Minutes for May 26, 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 7:00 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 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: Celeste Campos, Kathy Helewa, Len deMontagnac, Desiree DeNourie, Joan Schiller, Greg Steier and Jim Sena
Absent: Lisa DiMaggio
Also Present: Dr. Tami Crader, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, Board Secretary, and members of the public and press.
Tia Allocco arrived at 7:07 p.m.
IV. Presentations
Presentation of REACH and E2 Program - The district's REACH and E2 teachers provided an overview of their programs.
V. Minutes
Mrs. Helewa moved the following:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public minutes of the May 11, 2015 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Dr. Schiller and approved by 8-0 roll-call vote.
VI.Correspondence and Information
· HIB Information
|
Total # of Investigations: |
0 |
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: |
0 |
VII. President's Remarks - Jim Sena
Mr. Sena expressed his thanks to the REACH and E2 teachers for tonight’s presentation.
Mr. Sena also shared the good news of the district’s receipt of a National Public Relations award.
Lastly, Mr. Sena wished Dr. Crader a Happy Birthday.
VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Tami Crader
Dr. Crader extended an invite to Board members to Watchung Hills Regional High School graduation.
Dr. Crader reported on modifications to the PARCC testing window.
Dr. Crader elaborated on the Public Relations award criteria, and extended her congratulations to Ms. Bivaletz.
IX. Committee Reports
Mrs. Helewa reported on the work of the Policy Committee, as evidenced by the policy updates on tonight’s agenda.
Mrs. Helewa also discussed some potential changes to regulations, as well as recent rulings from the Ethics Commission.
Mrs. Allocco reported on the Personnel Committee, emphasizing the Superintendent Evaluation process.
Mr. Steier reported on the Finance Committee, which discussed End of Year purchasing and the board’s response to the demographic projection. This lead to a board discussion regarding protocol for the work.
X. Discussion Items
Mr. Sena suggested that the agenda be modified so that Executive Session would be held after the first Public Commentary.
On motion by Mrs. Helewa seconded by Ms. Campos the decision to move the Executive Session immediately after the Public Commentary, was approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.
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. Executive Session
At 7:54 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 may be taken upon return to public session;
the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 90 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 Mr. deMontagnac, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:47 p.m.
RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorizes creation of a contract for Interim Superintendent Elizabeth Nastus. Contract to begin August 1, 2015 with an additional 10 days in July.
On motion by Mrs. Helewa seconded by Mr. deMontagnac, the motion was approved by a 8-0
roll-call vote.
XIII. Discussion
The board discussed its response to the Demographic Study. It was determined that the interim Superintendent will be tasked with beginning the process.
XIV. Items for Board Consideration/Action
Dr. Schiller asked a question regarding motion A.3.
Mrs. Allocco asked questions regarding B.11.
On motion by Mrs. Helewa seconded by Mr. deMontagnac the consent items A.1. through A.3., B.1. throught B.12., C.1., through C.13., and D.1. were approved by a 8-0 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 May 21, 2015.
A.2. 2015-2016 Calendar Revision
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the revised 2015-2016 district calendar to reflect changes in Staff Development days.
A.3. Fieldwork Site
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Fieldwork Site contracts for the 2015-2016 school year:
a. School Psychology Internship Agreement with Northeastern University to secure Warren Township Schools as a fieldwork site to provide supervised clinical educational experiences in psychology.
b. Clinical Affiliation Agreement with Thomas Jefferson University to secure Warren Township Schools as a fieldwork site to provide supervised clinical educational experiences in occupational therapy.
B. Finance/Operations/Transportation
B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of May 2015 in the amount of $2,825,886.88.
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 April, 2015,
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on April 30, 2015,
|
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
|
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$4,837,797.60 |
$1,553,121.66 |
|
|
(11) Current Expense |
$1,163,296.91 |
||
|
(12) Capital Outlay |
$72,368.62 |
||
|
(13) Special Schools |
$330.82 |
||
|
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
($16,574.85) |
$13,471.95 |
$0.00 |
|
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$832,358.66 |
$686,049.47 |
$869,199.44 |
|
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$164.71 |
$0.00 |
$164.71 |
|
TOTAL |
$5,653,746.12 |
$1,935,517.77 |
$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 April 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: |
|||
|
11-000-100-562-08-01 |
Tuition - Other LEAs - Regular SY |
11-000-217-320-08-00 |
Extraordinary Svcs. - Prof. Svc. |
$14,800 |
|
11-000-100-566-08-01 |
Tuition - Private - Regular SY |
11-000-217-320-08-00 |
Extraordinary Svcs. - Prof. Svc. |
$4,600 |
|
11-000-213-600-07-00 |
Health Supplies - Middle School |
11-190-100-610-07-10 |
Instructional Supplies - Middle |
$2,000 |
|
11-000-219-390-08-00 |
CST Professional/Tech. Svcs. |
11-000-217-320-08-00 |
Extraordinary Svcs. - . Prof. Svc. |
$10,000 |
|
11-000-219-500-08-00 |
CST - Other Purchased Services |
11-000-219-600-11-01 |
CST Supplies - Technology |
$70 |
|
11-000-223-320-08-00 |
Staff Training Svcs. - Special Ed |
11-000-223-580-08-00 |
Workshops & Travel - SPS |
$330 |
|
11-000-230-100-01-01 |
Salaries - Support Staff |
11-000-230-590-00-51 |
Admin. - Other Purchased Svcs. |
$5,600 |
|
11-000-230-100-01-01 |
Salaries - Support Staff |
11-000-230-590-01-00 |
Admin. - Other Purchased Svcs, |
$7,900 |
|
11-000-262-100-09-15 |
Overtime - Maintenance |
11-120-100-101-00-01 |
Salaries - Grade 1-5 Teachers |
$17,000 |
|
11-000-262-300-09-00 |
Purch.Prof. & Tech. Svcs.- Maint. |
11-000-261-420-09-06 |
Maintenance Repairs - Woodland |
$9,000 |
|
11-000-270-512-07-00 |
Field Trip Transportation - Middle |
11-000-270-511-10-71 |
Contracted Bus Transportation |
$360 |
|
11-190-100-340-11-01 |
Purchased Tech. Svcs. - Tech. |
11-190-100-610-11-01 |
Instructional Supplies - Hardware |
$5,000 |
|
11-402-100-500-07-00 |
Sports - Purchased Services |
11-402-100-600-07-00 |
Sports Supplies |
$1,185 |
|
12-120-100-730-06-00 |
Instructional Equipment - WD |
11-190-100-610-11-01 |
Instructional Supplies - Hardware |
$5,200 |
B.4. Approval of Bus Purchase
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the purchase of a 24/25 passenger bus, at an approximate cost of $43,910.25, from Van-Con, per the Middlesex Regional Educational Services bid #114/15-31.
B.5. Joint Transportation Agreements
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes Joint Transportation Agreements for the 2015-2016 school year as follows:
- Somerset County Educational Services Commission - administrative fee of 4%
- Union County Education Services Commission - administrative fee of 4%
- Middlesex Regional Educational (MRESC) with an administrative fee of either 2% or 4%.
B.6. Rates for Custodial Charges for Building Usage for the 2015-2016 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following rates for the billing of custodial charges for the groups that use our buildings:
- Straight time $32.00 per hour
- Time and a half $48.00 per hour
- Double time $64.00 per hour
B.7. Purchase of Math Materials
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the purchase of Go Math 2015 teacher and student materials, from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, at a cost not to exceed $45,000.
B.8. Approval of Vehicle Maintenance Contract
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the vehicle maintenance contract between the Morris Union Jointure Commission and the Warren Township Board of Education as per the proposal dated May 7, 2015, for the period beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016, at a rate of $71.00 per hour (same rate as 2014-2015).
B.9. Purchase of Copy Machines
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the purchase of three (3) copy machines, for a total cost of $62,705, from Atlantic Tomorrow's Office of Freehold, NJ. The district will be purchasing two Savin MP9002SP copiers with 3 hole punch capability, which will be placed in faculty rooms at the Mt. Horeb and Central Schools. The district will also purchase a MP6002SP with 3 hole punch capability, to be placed in the Main Office at the Warren Middle School. These purchases are covered by NJ State Contract A51464.
B.10. NJDOE Compliance Child Nutritional Program
RESOLVED, whereas the Arc Kohler School is a non-profit NJ Department of Education approved private school for students with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the School District of Warren Township has contracted to send to the Arc Kohler School certain students with disabilities who reside in the district; and
WHEREAS, the Arc Kohler School provides meals that meet the nutritional requirements of the Child Nutrition Program as administered by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture; and
WHEREAS, the Arc Kohler School will apply for and receive funding for meals in accordance with the income eligibility criteria established by the Child Nutrition Program as administered by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
WHEREAS, the Arc Kohler School does not charge students for the cost of the meals;
NOW THEREFORE it is
RESOLVED, that the Warren Township Board of Education acknowledges the foregoing actions and in accordance with N.J.A.C.6A:23-4.5(a)20 authorizes the ARC Kohler School to include the cost of meals provided within the annual tuition rate charged to students.
B.11. Authorization for Security Consultant Contract
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with Trionaid Associates, Inc., for the 2015-2016 School Year, at a cost of $49,000.
B.12. 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 |
|
Melissa Stoeckel |
CS |
Summer H.E.A.T. Coach Certification |
New Brunswick |
Aug 2015 |
$324 |
|
Michelle Cebula |
MHS |
Summer H.E.A.T. Coach Certification |
New Brunswick |
Aug 2015 |
$327 |
|
Stacey Hann-Modugno |
District |
Summer H.E.A.T. Coach Certification |
New Brunswick |
Aug 2015 |
$158
|
|
William Kimmick |
District |
Evidence-Centered Leadership Conference |
New Providence |
Aug 2015 |
$299 |
|
Stacey Hann-Modugno |
District |
Evidence-Centered Leadership Conference |
New Providence |
Aug 2015 |
$299 |
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.
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. Iberca Jimenez, Bus Driver, 5 hours per day, effective May 18, 2015 through June 30, 2015, at an annual salary of $16,938 (pro-rated).
C.2. Appointment of Staff for the 2015-2016 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Administrators, for the 2015-2016 school year: Candida Hengemuhle as Director of Special Services; William Kimmick as Curriculum Coordinator and Stacey Hann-Modugno as Curriculum Supervisor.
C.3. Substitute Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teacher for the 2014-2015 school year:
a. Julie Holliday
C.4. Substitute Bus Driver
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Tracey Arnone as a 2014-2015 substitute bus driver, effective May 27, 2015, at a rate of $18.89 per hour.
C.5. Retirement/Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement/resignations of the following staff:
a. Linda Pepe, Special Education Teacher, Woodland School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 21 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2015.
b. Maria Powers, Bus Driver, for purpose of retirement, with appreciation for over 7 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective May 15, 2015.
c. Beth Ann Filiano, Paraprofessional, Warren Middle School, with appreciation for over 6 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 12, 2015.
d. Timothy Leonard, Instrumental Music Teacher, District, with appreciation for 2 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2015.
e. Lisa Rica, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Central School, with appreciation for 3 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 5, 2015.
C.6. 2015-2016 Employment Non-WTEA Employees
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of non-WTEA employee assignments and salaries for the 2015-2016 school year, dated
May 20, 2015.
C.7. Extended Work Schedule
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an extended work schedule, to a maximum of five days total per school, beginning after the last day of the 2014-2015 school year and ending before the commencement of the 2015-2016 school year, at the employee’s per diem rate, as follows:
a. Ellyn Jara, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School
b. Carmella Motyczka, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Central School
c. Michele Delserro, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School
d. Susan Francione, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Woodland School
C.8. Movement on the Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2014-2015 salary guide:
a. Amanda Rodrigues, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective May 1, 2015.
b. Lindsey Schreck, with congratulations, for movement from BA to BA+15, effective May 1, 2015.
C.9. Warren Middle School Guidance Additional Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Guidance Counselors to work three days, from August 25, 2015 through August 27, 2015, at the employee’s per diem rate:
a. Helen Scully- Grade 8
b. Lauren Regal- Grade 7
c. Midge Johnson- Grade 6
C.10. NGSS Science Institute Participation Stipend
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for a stipend for their participation in the NGSS Science Institute at Raritan Valley Community College on July 27 - 31, 2015, $85 per person per day for five days, for a total of $1,275:
- Kelly Brown
- Ann Marie Christou
- Carolyn McCloskey
C.11. Child Study Team 2015 Summer Evaluations and Therapy Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Child Study Team to conduct summer evaluations and therapy hours (in-district) per the list dated May 20, 2015, at a cost not to exceed $48,862.
C.12. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:
a. Employee #1777 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), under FMLA, from May 5, 2015 through May 25, 2015, with a return date of May 26, 2015.
C.13. Appointment of 2015-2016 Summer Fun Staff
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of Summer Fun Staff, Paraprofessionals and Substitutes, dated May 26, 2015.
D. Policy
D.1. Policies – First Reading
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the following policies:
a. 5141.21 - Administering Medication
b. 6145.1/6145.2 - Intramural Competition; Interscholastic Competition
c. 9323/9324 - Agenda Preparation/Advance Delivery of Meeting Material
XV. Old Business
N/A
XVI. New Business
Dr. Schiller continued the discussion regarding the recent Ethics rulings. Mrs. Helewa will investigate and will continue reviewing this topic at the next meeting.
XVII. Public Commentary
Patricia Zohn, Mountainview Road, discussed the board’s process for its potential school repurposing process.
XVIII. Adjourn
On motion by Mrs. Helewa, seconded by Mrs. deMontagnac, the meeting adjourned at 10:24 p.m.
Minutes recorded by
Patricia Leonhardt
Board Secretary
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