Minutes for March 21, 2016History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day at 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 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, Joan Schiller and Tia Allocco

Absent: Jim Sena

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

and members of the public and press.

IV. Presentation

  • Tentative 2016-2017 Budget - Dr. Nastus and Mrs. Leonhardt provided an overview.

V. Minutes - TABLED

  • RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the March 7, 2016 Board Meeting.

Motion tabled pending edits per Mrs. Freijomil.

VI.Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

  2  

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

  2

VII. President's Remarks – Tia Allocco

Mrs. Allocco welcomed all and reminded board members of the document listing school functions. When planning on attendance, it is recommended that the principal be notified.

Mrs. Allocco complimented all regarding the ALT Social Studies class which invited township officials to attend to discuss local government.

VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Elizabeth Nastus

Dr. Nastus thanked all for their presence, and shared with the public the work which has gone into the STEEP projects.

IX. Committee Reports

  • STEEP Finance/Budget/Transportation Committee Report

    Ms. Campos presented the committee’s work.

    The board asked some follow up questions, discussing overall savings, the anticipated effect of a closed school in the community and per pupil spending. Sharing of special subject teachers in the current operating environment was also discussed.

X. Discussion

  • STEEP Education Committee Follow-up
    The board discussed the advantages/disadvantages as outlined by the committee, including the impact of losing community schools. Dr. Nastus expressed her support for the unduplicated model, as well as the hybrid model of two (P)K-3 schools. The importance of creating a positive climate in light of change was discussed. Research findings were cited, including the negative role of transitions in forward progress and the margin of error in Dr. Grip’s projection vs. 2016-17 kindergarten registrations to date. Discussed was the potential benefit of a change and whether it outweighed the negative consequences. Dr. Nastus noted the role of the community’s culture and parental involvement. The effect of a closing on a district’s staff was also discussed, as well as the preponderance of two section grades in our elementary schools. Also discussed was partial redistricting.
  • STEEP Facilities Committee Follow-up

    The board discussed ascertaining the need for enclosed lavatories in PK and K classes. Some saw a request for a waiver as a negative step while others felt it was immaterial. Some saw this as a safety issue, while others discussed the role of the paraprofessional.

    The remaining steps of the process were reviewed, reminding all that modeling will not move forward without community input.

    The board then discussed the proposal to trim class size guidelines, for the purposes of modeling, so that K would go from 20 to 18, grades 1 and 2, from 22 to 20 and grades 3 through 5, from 24 to 22. This would not be for class sizing, but rather as baselines for modeling.

    The board decided, in advance of a board decision, to accept community input on the class size guidelines for modeling.

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).

The community discussed the STEEP project as follows:

  • Darby Finkelstein, Trinity Place, discussed various STEEP topics, including bus ridership time and participation, and the margin of error of enrollment projections and the separation of siblings into different schools.
  • Steve Toor, Nottingham Way, spoke of the high quality of the Warren schools and his inability to identify a need to make changes.
  • Debra Finkelstein, Beechwood Court, spoke of the importance of enclosed lavatories.
  • Nelly Pucci, Washington Valley Road, encouraged the board to not change the district’s current structure.
  • Tina Walters, Softwood Way, spoke of the value of small schools.
  • Howie Bash, Hazelwood Court, spoke of the lack of tangible reasons for making the change.
  • Rachel Singleton, Deerwood Trail West, asked a question regarding the modeling and the effects on staffing and sibling presence in a school.
  • Jac-Lyn Gibson, Briarwood Drive West, spoke of her positive experience in the schools and the importance of a sibling’s presence in the same school.
  • Brenda Liberti, Wychwood Way, spoke of parental involvement, the single section Mt. Horeb school grade and bus ridership times.
  • Patricia Zahn, Mountainview Road, spoke of the fact that the district has considered closing a school as well as reviewed alternate school structures in the past, too much community outcry.
  • Peter Fallon, Gregory Lane, thanked the board for its work, suggested the board rely more heavily on the administrators, discussed waivers, the role of transportation costs and class size guidelines. Mr. Fallon also discussed historical parental opposition to the unduplicated grade school structure.
  • Mildred Spiller, Quill Penn Way, shared that she was one of the parents who opposed the unduplicated grade school structure in the past.
  • Howie Bash, Hazelwood Court, spoke to the financial constraints when it would be time to reopen a school.
  • Frank Sena, Alana Drive, spoke of the large margin of error in the demographic projection, and suggested terminating the study.
  • Michael Minieri, Mundy Lane, spoke of the incorrect projection and lack of a compelling reason to close a school.
  • Debra Finkelstein, Beechwood Court, suggested that the board be comfortable in aborting the study.

XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

On motion by Ms. Campos seconded by Dr. Schiller the consent items A.1. through A.4., B.1. through B.5., C.2. through C.8., 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 March 17, 2016.

A.2. Comprehensive Equity Plan

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves and authorizes the submittal of the Comprehensive Equity Plan for Academic Years 2016-2017 through 2018-2019. As noted within, Title IX Coordinator and Affirmative Action Officer for the 2016-17 School Year will be the district’s Director of Special Services.

A.3. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves up to 10 hours per week of home instruction for Student #9610702008, beginning on March 22, 2016, at a rate of $40 per hour.

A.4. Tuition Out Student

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of district placement for Student #9617901727, to Morris-Union Jointure Commission Developmental Learning Center in Warren, beginning on March 28, 2016 through June 30, 2016, at a cost not to exceed $28,030.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of March 2016 in the amount of $5,011,987.13.

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 February, 2016,

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on February 28, 2016

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$8,247,764.22

  

$1,046,472.82

(11) Current Expense

  

$2,347,486.20

  

(12) Capital Outlay

  

$22,316.52

  

(13) Special Schools

  

$8.66

  

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($38,609.55)

$31,488.81

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$183,151.48

$69,689.60

$1,555,224.63

(40) Debt Service Fund

$538,782.71

$0.00

($0.29)

TOTAL

$8,931,088.86

$2,470,989.79

$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.3. Budget Transfers for the Month of February 2016

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:

    

11-000-251-580-00-00

Workshops & Travel - Business Office

11-000-251-100-01-01

Salaries - Business Office Staff

$700

11-000-262-100-09-02

Substitute Custodians

11-000-262-107-00-00

Salaries - Lunchroom & Playground Aides

$4,500

11-000-262-100-09-15

Overtime - Maintenance

11-000-262-621-00-07

Heat - Middle

$12,000

11-000-263-420-09-00

Cleaning, Repair & Maint. Svcs - Grounds

11-190-100-610-04-10

Instructional Supplies - Mt. Horeb

$6,000

11-000-270-580-10-00

Workshops & Travel - Transportation

11-000-270-161-10-02

Transportation - Sub-Driver Pay

$20

11-000-270-615-10-00

Transportation Supplies

11-000-270-610-10-00

General Supplies - Transportation

$9,000

11-000-291-220-00-00

Social Security

11-000-270-220-10-00

Social Security - Transportation

$30,600

11-000-291-260-00-00

Workers Compensation

11-000-270-260-10-00

Workers Compensation - Transportation

$11,000

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

11-000-270-270-10-00

Health Benefits - Transportation

$110,000

11-150-100-320-08-00

Home Instruction - Purchased Services

11-150-100-101-00-00

Home Instruction Salaries

$1,100

11-190-100-340-11-01

Purchased Services - Technology

11-190-100-610-11-01

Supplies - Instructional Hardware

$1,600

11-190-100-500-11-01

Other Purchased Services - Technology

11-190-100-610-11-01

Supplies - Instructional Hardware

$5,780

11-213-100-101-00-00

Salaries - RC Teachers

11-130-100-101-00-01

Salaries - Grade 6-8 Teachers

$8,500

13-422-100-500-00-00

Summer Fun - Other Purchased Services

11-130-100-101-00-01

Salaries - Grade 6-8 Teachers

$2,675


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

Lisa Lontai

MS

Best Practices for School Medical Emergencies

Newark

May 2016

$239

Candie Hengemuhle

District

NJASA/NJAPSA Conference

Atlantic City

May 2016

$844

Michele Stein

MHS

NJASP Spring Conference

East Windsor

May 2016

$175

Carol Keirstead

MHS

Regulating Children with Autism

Somerset

April 2016

$224

Kate Zaleski

WS

Judy Freeman Annual Winners

Neshanic Sta

May 2016

$199

Alexis Sacks

CS

School Nurses: Better Respond to School Medical Emergencies

Morristown

May 2016

$239

Mary Lou Psak

CS

Visualizing and Verbalizing

Plainsboro

June 2016

$694

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. TENTATIVE 2016-2017 Warren Township School District Budget

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the tentative 2016-2017 Warren Township School District Budget and approves the tentative budget for submission to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools for Somerset County for review.

The tentative 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 2016-17 Budget

Appropriations:

    

Revenue:

  

Fund 10

        

Operating Budget

$41,082,976

  

State Aid: General Fund

$1,247,692

Deposit to Capital Reserve

$500

  

Tax Levy: General Fund

$39,300,340

Capital Outlay

$89,700

  

Other Revenues

$393,174

Summer School

$208,030

  

Fund Balance

$440,000
 

$41,381,206

    

$41,381,206

Fund 20

        

Special Revenue Appropriations

$439,052

  

Grants: Federal, State and Local

$439,052
         

Fund 40

$0

  

Fund 40

$0

FURTHER RESOLVED, per NJAC 6A:23B-1.2(b), the tentative budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement. The 2016-2017 tentative budget includes a maximum travel appropriation of $127,950. 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 establishes April 25, 2016 as the date for the Public Hearing on the budget and authorizes the Superintendent and Board Secretary, after approval by the Executive County Superintendent of Schools, to advertise the budget and the budget hearing as required by law.

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.”

    1. Heather Debnarik, Leave Replacement Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, MA, Step 1 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $62,337 (prorated), effective on or about April 15, 2016 through June 30, 2016, which is not creditable service toward tenure acquisition. (Ms. Debnarik will be LRT for Employee #1472.)

C.2. Substitute Teachers

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

A. Rita Brown

C.3. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

A. Employee #2495 for leave of absence (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from on or about May 16, 2016 through December 2, 2016, with an anticipated return date of December 5, 2016.

B. Employee #1448 for leave of absence (unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement) from September 1, 2016 through December 2, 2016, with an anticipated return date of December 5, 2016.

C.4. Retirement/Resignation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement/resignations of the following staff:

a. Melissa Kaufman, Guidance Counselor, Warren Middle School, for the purpose of resignation, with appreciation for her 5 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective March 4, 2016.

b. Diane Bell, Grade 2 Teacher, Woodland School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 21 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2016.

c. Justice Ndewere, Transportation/Maintenance, District, with appreciation for 13.5 years of service to the Warren Township students effective April 20, 2016.

C.5. Additional Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves to contract Michele Stein for up to 3 additional days, to complete preschool and school-age re-evaluations and IEP's as necessary, at a cost not to exceed $1,260.

C.6. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Cathlin Sweeney, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, March 1, 2016.

C.7. Job Description

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the revised job description for Director of Special Services.

C.8. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Christine Rzasa, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective March 1, 2016.

B. Shannon O’Shea, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective March 1, 2016.

D. Policy

D.1. Policy – First Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the following policy:

a. 1220 – Ad hoc Committee

XIII. Old Business

N/A

XIV. New Business

Dr. Nastus discussed the fact that due to a lack of snow days, it is anticipated that the two last school days will be June 17 and June 20. Additionally, Woodland’s makeup day will be June 21st. All three will be half days for students.

Dr. Nastus reported that the complaint concerning conditions at the softball field at Central School will be investigated.

Mrs. Freijomil asked a question regarding Board of Education member presence in the schools. Board attorney Matt Giacobbe will be providing guidance at a future date. Mr. Giacobbe will also be providing ethics training.

XV. Public Commentary

Justice Ndewere, Transportation and Maintenance employee, discussed complaints with his employment and the employment actions.

XVI. Executive Session

At 10:19 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:

a collective bargaining agreement and/or negotiations related to it and

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 20 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 Ms. Campos, seconded by Mrs. Helewa, the Board reconvened in open session at 10:50 p.m.

On motion by Ms. Campos seconded by Mrs. Helewa the consent items C.9. and C.10. were approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.9. Summer Fun Coordinator

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Meryl Lettire as the 2016-2017 Summer Fun/ESY Coordinator, at a salary of $10,539.60.

C.10. Summer Fun Secretary

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Eileen Haddican, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Warren Middle School, as the 2016-2017 Summer Fun Secretary, at a salary of $4,630.

XVIII. Adjourn

On motion by Ms. Campos, seconded by Mrs. Albano, the meeting adjourned at 10:51 p.m.

Minutes submitted by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary