Warren Township Schools: Minutes for August 14, 2017

Minutes for August 14, 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 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 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, Len deMontagnac, Lisa DiMaggio,

Andrea Freijomil, Joan Schiller, Patricia Zohn and Tia Allocco

Absent: Jeannine Sarosy

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 July 17, 2017 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Dr. Schiller and approved by 8-0 roll-call vote.

V. Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

VI. President's Remarks

Mrs. Allocco welcomed all and read a statement regarding the board’s tentative settlement with the WTEA.

Mrs. Allocco shared a list of upcoming topics for future board meetings including district security summer project work, field trips, a higher level review of Harassment Intimidation and Bullying (HIB), and the communications survey results.

VII. Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Mingle reminded the board regarding the earlier start time of 6:00 p.m. for the August 28th board meeting.

Dr. Mingle reviewed summer project work and called attention to the Architect of Record appointment.

Lastly, Dr. Mingle provided an overview of the personnel hires on the evening’s agenda.

VIII. Discussion

2017-2018 Board and District Goals - The board discussed the proposed goals, offering suggestions for modifications.

IX. Committee Reports

Curriculum, Communication and Technology Committee - Mrs. DiMaggio reported on this evening’s meeting at which coordinated inservice professional development, new teacher induction program, federal grants, PARCC scores and the curriculum review cycle were discussed.
Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) - Mr. Brezee reported on the SCESC meeting which discussed hiring, Extended School Year and transportation.
Finance, Operations and Security Committee - Mrs. Freijomil reported on the recent meeting which reviewed Architect of Record candidates, and other additional miscellaneous items.
Negotiations Committee - Mrs. Albano reported on the tentative agreement with the WTEA.

X. 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).

Mrs. Zohn, Mountainview Road, spoke in support of Mr. Duncan, whose resignation is on the evening’s agenda.

XI. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. Allocco congratulated those staff moving across the guide this evening.

Mrs. Allocco discussed item C.12., and thanked Dr. Mingle for his efforts.

Mr. deMontagnac asked a question regarding B.14.

It was determined that B.14. would be pulled for a separate vote.

It was also determined that C.1. be pulled for a separate vote to be taken after Executive Session.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent items A.1. and A.2., B.1. through B.13., B.15. and B.16., C.2. through C.13., were approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

Mrs. Freijomil left the room before the vote on motion B.14.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent item B.14., was not approved by a 0-7 roll-call vote.

Mrs. Freijomil reentered the room.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Dr. Schiller, the consent item B.14., 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 August 10, 2017.

A.2. Alternative Physical Education Program

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the alternative physical education program for Student #4636148256 for the period of September 1, 2017 through June 20, 2018.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the TENTATIVE report of the secretary for the month of June, 2017,

WHEREAS, this report shows the following TENTATIVE balances on June 30, 2017:

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$7,595,679.46		$973,637.24
(11) Current Expense		$1,490,892.06
(12) Capital Outlay		$68,047.37
(13) Special Schools		$294.52
(20) Special Revenue Fund	$18,381.54	$21,938.54	$0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$63,040.94	$73,246.50	$223,889.55
(40) Debt Service Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
TOTAL	$7,677,101.94	$1,654,418.99	$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.2. Budget Transfers for Month of June 2017

RESOLVED, the Board of Education ratifies the 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.

B.3. Joint Agreements between SCESC and Warren Township BOE

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves entering into the following joint agreements between Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) and the Warren Township Board of Education:

Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program agreement, dated July 1, 2017 for the 2017-2018 school year, with the state-approved administrative percentage (5% in 2014 through 2017).Nonpublic School Textbook Services agreement, dated July 1, 2017 for the 2017-2018 school year, with no administrative fee charged.
Nonpublic School Nursing Services agreement, dated July 1, 2017 for the 2017-2018 school year, with an administrative fee of 6%.
Nonpublic School Security agreement, dated July 1, 2017 for the 2017-2018 school year, with no administrative fee charged.

B.4. 2017 - 2018 Nonpublic Funds

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, and authorizes for distribution through Somerset County Educational Services Commission, the following Nonpublic Funds for the 2017-2018 school year:

Nonpublic Technology Aid $ 185
Nonpublic Textbook Aid $ 274
Nonpublic Nursing Aid $ 485
Nonpublic Security Aid $ 375

B.5. Extraordinary Aid 2016-2017 - Acceptance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts Extraordinary Aid funding from the 2016-2017 school year in the amount of $360,674.

B.6. Extraordinary Aid 2016-2017 - Allocation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase to the 2017-2018 budget to recognize 2016-2017 Extraordinary Aid in the amount of $360,674 and allocates the $160,674 which is above the budgeted $200,000 as follows:

Revenue Account: 10-3131 Extraordinary Aid (10-303 Budgeted Fund Balance)
Expense Acct:11-000-100-562–Tuition–Other LEA - $160,674

B.7. Nonpublic Transportation 2016-2017 - Acceptance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts Nonpublic Transportation funding from the 2016-2017 school year in the amount of $23,142.

B.8. Nonpublic Transportation 2016-2017 - Allocation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase to the 2017-2018 budget to recognize 2016-2017 Nonpublic Transportation in the amount of $23,142 and allocate the monies as follows:

Revenue Account: 10-3190 Other State Aid (10-303 Budgeted Fund Balance)
Expense Acct:11-000-270-161–Transportation-Sp Ed To & From School-Salaries - $23,142

B.9. Approve contract with PenServ (TPA)

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves contracting with PenServ as a Third Party Administrator for the district’s 403(b) and 457(b) tax sheltered plans. This contract will be at no cost to the district.

B.10. Purchase of Dell Monitors

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

20 Dell Interactive 70 inch Monitors, at a cost of $2,999.99 each, for a total of $59,999.80.

This purchase is administered under N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5(e) regarding the negotiation of a cost 10% or more less than State contract.

B.11. Middle School Building Envelope Restoration Project Award

WHEREAS, a recommendation was made by the Superintendent of Schools to the Warren Township Board of Education (“Board") to seek a contract for construction services for the Building Envelope Restoration Project at the Middle School (hereinafter “Project”); and

WHEREAS, the Project was properly advertised to prospective bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-4; and

WHEREAS, on Thursday, June 29, 2017 the Board received the following bids from potential bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A.18A:18A-1, et seq.;

Bidder	Base Bid	Alternate 1 - MS Ramp	Alternate 2 - CS Stairs	Total
Askjari Construction	$182,543	$42,800	$30,500	$255,843
Cypreco	$383,113	$15,000	$20,000	$418,113
De Sapio Construction	$647,800	$12,000	$44,000	$703,800
M&M Construction Technology	$247,000	$25,000	$35,000	$307,000
Spartan Construction	$195,000	$22,000	$22.000	$239,000

WHEREAS, Spartan Construction’s bid has been reviewed by the design professionals and attorney and is the lowest and is responsive to the bid requirements for the Project,

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby awards the Project to Spartan Construction for Two hundred thirty-nine thousand dollars ($239,000). Motion includes approval to transfer monies from Capital Reserve for full cost of the project, including professional fees.

B.12. Approval of Architect of Record

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the appointment of Parette Somjen Architects LLC as the district’s Architect of Record (fair and open) for the period beginning August 15, 2017 and ending December 31, 2017, at an approximate total cost not to exceed $30,000, per the terms as specified in the contract.

B.13. Approval of contract with CMC for 2017-2018

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with CMC for assorted energy savings projects under the New Jersey Clean Energy Program’s 2017-2018 Direct Install program as follows:

Approximate District Cost

Approximate Direct Install Incentive

Approximate

Total Project Cost

Woodland School

$18,310.34

$42,724.13

$61,034.47

Approval includes authorization to withdraw $15,840.07 from the district’s Maintenance Reserve account.

Due to a change in terms for the 2017-2018 program, these dollar amounts supercede those approved on June 19, 2017.

B.14. Sale of Obsolete Items

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

Item Type	Make	Serial Number/Asset Tag
1993 Hydraulic Lift	Ballymore	Model # MR-28-DC
1998 Pneumatic Tire Machine	Coats	Asset Tag Number 900718
2 Racks with server mount kits	Dell 24U	N/A
1 rack	Middle Atlantic	N/A
2 Dell Servers	Power Edge 2950	N/A
1 Dell Server	Power Edge 2850	N/A
Router	Cisco 1700	N/A

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.

B.15. Application and Acceptance of Federal Grant Monies - Amended

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 $ 27,558

● Title III $ 10,000

● Title III - Immigrant $ 1,228

● Title IV $ 4,749

This motion supersedes the motion on the board’s July 17, 2017 agenda.

B.16. 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
Max Achtau	MS	2017 FEA/NJPSA/NJASCD Fall Conference	Long Branch	Oct 2017	$333
Anita Brower	WS	International Dyslexia Fall Conference	Somerset	Oct 2017	$190
Harriet Stambaugh	WS	School Health Conference	Somerset	Oct 2017	$156

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.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.2. Movement on the Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2017-2018 salary guide:

a. Kristen Boni, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective September 1, 2017.

b. Cynthia Cassidy, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective September 1, 2017.

c. Michele Kraminitz, with congratulations, for movement from MA+15 to MA+30, effective September 1, 2017.

C.3. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #2863 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from on or about November 3, 2017 through on or about January 19, 2018, with an anticipated return date of January 22, 2018.

C.4. Retirement/Resignation

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

a. Paul Duncan, Grade 5 Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, for the purpose of resignation, with appreciation for his 12 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective August 31, 2017.

C.5. Non-WTEA Stipend Positions 2017-2018

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

a. Mary Beth Greco, Literacy Coach, Angelo L. Tomaso School, $6,400 (4 hrs/wk)

b. Marianne Larson, Literacy Coach, Central School, $6,400 (4 hrs/wk)

c. Christine Burkhardt, Literacy Coach, Mt. Horeb School, $6,400 (4 hrs/wk)

d. Kathy Brown, Literacy Coach, Woodland School, $6,400 (4 hrs/wk)

Salaries to be funded through Title II-A.

C.6. Home Instructor

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following individual to be appointed as home instructor for the 2017-2018 school year, at a rate of $40 per hour:

Jill Graef

C.7. Approval to Create Positions

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

Paraprofessional (3.0 FTE)

C.8. Job Descriptions

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

Buildings and Grounds Secretary
Computer Technician
Custodian
Grounds Maintenance
Head Custodian
IT Director
Maintenance Foreman
Mechanic
Network Administrator
School Bus Aide/Monitor
School Bus Driver
Skilled Maintenance Mechanic
Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds
Transportation Coordinator
Warehouse/Driver

C.9. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of substitute teachers, dated August 14, 2017, for the 2017-2018 school year.

C.10. 2017-2018 CPI Refresher Training Participation Stipend

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for a stipend for their participation in the CPI Refresher Training on August 29, 2017, $20 per hour, 9 hours per day, for a total of $1,260. (As per the 2014-2017 WTEA negotiated agreement.)

Amy Brunswick	Lauren Nelson
Jackie Fattell	Paula Pontoriero
Meghan Madden	Christopher Schwallie
Catherine Maguire

C.11. 2017-2018 CPI Refresher Training Instructor Stipend

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Rebecca Hartman and Beatrice Schwartzkopf, for a stipend for their role as the CPI Refresher Training Instructors on August 29, 2017, $40 per hour, 6 hours per day, for a total of $1,440. (As per the 2014-2017 WTEA negotiated agreement.)

C.12. Adoption of Norms of Operations

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves and adopts the revised Norms of Operations.

C.13. Summer Work - Child Study Team

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Child Study Team to conduct additional summer evaluations and case management (in-district) at an additional cost of $3,054.

D. Policy

D.1. Policies – First Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the following policies and regulations:

a. Policy 2460 Special Education

b. Regulation 2460 Special Education

c. Regulation 2460.1 Special Education - Location, Identification, and Referral

d. Regulation 2460.8 Special Education - Free and Appropriate Public Education

e. Regulation 2460.9 Special Education - Transition from Early Intervention Programs to Preschool Programs

f. Regulation 2460.15 Special Education - In-Service Training Needs for Professional and Paraprofessional Staff

g. Regulation 2460.16 Special Education - Instructional Material to Blind of Print-Disabled Students

XII. Unfinished Business

Volunteer Training - Mrs. Freijomil asked questions regarding implementation and follow up. The board discussed.
Cameras on Buses - Mr. deMontagnac asked for a status update and the effect on contracted buses.
Active Learning Spaces - Mr. Brezee asked a question regarding status.
Visitor Management System - Mrs. Albano asked a question regarding communication.

XIII. New Business

Policy regarding logo flag - Absent a Strauss Esmay policy, it was determined that a specialized policy would need to be created. Board consensus was in support of crafting the policy.
New board member orientation/transition - Mrs. Allocco discussed that this topic is under review for improvement.
End of year school days - Mrs. Freijomil asked a question regarding follow up.

XIV. 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.

Leanna Wellerding, Mt. Horeb Road, discussed volunteers and her hope for male chaperones.

XV. Executive Session

At 9:15 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

specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected

Action may 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 Dr. Schiller and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. Albano, the Board reconvened in open session at 10:20 p.m.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent item C.1. was approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

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. Michele Wolkun, Special Education Teacher, Central School, MA, Step 3-4 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $64,614 (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (Ms. Wolkun replaces Patricia Iannacone.)

b. Patricia Iannacone, transfer from Special Education Teacher to Kindergarten Teacher, Central School, MA+45, Step 14-15 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $80,388 (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. Kristina Traynor, transfer from Grade 3 Teacher to Kindergarten Teacher, Woodland School, BA+15, Step 3-4 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $61,677, (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.)

d. Hannah Nizri, Grade 3 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. (Ms. Nizri replaces Kristina Traynor.)

e. Justin Guglielmino, Grade 5 Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, MA+15, Step 5-7 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $68,540 (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (Mr. Guglielmino replaces Paul Duncan.)

f. Sara Kolesar, Grade 3 Teacher, Central School, MA+30, Step 16-17 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $78,852 (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 (or when released by current district) through June 30, 2018. (Ms. Kolesar replaces Stephanie Cohen.)

g. Sara von Bartheld, Leave Replacement Social Worker, .8 (28 hours), Woodland School, MA, Step 1 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $50,177 (prorated) (2017-2018 step and salary will be determined once collective bargaining concludes), effective September 1, 2017 through January 26, 2018, which is not creditable service toward tenure acquisition. (Ms. von Bartheld is LR for Employee #2949.)

h. Keith Robbins, Grade 5 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso 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. (Mr. Robbins replaces Mary Lynch.)

i. Darlene Nardi, Payroll Administrator, District, at an annual salary of $52,000 (prorated), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. (Ms. Nardi replaces Patrice Granda.)

Mrs. DiMaggio left the meeting at 10:21 p.m.

XVI. Executive Session

At 10:22 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

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 Mr. Brezee and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the Board reconvened in open session at 10:30 p.m.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the meeting adjourned at 10:31 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt
Board Secretary

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