Warren Township Schools: Minutes for May 8, 2017

Minutes for May 8, 2017 Archived Minutes

A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day at the Central School, 109 Mount Bethel Road. The following is a record of that meeting.

I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:31 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: Paige Albano, David Brezee, Len deMontagnac, Lisa DiMaggio, Andrea Freijomil, Jeannine Sarosy, Patricia Zohn and Tia Allocco

Absent: Joan Schiller

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

IV. Executive Session

At 6:33 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 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 Mrs. DiMaggio and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Board reconvened in open session at 6:59 p.m.

V. Presentation

Central School presentation - Grades 4 and 5 Drama Club: The Central School Drama Club presented a small sampling of its play.
Dr. Mingle introduced George Villar, his recommendation for the district’s next Middle School principal.

Personnel/Student Services

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio the consent item C.12. was approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

C.12. Employment for the 2017-2018 School Year

RESOLVED, upon recommendation from the Superintendent, that the Board of Education approve the following Personnel item:

George Villar, Principal, Warren Middle School, at a salary of $ $ 140,000, effective July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.

The board took a short break at 7:18 p.m.

The board reconvened at 7:25 p.m.

VI. Minutes

Mr. deMontagnac moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public session minutes of the April 24, 2017 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Freijomil and approved by 8-0 roll-call vote.

VII. Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

· Fire Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
27-Apr	3-Apr	28-Apr	19-Apr	27-Apr

· Security Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
28-Apr	20-Apr	7-Apr	18-Apr	27-Apr
Bus Evacuation	Bus Evacuation	Bus Evacuation	Bus Evacuation	Bus Evacuation

VIII. ANNUAL ADOPTIONS

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Annual Adoptions were approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

1. Curriculum

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of the PK-8 curriculum guides, as aligned with NJ Core Content Standards, for the 2017-2018 school year.

2. Textbooks

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves adoption of existing district textbooks for the 2017-2018 school year.

3. Service Appointments

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. The appointment of Patricia Leonhardt as Board Secretary of the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2017-2018 school year.

b. The appointment of MaryGrace Suitovsky, Assistant Business Administrator, as Acting Board Secretary for the 2017-2018 school year in the absence of the Board Secretary.

c. The appointment of Ruth Davies as Treasurer of School Monies for the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2017-2018 school year.

d. The appointment of Patricia Leonhardt, Business Administrator, as Acting Treasurer of School Monies for the 2017-2018 school year for the Warren Township Board of Education in the absence of Ruth Davies.

e. The appointment of Suplee, Clooney & Company as the auditing firm for the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2017-2018 school year, at an annual cost of $25,050.

f. The appointment of Dr. Richard Lesko as District Medical Inspector for the 2017-2018 school year, at the annual cost of $7,500.

g. The appointment of Dr. Ronald Frank as Alternate District Medical Inspector for the 2017-2018 school year, at a cost to be determined at the time of service provided (if need be).

h. The appointment of Candida Hengemuhle as the district’s Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX Coordinator, Anti-Bullying Coordinator, and 504 Officer for the 2017-2018 school year.

i. The appointment of CBIZ-Centric as the district’s board and general liability insurance agent for the 2017-2018 school year.

j. The appointment of Brown & Brown Benefit Advisors, Inc. as the Board’s program manager of record for the medical insurance program and group insurance broker of record for the district’s dental insurance program and flexible spending plan for the 2017-2018 school year, at an annual cost of $13,500.

k. The appointment of Michael Pate as the district’s Right to Know contact, AHERA representative, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator (IPMC), Safety and Health Designee, Indoor Air Quality Designee, Chemical Hygiene Officer, and Asbestos Management Officer for the 2017-2018 school year.

l. The appointment of Patricia Leonhardt, Business Administrator, as the district’s Public Agency Compliance Officer (PACO), District Custodian of Records, and District Purchasing Agent for the 2017-2018 school year.

m. The appointment of AIG/VALIC, AXA/Equitable, Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc. and Primerica as 403(b), 457(b) and Roth 403(b) plan providers for the 2017-2018 school year.

n. The appointment of AmeriFlex as the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA) provider for the 2017-2018 school year. Cost is $63 per participant per year for FSA and/or DCA program participation, plus $770 per annum for FSA, DCA and COBRA program administration.

4. Finance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. The designation of the following bank as depository for district funds for 2017-2018, dependent on ongoing certification of approval by the Governmental Unit Deposit Protection Act: Peapack-Gladstone Bank.

b. Authorization for the Board Secretary to invest school funds in accordance with the limitations of State law and Board policy.

c. Authorization for the following persons to sign checks:

Account Name	No.	Signatory(s)
General Operating (Current) Account	3	Treasurer of School Monies and/or Board Secretary and/or Board President and/or Board Vice President
Salary Account	1	Treasurer of School Monies or Board Secretary
Payroll Deduction Account	1	Treasurer of School Monies or Board Secretary
Unemployment Account	1	Board Secretary or Superintendent
Juice and Water Account	1	Board Secretary or Superintendent
Milk Account	1	Board Secretary or Superintendent
Flexible Spending Account	1	Board Secretary or Superintendent
Middle School Student Activity Account	2	Middle School Principal and/or Middle School Dean and/or Board Secretary

d. The financial records of the school district shall be maintained in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and all appropriations shall be recorded using the Chart of Accounts provided by the New Jersey Department of Education.

e. Authorization for the Purchasing Agent to make purchases of goods and services entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property (state contract), Ed-Data, Somerset County Cooperative Pricing System, Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council (MCCPC), Middlesex Regional Educational Services Cooperative Purchasing and Hunterdon County ESC Cooperative Purchasing.

f. Authorization, in recognition of Qualified Purchasing Agent status, of a bid threshold of $40,000.

5. Petty Cash Accounts

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the establishment of the following petty cash accounts and the individual responsible for the account for 2017-2018:

a. Superintendent’s Office (Superintendent’s Secretary) $200

b. Buildings and Grounds (Supervisor of B & G) $200

c. Schools (Building Principal) $200 (each school)

d. SPS (Director of SPS) $100

e. Curriculum (Curriculum Director) $100

The maximum expenditure from each account for each purchase is $25.00. The School Business Administrator will review a summary of the disbursements on a semi-annual basis.

6. Organizational Chart

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the district’s organizational chart for the 2017-2018 school year dated May 8, 2017.

IX. President's Remarks

Mrs. Allocco welcomed all to the meeting this evening and shared her joy in presenting, along with Dr. Mingle, this year’s Excellence in Education awards.

Mrs. Allocco extended a welcome to Mr. Villar.

Mrs. Allocco complimented all of the Middle School students involved in last week’s musical show, which included a tribute to former Middle School teacher Mrs. Wendy Rosenberg.

Lastly, Mrs. Allocco congratulated those staff members moving across the guide, as well as recognizing retiring staff members.

X. Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Mingle reiterated congratulations to the district’s Excellence in Education award winners.

Dr. Mingle reported that the district is waiting a response from the Township regarding a meeting to further discuss Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) programs.

Dr. Mingle shared with all Mrs. McGann’s recent accomplishments, which include an invitation to participate on a panel at NJASA as well as receipt of an award for her video work.

Dr. Mingle shared the sad and unexpected news that Ms. Geralyn Mulvaney, a Woodland School paraprofessional, passed away earlier today. Dr. Mingle expressed his condolences on behalf of the Warren Township School District.

XI. Discussion

Preschool Expansion - The board had no follow up questions.
Reimagined Classroom Design Challenge / Active Learning Space Pilot - Dr. Mingle shared that this proposed implementation would be in a common area in each elementary school. At the Middle School, there would be a small scale challenge. The board discussed the proposal and asked additional questions.

XII. Committee Reports

Mrs. DiMaggio reported on the Curriculum Committee, which discussed Next Generation Science Standards, Summer Curriculum Writing and the Status of Goals 3B and 3F.

XIII. 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

XIV. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mr. Brezee asked a question regarding A.1. The date on the motion was then changed to May 8th.

Mrs. Freijomil asked a question regarding B.3.

Mr. deMontagnac asked a question regarding the Chromebook purchase.

Mrs. DiMaggio asked a question regarding B.4.

Mrs. Albano left the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

Mrs. Zohn commented on motion D.1. The board discussed. Mrs. Zohn then asked that motion D.1. be tabled.

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mrs. Sarosy, request to table motion D.1., was not approved 2-5. (Mr. Brezee, Mr. deMontagnac, Mrs. DiMaggio, Mrs. Freijomil and Mrs. Allocco voted nay.)

Mrs. Zohn asked that motion D.1. be pulled for separate vote.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, the consent items A.1. through A.4., B.1. through B.4, and C.1. through C.11., were approved by a 7-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent item D.1., was approved by a 5-2 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 May 4, 2017.

A.2. Preschool Expansion

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the administrative recommendation to expand the District’s preschool program.

A.3. Tuition Out Student

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase in the tuition contract for Student #4058597640, for ARC Kohler School, effective May 9, 2017 through on or about June 22, 2017. Additional cost of $132 per diem, for 32 days, totaling an additional $4,224, reflects the addition of an aide.

A.4. Active Learning Pilot

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the administration’s recommendation to implement the active learning pilot.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. 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
Melissa Stoeckel	MH	How Should I Teach Reading Next Year?	Mahwah	May 2017	$225

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.2. Bus Purchase

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

25 Passenger GMC/Chevy School Bus - $47,841.28

Purchase through cooperative purchasing agreement ESCNJ #16/17-35.

B.3. Purchase – Technology Equipment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following purchases under State Contracts:

	Vendor	State Contract Number	Item	Cost
1.	Dell	M0483	225 Dell Chromebooks for 5th Grade	$77,226.75
2.	Dell	M0483	225 Google Licenses	$5,850
3.	SHI	M0003	Checkpoint Firewall/Web Filter with redundancy	$49,602.46

B.4. Field Trip Destination Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following field trip destinations:

Kingwood Middle School - Frenchtown, NJ
Ridgedale Middle School - Florham Park, NJ

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.”

Natalie Caterisano, Classroom Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours, Angelo L. Tomaso School, Step 6-7 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $21,872.50 (prorated), plus a stipend of $1,800 for her teaching certificate, effective on or about May 15, 2017 through June 30, 2017.. (This is a new position.)
Ashley Dendy, Preschool Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, Step 6-7 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $20,190 (prorated), effective on or about May 15, 2017 through June 30, 2017. (This is a new position.)

C.2. Employment for the 2017-2018 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 2017-2018 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. Denise Armand, Purchasing and Accounts Payable Coordinator, District, $57,000, effective August 1, 2017, with two additional transition days to be taken in the month of July 2017. (Ms. Armand replaces Marne Angarola.)

C.3. Substitute Teachers

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

a. Shannon Butler

b. JoAnn Palumbo

C.4. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Bonnie Pierson, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective April 1, 2017.

b. Donna Bardy, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective May 1, 2017.

C.5. Retirement/Resignation

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

a. Jane Woods, Grade 2 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 30 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2017.

b. Janine Young, Grade 1 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, for the purpose of resignation, with appreciation for her year of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2017.

c. Stephanie Cohen, Grade 4 Teacher, Central School, for the purpose of resignation, with appreciation for her year of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2017.

d. Patrice Granda, Payroll Administrator, District, for the purpose of resignation, with appreciation for her year of service to the Warren Township staff, effective June 30, 2017.

e. Joanne Marquis, Grade 3 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 33 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2017.

f. Christopher Grundman, Head Custodian, Mt. Horeb School, for the purpose of resignation, with appreciation for his 4 years of service to the Warren Township students and staff, effective June 2, 2017.

g. Patricia LaPensee, Speech Therapist, Angelo L. Tomaso School, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for her 26 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2017.

C.6. Appointment of Staff for the 2017-2018 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of staff employment (administrators, certificated staff, WTEA support staff), dated May 4, 2017 for the 2017-2018 school year, pending finalization of class section totals.

C.7. Appointment of 2017-2018 Summer Fun Certificated Staff

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of Summer Fun certificated staff dated May 4, 2017, at the following hourly rates:

a. Teachers and Guidance Counselors - $40

b. Speech Teachers - $70

c. Substitute Teachers - $17

d. Nurse and Substitute Nurse - $40

C.8. Appointment of 2017-2018 Summer Fun Paraprofessional Staff

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of Summer Fun paraprofessionals dated May 4, 2017.

C.9. Additional Monies for After School Academic Assistance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following staff to provide additional extended day tutoring at Central School (Title 1 Extended Day Program) through May 30. Extended Day Tutors are to be paid the contractual rate of $40 per hour. Total cost dependent upon need of identified students in the district’s Title I school, which is Central School, at a total additional cost not to exceed $18,000.

Anita Brower	Allison Hecht	Joyce Pekarsky
Chris Burkhardt	Patsy Iannacone	Mary Lou Psak
Chelsea Christophel	Lindsay La Neve	Danielle Riccio
Sheri DeShields	Marianne Larson	Rebecca Sutherland

C.10. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

Employee #0163 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement) from May 8, 2017 through on or about June 19, 2017.
Employee #2949 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement) from September 5, 2017 through on or about January 26, 2018, with an anticipated return date of January 29, 2018.
Employee #2553 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement) from May 23, 2017 through June 30, 2017.
Employee #3182 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement) from April 27, 2017 through on or about May 22, 2017.

C.11 Reduction in Force

RESOLVED, that for reasons of economy and efficiency, the Board of Education terminates the employment of Rebecca Davenport effective July 1, 2017 due to a reduction in force and hereby places Rebecca Davenport on the preferred eligibility list for reemployment in accordance with applicable law.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies – Second Reading

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

a. Policy 1250 - Visitors

XV. Unfinished Business

N/A

XVI. New Business

Middle School Traffic and Pedestrian Flow - Mrs. Freijomil reiterated concerns and requested the topic be discussed again at the committee level.
Flags - Mr. deMontagnac brought up for discussion the decision making involved in determining which flags the district flies. Dr. Mingle and Mrs. Allocco will discuss options for future review.

XVII. 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.

Gina Valenti, Providence Road, addressed the pick up time of her Middle School morning bus.
Heather Silver, Quail Run, spoke in support of encouraging parental behavioral changes regarding traffic.

XVIII. Executive Session

At 8:21 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 20 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.

Dr. Mingle and Mrs. Leonhardt left the room at 8:21 p.m.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Board reconvened in open session at 8:35 p.m.

XIX. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary

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