Minutes for July 17, 2017History 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 4:01 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 June 9, 2017. This notice was on that date was posted on the Courier News, and TAP into 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, Patricia Zohn and Tia Allocco

Absent:

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

Jeannine Sarosy and Joan Schiller arrived at 4:03 p.m.

Matthew Giacobbe, Board Attorney, Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri & Jacobs,

arrived at 4:07 p.m.

Len deMontagnac arrived at 4:10 p.m.

IV. Board of Education Retreat

Mrs. Allocco provided an overview of the retreat’s schedule.

Attorney Matthew Giacobbe provided the board with Ethics Training.

Mr. Giacobbe left the room at 5:05 p.m.

The board continued its retreat, which included a review of norms and a discussion regarding goals.

At 6:35 p.m., Mrs. Allocco, Mrs. Albano, Mrs. Zohn, Dr. Mingle and Mrs. Leonhardt adjourned to a separate area to meet with Attorney Giacobbe to discuss WTEA negotiations.

Upon their return at 6:45 p.m., the board continued its retreat.

The board moved onto the regular business portion of its meeting at 7:00 p.m.

V. Minutes

Mr. deMontagnac moved the following:

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

June 19, 2017 Board Meeting.

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

VI. Correspondence and Information

Dr. Mingle referred the board to a note from a retiring staff member.

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

 1  

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

 0

· Fire Drills

ALT Central Mt. Horeb Woodland Middle
June 13 June 1 June 13 June 14 June 19

· Security Drills

 

ALT Central Mt. Horeb Woodland Middle
June 19 June 9 June 16 June 20 June 14
Bomb Threat Bomb Threat Bomb Threat Bomb Threat Bomb Threat

 

Bomb Threat Bomb Threat Bomb Threat Bomb Threat Bomb Threat

VII. President's Remarks

Mrs. Allocco thanked board members for their attendance at the board retreat.

Mrs. Allocco commented on the beauty and success of June’s graduation.

Mrs. Allocco shared congratulations she received regarding the acknowledgement of student and staff at the June meeting.

Lastly, Mrs. Allocco mentioned that a review of class trips is scheduled.

VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Mingle welcomed all and referenced district-wide summer activity.

Dr. Mingle mentioned the success of Summer Fun, for which a report will be forthcoming.

Dr. Mingle reminded all that the deadline for petitions for the Board of Education is July 31st.

Dr. Mingle highlighted motions added today to the agenda, and referenced continued interviewing district wide.

IX. Discussions

  • Additional State Aid - Dr. Mingle provided an overview of the district’s state aid increase of $71,499.
    On motion by Mrs. Freijomil, seconded by Mr. Breeze, the following consent item was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.
  • 2017-2018 Budget Adjustment - Deposit to Capital Reserve

    RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves modifying the 2017-2018 budget to recognize an increase in State Aid from $1,247,692 to $1,319,191, a difference of $71,499, as follows:

    - Revenue Account: 10-3132 Categorical Special Education Aid - From $1,011,025 to $1,082,524

    - Expense Account: 10-604 - Increase in Capital Reserve - increase of $71,499

X. Committee Reports

  • Mrs. Albano reported on the Personnel Committee which discussed job descriptions, evaluations, timelines, and processes and co curricular staff review and job descriptions. The board discussed various aspects of after school activities.
  • Ad hoc Flag Committee - Mr. deMontagnac reported on the status of the flags purchase.

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 January 21, 2013, 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).

N/A

XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. Allocco congratulated the staff member moving across the guide on this evening’s agenda.

At 7:42 p.m. the board took a recess.

Mrs. Albano, Mrs. Allocco, Mrs. Zohn, Dr. Mingle and Mrs. Leonhardt left the room to discuss negotiations with Attorney Matthew Giacobbe.

At 7:55 p.m., the board reconvened.

Mrs. Freijomil asked that motion B.1. be pulled for separate vote.

Mrs. Albano asked that motion B.8. be pulled for separate vote.

Mr. Brezee asked a question regarding motion B.5.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the consent items A.1. through A.3., B.2. through B.7., and C.1. through C.15., were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent item B.1. was approved by a 8-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Freijomil abstained.)

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent item B.8. was approved by a 9-0 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 July 13, 2017.

A.2. Fieldwork Site

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a one year Administrative Internship Agreement with Seton Hall University from September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, securing Warren Township as a fieldwork site to provide supervised educational experiences in administrative leadership.

A.3. Out of District Placement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out of district placement for Student #3781680892, to Montgomery Academy, beginning July 3, 2017, at a cost not to exceed $68,414.00.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the period June 20, 2017 through June 30, 2017 in the amount of $1,867,035.11.

B.2. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of July 2017 in the amount of $1,270,926.46.

B.3. 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

Jolanta Scassera

MH

RVCC NGSS Summer Institute

Branchburg

Jul 2017

$325

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.4. Woodland HVAC Replacement Project, Phase One

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the submission of the documents to the Department of Education for review for the Woodland School HVAC Replacement Project, Phase One. 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 Capital Reserve funds. Fees as per the Architect of Record agreement.

B.5. Field Trip Destinations

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the list of field trip destinations for the 2017-2018 School Year.

B.6. Transportation Contracts

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves transportation contracts for the Warren Township School District to provide transportation for Watchung Hills Regional High School, Green Brook and Berkeley Heights for the transportation of their students for the 2017-2018 School Year as follows:

District

Destination School

Cost

Green Brook

WHRHS

$2,596.15

Berkeley Heights

DLC

$1,423.40

WHRHS

WHRHS

$2,846.75

 

B7. Sale of Obsolete Item

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

Item Type

Make

Serial Number

Copier

Savin 9080

V7125200016

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the sale

of the listed equipment in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A:45 – Sale of Property.

● Title IV $ 10,000

B.8. 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 2017-18 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Federal Grant Programs:

● Title IA $ 53,729

● Title IIA $ 26,189

● Title III $ 6,118

● Title III - Immigrant $ 1,228

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. 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. LaKiesha Beaubrun, Special Education Teacher, Central School, MA, Step 2 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $63,668 (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.)

b. Kenya Cook, .4 Spanish Teacher, District, MA+30, Step 3-4 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $28,195 (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.)

c. Patrice Granda, Payroll Administrator, District, 32 hours per week, at an annual salary of $42,667 (prorated), effective July 1, 2017 through August 31, 2017.

C.2. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2017-2018 school year:

a. Shawna Slater

b. Sabina Gade

c. Laurie Schwartz

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. Allison Hecht, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective June 1, 2017.

C.4. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2213 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from on or about October 23, 2017 through on or about March 16, 2018, with an anticipated return date of March 19, 2018.

b. Employee #2818 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from on or about October 5, 2017 through on or about May 3, 2018, with an anticipated return date of May 4, 2018.

C.5. NGSS Science Institute Participation Stipend

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for a stipend for their participation in the NGSS Science Institute at Raritan Valley Community College on July 24 - 28, 2017, $20 per hour, 5 ½ hours per day for five days, as per the 2014-2017 WTEA negotiated agreement, for a total of $5,500.00:

Kelley Kappus

Patti Pillinger

Susan Kline

Lindsay Rosenberg

Michele Kurilla

Jolanta Scassera

Elena Marinello

Christina Tommaso

Jessica Nathan

Michelle Wegener

C.6. Non-WTEA Stipend Position 2017-2018

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following non-WTEA stipend for the 2017-2018 school year:

    1. Hildegarde Jackson, Energy Educator, (5 hrs/wk - $10,500)

C.7. Warren Middle School Stipend Positions 2017-2018

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following stipend positions for the 2017-2018 school year as per the WTEA agreement:

    1. Yearbook Advisers: Christine Parolise and Lauren Regal

C.8. Approval of IDEA Preschool Payroll Monies

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the use of the FY2018 IDEA Preschool Grant monies in the amount of $15,981 for salary support as follows:

Employee ID

Full Salary

Salary Funds from IDEA

%

#2207

$21,715

$10,857

50%

#1391

$28,485

$ 5,124

18%

C.9. Rescind Employment for 2017-2018 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education rescinds the employment of the following for the 2017-2018 school year:

    1. Sandra Renzetti, Payroll Administrator, Board Office, effective July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (Ms. Renzetti declined the position.)
    2. Michelle Seelenfreund, Grade 3 Teacher, Central School, effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (Ms. Seelenfreund declined the position.)

C.10. Substitute Custodian

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Antonio Alberto as a Substitute Custodian for the 2017-2018 school year, at the board approved substitute custodian rate.

C.11. Summer Fun 2017

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Alison Horowitz, Summer Fun Paraprofessional, to work an additional 5.5 hours per day at the rate of $12 per hour at a cost not to exceed $1,248.

C.12. ICS 100 Training

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for online ICS 100 Training, a requirement for their participation as part of the Building Crisis Team, $20 per hour, 3 hours total, as per the 2014-2017 WTEA negotiated agreement, for a total of $2,200.00 (pending settlement of the WTEA 2017-2020):

Mary Balkonis

Paul Duncan

Fran Perlman

Nick Bayachek

Jackie Fattell

Mary Lou Psak

Fran Blabolil

Sue Francione

Ruth Rillo

Kelly Blessing-Maire

Dawn Gauvin

Christine Rzasa

Kathy Boraski

Brian Kilroy

Jolanta Scassera

Nancy Braunstein

Dave Kuhlken

Chris Schwallie

Kathy Brown

Laura Lamson

Phil Shimko

Christine Burkhardt

Diane Langworthy

Kelly Stankiewicz

Mary Cagnetta

Marianne Larson

Genny Trenson

Sharon Carroll

Stacey Lederman

Adam Yenish

Doug Clark

Lou Marciscano

Kate Zaleski

Sheri DeShields

Carmella Motyczka

 

Nancy Duffy

Emily Niclas

 

C.13. Summer Transportation Employee

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the addition of Debbie Novy to the list of summer maintenance employees, at the rate of $17.04 per hour, effective July 18, 2017.

C.14. Retirement/Resignation

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

a. Mary Lynch, Grade 5 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, for the purpose of resignation, with appreciation for her 17 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective September 12, 2017 or sooner if a replacement is found.

C.15. Curriculum Writing Projects 2017-2018

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the addition of Steve Rizzoli to the list of staff members approved on June 19, 2017 for 2017-2018 curriculum writing projects.

XIII. Unfinished Business

  • Communications Survey - Mrs. Freijomil asked a question regarding presentation of the results.
  • Ad hoc Flag - Mr. deMontagnac recommended establishing either a policy or regulation regarding flags flown by the district. Mrs. Albano requested that an avenue to protect Shining Brighter Every Day be investigated.

XIV. New Business

  • SCESC - Mrs. Zohn reported on her attendance at two recent SCESC meetings which discussed program status, their transportation department, and staffing.
  • Schedule - Mr. Breeze suggested that the shift to the six day schedule be the subject of a future presentation. Also mentioned was updating the district website regarding the rezoning of Dubois Rd.

XV. Public Commentary (any topic)

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:

  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).

  • Leanna Wellerding, Mt. Horeb Road - Mrs. Wellerding addressed the standards for after school activities.
  • Heather Silver, Quail Run - Mrs. Silver discussed the new flags.

XVI. Executive Session

At 8:10 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:

a collective bargaining agreement and/or negotiations related to it and

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 10 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 Dr. Schiller, the Board reconvened in open session at 8:30 p.m.

The board continued its discussion regarding goals.

At 9:01 p.m. the board took a recess.

Mrs. Albano, Mrs. Allocco, Mrz. Zohn, Dr. Mingle and Mrs. Leonhardt left the room to discuss WTEA negotiations with Attorney Matthew Giacobbe.

At 9:18 p.m., the board reconvened.

The board continued its discussion regarding goals.

It was determined that Dr. Mingle will organize and present in written format a preliminary draft of goals based on the evening’s discussions.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. Albano, the meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary