Warren Township Schools: Minutes for June 5, 2017

Minutes for June 5, 2017 Archived Minutes

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 6:33 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 June 3, 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, 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.

Len deMontagnac arrived at 6:55 p.m.

IV. Executive Session

At 6:35 p.m. Mr. Brezee 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 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. Albano and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:04 p.m.

V. Minutes

Mr. deMontagnac moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the

May 22, 2017 Board Meeting.

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

VI. Correspondence and Information

Dr. Mingle reported on three pieces of correspondence.

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

· Fire Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
30-May	17-May	14-May	31-May	23-May

· Security Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
31-May	26-May	31-May	24-May	23-May
Non-Fire	Non-Fire	Non-Fire	Non-Fire	Non-Fire
Evacuation	Evacuation	Evacuation	Evacuation	Evacuation

VII. President's Remarks

Mrs. Allocco welcomed all and thanked the Warren Middle School PTO and Zilinski Fund for the AED donation and CISCO for its Spark Board for Woodland School.

In addition, Mrs. Allocco congratulated those staff members moving across the guide on this evening’s agenda and referenced an email from a community member who has proffered his services to the district.

Lastly, Mrs. Allocco referenced the ability to run for a seat on the Board of Education. It was noted that the petition filing deadline is in July.

VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Mingle welcomed all.

Dr. Mingle referenced the communications survey underway now and encouraged participation.

Dr. Mingle highlighted those slated for hire for the 2017-2018 school year and thanked administrators for their efforts meant to ensure selection of the very best candidates..

Lastly, Dr. Mingle referenced the recognition of retiring staff members.

IX. Presentations

Excellence in Education Award Recipients - Each principal presented its award winners as follows:

○ Elene Marinello - Angelo L. Tomaso School

○ Hildy Jackson - Central School

○ Kristen Stoyanov - Mt. Horeb School

○ Jennifer Ronkiewicz - Woodland School

Mrs. Sarosy left the meeting at 7:14 p.m.

○ Lauren Regal - Middle School

Mrs. Sarosy re-entered the meeting at 7:20 p.m.

Warren Middle School Student Achievement Awards - Mrs. Allocco along with Dr. Mingle and

Mr. Comba, honored Middle School students from across disciplines and activities for their accomplishments.

Retirees Recognition - Mrs. Allocco along with Dr. Mingle and Mrs. Leonhardt presented certificates of appreciation to retiring staff.

At 8:30 p.m. the board took a 10 minute break.

At 8:42 p.m., the board reconvened.

Direct Install Program - Mrs. Leonhardt and Mr. Michael Pate presented an overview of the district’s planned use of monies from The NJ Clean Energy Program’s Direct Install program.

X. Discussions

2018-2019 Calendar - Dr. Mingle discussed the process regarding calendar adoption. The board discussed the proposed calendar.
Field Trips - The board discussed field trips, including funding. It was determined that further analysis is required.

XI. Committee Reports

Curriculum and Technology Committee - Mrs. DiMaggio reported on this evening’s meeting which discussed a review of moving kindergarten reporting to trimesters, the district’s communications survey, and an upcoming presentation regarding library time.
Personnel Committee - Mrs. Albano reviewed the recent meeting which discussed teacher evaluations, the Board of Education self-evaluation, staffing, a job description, and a co-curriculum activities.
Ad Hoc Flag Committee - Mr. deMontagnac reported on the meeting, at which a flag flying schedule was developed.
Finance, Operations and Security Committee - Mrs. Freijomil reported on the committee’s May 23rd meeting, whose larger topics were programs under the Clean Energy Program, Woodland School HVAC, and the Middle School traffic flow.

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 January 21, 2013, 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).

Patricia Puglisi, Old Church Road, spoke in support of field trips.
Matt Madura, Stirling Road, discussed the role of social media in the field trip discussion and in support of field trips.
Staci Youngelson, Elmwood Drive, spoke in support of field trips in general and specifically for the 7th and 8th grade trips.
Judy Shanahan, Hillcrest Road, spoke in support of minimal cost field trips.
Kathy Helewa, Reinman Road, thanked the board for discussing field trips and advised financial caution and alternate approaches to funding.

XIII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mr. Brezee asked a question regarding motion B.7. and asked that it be pulled for separate vote.

Mrs. Sarosy asked that motion C.4. be pulled for separate discussion and vote.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent items A.1. and A.2., B.1. through B.6., B.8. through B.9., C.1. through C.3., and C.5. through C.11., were approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent item B.7., was approved by a 7-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. Brezee abstained.)

Mrs. Sarosy asked questions regarding C.4. and future costs. She asked that this item be discussed in the future.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent item C.4., was approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

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 June 1, 2017.

A.2. Bedside Instruction

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves bedside instruction through Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care for student #3781680892 beginning June 1, 2017, at an hourly rate of $65, at a cost not to exceed $1,950.

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
Matthew Mingle	BOE	ASCD Leader to Leader	Arlington, VA	Jul 2017	$261
Amy Brunswick	MH	NJ Coalition for Inclusive Education	Montclair	Jun 2017	$176

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. Donation - Warren Middle School AED

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, the donation of an Automatic External Defibrillator, valued at approximately $1,500. This donation is from the Warren Middle School PTO utilizing a grant from the Janet Zilinski Fund.

B.3. Copy Machine Purchase

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the purchase of two copy machines, at a cost of $20,338 each, for a total of $40,676, from Atlantic Tomorrow's Office of Freehold, NJ. The district will be purchasing Savin MP7503SP copiers with 3 hole punch capability. This purchase is covered by NJ State Contract A40467.

B.4. Purchase of Truck

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the purchase of 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty, at a purchase price of $43,662. Purchase from Beyer Ford, under State Purchasing Contract A88727.

B.5. 2017-2018 Custodial Charges for Building Usage

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following rates for the billing of custodial charges for the groups that use our buildings:

● Straight time $32.00 per hour

● Time and a half $48.00 per hour

● Double time $64.00 per hour

B.6. Application and Acceptance of Federal Grant Monies

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the application submission to the Department of Education and accepts the award itself for the following 2017-2018 Federal Grant Programs:

● IDEA - Basic $ 416,973

● IDEA - Preschool $ 15,981

B.7. Donation - CISCO Spark Board

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, the donation of a Spark Board for Woodland School, valued at approximately $5,000.

B.8. Middle School Front Door Replacement Project

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the submission of the documents to the Department of Education for review of the Middle School Front Door Replacement Project. The documents will be prepared by USA Architects. If required, USA Architects is authorized to update the Long Range Facilities Plan for these projects. Approval also includes the solicitation of bids for the project and the transfer of Emergency Reserve funds in the 2017-2018 Year. Fees as per the Architect of Record agreement.

B.9 Custodial Supplies Purchase

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the purchase of custodial supplies from ATRA, totaling $47,558.84. Purchase is under Ed Data Cooperative purchasing bid #6595.

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.”

Luis Marciscano, Head Day Custodian, Mt. Horeb School, at an annual salary of $44,459 (prorated), effective June 6, 2017 through June 30, 2017. (Mr. Marciscano replaces Christopher Grundman.)

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. Linda Hatcher, transfer from Classroom Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours, Mt. Horeb School, to Classroom Paraprofessional, 30 hours, Woodland School, Step 6-7 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $20,685 (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (Mrs. Hatcher replaces Jerilyn Mulvaney.)

b. Alyssa Pech, Leave Replacement Guidance Counselor, Central School, MA, Step 1 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $62,722 (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, which is not creditable service toward tenure acquisition. (Ms. Pech will be LRT for Employee #2495.)

c. Martha Moncada, Spanish Teacher, Warren Middle School, BA Step 3-4 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $58,740 (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (Ms. Moncada replaces Angela Della Ventura.)

d. Danielle Buzby, .5 Physical Education Teacher, Warren Middle School, BA, Step 5-7 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $29,800(prorated) (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (This is a new position.)

e. Danielle Buzby, .5 Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Warren Middle School, Step 1-5 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $8,973 (prorated) (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (This is a new position.)

f. Michelle Velasco, Grade 2 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, MA, Step 8-9 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $66,682 (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (Ms. Velasco replaces Jane Woods.)

g. Ali Zafar, Grade 1 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, MA, Step 5-7 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $65,560 (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (Ms. Zafar replaces Jessica Nathan.)

h. Deborah Yankowicz, Preschool Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, BA+15, Step 2 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $60,774 (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (This is a new position.)

i. Sandra Renzetti, Payroll Administrator, District, at an annual salary of $50,000, effective July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (Ms. Renzetti replaces Patrice Granda.) Ms. Renzetti will also work two transition days in June 2017, to be paid at her per diem rate of $192.31, for a total not to exceed $384.62.

j. Hayley Scuderi, Leave Replacement Teacher, Woodland School, BA Step 1 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $57,020, (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, which is not creditable service toward tenure acquisition. (Ms. Scuderi is LRT for Employee #1752.)

C.3. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Anna Rizzo, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective May 1, 2017.

b. Kelly Backus, with congratulations, for movement from BA to BA+15, effective May 1, 2017.

c. Emily Puhak, with congratulations, for movement from BA+15 to MA, effective May 1, 2017.

d. Simone Miller, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+45, effective May 1, 2017.

e. Sean Convery, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective May 1, 2017.

f. Philip Jones, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective May 1, 2017.

C.4. Warren Middle School Arrival Supervision

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff members for morning arrival supervision at Warren Middle School, at a rate of $40 per hour, at a cost not to exceed $1,200, effective May 24, 2017 through June 20, 2017.

Christine Parolise
Laurie Pelosi-Fetten
Mary Pat Forenza
Lauren Regal

C.5. 2017-2018 Non-WTEA Employment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of non-WTEA employee assignments and salaries for the 2017-2018 school year, dated May 30, 2017.

C.6. Summer Employees - 2017

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of summer employees, dated May 30, 2017, at the listed hourly rates.

C.7. Summer Fun Staff - 2017

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an amended pay rate for Joshua Katz, Summer Fun Paraprofessional of $15.00 per hour.

C.8. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2139 for leave (paid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from May 15, 2017 through June 2, 2017, with an anticipated return date of June 5, 2017.

b. Employee #0634 for leave (paid according to legal and contractual entitlement) from May 26, 2017 through June 20, 2017.

C.9. Job Description

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

School Business Administrator - Board Secretary

C.10. Summer Work - Child Study Team

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Child Study Team to conduct summer evaluations and therapy hours (in-district) per the list dated May 30, 2017, at a cost not to exceed $57,617.

C.11. Special Education Service Provider’s List

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of special education providers for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year, dated May 30, 2017.

XIV. Unfinished Business

Goal Setting meeting - Mrs. Sarosy mentioned her inability to attend the board meeting at which goal setting is planned. After discussion, it was decided that an additional effort will be made to find a date which works for all board members.

XV. New Business

Student Privacy - Mrs. DiMaggio discussed a student’s right to privacy, and the role of volunteers in the 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.

Patricia Puglisi, Old Church Road, discussed traffic control issues at pick up time at Middle School.
Kathy Helewa, Reinman Road, discussed the importance of staff supervision and the possibility of the district beginning the process to establish a new Strategic Plan.

XVII. Executive Session

At 10:13 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 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 Mr. Brezee and approved by unanimous voice vote.

Mrs. DiMaggio left Executive Session at 11:30 p.m.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, the Board reconvened in open session at 11:50 p.m.

XVIII. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, the meeting adjourned at 11:51 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary

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