Warren Township Schools: Minutes for March 16, 2015

Minutes for March 16, 2015 Archived Minutes

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 Vice President Kathy Helewa.

Open Public Meeting Statement – Mrs. Helewa 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 March 5, 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 – Mrs. Helewa led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Roll Call

Present: Tia Allocco, Desiree DeNourie, Kathy Helewa, Joan Schiller, and Greg Steier

Absent: Celeste Campos, Len deMontagnac, Lisa DiMaggio and Jim Sena

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

IV. Presentations

V. Minutes

Mr. Steier moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public minutes of the March 2, 2015 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Ms. DeNourie and approved by 5-0 roll-call vote.

VI.Correspondence and Information

Dr. Crader reported on a letter received from substitute teachers, and her research supporting our current status.

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

VII. Vice President's Remarks - Kathy Helewa

Mrs. Helewa on behalf of the entire board, thanked Mr. Comba for this evening’s hospitality and Mrs. Baker and her 7th grade class for the wonderful presentation.

Lastly, Mrs. Helewa mentioned a Security ad hoc committee and suggested that if a board member is interested in serving they contact Dr. Crader.

VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Tami Crader

Dr. Crader reported on a very successful PARCC implementation.

Dr. Crader also reported on a follow up meeting regarding procedures for emergencies on transportation vehicles.

Lastly Dr. Crader mentioned that she and WHRHS Superintendent Elizabeth Jewett met with township leadership to discuss better facilitated communication.

IX. Committee Reports

Mrs. Helewa reported on the Policy Committee, which discussed the non-residents, tutoring, independent evaluations, and student concussion policies.

Mrs. Helewa also reported on her attendance at the NJSBA legislative committee.

X. Discussion

The board discussed the process for placing topics on the agenda. It was determined that this topic will be placed on the next policy committee meeting.

XI. Board Goals

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).

Andrea Freijomil, Christy Drive, discussed substitute teacher staffing, follow up regarding a bus incident, and her positive feedback from PARCC.

XIII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mr.. Steier asked questions regarding the policies on tonight’s agenda (the adjective elective was removed from “elective remodeling”) and Summer Fun staffing. In addition, Mr. Steier asked that motion C.5. be pulled for a separate vote.

Mrs. Allocco asked a question regarding the tutoring policy. In response, the motion was tabled. There was additional conversation regarding the non-residents policy.

On motion by Mr. Steier seconded by Dr. Schiller the consent items A.1. through A.4., B.1. through B.7., C.1., through C.4., C.6. and C.7., and D.1.b. and D.1.c. were approved by a 5-0 roll-call vote. (Motion D.1.a., was tabled.)

The board further discussed motion C.5. in depth.

On motion by Mrs. Allocco seconded by Dr. Schiller the consent item C.5. was approved by a 4-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. Steier voted no.)

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 March 12, 2015.

A.2. Out-of-District Tuition

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an out of district placement for Student #7717368567, to Somerset Hills Learning Institute, beginning April 6, 2015 through June 30, 2015, at a cost not to exceed $24,992. This motion supersedes the previous motion to Reed Academy for this student.

A.3. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following students for home instruction up to 10 hours per week at a rate of $40 per hour:

a. Student #1249020587, beginning on or about March 16, 2015

b. Student #2557558445, beginning on or about March 23, 2015.

A.4. Settlement Resolutions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Stipulation EDS No 1984-15 for Student #2610013558.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of March 2015 in the amount of $5,247,962.34.

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
Jacqueline Fattell	WS	NJALC Spring Conference	Princeton	April 2015	$190
Carol Keirstead	MHS	Early Intervention for Social Emotional Development	Somerset	May 2015	$203
Tara Keller	MHS	Early Intervention for Social Emotional Development	Somerset	May 2015	$199
Paula Williams	MHS	NJTESOL/NJBE Spring 2015 Conference	New Brunswick	May 2015	$179

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. TENTATIVE 2015-2016 Warren Township School District Budget

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the tentative 2015-2016 Warren Township School District Budget and approves the tentative budget for submission to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools for Somerset County for review.

The tentative budget includes sufficient funds to provide curriculum and instruction which will enable all students to achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards and is in compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A and N.J.A.C Title 6 and 6A.

Proposed 2015/2016 Budget
Appropriations:		Revenue:
FUND 10
Operating Budget	$40,815,566	State Aid: General Fund	$1,224,961
Deposit to Capital Reserve	$500	Tax Levy: General Fund	$39,002,007
Capital Outlay	$84,100	Other Revenues	$413,921
Summer School	$190,723	Fund Balance	$450,000
	$41,090,889		$41,090,889
FUND 20
Special Revenue Appropriations	$391,006	Grants: Federal, State and Local	$391,006
FUND 40
Principal	$28,690	Fund Balance	$165
Interest	$755,000	State Aid: Debt Service	$234,861
	$783,690	Tax Levy: Debt Service	$548,664
			$783,690
Total Appropriations:	$42,265,585	Total Revenues:	$42,265,585

FURTHER RESOLVED, per NJAC 6A:23B-1.2(b), the tentative budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement. The 2015-2016 tentative budget includes a maximum travel appropriation of $128,200. The School Business Administrator shall track and record these costs to insure that the maximum amount is not exceeded, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, a Board of Education may, and this Board does, establish, for regular district business travel only, an annual school year threshold of $1,500 per staff member where prior Board approval shall not be required for regular business travel, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby establishes April 27, 2015 as the date for the Public Hearing on the budget and authorizes the Superintendent and Board Secretary, after approval by the Executive County Superintendent of Schools, to advertise the budget and the budget hearing as required by law.

B.4. Truck Purchase Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the purchase of an F-250 Truck, including necessary accessories, at a cost of $37,972, from Route 23 Automall, through Morris County Cooperative Council Bid #15 .

B.5. Dealaman Bus Services Contract Renewal for 2015-2016

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the renewal of the transportation contracts for the 2015-2016 school year with Dealaman Bus Services of Warren, NJ. All are being renewed at an 1% increase, below the State of New Jersey’s CPI of 1.34%. The details are as follows:

Multi Contract #	Renewal #	2015-2016 Cost
1	21	$ 280,342.11
2	17	$ 94,932.03
4	4	$ 33,238.52
5	17	$ 184,848.68
6	16	$ 41,351.21
7	15	$ 69,820.65
8	7	$ 164,326.87
9	13	$ 17,958.67
10	12	$ 27,844.01
11	11	$ 53,826.68
12	10	$ 47,403.28
	TOTAL	$ 1,015,892.71

B.6. Girls’ Lockers Purchase Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the purchase of lockers for the Girls’ Locker Room at the Middle School, at a cost of $71,216.80. Price includes installation and is with Nickerson and through Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission Bid #MRESC 12/13-48.

B.7. Central School Chair Lift 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 Chair Lift Replacement Project at Central 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 March 11, 2015 the Board received the following bids from potential bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A.18A:18A-1, et seq.;

Contractor	Base Bid
Hahr Construction	$50,500
Everett H. Thorne Co.	$54,451

WHEREAS, Hahr Construction’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 to Hahr Construction for Fifty Thousand Five Hundred ($50,500.00) Dollars.

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. Amanda Gordon, ASAP Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, MA, Step 1-2 of the 2014-2015 salary guide, $61,694 (pro-rated), effective April 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015. (She is replacing M. Gaglioti who retired.)

C.2. Appointment of 2015-2016 Summer Fun Staff

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of Summer Fun staff dated March 12, 2015, at the following hourly rates:

a. Assistant Teachers - $25

b. Teachers and Guidance Counselors - $40

c. Speech Teachers - $70

C.3. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2737 for FMLA (paid with benefits), from March 24, 2015 through on or about April 17, 2015, with an anticipated return date of April 20, 2015.

b. Employee #1019 for FMLA (paid with benefits), from March 24, 2015 through on or about May 1, 2015, with an anticipated return date of May 4, 2015.

C.4. Retirement

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

a. Jacquelyn Buckley, Grade 2 Teacher, Central School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 22 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2015.

C.5. Job Descriptions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following job descriptions:

a. Instructional Specialist

b. Information Integration Specialist

C.6. Additional Work Schedule

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

Susan Tully, Leave Replacement Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, for one work day on February 23, 2015, at the employee’s per diem rate. (She transitioned with Employee #2496 prior to her leave.)
Lisa Lontai, School Nurse, Warren Middle School, to work a total of 3 days during the week of August 10, 2015, for the purpose of completing student physicals and medical forms, at the employee’s per diem rate.

C.7. Middle School Guidance Extended Work Schedule

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff to work three days, from June 24, 2015 through June 26, 2015, at the individual per diem rate:

a. Lauren Regal - Grade 6

b. Helen Scully- Grade 7

c. Midge Johnson - Grade 8

D. Policy

D.1. Policies – First Reading

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

a. 4138.2 - Private Tutoring - TABLED

b. 5118 - Nonresidents

c. 6171.5 - Independent Educational Evaluation

XIV. Old Business

Mrs. Helewa discussed her upcoming meeting with Assemblyman Bramnick. There was board discussion regarding the board’s role in advocacy.

RESOLVED that the Board of Education expresses support for Board of Education representatives to meet with Assemblyman Bramnick and discuss the Warren Township Board of Education.

On motion by Mrs. Helewa seconded by Mr. Steier the motion was approved by a 4-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Allocco voted no.)

The board provided a list of suggestions for the meeting with Assemblyman Bramnick.

XV. New Business

Dr. Crader discussed Foundations, a kindergarten and first grade phonics based program which the district plans to implement next year.

Future agenda topics - Mrs. Allocco would like to discuss Spring parent teacher conferences and the Science standards at a future board meeting. Dr. Crader noted that Spring conferences are a contractual issue.

XVI. Public Commentary

N/A

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. Steier, seconded by Dr. Schiller, the meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.

Minutes recorded by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary