Minutes for April 27, 2015
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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 7:01 p.m. by 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 April 2, 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, Len deMontagnac, Desiree DeNourie, Lisa DiMaggio, Kathy Helewa, Jim Sena and Greg Steier
Absent: Celeste Campos and Joan Schiller
Also Present: Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, Board Secretary, and members of the public and press.
IV. Presentations
Math Grouping for Grades 5 and 6 - Mr. Kimmick presented the work and recommendation of the Math committee.
2015-2016 Budget Hearing - An overview of the 2015-2016 budget was provided.
V. Minutes
Mrs. Helewa moved the following:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public minutes of the April 13, 2015 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Steier and approved by 6-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. DiMaggio abstained.)
VI.Correspondence and Information
· HIB Information
|
Total # of Investigations: |
1 |
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: |
1 |
VII. President's Remarks - Jim Sena
Mr. Sena thanked Mr. Kimmick and the Math committee for their hard work, as evidenced by this evening’s presentation.
Mr. Sena discussed the Buddy Ball program, which was begun based on a suggestion from Mt. Horeb School teacher, Cathy Maguire.
VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Tami Crader
Dr. Crader reported on her attendance at the foundation meeting. The foundation is doing well, experiencing growth and investigating a potential project at the Middle School.
Dr. Crader reported on the instructional rounds held in the district with the Superintendent’s Network last Friday. The day was hugely successful.
IX. Committee Reports
Mrs. Helewa reported on the Policy Committee meeting, the results of which are on this evening’s agenda. Mrs. Helewa reported also on the meeting with Assemblyman Bramnick, which covered a range of topics.
Mrs. Allocco reported on this evening’s Personnel Committee meeting, at which the Teacher Evaluation Process, the Superintendent’s Evaluation Process and the Board Self-Evaluation were discussed. Dr. Crader, who completed her self-evaluation, will distribute it to all Board members. Board members are asked to come to the May 11th meeting prepared to provide input. Mrs. Allocco also discussed the process for the Board’s self-evaluation.
Mr. Sena, on behalf of Ms. Campos, reported on the SCESC meeting, at which the Career Center ribbon cutting was discussed. Ms. Campos shared that she is now on that board’s executive board.
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
Mr. deMontagnac asked questions regarding a budget transfer (B.4.), supervision (C.9.), clubs (C.11.), and CPR/AED training (C.15.).
Mr. deMontagnac asked a question regarding the out-of-district placement (A.4.).
Mr. Steier asked if the committee could review regulations as well as policy.
Mr. Steier also asked a question regarding supervision (C.9.).
On motion by Mrs. Helewa seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio the consent items A.1. through A.4., B.1. through B.8., C.1., through C.15., and D.1. and D.2. 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 April 23, 2015.
A.2. Out-of-Zone Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out-of-zone request for the following student:
a. Student #621819, Grade 5, to remain at Mt. Horeb School for the 2014-2015 school year. The student is moving to a home zoned for Central School, effective April 20, 2015. The district will not be responsible for student transportation.
b. Student #2007294, Grade 4, to remain at Angelo.L. Tomaso School for the 2014-2015 school year. The student is moving out of district effective April 15, 2015. The district will not be responsible for student transportation.
c. Student #621760, Grade 2, and Student #621757, Grade 1, to remain at Mt. Horeb School for the 2014-2015 school year. The students are moving out of district effective May 4, 2015. The district will not be responsible for student transportation.
A.3. 2016-2017 Calendar
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2016-2017 calendar.
A.4. Tuition-Out Student
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of district placement for Student #5922939849, to Bernards Township School District, beginning on or about April 20, 2015 through June 30, 2015, at a cost not to exceed $15,400.34.
B. Finance/Operations/Transportation
B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of April 2015 in the amount of $5,677,959.98.
B.2. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of March 2015.
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on March 31, 2015
|
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
|
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$6,321,040.77 |
$1,553,121.66 |
|
|
(11) Current Expense |
$1,216,176.58 |
||
|
(12) Capital Outlay |
$74,838.52 |
||
|
(13) Special Schools |
$330.82 |
||
|
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
$27,791.40 |
$18,071.66 |
$0.00 |
|
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$1,440,994.22 |
$686,067.17 |
$869,199.44 |
|
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$164.71 |
$0.00 |
$164.71 |
|
TOTAL |
$7,789,991.10 |
$1,995,484.75 |
$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.3. Budget Transfers for Month of March 2015
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 |
11-000-213-100-00-00 |
Salaries - Nurses & Doctor |
$600 |
|
11-000-213-600-03-00 |
Health Supplies - Central |
11-000-213-100-00-00 |
Salaries - Nurses & Doctor |
$1,495 |
|
11-000-219-390-08-00 |
CST Professional/Technical Services |
11-000-217-320-08-00 |
Extraordinary Svcs. - Purch. Svcs. |
$7,000 |
|
11-000-223-320-08-00 |
Staff Training Services - Special Ed |
11-000-223-580-08-00 |
Workshops & Travel - SPS |
$300 |
|
11-000-230-331-01-00 |
Legal Services |
11-000-230-820-00-00 |
Judgments Against District |
$15,000 |
|
11-000-262-300-09-00 |
Purch. Prof. & Tech. Svcs. - Maint. |
11-000-262-622-00-04 |
Electricity - Mt. Horeb |
$4,600 |
|
11-000-266-300-09-00 |
Security - Purch. Technical Svcs. |
11-000-262-520-01-00 |
Insurance - Property & Liability |
$2,500 |
|
11-190-100-500-00-01 |
Other Purch. Svcs. - Excel. in Ed. |
11-190-100-610-00-00 |
Instr. Supplies - Excellence in Ed. |
$400 |
|
11-190-100-580-07-00 |
Travel (Instructional) - Middle |
11-190-100-610-07-10 |
Instructional Supplies - Middle |
$650 |
|
11-213-100-101-00-00 |
Salaries - RC Teachers |
11-230-100-101-00-00 |
Salaries - Basic Skills Teachers |
$10,500 |
|
12-000-262-730-09-00 |
Operations & Maint. Equipment |
11-000-270-503-10-00 |
Contracted Aide in Lieu |
$37,975 |
|
12-000-261-730-00-00 |
Required Maint. - School Equip. |
11-000-261-420-09-03 |
Maintenance Repairs - Central |
$10,500 |
|
12-000-261-730-00-00 |
Required Main.- School Equip. |
11-000-261-420-09-04 |
Maintenance Repairs - Mt. Horeb |
$10,000 |
|
12-000-261-730-00-00 |
Required Maint.- School Equip. |
11-000-261-420-09-05 |
Maintenance Repairs - ALT |
$10,000 |
|
12-000-261-730-00-00 |
Required Maint.- School Equip. |
11-000-261-420-09-06 |
Maintenance Repairs - Woodland |
$10,000 |
|
12-000-261-730-00-00 |
Required Maint.- School Equip. |
11-000-261-420-09-07 |
Maintenance Repairs - Middle |
$10,000 |
|
12-130-100-730-07-00 |
Instructional Equipment - Middle |
11-120-100-101-00-01 |
Salaries - Grade 1-5 Teachers |
$34,000 |
|
12-130-100-730-07-00 |
Instructional Equipment - Middle |
11-130-100-101-00-01 |
Salaries - Grade 6-8 Teachers |
$37,220 |
|
13-422-100-500-00-00 |
Summer Fun - Other Purch.Svcs. |
13-422-100-106-00-00 |
Summer Fun - Classroom Aides |
$830 |
|
13-422-100-500-00-00 |
Summer Fun - Other Purch.Svcs. |
13-422-100-610-00-00 |
Summer Fun - Supplies |
$120 |
B.4. 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 |
|
Michelle Barbagallo |
MHS |
Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia |
South Plainfield |
May 2015 |
$200 |
|
Nancy Braunstein |
WS |
Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia |
South Plainfield |
May 2015 |
$200 |
|
Michele Stein |
MHS |
NJASP Conference |
East Windsor |
May 2015 |
$175
|
|
Tyler Tribelhorn |
District |
AHERA Training |
Piscataway |
May 2015 |
$300
|
|
Sean Convery |
MS |
ISTE Conference |
Philadelphia |
June 2015 |
$228 |
|
Susan Kline |
ALT |
ISTE Conference |
Philadelphia |
June 2015 |
$711 |
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.5. 2015-2016 Warren Township School District Budget Adoption
RESOLVED, the Board of Education adopts the 2015-2016 Warren Township School District Budget as approved by the Executive County Superintendent of Schools for Somerset County. The 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 |
||||
|
Interest |
$28,690 |
Fund Balance |
$165 |
|
|
Principal |
$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), this budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement. The 2015-2016 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 authorizes the Superintendent and Business Administrator to implement the 2015-2016 budget as hereby approved.
B.6. Tax Payment Schedule for 2015-2016 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following tax payment schedule for 2015-2016 from the Township of Warren:
|
July 6, 2015 |
$700,000 |
January 4, 2016 |
$3,295,890 |
|
|
July 16, 2015 |
$700,000 |
|||
|
August 3, 2015 |
$700,000 |
February 1, 2016 |
|
|
|
August 17, 2015 |
$1,000,000 |
|||
|
September 1, 2015 |
$2,000,000 |
March 1, 2016 |
$3,295,890 |
|
|
September 15, 2015 |
$2,000,000 |
|||
|
October 1, 2015 |
$4,225,112 |
April 1, 2016 |
$3,295,890 |
|
|
November 2, 2015 |
$4,225,112 |
May 2, 2016 |
$3,295,890 |
|
|
December 1, 2015 |
$4,225,112 |
June 1, 2016 |
$3,295,885 |
|
|
TOTAL 2015 - 2016: |
$39,550,671 |
|||
B.7. Middle School Social Studies Trip
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an 8th grade social studies trip, at various sites within Warren and its surrounding communities, on June 12, 2015. Student transportation to be provided through a combination of district buses and buses provided through the Dealaman Bus Company at a cost of $360.
B.8. The Public Employer Trust Dental Program Renewal
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a one year renewal in The Public Employer Trust dental program at a renewal rate of 3.4% for the period of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.
C. Personnel/Student Services
C.1. Substitute Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as a substitute teacher for the 2014-2015 school year:
a. Kaitlyn Brown (Current Classroom Paraprofessional at Woodland School)
C.2. Movement on the Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placement on the 2014-2015 salary guide:
a. Kevin Speckin, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective April 1, 2015.
C.3. Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the resignation of the following staff:
a. Sheila Connelly, Computer Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, with appreciation for her 8 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2015.
b. Maria Lampon-Sendon, Spanish Teacher, Warren Middle School, with appreciation for her 13 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2015.
c. John Walters, Van Driver, District, effective June 30, 2015.
C.4. Job Descriptions
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the job description for Technology Teacher.
C.5. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:
a. Employee #0590 for leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA, from on or about April 27, 2015 through on or about May 21, 2015, and under Medical Leave from on or about May 22, 2015 through on or about June 30, 2015. (This motion is extended from the April 13, 2015 agenda.)
b. Employee #0633 for leave (paid with benefits) under FMLA, from on or about May 11, 2015 through June 30, 2015, with an anticipated return date of September 1, 2015.
C.6. Fall Coaching Stipends
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following coaches for the 2015-2016 school year:
- Boys Soccer, Tim O’Heney, at a rate of $3,360
- Girls Soccer, Sean Mealey, at a rate of $3,360
- Cross Country, Kristen Boni, at a rate of $2,200
- Cross Country, Michele Tanzi, at a rate of $2,200
C.7. Non-WTEA Stipend Positions 2015-2016
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following non-WTEA stipends for the 2015-2016 school year:
a. Energy Educator, Hildy Jackson, $10,500 (6 hrs/wk)
b. Webmaster, Sean Convery, $12,000 (7.5 hrs/wk)
c. After School Activities Coordinator, Traci Haise, $6,400 (4 hrs/wk)
d. ELL Coordinator, Lauren Valera, $4,000 (2.5 hrs/wk)
e. Information Integration Specialist, Lynn Alger, Cynthia Cassidy, $9,600 total (6 hrs/wk)
C.8. Warren Middle School Stipend Positions 2015-2016
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following stipend positions for the 2015-2016 school year as per the WTEA agreement:
a. Lunchroom Supervisors:
Grade 6: Debra Granrath, Barbara LaSaracina, Brenda Sasso,
John Seremula
Grade 7: David Arnold, Sean Convery (2), O’Brien Speckin
Grade 8: Kurt Reck (2), Dan Ticchio, Joel Van Tine
b. Team Leaders:
Grade 6: Barbara LaSaracina
Grade 7: Dan Ticchio
Grade 8: Lynn Degen
Unified Arts: Bev MacGorman
c. Yearbook Advisors: Sean Convery, Kathleen Reynolds
d. Student Government Advisor: Bev MacGorman
C.9. Warren Middle School Bus Arrival Supervision
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for morning supervision at Warren Middle School, effective September 3, 2015 through June 30, 2016, at a stipend amount of $500 per marking period, per staff member:
- Marking Period 1:
Jane Claussen, Lesley Duncan, Mary Kovac, Tina Thomson
- Marking Period 2:
Karen Balich, Debbie Hunt, John Seremula, Michele Tanzi
- Marking Period 3:
Jane Claussen, Lesley Duncan, Mary Kovac, Tina Thomson
- Marking Period 4:
Karen Balich, Debbie Hunt, John Seremula, Michele Tanzi
C.10. Additional Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following additional hours:
a. Mia Bivaletz, Assistant to the Superintendent/PR Communications Coordinator, to work up to 15 hours per week, for 13 weeks, effective April 6, 2015, at the employee’s per diem rate.
b. Carolyn Wells, to accompany Student #8799524330, to Track team for 5 sessions, up to 15 hours, starting April 21, 2015, at a cost not to exceed $248.
C.11. After School Clubs – 2014-2015
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following club and advisor:
- Beth Ann Filiano to be a Club Advisor, Student Leadership Program, for 15 sessions, at a stipend of $715. (This program is funded by a grant from the Youth Services Commission.)
C.12. 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. Maria Powers, Van Driver, 35 hours, $24,063, to Van Driver, 25 hours, $17,188 (pro-rated), effective April 28, 2015 through June 30, 2015.
b. Roberta Snead, Van Driver, 25 hours, $16,200, to Van Driver, 35 hours, $22,680 (pro-rated), effective April 28, 2015 through June 30, 2015.
C.13. Employment for the 2015-2016 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 2015-2016 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. Michelle Cebula, transfer from Grade 5 Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, to Instructional Specialist, District, BA+15, (Step and Salary as per the 2015-2016 WTEA agreement), effective September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.
b. Melissa Stoeckel, transfer from Special Education Teacher, Central School, to Instructional Specialist, District, MA, (Step and Salary as per the 2015-2016 WTEA agreement), effective September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.
C.14. Service Provider
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves P.G. Chambers to provider Educational Consultations for the 2014-2015 school year, at a rate of $110 per hour.
C.15. CPR/AED and First Aid Training
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff to present either CPR/AED training on May 7, 2015 or First Aid training on May 27, 2015, at the contractual rate of $40 per hour, for the total cost of $1,200:
- Jan Brennan
- Lisa Lontai
- Alexis Sacks
- Harriet Stambaugh
- Doris Zanchelli
D. Policy
D.1. Policies – Second Reading
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second and final reading of the following policies:
a. 5141.8 - Sports Related Concussion and Head Injury
b. 6114 - Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness
c. 6173 - Home Instruction
d. 7110 - Long Range Facilities Planning
D.2. Policies –First Reading
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the following policies:
- 4138.2 - Private Tutoring
- 4222 - Non-Instructional Paraprofessionals
- 4123 - Classroom Paraprofessionals
d. 4115 - Staff Supervision
XII. Old Business
N/A
XIII. New Business
N/A
XIV. Public Commentary
N/A
XV. Executive Session
At 8:13 p.m. Mrs. Helewa 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:
specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session
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 Mr. deMontagnac and approved by unanimous voice vote.
On motion by Mrs. Helewa, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Board reconvened in open session at
8:37 p.m.
XVI. Adjourn
On motion by Mrs. Helewa, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Minutes recorded by
Patricia Leonhardt
Board Secretary
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