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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day at the Warren Township 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 Board President Tia Allocco

Open Public Meeting Statement – Mrs. Allocco 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 5, 2016. 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 TAP into Warren, 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. Allocco led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Roll Call

Present: Paige Albano, Celeste Campos, Len deMontagnac, Lisa DiMaggio,

Andrea Freijomil, Kathy Helewa, Jim Sena, Joan Schiller and Tia Allocco

Absent:

Also Present: Dr. Elizabeth Nastus, Interim Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, Board Secretary,

and members of the public and press.

IV. Presentation

Mr. Bill Kimmick provided an overview of the role and scheduling of library and technology in education today, and specifically in the Warren Township School District. The board spent a substantial amount of time asking follow up questions.

V. Minutes

Ms. Campos moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the January 19, 2016 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Helewa and approved by 8-0-1 roll-call vote. (Dr. Schiller abstained.)

VI.Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

2

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

2

· Fire Drills

ALT Central Mt. Horeb Woodland Middle

January 8 January 8 January 15 January 15 January 15

· Security Drills

ALT Central Mt. Horeb Woodland Middle

January 27 January 28 January 19 January 28 January 21

Sheltering In Sheltering In Sheltering In Sheltering In Sheltering In

VII. President's Remarks – Tia Allocco

Mrs. Allocco expressed thanks for this evening’s food, provided in recognition of Board Appreciation month.

Mrs. Allocco thanked all for their flexibility regarding committee meeting scheduling, and reported on her conversation with the Board attorney regarding Personnel & Negotiations committee staffing. This will be a joint committee, whose members will be Mrs. Albano, Ms. Campos, Mrs. Freijomil and Mrs. Allocco (chair).

VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Elizabeth Nastus

In recognition of Board appreciation month, Dr. Nastus thanked the board for its hard work and time devoted to membership.

Dr. Nastus thanked Mr. Kimmick and Mrs. Hann-Modugno for the evening’s presentation on library integration.

IX. Committee Reports

Ms. Campos reported on the STEEP Finance Committee, which discussed criteria and guidelines. An update will be provided at the board’s next meeting.

Mr. deMontagnac reported on the STEEP Facilities Committee, which has a walk through of the Middle School scheduled. Assessment and modeling will follow.

Mr. deMontagnac reported on the Finance Committee, which discussed security initiatives, the 2016-2017 budget, and PTO trips and assemblies (recommended for review by the Curriculum committee),

X. Discussion

• Library & Technology

The board discussed the points made during the evening’s presentation. Dr. Nastus requested that the board provide a recommendation regarding a library schedule by next month, allowing scheduling to proceed. The board has requested additional data regarding book exchanges and library visitation frequency.

• Physical Education Scheduling

Dr. Nastus reviewed the requirements and options available for the district to be brought into compliance. The board decided to create recreation opportunities during recess beginning in 2016-2017.

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).

Darby Finkelstein, Trinity Place, discussed her concerns regarding the effect of a potential future enrollment increase as well as the proposed library schedule.

David Brezee, Berkshire Drive, expressed his concern regarding potential decreased library time.

Patricia Puglis, Wolf Hill Drive, also expressed concern regarding potential decreased library time.

Sandy Carlock, Mountain Avenue, spoke of the services a school librarian can provide.

XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Dr. Schiller asked a question regarding motion B.6. Mr. deMontagnac asked a follow up question on the same motion.

On motion by Ms. Campos seconded by Dr. Schiller the consent items A.1. through A.3., B.1. through B.6., and C.1. through C.5., were approved by a 9-0 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 January 28, 2016.

A.2. Tuition Out Student

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of district placement for Student #5823785774, to Newmark School, beginning on February 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016, at a cost not to exceed $26,952. (This contract supersedes the original contract with The Center School.)

A.3. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves up to 10 hours per week of home instruction for Student #7152876083, beginning on February 1, 2016, at a rate of $40 per hour.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of December 2015, and

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

 

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$7,084,242.72		$1,046,472.82
(11) Current Expense		$2,111,722.70
(12) Capital Outlay		$42,141.52
(13) Special Schools		$8.66
(20) Special Revenue Fund	($60,730.01)	$35,962.87	$0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$308,480.97	$0.00	$1,555,224.63
(40) Debt Service Fund	$538,782.71	$0.00	($0.29)
TOTAL	$7,870,776.39	$2,189,835.75	$2,601,697.16

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.2. Budget Transfers for Month of December 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:
11-000-213-600-07-00	Health Supplies - Middle	11-000-218-600-07-00	Guidance Supplies - Middle	$34
11-000-240-800-03-00	Principal Dues - Central School	11-130-100-101-00-01	Salaries - Grade 6-8 Teachers	$1,000
11-000-252-600-11-01	Admin. Technology - Supplies	11-130-100-101-00-01	Salaries - Grade 6-8 Teachers	$5,000
11-000-261-420-09-03	Maintenance Repairs - Central	11-000-262-622-00-05	Electricity - ALT	$1,100
11-000-261-420-09-04	Maintenance Repairs - MH	11-000-262-622-00-05	Electricity - ALT	$1,100
11-000-261-420-09-05	Maintenance Repairs - ALT	11-000-262-622-00-05	Electricity - ALT	$8,025
11-000-261-420-09-06	Maintenance Repairs - WD	11-000-262-622-00-05	Electricity - ALT	$1,100
11-000-261-420-09-07	Maintenance Repairs - Middle	11-000-262-622-00-05	Electricity - ALT	$1,100
11-000-261-610-09-04	Maintenance Supplies - MH	11-000-262-622-00-05	Electricity - ALT	$1,492
11-000-261-610-09-07	Maintenance Supplies - Middle	11-000-262-622-00-05	Electricity - ALT	$1,200
11-000-266-610-09-07	Security - Maint.Supplies - MS	11-000-262-622-00-07	Electricity - Middle	$512
11-190-100-500-11-01	Other Purch. Svcs.- Technology	11-190-100-610-11-01	Supplies - Instr. Hardware	$2,000
12-000-219-730-00-00	Child Study Team - Equipment	11-000-291-270-00-00	Health Benefits	$2,826
12-000-251-730-00-00	Business Office - Equipment	11-000-291-270-00-00	Health Benefits	$3,145
13-422-100-101-00-00	Summer School - Salaries	11-130-100-101-00-01	Salaries - Grade 6-8 Teachers	$480

B.3. 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
Jan Donlay	District	STS Convention	Atlantic City	Mar 2016	$519
Stacey Hann-Modugno	District	Women’s Leadership conference	Monroe Township	Mar 2016	$174
Susan Leonard	WS	Math Workshop	New Brunswick	July 2016	$306
Bruce Gant	ALT	Music Educator’s Conference	East Brunswick	Feb 2016	$165
Janet Kozik	District	PSUG Conference	Atlantic City	March 2016	$216
Candie Hengemuhle	District	Director’s Academy	Long Branch	Mar 2016	$174

 

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.4. Waiver of Requirements - Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI)

Program

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Waiver of Requirements Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program:

WHEREAS, NJAC 6A:23A-5.3 provides that a school district may request a waiver of compliance with respect to the district’s participation in the Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program for the 2016-2017 School Year, and

WHEREAS, that the Board of Education desires to apply for this waiver due to the fact that it has fewer than 40 Medicaid eligible classified students,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent to submit to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools in Somerset County the appropriate waiver of the requirements of NJAC 6A:23A-5.3 for the 2016-2017 school year.

B.5. 2016-2017 School Year Tuition Rates

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following as the 2016-2017 tuition rates:

● Kindergarten: $14,657

● Grades 1 - 5: $16,569

● Grades 6 - 8: $17,459

B.6. Approval of PTO Fundraiser

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Mt. Horeb School PTO brick engraving fundraiser, in celebration of the school’s 50th year and to be used in the school’s planned garden.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2015-2016 school year:

a. Hayley Scuderi

C.2. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2410 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), under FMLA/NJFLA/Child Rearing, from on or about April 6, 2016 through June 30, 2017, with an anticipated return date of September 1, 2017. (This motion supersedes previous motion from December 21, 2015.)

C.3. Paraprofessional Teaching Certificate

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves payment of an annual stipend of $1,800.00 (prorated) to Emily Puhak, Classroom Paraprofessional, Warren Middle School, according to legal and contractual entitlement, for attainment of her teaching certificate, effective January 1, 2016.

C.4. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Bonnie Pierson, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective January 1, 2016.

C.5. Approval of Inservice Day Presenters

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following February 16, 2016 Inservice Day presenters, to be paid the contractual rate of $40 per hour, for total cost of $12,000.

Lynn Alger	Lindsay Chell	Simone Miller
Nancy Andrews	Sean Convery	Bonnie Pierson
Christina Beekman	Lynn Degen	Allison Reu
Fran Blabolil	Mary Beth Greco	Jola Scassera
Anita Brower	Susan Jackson	Melissa Stoeckel
Kathy Brown	Peter Kassalow	Kristen Stoyanov
Kelly Brown	Colleen Krumm	Dan Ticchio
Chris Burkhardt	Joe Larramendia	Suzanne Wisher
Cynthia Cassidy	Barbara Lasaracina	Michelle Zgombic
Michelle Cebula	Cathy Lazas

XIII. Old Business

• Committee Meeting Schedule

Dr. Nastus reported that a Google document will be used to facilitate the process with cancelled meetings noted as Open, with an accompanying information email from the chairs. Higher quality conference call equipment will be researched.

XIV. New Business

N/A

XV. Public Commentary

Judy Hamilton, Mt. Horeb School teacher, reported that the district is experiencing a shortage of substitute teachers.

MaryAnn McGann, District Human Resources/Public Relations Coordinator, reported that an ad for substitute teachers has been submitted to the newspaper.

XVI. Executive Session

At 9:37 p.m. Ms. Campos 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:

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 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. Helewa and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Ms. Campos, seconded by Mrs. Helewa, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:40 p.m.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Ms. Campos, seconded by Mrs. Helewa, the meeting adjourned at 9:41 p.m.

Minutes submitted by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary