Minutes for August 28, 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 6:02 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 August 15, 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, Andrea Freijomil, Patricia Zohn and Tia Allocco

Absent: Lisa DiMaggio, Jeannine Sarosy and Joan Schiller

Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt, Board Secretary, Matthew Giacobbe, Board Attorney, Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri & Jacobs, and members of the public and press.

IV. Board of Education Retreat

Mr. Matthew Giacobbe, the board’s attorney, provided an overview regarding the board’s role in district financial oversight and answered some questions asked by board members.

V. Executive Session

At 6:45 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 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 Mr. Brezee, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:19 p.m.

At this time, the board took a 5 minute break

At 7:25 p.m., the board reconvened.

VI. Minutes

Mr. deMontagnac moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the August 14, 2017 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Brezee and approved by 6-0 roll-call vote.

VII. Correspondence and Information

  • HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

  0  

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

 0 

VIII. President's Remarks

Mrs. Allocco thanked all for attending and welcomed Ms. Taylor and Mrs. Goldstein who are on the November ballot for Board of Education seats.

Mrs. Allocco referenced the fact that the protocol for lengthy agenda motions will be discussed in New Business.

Mrs. Allocco shared a list of upcoming board presentations.

Lastly, Mrs. Allocco acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the two grants on the evening’s agenda.

IX. Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Mingle referenced recently added agenda motions and the three motions addressing District, Board and Superintendent goals.

Dr. Mingle shared a reminder that the September 11th meeting will be preceded by a 30 minute reception for new staff.

Dr. Mingle referenced some of the behind the scenes summer work done in preparation for the start of school.

X. Presentation

  • Communication Survey Results - Dr. Mingle presented an overview of the data.

XI. Discussion

  • District Logo Trademark and Servicemark - Dr. Mingle provided input regarding the district’s ability to protect its trademark and servicemark. The board supported the pursuit of these protections.
  • Impact of Potential Development in Warren Township - Dr. Mingle provided an overview regarding the township’s future growth and the impact to the school district.
  • Communications Survey - The board asked some follow up questions.

XII. Committee Reports

  • Finance Operations and Security Committee - Mrs. Freijomil reported on the August meeting, which Mr. Berry attended to report on security projects. The meeting also discussed the district’s reserve accounts, and as well as upcoming maintenance projects.
  • Personnel Committee - Mrs. Zohn reported on the evening’s meeting which discussed evaluation timelines and job descriptions.

XIII. Public Commentary (agenda items only)

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).

  • Heather Silver, Quail Run, referenced the communications survey results and teacher comments on report cards.
  • Leanna Wellerding, Mt. Horeb Road, addressed the communications survey results.

XIV. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. Allocco asked that motions A.3., A.4., and C.5., be pulled for separate vote.

Mrs. Freijomil, in review of motion, C.4., asked a question regarding communication of teacher leaves to parents.

Mrs. Zohn asked a question regarding B.8.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the consent items A.1., A.2., A.5., B.1. through B.9., C.1. through C.4., C.6., through C.12., and D.1., were approved by a 6-0 roll-call vote.

The board reviewed motions A.3., A.4., and C.5.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the consent items A.3., A.4., and C.5., were approved by a 6-0 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 24, 2017.

A.2. HIB Summary Report

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the HIB Summary Report submitted by the Superintendent for the period January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017.

A.3. Board Goals

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Board Goals for the

2017-2018 school year as follows:

    1. Approve updated policies managing all facets of district operations.
    2. Develop a long range capital improvement and financial plan that addresses maintenance needs and aspirational projects.
    3. Support the consistent application of security practices across the district.
    4. Engage with the community about Board of Education business by researching, discussing and making decisions about public availability of audio and/or video recordings of meetings.

A.4. District Goals

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the District Goals for the

2017-2018 school year as follows:

    1. Implement new elementary and middle school schedules.
      a. Whole Child connection - Healthy, Safe, Engaged, Supported Challenged
    2. Support each student and staff member in learning about and practicing a lifestyle that is both physically and mentally healthy.
      a. Whole Child connection - Healthy
    3. Ensure that security practices are consistently implemented across the district.
      a. Whole Child connection - Safe
    4. Increase access to opportunities that enrich the student experience (such as field trips, extracurricular activities, and athletics).
      a. Whole Child connection - Healthy, Engaged, Supported Challenged

A.5. Out-of-District Placements

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the out-of-district placements for Student #2942299668 and Student #5076374904, to the Long Hill Public Schools, beginning on September 6, 2017 through June 30, 2018, at a cost of $40,000 per student.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of August 2017 in the amount of $2,387,200.75.

B.2. 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 expenses for faculty, staff, administrators, and board members for seminars, conferences and workshops. The expense includes travel costs, if applicable.

All of the 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.3. Field Trip Destinations Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following field trip destination additions to the list for the 2017-2018 School Year.

    1. Visual Arts Center, Summit, NJ
    2. Deserted Village, Watchung Reservation

B.4. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of June, 2017 (final),

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

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$7,595,679.46

  

$909,303.32

(11) Current Expense

  

$1,488,035.17

  

(12) Capital Outlay

  

$70,904.26

  

(13) Special Schools

  

$294.52

  

(20) Special Revenue Fund

$18,381.54

$20,938.54

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$63,040.94

$73,246.50

$297,136.05

(40) Debt Service Fund

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

TOTAL

$7,677,101.94

$1,653,418.99

$1,206,439.37

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.5. Grant - Health and Wellness

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a grant of $3,470 from Sustainable Jersey for schools. The grant will be utilized for a Health and Wellness program at the Middle School.

B.6. Transportation Contracts for Out-of-District Students

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves transportation contracts for the transportation of students for the 2017-18 School Year as follows:

Host District Joining District Destination Cost

Warren Berkeley Heights DLC $ 5,409.25

Warren WHRHS WHRHS (WH-1) $ 8,275.20

Warren WHRHS WHRHS (WH-3) $ 6,718.59

Warren WHRHS WHRHS Trips $ 9,184.80

B.7. Grant – Child Assault Prevention

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a grant of $2,210.60 from the Somerset County Child Assault Prevention program.

B.8. Electronic Visitor Management System Databases

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the use of those

databases that publish each state’s sex offender registry and locally developed databases as necessary to implement Policy #1250.

B.9. Transportation for Out of District Students

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contracts with Somerset County Educational Services Commission for the 2017-2018 School year transportation for out of district students as follows:

Contractor

Student ID#

School

Cost

SCESC

9880687809

Green Brook Middle School

$13,384.80

SCESC

7038088284

Craig High School

$27,892.80

SCESC

8009989713 & 5275815264

PG Chambers

$65,427.18

SCESC

7211419443

Jardine Academy

$37,968.84

SCESC

7717368567 & 2306349009

Somerset Hills Learning Institute

$35,016.80


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.”

 

  1. Timothy Brennan, Transportation Driver, District, 5 hours per day at a salary of $16,200, effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.
  2. Kathryn Miller, Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, Step 6-7 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $20,190, plus a stipend of $1,800 for her teaching certificate (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.)
  3. Maria Rodriguez, Head Night Custodian, Warren Middle School, at an annual salary of $33,385 (prorated), effective September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.
  4. Sandra Surowiec, 1:1 Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours, Angelo L. Tomaso School, Step 1-5 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $21,336 (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.)
  5. Keith LaBadie, 1:1 Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours, Central School, Step 1-5 of the 2016-2017 salary guide, $21,336, plus a stipend of $1,800 for his teaching certificate (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.2. Substitute Teachers

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

    1. Joann Palumbo (previously approved)
    2. Julie Bu
    3. Elisa Kominsky
    4. Johanna Burkhardt (previously approved)

C.3. ICS 100 Training

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Carla Annese for online ICS 100 Training, a requirement for participation as part of the Building Crisis Team, at a rate of $20 per hour for 3 hours for a total of $60 (pending settlement of the WTEA 2017-2020).

C.4. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

  1. Employee #0634 for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement) from September 5, 2017 through on or about November 1, 2017.

  2. Employee #2553 for extended leave (paid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from September 5, 2017 through on or about September 18, 2017.

  3. Employee #1598, for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement) from August 2, 2017 through on or about August 25, 2017.

  4. Employee #1328, for leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement) from August 14, 2017 through on or about September 11, 2017.

C.5. Approval of Merit Goals 2017-18 - Superintendent

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Superintendent’s merit goals for 2017-2018:

 

    • Quantitative: 3.33% per goal
      • Increase the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations on the PARCC grade 8 mathematics assessment by 10%.
      • Decrease the number of unfilled teacher vacancies (substitutes needed but not available) by 10%.
      • Expand before/after school enrichment and extracurricular participation by 10%.
    • Qualitative: 2.5% per goal
      • Develop the Warren Township Schools tuition program.
      • Create standardized methods of communicating key district information related to new initiatives, student achievement, and financials.

 

C.6. Job Descriptions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves updated job descriptions.

C.7. Extended Work Schedule

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Nancy Duffy, Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School to work a maximum of five days before the commencement of the 2017-2018 school year, at the employee’s per diem rate.

C.8. Rescind Extended Work Schedule

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education rescinds the extended work schedule approved on June 19, 2017 for Michele Delserro, Multi-Duty Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School.

C.9. Approval to Create Position

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the creation of

the following position at a rate of $18.50 per hour.

    • Substitute Maintenance

C.10. Substitute Maintenance

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

    1. Joseph Scott

C.11. New Teacher Induction Program Mentors

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the reimbursement of the following employees for their participation as mentors in the New Teacher Induction Program orientation for 4.5 hours on August 31, 2017, at the WTEA contractual rate of $40 per hour per employee for a total not to exceed $2,880 (pending settlement of the WTEA 2017-2020):

    • Amy Brunswick
    • Deanna DeRoner
    • Nicole Evins
    • Hildy Jackson
    • Julie Jagiello
    • Carol Keirstead
    • Lisa Lenci
    • Karen Leski
    • Elena Marinello
    • Cathy Murphy
    • Danielle Riccio
    • Amanda Rodrigues
    • Joan Toth
    • Cristina Trump
    • Mary Ellen Weaver
    • Adam Yenish

C.12. New Teacher Induction Program - Presenter

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Sean Convery for the New Teacher Induction Program orientation on August 31, 2017, at the WTEA contractual rate of $40 per hour, for three hours, at a cost not to exceed $120 (pending settlement of the WTEA 2017-2020).

D. Policy

D.1. Policies – Second Reading

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

    1. Policy 2460 Special Education
    2. Regulation 2460 Special Education
    3. Regulation 2460.1 Special Education - Location, Identification, and Referral
    4. Regulation 2460.8 Special Education - Free and Appropriate Public Education
    5. Regulation 2460.9 Special Education - Transition from Early Intervention Programs to Preschool Programs
    6. Regulation 2460.15 Special Education - In-Service Training Needs for Professional and Paraprofessional Staff
    7. Regulation 2460.16 Special Education - Instructional Material to Blind or Print-Disabled Students

XV. Unfinished Business

Policy Update - The discussion centered on the review and adoption process. It will begin with the highest priority policies. Board members are encouraged to speak with Mrs. Allocco if they would like specific policies prioritized.

Technology Equipment - Mr. deMontagnac asked a follow up question regarding obsolete technology equipment, which will be on the board’s September 11th agenda.

XVI. New Business

  • Agenda items details - The board discussed the placement of lengthy details for certain board motions, including transfers and professional development travel. The majority of the board preferred that the motion details be instream within the agenda itself.
  • Homework Policy - Mrs. Freijomil asked that the district’s policy be reviewed with returning and new staff alike.

XVII. 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).

  • Silver, Quail Run, asked a follow up question regarding district flags.
  • Goldstein, Gates Ave, asked a question regarding the new elementary schedules.
  • Johannes Wellerding, Middle School Student, made a statement regarding his experience as a student at Warren Middle School.

XVIII. Executive Session

At 8:55 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 may 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 Mrs. Albano, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:08 p.m.

XIX. Settlement Approval

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the motion was approved by a 5-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Zohn abstained.)

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Settlement for Student #2610013558.

 

  1. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary