Minutes for December 12, 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 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 September 27, 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

III. Roll Call

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

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. Interview Board of Education Candidates

The board interviewed Ms. Taylor-Venson and Mr. Brezee.

V. Executive Session

At 6:42 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:

material the disclosure of which constitutes an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy; and

specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session

Action will be taken upon return to public session;

the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 35 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. Freijomil, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:12 p.m.

VI. Board of Education Member Appointment and Administration of Oath

On motion by Ms. Campos seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Resolution was approved by a 6-1-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. deMontagnac abstained and Mr. Sena voted no.)

  • RESOLVED, that the Board of Education appoints Mr. David Brezee to the Board, for a term of December 12, 2016 to December 31, 2017.*
    (*Remaining year of the seat’s term will be on the ballot in November 2017.)
  • The Oath of Office was administered by Mrs. Leonhardt to Mr. David Brezee.

VII. Presentation

  • Revised Class Size Guidelines & Redistricting Recommendations - Dr. Mingle presented an overview of the recommendation for revised class size guidelines.
  • The second part of Dr. Mingle’s presentation touched on the topic of redistricting, which is not recommended for 2017-2018. The only caveat is moving Dubois and Park View (new) Roads from Central School zone to Woodland School zone.

VIII. 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 Mrs. Freijomil and approved by 7-0-2. (Mr. Brezee and Dr. Schiller abstained.)

IX. Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

  0  

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

  0

· Fire Drills

 

ALT Central Mt. Horeb Woodland Middle
18 - November 04 - November 28 - November 18 - November 02 - November

· Security Drills

 

ALT Central Mt. Horeb Woodland Middle
29 - November 28 - November 15 - November 03 - November 17 - November
Bomb Threat Bomb Threat Bomb Threat Bomb Threat Bomb Threat

X. President's Remarks – Tia Allocco

Mrs. Allocco read Resolutions of Appreciation for outgoing board members Mr. James Sena and Ms. Celeste Campos.

Mrs. Allocco thanked all board members for their hours of dedication in this past year, including leadership during the STEEP process. Also acknowledged were those who served as chairs of committees this year. Lastly, Mrs. Allocco thanked administrators for their service to the district.

Mrs. Allocco reference the new board member orientation scheduled for Wednesday.

Lastly, Mrs. Allocco discussed the positiveness of the recent meeting she and Dr. Mingle had with Township Committeeman Mick Marion.

XI. Superintendent’s Remarks – Matthew Mingle

Dr. Mingle reiterated thanks to Mr. Sena and Ms. Campos for their service to the board.

Dr. Mingle thanked the board for its support regarding modifying the district Mission Statement.

Dr. Mingle called attention to the district’s Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds candidate, Mr. Michael Pate, whose hire is on tonight’s agenda.

Dr. Mingle referenced the job descriptions on the agenda, which signify a change in administrative structure for Summer Fun.

Dr. Mingle referred to his recent memo regarding homework, which will be an adherence to board policy regarding time and a request to avoid assigning homework over holiday breaks.

XII. Committee Reports

  • Finance/Operations/Security Committee - Mr. deMontagnac reported on the committee meeting which discussed Summer Fun, Security and the Generator Replacement project.
  • Curriculum Committee - Ms. Campos reported on the meeting held tonight, which continued to address STEEP goals.
  • Policy Committee - Dr. Schiller reported on the committee’s work which is on this evening’s agenda.

XIII. Discussion

  • Class Size Guidelines and Redistricting Recommendations - The board discussed the recommendations presented by Dr. Mingle.

XIV. Public Commentary (agenda items only)

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);

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

  1. 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).

  • Susan Leonard, Woodland School staff member, referenced the proposed class size guidelines.
  • Natalie Pucci, Washington Valley Road, spoke in support of the class size recommendations.
  • Andrea Olivapotenza, Walnut Court, discussed the proposed Mission Statement and the homework guidelines, in light of onerous homework demands.
  • Joanne Przybylski, Quail Run, also discussed onerous homework demands.
  • Greg Przybylski, Quail Run, reiterated the need to review the current level of homework assignments and requested a timely response.
  • Mildred Spiller, Quill Pen Way, reiterated the class size recommendation and the responsibility to the taxpayers.
  • Greg Steier, Springdale Lane, referenced the role of the number of sections of a grade in any given school.
  • Kathy Helewa, Reinmann Road, referenced the homework discussion and proposed class size guidelines in light of taxes and the uncertainty of state aid.

XV. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. DiMaggio asked a question regarding motion C.5.

Mr. deMontagnac asked a question regarding prior bad experiences with contractor.

On motion by Ms. Campos seconded by Dr. Schiller the consent items A.1. through A.5., B.1. through B.8., C.1. through C.11., and D.1., and D.2., were approved by a 8-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. Brezee 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 December 8, 2016.

A.2. 2017-2018 Calendar

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the revised 2017-2018 calendar.

A.3. Mission Statement

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the revised district mission statement:

“The mission of the Warren Township School District is to provide, through a safe, nurturing yet challenging environment, all students with an outstanding education that engages students and fosters academic excellence, healthy social and emotional development, and a lifelong passion for learning.”

A.4. Fieldwork Site

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the request from Rutgers University to secure Warren Township Schools as a field site to provide supervised Practicum educational experiences in the Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant program from January through June 2017.

A.5. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves up to 10 hours of home instruction for Student #3385531519, beginning December 1, 2016, at a rate of $40 per hour.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the period December 1, 2016 through December 12, 2016 in the amount of $1,700,878.08.

B.2. Partial Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the School Business

Administrator/Board Secretary, pursuant to Policy 3326, to audit pending bills

and claims, to pay qualifying bills and claims within approved budget line item

amounts, from December 13, 2016 to December 31, 2016, and to submit those bills to the Board of Education for approval at its first meeting in January 2017.

B.3. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of November, 2016; and

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on November 30, 2016

 

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$9,891,712.78

  

$973,637.24

(11) Current Expense

  

$1,994,866.75

  

(12) Capital Outlay

  

$124,301.12

  

(13) Special Schools

  

$227.54

  

(20) Special Revenue Fund

$27,977.67

$31,610.45

$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

$10,000,818.07

$2,151,005.86

$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.4. Budget Transfers for Month of November 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.

11-000-223-600-12-00

Staff Training Supplies

11-000-223-580-12-00

Workshops & Travel - Staff Training

$1,050

2.

11-000-251-890-01-00

Business Office - Miscellaneous

11-000-262-622-00-05

Electricity - ALT

$1,500

3.

11-000-266-610-09-00

Security - Maintenance Supplies - B&G

11-000-262-610-09-00

Building Supplies - Maintenance

$2,000

4.

11-000-270-517-10-00

Contracted Non-Public Transportation

11-000-270-515-10-00

Special Ed Transportation (Jointure)

$2,984

5.

11-000-291-241-00-00

Retirement Contributions - PERS

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$935

6.

11-150-100-320-08-00

Home Instruction - Purchased Services

11-190-100-320-08-00

Purchased Professional Services - SPS

$780

7.

12-000-261-730-00-00

Required Maintenance - School Equipment

11-000-261-610-09-04

Maintenance Supplies - Mt. Horeb

$3,450

8.

12-000-400-450-04-M1

Construction - MH Bldg Envelope Restoration

11-000-261-420-09-04

Maintenance Repairs - Mt. Horeb

$11,400

9.

12-000-400-450-06-W1

Construction - WD Bldg Envelope Restoration

11-000-261-420-09-06

Maintenance Repairs - Woodland

$9,000

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

Shannon Sharkey

District

Math Skills and Concepts for Students with Disabilities and struggling learners

Monroe

Jan and Feb 2017

$250

Lance Riegler

District

NJ Techspo

Atlantic City

Jan 2017

$275

Ashley Militch

District

Power Schools User Group Annual Conference

Atlantic City

March 2017

$350

 

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. Banking Services RFP - Rejection of Proposals

WHEREAS, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was published and distributed by the Warren Township School District to seek proposals for Banking and Cash Management Services; and

WHEREAS, the Project was properly advertised to prospective bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-4; and

WHEREAS, on Thursday October 20, 2016 the Board received proposals from potential bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A.18A:18A-1, et seq.;

HOWEVER, the proposal specified that the bidder’s place of business be located in the Township of Warren; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-15, no specification may require that the bidder’s place of business be located in the county or school district in which the contract will be awarded or performed, unless the physical proximity to the bidder is requisite to the efficient and economical performance of the contract;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby rejects the submittals as the proposal has a defect, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes the Request for Proposals be published and distributed pursuant to New Jersey Public Contract Laws, N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-1, et seq

B.7. Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) - Updated

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following motion:

Whereas, the Department of Education requires New Jersey School Districts to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) and the Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) documenting "required" maintenance activities for each of its public school facilities, and

Whereas, the required maintenance activities as listed in the attached document for the various school facilities of the Warren Township Schools are consistent with these requirements, and

Whereas, all past and planned activities are reasonable to keep school facilities open and safe for use or in their original condition and to keep their system warranties valid, and

Now, therefore be it resolved that the Warren Township School District hereby authorizes the School Business Administrator to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) and the Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) for the Warren Township Schools in compliance with Department of Education requirements.

 

B.8. 2017-2018 Budget Goals

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following goals for the

2017-18 budget:

    1. Complete a funding plan which continues to utilize sustainable zero-based budgeting practices, and allocated resources based on enrollment and need.
    2. Fund appropriate personnel, programs, and supplies to, at a minimum meet, and where appropriate, exceed state mandates in curriculum, evaluation, and assessment.
    3. Continue to support the development and implementation of standardized safety and security practices districtwide.

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. Jennifer Pote, Special Education Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, MA, Step 2 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $63,668 (prorated), effective December 5, 2016 through June 30, 2017. (Ms. Pote replaces Christine Spencer.)

b. Melissa Fedosh, Classroom Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours, Angelo L. Tomaso School, Step 23 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $29,808 (prorated), with an additional $1,800 for her teaching certificate, effective December 21, 2016 through June 30, 2017. (Mrs. Fedosh replaces Marisol Ziegler.)

c. Michael Pate, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, District, at an annual salary of $94,000 (prorated), effective on or about March 13, 2017 through June 30, 2017.

C.2. Job Description

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following job descriptions:

      1. Assistant Principal/Supervisor of Summer Programs
      2. Secretary of Summer Programs

C.3. Job Description

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the revised job descriptions for the following:

a. Principal/Supervisor Summer Programs

C.4. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2280 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from on or about March 23, 2017 through June 30, 2017, with an anticipated return date of September 1, 2017.

b. Employee #2574 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from on or about February 27, 2017 through June 30, 2017, with an anticipated return date of September 1, 2017.

C.5. Additional Days Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves Ronald Berry, Security Program Compliance Manager, for an additional 20 days in the 2016-2017 School Year, at a per diem cost of $300 per day.

C.6. Retirement/Resignation

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

a. Marisol Ziegler, Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, for the purpose of resignation, effective December 21, 2016.

b. Michelle Cebula, Instructional Specialist, District, for the purpose of resignation with appreciation for her 9 years of service to the Warren Township staff and students, effective December 31, 2016.

C.7. Substitute Teacher

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teacher for the 2016-2017 school year:

a. Sumin Tsai

C.8. Movement on the Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2016-2017 salary guide:

a. Michele Lepore, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective November 1, 2016.

C.9. Long Term Substitute Paraprofessional

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Linda Hatcher as Long Term Substitute Paraprofessional, effective December 12, 2016 through on or about January 18, 2017.

C.10. Extended Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an additional half hour per work day for Lucia Raphael, Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School, effective November 28, 2016 through on or about December 20, 2016. (Ms. Raphael is covering for Employee #2085.)

C.11. Additional Days

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Michael Pate to work up to an additional three days, at a daily rate of $361.54, at a cost not to exceed $1,084.62, for the purposes of job transitioning.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies – Second Reading

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

a. Policy 6164.2 Guidance Services

b. Policy 3515 Smoking Prohibition

c. Policy 6171.1 Remedial Instruction

d. Policy 6171.2 Gifted and Talented

e. Policy 2131 Chief School Administrator

f. Policy 2240 Research, Evaluation and Planning

g. Policy 3100 Budget Planning, Preparation and Adoption

h. Policy 6146.2 Promotion/Retention

i. Policy 4113/4213 Assignment; Transfer

j. Policy 1330 Use of School Facilities

k. Policy 1120 Board of Education Meetings

D.2. Policies – First Reading

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

a. Policy 4112.6/4212.6 Personnel Records

b. Policy 4112.2/4212.2 Certification

XVI. Unfinished Business

N/A

XVII. New Business

  • NJSBA Delegate Assembly - Mrs. Albano discussed her attendance at the recent NJSBA Delegate Assembly and mentioned that suggestions for the Spring assembly can be entertained at this time.

XVIII. Public Commentary (any topic)

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).

  • Greg Przybylski, Quail Run, referenced that established guidelines are not mandates, and the need to recognize the role of educators in decision-making..
  • Greg Steier, Springdale Lane, expressed his thanks to both outgoing board members, noting their contributions to the board.
  • Kathy Helewa, Reinmann Road, congratulated Mr. Brezee on his appointment. She also congratulated Ms. Campos and Mr. Sena on their jobs well done as board members, noting their personal positive character traits as well.

XIX. Executive Session

At 8:40 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

Action will not be taken upon return to public session;

the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 15 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.

Dr. Mingle, Mrs. DiMaggio and Mrs. Leonhardt left the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

On motion by Ms. Campos, seconded by Dr. Schiller, the Board reconvened in open session at 8:52 p.m.

XX. Adjourn

On motion by Ms. Campos, seconded by Dr. Schiller, the meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.

Minutes submitted by

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary