Minutes for January 6, 2014
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A reorganizational and 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 7:00 p.m. by Board Secretary Patricia Leonhardt.
OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT - Mrs. Leonhardt 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. Leonhardt led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. OATH OF OFFICE
The Oath of Office was administered by Mrs. Leonhardt to Ms. Campos, Mrs. DiMaggio and Mr. Sena.
IV. ROLL CALL
Present: Tia Allocco, Celeste Campos, Len deMontagnac, Desiree DeNourie, Lisa DiMaggio, Kathy Helewa, James Sena, Mildred Spiller and Greg Steier
Also Present: Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of public, and press
V. ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS
The nominations for Board President were opened by Mrs. Leonhardt.
Mrs. Mildred Spiller was nominated by Mrs. Allocco.
There being no other nominations, the nominations were closed.
The nomination was approved by a 9-0 roll call vote.
Board President Spiller presided over the remainder of the meeting.
The nominations for Board Vice President were opened by Board President Spiller.
Mrs. Allocco was nominated by Mrs. Helewa.
There being no other nominations, the nominations were closed.
The nomination was approved by a 9-0 roll call vote.
The Board discussed the open positions as noted in G1 and G3 and completed the motions as follows:
Somerset County Educational Services Commission - Ms. Campos as Representative, Mr. deMontagnac as Alternate
NJSBA Delegate Assembly - Mrs. DiMaggio as Delegate, Mrs. Helewa as Alternate
VI. ANNUAL REORGANIZATION ACTION ITEMS
On motion by Mrs. Allocco, seconded by Mrs. Helewa and approved on a 9-0 roll call vote, the board approved reorganizational agenda items A, B, C as amended, D except June 23 and E through G (as filled in).
A. Policies
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves adoption of current Board Policies & Bylaws for the Calendar Year 2014.
B. Service Appointments
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following:
1. The Echoes Sentinel as the official school district newspaper for the Calendar Year 2014.
2. The Courier News and Star Ledger as official alternate newspapers to be used in lieu of The Echoes Sentinel, when necessary, for the Calendar Year 2014.
3. The appointment of Anthony Sciarrillo of Lindabury, McCormick and Estabrook as Board Attorney for the Calendar Year 2014 at an hourly rate of $160.
4. The appointment of USA Architects as the architect of record for the Calendar Year 2014 at the following hourly rates:
a. Principal $150 - $185 (depends on individual)
b. Associates/Project Manager $115
c. Project Manager/Sr. Architect $105
d. Project Architect $87
e. Staff Architect/Designer $72
f. Technical Assistant $60
g. Intern $45
And additional terms as specified in the contract.
C. Board Committees
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the plan to work generally as a committee of the whole, with a limited number of standing committees as follows (membership to be designated at a future Board meeting):
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Committees
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Liaisons
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D. Board Meeting Dates
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following list of meetings for the Calendar 2014. {NOTE: All meetings will be held on a Monday in the BOE Admin. Bldg. unless otherwise noted.}
WARREN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION
2014 MEETING SCHEDULE
(NOTE: All meetings will be held on a Monday in the BOE Administration Building unless otherwise noted)
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DATE |
TIME |
TOPICS/NOTES |
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January 6, 2014 |
7:00pm |
REORGANIZATION |
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January 21 |
7:00pm |
Note: Tuesday |
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February 3 |
7:00pm (@WS) |
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February 18 |
7:00pm (@WMS) |
Note: Tuesday |
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March 3 |
7:00pm (@ALT) |
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March 24 |
7:00pm |
Budget Hearing |
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April 7 |
7:00pm (@CS) |
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April 28 |
7:00pm (@MHS) |
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May12 |
7:00pm |
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May 27 |
7:00pm |
Note: Tuesday |
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June 9 |
7:00pm |
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TBD |
7:00pm |
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July14 |
7:00pm |
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August 11 |
7:00pm |
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August 25 |
7:00pm |
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September 8 |
7:00pm |
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September 22 |
7:00pm |
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October 6 |
7:00pm |
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October 20 |
7:00pm |
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November 3 |
7:00pm |
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November 17 |
7:00pm |
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December 1 |
7:00pm |
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December 15 |
7:00pm |
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January 5, 2015 |
7:00pm |
REORGANIZATION |
E. Board Member Code of Ethics
RESOLVED, the Board of Education acknowledges that each Board Member has received a copy of the Code of Ethics as follows:
1. I will uphold and enforce all laws, state board rules and regulations, and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes should be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures.
2. I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools which meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex or social standing.
3. I will confine my board action to policymaking, planning, and appraisal, and I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them.
4. I will carry out my responsibility, not to administer the schools, but, together with my fellow board members, to see that they are well run.
5. I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action which may compromise the board.
6. I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of friends.
7. I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which, if disclosed, would needlessly injure individuals or the schools. But in all other matters, I will provide accurate information and, in concert with my fellow board members, interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its schools.
8. I will vote to appoint the best qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the Superintendent.
9. I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties.
10. I will refer all complaints to the Superintendent and will act on such complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution.
F. District Mission Statement
RESOLVED, the Board of Education readopts the district's mission statement as follows:
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.
G. Appointments
1. The election of Ms. Campos as the Board Representative to the Somerset County Educational Services Commission for the Calendar Year 2014 and the election of Mr. deMontagnac as the alternate.
2. The appointment of Superintendent of Schools as the Board Representative to the Morris Union Jointure Commission Board of Education for the Calendar Year 2014.
3. The election of Mrs. DiMaggio as Board Representative to the NJSBA Delegate Assembly for the Calendar Year 2014 and the election of Mrs. Helewa as the alternate.
Other Agenda Items:
VII. Minutes
Mrs. Allocco moved the following:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the December 16, 2013 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Steier and approved by a 6-0-3 roll call vote (Ms. Campos, Ms. DeNourie and Ms. DiMaggio abstained).
VIII. Correspondence and Information
- HIB Information
| Total # of Investigations: | 1 | Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: | 1 |
- Fire Drills
| ALT | Central | Mt. Horeb | Woodland | Middle |
| December 4
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December 5 |
December 20 |
December 20
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December 13 |
- Security Drills
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ALT |
Central |
Mt. Horeb |
Woodland |
Middle |
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December 4 Active Shooter |
December 19 Active Shooter |
December 19 Lock Down |
December 19 Lock Down |
December 18 Bomb Threat |
IX. President's Remarks - Mildred Spiller
Mrs. Spiller welcomed Ms. Campos and Mrs. DiMaggio to the board, Mr. Sena back to the board and thanked the board for its confidence displayed by her re-election as President.
Mrs. Spiller expressed gratitude to Sanofi-Aventis for its generous donation and wished all a Happy New Year.
X. Superintendent's Remarks - Tami Crader
Dr. Crader reported that the district will be presenting at the Google summit, on our student's participation in Performaning Arts Day and the refreshed district website.
Dr. Crader noted the Education Foundation's Kick Off meeting scheduled for January 28, 2014 at 6:30 p.m., in the Middle School library.
Lastly, Dr. Crader mentioned that the Board will begin its annual rotation of schools as board meeting locations. The next meeting, January 21st, will be held at Central School.
XI. Committee Reports
Mr. Steier reported on the Policy Committee which discussed the Fundraising Policy.
Mr. Sena reported on the Finance Committee which discussed the proposed 2014/2015 budget. After lengthy discussion and a straw poll, it was determined that the board supported the budget as presented.
It was determined that Mrs. Leonhardt will provide presentations on the budgeting process and the budget itself.
XII. Discussion
None
XIII. 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).
None
IVX. Items for Board Consideration/Action
Mrs. Helewa requested that Item D.1. be pulled for discussion.
Mr. Steier asked a question regarding the timing and ramifications of retirements.
The board discussed the proposed fundraising policy. It was then decided to table the policy for future action.
On a motion by Mrs. Allocco, seconded by Mrs. Helewa, the consent agenda items A.1 through A.2, B.1 through B.4, C.1 through C.4, and D.2 (D.1. was tabled) were approved by an 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 January 2, 2014.
A.2. Tuition Out Student
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an out of district placement for Student #120578, to Newmark School, beginning January 7, 2014 through June 25, 2014, at a cost not to exceed $30,045.
B. Finance/Operations/Transportation
B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills from December 17, 2013 through December 31, 2013 in the amount of $1,414,013.47.
B.2. 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 RESOLVED, 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:
February 2014
- Tyler Tribelhorn, B&G, AHERA Refresher Course, Piscataway $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.3. Transportation for Out of District Students (Amended)
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves (amended) transportation for the months of January through June, 2014 for out of district students as follows:
Contractor Student ID# School Cost
MRESC 120904 & 120744 Lake Dr. and Craig $25,599
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. Ashley Peterson, Data Manager, District, at an annual salary of $58,000 (pro-rated), effective on or about February 6, 2014 through June 30, 2014. (She is replacing A. Virmani.)
C.2. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2013-2014 school year:
a. Lauren DiCarlo
b. Samantha Soled (previous substitute 2012-2013)
C.3. Medical Leave
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:
a. Employee #0515 for leave (paid and then unpaid with benefits) under FMLA, from January 2, 2014 through on or about March 26, 2014.
C.4. Retirement
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement of the following staff:
a. Jacqueline Greco, Secretary, Woodland School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 25 years of service to the Warren Township staff and students, effective March 31, 2014.
D. Policy
D.1. Policies - Second Reading - TABLED
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second and final reading of the following policies:
a. Fundraising Activities 5136
D.2. Policies - First Reading
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the following policies:
a. Superintendent 2131
b. Contract 4112.1/4212.1
XV. Old Business
None
XVI. New Business
Mrs. Helewa reported that she has been invited to serve on a NJSBA panel regarding a board member's initial year of service.
Mrs. Spiller reminded all board members to review the information on the board directory.
XVII. Public Commentary
Ms. Brenda Nemcek, Old Smalleytown Road, followed up with discussion regarding fundraising, asking for clear guidance as relates to current endeavors.
XVIII. Adjourn
On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Helewa the meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:
Patricia Leonhardt
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