Minutes for April 28, 2014History 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, 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: Celeste Campos, Len deMontagnac, Desiree DeNourie, Kathy Helewa, Jim Sena, Mildred Spiller and Greg Steier

Absent: Tia Allocco and Lisa DiMaggio

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

Lisa DiMaggio arrived at 7:04 pm and Tia Allocco arrived at 7:18 pm.

IV. PRESENTATION

V. MINUTES

Mrs. Allocco moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the April 7, 2014 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Helewa and approved by 7-0-2 roll-call vote. Mrs. DiMaggio and Mr. Sena abstained.

VI. Correspondence and Information

  • HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

 0

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

 0

VII. President's Remarks - Mildred Spiller

Mrs. Spiller read the District Mission Statement:

Warren Township Schools' Mission Statement: Warren Township Schools' Mission Statement:The Mission of Warren Township School District is to provide, through a safe, nurturing yet challenging environment, all students with an outstanding education that fosters academic excellence, healthy social and emotional development, and a lifelong passion for learning. In partnership with family, community, and staff, our strategic goals will guide our programs and actions so that students can exceed the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards at all grade levels and leave the district confident in their ability to think critically and independently and to succeed as students and productive citizens of the community and world.

Mrs. Spiller expressed her hope that all enjoyed Spring Break.

VIII. Superintendent's Remarks - Tami Crader

Dr. Crader commended those Middle School students who creatively addressed timely topics via video.

Dr. Crader also reported on the recommendations of NJSBA's Special Education Task Force.

IX. Committee Reports

Mrs. Helewa reported on the Policy Committee meeting, which discussed policies as well as legislative issues.

Mr. Steier reported on the Finance Committee meeting, which discussed transportation consolidation, the demographer's report, year-end spending and summer employees.

Mrs. Allocco reported on the Security Ad-Hoc committee meeting, which established priorities based on the preliminary report.

Mrs. Allocco reported that Negotiations Committee met on April 22; the next meeting is scheduled for May 13th.

Ms. Campos reported on the SCESC's meeting which discussed the engagement of a new contractor which should allow the new building to be functional (though not complete) in the fall.

Board Structure

Mrs. Spiller also raised the option of having an attorney present to the board regarding its function and role based on scenarios. The board supported trying to arrange this for its next meeting.

Structure conversations led to agreement regarding a move to a hybrid structure, which was unanimously supported.

While the board will discuss the status of each committee in the future, it was established that the Negotiations and Finance Committees will remain, which was also unanimously supported. Also discussed was committee size. It is anticipated that this issue will be finalized at the May 27th meeting.

Mrs. Spiller opened the conversation regarding board structure by reiterating the options: committee of the whole, committee driven or a hybrid.

X. 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

Mrs. Allocco discussed motion C.5. and the motion was amended to reflect .50 cents an hour raises for returning staff, and $8.25 per hour for new staff.

Dr. Crader discussed the proposed 2015-2016 calendar and its amendment regarding snow day makeup.

Mr. deMontagnac asked questions regarding transfers.

On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Helewa the consent items A.1. through A.4., B.1. through B.9., and C.1. through C.8. and D.1., were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

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 April 24, 2014.

A.2. 2015-2016 Calendar

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2015-2016 Calendar.

A.3. Tuition Out Student

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an out of district placement for Student #121279, to Center School, beginning April 22, 2014 through June 20, 2014, at a cost not to exceed $12,331.

A.4. Waiver of Child Nutrition Program Participation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education does not require the Center School to apply for and receive funding from the Child Nutrition Program (CNP) for the 2014-15 School Year, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education does not require the Center School to charge students for reduced and/or paid meals for the 2014-15 School Year.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of April 2014 in the amount of $3,859,432.95.

B.2. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of March, 2014,

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on March 31, 2014:

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$8,650,640.94

$1,544,279.57

(11) Current Expense

 

$2,206,427.23

 

(12) Capital Outlay

 

$129,151.05

 

(13) Special Schools

 

$5,362.38

 

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($20,555.93)

($2,875.03)

 

(30) Capital Projects Fund

($38,400.00)

($43,650.00)

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$247.71

$164.67

$83.04

TOTAL

$8,591,932.72

$2,294,580.30

$1,544,362.61

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. Budget Transfers for Month of March 2014

RESOLVED, 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:

11-000-100-562-08-01

Tuition - Other LEAs

11-000-100-566-08-01

Tuition - Private Schools

$31,500

11-000-213-500-11-02

Health Services - Other

11-000-213-600-11-01

Health Svcs. Supplies - Tech.

$200

11-000-213-600-07-00

Health Supplies - MS

11-190-100-610-07-10

Instructional Supplies - MS

$150

11-000-216-610-08-00

Speech/OT/PT - Supplies

11-000-216-100-00-01

Speech & OT - Extra Pay

$3,000

11-000-217-106-00-02

Extraordinary Paras - Salaries

11-000-216-100-00-00

Speech & OT Salaries

$3,000

11-000-219-390-08-00

CST Professional/Tech. Svcs.

11-000-222-100-00-01

Educ. Media/Library - Salaries

$10,000

11-000-221-102-00-00

Curriculum Coordinator Salary

11-000-222-100-00-01

Educ. Media/Library - Salaries

$500

11-000-222-600-07-10

Library Supplies - MS

11-190-100-610-07-10

Instructional Supplies - MS

$1,800

11-000-223-580-05-00

Workshops & Travel - ALT

11-190-100-610-05-10

Instructional Supplies - ALT

$300

11-000-230-895-01-02

BOE Member., Dues & Fees

11-000-230-590-01-00

Other Purchased Services

$530

11-000-261-610-09-03

Maintenance Supplies - CS

11-000-261-420-09-05

Maintenance Repairs - ALT

$5,000

11-000-261-610-09-05

Maintenance Supplies - ALT

11-000-261-420-09-05

Maintenance Repairs - ALT

$5,000

11-000-262-340-09-00

Purchased Technical Services

11-000-262-420-09-01

Building Repairs - BOE Office

$5,000

11-000-263-100-00-00

Salaries - Grounds

11-000-262-107-00-00

Sals.-Lunch & Playgr. Aides

$6,000

11-000-266-340-09-00

Security-Purch. Tech. Svcs.

11-000-262-621-00-06

Heat - Woodland

$8,500

11-150-100-300-08-00

Home Instruction- Educ. Svcs.

11-150-100-101-00-00

Home Instruction - Salaries

$162

11-190-100-580-07-00

Travel (Instructional) - MS

11-190-100-610-07-10

Instructional Supplies - MS

$500

11-190-100-610-12-00

Instructional Supplies (Kits)

11-190-100-640-12-00

Textbooks -Replace. Series

$2,500

11-213-100-106-00-00

RC Aides - Salaries

11-213-100-101-00-00

RC Teachers - Salaries

$10,000

12-000-263-730-09-00

Grounds Equipment

11-000-261-420-09-05

Maintenance Repairs - ALT

$19,000

12-130-100-730-07-00

Instructional Equipment - MS

11-190-100-610-07-10

Instructional Supplies - MS

$2,244

B.4. 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:

June 2014

  • Alison Hales, ALT, Early Intervention for Social-Emotional,

Somerset $ 190

  • Laurie Donovan, MHS, Early Intervention for Social-Emotional,

Somerset $190

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.5. 2014-2015 Final Warren Township School District Budget

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the 2014-2015 Warren Township School District Budget as follows:

Proposed 2014/2015 Budget

Appropriations:

 

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Budget

$40,278,110

 

State Aid: General Fund

$1,224,961

Deposit to Capital Reserve

$500

 

Tax Levy: General Fund

$38,501,488

Capital Outlay

$81,900

 

Other Revenues

$374,784

Summer School

$190,723

 

Fund Balance

$450,000

 

$40,551,233

 

 

$40,551,233

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Revenue Appropriations

$386,145

 

Grants: Federal, State and Local

$386,145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

$57,760

 

Fund Balance

$83

Interest

$765,000

 

State Aid: Debt Service

$246,569

 

$822,760

 

Tax Levy: Debt Service

$576,108

 

 

 

 

$822,760

 

 

 

 

 

Total Appropriations:

$41,760,138

 

Total Revenues:

$41,760,138

And be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the budget includes sufficient funds to provide curriculum and instruction which will enable all students to achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards and is in compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A and N.J.A.C Title 6 and 6A, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, per NJAC 6A:23B-1.2(b), the budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement. The 2014-2015 tentative budget includes a maximum travel appropriation of $100,000. The School Business Administrator shall track and record these costs to insure that the maximum amount is not exceeded, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, a Board of Education may, and this Board does, establish, for regular district business travel only, an annual school year threshold of $1,500 per staff member where prior Board approval shall not be required for regular business travel, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent and Business Administrator to implement the 2014-2015 budget as hereby approved.

B.6. Tax Payment Schedule for 2014-2015 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following tax payment schedule for 2014-2015 from the Township of Warren:

July 7, 2014

$700,000

 

January 2, 2015

$3,256,467

July 17, 2014

$700,000

 

August 1, 2014

$700,000

 

February 2, 2015

$3,256,467

August 15, 2014

$1,000,000

 

September 2, 2014

$2,000,000

 

March 2, 2015

$3,256,467

September 15, 2014

$2,000,000

 

October 1, 2014

$4,146,266

 

April 1, 2015

$3,256,467

November 3, 2014

$4,146,266

 

May 1, 2015

$3,256,467

December 1, 2014

$4,146,266

 

June 1, 2015

$3,256,463
 

 

 
 

TOTAL 2014 - 2015:

$39,077,596

B.7. Purchase of Two Buses

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the purchase of two buses, at a total cost of $86,420.50, from Van-Con, per the Middlesex Regional Educational Services bid #13/14-24.

B.8. Purchase of Copy Machines

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the purchase of three (3) copy machines, at a cost of $22,602 per machine for a total cost of $67,806, from Atlantic Tomorrow's Office of Freehold, NJ. The district will be purchasing the Savin MP9002SP copier with 3 hole punch capability, which will be placed in the Middle School in the 6th Grade faculty room, 8th Grade faculty room and aide room. These purchases are covered by NJ State Contract A51464.

B.9. Somerset Hills YMCA After-Care Services for 2014-2015

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the contracting with Somerset Hills YMCA for after-care services at the four Warren elementary schools for the 2014-2015 school year, dated July 1, 2014.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2014-2015 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 2014-2015 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. Jim Zilinski, Leave Replacement Teacher, Warren Middle School, B.A, Step 1 of the 2013-2014 salary guide (2014-2015 step will be the equivalent of this 2013-2014 step, to be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. (He will be a leave replacement teacher for Employee #1552.)

C.2. Substitute Teacher

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

a. Laurie Green (current part-time teacher at Central)

C.3. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #1552 for FMLA/NJFLA/Child Rearing (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from September 2, 2014, through June 30, 2015, with an anticipated return date of September 1, 2015.

C.4. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Amy Jensen, with congratulations, for movement from BA+15 to Masters, retroactive to April 1, 2014.

b. Joel Van Tine, with congratulations, for movement from BA+15 to Masters, retroactive to April 1, 2014.

c. Jennifer Ronkiewicz, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, retroactive to April 1, 2014.

C.5. Summer Employees - 2014

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of summer employees, dated April 23, 2014, at the listed hourly rates, from June 26, 2014 through August 29, 2014, at a cost not to exceed $68,482.24.

C.6. Middle School Stipend Positions 2014-2015

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following stipend positions for the 2014-2015 school year per the WTEA agreement:

a. Lunchroom Supervisors:

Grade 6: Debra Granrath, Barbara LaSaracina, Brenda Sasso,

John Seremula

Grade 7: David Arnold, Sean Convery (2), O'Brien Speckin

Grade 8: Robert Hartshorn, Kurt Reck (2), Joel Van Tine,

b. Team Leaders:

Grade 6: Barbara LaSaracina

Grade 7: Dan Ticchio

Grade 8: Lynn Degen

Unified Arts: Bev MacGorman

c. Yearbook Advisors: Sean Convery, Bev MacGorman

d. Student Council Advisor: Bev MacGorman

C.7. Middle School Guidance Extended Work Schedule

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff to work three days, from June 26, 2014, through June 30, 2014, at the individual per diem rate:

a. Helen Scully- Grade 6

b. Midge Johnson- Grade 7

c. Melissa Kaufman- Grade 8

C.8. Medical Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #1534 for leave (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA from April 29, 2014 through May 23, 2014, with an anticipated return date of May 27, 2014.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies - First Reading

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

a. 2224 - Nondiscrimination/Affirmative Action/Workplace

b. 4111.1/4211.1 - Nondiscrimination/Affirmative Action/Staff

c. 6121 - Nondiscrimination/Affirmative Action/Curriculum

XIII. Old Business

Mrs. Helewa reported on her attendance at the NJSBA Special Education Task Force Rollout and the report itself.

XIV. New Business

Dr. Crader reported on the proposed transportation consolidation, which would involve the dissolution of routes T35 and H28.

On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mr. Steier the motion to consolidate bus routes T35 and H28, was approved by a 7-2 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Allocco and Mrs. Helewa voted no.)

Dr. Crader discussed the district's ASAP program and presented a Response to Intervention (RTI) proposal. The board was in support of this initiative.

XV. Public Commentary

N/A

XVI. Executive Session

At 8:35 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 and

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 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 Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mr. deMontagnac the Board reconvened in open session at 9:01 p.m.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Helewa the meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

Minutes recorded by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary