Warren Township Schools: Minutes for June 22, 2015

Minutes for June 22, 2015 Archived Minutes

A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Board of Education Administration Building, 213 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 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 8, 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, Joan Schiller, Greg Steier and Jim Sena

Absent: Celeste Campos

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

IV. Presentations

Mr. Kimmick provided the board with an overview of:

- Data Protocols

- Next Generation Science Standards

V. Minutes

Mrs. Helewa moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public minutes of the June 8, 2015 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Steier and approved by 7-0-1 roll-call vote. (Ms. DeNourie abstained.)

VI.Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

VII. President's Remarks - Jim Sena

Mr. Sena thanked Mr. Kimmick for his informative presentation this evening.

Mr. Sena hoped all enjoyed Father’s Day weekend.

Mr. Sena reminded everyone that tomorrow night is the 8th grade graduation.

VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Tami Crader

Dr. Crader reported on:

Her most recent school visitations, which showed our students to be very excited.
Mrs. Cirotti’s writing celebration
Her attendance at Paul Duncan’s dissertation defense, which focused on the district’s use of technology.

IX. Committee Reports

Mrs. Allocco reviewed the results of the board’s self-evaluation.

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. Discussion

N/A

XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Item C.1.c. was tabled for reasons to be discussed in executive session.

Mrs. Allocco asked a question regarding teacher coverage for leaves.

Mrs. Helewa expressed her regret regarding Ms. Bivaletz’s resignation.

Mr. Steier asked a question regarding motion C.1.

On motion by Mrs. Helewa seconded by Mr. deMontagnac the consent items A.1. through A.4., B.1. throught B.15., and C.1.a., C.1.b., C.1.d., C.1.e., C.1.f. through C.8. 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 June 18, 2015.

A.2. Out-of-District Placement ESY 2015

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out-of-district 2015 ESY placement list dated June 18, 2015. This motion supersedes the approval on the June 8, 2015 agenda.

A.3. Out-of-District Placement School Year 2015-2016

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out-of-district 2015-2016 school year placement list, dated June 17, 2015. This motion supersedes the approval on the June 8, 2015 agenda.

A.4. Summer Curriculum Writing

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the additional staff for the 2015 summer curriculum positions, as per the 2014-2017 WTEA negotiated agreement, at a cost not to exceed $6,800:

Nancy Andrews	Ann Marie Christou	Lauren Regal
Jennifer Benn	Lynn Degen	Heather Saum
Fran Blabolil	Susan Jackson	Jolanta Scassera
Kristen Boni	Colleen Krumm	Helen Scully
Anita Brower	Marianne Larson	Kevin Speckin
Christine Burkhardt	Timothy O’Heney	Melissa Stoeckel
Michelle Cebula	Bonnie Pierson	Linda Yu

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the period June 9, 2015 through June 22, 2015 in the amount of $2,541,431.68.

B.2. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the School Business

Administrator/Board Secretary, pursuant to policy 3326, to audit pending bills and claims, to pay qualifying bills and claims within approved budget line item amounts, from June 23, 2015 to June 30, 2015, and to submit those bills to the Board of Education for approval at its meeting scheduled for August 10, 2015.

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 May, 2015

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on May 31, 2015

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$6,142,668.24		$1,553,121.66
(11) Current Expense		$1,236,049.80
(12) Capital Outlay		$24,544.27
(13) Special Schools		$330.82
(20) Special Revenue Fund	($9,851.03)	$15,571.41	$0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$318,269.40	$686,025.19	$869,199.44
(40) Debt Service Fund	$164.71	$0.00	$164.71
TOTAL	$6,451,251.32	$1,962,521.49	$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 May 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:
11-000-216-320-08-00	Speech/OT/PT-Purch. Prof. Svcs.	11-000-216-100-00-00	Speech & OT Salaries	$907
11-000-230-334-01-00	Architect & Engineering Services	11-000-230-339-01-00	Admin. - Purchased Prof. Services	$4,200
11-000-230-530-01-21	Postage - District	11-000-230-610-01-00	Admin. - Supplies	$160
11-000-262-100-09-02	Substitute Custodian Pay	11-000-270-503-10-00	Contracted Aide in Lieu	$15,000
11-000-266-300-09-00	Security - Purch.Technical Svcs.	11-000-262-621-00-03	Heat - Central	$4,430
11-190-100-610-03-00	Instructional Supplies - Central	11-190-100-640-03-00	Textbooks - Central	$1,900
11-190-100-610-12-00	Instructional Supplies - Curriculum	11-120-100-101-00-01	Salaries - Grade 1-5 Teachers	$11,500
11-190-100-640-12-00	Textbooks - Replacement Series	11-120-100-101-00-02	Grade 1-5 Teachers - Substitutes	$29,500
12-000-240-730-04-00	School Admin. Equipment - MH	11-000-262-621-00-05	Heat - ALT	$4,096
12-000-240-730-07-00	School Admin. Equipment - MS	11-000-262-622-00-05	Electricity - ALT	$18,609
12-000-261-730-00-00	Required Maint.- School Equip.	11-000-262-622-00-07	Electricity - Middle	$13,000
12-000-270-734-00-00	School Bus - Special Education	11-000-270-161-10-02	Special Ed Transportation - Subs	$43,915

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
Harriet Stambaugh	WS	School Health 2015	Somerset	Oct 2015	$181

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. Establishment of Maintenance Reserve Account

RESOLVED, that whereas N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-14.2 et seq permits a Board of Education, at any time, to establish a maintenance reserve account by board resolution; and,

WHEREAS, the account shall be established and held in accordance with GAAP and shall be subject to annual audit; and

WHEREAS, the fund in the maintenance reserve account are restricted to required maintenance appropriations as reported on in the comprehensive maintenance plan pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:26A-4; and

WHEREAS, a district board of education or board of school estimate shall not transfer such funds to any other line-item account.

NOW therefore be it resolved by the Warren Township Board of Education hereby authorized the district’s School Business Administrator to establish said account consistent with all applicable laws and regulations in the amount of $200,000.

B.7. Transfer of Current Year Surplus to Capital Reserve

WHEREAS, NJSA 18A:21-2 and NJSA 18A:7G-13 permit a Board of Education to establish and/or deposit into certain reserve accounts at year end, and

WHEREAS, the aforementioned statutes authorize procedures, under the authority of the Commissioner of Education, which permit a board of education to transfer anticipated excess current revenue or unexpended appropriations into reserve accounts during the month of June by board resolution, and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education wishes to deposit the anticipated current year surplus of up to $975,000 into Capital Reserve at year end, and

WHEREAS, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education has determined that up to $975,000 is available for such purpose of transfer;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren Township Schools Board of Education hereby authorizes the district’s School Business Administrator to make this transfer consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.

B.8. Approval of Bank Account Closure

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the closure of a separate bank account specifically for the purposes of the Superintendent’s Petty Cash. Effective with the 2015-2016 school year, these monies shall be funded from the general account, in alignment with all other district petty cash accounts.

B.9. Purchase – Technology Equipment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following 2014-2015 budgeted purchases:

55 Dell Chromebooks, including Google Management Software - $17,204

Purchase under NJ State Contract M0483

B.10. Transportation for Out-of-District Student - Green Brook - ESY

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Green Brook School District for the 2015 ESY transportation for out-of -district student as follows:

Contractor Student ID# School Cost

Green Brook 7211419443 Jardine Academy $ 2,550.00

B.11. Approval of Purchase of Student Van

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the purchase of a 2016 Ford Transit 8 Passenger Full Size Van from Ditschman/Flemington Ford, through Hunterdon County ESC Cooperative Purchase Contract #14/15-Trans-1. Purchase price of $24,202.

B.12. Transportation Contract for Out of District Students – Berkeley Heights - ESY

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Berkeley Heights School District for the transportation of their students for the 2015 ESY as follows:

Contractor District School Cost

Warren Berkeley Heights DLC $ 1,072.50

Warren Berkeley Heights Newmark $ 900.00

B.13. Transportation for Out-of-District Student - MRESC - ESY

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with MRESC School District for the 2015 ESY transportation for out-of-district students as follows:

Contractor Student ID# School Cost

MRESC 4058597640 ARC Kohler $ 2,425.28

MRESC 1249020587 Rutgers $ 6,195.70

MRESC 9673170421 & 1405701923 Cambridge $ 3,491.63

B.14. Renewal of Membership in New Jersey School Boards Insurance Group

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes participation by the district in the New Jersey Schools Insurance Group, per the Resolution for Renewal of Membership and Indemnity and Trust Renewal Agreement, effective July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018.

B.15. Renewal of Membership in School Alliance Insurance Fund

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes participation by the district in the School Alliance Insurance Fund, per the Resolution for Renewal of Membership and Indemnity and Trust Renewal Agreement, effective July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. 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. Joseph Larramendia, Technology Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, BA, Step 1 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $56,670, effective September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. (He will replace S. Connelly.)

b. Melissa Fedosh, Leave Replacement Teacher, District, MA, Step 4-6 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $64,251 (pro-rated), effective September 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. (She will be a leave replacement teacher for Employee #2045.)

c. Dr. James Baker, Interim Principal, Central School, during the period of July 1, 2015 through November 1, 2015, at a per diem rate of $475. (TABLED)

d. Donald Strickland, Mechanic/Groundskeeper/Substitute Driver, District, $42,873, effective July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. (This motion reflects a new salary.)

e. William Mellott, Instrumental Music Teacher, District, BA, Step 1 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $56,670, effective September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. (He will replace T. Leonard.)

f. Chelsea Christophel, Special Education Teacher, Central School, BA, Step 2-3 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $57,540, effective September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. (She will replace A. Ciraco.)

C.2. Approval of IDEA Preschool Payroll Monies

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the use of the FY2016 IDEA Preschool Grant monies in the amount of $16,005 for salary and benefits support as follows:

Employee ID Full Salary Salary Funds from IDEA %

#1859 $22,410 $11,205 50%

#1391 $28,135 $ 3,663 13%

C.3. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Allison Hecht, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective June 1, 2015.

b. Suzanne Wisher, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective June 1, 2015.

C.4. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2930 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), under FMLA/NJFLA, from on or about October 26, 2015 through on or about February 16, 2016, with an anticipated return date of February 17, 2016.

b. Employee #2863 for leave (unpaid with benefits), under NJFLA, from September 3, 2015 through October 31, 2015, with an anticipated return date of November 2, 2015.

c. Employee #0590 for leave (paid with benefits) under Medical Leave, from July 1, 2015 through on or about August 31, 2015. (This motion is extended from the April 27, 2015 agenda.)

C.5. Additional Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the additional hours for Mary Kovac to accompany Student #1316522773, to a Graduation Function for up to 4 hours, on June 23, 2015, at a cost not to exceed $90.

C.6. Summer Employees - 2015

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the additional list of summer employees, dated June 18, 2015, at the listed hourly rates, from June 24, 2015 through August 28, 2015.

C.7. Resignation

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

a. Mia Bivaletz, Assistant to the Superintendent/PR Communications Coordinator, Administrative Office, with appreciation for over 3 years of service to the Warren Township staff and students, effective July 31, 2015.

C.8. Special Education Service Providers’ List

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of special education service providers for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year, dated June 19, 2015.

XIII. Old Business

Mrs. Allocco asked a question regarding Chromebook filtering.

Mrs. Helewa discussed the School Improvement Panel, and requested a future discussion.

XIV. New Business

Mrs. Leonhardt called the board’s attention to the memo regarding district contracts.

XV. Public Commentary

N/A

XVI. Executive Session

At 8:27 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 10 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 Mrs. DiMaggio and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Helewa, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:27 p.m.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Helewa, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m.

Minutes recorded by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary

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