Minutes for February 18, 2014
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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Warren Middle School, Old Stirling Road. The following is a record of that meeting.
I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:02 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, 2014. 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, Celeste Campos, Len deMontagnac, Desiree DeNourie, Lisa DiMaggio, and Mildred Spiller
Absent: Kathy Helewa, Jim Sena and Greg Steier
Also Present: Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, staff and members of the public
IV. PRESENTATION
Dr. Crader introduced Warren Middle School Math Teacher Mrs. Lasaracina and her team of 6th grade math students. The students provided a presentation exemplifying Math Modeling.
Mrs. Helewa arrived at 7:09 p.m.
V. MINUTES
Mrs. Allocco moved the following:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the January 27, 2014 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Helewa and approved by 7-0 roll-call vote.
VI. Correspondence and Information
- HIB Information
|
Total # of Investigations: |
1 |
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: |
1 |
- Fire Drills
|
ALT |
Central |
Mt. Horeb |
Woodland |
Middle |
|
January 17 |
January 17 |
January 13 |
January 13 |
January 10
|
- Security Drills
|
ALT |
Central |
Mt. Horeb |
Woodland |
Middle |
|
January 21 Sheltering In
|
January 31 Lockdown |
January 30 Sheltering In |
January 17 Sheltering In |
January 21 Sheltering In |
VII. President's Remarks - Mildred Spiller
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 thanked Mrs. Lasaracina and her students for this evening's presentation. Mrs. Spiller also thanked Dr. Crader for all of her efforts steering the district through the multiple snow events.
Lastly, Mrs. Spiller thanked the Lions Club for its donation for the White Out Character Education program.
VIII. Superintendent's Remarks - Tami Crader
Dr. Crader shared a letter of gratitude she received from a Middle School teacher regarding the district's Chromebook initiative. Included was a listing of associated projects already underway.
IX. Committee Reports
Mrs. Helewa reported on the Policy Committee which discussed the fundraising policy and reviewed the bylaws. Mrs. Helewa also discussed her planned attendance at an upcoming NJSBA Legislative Committee meeting.
Mrs. Allocco provided an overview of the recent Joint WTEA negotiations meeting, with additional details to be discussed in Executive Session.
Ms. DeNourie, on behalf of Mr. Sena, discussed the recent Curriculum Committee meeting. Topics discussed included Honor Roll and Specific Language Arts topics, including grammar.
Ms. Campos reported on the Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) meeting providing an update on the Career Center, currently under construction.
X. Discussion
Mission Statement:
The board discussed the different sentiments it wants included in the updated district Mission Statement. Using this list, Dr. Crader will create a few prototypes for future board discussion. Mrs. Spiller suggested that all board members work on creating a suggested new statement.
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).
Mary Russo, 42 Old Smalleytown Road, discussed the traffic from Watchung Regional High School in the Woodland School parking lot at dismissal time. Mrs. Spiller requested that Mrs. Russo discuss this matter with Dr. Huss.
Also discussed were the emergency phone call challenges, which are currently being addressed by Mrs. Roberts.
XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action
Ms. Campos asked some questions regarding the proposed 2015-2016 Calendar (motion A.3.). Based on substantial discussion, Dr. Crader will provide additional options. Therefore A.3. will be tabled tonight.
On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Helewa the consent items A.1. through A.8. (A.3. was tabled), B.1. through B.17., and C.1. through C.7. 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 January 30, 2014.
A.2. HIB Report
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the HIB Report submitted by the Superintendent for the period ending on February 13, 2014.
A.3. Calendar (TABLED)
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2015-2016 school calendar.
A.4. BOE Meeting Schedule
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the revised 2014 BOE meeting schedule.
A.5. Out-of-District Tuition
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase in tuition of $896.80 to reflect additional paraprofessional hours provided by William Annin School, for Student #120483, from February 2014 through June 2014.
A.6. Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Services
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Level 1 services for Student #121513 from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, for a total cost to the district of $877.89, beginning January 30, 2014 through June 30, 2014.
A.7. Home Instruction
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves 10 hours of home instruction for Student #620743 beginning on or about February 18, 2014. The cost to the district is not to exceed $400.00.
A.8. Home Instruction
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves 10 hours of home instruction per week for an initial 30 day period for Student #121412 beginning on or about February 18, 2014. The cost to the district is not to exceed $2,000.00.
B. Finance/Operations/Transportation
B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of February 2014 in the amount of $3,561,778.05.
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 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
- John Seremula, MS, Music Ed State Conference,
East Brunswick $179
- Ted Kozlik, 2014 School Law Conference,
East Brunswick $230
March 2014
- Ashley Peterson, District, Power School Conference, Atlantic City $361
- Cynthia Cassidy, MS, What's New in Young Adult Literature, Parsippany $267
April 2014
- Doris Zanchelli, MHS, Visual Processing Therapy Workshop, Parsippany $190
- Michelle Barbagallo, MHS, Strategies for OTs in PreSchool to Grade 12, Fairfield $229
B.3. Acceptance of Grant - Middle School Window Replacement Project
Department of Education School Facilities Project - Middle School Window Replacement
Project # 5470-033-14-1002 - G04 FEC
Total FEC: mce_markernbsp; 465,016
State Share: mce_markernbsp; 186,006
District Share: mce_markernbsp; 279,010
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Schools Development Authority has approved the Final Eligible Cost Determination for the Middle School Window Replacement Project, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes:
1. The acceptance of the Final Eligible Cost (FEC) Determination for the project
2. The execution and delivery of the Grant Agreement by the superintendent and business administrator to the Department of Education and
3. The delegation of Authority to the School Business Administrator for the supervision of the School Facilities Project.
B.4. Authorization to Transfer from Capital Reserve to Fund 30
DOE Project: 5470-033-14-1002
Project: Middle School Window Replacement
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transfer of $279,010 from Capital Reserve to Fund 30 for the district share of the costs for the Middle School Window Replacement Project.
B.5. Acceptance of Grant - Mt. Horeb School Window Replacement Project Department of Education School Facilities Project - Mt. Horeb School Window Replacement
Project # 5470-035-14-1003 - G04 FEC
Total FEC: mce_markernbsp; 1,403,266
State Share: mce_markernbsp; 561,306
District Share: mce_markernbsp; 841,960
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Schools Development Authority has approved the Final Eligible Cost Determination for the Mt. Horeb School Window Replacement Project, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes:
1. The acceptance of the Final Eligible Cost (FEC) Determination for the project
2. The execution and delivery of the Grant Agreement by the superintendent and business administrator to the Department of Education and
3. The delegation of Authority to the School Business Administrator for the supervision of the School Facilities Project.
B.6. Authorization to Transfer from Capital Reserve to Fund 30
DOE Project: 5470-035-14-1003
Project: Mt. Horeb School Window Replacement
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transfer of $841,960 from Capital Reserve to Fund 30 for the district share of the costs for the Mt. Horeb School Window Replacement Project.
B.7. Acceptance of Grant - Central School Boiler Replacement Project
Department of Education School Facilities Project - Central School Boiler Replacement
Project # 5470-030-14-1001 - G04 FEC
Total FEC: mce_markernbsp; 368,928
State Share: mce_markernbsp; 147,571
District Share: mce_markernbsp; 221,357
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Schools Development Authority has approved the Final Eligible Cost Determination for the Central School Boiler Replacement Project, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes:
1. The acceptance of the Final Eligible Cost (FEC) Determination for the project
2. The execution and delivery of the Grant Agreement by the superintendent and business administrator to the Department of Education and
3. The delegation of Authority to the School Business Administrator for the supervision of the School Facilities Project.
B.8. Authorization to Transfer from Capital Reserve to Fund 30
DOE Project: 5470-030-14-1001
Project: Central School Boiler Replacement
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transfer of $221,357 from Capital Reserve to Fund 30 for the district share of the costs for the Central School Boiler Replacement Project.
