Minutes for September 6, 2016 Archived Minutes
Skip NavigationA 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 7:01 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, Andrea Freijomil,
Kathy Helewa, Joan Schiller, and Tia Allocco
Absent:
Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, Board Secretary,
and members of the public and press.
Lisa DiMaggio arrived at 7:04 p.m.
Jim Sena arrived at 7:07
IV. Presentations
N/A
V. Minutes
Ms. Campos moved the following:
- RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of August 22, 2016 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Freijomil and approved by 6-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Helewa abstained.)
VI.Correspondence and Information
- Dr. Mingle made note of an email sent to the board regarding the Wellness and Nutrition policy.
- · HIB Information
-
Total # of Investigations:
0
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:
0
-
VII. President's Remarks – Tia Allocco
Mrs. Allocco welcome all back to a new school year.
Mrs. Allocco reported on her attendance on behalf of the board at the following events:
- New Staff Induction Program
- Two meetings for families new to the district
- Kick off meeting for all district staff
Lastly, Mrs. Allocco expressed thanks to the vendors who supplied prizes for the Staff Opening Day: Sixteen Handles, the Warren Deli and the Somerset Patriots.
VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks - Matt Mingle
Dr. Mingle reported on:
- New Teacher Induction Program’s success, headed by Mr. Cook and Mr. Achtau.
- The two New Family Welcome Events which were well attended and for which the parents were grateful.
- The Staff Inservice led by Mr. Kimmick with assistance from all administrators, which was a success.
Dr. Mingle reported that it was wonderful to be in all 5 buildings today, the district’s opening day.
Lastly, Dr. Mingle highlighted some changes in the board’s norms proposed and to be discussed tonight.
IX. Committee Reports
Policy Committee - Dr. Schiller reported that some work products from the recent meeting are expected to be on the next Board of Education agenda.
Mrs. Helewa discussed the personnel change at the Commissioner of Education and the increased weighting of PARCC in teacher evaluation.
X. Discussion
The board discussed the proposed norms for board processes. Some minor adjustments will be made and the norms placed on the next board agenda for adoption.
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:
- A participant must be recognized by the presiding officer and must preface comments by an announcement of his/her name and place of residence;
- 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);
- 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
- 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
XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action
On motion by Ms. Campos seconded by Dr. Schiller the consent items A.1. and A.2., B.1. through B.7., and C.1. through C.10., 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 September 1, 2016.
A2. 2016-2017 District Goals
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education establishes the following as its goals for the 2016-2017 school year:
- Continue to focus on elements of instruction that impact student achievement within the context of the whole child and “the five” belief statements.
- Develop consistent practices that support a culture of attention to safety and security.
- Recommend plans to the board of education that address challenges of declining enrollment while seeking to identify expanded program and instructional opportunities for students.
B. Finance/Operations/Transportation
B.1.Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report - June 2016 (Final)
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of June, 2016 (final),
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on June 30, 2016
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$6,506,922.85 |
$973,637.24 |
|
(11) Current Expense |
$1,362,842.81 |
||
(12) Capital Outlay |
$7,229.25 |
||
(13) Special Schools |
$128.16 |
||
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
$0.00 |
$18,841.25 |
$0.00 |
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$90,299.87 |
$71,375.36 |
$223,889.55 |
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
TOTAL |
$6,597,222.72 |
$1,460,416.83 |
$1,197,526.79 |
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. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report - July 2016
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of July, 2016,
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on July 31, 2016
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$6,650,674.96 |
$973,637.24 |
|
(11) Current Expense |
$2,521,021.41 |
||
(12) Capital Outlay |
$89,700.00 |
||
(13) Special Schools |
$490.78 |
||
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
$16,419.25 |
$103,566.71 |
$0.00 |
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$81,127.62 |
$0.00 |
$223,889.55 |
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
TOTAL |
$6,748,221.83 |
$2,714,778.90 |
$1,197,526.79 |
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 Month of June 2016 - Additional
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: |
||||
1. |
12-000-240-730-06-00 |
School Admin. Equipment - WD |
11-000-217-320-08-00 |
Extraordinary Svcs. - Prof. Svc. |
$19,390 |
B.4. Budget Transfers for Month of July 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: |
||||
1. |
11-000-266-100-00-00 |
Salaries - Security |
11-000-266-300-09-00 |
Security - Purch.Technical Svcs. |
$24,000 |
2. |
11-000-266-610-00-00 |
Security - Supplies - District |
11-000-262-622-00-07 |
Electricity - Middle School |
$14,160 |
3. |
11-190-100-500-07-00 |
Other Purchased Services - MS |
11-190-100-610-07-10 |
Instructional Supplies - Middle |
$4,100 |
4. |
11-190-100-640-07-00 |
Textbooks - Middle School |
11-190-100-610-07-10 |
Instructional Supplies - Middle |
$2,000 |
5. |
11-213-100-610-08-00 |
Resource Center - Supplies |
11-213-100-500-08-00 |
Resource Center - Purch. Svs. |
$20,360 |
6. |
13-422-100-101-00-05 |
Summer Fun - Admin. & Nurse |
11-000-262-622-00-06 |
Electricity - Woodland |
$11,539 |
7. |
13-422-100-101-00-05 |
Summer Fun - Admin. & Nurse |
13-422-100-101-00-00 |
Sum Fun -Teachers - Enrichment |
$1,500 |
8. |
13-422-100-101-00-05 |
Summer Fun - Admin. & Nurse |
13-422-100-106-00-00 |
Sum Fun - Paras - Enrichment |
$4,241 |
9. |
13-422-100-500-00-00 |
Summer Fun-Other Purch. Svcs. |
13-422-100-420-00-00 |
Sum Fun - Purchased Services |
$360 |
10. |
13-422-100-610-00-00 |
Summer Fun - Supplies |
11-000-262-622-00-06 |
Electricity - Woodland |
$1,400 |
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 |
Stacey Hann-Modugno |
District |
Strategies & Structures for Teaching Reading |
New Providence |
Dec 2016 |
$185 |
Marilyn Brown |
WS |
Conquer Math |
Pompton Plains |
Nov and Dec 2016, Jan 2017 |
$473 |
Mary Balkonis |
ALT |
Conquer Math |
Pompton Plains |
Nov and Dec 2016, Jan 2017 |
$472 |
Lisa Lukko |
MHS |
Conquer Math |
Pompton Plains |
Nov 2016, Feb 2017 |
$441 |
Sheri DeShields |
CS |
Conquer Math |
Pompton Plains |
Nov 2016, Feb 2017 |
$481 |
Candie Hengemuhle |
District |
NJ Tiered System of Supports |
Monroe |
Oct and Dec 2016, Jan 2017 |
$185 |
Shannon Sharkey |
District |
Intro to High Quality Preschool |
Sparta |
Sept, Oct, Nov 2016 |
$525 |
Stacey Hann-Modugno |
District |
Conference on Reading & Writing |
New Brunswick |
Oct 2016 |
$183 |
Bill Kimmick |
District |
Conference on Reading & Writing |
New Brunswick |
Oct 2016 |
$183 |
Michelle Cebula |
WS |
Conference on Reading & Writing |
New Brunswick |
Oct 2016 |
$183 |
Melissa Stoeckel |
ALT |
Conference on Reading & Writing |
New Brunswick |
Oct 2016 |
$183
|
Marianne Larson |
CS |
Conference on Reading & Writing |
New Brunswick |
Oct 2016 |
$189 |
MaryBeth Greco |
ALT |
Conference on Reading & Writing |
New Brunswick |
Oct 2016 |
$185 |
Christine Burkhardt |
MHS |
Conference on Reading & Writing |
New Brunswick |
Oct 2016 |
$183 |
Kathy Brown |
WS |
Conference on Reading & Writing |
New Brunswick |
Oct 2016 |
$183
|
Jennifer McMahon |
MHS |
Play as a Therapeutic Modality |
Edison |
Oct 2016 |
$210 |
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. Donation - 16 Handles
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation of gift cards totaling $500 which were used for the staff appreciation events on September 1 and 2, 2016.
B.7. Engineer Appointment
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, per N.J.S.A 18A:18A-4.1, approves the appointment of Strunk Albert for engineering services for the district office HVAC replacement project, at an approximate cost of $8,050.
C. Personnel/Student Services
C.1. Employment for the 2016-2017 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 2016-2017 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. Janine Young, Grade 1 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, BA Step 1 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $57,020, effective September 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
b. Kelley Kappus, Kindergarten Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, MA, Step 2 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $63,668, effective September 1, 2016 (or when released from current district) through June 30, 2017.
c. Leslie Mupo, transfer from Classroom Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours, to Preschool Paraprofessional, 30 hours, Mt. Horeb School, Step 12-13 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $21,715, effective September 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
d. Mary Russo, Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, 32.5 hours, Step 22 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $28,909, effective September 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
e. JoAnn Palumbo, 0.6 World Language Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, BA, Step 10-11 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $37,044, effective September 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
f. William Fratto, Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, 32.5 hours, Step 1 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $21,336, effective September 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
g. Emily Puhak, Special Education Teacher, Warren Middle School, BA+15, Step 1 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $59,871, effective September 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
C.2. Substitute Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teacher for the 2016-2017 school year:
a. Emily Grejda
C.3. Movement on the Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2016-2017 salary guide:
a. Kristen Boni, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective September 1, 2016.
b. Andrew Ahimovic, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective September 1, 2016.
C.4. Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:
a. Employee #1272 for leave (unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from September 12, 2016 through September 30, 2016.
C.5. Long Term Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following as Long Term Substitute Teacher:
- Lois Wagner, effective September 1, 2016 through on or about October 19, 2016. (Mrs. Wagner will be LTS for Employee #0714.)
- Judy Maddalone, effective September 1, 2016 through on or about October 15, 2016. (Mrs. Maddalone will be LTS for Employee #1087.)
- Heather Debnarik, effective September 1, 2016 through on or about October 14, 2016. (Mrs. Debnarik will be LTS for Employee #0611.)
C.6. Long Term Substitute Paraprofessional
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following as Long Term Substitute Paraprofessional:
- Linda Hatcher, effective September 1, 2016 through on or about October 4, 2016. (Mrs. Hatcher will be LTS for Employee #1462.)
C.7. Retirement/Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement/resignations of the following staff:
a. Barbara LaSaracina, Grade 6 Teacher, Warren Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 18 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective January 1, 2017.
b. Estelle Raucci, Custodian, Warren Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 11 years of service to the Warren Township staff and students, effective September 1, 2016.
C.8. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the updated list of substitute teachers, dated September 6, 2016, for the 2016-2017 school year.
C.9. New Teacher Induction Program Mentors
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the reimbursement of the following employees for their participation as mentors in the New Teacher Induction Program orientation for 5.5 hours on August 30, 2016, at the WTEA contractual rate of $40 per hour per employee for a total not to exceed $440:
- Elena Marinello
- Karen Marino
C.10. Approval of IDEA Preschool Payroll Monies
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the use of the FY2017 IDEA Preschool Grant monies in the amount of $16,079 for salary support as follows:
Employee ID Full Salary Salary Funds from IDEA %
#2207 $21,715 $10,857.5 50%
#1391 $28,485 $ 5,221.5 18.3%
This motion supersedes the previous motion from July 25, 2016.
XIII. Unfinished Business
N/A
XIV. New Business
- Mrs. Helewa announced that she has been hired as a NJSBA Field Service Representative. Due to this employment, Mrs. Helewa is resigning her Warren Township Board of Education seat effective November 5, 2016.
XV. Public Commentary
- Patricia Zohn, Mountainview Road, addressed the change within the proposed norms regarding the division of public commentary into agenda items versus all other matters, specifically as it relates to presentations and discussions.
- Brenda Nemcek, Old Smalleytown Road, acknowledged Mrs. LaSaracina’s retirement and years of service.
XVI. Executive Session
- Mrs. Allocco and Mrs. Albano left the room at 7:38 p.m.
At 7:39 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 matter rendered confidential by federal or state law
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 Mr. deMontagnac and approved by unanimous voice vote.
On motion by Ms. Campos, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:50 p.m.
- Mrs. Allocco and Mrs. Albano reentered the room at 7:51 p.m.
XVII. Adjourn
On motion by Ms. Campos, seconded by Mrs. Albano, the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Minutes submitted by
Patricia Leonhardt
Board Secretary
Last modified on Thursday, February 24, 2022