Minutes for May 12, 2014History icon Archived Minutes

Skip Navigation

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 7:00 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 May 6, 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, Lisa DiMaggio, Kathy Helewa, Jim Sena, Mildred Spiller and Greg Steier

Absent: Desiree DeNourie

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

IV. PRESENTATION

Dr. Crader provided a detailed update of the two district goals, which are to implement strategic plan elements and implement Achieve New Jersey. This was then followed by a status update of the board goals to revise the board's Mission Statement and a review and update as determined of the board's committee structure and by-laws.

V. MINUTES

Mrs. Allocco moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the April 28, 2014 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Helewa and approved by 8-0 roll-call vote.

VI. Correspondence and Information

  • HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

 2  

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

 1
  • Fire Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

April 10

 

April 11

April 25

April 28

April 10
  • Security Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

April 24

Bus Evacuation

 

 

April 11

Bus Evacuation

 

April 22

Bus Evacuation

April 25

Bus Evacuation

April 10

Bus Evacuation

VII. ANNUAL ADOPTIONS

On motion by Mrs. Allocco, seconded by Mr. deMontagnac, the Annual Adoptions were approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote. It is noted that an update of the Organizational Chart will be provided in the near future.

1. Curriculum

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the K-8 curriculum guides, as aligned with NJ Core Content Standards, for the 2014-2015 school year.

2. Textbooks

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of existing district textbooks for the 2014-2015 school year.

3. Service Appointments

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

  1. The appointment of Patricia Leonhardt as Board Secretary of the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2014-2015 school year.
  2. The appointment of MaryGrace Suitovsky, Assistant Business Administrator, as Acting Board Secretary for the 2014-2015 school year in the absence of the Board Secretary.
  3. The appointment of Ruth Davies as Treasurer of School Monies for the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2014-2015 school year.
  4. The appointment of Patricia Leonhardt, Business Administrator, as Acting Treasurer of School Monies for the 2014-2015 school year for the Warren Township Board of Education in the absence of Ruth Davies.
  5. The appointment of Suplee, Clooney & Company as the auditing firm for the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2014-2015 school year, at an annual cost of $23,600.
  6. The appointment of Dr. Richard Lesko as District Medical Inspector for the 2014-2015 school year, at the annual cost of $7,500.
  7. The appointment of Dr. Ronald Frank as Alternate District Medical Inspector for the 2014-2015 school year, at a cost to be determined at the time of service provided (if need be).
  8. The appointment of Candida Hengemuhle as the district's Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX Coordinator, Anti-Bullying Coordinator, and 504 Officer for the 2014-2015 school year.
  9. The appointment of G.R. Murray as the district's board and general liability insurance agent for the 2014-2015 school year.
  10.  The appointment of Brown & Brown Benefit Advisors, Inc. as the Board's program manager of record for the medical insurance program and group insurance broker of record for the district's dental insurance program and flexible spending plan for the 2014-2015 school year.
  11. The appointment of Tyler Tribelhorn as the district's Right to Know contact, AHERA representative, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator (IPMC), Safety and Health Designee, Indoor Air Quality Designee, Chemical Hygiene Officer, and Asbestos Management Officer for the 2014-2015 school year.
  12. The appointment of Patricia Leonhardt, Business Administrator, as the district's Public Agency Compliance Officer (PACO), District Custodian of Records, and District Purchasing Agent for the 2014-2015 school year.
  13. The appointment of AIG/VALIC, AXA/Equitable, Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc. and ASPire as 403(b), 457(b) and Roth 403(b) plan providers for the 2014-2015 school year.
  14. The appointment of AmeriFlex as the Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts provider for the 2014-2015 school year.

4. Finance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. The designation of the following bank as depository for district funds for 2014-2015, pending certification of approval by the Governmental Unit Deposit Protection Act: Bank of America.

b. Authorization for the Board Secretary to invest school funds in accordance with the limitations of State law and Board policy.

c. Authorization for the following persons to sign checks:

Account Name

No.

Signatory(s)

General Operating (Current) Account

3

Treasurer of School Monies and/or Board Secretary and/or Board President and/or Board Vice President

Salary Account

1

Treasurer of School Monies or Board Secretary

Payroll Deduction Account

1

Treasurer of School Monies or Board Secretary

Unemployment Account

1

Board Secretary or Superintendent

Juice and Water Account

1

Board Secretary or Superintendent

Milk Account

1

Board Secretary or Superintendent

Flexible Spending Account

1

Board Secretary or Superintendent

Superintendent Petty Cash Account

1

Superintendent or Board Secretary

Middle School Student Activity Account

2

Middle School Principal and/or Middle School Dean and/or Board Secretary

d. The financial records of the school district shall be maintained in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and all appropriations shall be recorded using the Chart of Accounts provided by the New Jersey Department of Education.

e. Authorization for the Purchasing Agent to make purchases of goods and services entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property (state contract), Ed-Data time and materials bid, Somerset County Cooperative Pricing System, Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council (MCCPC) and Hunterdon County ESC Cooperative Purchasing.

f. Authorization, in recognition of Qualified Purchasing Agent status, of a bid threshold of $36,000.

5. Petty Cash Accounts

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the establishment of the following petty cash accounts and the individual responsible for the account for 2014-2015:

a. Superintendent's Office (Superintendent's Secretary) $500

b. Buildings and Grounds (Supervisor of B & G) $200

c. Schools (Building Principal) $200 (each school)

d. SPS (Director of SPS) $100

e. Curriculum (Curriculum Supervisor) $100

The maximum expenditure from each account for each purchase is $25.00. The School Business Administrator will review a summary of the disbursements on a semi-annual basis.

6. Organizational Chart

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the district's organizational chart for the 2014-2015 school year dated May 3, 2011.

VIII. 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 hoped all moms enjoyed Mother's Day yesterday.

In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Day, Mrs. Spiller sent a note on behalf of the board to Mrs. Blabolil, the president of the WTEA, expressing gratitude for our instrucational staff.

Mrs. Spiller complimented the teachers who attended the local church's First Communion in support of our second grade students.

Mrs. Spiller expressed her appreciation to the students and teachers for the artwork in the boardroom.

Mrs. Spiller also mentioned that an attorney is scheduled to attend, the board's May 27th meeting to assist with the conversation regarding board structure.

Mrs. Spiller congratulated all Excellence in Education award winners.

Lastly, Mrs. Spiller reported on her efforts to have the board's professionals attend upcoming board meetings.

IX. Superintendent's Remarks - Tami Crader

Dr. Crader mentioned the planned recognition of Excellence in Education award winners on June 9th. New Director of Student Personnel Services Candy Hengemuhle will be available that evening, and plans to arrive early.

Additionally, Dr. Crader reported on her follow up with the Woodland School students regarding their request for air conditioning.

X. Committee Reports

Mrs. DiMaggio presented the board with a synopsis of the resolutions slated for vote at the NJSBA Delegate Assembly to be held Saturday, May 17th. Based on board discussions and straw votes, the board supports Delegate DiMaggio abstaining on Resolutions 1, 3 and 4 and supporting Resolution 2.

XI. Discussion

XII. 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

XIII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mr. Steier asked a question regarding B.5.

On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Helewa the consent items A.1., B.1. through B.5., and C.1. through C.9. and D.1., were approved by a 8-0 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 May 8, 2014.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. 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:

May 2014

William Kimmick, District, Using Formative Assessments,

NYC, NY $291

Lauren Valera, WS, NJTESOL Spring Conference, New Brunswick $185

June 2014

Doris Zanchelli, MHS, Anxiety: Treatment Techniques, Live Video $170

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.2. The Public Employer Trust Dental Program Renewal

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves a one year renewal in The Public Employer Trust dental program at a renewal rate of 3% for the period of July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.

B.3. The Public Employer Trust Dental Program Renewal

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves a one year renewal in The Public Employer Trust dental program at a renewal rate of 3.3% for the period of July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.

B.4. Dealaman Bus Services Contract Renewal for 2014-2015

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the renewal of the transportation contracts (less routes T-35 and H-28) for the 2014-2015 school year with Dealaman Bus Services of Warren, NJ. All are being renewed at an 1.2% increase, below the State of New Jersey's CPI of 1.69%. The details are as follows:

Multi Contract #

Renewal #

2014-15 Cost

1

20

mce_markernbsp; 277,566.45

2

16

mce_markernbsp; 93,992.11

4

3

mce_markernbsp; 32,909.44

5

16

mce_markernbsp; 183,018.48

6

15

mce_markernbsp; 40,941.80

7

14

mce_markernbsp; 69,129.35

8

6

mce_markernbsp; 162,699.85

9

12

mce_markernbsp; 17,780.86

10

11

mce_markernbsp; 27,568.33

11

10

mce_markernbsp; 53,293.74

12

9

mce_markernbsp; 46,933.94

TOTAL

mce_markernbsp; 1,005,834.35

B.5. Alternate Compliance - Kindergarten Bathroom Facilities for 2014-2015

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the use of the alternate method of bathroom facilities compliance at Woodland School (Classroom 4) in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:26-6.3 (h) 4ii, by providing toilet rooms outside the classroom in lieu of individual toilet rooms in each classroom. A minimum of two students are sent at the same time to the bathroom facilities.

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. Henna Jaffry, Leave Replacement Teacher, Warren Middle School, BA, 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. (She will be a leave replacement teacher for Employee #2410.)

b. Zachary Liu, Classroom Paraprofessional, increase in hours from 22.5 hours a week, up to 32.5 hours per week, Mt. Horeb School, Step 1-2 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $13,200 (pro-rated) effective May 16, 2014 through June 30, 2014.

C.2. Appointment of Staff for the 2014-2015 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of staff employment

(administrators, certificated staff, WTEA support staff), dated May 8, 2014, for

the 2014-2015 school year (pending finalization of class section totals at the elementary schools).

C.3. 2014-2015 Non-WTEA Stipends

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following non-WTEA stipends for the 2014-2015 school year:

a. Hildy Jackson, Energy Educator, $10,500 (6 hrs/wk)

b. Sean Convery, Webmaster, $12,000 (7.5 hrs/wk)

c. Sean Convery/Dan Ticchio, After School Activities Coordinator, $6,400 (4 hrs/wk)

d. Lauren Valera, ELL Coordinator, $4,000 (2.5 hrs/wk)

e. Sheila Connelly, Technology Coach: ALT School, $6,000 (3.75 hrs/wk)

f. Melissa Stoeckel, Technology Coach: Central School, $6,000 (3.75 hrs/wk)

g. Chris Burkhardt, Technology Coach: Mt. Horeb School, $6,000 (3.75 hrs/wk)

h. Suzanne Wisher, Technology Coach: Woodland School, $6,000 (3.75 hrs/wk)

i. Michelle Zgombic, Technology Coach: Warren Middle School, $6,000 (3.75 hrs/wk)

C.4. Fall Coaching Stipends - Warren Middle School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the

following coaches for the 2014-2015 school year:

a. Boys' Soccer, Timothy O'Heney, $3,360

b. Girls' Soccer, Michele Tanzi, $3,360

c. Cross Country, Kristen Boni, $2,200

C.5. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2410 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.

b. Employee #2748 for FMLA/NJFLA (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from on or about September 15, 2014, through on or about February 19, 2015, with an anticipated return date of February 20, 2015.

C.6. Job Descriptions

a. RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the job description for the non-WTEA stipend position Building-Based Literacy Coach.

b. RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the job description for the position School Psychologist/Behavior Specialist.

C.7. Summer Employees - 2014

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves summer employee Luke Rizzoli, at an hourly rate of $8.25, from June 26, 2014 through August 29, 2014. (Luke Rizzoli is replacing Ben Rizzoli.)

C.8. Additional Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves additional hours for Maxine Dornfeld to accompany Student #120540 to Gold Band morning practices beginning March 25, 2014, for 8 weeks, for a total of 8 hours, at a cost not to exceed $85. (Originally approved for 4 hours on April 7, 2014)

C.9. Service Provider

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Dr. Jan Grayson, Psy. D., to provide Social Skills Group Therapy, for Student #121236, to begin on or about April 8, 2014, for 12 weeks, at a rate of $70 per hour, for the 2013-2014 school year, at a cost not to exceed $840.00. (Originally approved on April 7, 2014, under a different provider).

D. Policy

D.1. Policies - Second Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second and final 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

XIV. Old Business

N/A

XV. New Business

Insurance for Chromebooks - Dr. Crader discussed the breakage the district is experiencing and the proposal to give parents an option to pay a nominal fee (self-insurance) or sign a waiver.

Dr. Crader will work with our tech-team to try to project future breakage rates.

Warren Middle School Start/End Time - Dr. Crader discussed a proposed slight modification to the Warren Middle School schedule. The board supported the concept which Dr. Crader will review again.

Warren Middle School Morning Student Supervision - Dr. Crader reported on the stipend for morning coverage.

XVI. Public Commentary

Brenda Nemcek, Old Smalleytown Road, discussed an option regarding Chromebook insurance.

XVII. New Business

Mr. deMontagnac congratulated the elementary Archery team on its participation and success at the tournament in Kentucky.

XVIII. Executive Session

At 8:24 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:

pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation and/or matters of attorney-client privilege

Action will not be taken upon return to public session;

the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 10 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 8:38 p.m.

XIX. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Helewa the meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.

Minutes recorded by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary