Warren Township Schools: Minutes for September 17, 2018

Minutes for September 17, 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 7:00 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, Christian Bellmann, Lisa DiMaggio, Andrea Freijomil,

Ilana Goldstein, Ayanna Taylor-Venson, Patricia Zohn and David Brezee

Absent:

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

Jeannine Sarosy arrived at 7:12 p.m.

IV. Executive Session

At 7:01 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:

specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session 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 20 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 Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:29 p.m.

V. Minutes

● Mrs. DiMaggio moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public session minutes of the August 20, 2018 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Freijomil and approved by 7-0-2 roll-call vote.

(Mr. Bellmann and Mrs. Zohn abstained.)

● Mrs. DiMaggio moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public session minutes of the September 4, 2018 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Freijomil and approved by 6-0-3 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Albano, Mrs. Sarosy and Mrs. Taylor abstained.)

VI. Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

VII. President's Remarks - Mr. David Brezee

Mr. Brezee thanked all that involved in the successful school year open.

Mr. Brezee referred to the referendum information sessions held at Back To School Nights and PTO sessions.

Mr. Brezee thanked Bioridge Pharma (motion B.5.) for its donation.

Lastly, Mr. Brezee noted the unexpected fire alarm at Central School and the wonderful response of all.

VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks - Dr. Matthew Mingle

Dr. Mingle also referred to the Referendum Information Communication Initiative which continues.

Dr. Mingle presented the segment of the television program New Jersey Matters which highlighted the district’s 8th Grade Historical Trip.

Lastly, Dr. Mingle referenced the No Homework weekend of October 13th and 14th, meant to encourage participation in Somerset County’s Weekend Journey Through the Past.

IX. Presentations

N/A

X. Discussion

● Policy 0155 - Board Committees - The board discussed this policy which specifically lists three committees. After discussion, it was decided to allow the board to review further and place the matter on the agenda for the board’s next meeting..

XI. Committee Reports

● Finance, Operations and Security Committee - Mrs. Freijomil reported on the committee’s meeting at which the Flag policy, budget calendar, referendum communication and the review of the Safe Tenet within the Whole Child approach were discussed.

● Curriculum, Communications, and Technology Committee - Mrs. DiMaggio reported on the evening’s meeting which discussed policy review and the Whole Child tenets, specifically healthy and engaged.

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).

● Joanne Przybylski, Quail Run, discussed motion C.9., the staffing of Physical Education at the Middle School and resulting class sizes.

XIII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. Freijomil asked to discuss those policies listed in motion D.1.a. and D.1.b., which came from Strauss Esmay. It was requested that first reading motions note their source.

Mrs. Zohn asked a question regarding the donation in motion (B.5.) and expiration dates.

Mrs. Zohn asked that motion A.2. be pulled for separate vote and noted that she will be recusing herself.

On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, the consent items A.1., B.1. through B.10., C.1. through C.2., C.3.a and C.3.b., C.4. through C.11., and D.1., were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, the consent item A.2., was approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Zohn recused herself.)

On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Freijomil, the consent item C.3.c., was approved by a 8-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. David Brezee abstained.)

A. Education

A.1. HIB Report

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the HIB Report submitted by the Superintendent for the period ending on September 4, 2018.

A.2. Alternative Physical Education Program

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the alternative physical education program for Student # 4782732553 for the period of September 18, 2018 through on or about June 30, 2019.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of September 2018 in the amount of $3,411,818.25.

B.2. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of August, 2018;

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on August 31, 2018:

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$8,025,247.06		$1,001,355.68
(11) Current Expense		$1,800,513.58
(12) Capital Outlay		$139,347.17
(13) Special Schools		$929.19
(20) Special Revenue Fund	($26,442.90)	$46,760.57	$0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
(40) Debt Service Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
TOTAL	$7,998,804.16	$1,987,550.51	$1,001,355.68

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.3. Budget Transfers for Month of August 2018

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:

	TO:		FROM:
1.	11-000-223-500-050-08-00	Staff Training - Other Purch. Svcs.-WS	11-000-223-580-050-08-00	Workshops & Travel - SPS - WS	$350
2.	11-000-263-420-00-09-00	Grounds - Repairs & Maintenance Svs	11-000-262-622-033-09-07	Electricity - MS	$4,000
3.	11-000-263-420-00-09-00	Grounds - Repairs & Maintenance Svs	11-000-262-622-040-09-05	Electricity - ALT	$6,000
4.	11-000-263-420-00-09-00	Grounds - Repairs & Maintenance Svs	11-000-262-622-050-09-06	Electricity - WS	$6,000
5.	11-000-270-580-000-10-00	Workshops & Travel - Transportation	11-000-270-593-000-10-00	Misc. Purchased Svs - Transportation	$500
6.	11-000-270-800-000-10-00	Transportation - Other	11-000-270-610-000-10-00	Transportation - General Supplies	$1,000
7.	13-422-100-106-035-00-00	Summer Fun-Paras - Enrichment	13-422-100-101-035-00-00	Summer Fun - Teachers - Enrichment	272
8.	13-422-100-106-035-00-00	Summer Fun-Paras - Enrichment	13-422-100-101-035-00-01	Summer Fun - Teachers - Remedial	347
9.	13-422-100-106-035-00-00	Summer Fun-Paras - Enrichment	13-422-100-101-035-00-03	Summer Fun- Teachers-Ext. Day	$2,855
10.	13-422-100-106-035-00-01	Summer Fun - Paras - Remedial	11-000-291-290-000-00-01	Medical Return	$4,116
11.	13-422-100-106-035-00-01	Summer Fun - Paras - Remedial	13-422-100-101-035-00-01	Summer Fun - Teachers - Remedial	$628
12.	13-422-100-106-035-00-01	Summer Fun - Paras - Remedial	13-422-100-101-035-00-05	Summer Fun - Admin & Nurse	$92
13.	13-422-100-106-035-00-02	Summer Fun - Paras - ESY MHS	13-422-100-101-035-00-03	Summer Fun-Teachers-Ext. Day	$415
14.	13-422-100-106-035-00-03	Summer Fun - Paras - Extended Day	13-422-100-101-035-00-05	Summer Fun - Admin & Nurse	$742
15.	13-422-100-106-035-00-04	Summer Fun - Paras - Aftercare	13-422-100-101-035-00-05	Summer Fun - Admin & Nurse	$539

B.4. 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
George Villar	MS	NJASCD Educating the Whole Child	Monroe Township	Sep 2018	$153
Maria Mensinger	MS	Understanding the new HIB Regulations	Mahwah	Oct 2018	$160
Linnea Middleton	MH	Picture Exchange Communication System - Level 1 Training	New Brunswick	Sep 2018	$418
Kelly Stankiewicz	MH	Treating Traumatic Stress in Kids: Sensory, Yoga & Mindfulness Techniques to Rewire the Young Brain	South Plainfield	Oct 2018	$200

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.5. Donation Acceptance - Bioridge Pharma

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation of 10 EpiPen packages from BioRidge Pharmaceutical, at an approximate value of $7,300. EpiPens to be distributed to all 5 Warren Township School District schools.

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a transportation contract for the transportation of students for the 2018-2019 School Year as follows:

Host District	Joining District	Destination	Cost
Warren	Watchung Hills Regional High School	Watchung Hills Regional High School (WH-4)	$7,610.00

B.7. Transportation for Out-of-District Student

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Bridgewater Raritan Regional School District for 2018-2019 School year transportation for out-of-district student as follows:

Host District	Student ID#	School	Cost
Bridgewater Raritan Regional School District	6894416342	Hunterdon Preparatory	$7,853.40

B.8. Extraordinary Aid 2017-2018 - Additional Funds

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts additional Extraordinary Aid funding from the 2017-2018 school year in the amount of $1,334.

B.9. Extraordinary Aid 2017-2018 - Allocation of Additional Funds

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase to the 2018-2019 budget to recognize the additional 2017-2018 Extraordinary Aid in the amount of $1,334 and allocates the monies as follows:

● Revenue Account: 10-3131 Extraordinary Aid (10-303 Budgeted Fund Balance)

● Expense Acct:11-000-100-562–Tuition–Other LEA - $1,334

B.10. Budget Calendar 2019-2020

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the proposed tentative Budget Calendar for the 2019-2020 budget process.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Personnel and Negotiations Committee Goal - 2018-2019

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following goal for the

Personnel and Negotiations Committee for the 2018-2019 school year:

● Review and advise on Superintendent recommendations for adjustments to nonaligned staff salaries.

C.2. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2018-2019 school year:

a. Diane Musmanno

b. Sara von Bartheld

c. Vivian Shehady

C.3. Family Leave Request

a. Employee #2053 for leave (paid according to legal and contractual entitlement), under FMLA, from September 4, 2018 through on or about November 5, 2018.

b. Employee #3282 for leave (paid with benefits), from August 13, 2018 through September, 26 2018, (unpaid, with benefits) from September 27, 2018 through on or about October 8, 2018. (This motion supersedes previous motion from September 4, 2018 agenda.)

c. Employee #3125 for leave (paid according to legal and contractual entitlement), under FMLA, from September 18, 2018 through on or about October 1, 2018.

C.4. After School Activities/Clubs

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following:

a. Christina Beekman as Photography Club Advisor at Woodland School for 15 sessions, at a cost of $735.

b. Hayley Scuderi and Alexa Barber as Little Feet Walking Club Advisors at Woodland School for 15 sessions, at a total cost of $735.

C. 5. Long Term Substitutes

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves James Zilinski as a Long Term Substitute, effective September 11, 2018 through on or about November 5, 2018. (Mr. Zilinski will be LTS for employee #2053.)

C.6. Job Description

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following revised job description:

a. Assistant Principal/Dean of Students

C.7. Transfer/Change in Assignment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transfer/change in

assignment of the following district staff:

1. Lisa Carlson, from 0.6FTE English Language Arts ASAP Teacher and 0.4FTE Special Education Teacher, Warren Middle School, to 1.0FTE English Language Arts ASAP Teacher, Warren Middle School, with no change in salary, effective September 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.
2. Lucia Raphael, from 1:1 Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours, Central School, with an annual salary of $25,398, to 1:1 Paraprofessional, 30 hours, Central School, with annual salary of $23,445, effective September 1, 2018. (This motion supersedes the previous motion from September 4, 2018.)

C.8. Approval to Abolish Position

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves abolishing the following position:

Location	Position	Full-Time Equivalent
Warren Middle School	Special Education Teacher	0.40
Warren Middle School	English Language Arts ASAP Teacher	0.60

C.9. Approval to Create Position

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

Location	Position	Full-Time Equivalent
Warren Middle School	English Language Arts ASAP Teacher	1.00
Warren Middle School	Health and Physical Education Teacher	0.40
Mt. Horeb School	1:1 Paraprofessional	1.00

C.10. Retirement/Resignation

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

a. Nicholas Bayachek, Club Advisor, Fitness Club at Woodland School, for the purpose of resignation, effective September 6, 2018.

b. Nicholas Bayachek, Club Advisor, Floor Hockey at Woodland School, for the purpose of resignation, effective September 6, 2018.

c. Hannah Nizri, Club Advisor, Fitness Club at Woodland School, for the purpose of resignation, effective September 6, 2018.

d. Frederick Quinlan, Skilled Maintenance Worker, Warren Township Schools, for the purpose of retirement, with appreciation for his 17 years of service to the Warren Township students, effective September 30, 2018.

C.11. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Building Teams

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff as CPI 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 CPI training. For a total cost not to exceed $6,000.00.

Ashley Allegra	Linnea Middleton
Ashley Dendy	Kathryn Miller
Alexa DiIorio	Alexandra Pranzo
Dawn Gauvin	Sara von Bartheld
Meryl Lettire	Kristyn Westcott
Maria Mensinger	Linda Yu

D. Policy

D.1. Policies – First Reading

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

1. 1550 - Equal Employment/Anti-Discrimination Practices (Revision)
2. 1613 - Disclosure and Review of Applicant’s Employment History (New)

c. 7700 - Flag (New)

XIV. Unfinished Business

● Middle School Teams - Mrs. Zohn brought up for discussion the 8th grade teams. It was determined that this will be a future presentation topic.

XV. New Business

● Superintendent Evaluation Tool - Mrs. Zohn discussed the options regarding evaluation vehicles; the board decided to stay with the forms used in prior years.

XVI. Public Commentary (any topic)

● Heather Silver, Quail Run, referred to the next day’s Warren Middle School PTO meeting topics.

XVII. Adjourn

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

8:31 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary