Minutes for June 9, 2014History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Warren Middle School, 100 Old Stirling 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 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, Desiree DeNourie, Lisa DiMaggio, Kathy Helewa, Jim Sena, Mildred Spiller and Greg Steier

Absent: Len deMontagnac

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

IV. PRESENTATION

Excellence in Education Awards

Excellence in Education Award winners Mary Lynch (ALT), Laura Lamson (CS), Meredith Fishelman (MHS), Michelle Zgombic (MS) and Margie Pfeiffer (WS) were honored.

Mr. Sena arrived at 7:13 p.m.

WMS Student Awards

Mrs. Spiller presented awards to distinguished Middle School students.

V. MINUTES

Mrs. Allocco moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the May 27, 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:

0

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

0
  • Fire Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

May 6

May 29

May 28

May 21

May 19

 

  • Security Drills

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

May 20

Evacuation

 

May 29

Evacuation

May 30

Evacuation

May 30

Evacuation

May 23

Evacuation

VI. 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 congratulated again tonight's awardees (both teachers and students).

Mrs. Spiller thanked the ALT PTO for its donation.

Mrs. Spiller reminded board members about their obligations regarding the Superintendent's evaluation.

Lastly, Mrs. Spiller acknowledged Dr. Huss' years of service to the students of Warren Township and wished him well on his new endeavor.

VIII. Superintendent's Remarks - Tami Crader

Dr. Crader commended the teachers and students who received awards this evening, and thanked the teachers who came in support.

Dr. Crader reported on the successful 4th grade Poetry Festival, which she attended and enjoyed.

Dr. Crader thanked Woodland School for its garden, whose produce she used in a weekend salad.

IX. Committee Reports

Mrs. Allocco reported on the Security Committee and its support for the hiring of a part time security consultant.

Mr. Steier reported on the Finance Committee which discussed the evaluation of the district's cost structure as well as the demographer's report. The committee proposed tasking administration with an in depth analysis of the district's cost structure. The idea received board support.

X. Discussion

Board Structure

The board discussed further the options regarding board structure, including which committees would remain in place in a hybrid environment. After substantial discussion, the board agreed to operate as a board of the whole regarding curriculum and communications, establish Negotiations, Policy and Finance Committees, and to evaluate at a later date the need for a separate Personnel Committee and/or staffed committees "at the ready".

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).

Tania Burton, 2 Appletree Lane, addressed the board regarding staff member Lisa Scherzer, speaking on behalf of those who signed a petition.

Stacey Colman, 3 Foxhill Drive, submitted the petition to the board.

In response, Dr. Crader discussed the process regarding rehiring decisions.

XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. Helewa shared her warm thoughts regarding Dr. Huss, and her appreciation for all he has done.

On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Helewa the consent items A.1. and A.2., B.1. through B.12., and C.1. through C.12. 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 June 5, 2014.

A.2. School Start Time

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adjusted start/end times for ALT and WMS:

  • ALT: 8:05 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
  • WMS: 7:55 a.m. - 2:40 p.m.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills from June 1, 2014 through June 9, 2014 in the amount of $1,525,118.38.

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:

June 2014

 

  • Dr. Crader, District, NJSBA Law Forum, Monroe, NJ $267

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. Scholastic Donation - Angelo L. Tomaso School PTO

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation totaling $5,230.47, to be allocated for the purchase of classroom and library books at the Angelo L. Tomaso School. This donation is the result of a successful Book Fair.

B.4. Use of GovDeals for the Sale of Surplus

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education is the owner of certain surplus property which is no longer needed for public use; and

WHEREAS, the Board is desirous of selling said surplus property in an "as is" condition without express or implied warranties.

NOW THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED that the Board approves:

(1) The sale of the surplus property may be conducted through GovDeals

pursuant to State Contract A-83453/T2581 in accordance with the terms and conditions of the State Contract. The terms and conditions of the agreement entered into with GovDeals is available online at govdeals.com and also available from the Warren Township School District's Business Office.

(2) Any sales would be conducted online with govdeals.com as the address of the auction site.

(3) All sales would be conducted pursuant to Local Finance Notice 2008-9.

(4) All surplus property would be sold in an "as is" condition without express or implied warranties with the successful bidder required to execute a Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement concerning use of said surplus property.

(5) The School District reserves the right to accept or reject any bid submitted.

B.5. Sale of Obsolete Items

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education declares as obsolete the following items:

Item Type

Make

Model

Asset Number

Bus

2000 Chevy

20 passenger

1425

Van

1998 GMC Van

Wheelchair Vehicle

1449

Van

2003 Dodge Caravan

Minivan; Blown Engine

1450

Copier

Savin

9080

5081

Copier

Savin

9080

5061

Copier

Savin

9080

5083

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the sale of the listed equipment in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A:45 - Sale of Property.

B.6. Window Replacement at Mount Horeb and Warren Middle Schools

WHEREAS, a recommendation was made by the Superintendent of Schools to the Warren Township Board of Education ("Board") to seek a contract for construction services for the Window Replacement at Mt. Horeb Elementary School and Warren Middle School (hereinafter "Project"); and

WHEREAS, the Project was properly advertised to prospective bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-4; and

WHEREAS, on Wednesday May 28, 2014 the Board received the following bids from potential bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A.18A:18A-1, et seq.;

Contractor

Base Bid

Alternate #1

D&E Window & Door, LLC

$1,031,400.00

$66,200.00

Panoramic Window & Door Systems, Inc.

$1,494,700.00

$89,000.00

WHEREAS, the bid submitted by D&E Window & Door, LLC. has been reviewed by the design professional and is responsive to the bid requirements for the Project,

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby awards the Project (Base plus Alternate 1) to D&E Window & Door, LLC for One Million, Ninety-Seven Thousand, Six Hundred ($1,097,600.00) Dollars.

B.7. Joint Transportation Agreement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes Joint Transportation Agreement for the 2014-2015 school year as follows:

  • Middlesex Regional Educational (MRESC) with an administrative fee of either 2% or 4%.

B.8. Approval for Painting at ALT

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with GPC, Inc. for the re-lamination of existing counters and the painting of the shelving and unit ventilators for specified classrooms at ALT for a cost not to exceed $15,960. This was purchased through Ed Data bid #5254.

B.9. Transportation Contract for Out of District Students - Berkeley Heights - ESY

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Berkeley Heights School District for the transportation of their students for the 2014-2015 Extended School Year and School Year as follows:

Contractor

District

Route

School

Cost

Warren

Berkeley Heights

W-143S

WHRHS

$1,552.20

B.10. Transportation Contract for Out of District Students - WHRHS - ESY

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Watchung Hills Regional High School for the transportation of their students for the 2014-2015 Extended School Year as follows:

Contractor

District

Route

School

Cost

Warren

WHRHS

W-137S

DLC

$2,567.26

Warren

WHRHS

W-138S

WHRHS

$2,373.83

Warren

WHRHS

W143S

WHRHS

$2,828.28

B.11. Transportation for Out of District Students - ESY

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

Contractor

Student Id

School

Cost

Middlesex Reg ESC

120851 & 120908

Cambridge School

$3,363.00

Bridgewater

121211

Arc Kohler School

$1,650.00

B.12. Approval for Boiler Project at Central School

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with Kelin Heating & Air Condition, Inc. for the boiler replacement project at Central School at a cost of $174,906. This contract is through Ed Data bid #6051.

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." (Updates are reflected in bold.)

a. Henna Jaffry, Leave Replacement Teacher, Warren Middle School, MA, 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.)

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. Michelle Motyczka

C.3. Employment Contract - School Business Administrator/Board Secretary

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the employment contract for the 2014-2015 school year for Patricia Leonhardt, School Business Administrator/ Board Secretary, dated July 1, 2014.

C.4. Organizational Chart

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the revised organizational chart for the Warren Township School District.

C.5. Contracted Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves contracted services with the Watchung Borough School District for Cynthia Levy to provide speech therapy one day per week for the 2014-2015 school year, at a total cost to the district of $22,951, inclusive of pro-rated salary and benefits.

C.6. Appointment of Additional 2014-2015 Summer Fun Staff

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the additional staff as substitutes for the Summer Fun program.

a. Amanda Gordon

b. Leslie Duncan

C.7. Child Study Team 2014 Summer Evaluations and Therapy Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Child Study Team to conduct summer evaluations and therapy hours (in-district) per the list dated June 9, 2014, at a cost not to exceed $87,355.

C.8. Additional Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves to contract Michele Stein for 1 additional day, the week of June 2, 2014 for student #121521, at a cost not to exceed $401.

C.9. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Andrew Ahimovic, with congratulations, for movement from BA to BA+15, effective May 1, 2014.

b. Nancy Braunstein, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective May 1, 2014.

c. Michelle Cebula, with congratulations, for movement from BA to BA+15, effective May 1, 2014.

d. Kathryn Didia, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective May 1, 2014.

e. Bruce Gant, with congratulations, for movement from BA+15 to MA, effective May 1, 2014.

f. Deborah Hunt, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective May 1, 2014.

g. Philip Jones, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective May 1, 2014.

h. Susan Leonard, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective June 1, 2014.

i. Kara Miletic, with congratulations, for movement from BA to BA+15, effective May 1, 2014.

j. Wendy Piller, with congratulations, for movement from BA to BA+15, effective May 1, 2014.

k. Christina Ulloa, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective May 1, 2014.

l. Jill Ziobro, with congratulations, for movement from BA to BA+15, effective May 1, 2014.

m. Emily Cartolano-Gomez, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective June 1, 2014.

C.10. Resignation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts with regret the resignation of Dr. Chris Huss, Principal of Woodland School, with appreciation for the 14 years of service to the children of Warren, effective July 31, 2014.

C.11. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #0669 for FMLA/NJFLA (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from on or about October 6, 2014, through January 30, 2015, with an anticipated return date of February 2, 2015.

C.12. Appointment of Additional 2014-2015 Summer Fun Aftercare Staff

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Kristy Kubala as AC Assistant Teacher, at a rate of $25 per hour, from June 30, 2014 through August 1, 2014.

XIII. Old Business

Mrs. Helewa congratulated the 7th and 8th grade for their successful trips.

XIV. New Business

Dr. Crader spoke of her plan for hiring Dr. Huss' replacement, with the hope that the top candidate will be brought to the Board of Education at its July 14th meeting. Dr. Crader also discussed salary range.

Mrs. DiMaggio mentioned the upcoming November Delegate Assembly. If the board would like to present a topic to the Assembly, the deadline is the beginning of September.

NJSBA Legislative Day - Mrs. Helewa reported that she attended and found it to be an interesting day.

Mandatory Training - Ms. Campos reported on her attendance at NJSBA's Governance I training.

XV. Public Commentary

N/A

XVI. Executive Session

At 8:51 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:

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 not 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 9:26 p.m.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Helewa the meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.

Minutes recorded by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary