Warren Township Schools: Minutes for July 16, 2018

Minutes for July 16, 2018 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 4:05 p.m. by Board President

David Brezee.

Open Public Meeting Statement – Mr. Brezee 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 8, 2018. 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 – Mr. Brezee led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Roll Call

Present: Paige Albano, Andrea Freijomil, Ilana Goldstein, Jeannine Sarosy, Ayanna Taylor-Venson, Patricia Zohn and David Brezee

Absent:

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

and press.

Christian Bellmann arrived at 4:16 p.m.

Lisa DiMaggio arrived at 4:21 p.m.

IV. Board of Education Retreat

Attorney Matthew Giacobbe provided Ethics training for the board.

Also discussed was Board structure, Executive Session topics and adherence to the same, recent personnel legislation (“Pass the Trash”), abstentions versus recusals and special education.

Mr. Giacobbe and Mr. Wenczel left at 5:19 p.m.

The board then discussed potential 2018-2019 Board Goals.

V. Executive Session

At 6:15 p.m. Mrs. DiMaggio 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:

material the disclosure of which constitutes an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy;

pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation and/or matters of attorney-client privilege; and

specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session.

Action will be taken upon return to public session;

the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 45 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. Freijomil and approved by unanimous voice vote.

Mrs. Albano excused herself at 7:00 p.m.

Mrs. Sarosy excused herself at 7:20 p.m.

On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:22 p.m.

VI. Minutes

Mrs. DiMaggio moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public session minutes of the June 18, 2018 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Freijomil and approved by 6-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Zohn abstained.)

Mrs. DiMaggio moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the private session minutes of the June 18, 2018 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Freijomil and approved by 7-0 roll-call vote

VII. Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

· Fire Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
June-14	June-12	June-21	June-04	June-04

· Security Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
June-14	June-21	June-22	June-12	June-12
Reverse	Non-Fire	Non-Fire	Non-Fire	Non-Fire
Fire Drill	Evacuation	Evacuation	Evacuation	Evacuation

VIII. President's Remarks - Mr. David Brezee

Mr. Brezee wished all a Happy Summer and shared his pleasure with graduation, especially the move to air conditioned space.

Mr. Brezee also thanked all board members for their volunteer efforts, especially on an elongated meeting night such as tonight.

Lastly, Mr. Brezee reminded all of the July 30th petition filing deadline for a November ballot spot for a Board of Education seat.

IX. Superintendent’s Remarks - Dr. Matthew Mingle

Dr. Mingle thanked Watchung Hills Regional High School for their assistance in holding Warren Middle School graduation in their auditorium.

Dr. Mingle shared that the district did not receive an adjustment in its 2018-2019 state aid.

Dr. Mingle mentioned that Summer Fun is flourishing with significant enrollment and a bevy of program offerings.

Regarding the board agenda, Dr. Mingle reference motion A.2., which brings the number of staff members’ children attending Warren schools next year to three.

Dr. Mingle reference motion C.1., which brings us to full staff fulfillments.

Dr. Mingle discussed motion C.11., which is normally on September agenda. This new timeline will allow clubs to begin running in early September.

Lastly, Dr. Mingle referenced that a TV crew filmed the Warren Middle School 8th grade history trip. The program will be broadcast and the district will be provided a link.

X. Discussion

N/A

XI. Committee Reports

N/A

XII. 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, asked a question regarding Board of Education seats on the ballots.

● Brenda Nemcek, Old Smalleytown Road, expressed her gratitude for the simulcast of Warren Middle School’s graduation.

Mrs. Sarosy returned at 7:30 p.m.

XIII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

It was requested that motions A.1., C.11. and C.13 be pulled for separate votes.

On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, the consent items A.2. through A.4., B.1., through B.6., C.1., through C.10., C.12., and C.14 through C.21. were approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

Mrs. Zohn discussed her concerns regarding the board’s role in the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying reporting process.

Mrs. Zohn made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, that the language in motion A.1. be changed from ‘’approves the HIB Report” to “accepts the HIB Report”. Motion was approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil the newly modified consent item A.1. was approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, the consent item C.11. was approved by a 7-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Goldstein abstained.)

On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, the consent item C.13. was approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

A.1. HIB Report

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the HIB Report submitted by the Superintendent for the period ending on July 12, 2018.

A.2. Tuition Contract

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a tuition contract with the parents of Student #TBD and Student #TBD for attendance at Mt. Horeb School School, effective September 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, at a monthly cost of $400 per student.

A.3. Bedside Instruction

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the bedside instruction through Silvergate Prep for Student #1769148963, beginning June 15, 2018, at an hourly rate of $40, at a cost not to exceed $480.

A.4. Out-of-District Placements 2018-2019

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the revised 2018-2019 Out-of- District placement list dated July 16, 2018.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the period June 19, 2018 through June 30, 2018 in the amount of $1,679,130.73.

B.2. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of July 2018 in the amount of $1,491,080.51.

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
Nancy Andrews	ALT	RVCC Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Summer 2018 K-5 Workshop	Branchburg	Aug 2018	$426
Patricia Iannacone	CS	RVCC NGSS Summer 2018 K-5 Workshop	Branchburg	Aug 2018	$371
Melanie Munoz	ALT	RVCC NGSS Summer 2018 K-5 Workshop	Branchburg	Aug 2018	$339
Joan Toth	WS	RVCC NGSS Summer 2018 K-5 Workshop	Branchburg	Aug 2018	$346
Ali Zafar	ALT	RVCC NGSS Summer 2018 K-5 Workshop	Branchburg	Aug 2018	$308
Patricia Iannacone	CS	NJ International Dyslexia Association (NJIDA) Fall Conf.	Somerset	Sep 2018	$235
Catherine Lazas	MS	NJIDA Fall Conf.	Somerset	Sep 2018	$242
Jessica Halpern	MS	NJIDA Fall Conf.	Somerset	Sep 2018	$242
Myranda Shimko	MS	NJIDA Fall Conf.	Somerset	Sep 2018	$238
Linda Yu	MS	NJIDA Fall Conf.	Somerset	Sep 2018	$237
Alison Tugya	CS	Responsive Classroom Course for Elementary Educators	New York, NY	Jul and Aug 2018	$1,374
Alyssa Pech	CS	Responsive Classroom Course for Elementary Educators	New York, NY	Jul and Aug 2018	$1,374

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. Purchase – Technology Equipment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following purchases under State Contracts:

Vendor	State Contract Number	Item	Cost
Dell	M0483	200 Dell Chromebooks	$66,400
Dell	M0483	200 Google Licenses	$5,200

B.5. Approval of Cameras Purchase

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the purchase of additional district security cameras, at a cost of $41,135.06. Purchase to be funded through a transfer from the district’s Emergency Reserves, as allowed for security projects. This purchase, from SHI, 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.6. Capital Reserve Transfer for Pre-Referendum Costs

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a transfer from Capital Reserve in an amount not to exceed $35,000 for initial costs required for the preparation of the district’s January 22, 2019 referendum, as board approved on June 4, 2018.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2018-2019 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 2018-2019 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. Zaida Hernandez, Spanish Teacher, Warren Middle School, BA, Step 14-15 of the 2018-2019 salary guide, $66,670, effective September 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.

b. Brielle Crowe, Leave Replacement Teacher, Central School, MA, Step 5-6 of the 2018-2019 salary guide, $67,749, effective September 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, which is not creditable service toward tenure acquisition. (Ms. Crowe will be LRT for Employee #2693.)

c. Maria Mensinger, Dean of Students, Warren Middle School, $120,000 (prorated), effective July 17, 2018 or upon release from current district.

d. Linnea Middleton, Preschool Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, BA, Step 7-9 of the 2018-2019 salary guide, $62,710, effective September 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.

e. Alexa Barber, Special Education Teacher, Woodland School, BA, Step 2 of the 2018-2019 salary guide, $58,855, effective September 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.

f. Hayley Scuderi, Grade 5 Teacher, Woodland School, BA, Step 2 of the 2018-2019 salary guide, $58,855, effective September 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.

g. Francesca Frosoni, Grade 3 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, MA +30, Step 7-9 of the 2018-2019 salary guide, $75,252, effective September 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.

C.2. Special Education Service Provider List

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following rate change for the provider Vista Rehab Services, P.A. for Speech Therapy services with written monthly logs from $105 to $110 per hour for the 2018-2019 school year.

C.3. Warren Middle School Bus Arrival Supervision

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for morning supervision at Warren Middle School, effective September 6, 2018 through June 24, 2019, at a stipend amount of $500 per marking period, per staff member:

● Donna Bardy, Lisa Lontai, Lauren Regal, John Seremula, Justina Thompson, Debbie Hunt

C.4. Warren Middle School Stipend Positions 2018-2019

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following stipend positions for the 2018-2019 school year as per the WTEA agreement:

a. Lunchroom Supervisors

● David Arnold, Danielle Buzby, Sean Convery (2), Sean Mealy, Brenda Sasso, Helen Scully, Lisa Seccamani, John Seremula, Kathryn Speckin, Daniel Ticchio, Joel Van Tine

b. Team Leaders

● Grade 6 - Ann Marie Christou

● Grade 7 - Daniel Ticchio

● Grade 8 - Lynn Degen

● Unified Arts - Beverly MacGorman

c. Student Government Advisor

● Beverly MacGorman

C.5. Coaching Stipends

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following coaches for the 2018-2019 school year as per the WTEA agreement:

Timothy O’Heney, Boys Soccer
Sean Mealey, Girls Soccer
Kristen Boni, Cross Country
Michele Kraminitz, Cross Country
Sean Mealey, Boys Basketball
Danielle Buzby, Girls Basketball
David Arnold, Baseball
Danielle Buzby, Softball
Tim O’Heney, Jeff Sutherland,Track

C.6. Non-WTEA Stipend Positions 2018-2019

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following non-WTEA stipends for the 2018-2019 school year:

a. Debbie Hunt, After-School Activities Coordinator (2 hrs/wk - $3,200)

b. Amanda Rodrigues, Athletics Coordinator (2 hrs/wk - $3,200)

C.7. Stipend Position - Buildings and Grounds

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following individual for the Buildings and Grounds stipend:

1. Ralph Circelli, Head Maintenance & Grounds, from August 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, annual stipend of $2,500 (prorated).

C.8. Settlement Agreement with Warren Township Education Association

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the settlement agreement with the Warren Township Education Association in reference to a grievance bearing P.E.R.C. Docket No. AR-2018-380, and any other related, outstanding grievances.

C.9. Summer Fun Substitute Nurse

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as a substitute nurse for 2018-2019 Summer Fun, effective June 26, 2018 through July 27, 2018.

1. Jessica Weiss

C.10. Summer Fun Staff

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following adjusted rates for Summer Fun staff:

a. Alexis D’Annunzio - $16 per hour

b. Natalie Gebala - $13 per hour

c. Emily Puhak - $16 per hour

C.11. After School Activities/Clubs

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2018-2019 after school activities/clubs, and the instructors for each, at the negotiated stipend rate.

C.12. Retirement/Resignation

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

a. Shannon Reis, Special Education Teacher, Woodland School, for the purpose of resignation, with appreciation for her 3 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective June 30, 2018.

b. Max Achtau, Dean of Students, Warren Middle School, for the purpose of resignation, with appreciation for his 4 years of service to the Warren Township Students, effective July 27, 2018.

C.13. Merit Pay

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the completion of the following 2017-2018 merit goals and subsequent merit goal completion payment for Superintendent Dr. Matthew Mingle as follows:

Criteria	Status	Merit Bonus Amount
1. Increase the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations on the PARCC Grade 8 Mathematics assessment by 10%.	X - Achieved	3.33% - $5,406
2. Decrease the number of unfilled teacher vacancies (substitutes needed but not available) by 10%.	X - Partially Achieved	2.33% - $3,783
3. Expand before/after school enrichment and extracurricular participation by 10%.	X - Achieved	3.33% - $5,406
4. Develop the Warren Township Schools tuition program.	X - Achieved	2.5% - $4,059
5. Improve the provision of aftercare services.	X - Achieved	2.5% - $4,059

C.14. Summer Employees

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of additional summer employees for both the Buildings and Grounds and Transportation Departments, dated July 11, 2018.

C.15. Transportation Safety Training

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves all transportation staff to be paid their hourly salary to attend safety training on June 25, 2018. Total district cost for all employees not to exceed $525.00.

C.16. Additional Pay

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves payment to Ashley Militch for a maximum of 25 hours for the purposes of successor training. Payment at hourly rate, not to exceed a total cost of $889.00.

C.17. 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 August 6 through 10, 2018, $20 per hour, 5 ½ hours per day, for five days, as per the WTEA negotiated agreement, for a total amount not to exceed $2,750.00:

Nancy Andrews	Joan Toth
Patricia Iannacone	Ali Zafar
Melanie Munoz

C.18. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) De-escalation Strategies Initial

Preschool Training Instructor Stipend

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for reimbursement as an Instructor scheduled for June 20, 2018. Each instructor will be reimbursed at the WTEA contract rate $50.00 per hour. The total cost shall not exceed $750.

Staff Member

Prep Hours

Cost Total

Rebecca Hartman

7.5

$375.00

(First offering by instructor 2.5 hours during contract hours, paid for prep only)

Beatrice Schwarzkopf

7.5

$375.00

(First offering by instructor 2.5 hours during contract hours, paid for prep only)

C.19. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Refresher Training Instructor

Stipend

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for reimbursement as an Instructor scheduled for June 26, 2018. Each instructor will be reimbursed at the WTEA contract rate $50.00 per hour. The total cost shall not exceed $1,100. (This motion supersedes the previous motion from June 18, 2018.)

Staff Member	Prep Hours	Instructor Hours	Cost Total
Rebecca Hartman	5.5	5.5	$550.00
Beatrice Schwarzkopf	5.5	5.5	$550.00

C.20. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Initial Training Instructor Stipend

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for reimbursement as an Instructor scheduled for July 17 and 18, 2018. Each instructor will be reimbursed at the WTEA contract rate $50.00 per hour. The total cost shall not exceed $3,300.00. (This motion supersedes the previous motion from June 18, 2018.)

Staff Member

Prep Hours

Instructor Hours

Cost Total

Rebecca Hartman

$2,200.00

(First offering by instructor)

Beatrice Schwarzkopf

$1,100.00

(Repeat offering by instructor)

C.21. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Building Teams

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff as Crisis Prevention Intervention Building Team members. Each staff member will receive an annual amount of $500 stipend per the WTEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. The stipend will be rewarded upon verified completion of the Crisis Prevention Intervention training, for a total cost not to exceed $5,000.00.

Kelly Blessing-Maire	Jacqueline Fattell
Laura Nelson	Casey Hardy
Doug Clark	Edward Lee
Patricia Doll	Alyssa Pech
Maxine Dornfeld	Marcela Stefanikova

XIV. Unfinished Business

● 2018-19 Board Goals - The board continued its discussion regarding its goals.

XV. New Business

● Attendance - Mrs. Zohn referred to a media article regarding a neighboring school district’s reported rising trend regarding absenteeism.

● Board Membership - Mrs. Freijomil also mentioned that a perk of boardsmanship is handing your child their diploma at graduation.

XVI. Public Commentary (any topic)

● Heather Silva, Quail Run, referred to a state preliminary proposal regarding school district mergers,

● Brenda Nemcek, Old Smalleytown Road, asked a question regarding Summer Fun enrollment and referenced the High School board structure and strategic plan.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Goldstein, the meeting adjourned at

8:28 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary

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