Minutes for October 4, 2016
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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 7:01 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, Joan Schiller, Jim Sena and Tia Allocco
Absent:
Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, Board Secretary,
and members of the public and press.
IV. Presentations
- The board enjoyed a video of thanks presented on behalf of the Middle School Students.
- Mr. Riegler provided an update of various technology projects, including the installation of a Virtual Reality system. The board was then able to experiment with the product.
In a related conversation regarding technology, the board asked questions regarding the future of textbooks, student use and management of technology, available applications for virtual reality and options for expanded use. Lastly, there was a discussion regarding the use of filters and Chromebooks.
V. Minutes
Ms. Campos moved the following:
- RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of October 4, 2016 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Dr. Schiller and approved by 7-0-2 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Helewa and Mr. Sena abstained.)
VI.Correspondence and Information
· HIB Information
|
Total # of Investigations: |
0 | Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: | 0 |
· Fire Drills
| ALT | Central | Mt. Horeb | Woodland | Middle |
| 9/13/2016 | 9/13/2016 | 9/12/2016 | 9/9/2016 | 9/13/2016 |
· Security Drills
| ALT | Central | Mt. Horeb | Woodland | Middle |
| 9/20/2016 | 9/15/2016 | 9/13/2016 | 9/14/2016 | 9/16/2016 |
| Bus Evacuation | Bus Evacuation | Bus Evacuation | Bus Evacuation | Bus Evacuation |
VII. President's Remarks – Tia Allocco
Mrs. Allocco read, on behalf of the board, a resolution recognizing Mrs. Helewa’s service to the board.
Mrs. Allocco thanked the Lions Club and Somerset Youth Services Commission for their grants.
Mrs. Allocco provided additional details regarding the interview process for candidates for the board vacancy.
Lastly, Mrs. Allocco referred to and discussed the newly established board norms.
At this time, Mr. Sena reiterated appreciation for Mrs. Helewa and her years of board service.
VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks - Matt Mingle
Dr. Mingle:
- Made note of board and district goals which are now listed on the agenda.
- Reiterated thanks to Mrs. Helewa for her service, especially to the Policy Committee.
- Spoke highly of his recent meeting with the Lions Club and his appreciation of their support.
- Spoke of his 90 day Entry Plan, and his meetings in the schools, highlighting student feedback.
IX. Committee Reports
Dr. Schiller reported on the Policy Committee meeting, the work product of which is on this evening’s agenda for first reading.
Mr. deMontagnac reported on the Finance/Operations/Security Committee meeting, which touched upon the Energy Audit, Visitor Management System, YMCA facility usage, Central School traffic flow, and Security cameras, including use on buses.
- RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Finance Committee to continue to consider recommendations regarding Central School Parking and Security options.
On motion by Mr. deMontagnac seconded by Dr. Schiller the consent item was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.
- RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Finance Committee to undertake an analysis concerning Electronic Surveillance on buses and or vans.
On motion by Mr. deMontagnac seconded by Dr. Schiller the consent item was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.
Mrs. DiMaggio and Dr. Schiller expressed disagreement regarding the decision to retain the current financial arrangement with the YMCA regarding the aftercare program.
X. Discussion
Board Goals - Action Plans. There were no questions from the board.
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).
- Mildred Spiller, Quill Pen Way, echoed appreciation for Kathy Helewa’s service and dedication.
- Patricia Zohn, Mountainview Road, congratulated Mrs. Helewa on her enthusiasm for board service.
XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action
Mrs. Freijomil asked that motion B.4. be pulled for separate vote.
Mrs. Freijomil asked a question regarding motion C.17.
Mrs. Allocco asked that motion D.1.a., be pulled for separate vote after Executive Session.
Mr. deMontagnac asked a question regarding motion B.2.
On motion by Ms. Campos seconded by Mr. deMontagnac the consent items A.1. through A.4., B.1., through B.3., B.5., C.1. through C.17., and D.1.b. through D.1.d, were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.
On motion by Ms. Campos seconded by Mr. deMontagnac the consent item B.4. was approved by 8-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Freijomil abstained.)
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 29, 2016.
A2. 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, 2016 through June 30, 2016.
A.3. Home Instruction
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves up to 10 hours per week of home instruction for Student #2317511567, beginning October 4, 2016, at a rate of $40 per hour.
A.4. QSAC
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the QSAC Statement of Assurance for submission to the Department of Education.
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 August 2016.
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on August 31, 2016
|
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
|
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$6,516,490.73 |
$973,637.24 |
|
|
(11) Current Expense |
$2,062,664.81 |
||
|
(12) Capital Outlay |
$89,700.00 |
||
|
(13) Special Schools |
$501.56 |
||
|
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
$2,567.60 |
$73,818.96 |
$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 |
$6,600,185.95 |
$2,226,685.33 |
$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. Budget Transfers for Month of August 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: |
|||
|
11-000-213-600-00-00 |
Health Supplies - District |
11-000-213-300-00-00 |
Health Purchased Services |
$345 |
|
11-000-219-580-00-08 |
WTAA Mileage - SPS |
11-000-219-800-08-00 |
CST - Dues & Memberships |
$1,200 |
|
11-000-230-334-01-00 |
Architect & Engineering Services |
11-000-262-622-00-04 |
Electricity - Mt. Horeb |
$8,050 |
|
11-000-230-334-01-00 |
Architect & Engineering Services |
11-000-262-622-00-07 |
Electricity - Middle |
$9,000 |
|
11-000-230-590-01-00 |
Admin - Other Purchased Services |
11-000-262-622-00-03 |
Electricity - Central |
$7,000 |
|
11-000-270-518-10-00 |
Special Ed Transportation (ESC) |
11-000-270-515-10-00 |
Special Ed Transportation (Jointure) |
$76,400 |
|
11-401-100-100-04-00 |
Co-curricular Stipends - Mt. Horeb |
11-190-100-610-04-10 |
Instructional Supplies - Mt. Horeb |
$715 |
|
11-401-100-100-05-00 |
Co-curricular Stipends - ALT |
11-190-100-610-05-10 |
Instructional Supplies - ALT |
$715 |
|
12-000-262-730-09-00 |
Operations & Maintenance Equip. |
11-000-262-610-09-00 |
Building Supplies - Maintenance |
$2,525 |
|
13-422-100-610-00-00 |
Summer Fun - Supplies |
13-422-100-420-00-00 |
Summer Fun - Purchased Svs |
$25 |
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 |
|
Carol Brown |
MS |
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Training |
Branchburg |
Oct - Nov, 2016 |
$395 |
|
Cynthia Cassidy |
MS |
NJASL Fall Conf. |
Long Branch |
Nov 2016 |
$227 |
|
Stacey Hann-Modugno |
MS |
2016 FEA/NJSPA/NJASCD Fall Conf. |
Long Branch |
Oct 2016 |
$176 |
|
Bill Kimmick |
MS |
2016 FEA/NJSPA/NJASCD Fall Conf. |
Long Branch |
Oct 2016 |
$344 |
|
Colleen Krumm |
WS |
2016 Gifted Ed. Conf. |
Somerset |
Nov 2016 |
$189 |
|
Jill Zimmer |
CS |
2016 Gifted Ed. Conf. |
Somerset |
Nov 2016 |
$193 |
|
Wendy Piller |
MH |
2106 Gifted Ed. Conf. |
Somerset |
Nov 2016 |
$193 |
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. Donation Update - Somerset County Municipal Youth Services Commission
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude the updated donation of $3,160 from the Somerset County Municipal Youth Services Commission for Warren Middle School’s After School Academic Support Program. (This motion supersedes previous motion dated September 4, 2016.)
B.5. Donation - Lions Club
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts with gratitude a donation in the amount of $1,000 from the Lions Club of Warren.
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.” (Updates are reflected in bold.)
a. Melissa Katchen, Leave Replacement Guidance Counselor, Central School, MA, Step 1 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $62,722 (prorated), effective December 5, 2016 through June 30, 2017, which is not creditable service toward tenure acquisition. (Ms. Katchen will continue as LRT for Employee #2495.)
b. Marcela Stefanikova, .5 Night Custodian, Warren Middle School, at an annual salary of $16,000 (prorated), effective on or about October 17, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
c. Sharon Carroll, School Nurse, Central School, MA+30, Step 2 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $69,456 (prorated), effective October 5, 2016 (or when released from current district) through June 30, 2017.
d. Casey Hardy, Bus Monitor, District, 5 hours/day, at an annual salary of $11,700 (prorated), effective October 5, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
e. Kristen Carleen, Leave Replacement Speech Therapist, Mt. Horeb School, MA, Step 8-9 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $66,682 (prorated), effective on or about October 24, 2016 through on or about March 30, 2017. (Ms. Carleen will be LRT for Employee #2041.)
C.2. Substitute Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as a substitute teacher for the 2016-2017 school year:
a. Frank Ritter
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. Michelle Zgombic, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective September 1, 2016.
b. Daniel Ticchio, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective September 1, 2016.
c. Amy Jensen, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective September 1, 2016.
C.4. Extension of Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Employee #2495 for extended leave (unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from December 5, 2016 through June 30, 2017, with an anticipated return of September 1, 2017.
C.5. Retirement/Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement/resignations of the following staff:
a. Roseann Weinfeldt, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Central School, for the purpose of resignation, effective on or about October 24, 2016.
b. Christine Spencer, Special Education Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, for the purpose of resignation, with appreciation for her two years of service to the Warren Township students, effective December 2, 2016.
C.6. Home Instructors
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves all district certificated teachers, and classroom paraprofessionals who have a teaching certificate, to be appointed as home instructors for the 2016-2017 school year.
C.7. Additional Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following additional hours:
a. Mary Russo to accompany Students #7829480945 and #6966351129, to School Clubs for 6 sessions and 30 sessions respectively, starting October 6, 2016, at a cost not to exceed $880.
b. Eleanore Wilson to accompany Students #9240417981 and #9367358396, to After School Clubs for 91 sessions, starting September 27, 2016, at a cost not to exceed $1,775. (This motion supersedes previous motion dated September 19, 2016.)
c. Carolyn Wells to accompany Student #7022552774, to After School Clubs for 30 sessions, starting September 27, 2016, at a cost not to exceed $630. (This motion supersedes previous motion dated September 19, 2016.)
d. Khara Patti to accompany Student #1466004655, to After School Clubs for 15 sessions, starting October 18, 2016, at a cost not to exceed $400.
C.8. Special Education Service Providers’ List
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following rate change for provider Learning Tree Multi Cultural/Multi Lingual Evaluation and Consulting, Inc., for Bilingual Evaluations with written reports from $700 to $750 for the 2016-2017 school year.
C.9. Approval of Title I - Extended Day Coordinators
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following staff members as Title I - Extended Day Coordinators:
- Melissa Stoeckel
- Michelle Cebula
Stipend of $5,000 for each coordinator, to be fully funded by NCLB - Title I.
C.10. Approval of Title I - Extended Day Tutors
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following staff members as Title I - Extended Day Tutors, to be paid the contractual rate of $40 per hour. Total cost dependent upon needs of identified students in the district’s Title I school, which is Central School, for a total cost not to exceed $40,339:
- Anita Brower
- Chris Burkhardt
- Chelsea Christophel
- Sheri DeShields
- Patsy Iannacone
- Lisa Meyers
- Joyce Pekarsky
- Frances Perlman
- Mary Lou Psak
- Danielle Riccio
Positions to be fully funded by NCLB - Title I.
C.11. Approval of Inservice Day Presenters
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following October 11, 2016 Inservice Day presenters, to be paid the contractual rate of $40 per hour, (for presentation and preparation time) for a total cost not to exceed $2,200:
- Deanna DeRoner
- Paul Ducan
- Colleen Krumm
- Steve Rizzoli
- Cristina Trump
- Jill Ziobro
C.12. Winter/Spring Coaching Stipends - Warren Middle School
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following coaches for the 2016-2017 school year:
Winter:
a. Girls Basketball, Laura Lamson - $3,360
b. Boys Basketball, Peter Kassalow - $3,360
c. Cheerleading, Christine Parolise - $2,900
Spring:
a. Girls Softball - Laura Lamson - $2,900
b. Boys Baseball, David Arnold - $2,900
c. Girls Track, Kris Boni - $2,200
d. 6th Grade Track, Donna Bardy - $2,200
e. Boys Track, Bob Hartshorn - $2,200
C.13. Basketball Supervisor
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves David Arnold to serve as Basketball Supervisor during the 2016-2017 school year, at a rate of $40 per hour, not to exceed 60 hours.
C.14. After School Clubs/Activities
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following 2016-2017 after school activities/clubs, and the instructors for each, to be paid out of grant money from the Youth Services Commission:
a. Recreation Club, Chelsea Hill - $1,430
b. Guided Study, Midge Johnson and Helen Scully - $2,860 (total)
C.15. Substitute Multi-Duty Paraprofessional
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Lauralee Dupper as a Substitute Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, at a rate of $85 per day, or $14.17 per hour, for the 2016-17 school year, effective October 5, 2016.
C.16. Substitute Custodians
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves all district Transportation Drivers and Monitors as substitute custodians, at the approved substitute custodian pay rate, for the 2016-17 school year, effective October 5, 2016.
C.17. Substitute Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Linda Pepe as a Substitute Teacher at a rate of $150 per day, effective October 5, 2016 through on or about October 25, 2016. (Mrs. Pepe will substitute for Employee #1566.)
D. Policy
D.1. Policies – First Reading
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the following policies:
a. Policy 3517 - Security and Electronic Surveillance
b. Policy 4111-4211 - Recruitment, Selection and Hiring
c. Policy 5114 - Suspension and Expulsion
d. Policy 4131-4231 - Staff Development; Inservice Education/Visitations/Conferences
XIII. Unfinished Business
Mrs. Helewa thanked all for their warm words of appreciation. Mrs. Helewa then asked for clarification regarding the process for candidate interviews on December 12th.
XIV. New Business
Dr. Schiller asked that the board consider reviewing the possibility of reducing the Warren Township Board of Education from 9 to 7 members. It was determined that the matter will be discussed after the board’s January reorganization.
Mrs. Freijomil congratulated Dr. Mingle on his communication with parents regarding recent health issues, as well as asking about communication with high school districts.
XV. Public Commentary
- David Brezee, Berkshire Drive, thanked Mrs. Helewa for her work on the board.
- Jim Shen, Ellsworth Drive, discussed the safety of his school bus stop.
- Mr. deMontagnac requested backpack weight as a future discussion item.
- P.J. Jones, Woodland School Teacher, recommended bringing backpack weight to students who may come up with a creative solution.
- Brenda Nemcek, Old Smalleytown Rd, recommended duplicate textbooks as an alternative to textbooks in backpacks.
XVI. Executive Session
At 8:28 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:
pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation and/or matters of attorney-client privilege and
protection of public safety and property and/or investigations of possible violations or violations of law
Action will be taken upon return to public session;
the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 45 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 Dr. Schiller, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:03 p.m.
- On motion by Ms. Campos seconded by Mr. deMontagnac the consent item D.1.a. was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.
XVII. Adjourn
On motion by Ms. Campos, seconded by Dr. Schiller the meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
Minutes submitted by
Patricia Leonhardt
Board Secretary
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