Warren Township Schools: Minutes for September 22, 2014

Minutes for September 22, 2014 Archived Minutes

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: Tia Allocco, Celeste Campos, Desiree DeNourie, Len deMontagnac, Lisa DiMaggio, Kathy Helewa, Jim Sena, Mildred Spiller and Greg Steier

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

IV. MINUTES

Mrs. Allocco moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the August 25, 2014 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Helewa and approved by 7-0-2 roll-call vote. (Ms. DeNourie and Mrs. Helewa abstained.)

Mrs. Allocco moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public minutes of the September 8, 2014 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Helewa and approved by 9-0 roll-call vote.

V. 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 thanked the Middle School PTO for their generous Chromebook donation.

VI. Superintendent’s Remarks – Tami Crader

Dr. Crader reported on the Code of Conduct, which has been distributed district wide.

Dr. Crader also reported that the level of interest at the Middle School supported an Archery Club.

Dr. Crader also amended two stipends on the documentation for Motion C.4. in regards to the Archery Club.

VII. Committee Reports

Mrs. Helewa reported on the Policy/Legislative Committee meeting which discussed a review of numerous policies. Some reviews are ongoing.

Mr. Steier discussed the Finance Committee, which reviewed a historical analysis of district spending.

Mrs. Allocco reported on the work of the Negotiations Committee. With a mutually agreed upon salary guide, details will be shared with the board in Executive Session.

VIII. Discussion

N/A

IX. 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

X. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mr. Steier asked some questions regarding clubs.

On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mr. Sena the consent items A.1. through A.2., B.1. through B.6., C.1. through C.8. and D.1. were approved by a 9-0 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 September 18, 2014.

A.2. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves 10 hours per week of home instruction for Student #2610013558, beginning on or about September 16, 2014, at a rate of $40 per hour.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of September 2014 in the amount of $3,082,167.88.

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:

Name	School	Workshop/ Conference	Location	Month/Yr	Cost
Kathy Helewa	BOE	NJSBA Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2014	$675
Alexis Sacks	CS	NJAAP School Health Conf.	Edison	Oct 2014	$195
Kelly Stankiewicz	MHS	Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills	Princeton	Oct 2014	$190
Colleen Krumm	WS	NJ Science Convention	Princeton	Oct 2014	$300
Suzanne Aldrich	MS	Northeast Conf for School Based Speech/Lang.	West Orange	Dec 2014	$420
Adam Yenish	WS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Nov 2014 Dec 2014 Jan 2015	$412
Brian Kilroy	WS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Nov 2014 Dec 2014	$298
Marilyn Brown	WS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Nov 2014 Jan 2015 Feb 2015	$579
Ray Balkonis	MS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Oct 2014 Dec 2014	$287
Peter Kassalow	MS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Oct 2014 Dec 2014	$280
Barbara LaSaracina	MS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Oct 2014 Dec 2014	$282
Kathleen Reynolds	MS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Oct 2014 Dec 014	$255
Anna Rizzo	MS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Oct 2014 Dec 2014	$270
Michele Scott	MS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Oct 2014 Dec 2014	$295
Kevin Speckin	MS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Oct 2014 Dec 2014	$276
Mary Ellen Weaver	MS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Oct 2014 Dec 2014	$283
Nancy Andrews	ALT	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Oct 2014 Jan 2015 Feb 2015	$401
Anabela Ordner	ALT	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Nov 2014 Dec 2014	$265
Mary Balkonis	ALT	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Nov 2014 Jan 2015 Feb 2015	$580
Meryl Lettire	MS	NJ Conference for Adobe	East Hanover	Oct 2014	$208
Joel Van Tine	MS	NJ Music Educators Assoc	East Brunswick	Feb 2015	$153
Linda Yu	MS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Oct 2014 Dec 2014	$260
Mary Beth LeBlond	CS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Oct 2014 Jan 2015 Feb 2015	$420
Sheri DeShields	CS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Nov 2014 Jan 2015 Feb 2015	$589
Amanda Gordon	MHS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Nov 2014 Jan 2015 Feb 2015	$558
Michele Kurilla	CS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Jan 2015 Feb 2015	$277
Lisa Lukko	MHS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Jan 2015 Feb 2015	$270
Michelle Cebula	MHS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Nov 2014 Dec 2014 Jan 2015	$433
Amanda Gordon	MHS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Nov 2014 Jan 2015 Feb 2015	$558
Justina Thomson	MS	Conquer Math	Fairfield	Oct 2014 Dec 2014	$250
Cristina Ulloa	ALT	NJ Science Convention	Princeton	Oct 2014	$317
Deborah Hunt	MS	AMTNJ Annual Conference	New Brunswick	Oct 2014	$195
Tami Crader	District	NJSBA Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2014	$505
Pat Leonhardt	District	NJSBA Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2014	$290
Tyler Tribelhorn	District	NJSBA Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2014	$200

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. Additional Extraordinary Aid 2013-2014 - Acceptance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts additional Extraordinary Aid funding from the 2013-2014 school year in the amount of $4,637.

B.4. Extraordinary Aid 2013-2014 - Allocation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase to the 2014-2015 budget to recognize additional 2013-2014 Extraordinary Aid in the amount of $4,637 and allocates the monies as follows:

Revenue Account: 10-3131 Extraordinary Aid - $4,637
Expense Acct:11-000-100-566–Tuition–Priv. Schools for the Disabled - $4,637

B.5. Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP)

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following motion:

Whereas, the Department of Education requires New Jersey School Districts to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) and the Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) documenting "required" maintenance activities for each of its public school facilities, and

Whereas, the required maintenance activities as listed in the attached document for the various school facilities of the Warren Township Schools are consistent with these requirements, and

Whereas, all past and planned activities are reasonable to keep school facilities open and safe for use or in their original condition and to keep their system warranties valid, and

Now, therefore be it resolved that the Warren Township School District hereby authorizes the School Business Administrator to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) and the Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) for the Warren Township Schools in compliance with Department of Education requirements.

B.6. Donation – Warren Middle School PTO

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation of 30 Chromebooks for an 8th grade Chromebook cart, at an approximate cost of $9,000.

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. Khara Patti, 1:1 Paraprofessional, Woodland School, increase from 30 hours to 32.5 hours, Step 20 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $28,714 (pro-rated), plus a stipend of $1,800 for a teaching certificate (new step to be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 10, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

b. Adrienne Schillizzi, Bus Driver, 5 hours per day, effective on or about September 23, 2014 through June 30, 2015 (pending completion of required paperwork) at an annual salary of $16,200 (pro-rated).

c. Ralph Circelli, Maintenance Worker/Custodian, Warren Middle School, effective on or about October 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015 (pending completion of required paperwork) at an annual salary of $34,000 (pro-rated). (He will be replacing Employee #2589.)

d. Carolyn Wells, 1:1 Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours, Warren Middle School, Step 1-2 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $19,067 (pro-rated) (2014-2015 step will be the equivalent of this 2013-2014 step, to be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 24, 2014 through June 30, 2015. (She will be replacing Employee #1828 who resigned.)

Christine Barbera, Special Education Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, BA, Step 2-4 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $54,920 (pro-rated) (2014-2015 step will be the equivalent of this 2013-2014 step, to be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective on or about September 29, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

f. Karen Schlosser, Special Education Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, increase from 20 hours to 23.3 hours, BA, Step 1 of the 2013-2014 salary guide, $35,929 (pro-rated) (new step to be determined once collective bargaining is concluded), effective September 23, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

C.2. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2014-2015 school year:

a. Maxine Dornfeld (Current Paraprofessional at Central School)

b. Shawn Rosa

C.3. Winter/Spring 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 Basketball, Peter Kassalow, $3,360

b. Girls Basketball, Laura Lamson, $3,360

c. Cheerleading, Shannon O’Shea, $2,900

d. Baseball, David Arnold, $2,900

e. Softball, Debra Granrath, $2,900

f. Track, Donna Bardy, $2,200

g. Track, Carolyn McCloskey, $2,200

h. Track, Robert Hartshorn, $2,200

C.4. After School Activities/Clubs

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2014-2015 after school activities/clubs, and the instructors for each, at the negotiated stipend rate.

C.5. Resignation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the resignation of the following staff:

a. Caroline Sofo, Paraprofessional, Middle School, with appreciation for her 10 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective on or before October 8, 2014.

C.6.Home Instructors

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves all district certificated teachers, and classroom paraprofessionals who have a teaching certificate, to be appointed as home instructors for the 2014-2015 school year.

C.7. Home Instructor

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Susan Cornet, a certified teacher, to be appointed as home instructor for the 2014-2015 school year, at a rate of $40 per hour.

C.8. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2299 for leave (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA, from

September 24, 2014 through on or about October 31, 2014.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies – First Reading

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

a. 5120 Assessment of Individual Needs

XI. Old Business

Mr. Steier requested that Mrs. Leonhardt review his NJSBA training status.

XII. New Business

Professional Services Providers - Dr. Crader reviewed the current status, which calls for a rotating review of the district’s professional services providers. The matter will be discussed in Executive Session.

XIII. Public Commentary

N/A

XIV. Executive Session

At 7:21 p.m. Mrs. Allocco moved the following:

Executive Session

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 may 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 will be made public when the need for confidentiality no longer exists.

The motion was seconded by Mr. deMontagnac and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Allocco, seconded by Mrs. Helewa, the Board reconvened in open session at

8:08 p.m.

XV. Personnel/Student Services

Motion to list the club fee stipend for Extra! Extra! Learn All About it! (Advisor Hildy Jackson), at $1,430.

On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Mr. deMontagnac the consent item C.4. was approved by a 7-0 roll-call vote. (Ms. DeNourie and Mrs. DiMaggio left the meeting during Executive Session.)

XVI. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Allocco, seconded by Ms. Campos, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Minutes recorded by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary

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