Warren Township Schools

• Board Agenda
• Board Meeting Minutes
• Board Meeting Videos
• Board Members
• Board Office
• Board Policies
• Contact Information
• District Bulletin Board
• General Information
• History
• Mission
• Rules for Public Commentary

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.

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 January 4, 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.”

II. Pledge of Allegiance - Mrs. Allocco led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

• A moment of silence was held out of respect for the victims of September 11, 2001.

III. Roll Call

Present: Paige Albano, David Brezee, Len deMontagnac, Lisa DiMaggio, Andrea Freijomil, Jeannine Sarosy, Joan Schiller, Patricia Zohn and Tia Allocco

Absent:

Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, and 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 August 28, 2017 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Brezee and approved by 9-0 roll-call vote.

V. Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

0

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

0

VI. President's Remarks

Mrs. Allocco welcomed all with a special nod to new staff and the administrators in attendance.

Mrs. Allocco reflected on the positive energy of Opening Day, as well as the welcoming of new families at Dr. Mingle’s orientation.

Mrs. Allocco shared her joy with getting to see the Active Learning Common areas in each of the district's schools.

Lastly Mrs. Allocco addressed security topics, including the implementation of the Visitor Management System and arrival and dismissal procedures.

VII. Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Mingle welcomed everyone to a new school year and reflected on Opening Day.

Dr. Mingle called attention to the tabling of motion B.3. pending committee review.

Dr. Mingle extended his thanks to Mr. Cook and Mr. Achtau for running a very successful new staff orientation.

Lastly, Dr. Mingle addressed the timing of the Blue Ribbon announcement, which has not yet been communicated.

• Negotiations
  

  Mrs. Allocco shared with all the fact that earlier in the day the WTEA ratified the 2017-2020 collective bargaining agreement.

  On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Dr. Schiller, the consent item C.A., was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

  C.A. 2017-2020 WTEA Collective Bargaining Agreement Approval

  RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2017-2020 WTEA Collective Agreement which was ratified by the WTEA membership on September 11, 2017.

  Dr. Mingle individually recognized the members of the board’s negotiations committee.

VIII. Presentation

• New Staff Introductions - Dr. Mingle introduced each of the district’s new staff members.
• Summer Projects - Mrs. Leonhardt provided an overview of summer buildings and grounds projects.
• Security - Mr. Berry provided an overview of district security projects. The board asked follow up questions.

IX. Discussion

X. Committee Reports

• Curriculum & Technology Committee - Mrs. DiMaggio reviewed the committee meeting, which discussed goals and PARCC scores.

XI. 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, referred to a small issue with the Visitor Management System and consecutive school visits. She also thanked Mrs. Donlay for her assistance and referred to the flags.

XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. Allocco congratulated those staff members moving across the guide (motion C.3.).

Mrs. Freijomil asked a question regarding motion C.5. The board discussed team and club attire and modifications to the proposed job descriptions.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the consent items A.1., and A.2., B.A., B.1., B.2., B.4. and B.5., C.B. C.C. and C.1., through C.12., were 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 September 7, 2017.

A.2. Revised Curriculum

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following curriculum

revisions:

1. Grades K-5 Innovation and Design
2. Grades K-5 Library
3. Grades K-5 Technology
4. Grades K-5 REACH
5. Grades K-5 Health and Physical Education
6. Grades K-5 Science
7. Grades 2-8 World Languages
8. Grades 6-8 Writing
9. Grade 3 Writing
10. Grade 6 Music
11. Grade 6 Information Literacy
12. Preschool

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.A. School Employees’ Health Benefits Program

BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren Township Board of Education, Location 079300, will not offer the following plan(s): NONE ELIMINATED, The Warren Township School District hereby resolves that it will offer all plans within the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program.

B.1. Budget Transfers for Month of July 2017

RESOLVED, the Board of Education ratifies the following 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.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 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	Whole Child, Whole Person Summit	Chestnut Hill, MA	Oct 2017	$916
William Kimmick	MS	Whole Child, Whole Person Summit	Chestnut Hill, MA	Oct 2017	$923
Linda Yu	MS	NJ International Dyslexia Association (IDA) 32nd Annual Fall Conference	Somerset	Oct 2017	$233
Jessica Halpern	MS	NJIDA 32nd Annual Fall Conference	Somerset	Oct 2017	$197
Catherine Murphy	MS	NJIDA 32nd Annual Fall Conference	Somerset	Oct 2017	$190
Catherine Lazas	MS	NJIDA 32nd Annual Fall Conference	Somerset	Oct 2017	$197
Rebecca Sutherland	CS	Rutgers Center for Literacy Development	New Brunswick	Oct 2017	$180
Shannon Sharkey	ALT	Story Grammar Marker Certification Module 1	Springfield, MA	Dec 2017	$1,319

 

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. Sale of Obsolete Items

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

Item Type	Make	Serial Number/Asset Tag
2 Dell Servers - Hard Drive Removed	Power Edge 2950	N/A
1 Dell Server - Hard Drive Removed	Power Edge 2850	N/A
Router - Hard Drive Removed	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.5. Board Secretary and Treasurer’s Reports

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of July, 2017;

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on July 31, 2017

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$7,874,815.70		$990,303.32
(11) Current Expense		$2,221,217.34
(12) Capital Outlay		$457,441.73
(13) Special Schools		$1,309.70
(20) Special Revenue Fund	$26,147.54	($46,332.68)	$0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$63,040.94	$0.00	$297,136.05
(40) Debt Service Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
TOTAL	$7,964,004.18	$2,633,636.09	$1,287,439.37

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.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.B. Resolution of the Warren Township Board of Education Regarding School Employees’ Health Benefits Program Waiver Payments

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 52:14-17.31a, in conjunction with N.J.S.A. 52:14-17.46.11, permits employers participating in the School Employees Health Benefits Program (“SEHBP”) to unilaterally establish an amount to be paid to employees who agree to waive their health benefits coverage in exchange for a cash payment; and

WHEREAS, the employer has sole discretion as to whether or not to offer employees health benefits waiver payments which are not subject to the collective bargaining process in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14-17.31a(c); and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education previously offered an incentive for eligible employees who waive medical insurance in the amount of 25%, or $5,000, whichever is less, of the amount saved by the employer because of the employee's waiver of coverage pursuant to Article IX.D.3, Health Benefit Opt Out, contained in the applicable Collective Negotiations Agreement between the Board of Education and the Warren Township Education Association; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education and the Warren Township Education Association agreed to remove the Health Benefit Opt Out, from the parties’ Collective Negotiations Agreements effective July 1, 2017; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education is exercising its discretion in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14-17.31a(c) to offer an incentive for eligible employees who waive medical insurance;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Township of Warren, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, that it will offer an incentive for eligible employees who waive medical insurance in the amount of 25%, or $5,000, whichever is less, of the amount saved by the employer because of the employee's waiver of coverage; and

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER RESOLVED that an employee who has health benefit coverage through a spouse or from another source, other than the State Health Benefits Plan or the SEHBP, and who can demonstrate same to the Business Administrator, may elect to forego all or a portion of his/her medical, dental and/or prescription coverage for a full year and receive a cash payment of twenty-five percent (25%) of the premium savings to the Board of Education, or $5,000, whichever is less, of the amount saved by the employer. Said payment will not be considered salary, nor will it be considered pensionable. The Business Office shall provide the forms by which an employee shall waive coverage and apply for payment; and

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER RESOLVEDthat an employee who has waived all or a portion of his/her medical benefit coverage will be allowed to restore such coverage on an immediate basis, without the necessity of a health questionnaire for the employee or his/her family members, in the event of a hardship or change of life event. Reentry to all health benefit coverage for reason of hardship or change of life applies only in the following situations, which result in the loss of health benefits coverage through the employee's spouse or other source:

· Termination of employment (proof of termination of benefits required);

· Legal Separation (a copy of decree is required);

· Group contract/policy terminated (proof of termination of benefits required);

· Disability of spouse which eliminates benefits (proof of termination of benefits required);

· Divorce (a copy of the decree is required);

· Death of Spouse (a copy of death certificate is required);

· Military Discharge (a copy of DD214 is required);

· Application under these circumstances must be made within sixty (60) days of the life event to the Board of Education's Payroll/Benefit Office;

· In addition, any employee who has waived all his/her health benefit coverage may automatically restore his/her coverage by applying during the open enrollment period during any year. The reinstatement date under such conditions will be January 1. It will not be necessary for any employee or his/her family members to complete a Statement of Health (proof of insurability) to restore coverage during the open enrollment period.

C.C. 2017-2018 Non-WTEA Employment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of non-WTEA employee assignments and updated salaries for the 2017-2018 school year, dated September 7, 2017.

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. Katherine Tejeda, Leave Replacement Speech Therapist, Woodland 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 on or about October 2, 2017 through on or about May 3, 2018, which is not creditable service toward tenure acquisition. (Ms. Tejeda will be LR for Employee #2818.)

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. William Mellott

b. Diane Bell

C.3. Movement on the Guide

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

a. Andrew Ahimovic, with congratulations, for movement from MA+30 to MA+45, effective September 1, 2017.

b. Lauren Regal, with congratulations, for movement from MA to MA+15, effective September 1, 2017.

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

d. Katherine Zaleski, with congratulations, for movement from BA+15 to MA, effective September 1, 2017.

C.4. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Employee #1598 for extended leave (paid and unpaid according to legal and contractual entitlement), from August 28, 2017 through on or about September 14, 2017.

b. Employee #3079 for leave (paid according to legal and contractual entitlement) from September 1, 2017 through September 22, 2017, with an anticipated return date of September 25, 2017.

c. Employee #1328 for extended leave (paid according to legal and contractual entitlement) from September 11, 2017 through on or about October 27, 2017.

C.5. Job Descriptions

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

a. Co-Curricular Advisor/Instructor

b. Athletic Coach

c. After School Activities Coordinator

C.6. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves all district certificated teachers, and classroom paraprofessionals who have a teaching certificate, to be appointed as home instructors for the 2017-2018 school year.

C.7. Long Term Substitute

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves James Zilinski, Jr. as a Long Term Substitute, effective September 7, 2017 through on or about November 1, 2017. (Mr. Zilinski will be LTS for Employee #0634.)

C.8. Maintenance Substitute

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves William Stramaglia as a Maintenance Substitute for the 2017-2018 school year at the approved substitute maintenance pay rate.*

C.9. Custodial Substitute

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Maria Alvarado as a Substitute Custodian for the 2017-2018 school year at the approved substitute custodian pay rate.*

C.10. Curriculum Director - Modified Contract

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the modified employment contract for Curriculum Director William Kimmick, effective July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.

C.11. Approval to Create Position

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

• Paraprofessional (1.0 FTE)

C.12. Retirement/Resignation

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

a. Suzanne Aldrich, Speech Therapist, Warren Middle School, for the purpose of resignation, with appreciation for her 3 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective November 17, 2017.

XIII. Unfinished Business

• Transportation Routes - Mr. deMontagnac asked a question regarding route elapsed time.

XIV. New Business

• Data Protection - Mr. Brezee asked a question regarding data protection.
• Job Descriptions - The board discussed having the job descriptions on tonight’s agenda reviewed again. The idea did not have the support of a majority of the board.
• Student Extracurricular Activity - The board discussed attire for co-co curricular non-sports activities. Dr. Mingle and Mrs. Allocco will discuss further.
• Homework - Mrs. Freijomil brought up for discussion the district’s homework practices.
• Board Leadership Transition - Mrs. Allocco reviewed her work regarding the upcoming transition of board leadership.

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, discussed uniformity of apparel as it relates to trip chaperoning. Secondly, Mrs. Wellerding expressed appreciation for her son’s support at the last board meeting.

Mrs. Zohn left the meeting at 8:41 p.m.

XVI. Executive Session

At 8:42 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:

protection of public safety and property and/or investigations of possible violations or violations of law 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 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 Mr. Brezee and approved by unanimous voice vote.

Mrs. DiMaggio left the meeting at 9:28 p.m.

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:51 p.m.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Mr. deMontagnac, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the meeting adjourned at 9:52 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary