Minutes for February 10, 2020
Archived Minutes
Skip Navigation
A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day at the Mt. Horeb School, 80 Mt. Horeb 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 Christian Bellmann
Open Public Meeting Statement – Board President Christian Bellmann 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 7, 2020. 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. Bellmann led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Roll Call
Present: Aaron Bellish, Mark Bisci, David Brezee, Susie Chu, Lisa DiMaggio,
Marc Franco, Ayanna Taylor-Venson, Patricia Zohn and Christian Bellmann
Absent:
Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, and Patricia Leonhardt,
Board Secretary, and members of the public and press.
IV. Minutes
● Mrs. Zohn moved the following:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and executive session minutes of the January27, 2020 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio and approved by 9-0 roll-call vote.
V. Correspondence and Information
· HIB Information
|
Total # of Investigations: |
1 |
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: |
0 |
· Suspension Report
|
In School: |
0 |
Out of School: |
0 |
· Fire Drills
| ALT | Central | Mt. Horeb | Woodland | Middle |
| January 9 | January 6 | January 22 | January 10 | January 10 |
· Security Drills
| ALT | Central | Mt. Horeb | Woodland | Middle |
| January 27 | January 17 | January 31 | January 30 | January 16 |
| Sheltering In | Sheltering In | Sheltering In | Sheltering In | Sheltering In |
VI. President's Remarks – Mr. Christian Bellmann
Mr. Bellmann mentioned that the renovations to the Central School Library are complete and that the library reopened on Read Aloud Day.
Mr. Bellmann advised that the district’s Excellence in Education award winners will be announced shortly.
Lastly, Mr. Bellmann provided a Referendum update, noting that the recent award of the HVAC upgrades to Central and Angelo L. Tomaso Schools was the last referendum project.
VII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle
Dr. Mingle thanked Mr. Scott Cook for providing a Mt. Horeb School tour for new board members.
Dr. Mingle also discussed the Strategic Plan, for which a kick off meeting was held January 28th. The work is currently underway, with the wrap up session to be held on February 25th.
VIII. Presentation
● Mt. Horeb School - Mr. Cook presented an overview of the Preschool Program, the Special Education Committee and the It Happened to Me video .
IX. Executive Session
● At 7:20 p.m. Mrs. Zohn 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
Action will 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 Mrs. DiMaggio and approved by unanimous voice vote.
On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mrs. Taylor, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:26 p.m.
X. Discussion
● 2020-2021 Budget Development - Mr. Bellmann opened for conversation the 2020-2021 budget.
XI. Committee Reports
● Personnel and Negotiations - Mr. Franco reported on the evening's meeting regarding WTEA negotiations.
● Finance, Operations and Security Committee - Mr. Brezee reported on the recent meeting at which the Middle School fields, the 2020-2021 Budget, and the financing options for the district’s Capital Improvement Plan 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:
- 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;
- 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;
- No participant may speak more than once on the same topic until all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard;
- 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).
N/A
XIII. Items for Board Consideration/Action
Mr. Brezee complimented all those moving across the salary guide (motion C.3).
Mr. Bisci asked that motion B.4. be pulled for a separate vote.
On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent items A.1., B.1., through B.3., B.5., B.6., and C.1. through C.14., were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.
On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mrs. Taylor, the consent item B.4. was approved by a 9-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. Bisci abstained.)
The Superintendent recommends that it be:
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 January 27, 2020.
B. Finance/Operations/Transportation
B.1. Board Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Report
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of January 2020; and
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on January 31, 2020:
|
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
|
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$13,362,225.87 |
$1,063,861.93 |
|
|
(10) General Current Expense |
$38,614.00 |
||
|
(11) Current Expense |
$2,564,204.25 |
||
|
(12) Capital Outlay |
$66,830.52 |
||
|
(13) Special Schools |
$16,426.43 |
||
|
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
$18,185.38 |
$43,804.51 |
$0.00 |
|
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$4,652,858.22 |
($1,857,466.58) |
($1,763,502.48) |
|
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$60,336.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
TOTAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS |
$18,093,605.47 |
$872,413.13 |
($699,640.55) |
|
(60) Milk Fund |
$14,699.72 |
$ (26,000.00) |
$ 5,198.02 |
|
(61) Juice and Water Fund |
$4,542.13 |
$ (11,000.00) |
$ 1,811.56 |
|
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS |
$19,241.85 |
($37,000.00) |
$7,009.58 |
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. Budget Transfers for the Month of January 2020
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 6422:
|
TO: |
FROM: |
||||
|
1. |
11-000-230-331-000-01-00 |
Legal Services |
11-000-291-290-000-00-01 |
Medical Return |
$18,000 |
|
2. |
11-000-230-590-000-00-23 |
Legal Ads |
11-000-291-290-000-00-01 |
Medical Return |
$5,000 |
|
3. |
11-000-240-600-030-11-01 |
Admin. Supplies-Technology - CS |
11-120-100-101-030-03-00 |
Salaries -Grades 1-5 Teachers-CS |
$27,000 |
|
4. |
11-000-240-600-033-11-01 |
Admin. Supplies - Technology - MS |
11-130-100-101-033-07-00 |
Salaries -Grades 6-8 Teachers-MS |
$27,000 |
|
5. |
11-000-240-600-035-11-01 |
Admin. Supplies -Technology-MHS |
11-130-100-101-033-07-00 |
Salaries -Grades 6-8 Teachers-MS |
$27,000 |
|
6. |
11-000-240-600-040-11-01 |
Admin. Supplies - Technology -ALT |
11-120-100-101-040-05-00 |
Salaries-Grades 1-5 Teachers-ALT |
$27,000 |
|
7. |
11-000-240-600-050-11-01 |
Admin. Supplies - Technology -WS |
11-120-100-101-050-06-00 |
Salaries -Grades 1-5 Teachers-WS |
$27,000 |
|
8. |
11-000-240-600-033-07-10 |
Admin. Supplies - MS |
11-190-100-610-033-07-10 |
Instructional Supplies - MS |
$100 |
|
9. |
11-000-251-100-000-01-01 |
Salaries - Business Office Staff |
11-000-291-290-000-00-01 |
Medical Return |
$7,150 |
|
10. |
11-000-251-580-000-00-00 |
Business Office - Workshops & Travel |
11-000-291-290-000-00-01 |
Medical Return |
$5,000 |
|
11. |
11-000-252-500-000-11-01 |
Technology - Purchased Services |
11-000-291-270-000-00-00 |
Health Benefits |
$3,000 |
|
12. |
11-000-261-100-000-09-00 |
Salaries - Maintenance |
11-000-262-100-000-09-00 |
Salaries - Custodians |
$12,000 |
|
13. |
11-190-100-800-030-03-00 |
Field Trip Admission - CS |
11-190-100-610-030-03-10 |
Instructional Supplies - CS |
$200 |
|
14. |
11-190-100-800-035-04-00 |
Field Trip Admission - MHS |
11-190-100-610-035-04-10 |
Instructional Supplies - MHS |
$100 |
|
15. |
11-190-100-800-040-05-00 |
Field Trip Admission - ALT |
11-190-100-610-040-05-10 |
Instructional Supplies - ALT |
$100 |
|
16. |
11-190-100-800-050-06-00 |
Field Trip Admission - WS |
11-000-222-600-050-06-13 |
Periodicals & Subscriptions - WS |
$200 |
|
17. |
11-209-100-101-040-05-00 |
Salaries - SEED - Teacher - ALT |
11-230-100-101-040-05-00 |
Salaries - Basic Skills - ALT |
$1,600 |
B.3. Travel Approval
Whereas, in accordance with State of New Jersey School District Accountability Act (A-5) and the Warren Township Schools’ Policy 6471-School District Travel, 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 |
|
Derek Ressa |
District |
Affirmative Action Officer Certificate, Winter 2020 |
Monroe |
Jan 2020 |
$507* |
|
Jamie Sands |
WS |
Matching Instruction to Your Readers through Conferring, Small Groups, and Strategy Groups |
Mt. Laurel |
Mar 2020 |
$318 |
*(This motion supersedes previous motion from December 16, 2019.)
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. Joint Agreement between SCESC and Warren Township BOE
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves entering into the following joint agreement between Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) and the Warren Township Board of Education:
● Chapter 192/193 agreement for the 2019-2020 school year,
B.5. Waiver of Requirements - Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI)
Program
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Waiver of Requirements Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program:
WHEREAS, NJAC 6A:23A-5.3 provides that a school district may request a waiver of compliance with respect to the district’s participation in the Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program for the 2020-2021 School Year, and
WHEREAS, that the Board of Education desires to apply for this waiver due to the fact that it has fewer than 40 Medicaid eligible classified students,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent to submit to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools in Somerset County the appropriate waiver of the requirements of NJAC 6A:23A-5.3 for the 2020-2021 school year.
B.6. Submission of Amendment for Federal Grant Monies
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the submission to the Department of Education of an amendment of the application for 2019-20 ESEA Federal Grant Programs as follows:
● Title III
● Title III Immigrant
Amendment reflects a reallocation of monies among account lines in support of after school tutoring, parent outreach, and professional development.
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 |
Tenure |
Discussion |
|
Timothy Fabiano |
0.4 Physical Education Teacher 02-33-22/biu |
MS |
BA+15 |
1 |
$24,460 (prorated) |
3/1/2020 - 6/30/2020 |
No |
To replace employee #3448 |
C.2. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2019-2020 school year.
|
Name |
|
Stephanie Ranieri |
|
Timothy Fabiano |
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 |
|
Hannah Nizri |
BA |
BA+15 |
02/01/2020 |
|
Lisa Lenci-Coppola |
BA |
BA+15 |
02/01/2020 |
|
Brittany Leonard |
BA+15 |
MA |
02/01/2020 |
|
Kathleen Reynolds |
BA+15 |
MA |
02/01/2020 |
|
Emily Niclas |
MA+15 |
MA+30 |
02/01/2020 |
|
Michelle McMahon |
MA+15 |
MA+30 |
02/01/2020 |
|
Allison Hecht |
MA+30 |
MA+45 |
02/01/2020 |
C.4. Warren Staff Academy Courses Instructor Stipend 2019-2020
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for reimbursement as an Instructor. Each instructor will be reimbursed at the WTEA contractual rate $50.00 per hour. The total cost shall not exceed $600.00
|
Name |
Course |
Date |
Prep Hours |
Instructor Hours |
Cost Total |
|
Deanna DeRoner |
Get Started with NGSS |
Feb 26, Mar 4,11 and 18, 2020 |
6 |
2 |
$400 |
|
Jennifer Ronkiewicz |
The Student Driven Classroom: Linking Objectives to Assessment |
Mar 5, 2020 |
3 |
1 |
$200 |
C.5. Special Education Service Provider List
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the addition of Physical Therapy evaluations at a cost not to exceed $212.50 for Summit Speech School for the 2019-2020 school year.
C.6. Long Term Substitute
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following individual as a Long Term Substitute:
|
Name |
Effective Date |
Replacing Employee # |
|
Rachida Ghodbane |
March 9, 2020 - June 9, 2020 |
#0568 |
C.7. Substitute Bus Aide/Monitor
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as a substitute Bus Aide/Monitor for the 2019-2020 school year.
|
Name |
|
Deborah Appleton |
C.8. Transfer/Change in Assignment
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transfer/change in
assignment of the following district staff:
|
Name |
From |
To |
Effective Date |
|
Cheryl Hall |
Bus Driver $25,591 12-00-24/axo |
Transportation Coordinator $66,000 04-00-24/bgw |
8/1/2020 - 6/30/2021 |
C.9. Transportation Additional Days
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following individual at the employee’s per diem rate during otherwise non-contracted time through July 31, 2020:
● Cheryl Hall - $250.00 per day, not to exceed $2,500
C.10. Clubs/After School Activities - Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the resignation of the following Club Advisor:
a. Carol Brown, Diversity Club Advisor, Middle School, effective February 5, 2020.
C.11 Clubs/After School Activities
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Club Advisor:
a. Karen Balich, Diversity Club Advisor, Middle School, 15 sessions, $735.
C.12. Employee Discipline
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the suspension, without pay, of Employee #3253 for February 7 and 10, 2020.
C.13. Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following leave requests:
|
Employee ID |
Paid/Unpaid |
|
#2719 |
FMLA - February 20, 2020 through April 3, 2020 (paid) |
C.14. Retirement/Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement/resignation of the following staff:
|
Name |
Position |
Location |
Retirement/ Resignation |
Dates of Service |
|
Timothy Brennan |
Bus Driver 12-00-24/aku |
District |
Resignation |
9/1/2017 - 2/10/2020 |
XIV. Unfinished Business
N/A
XV. New Business
N/A
XVI. Public Commentary (any topic)
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:
- 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;
- 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;
- No participant may speak more than once on the same topic until all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard;
- 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).
● Darby Finkelstein, Trinity Place, discussed the restroom graffiti incident at the Middle School and district communication.
● Meredith Landau, Christy Drive, discussed concerns regarding Middle School discipline.
Dr. Mingle followed up by strongly encouraging those who have information regarding the incident to share through the appropriate channels.
Mrs. Taylor reiterated the need to promote cultural understanding.
● Heather Silver, Quail Run, also addressed the Middle School incident, related student challenges and effective communication.
XVII. Executive Session
● At 7:46 p.m. Mrs. Zohn 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 for the WTEA and/or WTAA and/or negotiations related to it
specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session; and
Action will not 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. Franco and approved by unanimous voice vote.
Mrs. DiMaggio left the room at 7:49 p.m.
At 8:14 p.m., Mrs. Leonhardt left and Mrs. DiMaggio entered the room.
Dr. Mingle left the room at 8:24 p.m.
On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Board reconvened in open session at 8:44 p.m.
XVIII. Adjourn
On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Minutes submitted by,
Patricia Leonhardt
Board Secretary
Contact Us
Last modified on Thursday, February 24, 2022