Minutes for February 24, 2020
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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day at the Woodland School,
114 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 Vice President Patricia Zohn.
Open Public Meeting Statement – Board Vice President Patricia Zohn 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 – Mrs. Zohn led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Roll Call
Present: Aaron Bellish, Mark Bisci, Susie Chu, Lisa DiMaggio,
Ayanna Taylor-Venson and Patricia Zohn
Absent: Christian Bellmann and Marc Franco
Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, and Patricia Leonhardt,
Board Secretary, and members of the public and press.
David Brezee arrived at 7:25 p.m.
IV. Minutes
● Mrs. DiMaggio moved the following:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and executive session minutes of the January 10, 2020 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Zohn and approved by a 6-0 roll-call vote.
V. Correspondence and Information
· HIB Information
|
Total # of Investigations: |
0 |
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: |
0 |
· Suspension Report
|
In School: |
2 |
Out of School: |
0 |
VI. Vice President's Remarks – Mrs. Patricia Zohn
On behalf of the Board of Education, Mrs. Zohn thanked Principal Jeff Heaney, staff , students and custodians for their hospitality for tonight’s meeting. Mrs. Zohn shared the excitement of being in the renovated Woodland School library for the first time.
Mrs. Zohn congratulated the Excellence in Education award winners as follows:
● Central School - Julie Jagiello, Special Education Teacher
● Mount Horeb School - Carol Keirstead, Preschool Teacher
● Angelo L. Tomaso School - Michelle Wegener, 4th Grade Teacher
● Woodland School - Karen Sutherland, Vocal Music Teacher
● Middle School - Myranda Shimko, Language Arts Teacher
Formal recognition will occur at the Middle School Awards Ceremony on June 8th.
VII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle
Dr. Mingle thanked Mrs. Patricia Zohn for serving tonight in Mr. Christian Bellmann’s absence.
Dr. Mingle thanked all for preparation of the library for this evening’s meeting.
Dr. Mingle referred to Quarter 2 Goals and tomorrow’s Strategic Plan meeting.
Dr. Mingle noted motions C.6. and C.7. reflect expanded programs for English Language Learners using federal grant monies.
VIII. Presentation
● Woodland School - Mr. Heaney welcomed all to the newly renovated library. He thanked the Board of Education and Administration and Buildings and Grounds staff for support of the project, including a special shout out to the Woodland School PTO and Woodland School staff for moving the books. Mr. Heaney additionally thanked Mrs. Ronkowitz for painting the clouds.
Three Woodland students, chosen through a competitive process, provided expressive readings.
Mr. Brezee arrived at 7:25 p.m.
IX. Discussion
N/A
X. Committee Reports
● Curriculum/Communications & Technology Committee - Mrs. Taylor discussed the evening’s committee meeting, at which the Math Pilot and Curriculum Development were reviewed.
● Negotiations Committee - Mrs. Taylor reported that an Memorandum Of Agreement has been signed with the WTAA. This will come to the board after WTAA ratification and attorney review.
● Finance/Operations/Security Committee - Mr. Brezee reported on the committee meeting which discussed the Middle School fields, 2020-2021 budget and 2019-2020 end of year monies.
XI. 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
XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action
Motion B.1. was pulled for separate vote.
On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Taylor, the consent items A.1., A.2., B.2., and C.1. through C.10., were approved by a 7-0 roll-call vote.
On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Taylor, the consent item B.1. was approved by a 6-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Chu 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 February 10, 2020.
A.2. Field Trip Destinations
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following field trip destinations for the 2019-2020 School Year:
● ShopRite and Stirling Diner
● Millington Train Station to Summit
● Princeton University
● Paris Baguette, Bridgewater
B. Finance/Operations/Transportation
B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of February 2020 in the amount of $4,441,455.15.
B.2. 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 |
|
Jan Donlay |
Transportation |
School Transportation Supervisors of New Jersey Convention |
Atlantic City |
Mar 2020 |
$242 |
|
Jan Brennan |
ALT |
New Jersey State School Nurses Association Spring Conference |
Princeton |
Mar 2020 |
$199 |
|
Colleen Krumm |
WS |
Matching Instruction to your Readers using conferring, Small Groups and Strategy Groups (Grades 3-6) |
Mt. Laurel |
Mar 2020 |
$279 |
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.
C. Personnel/Student Services
C.1. Substitute Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as a substitute teacher for the 2019-2020 school year.
|
Name |
|
Mariette Dzeletovic |
C.2. 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 |
|
Rebecca Hartman |
Mood and Anxiety Disorders and the Impact on Our Students |
Mar 12, 2020 |
3 |
1 |
$200 |
|
Rebecca Hartman |
Setting Limits for Classroom Behavior Management |
Apr 2, 2020 |
3 |
1 |
$200 |
|
Jessica Nathan |
So...You Think You Know BrainPop! |
Mar 12, 2020 |
3 |
1 |
$200 |
C.3. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training 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 contract rate $50 per hour according to the following table. The total cost shall not exceed $200.00.
|
Course |
Staff Member |
Date |
Prep Hours |
Instructor Hours |
Cost Total |
|
CPR |
Lisa Lontai |
March 4, 2020 |
2 |
2 |
$200 |
C.4. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Refresher Training 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 contract rate $50.00 per hour. The total cost shall not exceed $300.00.
|
Course |
Staff Member |
Date |
Prep Hours |
Instructor Hours |
Cost Total |
|
CPI Refresher Training Instructor Stipend |
Rebecca Hartman |
May 21, 2020 |
6 |
Within contract day paid for prep only |
$ 300 |
C.5. Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following leave requests:
|
Employee ID |
Paid/Unpaid |
|
#2766 |
Medical Leave - February 25, 2020 through on or about April 7, 2020 (unpaid) |
|
#1764 |
FMLA - March 24, 2020 through April 27, 2020 (paid) |
|
#3201 |
FMLA - February 28, 2020 through on or about April 10, 2020 (paid) |
C.6. ELL Parent Night Event Staff Stipend 2019-2020
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for reimbursement to participate at the ELL Parent Night event. Each staff member will be reimbursed at the WTEA contractual rate $50.00 per hour. The total cost shall not exceed $ 600.00. Cost to be fully funded by ESEA Title III.
|
Name |
Event |
Date |
Prep Hours |
Event Hours |
Cost Total |
|
Mary Sfiris |
ELL Parent Night |
March 5, 2020 |
3 |
1 |
$200.00 |
|
Lauren Valera |
ELL Parent Night |
March 5, 2020 |
3 |
1 |
$200.00 |
|
Paula Williams |
ELL Parent Night |
March 5, 2020 |
3 |
1 |
$200.00 |
C.7. Approval of Title III - Extended Day Tutor 2019-2020
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following staff members as Title III - Extended Day Tutors, to be paid at the contractual rate of $50 per hour. Total cost dependent upon the needs of identified ELL students at a total cost not to exceed $4,000.00.
|
Name |
|
Mary Sfiris |
|
Lauren Valera |
|
Paula Williams |
C.8. Head Custodian Stipend
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves payment of the Woodland School head evening custodian stipend of $500 (pro-rated) to Jason Sandt, effective February 25, 2020 through on or about April 3, 2020.
C.9. Additional Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following additional hours:
|
Name |
Student # |
School |
Club/Purpose |
Starting Date |
Cost |
|
Nancy Lauber |
8433407152 |
CS |
Drama Club |
Feb 13, 2020 |
$950 |
C.10. Summer Fun Positions - 2020-2021
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Summer Fun/ESY positions for the 2020-2021 school year.
|
Name |
Position |
Location |
Salary |
|
Jessica Halpern |
.4 Summer Fun/ESY Assistant Principal |
MH |
$3,936.80 |
|
Melissa Smolenski |
.6 Summer Fun/ESY Assistant Principal |
MH |
$5,905.20 |
|
Eileen Haddican |
Summer Fun/ESY Secretary |
MH |
$5,735.00 |
XIII. Unfinished Business
N/A
XIV. New Business
● Warren Township Development - The board requested a status update regarding discussions with the Township.
On motion by Mrs. Taylor, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education directs administration to request follow up from the Township Committee regarding township development monies.
The motion was approved by a 7-0 roll-call vote.
● Central School - Mr. Brezee thanked all involved with responding, both township and district employees, to the report of natural gas odor at Central School on February 19th. Dr. Mingle provided an overview.
XV. 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).
N/A
XVI. Executive Session
● At 7:44 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
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. Zohn and approved by unanimous voice vote.
On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:53 p.m.
XVII. Personnel/Student Services
On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Zohn, the consent items C.11. through C.12. were approved by a 7-0 roll-call vote.
C.11. Employee Discipline
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the suspension,
without pay, of Employee #3137 for February 21 and 24, 2020.
C.12. Employee Termination
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education terminates the 2019-2020 employment contract for Employee #3137 effective February 25, 2020.
XVIII. Adjourn
On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Mrs. Taylor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Minutes submitted by,
Patricia Leonhardt
Board Secretary
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Last modified on Thursday, February 24, 2022