Warren Township Schools: Minutes for April 24, 2017

Minutes for April 24, 2017 Archived Minutes

A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day at the Mount Horeb School, 80 Mt. Horeb Road. The following is a record of that meeting.

I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:01 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 April 20, 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: David Brezee, Len deMontagnac, Lisa DiMaggio, Joan Schiller, Patricia Zohn and Tia Allocco

Absent:

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

Andrea Freijomil and Jeannine Sarosy arrived at 6:03 p.m.

Paige Albano arrived at 6:56 p.m.

IV. Executive Session

At 6:03 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:

pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation and/or matters of attorney-client privilege 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 60 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. Sarosy and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:02 p.m.

V. Minutes

Mr. deMontagnac moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public session minutes of the April 3, 2017 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio and approved by 9-0 roll-call vote.

VI. Correspondence and Information

Dr. Mingle reported on two pieces of correspondence. One was a letter regarding a planning lot subdivision and the other was parental correspondence.

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

VII. President's Remarks

Mrs. Allocco congratulated those staff members moving across the salary guide on tonight’s agenda.

Mrs. Allocco wished well those staff members on tonight’s agenda for retirement and resignation.

Mrs. Allocco requested that board members provide feedback regarding the rescheduling of the second June board meeting.

Mrs. Allocco thanked the Township Committee for arranging the recent elected officials meeting and for inviting the board and administration.

Mrs. Allocco shared the sad news of the death of Dr. Kozlik, former Interim Director of Special Services.

VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Mingle reported on a successful first day of PARCC testing.

Dr. Mingle referenced the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) programs.

Dr. Mingle discussed a Capital Improvement Plan timeline update as well as the addition of aspirational projects.

Dr. Mingle discussed the district’s intent to go out with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for architectural services.

Dr. Mingle expressed his gratitude for the Learning Experience donation, which is on this evening’s agenda.

Dr. Mingle referenced position changes on this evening’s agenda, both abolishments and creations.

IX. Presentation

Mt. Horeb School Presentation - Grade 5 “Genius Hour” Projects. Mr. Paul Duncan and his students presented a bevy of their projects.
Spring Break Video - All present viewed Mrs. McGann’s video of students’ reflections of Spring Break.

At 7:41 p.m., the board took a 5 minute recess.

The board reconvened at 7:48 p.m.

Presentation (continued)

Preschool Recommendation - Director of Special Services Candie Hengemuhle presented the recommended changes to the district’s preschool program.
Reimagined Classroom Design Challenge - Curriculum Supervisor Stacey Hann-Modugno presented an overview of the proposed reimagined classroom design project.
Goals Update - Dr. Mingle presented an update regarding the status of his 2016-17 Goals.
Public Hearing - 2017-2018 Budget - Dr. Mingle and Mrs. Leonhardt presented the proposed 2017-18 budget.

X. Discussion

Reimagined Classroom Design Challenge - The board asked follow up questions regarding the proposed program.

XI. Committee Reports

Finance/Operations/Security Committee (FiOS) - Mrs. Freijomil reported on the recent FiOS committee meeting, which discussed many topics, including but not limited to the Visitor Management System policy and Summer Fun.

Curriculum and Technology Committee - Mrs. DiMaggio reported on the recent meeting which discussed a Special Education policy, classroom redesign and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

XII. 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).

Nancy Andrews, ALT Teacher, spoke in support of the need for a computer teacher.
Bonnie Pierson, MS Teacher, shared student feedback regarding classroom redesign.
Susan Leonard, WS Teacher, spoke to the need for and importance of comfortable seating.
Cynthia Cassidy, MS Librarian, spoke in support of the classroom redesign project.
Nelly Pucci, Washington Valley Road, spoke in support of the classroom design project and the need for a computer teacher.

XIII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. Allocco acknowledged and thanked the Learning Experience for its generous donation.

Mrs. Zohn requested that motion B.5. be pulled for a separate vote.

Dr. Schiller asked a question regarding B.12.

Mrs. DiMaggio asked a question regarding A.3.

Mrs. Allocco asked a question regarding D.2.

Mrs. Zohn reiterated a question regarding motions A.2. and D.2.

Mrs. Allocco reiterated a question regarding A.2. regarding facility set-up.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, the consent items A.1. through A.6., B.1. through B.4, B.6. through B.12., C.1. through C.11., and D.1. and D.2., were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

Mrs. Zohn referred to her prior concerns regarding the proposed 2017-2018 budget..

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent item B.5. was approved by a 7-2 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Sarosy and 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 April 20, 2017.

A.2. Establish Autism Class at Central

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves to establish an Autism Class at Central School to meet the needs of our students for the 2017-2018 school year.

A.3. Alternative Physical Education Program

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the alternative physical education program for Student #5266212957 for the period of April 25, 2017 through June 20, 2017.

A.4. Bedside Instruction

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves bedside instruction through Silvergate Prep for Student #6672870988 beginning April 18, 2017, at an hourly rate of $40, at a cost not to exceed $4,400.

A.5. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves up to 10 hours per week of home instruction for Student #7610738302 beginning April 24, 2017, at a rate of $40 per hour.

A.6. Out of Zone Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of zone request for the following student:

a. Student #2623157871, Grade 1, to remain at Angelo L. Tomaso for the 2017-2018 school year. The student has moved to a home zoned for Mt. Horeb. The district will be responsible for transportation.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of April 2017 in the amount of $3,885,645.54.

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 March, 2017,

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on March 31, 2017

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$9,771,280.79		$973,637.24
(11) Current Expense		$2,091,161.06
(12) Capital Outlay		$343,020.74
(13) Special Schools		$294.52
(20) Special Revenue Fund	$34,367.84	$28,594.71	$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	$9,886,776.25	$2,463,071.03	$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 March 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.	11-000-216-600-08-00	Speech/OT/PT - Supplies	11-000-216-100-00-01	Speech & OT - Extra Pay	$750
2.	11-000-219-390-08-00	CST-Purchased Prof. Services	11-000-219-800-08-00	CST - Dues & Memberships	$5,000
3.	11-000-230-580-01-00	Travel - Superintendent	11-000-230-895-01-02	BOE - Membership & Dues	$1,500
4.	11-000-261-420-09-03	Maintenance Repairs - Central	11-000-261-100-09-00	Salaries - Maintenance	$10,000
5.	11-230-100-610-12-07	Basic Skills - Supplies - Middle	11-230-100-500-12-04	Basic Skills - Purchased Svcs.-MH	$1,840
6.	11-230-100-610-12-07	Basic Skills - Supplies - Middle	11-230-100-500-12-05	Basic Skills - Purchased Svcs -ALT	$1,865
7.	11-402-100-600-07-00	Sports Supplies	11-190-100-640-07-00	Textbooks - Middle School	$400
8.	12-000-263-730-09-00	Grounds Equipment	11-000-262-621-00-03	Heat - Central	$13,000
9.	12-000-263-730-09-00	Grounds Equipment	11-000-262-621-00-07	Heat - Middle	$9,075
10.	12-130-100-730-07-00	Instructional Equipment - MS	11-190-100-610-07-10	Instructional Supplies - Middle	$2,796

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
Scott Cook	MTH	How Should I Teach Reading Next Year? Workshop	Mahwah	May 2017	$217
Alison Tugya	CS	How Should I Teach Reading Next Year? Workshop	Mahwah	May 2017	$221
Christine Smith	ALT	How Should I Teach Reading Next Year? Workshop	Mahwah	May 2017	$224
Jeff Heaney	WS	How Should I Teach Reading Next Year? Workshop	Mahwah	May 2017	$220
Carol Keirstead	MTH	Oppositional, Defiant, Disruptive Children and Adolescents	South Plainfield	May 2017	$224
Amy Brunswick	MH	Mental Health Issues in the classroom	Edison	June 2017	$211
Andrea Freijomil	BOE	NJSBA Workshop 2017	Atlantic City	Oct 2017	$990
Tia Allocco	BOE	NJSBA Workshop 2017	Atlantic City	Oct 2017	$990
Patricia Leonhardt	District	NJSBA Workshop 2017	Atlantic City	Oct 2017	$970
Matthew Mingle	District	NJSBA Workshop 2017	Atlantic City	Oct 2017	$971
Patricia Zohn	BOE	NJSBA Workshop 2017	Atlantic City	Oct 2017	$952

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. Adoption of 2017-2018 Warren Township School District Budget

RESOLVED, the Board of Education adopts the 2017-2018 Warren Township School District Budget as approved by the Executive County Superintendent of Schools for Somerset County.

The 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.

2017-2018 Warren Township School District Budget
Appropriations:		Revenue:
Fund 10
Operating Budget	$41,349,996	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	$33,624	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 budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement. The 2017-2018 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 authorizes the Superintendent and Business Administrator to implement the 2017-2018 budget as hereby approved.

B.6. Joint Transportation Agreements

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes Joint Transportation Agreements for the 2017-2018 school year as follows:

Somerset County Educational Services Commission - administrative fee of 4%
Union County Education Services Commission - administrative fee of 4%
The Educational Services Commission of New Jersey - administrative fee of 6%

B.7. Dealaman Bus Services Contract Renewal for 2017-2018

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the renewal of the transportation contracts for the 2017-2018 school year with Dealaman Bus Services of Warren, NJ. Renewed routes increased by CPI of .3%. Reflects consolidation resulting in the elimination of six routes. The details are as follows:

Multi Contract #	Renewal #	2017-2018 Cost
1	23	$23,3470.41
2	19	$77,086.76
4	6	$33,338.24
5	19	$15,1697.02
6	18	$41,475.26
7	17	$70,030.11
8	9	$141,124.37
9	15	$18,012.55
10	14	$27,927.54
11	13	$53,988.16
12	12	$47,545.49
	TOTAL	$ 895,695.91

B.8. Tax Payment Schedule for 2017-2018 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following tax payment schedule for 2017-2018 from the Township of Warren:

July 3, 2017	$700,000	January 2, 2018	$3,298,253
July 17, 2017	$700,000
August 1, 2017	$700,000	February 1, 2018	$3,298,253
August 15, 2017	$1,000,000
September 1, 2017	$2,000,000	March 1, 2018	$3,298,253
September 15, 2017	$2,000,000
October 2, 2017	$4,229,840	April 2, 2018	$3,298,253
November 1, 2017	$4,229,839	May 1, 2018	$3,298,253
December 1, 2017	$4,229,839	June 1, 2018	$3,298,252
		TOTAL	$39,579,035

B.9. Sale of Obsolete Items

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education declares as obsolete the following items:

15 Folding Cafeteria Tables with Seating (MHS). Asset tag numbers 900136 through 900150.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the listed equipment to be disposed of in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A:45 – Sale of Property.

B.10. 403(b) Plan Document for Public Education

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Revised 403(b) Plan Document for Public Education Organizations, dated April 25, 2017, for the Warren Township School District, effective May 1, 2017. This revision adds Primerica as an additional vendor and deletes ASPire, which failed to obtain the required number of participants. Primerica to offer 403(b), Roth 403(b) and 457 plans.

B.11. Field Trip Destination Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Monster Golf, in Edison as a field trip destination for the Warren Middle School 6th grade.

B.12. Donation - The Learning Experience of Warren

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation of $5,000 to be used to support innovative classroom design, from the Learning Experience 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.”

a. Kristen Carleen, Leave Replacement Speech Therapist, Warren Middle School, MA, Step 8-9 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, at a per diem rate of $333.41, from on or about May 15, 2017 through June 30, 2017, with three additional transition days between May 1, 2017 through May 15, 2017, all of which is not creditable toward tenure acquisition. (Ms. Carleen is LRT for Employee #2931.)

C.2. Substitute Teachers

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

a. MaryAnn Minervini

C.3. Approval to Abolish Positions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the abolishment of the following positions for reasons of declining enrollment and schedule restructuring:

Art Teacher
Curriculum Coordinator
Music Teacher
REACH Teacher
Computer Teachers (2.0 FTE)
Spanish Teacher (1.6 FTE)
ELA/SS Teacher

C.4. Approval to Create Positions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the creation of the following positions:

Curriculum Director
Physical Education Teacher
Instructional Specialist

C.5. CPR/AED and First Aid Training

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff to present First Aid on May 17, 2017 and or CPR/AED training on either May 23 or May 24, 2017, at the contractual rate of $40 per hour, for the total cost of $1,440:

Jan Brennan
Lisa Lontai
Harriet Stambaugh
Doris Zanchelli

C.6. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Megan O’Donnell, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+30, effective April 1, 2017.

b. Carla Annese, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective April 1, 2017.

C.7. Additional Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following additional hours for:

a. Nancy Lauber to accompany Student #1316551903, Student #6966351129 and Student #7829480945, to the 3rd Grade Recorder Concert on June 1, 2017 at a cost not to exceed $40.

b. Brittany Leonard to accompany Student #1135531894, to after school On The Court at Angelo L. Tomaso on Fridays starting April 28, 2017 through June 9, 2017, at a cost not to exceed $280.

C.8. Long Term Substitute

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Hayley Scuderi as Long Term Substitute, effective on or about April 27, 2017 through June 30, 2017. (Ms. Scuderi is LTS for Employee #1752.)

C.9. Substitute Bus Monitor

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Patricia Doll as a substitute bus monitor at the approved pay rate for the 2016-2017 school year.

C.10. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #1764 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from on or about September 22, 2017 through on or about November 1, 2017, with an anticipated return date of November 2, 2017.

C.11. Retirement/Resignation

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

a. Jacklyn Gualtieri, LA/SS Teacher, Warren Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 17 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 1, 2017.

b. Jennifer Pote, Special Education Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, for the purposes of resignation, effective June 30, 2017.

D. Policy

D.1. Policy – Second Reading

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

a. Policy 6171.4 - Special Education

D.2. Policy – First Reading

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

a. Policy 1250 - Visitors

XIV. Unfinished Business

Board Retreat - Mrs. Sarosy asked if the retreat could be held in June rather than August.

Security - Mr. deMontagnac addressed traffic flow at drop off, specifically at Middle School.

XV. New Business

SCESC Update - Mrs. Zohn reported on her recent meeting which discussed ESC’s services integration, transportation, and special programs.
Future Discussion - Financial Oversight Role - Mrs. Allocco suggested that this be a summer retreat topic.
Mt. Horeb School - Mr. Brezee acknowledged Mr. Cook for his facilitation of the entire experience tonight.
Board of Education meeting follow up - Mrs. Zohn shared the positive feedback received after the last meeting, which celebrated Woodland’s successes, and discussed equity among the district’s multiple K-5 schools.

XVI. Public Commentary (any topic)

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.

Susan Leonard, WS Teacher, referenced the new POW flag. There was also a request regarding communication of flag lowering reasons.

XVII. Executive Session

At 10:12 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:

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

Action will not 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 Mr. Brezee and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Board reconvened in open session at 11:10 p.m.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the meeting adjourned at 11:11 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary

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