. Huber reported on the Negotiations Committee meeting. The proposed ground rules will be discussed in Executive Session.

IX. DISCUSSION

N/A

X. 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).

Ms. Ying Ming Jou, Downingtown Court, discussed district email communication, noting that the source email address is ‘no reply'. It was agreed that this is not viewed as a welcoming overture.

Mr. and Mrs. Calvo, Sage Drive, spoke in favor of the continuation of Middle School overnight trips.

Mr. Robert Morrison, Briarwood Drive East, asked questions regarding the cumulative expenses of the new teacher evaluation system, implementation of Common Core Content Standards, and PARCC assessment. Mr. Morrison also discussed the township's online forum.

Mrs. Puglisi, WMS PTO President, questioned the frequency of class trips board discussions.

Ms. Ying Ming Jou, discussed the lack of PowerSchool access to current grades for the elementary schools.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION

Mrs. Helewa requested that motion B.5 be pulled for separate vote.

Mr. Steier asked questions regarding motions A.6. and C.11. (In response to Mr. Steier's questions, it was determined that minimum GPA requirements for new hires will be discussed by the Personnel Committee.)

Mrs. Spiller asked a question regarding the policies in D.1.a and D.1.b.

Mr. Huber asked questions regarding motions B.5, B.7, C.1, C.2.,C.4., C.7, and C.11.

Mr. Huber asked that motions C.2.f. through C.2.j. be pulled for separate vote. He explained his abstention on motions C.2.f. through C.2.j. is based on prior non-renewal actions taken by the board.

On a motion by Mr. Huber, seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the consent agenda items A.1. through A.7., (A.6.b. was tabled) B.1 through B.12., (B.5. was a separate vote) C.1., through C.12., (C.2.f. though were separate votes) and D.1. through D.2. were approved by an 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Allocco, the board approved agenda item B.5 on C.2.j., a 7-0-1 roll call vote (Mrs. Helewa abstained).

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mr. Sena, the board approved agenda item C.2. f. through j. on a 7-0-1 roll call vote (Mr. Huber abstained).

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 September 17, 2013.

A.2. Mathematics Curriculum K-8

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the grades K-8 Mathematics Curriculum, as aligned with the Mathematics Common Core State Standards, dated September 23, 2013, retroactive to September 1, 2013 for implementation.

A.3. QSAC Statement of Assurance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the submission of the 2013-2014 QSAC Statement of Assurance, as required by the Department of Education.

This is a true and exact copy of a regular session meeting of the Warren Township Bd. Of Ed. held on

A.4. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves 10 hours per week of home instruction for Student #121526, beginning September 9, 2013 through October 18, 2013, cost not to exceed $2,400.

A.5. Tuition Out Student

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an out-of-district placement for Student #120908, to Cambridge School, beginning September 24, 2013 through June 5, 2014, cost not to exceed $40,230.

A.6. Out-of-Zone Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following out-of-zone placements:

a. Fifth-grade Student #208230 to attend Mount Horeb School while her family's home is being renovated and while she resides temporarily in the Central School zone. Parents will provide transportation.

b. Eighth-grade Student #4001299 to attend Warren Middle School with tuition paid by his parents while his home is being built and while he resides temporarily in Green Brook.

A.7. Out of District Tuition 2013-2014 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase in tuition of $2,250 to reflect occupational therapy services provided by Lake Drive School, for Student #120904, from September 4, 2013 through June 20, 2014.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of September 2013 in the amount of $2,774,327.29.

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 of June, 2013 (final)

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on June 30, 2013 (final)


FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$6,396,167.81		$1,562,307.57
(11) Current Expense		$1,983,409.63
(12) Capital Outlay		$76,642.31
(13) Special Schools		$429.68
(20) Special Revenue Fund	$27,442.86	$27,442.86	$0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$0.00		$0.00
(40) Debt Service Fund	$168.04	$83.39	$168.04
TOTAL	$6,423,778.71	$2,088,007.87	$1,562,475.61

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 funds are available to meet the district's financial obligations for the remainder of the year.

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 July, 2013.

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on July 31, 2013

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$6,186,347.88		$1,544,279.57
(11) Current Expense		$3,946,014.09
(12) Capital Outlay		$2,220,985.00
(13) Special Schools		$9,056.48
(20) Special Revenue Fund	$28,777.86	($34,566.70)
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$0.00		$0.00
(40) Debt Service Fund	$603,901.04	$0.00	$83.04
TOTAL	$6,819,026.78	$6,141,488.87	$1,544,362.61

RESOLVED, the Board of Education accepts the above reference reports and certifications and be it

B.4. Budget Transfers for Month of July 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:
11-000-213-500-11-02	Health Svcs. -Other Purch. Svcs.	11-000-262-622-00-07	Electricity - Middle	$750
11-000-222-110-00-00	Educ. Tech. Coach/Coordinators	11-000-262-622-00-07	Electricity - Middle	$18,000
11-000-222-500-11-01	Other Purch. Services - Internet	11-000-262-622-00-07	Electricity - Middle	$25,000
11-000-230-590-00-51	Other Purch. Svcs. (Insurance)	11-000-230-590-01-00	Other Purchased Svcs. (Various)	$2,800
11-000-240-800-03-00	Principal Dues - Central	11-190-100-610-03-10	Instructional Supplies - Central	$200
11-000-240-800-05-00	Principal Dues - ALT	11-190-100-610-05-10	Instructional Supplies - ALT	$245
11-000-262-610-00-00	Building Supplies - Energy Mgmt.	11-000-262-610-09-00	Building Supplies - Maintenance	$95
11-190-100-500-00-01	Other Purch. Svcs. - Excell. in Ed.	11-190-100-610-00-00	Instr. Supplies - Excellence in Ed.	$500
11-190-100-500-07-00	Other Purchased Services - MS	11-190-100-610-07-10	Instructional Supplies - Middle	$2,200
11-190-100-800-07-00	Field Trip Admission - Middle	11-190-100-610-07-10	Instructional Supplies - Middle	$200
13-422-100-610-00-00	Summer School Supplies	13-422-100-101-00-00	Summer Fun Teachers - Salaries	$165
	GRAND TOTAL			$50,155

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:

September 2013

Rebecca Olszyk, CS, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training, Edison $2,264

October 2013

Mildred Spiller, BOE, NJSBA Workshop, Atlantic City $653
Kathy Helewa, BOE, NJSBA Workshop, Atlantic City $625
Tami Crader, District, NJSBA Workshop, Atlantic City $454
Susan Sage, MHS, AENJ Fall Conference, New Brunswick $175
Diane Langworthy, WS, Social Thinking Conf, Hastings-on-Hudson,NY $215
Michele Stein, MHS, Anti-Bullying for Students w Disab, Red Bank $151
Michelle Barbagallo, MHS, Preschoolers and Autism, New Brunswick $179
Emily Niclas, MHS, Preschoolers and Autism, New Brunswick $185
Pat Leonhardt, District, ASBO Conference, Boston $1,869
Chris Grundman, MS ,Black Seal Training, Kenilworth $400
Paul Muldowney, MS, Black Seal Training, Kenilworth $400
Carol Keirstead, MHS, Preschoolers and Autism, New Brunswick $182

November 2013

Rebecca Olszyk, CS, Using DSM-5, Spring Lake $218
Michelle Barbagallo, MHS, Visual Processing Therapy, Eatontown $190

December 2013

Jamie Perry, WS, Conf for Speech Language, West Orange $229
Allison Reu, CS, Conf for Speech Language, West Orange $229
Jennifer McMahon, MHS, Conf for Speech Language, West Orange $229
Janice Anderson, MS, Conf for Speech Language, West Orange $229

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. Annual Flu Clinic 2013

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the offering of a flu shot clinic to staff members on October 23, 2013, at a cost to the board not to exceed $500.

B.7. Approval of Engineering Contracts

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an additional (and final) contract with Hatch Mott MacDonald for the last phase of work regarding the 1990 removal of an underground storage tank at Central School, value not to exceed $10,000.

B.8. Transportation Contract for Trips (Amended) - WHRHS

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Watchung Hills Regional High School District for the transportation of their students for the 2013-2014 school year as follows:

Contractor

District

Route

School

Cost

Warren

WHRHS

WH3

Trips

$8,997.25

B.9. Transportation for Out of District Students - ESY (Amended)

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves ESY transportation (amended) for out of district students as follows:

Contractor	Student Id	School	Cost
Sussex ESC	#620750	Reed Academy	$ 6,756.05
MUJC	#121424	Children's Institute	$ 2,515.74
MUJC	#120350	Banyan School	$ 3,606.76
MUJC	#620421	New Beginnings	$ 5,822.09

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Revised Job Descriptions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following job descriptions:

a. Administrative Assistant to School Business Administrator

b. Human Resources Coordinator

c. Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent/Communications Coordinator

C.2. 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. Sally DeFelice, .6 Administrative Assistant to the School Business Administrator, $24,826 (prorated), effective September 24, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

b. Shari DeCarli, Classroom Paraprofessional, Woodland School, increase from 30 hours to 31.25 hours, Step 13-14 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $22,245, effective October 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 (increase due to IEP compliance).

c. Khara Patti, Classroom Paraprofessional, Woodland School, increase from 30 hours to 31.25 hours, Step 20 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $27,609, plus a stipend of $1,800 for a teaching certificate, effective October 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 (increase due to IEP compliance).

d. Nancy Becker, Human Resources Coordinator, $62,062 (prorated), effective October 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

e. Mia Bivaletz, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent/Communications Coordinator, $68,565 (prorated), effective October 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

C.3. Movement on the Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2013-2014 salary guide:

a. Michele Tanzi, with congratulations, for movement from BA to MA, effective September 1, 2013.

b. Daniel Ticchio, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, retroactive to September 1, 2013.

c. Catherine Murphy, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, retroactive to September 1, 2013.

d. Tiffany Serafin, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, retroactive to September 1, 2013.

e. Cynthia Cassidy, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, retroactive to September 1, 2013.

C.4. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2013-2014 school year:

a. Maryanne DuBois

b. Sangita Oboh

c. Elizabeth Peterson

C.5. Resignation

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

a. Moses Bobadilla, Bus Monitor/Driver, District, with appreciation for his 3

years of service to the Warren Township community, effective October 3,

2013.

C.6. Warren Middle School Coaching Stipends

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following coaches for the 2013-2014 school year:

a. Cheerleading, Lisa Lontai, at a rate of $2,900.

b. Girls' Basketball, Laura Lamson, at a rate of $3,360.

c. Softball, Debbie Granrath, at a rate of $2,900.

C.7. Special Education Service Provider

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Kris Stankiewicz Psy.D. to provide the following evaluations for the 2013-2014 school year: ADHD/ Executive Function Evaluations ($450), and Psycho-educational Evaluation with Report ($750).

b. Stacey H. Simon, Speech-Language Specialist to provide speech services throughout the 2013-2014 school year, at a rate of $70 per hour.

C.8. Reading Recovery Technical Support Contract

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the use of the NYU Reading Recovery Network for technical support throughout the 2013-2014 school year, at a cost to the district of $3,600, for the following teachers:

a. Nancy Braunstein

b. Denise Kennedy

c. Fran Perlman

d. MaryLou Psak

C.9. Professional Development Day Presentations

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following teachers to prepare and present at the October 14th Professional Development Day, for a total of 5 hours each, at $40 per hour, according to the BOE-WTEA contractual rate:

Susan Leonard Cathy Lazas

Kristen Stoyanov Jessica Halpern

Elena Marinello Debbie Hunt

Bobbie Murphy Andrew Ahimovic

Laura Rodaman Dan Ticcchio

Lyndsay Caroll Simone Miller

Deanna DeRoner Lynn Degen

Jill Ziobro Maria Lampon-Sendon

Michelle Cebula Wendy Piller

Kara Miletic Philip Jones

C.10. Professional Development Day Presentations

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following teachers to prepare and present at the October 14^th Professional Development Day, for a total of 3 hours each, at $40 per hour, according to the BOE-WTEA contractual rate:

Kristina Morano Susan Kline

Anita Brower Fran Blabolil

C.11. After School Activities/Clubs

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2013-2014 after school activities/clubs, and the instructors for each, at the negotiated stipend rate, as per the attached document.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies - First Reading

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

a. Internet Safety Policy 6142.10

b. Staff Development Policy 4131/4231

c. Qualifications and Requirements of BOE Members Policy 9111

d. Certification Policy 4112.2/4212.2

e. Special Education Policy 6171.4

D.2. Policies - First Reading/Adoption

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

a. Local Units Policy 1410

b. Photographs of Pupils Policy 5145.5

c. Child Abuse and Neglect Policy 5141.4

d. Questioning and Apprehension Policy 5145.11

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

Overnight Class Trips

Mr. Steier discussed his thought process regarding class trips, and his support.

Security Audit

Mr. Sena discussed the status of a district security audit. While the county-wide initiative has been delayed, it is still an active project. Dr. Crader will continue to work with Chief Leffert to ascertain a schedule, and Michael Dorn will be contacted regarding availability.

Mrs. Spiller reported on the meeting held with Dr. Crader, Mayor Sordillo, and herself. The purpose of the meeting was to increase communication.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

Policy

Mr. Steier asked a question regarding board policy as pertains to concussions. The board provided a historical overview of the conversation and directed Mr. Steier to the board policy.

CCD Bussing

Mr. Huber asked questions regarding the status of CCD busing. The commencement of CCD was pushed back one week (to September 30^th) to facilitate transportation with Dealaman.

SCESC

Ms. DeNourie reported on her attendance at SCESC board meetings.

XV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

N/A

XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION

At 9:54 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 material the disclosure of which constitutes an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy and 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 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. Huber seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the board reconvened in open session at 10:40 p.m.

On motion by Mrs. Allocco, seconded by Mr. Sena, the board approved agenda item A.6.b amended to read "without tuition" on an 8-0 roll call vote.

XV. ADJOURN

On motion by Mr. Huber seconded by Mrs. Helewa the meeting adjourned at 10:41 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Patricia Leonhardt

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