B.9. Acceptance of Grant - Angelo L. Tomaso Building Restoration Project
Department of Education School Facilities Project - Angelo L. Tomaso Building Restoration
Project # 5470-040-14-1006 - G04 FEC
Total FEC: mce_markernbsp; 326,592
State Share: mce_markernbsp; 130,637
District Share: $ 195,955
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Schools Development Authority has approved the Final Eligible Cost Determination for the Angelo L. Tomaso Building Restoration Project, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes:
1. The acceptance of the Final Eligible Cost (FEC) Determination for the project
2. The execution and delivery of the Grant Agreement by the superintendent and business administrator to the Department of Education and
3. The delegation of Authority to the School Business Administrator for the supervision of the School Facilities Project.
B.10. Authorization to Transfer from Capital Reserve to Fund 30
DOE Project: 5470-040-14-1006
Project: Angelo L. Tomaso Building Restoration
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transfer of $195,955 from Capital Reserve to Fund 30 for the district share of the costs for the Angelo L. Tomaso Building Restoration Project.
B.11. Approval - USA Architects
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the commencement of work on the following projects by USA Architects:
Project # 5470-033-14-1002 - Middle School Window Replacement Project
Project # 5470-035-14-1003 - Mt. Horeb School Window Replacement Project
Project # 5470-040-14-1006 - Angelo L. Tomaso Building Restoration Project
Project # 5470-050-14-1007 - Woodland School Building Envelope
Restoration Project
Project # 5470-035-14-1005 - Mt. Horeb School Building Envelope
Restoration Project
If required, USA Architects is authorized to update the Long Range Facilities Plan for these projects. Approval includes the solicitation of bids for the projects. Fees as per the Architect of Record agreement.
B.12. Donation - Lions Club
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation of approximately $400 to be allocated for the White Out Character Education program at the Middle School.
B.13. Acceptance of Grant - Woodland School Building Envelope Restoration Project
Department of Education School Facilities Project - Woodland School Building
Envelope Restoration
Project # 5470-050-14-1007 - G04 FEC
Total FEC: mce_markernbsp; 139,104
State Share: mce_markernbsp; 55,642
District Share: mce_markernbsp; 83,462
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Schools Development Authority has approved the Final Eligible Cost Determination for the Woodland School Building Envelope Restoration Project, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes:
1. The acceptance of the Final Eligible Cost (FEC) Determination for the project
2. The execution and delivery of the Grant Agreement by the superintendent and business administrator to the Department of Education and
3. The delegation of Authority to the School Business Administrator for the supervision of the School Facilities Project.
B.14. Authorization to Transfer from Capital Reserve to Fund 30
DOE Project: 5470-040-14-1007
Project: Woodland School Building Envelope Restoration
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transfer of $83,462 from Capital Reserve to Fund 30 for the district share of the costs for the Woodland School Building Envelope Restoration Project.
B.15. Acceptance of Grant - Mt. Horeb School Building Envelope Restoration Project
Department of Education School Facilities Project - Mt. Horeb School Building
Envelope Restoration
Project # 5470-035-14-1005 - G04 FEC
Total FEC: mce_markernbsp; 82,253
State Share: mce_markernbsp; 32,901
District Share: mce_markernbsp; 49,352
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Schools Development Authority has approved the Final Eligible Cost Determination for the Mt. Horeb School Building Envelope Restoration Project, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes:
1. The acceptance of the Final Eligible Cost (FEC) Determination for the project
2. The execution and delivery of the Grant Agreement by the superintendent and business administrator to the Department of Education and
3. The delegation of Authority to the School Business Administrator for the supervision of the School Facilities Project.
B.16. Authorization to Transfer from Capital Reserve to Fund 30
DOE Project: 5470-035-14-1005
Project: Mt. Horeb School Building Envelope Restoration
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transfer of $49,352 from Capital Reserve to Fund 30 for the district share of the costs for the Mt. Horeb School Building Envelope Restoration Project.
B.17. Waiver of Requirements - Special Education Medicare Initiative (SEMI) program
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Waiver of Requirements Special Education Medicare Initiative (SEMI) Program: WHEREAS, NJAC 6A:23A-5.3 provides that a school district may request a waiver of compliance with respect to the district's participation in the Special Education Medicare Initiative (SEMI) Program for the 2014-2015, and
WHEREAS, that the Board of Education desires to apply for this waiver due to the fact that it has fewer than 40 Medicaid eligible classified students.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent to submit to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools in Somerset County the appropriate waiver of the requirementsof NJAC 6A:23A-5.3 for the 2014-2015 school year.
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 Nicholas Bayachek, Physical Education/Adaptive PE Teacher, Warren Middle School, to Health/Physical Education Teacher, Woodland School, effective on or about March 3, 2014 through June 30, 2014. (He is replacing N. Harter.)
b. Transfer of Anne Frank, Secretary to Director of Special Services, BOE Office, to Secretary, Woodland School, effective on or about March 24, 2014 through June 30, 2014. (She is replacing J. Greco.)
c. Jeffrey Sutherland, Physical Education/Adaptive PE Teacher, Warren Middle School, BA, Step 1 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $53,970 (pro-rated), effective on or about February 25, 2014 through June 30, 2014. (He is replacing N. Bayachek.)
d. Sara Menafro, Guidance Counselor, Long-term Substitute Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, at a per diem long-term substitute rate of $150, effective on or about April 14, 2014 through June 30, 2014. (She is a long-term substitute for Employee #1909 who is on leave.)
e. Kevin Currais, Classroom Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours per week, Central School, Step 1-2 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $19,067 (pro-rated), effective on or about February 25, 2014 through June 30, 2014. (He is replacing J. Sutherland.)
f. Zachary Liu, Classroom Paraprofessional, 22.5 hours per week, Mt. Horeb School, Step 1-2 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $13,200 (pro-rated), plus an $1,800 stipend for his teaching certificate (pro-rated) pending completion of paperwork, effective February 19, 2014 through June 30, 2014. (He is a current substitute).
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. Susan Kent (current Classroom Paraprofessional)
b. Johanna Burkhardt
c. Scott Sivco
d. Charles DePaolo
C.3. Special Education Service Provider
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Kathryn Marvel to provide 1:1 ABA instruction, effective on or about February 4, 2014 through June 30, 2014, at a rate of $55 per hour.
C.4. Service Provider
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves P.G. Chambers to provide Educational Consultations for the 2013-2014 school year, at a rate of $110 per hour.
C.5. Additional Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves 30 additional classroom paraprofessional hours provided by Mary Russo for student #120949, at a rate of $23.17 per hour, not to exceed $695.10, for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year.
C.6. Additional Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves 25 additional paraprofessional hours provided by Kevin Currais to accompany student #120835 to play practice, at a rate of $15.94 per hour, not to exceed $398.50, beginning on February 28, 2014 through May 7, 2014.
C.7. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:
a. Employee #1105 for leave (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA from March 10, 2014 through on or about March 21, 2014.
b. Employee #2277 for leave (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA from on or about May 1, 2014 through on or about May 9, 2014.
XIII. Old Business
Mrs. Helewa reported on the multitude of complimentary articles about our district in the Courier News. Mrs. Allocco also complimented the district artwork in the township Public Library.
Additionally, Mrs. Helewa led the board in a discussion covering fundraising for causes with direct employee governance or oversight, as well as fundraising approval parameters and reporting.
Mrs. Helewa will report back to the Policy Committee to include this input in its future discussions.
XIV. New Business
N/A
XV. Public Commentary
Nancy Andrews, Staff member, provided comments regarding the proposed 2015-2016 calendar.
Ms. DeNourie and Mrs. DiMaggio excused themselves at this time.
XVI. Executive Session
At 8:37 p.m. Mrs. Allocco 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 may 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 Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Helewa the Board reconvened in open session at
8:55 p.m.
XVII. Adjourn
On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Helewa the meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
Minutes recorded by
Patricia Leonhardt
Board Secretary
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