Warren Township Schools: Minutes for August 10, 2015

Minutes for August 10, 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, Celeste Campos, Len deMontagnac, Desiree DeNourie,

Kathy Helewa, Greg Steier and Jim Sena

Absent: Lisa DiMaggio

Also Present: Dr. Elizabeth Nastus, Interim Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, Board Secretary, and members of the public and press.

Joan Schiller arrived at 7:45 p.m.

IV. Presentations

Mr. Brian Kathenes, Community Facilitator provided an overview regarding using a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the district’s review of its declining enrollment. The board asked multiple questions regarding the process.

V. Minutes

Mrs. Helewa moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the July 13, 2015 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. deMontagnac and approved by 7-0 roll-call vote.

Mrs. Helewa moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public minutes of the July 15, 2015 Special Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Ms. Campos and approved by 5-0-2 roll-call vote. (Ms. DeNourie and Mr. Steier abstained.)

VI. 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).

Brenda Nemcek, Old Smalleytown Road suggested that the board determine its approach in time to discuss at PTO meetings.

VII. Change Order of Agenda

Mrs. Helewa moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a change to the order of the agenda.

The motion was seconded by Ms. Campos and approved by 8-0 roll-call vote.

VIII. Executive Session

At 7:46 p.m. Mrs. Helewa moved the following:

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:

pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation and/or matters of attorney-client privilege.

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 Ms. Campos and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Helewa, seconded by Ms. Campos, the Board reconvened in open session at 8:36 p.m.

IX. President's Remarks - Jim Sena

Mr. Sena expressed his wishes that everyone had (or will have) a good vacation.

Mr. Sena welcomed Dr. Nastus to the district.

X. Superintendent’s Remarks – Elizabeth Nastus

Dr. Nastus thanked everyone for the warm welcome and shared that staffing transitions are proceeding smoothly.

Dr. Nastus mentioned her open door policy.

XI. Committee Reports

N/A

XII. Discussion

Board Goals - The board discussed the goals recommended by Dr. Crader. The board clarified the goals with dates and they will be on the August 24, 2015 Agenda for adoption.

XIII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mr. Steier asked questions regarding motions B.3., C.1.h., and C.9.

Mrs. Helewa asked that motion C.11. be held for a separate vote.

On motion by Mrs. Helewa seconded by Mr. Steier the consent items A.1. through A.4., B.1. throught B.7., and C.1. through C.10. were approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by by Mrs. Helewa seconded by Mr. Steier the consent item C.11., was approved by a 6-0-2 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Helewa and Mr. Steier voted against.)

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 August 6, 2015.

A.2. Violence/Vandalism/HIB Bi-Annual Summary Report

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Violence/Vandalism/HIB bi-annual summary report for the period January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015.

A.3. 2015-2016 District Goals

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the district goals as

follows:

a. Continue to focus on elements of instruction (including grading, homework, and class assignments) that impact student achievement and align with 21^st Century vision.

b. Develop consistent practices that support a culture of attention to safety and security.

c. Evaluate current master schedules as to ability to best deliver 21^st Century instruction.

A.4. Summer Curriculum Writing

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the additional summer curriculum position, as per the 2014-2017 WTEA negotiated agreement, at a cost not to exceed $400.

Paul Duncan, Professional Development Planning committee

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. 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
Robert Comba	MS	American Middle Level Education Conference	Columbus, OH	Nov. 2015	$1,779
Scott Cook	MHS	American Middle Level Education Conference	Columbus, OH	Nov. 2015	$1,879

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.2. Nonpublic Transportation 2014-2015 - Acceptance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts Nonpublic Transportation funding from the 2014-2015 school year in the amount of $23,838.

B.3. Nonpublic Transportation 2014-2015 - Allocation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase to the 2015-2016 budget to recognize 2014-2015 Nonpublic Transportation in the amount of $23,838 and allocate these funds as follows:

· Revenue Account: 10-3190 Other State Aid (10-303 Budgeted Fund Balance)

· Expense Acct: 11-000-240-103-00-00 Salaries - Principals/Dean/Dir $23,838

B.4. Board of Education Meeting Date Change

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves changing its meeting date from Monday, October 12th to Tuesday, October 13th. Meeting will be held at the District Office at 7:00 p.m.

B.5. Sale of Obsolete Items

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education declares as obsolete the following items:

Item Type	Make	Model	System Id	Asset Number
Walk behind mower	Exmark Viking	VH4815KAC/ Serial Number 370726		11121
Walk behind mower	Exmark Viking	VH4815KAC/ Serial Number 370736		11122

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the sale of the listed equipment in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A:45 – Sale of Property.

B.6. Transportation Contract for Out-of-District Students – WHRHS

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Watchung Hills Regional High School for the transportation of their students for the 2015-2016 School Year as follows:

Contractor District Route Cost

Warren WHRHS Center $4,403.70

Warren WHRHS WH1 $8,203.68

Warren WHRHS WH2 $4,975.20

Warren WHRHS WH3(pm only) $2,487.60

Warren WHRHS Sp Ed trips $8,997.25

B.7. Transportation for Out-of-District Student - Green Brook

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Green Brook School District for the 2015-2016 School Year transportation for out-of -district student as follows:

Contractor Student ID# School Cost

Green Brook 7211419443 Jardine $29,700

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. Katherine Griffith, Interim Assistant Principal/Interim Principal, Central School, from on or about August 11, 2015 through on or about October 31, 2015, at a per diem rate of $400 for Interim Assistant Principal and $500 for Interim Principal.

b. Sandra Dodd, Secretary to the Superintendent, Administrative Office, at an annual salary of $55,000 (prorated), effective August 24, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

c. Khara Patti, Classroom Paraprofessional, Woodland School, decrease from 32.5 hours to 30 hours, Step 22 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $27,195, plus a stipend of $1,800 for her teaching certificate, effective September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

d. Shannon Curry, Special Education Teacher, Woodland School, BA, Step 1 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $56,670, effective September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

e. Maxine Dornfeld, transfer from Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School, 30 hours, to Classroom Paraprofessional, Woodland School, 32.5 hours, Step 15-16 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $24,278, plus a stipend of $1,800 for her teaching certificate, effective September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

f. Kaitlyn Brown, transfer from Classroom Paraprofessional, Woodland School, 32.5 hours, to Classroom Paraprofessional (SEED), Angelo L. Tomaso School, 32.5 hours, Step 1-4 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $20,573, plus a stipend of $1,800 for her teaching certificate, effective September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

g. Michele DiPaolo, transfer from Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School, 30 hours, to Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, 30 hours, Step 11-12 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $21,015 effective September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

h. Shannon Albrecht, Secretary to the Curriculum Coordinator, District, Step 5 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $48,204 (prorated), effective August 17, 2015 through June 30, 2016. (She replaces Mary Ann McGann.)

i. Amanda Gordon, Leave Replacement Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, MA, Step 1 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $62,337 (prorated), effective on or about October 26, 2015 through on or about March 18, 2016. (She will be a LRT for Employee #0792.)

j. Rosalia Lopa, Leave Replacement Teacher, Middle, BA, Step 1 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $56,670 (prorated), effective on September 1, 2015 through on or about December 4, 2015. (She will be a LRT for Employee #1466.)

k. Breanne Maughan, Special Education Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, MA, Step 1 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $62,337, effective September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

l. Marisol Ziegler, Classroom Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours, Angelo L. Tomaso School, Step 1-4 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $20,573, effective September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

C.2. Employment Contract – Business Administrator

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the contract of employment dated July 1, 2015 between the Warren Township Board of Education and Mrs. Patricia Leonhardt for the position of Business Administrator for the period July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. A copy of this contract is on file at the Board of Education Office and will be posted on the district website

C.3. Business Administrator Merit Goals 2015-2016

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following 2015-2016 merit goals for Patricia Leonhardt, Business Administrator, at the following payout rates:

Qualitative Goals: 2.5%

1. Successful management of seven ROD grants, culminating in SDA acknowledgement of acceptance of all required documentation.

2. Provide extensive Business Administrator support, including but not limited to financial, physical and transportation analyses, for district study of response to declining student enrollment.

C.4. Movement on the Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2015-2016 salary guide:

a. Robert Hartshorn, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective September 1, 2015.

b. Amanda Rodrigues, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective September 1, 2015.

C.5. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #0792 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), under FMLA/NJFLA/Child Rearing, from on or about October 26, 2015 through on or about March 18, 2016, with an anticipated return date of March 21, 2016.

C.6. Service Provider

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves AHS-Morris Medical Center Goryeb Children’s Hospital Child Development Center to provide the following Evaluations with written reports for the 2015-2016 school year:

Educational Evaluations ($575)
Speech Evaluations ($300)

C.7. Job Descriptions

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

a. Assistant Principal

C.8. Family Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

Employee #2971 for leave under FMLA from July 22, 2015 through August 19, 2015.

C.9. Long Term Substitute

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Amanda Gordon as a Long Term Substitute effective September 3, 2015 through October 23, 2015. Ms. Gordon will be in the classroom with Mrs. Plager.

C.10. Legal Settlement - D.B.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the terms of the Release from D.B. in resolution of the claims asserted in this litigation.

C.11. Legal Settlement - R.L.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the terms of the Release from R.L. in resolution of the claims asserted in this litigation.

XIV. Old Business

N/A

XV. New Business

Mrs. Helewa reported on the NJSBA Legislative Committee meeting with Assemblyman Bramnick which she attended this morning.

Mr. Steier asked a question regarding summer HIB reporting.

Mrs. Leonhardt requested that if any board members plan on attending the NJSBA workshop that they let her know.

Mrs. Leonhardt informed the board that Dwight Pfenning of Hazard, Young and Attea plans to hold meetings in the district on September 14th and 15th, with the 28th reserved if needed.

XVI. Public Commentary

Brenda Nemcek, Old Smalleytown Road, offered to help communicate the district’s multiple initiatives.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Helewa, seconded by Dr. Schiller, the meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

Minutes recorded by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary