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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day at the Central School, 109 Mt. Bethel Road. The following is a record of that meeting.

I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 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 May 2, 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, Len deMontagnac, Lisa DiMaggio, Andrea Freijomil, Kathy Helewa,

Jim Sena, Joan Schiller and Tia Allocco

Absent:

Also Present: Dr. Elizabeth Nastus, Interim Superintendent, Attorney Bruce Padula,

Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri & Jacobs, and Patricia Leonhardt, Board Secretary,

and members of the public and press.

IV. Executive Session

At 6:33 p.m. Mr. deMontagnac 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 matter rendered confidential by federal or state law

Action will be taken upon return to public session;

the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 30 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.

Celeste Campos arrived at 6:38 p.m.

On motion by Ms. Campos, seconded by Dr. Schiller, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:33 p.m.

Ms. Campos moved the following:

• RESOLVED, whereas the Resolution Affirming the decision of the superintendent pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(b)(6)(e)

WHEREAS, on or about April 11, 2016, the District received a complaint of harassment, intimidation or bullying (“HIB”); and

WHEREAS, on or about April 15, 2016, the District received a second complaint of HIB involving the same alleged victim; and

WHEREAS, the District promptly investigated the two (2) complaints pursuant to District policy and N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(b)(6); and

WHEREAS, parents of a student involved requested a hearing before the Board of Education pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(b)(6)(d); and

WHEREAS, on April 29, 2016, the District received a request for a hearing from the parents of a student involved in the investigation pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(b)(6)(d); and

WHEREAS, on May 9, 2016, a hearing was conducted before the Board of Education in closed executive session pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(b)(6)(d); and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has determined to affirm the determination of the Superintendent pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(b)(6).

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren Township Schools Board of Education, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(b)(6)(e), hereby affirms the decision of the Superintendent and hereby adopts the decision deliberated in closed executive session.

The motion was seconded by Mr. deMontagnac and approved by 7-0-2 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Albano and Mrs. Allocco abstained.)

V. Presentations

• Mrs. Allocco welcomed attorney Bruce Padula.
• Central School Principal Alison Watkins introduced Mrs. Sanantonio and her students who then gave a presentation regarding their attendance at Junior Achievement’s Biz-Town.
• The Middle School PTO Executive Board presented an alternate to the current Food Day program via Maschio’s, who then provided an overview of the option. The board and audience asked follow up questions.

VI. Minutes

Dr. Schiller moved the following:

• RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves to discuss the draft public session minutes of April 25, 2016 Board Meeting.
  

  Upon discussion, Ms. Campos moved the following:

  RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves to amend language reporting on the board’s discussion on the public session minutes April 25, 2016, as follows:

• Discussion ensued and a vote was taken.
  

  The motion was seconded by Dr. Schiller and approved by 7-0-2 roll-call vote. (Dr. Schiller and Mr. Sena abstained.)

  Ms. Campos moved the following:

• RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the amended public and private session minutes of the April 25, 2016 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio and approved by 7-0-2 roll-call vote. (Dr. Schiller and Mr. Sena abstained.)

VII.Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

0

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

0

· Fire Drills

ALT
April 8 

Central
April 13

Mt. Horeb
April 18 

Woodland
April 27

Middle
April 18

· Security Drills

ALT
April 22
Bus Evacuation

Central
April 27
Bus Evacuation

Mt. Horeb
April 27
Bus Evacuation

Woodland
April 25
Bus Evacuation

Middle
April 15
Bus Evacuation

VIII. ANNUAL ADOPTIONS

Mrs. Helewa asked a question regarding Annual Adoptions motion 7.

On motion by Ms. Campos, seconded by Mr. deMontagnac, the Annual Adoptions were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

1. Curriculum

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the K-8 curriculum guides, as aligned with NJ Core Content Standards, for the 2016-2017 school year.

2. Textbooks

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of existing district textbooks for the 2016-2017 school year.

3. Service Appointments

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. The appointment of Patricia Leonhardt as Board Secretary of the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2016-2017 school year.

b. The appointment of MaryGrace Suitovsky, Assistant Business Administrator, as Acting Board Secretary for the 2016-2017 school year in the absence of the Board Secretary.

c. The appointment of Ruth Davies as Treasurer of School Monies for the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2016-2017 school year.

d. The appointment of Patricia Leonhardt, Business Administrator, as Acting Treasurer of School Monies for the 2016-2017 school year for the Warren Township Board of Education in the absence of Ruth Davies.

e. The appointment of Suplee, Clooney & Company as the auditing firm for the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2016-2017 school year, at an annual cost of $24,550.

f. The appointment of Dr. Richard Lesko as District Medical Inspector for the 2016-2017 school year, at the annual cost of $7,500.

g. The appointment of Dr. Ronald Frank as Alternate District Medical Inspector for the 2016-2017 school year, at a cost to be determined at the time of service provided (if need be).

h. The appointment of Candida Hengemuhle as the district’s Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX Coordinator, Anti-Bullying Coordinator, and 504 Officer for the 2016-2017 school year.

i. The appointment of CBIZ-Centric as the district’s board and general liability insurance agent for the 2016-2017 school year.

j. The appointment of Brown & Brown Benefit Advisors, Inc.. as the Board’s program manager of record for the medical insurance program and group insurance broker of record for the district’s dental insurance program and flexible spending plan for the 2016-2017 school year., at an annual cost of $13,500.

k. The appointment of Tyler Tribelhorn as the district’s Right to Know contact, AHERA representative, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator (IPMC), Safety and Health Designee, Indoor Air Quality Designee, Chemical Hygiene Officer, and Asbestos Management Officer for the 2016-2017 school year.

l. The appointment of Patricia Leonhardt, Business Administrator, as the district’s Public Agency Compliance Officer (PACO), District Custodian of Records, and District Purchasing Agent for the 2016-2017 school year.

m. The appointment of AIG/VALIC, AXA/Equitable, Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc. and ASPire as 403(b), 457(b) and Roth 403(b) plan providers for the 2016-2017 school year.

n. The appointment of AmeriFlex as the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA) provider for the 2016-2017 school year. Cost is $63 per participant per year for FSA and/or DCA program participation, plus $770 per annum for FSA, DCA and COBRA program administration.

4. Finance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. The designation of the following bank as depository for district funds for 2016-2017, pending certification of approval by the Governmental Unit Deposit Protection Act: Bank of America.

b. Authorization for the Board Secretary to invest school funds in accordance with the limitations of State law and Board policy.

c. Authorization for the following persons to sign checks:

Account Name	No.	Signatory(s)
General Operating (Current) Account	3	Treasurer of School Monies and/or Board Secretary and/or Board President and/or Board Vice President
Salary Account	1	Treasurer of School Monies or Board Secretary
Payroll Deduction Account	1	Treasurer of School Monies or Board Secretary
Unemployment Account	1	Board Secretary or Superintendent
Juice and Water Account	1	Board Secretary or Superintendent
Milk Account	1	Board Secretary or Superintendent
Flexible Spending Account	1	Board Secretary or Superintendent
Middle School Student Activity Account	2	Middle School Principal and/or Middle School Dean and/or Board Secretary

d. The financial records of the school district shall be maintained in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and all appropriations shall be recorded using the Chart of Accounts provided by the New Jersey Department of Education.

e. Authorization for the Purchasing Agent to make purchases of goods and services entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property (state contract), Ed-Data, Somerset County Cooperative Pricing System, Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council (MCCPC), Middlesex Regional Educational Services Cooperative Purchasing and Hunterdon County ESC Cooperative Purchasing.

f. Authorization, in recognition of Qualified Purchasing Agent status, of a bid threshold of $40,000.

5. Petty Cash Accounts

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the establishment of the following petty cash accounts and the individual responsible for the account for 2016-2017:

a. Superintendent’s Office (Superintendent’s Secretary) $200

b. Buildings and Grounds (Supervisor of B & G) $200

c. Schools (Building Principal) $200 (each school)

d. SPS (Director of SPS) $100

e. Curriculum (Curriculum Supervisor) $100

The maximum expenditure from each account for each purchase is $25.00. The School Business Administrator will review a summary of the disbursements on a semi-annual basis.

6. Organizational Chart

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the district’s organizational chart for the 2016-2017 school year dated July 15, 2015.

7. Milk Provider for the 2016-2017 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Cream-O-Land Dairy as the provider for the 2016-2017 school year. The cost of milk will be $.20, juice will be $.25 and the two sizes of water will be $.30 (8 oz.) and $.40 (16.9 oz. sports cap).

IX. President's Remarks – Tia Allocco

Mrs. Allocco reported on the wonderful experience of awarding the Excellence in Education winners.

Mrs. Allocco reported on the receipt of student letters, which will receive responses.

X. Superintendent’s Remarks – Elizabeth Nastus

Dr. Nastus also reported on the letters she received and to which she responded.

Dr. Nastus shared her enjoyment of watching tonight’s students and the students district wide.

Lastly, Dr. Nastus referred to and complimented all involved with the video regarding the Middle School’s Maker Space (now to be called The Tank).

XI. Committee Reports

Mrs. Helewa reported on the Communications Committee, which discussed taping Board of Education meeting presentations and board meetings in general. Mrs. Helewa reminded all board members regarding the sign up for school events. Lastly, Mrs. Helewa reported that the Committee discussed prepping for a survey and communication with the public in general, including various ways to respond to Public Comment sessions during Board of Education meetings.

Mr. deMontagnac, on behalf of the Finance Committee, reported that security will be discussed in Executive Session later this evening.

XII. Discussion

• Middle School PTO Food Program
  Dr. Nastus discussed the positive aspects of having a kitchen and health concerns with volunteer food servers. The board discussed the topic. Dependent on PTO action, the topic may be reviewed by the Finance Committee.

XIII. 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 Liberti, Conklin Lane and Mt. Horeb School PTO President, asked about options other than Maschio’s for a food program and her desire to not change the program at Mt. Horeb School.
• Frank Sena, Alana Drive, discussed the finances of a switch to Maschio’s and offered to assist.
• Sarah Colantuono, Strawberry Lane, mentioned decreasing the number of food days at the Middle School.
• Gina Valenti, Providence Road, thanked the Middle School PTO for their efforts, and mentioned the effect of the proposed change on multiple stakeholders.
• Patricia Zohn, Mountainview Road, spoke of the positive experience she has had with Maschio’s.
• Eileen Rust, Dock Watch Hollow, discussed the nutritional aspects of some of the current food day offerings.
• Heather Silver, Quail Run, discussed the food options provided on food days.
• Danielle Scala, Glenview Dr. and Woodland School PTO President, spoke about the financial and nutritional value of food days for the PTOs.
• Darby Finkelstein, Trinity Place discussed the ability of the PTOs to decide on food choices.
• Judy Shanahan, Hillcrest Road, asked about the alternatives to Maschio’s or a possible reduction in the number of food days.

XIV. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. Freijomil asked a question regarding the retirement motion (C.12).

Mrs. Helewa commended Mrs. Pfeiffer, asked a question regarding C.2., and asked that C.2. be pulled for separate vote after Executive Session.

Dr. Schiller asked questions regarding motions C.3. and C.4.

On motion by Mrs. Campos seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio the consent items A.1. through A.3., B.1. through B.3., C.1., C.3. through C.13., and D.1. 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 May 5, 2016.

A.2. Bedside Instruction

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves bedside instruction through Silvergate Prep for Student #5787754632, beginning April 26, 2016, at an hourly rate of $40, at a cost not to exceed approximately $1,000.

A.3. 2017-2018 Calendar

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the 2017-2018 Calendar.

 

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
Mary Lynch	ALT	NJ Science Convention	Princeton	Oct 2016	$175
Lauren Valera	WS	NJTESOL Spring Conference	New Brunswick	June 2016	$229
Paula Williams	MHS	NJTESOL Spring Conference	New Brunswick	June 2016	$229
Elizabeth Nastus	District	NJASA Conference	Atlantic City	May 2016	$1,044
Amy Brunswick	MHS	NJ Conference for Inclusive Education	Montclair	June 2016	$263

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. Approval of Purchase of Phone System

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the purchase of a new district-wide Avaya phone system from Office Solution, Inc, at a cost of $170,507.24. Purchase under NJ State Contract T-1316.

B.3. NJSIG - ERIC North Sub-Fund Application for Safety Grant Program

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the submission of a grant application for the Safety Grant Program through the New Jersey School Insurance Group’s ERIC North Sub-Fund for the qualified purposes of purchasing Teacher Emergency Kits, in the amount of $4,106, for the period of July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017.

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. Melissa Katchen, Leave Replacement Guidance Counselor, Central School (pending completion of required paperwork), MA, Step 1 of the 2015-2016 salary guide, $62,337 (prorated), effective on or about May 10, 2016 through June 30, 2016, which is not creditable service toward tenure acquisition. (Ms. Katchen will be LRT for Employee #2495.)

C.2. Summer Fun Coordinator

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Meryl Lettire as the 2016-2017 Summer Fun/ESY Coordinator, at a salary of $11,382.77. Additionally, the board agrees to grant Mrs. Lettire merit pay in the amount of $1,138.28 if enrichment program profit for Summer Fun 2016 meets or exceeds $60,000. (This motion supersedes the hiring motion from March 21, 2016.)

C.3. Job Description

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

C.4. Job Description

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

C.5. Substitute Teachers

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

a. Marilyn Klein

b. Christine Parolise (previously approved leave replacement)

c. Alina Bergners

C.6. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Colleen Krumm, congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective May 1, 2016.

b. O’Brien Speckin, congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective April 1, 2016.

C.7. Retirement/Resignation

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

a. Margaret Pfeifer, Grade 4 Teacher, Woodland School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 25 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2016.

C.8. Employee Discipline

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the suspension, without pay, of Employee #2942, from mid-day April 27, 2016 up to and including May 3, 2016.

C.9. Employee Discipline

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the suspension, without pay, of Employee #268, from May 2, 2016 up to and including May 4, 2016.

C.10. Appointment of Staff for the 2016-2017 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of staff employment (administrators, certificated staff, WTEA support staff), dated May 5, 2016, for the 2016-2017 school year, pending finalization of class section totals.

C.11. Appointment of 2016-2017 Summer Fun Certificated Staff

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of Summer Fun certificated staff dated May 5, 2016, at the following hourly rates:

a. Assistant Teachers - $25

b. Teachers and Guidance Counselors - $40

c. Speech Teachers - $70

C.12 Rescind Retirement Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education rescinds the retirement approval of Wendy Rosenberg, Special Education Teacher, Warren Middle School.

C.13. Additional Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following additional hours for Janet Kozik, Secretary, Special Services - one additional hour per day for 8 days, beginning May 4, 2016, at a cost not to exceed $300.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies – Second Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second and final reading of the following policies:

a. Policy 3326 – Payment for Goods and Services

XV. Old Business

• Local Wellness/Nutrition/Food - Policy and Regulation
  

  Mrs. Allocco invited the board to resurrect discussion of the policy, which it then did.

  On a unanimous voice roll-call vote, it was determined the policy, as written, will be scheduled for a first reading at the May 23 board meeting.

XVI. New Business

• NJSBA Delegate Assembly Resolutions
  Mrs. Helewa asked the board for feedback regarding Delegate Assembly Resolutions. The board recommended accepting the resolutions NJSBA recommendations, with the exception of the dropout age, which it thinks should be standardized state wide.

• CISCO Videos
  The board attorney has reviewed the agreement regarding the video, it has been approved by Dr. Nastus and Mr. Heaney is moving forward.

• YMCA Before School Care
  Mrs. Leonhardt reported on the proposed YMCA Before Care program. The board tasked the finance committee with a review of facilities usage payment.

XVII. Public Commentary

N/A

XVIII. Executive Session

At 10:09 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:

protection of public safety and property and/or investigations of possible violations or violations of law 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 Mrs. DiMaggio and approved by unanimous voice vote.

Mrs. DiMaggio left the meeting at this time.

On motion by Ms. Campos, seconded by Mr. deMontagnac, the Board reconvened in open session at 10:49 p.m.

XIX. Adjourn

On motion by Ms. Campos, seconded by Dr. Schiller, the meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.

Minutes submitted by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary