Minutes for September 3, 2019History 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 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, 2019. 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: Aaron Bellish, Christian Bellmann, Naresh Chand, Lisa DiMaggio,

Marc Franco, Jeannine Sarosy, Patricia Zohn and David Brezee

Absent: Ayanna Taylor-Venson

Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, and Patricia Leonhardt,

Board Secretary, and members of the public and press.

V. Minutes

● Mrs. DiMaggio moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the August 19, 2019 Board Meeting. (Mr. Bellish, Mr. Bellmann, Mr. Franco and Mrs Sarosy abstained.)

The motion was seconded by Mr. Brezee and failed by 4-0-4 roll-call vote.

VI. Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

0

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

0

· Suspension Report

In School:

0

Out of School:

0

VII. President's Remarks – Mr. David Brezee

Mr. Brezee welcomed all to the Board meeting on this the first day of the new school year. He referenced his enjoyment in attending the New Staff Induction Program (NSIP), the Buildings and Grounds barbecue, and the whole staff Back to School kick off.

Lastly, Mr. Brezee congratulated those moving across the salary guide (motion C.3.).

VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle

Dr. Mingle welcomed all to the new school year and reported that the first day was a success. He thanked those board members who were able to participate in any of the opening of the school year festivities.

In reference to the Middle School Wellness Center toured earlier in the evening, Dr. Mingle thanked the Middle School PTO for its $25,000 donation which was the first seed money for its equipment purchasing.

IX. Presentation

● New Staff Introductions - Dr. Matthew Mingle introduced all staff members new to the district.

● Summer Projects - Mr. Michael Pate provided an overview of the district’s summer facilities work.

X. Discussion

● The board discussed the potential electronic transmission/recording (video, audio, streaming) of board meeting..

XI. Committee Reports

● Curriculum, Communications and Technology Committee - Mrs. DiMaggio reported on the evening’s meeting, at which NJSLA data, the capstone project and board goals were discussed.

XII. Public Commentary (agenda items only)

Note on public input at BOE meetings: Board Policy #0167, adopted on June 18, 2018, provides for 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, address, and group affiliation, if applicable;
  2. Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to three minutes’ duration. If necessary, the public comment portion of the meeting may be extended fifteen minutes with Board approval;
  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;
  4. All statements, questions, or inquiries shall be directed to the presiding officer and any questions or inquiries directed by a participant to another Board member shall be redirected to the presiding officer who shall determine if such statement, question, or inquiry shall be addressed by the presiding officer on behalf of the Board;

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, discussed board meeting recording, suggesting a survey.

XIII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mrs. Zohn asked questions regarding motion A.3., pulling A.3.10 for separate vote.

Mr. Bellmann asked a number of questions regarding B.5.

On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mr. Bellmann, the consent items A.1. through A.3.9, A.4., through A.6., B.1. through B.5., and C.1. through C.11., were approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

The board discussed the Health Grades 6-8 Curriculum, with Mrs. Zohn raising some concerns.

On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mr. Bellmann, the consent item A.3.10, was approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

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 August 19, 2019.

A.2. Fieldwork Site

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Clinical Affiliation Agreement with Raritan Valley Community College for the 2019-2020 school year to secure Warren Township Schools as a fieldwork site to provide supervised clinical educational experiences in the field of occupational therapy.

A.3. Curriculum Guides

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following new and revised curriculum guides:

  1. K-8 Vocal Music
  2. 4-8 Instrumental Music
  3. K-8 Art
  4. Dance/Theatre Arts
  5. Social Studies: K-5
  6. Social Studies: 6-8
  7. World Language: Gr. 8
  8. French Readiness: Gr. 7
  9. Information Literacy: Gr. 6
  10. 10. Health Gr. 6-8

A.4. District Goals

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

2019-2020 school year as follows:

 

  1.  
    1. Develop programs and practices that support each student and staff member in learning about and practicing a lifestyle that is socially, emotionally, and mentally healthy.
      ○ Whole Child connection - Healthy, Safe, Supported
    2. Implement consistent safety and security procedures and practices throughout the district.
      ○ Whole Child connection - Healthy, Safe
    3. Collaboratively develop a strategic plan with community stakeholders by Spring 2020.
      ○ Whole Child connection - Healthy, Safe, Engaged, Supported, Challenged

A.5. Board Goals

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

2019-2020 school year as follows:

  1.  
    1. Negotiate successor collective bargaining agreements with the WTAA and WTEA.
    2. Adopt a five-year capital improvement plan.
    3. Adopt a strategic plan.

A.6. Out of District Tuition Student

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a tuition contract with the parents of Student #TBD for attendance in the district’s PreSchool program at Mt. Horeb School, effective on or about September 4, 2019 through June 30, 2020, at an annual tuition cost of $3,750.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Board Secretary's Report - UPDATED Final June 2019

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of June, 2019

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on June 30, 2019

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$8,435,721.60


$1,063,861.93

(10) General Current Expense


$9,213.00


(11) Current Expense


$1,365,066.44


(12) Capital Outlay


$107,540.74


(13) Special Schools


$92.19


(20) Special Revenue Fund

$57,879.54

$19,514.13

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$0.00

$14,047.52

($1,763,502.48)

(40) Debt Service Fund

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

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. 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

Catherine Lazas

MS

International Dyslexia Association Fall Conference

Somerset

Oct 2019

$235

Jessica Nathan

CS

New Jersey Science Convention

Princeton

Oct 2019

$199

Maria Mensinger

MS

Annual Conference for Middle Level Education

Nashville, TN

Nov 2019

$1,820

Lindsay Sheffrin

ALT

New Jersey Branch International Dyslexia Association Fall Conference

Somerset

Oct 2019

$195

Patricia Leonhardt

District

Certified School Risk Manager Program

Online

Oct 2019

$805

Denise Kennedy

MTH

New Jersey Branch International Dyslexia Association Fall Conference

Somerset

Oct 2019

$235

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.3. Transportation Contracts for Out-of-District Students

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves transportation contracts for the transportation of students for the 2019-2020 School Year as follows:

Host

Joining District

Destination

Revenue

Warren

Watchung Hills Regional

High School

SHL1

$13,725.00

B.4. Purchasing Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following annual Cooperative purchasing:

● Atra Janitorial Supply Co, through Ed Data Services Bid #8847 for assorted janitorial supplies, at an amount not to exceed $160,000.

● School Specialty Products, through NJ State Contract T0114 for Library and School Supplies, at an amount not to exceed $160,000.

B.5. Transportation for Out-of-District Students

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contracts with Somerset County Educational Services Commission for 2019-2020 school year transportation for out of district students as follows:

Contractor

School

Student Id

Cost

SCESC

Midland School

4058597640

$19,342.80

SCESC

Summit Speech

7325962020

$26,956.80

SCESC

PG Chambers

5275815264 & 8009989713

$71,020.80

SCESC

Glenview Academy

5857664682

$18,077.40

SCESC

Lamberts Mill Academy

3491832012

$13,498.20

SCESC

Hunterdon Prep School

6672870988

$8,424.00

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2019-2020 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 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., if applicable Staff members shall be paid in accordance with provisions in their collective bargaining agreement and/or in accordance with a schedule provided to all employees prior to the beginning of the contract or school year.

Name

Position/PCR

Location

Degree

Step

Salary

Effective Date

Discussion

Eileen Sebor

1:1 Paraprofessional 32.5 hours

08-33-08/bim

MS

N/A

2

$25,924

8/28/2019 - 6/30/2020

Replacing employee #3283

C.2. Substitutes

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitutes for the 2019-2020 school year.

Name

Laurie Steen (Nurse)

Sara von Bartheld

Jennifer Armao

Sarah Hughes

Melanie Haig

Gia Lucas

C.3. Movement on the Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2019-2020 salary guide:

Name

From

To

Effective

Erica Pawlo

MA+45

Doctorate in Psychology

09/01/2019

Anna Rizzo

MA+30

MA+45

09/01/2019

Lisa Lontai

MA+30

MA+45

09/01/2019

Mary Ellen Weaver

MA+15

MA+45

09/01/2019

Jacqueline Fattell

MA+15

MA+30

09/01/2019

Vivien Plesmid

MA+15

MA+30

09/01/2019

Dannine Albanese

MA+15

MA+30

09/01/2019

Peter Kassalow

MA+15

MA+30

09/01/2019

Rebecca Sutherland

MA

MA+30

09/01/2019

Ali Steffner

MA

MA+15

09/01/2019

Lindsay Rosenberg

MA

MA+15

09/01/2019

Jessica Halpern

MA

MA+15

09/01/2019

Kelly Backus

BA+15

MA

09/01/2019

Martha Mendez

BA

BA+15

09/01/2019

Danielle Buzby

BA

BA+15

09/01/2019

C.4. Employee Discipline

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the suspension, without pay, of Employee #3137 for August 22 (half day), 23 and 26, 2019.

C.5. Long Term Substitute

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following individual as a Long Term Substitute:

Name

Effective Date

Replacing Employee #

Judy Maddalone

9/4/2019 - 10/8/2019

#2280

Maryanne DuBois

9/3/2019 - on or about 10/18/2019

#3207

C.6. Salary Adjustment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the salary adjustment for the 2019-2020 School year, effective August 28, 2019.

Name

From

To

Mary Russo

1:1 Paraprofessional,

32.5 hrs, step 25

MTH, 08-35-08/bfy

$31,370

1:1 Paraprofessional,

32.5 hrs, step 25,

MTH, 08-35-08/bfy

$33,984

Marybeth Henry

1:1 Paraprofessional,

32.5 hrs - with stipend

MTH, 08-30-08/bfq

$29,820

11-12

1:1 Paraprofessional, 32.5 hrs - with stipend

CS, 08-30-08/bfq

$29,820

11-12

Laura Healy

1:1 Paraprofessional, 32.5 hrs

WS

08-50-08/bfa

$28,655 (with stipend)

Classroom Paraprofessional, 30 hrs

WS

08-50-08/bjq

$26,590 (with stipend)

C.7. Transfer/Change in Assignment

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

assignment of the following district staff:

Name

From

To

Cheryl Kallio

Classroom Paraprofessional, 32.5 hrs

MS

08-33-08/bio

1:1 Paraprofessional

32.5 hrs

MS

08-33-08/biy

Lisa Carlson

ASAP LA Teacher

MS

02-33-22/bhu

.5 ASAP LA Teacher

MS

02-33-22/bjp

.5 Special Education

MS

02-33-19/bjc

C.8. Leave Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following leave requests:

Employee ID

Paid/Unpaid

#1532

FMLA - 9/13/2019 - 12/13/2019 (paid)

#2242

FMLA - 9/5/2019 - on or about 10/2/2019 (½ days) (paid)

C.9. Custodial Substitute

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following as a Substitute Custodian for the 2019-2020 school year at the approved substitute custodian pay rate.

Name

Laura Lamson

Keith LaBadie

Kevin Benjamin

C.10. Approval to Create Position

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the creation of the following position for 2019-2020:

Location

Position

PCR

Full-Time Equivalent

Middle School

.5 ASAP LA Teacher

02-33-22/bjp

.5

Middle School

.5 Special Education Teacher

02-33-19/bjc

.5

Woodland School

Classroom Paraprofessional

08-50-08/bjq

30 hrs

C.11. Approval to Abolish Positions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the abolishment of the following positions for 2019-2020:

Location

Position

PCR

Full-Time Equivalent

Middle School

ASAP LA Teacher

02-33-22/bhu

1.0

Woodland School

1:1 Paraprofessional

08-50-08/bfa

32.5 hrs

XIV. Unfinished Business

N/A

XV. New Business

● Mrs. Zohn motioned, seconded by Mr. Brezee the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby directs administration to explore opportunities for professional development to be made available to appropriate staff regarding consent.

The consent item was approved by a 7-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. Franco abstained.)

● Welcome Staff Session - Mrs. DiMaggio discussed the Origins segments of the Back to School kick off and thanked the administrators for sharing. Mrs. DiMaggio also complimented Mr. Brezee, and spoke of her pride at the experience.

XVI. Public Commentary (any topic)

● Susan Leonard, Woodland School, recommended microphones for the board members.

XVII. Adjourn

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

8:24 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary