Minutes for March 20, 2017History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day at the Warren Township 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.

II. Pledge of Allegiance - Mrs. Allocco led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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 4, 2017. This notice was on that date posted on the bulletin board in the Township Office, sent to the Courier News, 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.”

III. Roll Call

Present: Paige Albano, David Brezee, Len deMontagnac, Lisa DiMaggio,

Andrea Freijomil, Patricia Zohn and Tia Allocco

Absent: Jeannine Sarosy and Joan Schiller

Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, Board Secretary, and members of the public and press.

IV. Minutes

Mr. deMontagnac moved the following:

  • RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the March 6, 2017 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio and approved by 6-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Freijomil abstained.)

V. Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

1

 

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

1

VI. President's Remarks

Mrs. Allocco welcomed all on this, the first day of Spring.

Mrs. Allocco commended the Finance Committee and Business Administrator Pat Leonhardt for their hard work on the 2017-2018 budget.

Mrs. Allocco reported that district administration had meet with the Township Administrator.

Lastly, Mrs. Allocco acknowledged and thanked Mr. Comba, whose retirement is on tonight’s agenda, for his years of service to the district.

VII. Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Mingle began by asking that the board remove the destination of ‘Warren and surrounding communities’ from the list for approval for motion B.5.

Dr. Mingle reported on the meeting he and Mrs Leonhardt had earlier in the day with Township Administrator Mark Krane. Topics of discussion included PILOT programs and COAH housing.

Dr. Mingle shared that a survey will be distributed this Wednesday regarding communication, and ended by thanking all district administration and staff for their presence this evening.

VIII. Presentation

  • Elementary Specials Schedule Recommendation - Dr. Mingle and Mr. Kimmick presented an overview of the recommendation.
  • Middle School Schedule Recommendation - Mr. Comba and Mr. Achtau presented an overview of the recommendation.
  • Tentative Budget Overview - Dr. Mingle and Mrs. Leonhardt provided an overview of the tentative budget.

IX. Discussion

  • Presentation Topics - The board asked follow up questions regarding the proposed scheduling changes.

X. Committee Reports

  • Finance, Operations and Security Committee - Mrs. Freijomil reported on the recent meeting which addressed the energy audit, the Window Replacement project for Woodland School, the Central School traffic flow, the budget, the Capital Improvement Plan as well as an Educational Goals Plan.
  • Whole Child Conference - Mrs. DiMaggio reported on her attendance with Dr. Mingle at the recent full day Whole Child Conference held in Monroe.
  • Personnel Committee - Mrs. Albano reported on the meeting held earlier in the evening with minutes to follow.

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).

  • Jennifer Allen-Nuzzi, Loren Way, commented on the proposed schedule changes.
  • Rebecca Davenport, Central School Teacher, addressed the board concerning the extra work she performs for the school and her students.
  • Carmela Phan, Whispering Way, spoke in support of Mrs. Davenport and her extra efforts.

XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. DiMaggio spoke in support of Mr. Berry’s travel request (B.4.).

Mrs. Zohn asked that motion B.6. be pulled for separate vote.

Mrs. Freijomil spoke about purchasing, specifically within budget transfer lines 12, 13 and 15 (B.3.).

Mr. Brezee also asked a question regarding transfers as well as requested that Policy 4133 be reinstated to the website.

Mrs. Zohn spoke to the quantity of transfers coming out of the health benefits account (B.3.).

Mr. deMontagnac provided insight regarding transfers (B.3.).

Mrs. Allocco requested that Mr. Berry provide post-travel feedback (B.4.).

Mrs. Allocco asked questions regarding the class trip approval list (B.5.).

Mr. deMontagnac asked a follow-up question regarding class trips and insurance coverage (B.5.).

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee the consent items A.1., B.1. through B.5, B.7., and C.1. through C.3., were approved by a 7-0 roll-call vote.

Mrs. Zohn provided her feedback regarding the proposed 2017-2018 budget.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, consent item B.6. was approved by a 6-1 roll-call vote (Mrs. Zohn voted nay).

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 16, 2017.

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 2017 in the amount of $3,679,704.68.

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, 2017,

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on February 28, 2017

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$9,816,865.34

 

$973,637.24

(11) Current Expense

 

$2,081,705.01

 

(12) Capital Outlay

 

$116,891.74

 

(13) Special Schools

 

$244.52

 

(20) Special Revenue Fund

$33,428.52

$26,203.01

$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

$9,931,421.48

$2,225,044.28

$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 February 1, 2017

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.

11-000-213-600-00-00

Health Supplies - District

11-000-213-300-00-00

Health Purchased Services

$4,400

2.

11-000-222-600-04-10

Library Supplies - Mt. Horeb

11-190-100-610-04-10

Instructional Supplies - MH

$400

3.

11-000-230-339-01-00

Purchased Professional Services - Admin.

11-000-230-331-01-00

Legal Services

$13,000

4.

11-000-261-610-09-04

Maintenance Supplies - Mt. Horeb

11-000-262-107-00-00

Salaries - Lunchroom & Playground Aides

$15,650

5.

11-000-261-610-09-07

Maintenance Supplies - Middle

11-000-262-107-00-00

Salaries - Lunchroom & Playground Aides

$4,600

6.

11-000-262-300-09-00

Purchased Prof. & Tech. Services - Maintenance

11-000-262-107-00-00

Salaries - Lunchroom & Playground Aides

$1,100

7.

11-000-270-580-10-00

Transportation - Workshops & Travel

11-000-270-161-10-00

Salaries - Transportation

$30

8.

11-000-270-615-10-00

Transportation Supplies

11-000-270-161-10-00

Salaries - Transportation

$8,500

9.

11-000-270-800-10-00

Transportation - Other

11-000-270-161-10-00

Salaries - Transportation

$600

10.

11-401-100-600-03-00

Co-Curricular Supplies - CS

11-190-100-610-03-10

Instructional Supplies - CS

$100

11.

11-402-100-500-07-00

Sports - Purchased Services

11-190-100-610-07-10

Instructional Supplies - MS

$2,000

12.

12-000-261-730-00-00

Required Maintenance - School Equipment

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$30,270

13.

12-000-262-730-09-00

Operations & Maintenance Equipment

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$22,840

14.

12-000-263-730-09-00

Grounds Equipment

11-000-262-107-00-00

Salaries - Lunchroom & Playground Aides

$3,260

15.

12-000-270-734-00-00

School Bus - Special Ed

11-000-270-161-10-00

Salaries - Transportation

$24,210

16.

13-422-100-500-00-00

Summer Fun - Other Purchased Services

11-130-100-101-00-01

Salaries - Grade 6-8 Teachers

$2,477

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

Michelle Zgombic

MS

Level 2 Google Certification Bootcamp

Roselle

Apr 2017

$223

Lauren Valera

WS

TESOL/NJBE 2017 Spring Conference

New Brunswick

May and June 2017

$319

Mary Sfiris

ALT

TESOL/NJBE 2017 Spring Conference

New Brunswick

May 2017

$230 (Funded by

Title III)

Rebecca Hartman

CS

Clinician's Survival Guide to Suicide and Homicide

Edison

Apr 2017

$186

Beatrice Schwarzkopf

MS

Clinician's Survival Guide to Suicide and Homicide

Edison

Apr 2017

$190

Kristen Nardiello

WS

Clinician's Survival Guide to Suicide and Homicide

Edison

Apr 2017

$180

Karen Leski

ALT

Clinician's Survival Guide to Suicide and Homicide

Edison

Apr 2017

$180

Candida Hengemuhle

BOE

Clinician's Survival Guide to Suicide and Homicide

Edison

Apr 2017

$186

Susan Cooper

MS

National Academic Championship

Alexandria, VA

June 2017

$713

Bruce Gant

ALT

NAFME Eastern Conference

Atlantic City

Apr 2017

$360

Patricia Leonhardt

BOE

NJASBO Conf. 2017

Atlantic City

June 2017

$495

Matthew Mingle

BOE

NJASA/NJAPSA Spring Leadership Conf.

Atlantic city

May 2017

$956

Candida Hengemuhle

BOE

NJASA/NJAPSA Spring Leadership Conf.

Atlantic city

May 2017

$862

Ronald Berry

BOE

The Briefings at Columbine H.S.

Littleton, CO

July 2017

$2,697


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. Class Trip Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the list of field trip destinations for the 2016-2017 School Year.

B.6. TENTATIVE 2017-2018 Warren Township School District Budget

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the tentative 2017-2018 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 2017-2018 Budget

Appropriations:

   

Revenue:

 

Fund 10

       

Operating Budget

$41,349,155

 

State Aid: General Fund

$1,247,692

Deposit to Capital Reserve

$500

 

Tax Levy: General Fund

39,579,035

Capital Outlay

$457,441

 

Other Revenues

$485,034

Summer School

$246,541

 

Fund Balance

$458,000

Transfer to Charter Schools

$34,465

 

Withdrawal from Emergency Reserves

$318,341

 

$42,088,102

   

$42,088,102

Fund 20

       

Special Revenue Appropriations

$420,594

 

Grants: Federal, State and Local

$420,594

         

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 2017-2018 tentative budget includes a maximum travel appropriation of $129,250. 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 24, 2017 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.

B.7. Motion to Rescind Approval for Woodland School Window Replacement Project

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby rescinds its approval of the Woodland School Window Replacement Project, previously approved at its meeting of February 21, 2017.

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. Mary Cagnetta, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, Step 1-5 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $17,945 (prorated), effective April 3, 2017 through June 30, 2017. (Mrs. Cagnetta replaces Carol Barany.)

b. Katina Cruz, School Nurse, Woodland School, BA, Step 1 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, at a per diem rate of $285.10, for a number of days not to exceed 52, at a salary not to exceed $14,825.20, effective March 22, 2017 through June 30, 2017. (new position)

C.2. Retirement/Resignation

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

a. Sandra Carlock, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 20 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2017.

b. Marilyn Brown, ASAP Teacher, Woodland School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 25 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2017.

c. Judy Hamilton, Grade 2 Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 26 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2017.

d. Robert Comba, Principal, Warren Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for his 24 years of service to the Warren Township students and staff, effective June 30, 2017.

C.3. Additional Pay

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a one-time payment of $3,000 to Sean Convery, for technical services for the creation of an online registration and payment system for Summer Fun.

XIII. Unfinished Business

Mrs. DiMaggio left the meeting at 9:23 p.m.

  • Board Communication - Mrs. Allocco discussed the process for responses to board member questions regarding the agenda.

Mrs. Albano left the meeting at 9:27 p.m.

XIV. New Business

  • Committee Topics - Mrs. Zohn asked questions regarding the determination of committee topics.
  • Watchung Hills Municipal Alliance - Mr. de Montagnac reported on upcoming events.

XV. 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).

NA

XVI. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary