Minutes for January 20, 2015History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Warren Central School, 109 Mount Bethel 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 Jim Sena.

Open Public Meeting Statement – Mr. Sena 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 7, 2015. 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 – Mr. Sena led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Roll Call

Present: Tia Allocco, Celeste Campos, Len deMontagnac, Desiree DeNourie, Lisa DiMaggio, Kathy Helewa, Joan Schiller, Jim Sena and Greg Steier

Absent:

Also Present: Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, Board Secretary, and member of the press

IV. Presentations

Mrs. Milita introduced Central School’s presentation of Sounds in Motion. Under the direction of Ms. Reu and the teachers, kindergartners demonstrated the program.

V. Minutes

Mrs. Helewa moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public minutes of the January 5, 2015 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. deMontagnac and approved by 9-0 roll-call vote.

VI.Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

    

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

  
 

1

    

1

VII. President's Remarks - Jim Sena

Mr. Sena expressed his gratitude for the children’s presentation tonight.

Mr. Sena thanked the board members for their responsiveness and flexibility regarding committee assignments.

Mr. Sena asked all Board of Education members to come to the next meeting with two suggestions for board goals. It is hoped that the board will settle on 2-3 goals. Dr. Crader will send last year’s goals to the board members.

VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Tami Crader

In recognition of School Board Appreciation month, Dr. Crader thanked all board members for their service.

Dr. Crader reported on her invitation to our SEED class, snowball event, correspondence from a class regarding a paper towel analysis, and Warren’s collaboration with a student in Washington state.

IX. Committee Reports

Mr. Steier reported on the Finance Committee meeting held earlier in the evening. The committee discussed the budget and budget presentations, identifying areas it would like highlighted.

The committee also discussed the second demographer’s report.

X. Discussion

Mr. Steier asked follow up questions regarding the future of the Sounds in Motion district-wide.

Mrs. Milita thanked the board members for their service to the district.

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 asked a question regarding replacements for teacher leaves. In addition, Mrs. Allocco asked a question regarding the tutoring policy, which will be tabled tonight (D.1.a.).

Mr. deMontagnac asked a question regarding transfers.

Mr. Steier asked a question regarding the roof replacement project process and correspondence. Mr. Steier also asked a question regarding A.2. and Dr. Schiller asked a question regarding C.5.

On motion by Mrs. Helewa seconded by Ms. Campos the consent items A.1. through A.3., B.1. through B.8., and C.1. through C.6., 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 January 15, 2015.

A.2. Out-of-District Tuition

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase in tuition of $19,370.40 to reflect additional paraprofessional hours provided by Rock Brook School, for Student #2610013558, from January 2015 through June 2015.

A.3. Tuition Out Student

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an out of district placement for Student #8234062679, to Morris-Union Jointure Commission Developmental Learning Center in Warren, beginning January 22, 2015 through June 30, 2015, at a cost not to exceed $45,958.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills from December 16, 2014 through December 31, 2014 in the amount of $1,595,776.40.

B.2. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of January 2015 in the amount of $2,078,494.71.

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 December, 2014,

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

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$5,606,397.00

  

$1,553,121.66

(11) Current Expense

  

$1,366,991.19

  

(12) Capital Outlay

  

$87,970.06

  

(13) Special Schools

  

$1,262.47

  

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($66,307.37)

$7,552.75

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$2,053,321.12

$2,234,919.83

$869,199.44

(40) Debt Service Fund

$556,130.71

$0.00

$164.71

TOTAL

$8,149,541.46

$3,698,696.30

$2,422,485.81

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 December 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:

    

11-000-213-300-00-00

Health Purchased Services

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$2,273

11-000-213-600-07-00

Health Supplies - Middle School

11-190-100-610-07-10

Instructional Supplies - Middle School

$1,000

11-000-217-320-08-00

Extraordinary Svcs. - Purch. Prof. Svc.

11-130-100-101-00-01

Salaries - Grade 6-8 Teachers

$16,000

11-000-219-600-11-01

CST Supplies - Technology

11-000-222-500-11-01

Other Purchased Services - Internet

$1,400

11-000-266-300-09-00

Security - Purchased Technical Services

11-000-262-300-09-00

Purchased Prof. & Tech. Services

$15,000

11-000-270-610-11-01

Transportation Supplies - Technology

11-000-270-511-10-71

Contracted Bus Transportation

$140

12-000-263-730-09-00

Grounds - Equipment

11-000-262-622-00-06

Electricity - Woodland

$2,600

12-130-100-730-07-00

Instructional Equipment - Middle School

11-190-100-610-07-10

Instructional Supplies - Middle School

$25

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:

 

Name

School

Workshop/ Conference

Location

Month/Yr

Cost

Sheila Connelly

ALT

Technology in Education Conference

Philadelphia, PA

June 2015

$547

Sean Mealey

MS

NJAPHERD Annual Convention

Long Branch,

Feb 2015

$195

 

Andrew Ahimovic

MHS

NJAPHERD Annual Convention

Long Branch

Feb 2015

$205

 

Jeff Sutherland

MS

NJAPHERD Annual Convention

Long Branch

Feb 2015

$212

 

Jennifer Kaniuka

CS

Practical Strategies for iPads

Edison

March 2015

$235

John Seremula

MS

NJMEA Music Conference

East Brunswick

Feb 2015

$162

 

Ralph Circelli

MS

Boilers’ License Training

Kenilworth

March 2015

$550

Donald Strickland

District

Boilers’ License Training

Kenilworth

March 2015

$550

 

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. Mt. Horeb School Roof Replacement

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 Roof Replacement Project at Mt. Horeb 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 Thursday Dec. 4, 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

Alt # 1

Alt #2

Alt #3

Alt #4

Total

MTB LLC

$1,516,500

$7,500

$17,000

$14,800

$9,700

$1,565,500

Safeway Contracting, Inc.

$1,495,000

$40,000

$16,000

$12,000

$25,000

$1,588,000

VMG

$1,530,000

$24,000

$16,000

$15,000

$11,000

$1,596,000

Posylio GC Corp.

$1,589,000

$17,500

$10,000

$10,000

$17,500

$1,644,000

Arch Concept Construction

$1,656,000

$12,000

$8,800

$20,000

$9,000

$1,705,800

E R Barrett

$1,692,148

$26,520

$10,980

$12,825

$12,150

$1,754,623

Integrity Roofing

$1,747,000

$29,000

$30,000

$22,000

$11,000

$1,839,000

ABCD Construction Corp.

$1,807,168

$35,000

$21,840

$8,000

$17,000

$1,889,008

Northeast Roof Maintenance

$1,932,930

$21,500

  

$28,500

$12,500

$1,995,430

Jottan, Inc.

$2,086,153

$19,948

$12,461

$11,777

$4,802

$2,135,141

D.A. Nolt, Inc.

$2,096,309

$27,666

$20,420

$24,175

$16,797

$2,185,367

WHEREAS, the bids submitted by the two lowest bidders have been reviewed and have been determined to contain material non-waivable defects; and

WHEREAS, VMG’s bid has been reviewed by the design professionals and is responsive to the bid requirements for the Project,

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby awards the Project (Base plus Alternates 1, 2, 3, and 4) to VMG for One Million, Five Hundred Ninety-Six Thousand ($1,596,000.00) Dollars.

B.7. Merit Goal Payment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of $5,161.90 to Dr. Tami Crader, for completion of 2013-2014 merit goal completion.

B.8. Board of Education Meeting Date Change

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves modifying its meeting date of September, 7, 2015 (Labor Day) to Tuesday, September 8, 2015. Meeting to remain at the Warren Middle School and will be preceded by a New Staff Welcome Reception at 6:30 P.M.

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. Susan Tully, Leave Replacement Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, MA, Step 1-2 of the 2014-2015 salary guide, $61,694 (pro-rated), effective March 10, 2015 through June 30, 2015. (She will be a leave replacement teacher for Employee #2496.)

b. Geraldine Vesey, Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, increase of three extra hours per day, effective January 22, 2015 thorough on or about February 27, 2015, at an hourly rate of $23.64. (This extends the previous motion from the October 20, 2014 agenda.)

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. Heather Bellovin

b. Casey Bloom

c. Bridget Malin (former substitute)

d. Jennifer Scharf

C.3. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2292 for leave (unpaid with benefits) under NJFLA, from January 12, 2015 through on or about January 15, 2015.

b. Employee #2651 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement) under FMLA, from January 20, 2015 through on or about February 17, 2015.

c. Employee #0818 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement) under FMLA, from January 15, 2015 through on or about February 2, 2015.

C.4. After School Clubs – 2014-2015

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following club and advisor:

  1. Suzanne Wisher to be a Club Advisor, Computer Strategy Games and Coding Club at Woodland School, for 15 sessions, at a stipend of $715.

C.5 Extended Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the extended hours for Alexis Sacks to accompany Student #9367358396, to Art Club for 15 sessions, starting January 27, 2015, at a cost not to exceed $600.

C.6. Movement on the Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2014-2015 salary guide:

a. Simone Miller, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective January 1, 2015.

b. Patricia Iannacone, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective January 1, 2015.

c. Nancy Braunstein, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective January 1, 2015.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies – First Reading (TABLED)

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

a. 4138.2 - Tutoring

XIII. Old Business

Mrs. Helewa asked a question regarding the district’s Chromebook insurance program.

XIV. New Business

Mrs. DiMaggio informed the board of the deadline for submitting resolutions for the NJSBA Delegate Assembly.

XV. Public Commentary

N/A

XVI. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Helewa, seconded by Mr. Len, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Minutes recorded by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary