Minutes for June 23, 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 7:00 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: Desiree DeNourie, Lisa DiMaggio, Jim Sena, Mildred Spiller and Greg Steier

Absent: Celeste Campos, Len deMontagnac

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

Tia Allocco arrived at 7:02 p.m. and Kathy Helewa arrived at 7:47 p.m.

IV. PRESENTATION

Ms. Tanya McAusland and Ms. Stephanie Reed, accompanied by members of the foundation, provided an overview of the status of rebirth of the township's education foundation. The board followed up with some questions.

V. MINUTES

Mrs. Allocco moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the June 9, 2014 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Sena and approved by 6-0 roll-call vote.

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 reminded all the graduation is tomorrow night.

VIII. Superintendent's Remarks - Tami Crader

Dr. Crader will provide an overview regarding the new teacher evaluation process later this evening.

Dr. Crader reported on the board's approved waiver which requested two long observations in lieu of three short.

Dr. Crader reported on the Reach initiative regarding a Career Workshop planned for next year.

Dr. Crader reported on WHRHS' graduation, which she attended today.

IX. Committee Reports

Mrs. Allocco will report on the Negotiations Committee in closed session.

Mrs. Spiller suggested that in light of the three board absences this evening, additional conversation regarding board structure will occur at a future meeting.

X. 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

XI. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. Allocco asked some questions regarding the proposed policies, specifically the mode of communication regarding sensitive data.

Mrs. Helewa arrived at 7:47 p.m.

Mr. Steier asked a question regarding C.3.

On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Helewa the consent items A.1. through A.6., B.1. through B.16., and C.1. through C.8. and D.1. 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 June 19, 2014.

A.2. ESL Three-Year Program Plan

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the submission of the Bilingual/ESL Three-Year Program Plan for School Years 2014-2017.

A.3. Summer Curriculum Writing

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the summer 2014 curriculum positions dated June 19, 2014, as per the 2011-2014 WTEA negotiated agreement.

A.4. Summer Curriculum Work for Special Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Special Education: NJ ASK Analysis, Grades 3-8 , completed by CST member Terry Godfrey and special education teacher Donna Bardy, at a rate of $40 per hour per the 2011-2014 WTEA negotiated agreement. The total project shall not exceed 48 hours and the total cost shall not exceed $1,920.

A.5. Out of District Placement School Year 2014-2015

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached out of district 2014-2015 school year placement list, revised June 23, 2014. (Original list was dated June 18, 2014.)

A.6. Out of District Placement ESY 2014

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached out of district 2014 ESY placement list, revised June 23, 2014. (Original list was dated June 18, 2014.)

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills from June 10, 2014 through June 23, 2014 in the amount of $3,705,553.88.

B.2. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the School Business

Administrator/Board Secretary, pursuant to policy 3326, to audit pending bills and claims, to pay qualifying bills and claims within approved budget line item amounts, from June 24, 2014 to June 30, 2014, and to submit those bills to the Board of Education for approval at its meeting scheduled for August 11, 2014.

B.3. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report

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

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on May 31, 2014

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$8,235,205.29

$1,544,279.57

(11) Current Expense

$1,613,350.16

(12) Capital Outlay

$23,024.17

(13) Special Schools

$5,362.38

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($36,379.24)

$17,494.96

(30) Capital Projects Fund

($130,912.00)

($209,134.49)

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$247.71

$164.67

$83.04

TOTAL

$8,068,161.76

$1,450,261.85

$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.4. Budget Transfers for Month of May 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

$900

11-000-216-320-08-00

Speech/OT/PT - Prof. Svcs.

11-000-216-100-00-01

Speech & OT - Extra Pay

$628

11-000-216-610-08-00

Speech/OT/PT - Supplies

11-000-216-100-00-01

Speech & OT - Extra Pay

$500

11-000-217-106-00-02

Extraordinary Paras - Salaries

11-000-216-100-00-00

Speech & OT Salaries

$5,100

11-000-218-390-08-00

Other Purch. Svcs.- Guidance

11-000-218-104-00-00

Guidance Salaries

$1,037

11-000-218-600-00-00

Guidance Supplies - District

11-000-218-104-00-00

Guidance Salaries

$2,400

11-000-223-110-12-00

Staff Training Salaries

11-000-221-110-12-00

Curriculum Dev. Stipends

$2,500

11-000-223-320-12-00

Staff Training - Purch. Svcs.

11-000-221-320-12-00

Curriculum - Educ. Svcs.

$9,600

11-000-230-820-00-00

Judgments Against the District

11-000-230-334-01-00

Architect & Engineering Svcs.

$8,173

11-000-261-420-09-03

Maintenance Repairs - CS

11-000-261-100-09-00

Salaries - Maintenance

$7,800

11-000-261-420-09-05

Maintenance Repairs - ALT

11-000-262-107-00-00

Sals.-Lunch & Playgr. Aides

$12,600

11-000-261-420-09-05

Maintenance Repairs - ALT

11-000-262-520-01-00

Insurance - Property & Liab.

$9,900

11-000-261-420-09-05

Maintenance Repairs - ALT

11-000-270-161-10-00

Salaries - Transportation

$11,500

11-000-261-420-09-07

Maintenance Repairs - Middle

11-000-263-420-09-00

Grounds - Repair & Maint..

$6,500

11-000-261-610-09-04

Maintenance Supplies - MH

11-000-261-100-09-00

Salaries - Maintenance

$2,000

11-000-262-420-09-01

Building Repairs - BOE/B&G

11-000-261-100-09-00

Salaries - Maintenance

$2,400

11-000-262-610-09-00

Building Supplies - Maint.

11-000-262-100-09-08

Chargeable Custodian O/T

$3,000

11-150-100-300-08-00

Home Instruction - Ed. Svcs.

11-150-100-101-00-00

Home Instruction - Salaries

$2,320

11-190-100-610-03-10

Instructional Supplies - CS

11-000-240-600-03-10

Admin. Supplies - Central

$1,000

11-190-100-640-12-00

Textbooks - Replacement

11-190-100-890-12-00

Misc. Instr. Exp. - Curriculum

$1,500

11-190-100-800-07-00

Field Trip Admission - MS

11-190-100-610-07-10

Instructional Supplies - MS

$480

12-000-240-730-07-00

School Admin. Equip.- MS

11-000-217-320-08-00

Extraord. Svcs. - Prof. Svcs.

$27,806

12-000-260-730-00-00

Operations & Maint, Equip.

11-000-263-420-09-00

Grounds - Repair & Maint.

$5,235

12-000-266-730-09-00

Security - Equipment

11-000-100-566-08-01

Tuition - Private Schools

$51,050

12-000-270-734-00-00

School Bus - Special Ed.

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$86,421

12-130-100-730-07-00

Instructional Equipment - MS

11-000-291-241-00-00

Retirement Contrib. - PERS

$69,750

12-130-100-730-07-00

Instructional Equipment - MS

12-120-100-730-04-00

Instructional Equipment - MH

$3,290

B.5. 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:

July 2014

  • Chris Burkhardt, MHS, New Jersey 1:1 Institute, Hillsborough $264
  • Jola Scassera, MHS, New Jersey 1:1 Institute, Hillsborough $249
  • Lynn Alger, MS, New Jersey 1:1 Institute, Hillsborough $263
  • Sheila Connelly, ALT, New Jersey 1:1 Institute, Hillsborough $249
  • Suzanne Wisher, WS, New Jersey 1:1 Institute, Hillsborough $249

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.6. Milk Provider for the 2014-2015 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Cream-O-Land Dairy as the provider for the 2014-2015 school year. The cost of milk will be $.20, juice will be $.25 and the two sizes of water will be $.30 (8 oz.) and $.40 (16.9 oz. sports cap).

B.7. Transfer of Current Year Surplus to Capital Reserve

WHEREAS, NJSA 18A:21-2 and NJSA 18A:7G-13 permit a Board of Education to establish and/or deposit into certain reserve accounts at year end, and

WHEREAS, the aforementioned statutes authorize procedures, under the authority of the Commissioner of Education, which permit a board of education to transfer anticipated excess current revenue or unexpended appropriations into reserve accounts during the month of June by board resolution, and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education wishes to deposit the anticipated current year surplus of up to $1,400,000 into Capital Reserve at year end, and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education has determined that up to $1,400,000 is available for such purpose of transfer;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren Township Schools Board of Education hereby authorizes the district's School Business Administrator to make this transfer consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.

B.8. Approval for Chromebook Purchase - 2014-2015

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following technology purchases through WSCA:

  • 250 Dell Chromebooks at $287/each
  • 250 Google Licenses at $28/each
  • 250 Hapara Licenses at $5/each

Total purchase not to exceed $80,000.

B.9. NJDOE Compliance Child Nutrition Program

RESOLVED, that, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-18.5, the Board of Education of Warren Township does not require the Gramon Schools (New Beginnings, Glenview Academy, Gramon School) to apply for and receive funding from the Child Nutrition Program for the 2014-15 school year.

B.10. Disposal of Personal Property

RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes the Business Administrator to dispose of obsolete district personal property (whose value is less than $5,400 aggregate) through resale, recycling, donation or disposal in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-45.

B.11. School Alliance Insurance Fund Resolution for Additional Lines

WHEREAS, a number of educational entities have joined together to form a Joint Insurance Fund as permitted by Chapter 108 Laws of 1983 (18A:18B et. Seq.); and

WHEREAS, the statues governing the creation and operation of a Joint Insurance Fund contain elaborate restrictions and safeguards concerning the safe and efficient administration of the public interest entrusted to such a fund; and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Board of Education, hereafter referred to as "Educational Facility" has previously determined that membership in the School Alliance Insurance Fund hereafter referred to as "Fund" is in the best interest of the Education Facility; and

WHEREAS, the Educational Facility is currently a member of the Fund and is provided package coverage (property, boiler & machinery, general & auto liability, environmental impairment liability); and

WHEREAS, the Education Facility has determined that it is in their best interest to expand their lines of coverage through the Fund; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Educational Facility agrees to participate in the Fund for the following coverages effective July 1, 2014 until July 1, 2015:

  • School Leaders Professional Liability
  • Excess School Leaders Professional Liability

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Educational Entity's Fund Commissioner is authorized and directed to execute all other documents signifying participation for the lines of coverage stated above and to deliver same to the Administrator of the Fund.

B.12. Transportation Contract for Out of District Students - Watchung Borough - ESY

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Watchung Borough School District for the transportation of their student for the 2014-2015 Extended School Year as follows:

Contractor

District

Route

School

Cost

Warren

Watchung Borough

W-137S

DLC

$112.35

B.13. 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

MUJC 121424 Children's Institute $ 5,051.10

MUJC 620421 New Beginnings $ 7,308.98

MUJC 621049 & 121513 P.G. Chambers $ 6,241.62

UCESC 620750 Reed Academy $ 2,714.40

Bridgewater 121211 ARC Kohler $ 1,700.00

B.14. Transportation for Out of District Student - ESY and 2014-2015 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves ESY and 2014-2015 School Year transportation for out of district student as follows:

Contractor Student ID# School Cost

Greenbrook 121619 Jardine Academy $16,590.00

B.15. Approval for Purchase of Door Swipe (Identicard) System

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the purchase and installation of the Identicard System. Purchase and installation from CDW-G at a total cost of $58,248.04, and purchased under Middlesex Regional Education Services Commission Cooperative Purchasing Bid #MRESC13/14-04. Price increase predicated on enhanced scope of project to include additional equipment replacement. This motion supersedes motion B.7 on the May 27, 2014 agenda.

B.16. Transportation - Parental Contracts

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves parental transportation contracts, to include summer school transportation, for the 2014-2015 school year:

a. One student (ID#121121) to the Somerset Hills Learning Institute (ESY and regular school year) in the amount of $5,072.06, calculated per current IRS mileage rates.

b. One student (ID#120992) to the Somerset Hills Learning Institute (ESY and regular school year) in the amount of $6,152.22, calculated per current IRS mileage rates.

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. Suzanne Aldrich, Speech Teacher, Woodland School, MA, Step 2-4 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $60,412 (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 replacing Jamie Perry who will be a Special Education Teacher at Woodland School.)

b. Chelsea Hill, Special Education Leave Replacement Teacher, Warren Middle School, MA, Step 1 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $59,367 (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 replacing Employee #2578.)

c. Sherri Strauss, Classroom Paraprofessional, SEED Program, 32.5 hours per week, Angelo L. Tomaso School, Step 1-2 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $19,067, (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.

C.2. Transfer

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transfer of Mary Pat Brown, Woodland School Elementary Teacher, to Warren Middle School, Innovation & Design/Technology Education teacher.

C.3. Retirement/Resignation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement/resignations of the following staff:

a. Ernest Monaco, Innovation and Design/Technology Education Teacher, Warren Middle School, with appreciation for his 14 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2014.

C.4. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Michele Kurilla, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective June 1, 2014.

b. Colleen Krumm, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective June 1, 2014.

C.5. Summer Fun Staff Appointment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following additions to Summer Fun staffing:

a. Lori Vigliotti as Summer Fun Teacher, at a rate of $40 per hour, from June 30, 2014 through August 8, 2014.

b. Leslie Duncan as Summer Fun Paraprofessional, at a rate of $15 per hour, from June 30, 2014 through August 1, 2014.

C.6. Job Description Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Mechanic job description.

C.7. Contracted Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the addition of Lisa Bodaj to the Contractor Service Provider List, and for upcoming ABA therapy at a rate of $65 per hour, once a week, from June 30, 2014 through August 8, 2014 for Student #121416, at a total cost not to exceed $400.

C.8. Summer Employees - 2014

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves employee Kevin Speckin as a summer custodian at an hourly rate of $16.30 and transportation monitor at an hourly rate of $12.95, from June 26, 2014 through August 29, 2014. (Kevin Speckin is replacing Dale Mluzan.)

D. Policy

D.1. Policies - First Reading

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

a. 4111/4211 - Recruitment, Selection and Hiring

b. 5141 - Health

c. 6147.1 - Evaluation of Individual Student Performance

d. 5113 Attendance, Absences, and Excuses

e. 5131.6 Drugs, Alcohol, Steroids, Tobacco (Substance Abuse)

f. 6145 Extra-curricular/Co-curricular Activities

XII. Old Business

Dr. Crader discussed the concept of Chromebook insurance, providing data regarding current breakage rates. It was proposed that a fee of $10/year be established, which the board supported.

Mr. Steier asked questions regarding the criteria for calls to Protective Services vs. County Crisis Team.

Dr. Crader discussed the district's mentoring plan for new teachers.

Dr. Crader reported on the research done regarding the use of Source 4 Teachers, which doesn't seem to be a viable option at this time.

Dr. Crader provided the board with an overview of teacher evaluation framework (domains) and initial data. The board discussed in depth its role in oversight of the new evaluation system.

XIII. New Business

Mrs. Helewa reported on the band's stellar performance at the Patriot's game.

XIV. Public Commentary

Brenda Nemcek, Old Smalleytown Road, asked about the status of the principal search for Dr. Huss' replacement. Dr. Crader reported that a preferred candidate has been identified and will be brought to the board's July 14th meeting.

Dr. Tami Crader and Patricia Leonhardt left at 9:20 p.m.

XV. Executive Session

At 9:21 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

material the disclosure of which constitutes an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy

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 Mrs. Helewa the Board reconvened in open session at 10:12 p.m.

XVI. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mrs. Helewa the meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

Minutes recorded by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary