Warren Township Schools: Minutes for July 20, 2020

Minutes for July 20, 2020 Archived Minutes

Due to the public health crisis, the regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day virtually through the online Zoom platform. The Board of Education, administration and the public were present and participating through logon to that platform. The following is a record of that meeting.

I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 4:00 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 July 2, 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, Marc Franco, Patricia Zohn

and Christian Bellmann

Absent:

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

Susie Chu arrived at 4:05 p.m.

Ayanna Taylor arrived at 4:10 p.m.

Lisa DiMaggio arrived at 4:13 p.m.

IV. Board of Education Retreat

Board Attorney Matthew Giacobbe led the Board in its annual ethics training.

Dr. Mingle then led the board in its board goal setting, using the board’s self evaluation as a data point.

V. Executive Session

● At 5:45 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:

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 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 Mr. Brezee and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the Board reconvened in open session at 6:15 p.m.

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves a recess until 7:00 p.m.

On motion by Mr. Bellmann, seconded by Mrs. Zohn, the motion was approved.

The board meeting resumed at 7:00 p.m. Mrs Taylor rejoined the meeting at 7:05 p.m.

VI. Minutes

● Mrs. Zohn moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and executive session minutes of the June 22, 2020 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Bellmann and approved by a 7-0-1 roll-call vote.

(Mrs. DiMaggio abstained.)

VII. Correspondence and Information

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

· Suspension Report

In School:

Out of School:

VIII. President's Remarks – Mr. Christian Bellmann

Mr. Bellmann welcomed all the to meeting and wished Mr. Fonseca well on his retirement (motion C.2.).

Mr. Bellmann provided an overview of the structure of the evening’s meeting and acknowledged that reasonable people can disagree on the matters which the board will be discussing.

IX. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle

Dr. Mingle thanked the board members for their participation in the evening’s meeting, which began with ethics training and goal setting.

X. Presentation

● Summary of Return to School Update Items - Dr. Mingle

RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a modification to this evening’s agenda, swapping the first Public Commentary and Discussion..

On motion by Mr. Franco, seconded by Mrs. Zohn, the motion was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

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).

● The following members of the public provided input regarding the district’s 2020-2021 educational model.

● Ms. Shefali Tejani, Aspen Court

● Ms. Rohini Anandan, Old Dutch Road

● Ms. Rachel Singleton Walker, Deerwood Trail West

● Mr. Greg Dadika, Brookside Drive

● Mr. Adam Silver, Quail Run.

● Mr. Matthew Klein, Upper Warren Way.

● Mrs. Rosa Krause, Holly Drive.

● Mr. David Krause, Warren Middle School student

● Ms. Stacy Sackett, Trinity Place

● Ms. Gretchen Minieri, Mundy Lane

● Mr. Shaun Fine, Quill Pen Way

● Ms. Amy Ohlson, Mitchell Ave and Ansel Hartmann, Mountain Blvd.

● Ms. Jaclyn Joki, Heritage Drive.

● Ms. Stella Dimitrakakis, Old Stirling Road.

● Ms. Heather Silver, Quail Run.

At 8:15 p.m., Mr. Bellmann recommended a 10 minute break.

RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a 10 minute break.

On motion by Mr. Bellmann, seconded by Mrs. Zohn, the motion was approved by 9-0 roll-call vote.

At 8:25 p.m., the meeting resumed.

● Ms. Cara Perhach, Smoke Rise Drive.

● Mr. Adam Gioia Sugarwood Way.

● Ms. Elisa Richmond, Briarwood Drive East.

● Ms. Meredith Landau, Christy Drive.

● Ms. Carrie Kahana, Red Hill Road

● Ms. Jen Armao, Briarwood Drive East.

● Ms. Nelly Pucci, Washington Valley Road.

● Mr. Mark Pucci, Washington Valley Road.

● Mr. George Dimitrakakis, Old Stirling Road..

● Mr. Richard Molfetta, Round Top Road.

● Ms. Cindy Noh, Sugarwood Way.

● Ms. Toni Aitken, Reinman Road.

● Mr. Peter Walpow, Red Hill Road.

● Mr. Jim Barnoski, Wychwood Way.

● Mr. Todd Weinstein, Nottingham Way.

● Ms. Lori Clar, Skyline Drive.

● Mr. Daria Cowell, Red Hill Road.

● Ms. Biren Mistry, Longford Court.

Dr. Mingle responded and spoke to the value of this meeting and addressed the issues raised.

Additionally, Dr. Mingle reiterated the amount of work performed by district administrators to provide the district’s plan.

Dr. Mingle then individually discussed the following items:

❏ Use of available non-school space in the township would be costly and require substantial additional staffing

❏ AlphaBest has been included in conversations and connected with potential township space.

❏ Agreed that statewide solutions would have been helpful

❏ The district’s early publication of its plan was provided to assist with the dialogue and staffing decisions, as well allow the Board of Education to provide administrative direction

❏ His findings from a survey of peer districts.

❏ Noted that the district’s model is aggressive in its goal of providing a team of distance learning staff:

❏ Outside learning is being evaluated but is not a year round answer in New Jersey

❏ The lack of clarity from the state re plan deadlines.

❏ The schedule for Professional Development is under review and most likely to be front loaded in the year

❏ The plan to schedule siblings on the same day

❏ References to easy and non time consuming efforts could not be further from the truth

❏ Inability to meet health and safety guidelines with full student attendance five days a week

❏ Emails received in support of the proposed plan

❏ Offer to read anything of value which can be proffered

XII. Committee Reports

N/A

XIII. Discussion

The board reviewed the 2020-21 return to school plan, and discussed the topic at great length.

Dr. Mingle addressed a variety of issues, including options which are being considered for atypical learners, options for parental supports, available resources and their value, student assessment, student supports for social emotional needs, and the time frame for plan re-evaluation.

XIV. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mr. Bisci asked a question regarding communication of policy changes.

Mr. Brezee asked a question regarding D.2., Policy P1648.01. The motion will be pulled for a separate vote.

Mr. Brezee wished Mr. Fonseca on his upcoming retirement (motion C.2.).

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mr. Bellmann, the consent items A.1., through A.4., B.1., through B.8., C.1. through C.8., and D.1. were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent item D.2., was approved by a 7-1-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. Brezee voted no. 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 June 22, 2020.

A.2. HIB Self-Assessment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the HIB Self-Assessment for the 2018-2019 school year.

A.3. Approval of Research Project

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Warren Middle School

character education/social-emotional learning program research project.

A.4. Fieldwork Site

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a Clinical Affiliation Agreement with Kean University for the 2020-2021 school year to secure Warren Township Schools as a fieldwork site to provide supervised clinical educational experiences in the field of school psychology.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the period June 23, 2020 through June 30, 2020 in the amount of $667,677.50.

B.2. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of July 2020 in the amount of $8,579,454.54.

B.3. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report - TENTATIVE

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of June 2020;

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on June 30, 2020:

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$11,233,878.75		$1,063,861.93
(10) General Current Expense		$57,522.00
(11) Current Expense		$2,677,922.90
(12) Capital Outlay		$91,708.84
(13) Special Schools		$16,076.43
(20) Special Revenue Fund	$3,254.21	$44,752.06	$0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$2,643,933.37	($4,326,671.58)	($1,763,502.48)
(40) Debt Service Fund	$60,336.00	$0.00	$0.00
TOTAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS	$13,941,402.33	($1,438,689.35)	($699,640.55)
(60) Milk Fund	$4,049.49	$ (8,773.89)	$ 100.70
(61) Juice and Water Fund	$1,358.13	$ (2,942.59)	$ 1,443.52
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS	$5,407.62	($11,716.48)	$1,544.22

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.4. Budget Transfers for Month of June 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.	11-000-252-100-000-01-01	Technology - Summer Workers	11-000-252-600-000-11-01	Technology - Supplies	$1,160
2.	11-000-262-610-000-09-00	Building Supplies - Maintenance	11-000-262-622-033-09-07	Electricity - MS	$27,000
3.	11-000-221-102-030-03-00	Salaries - Curriculum Coordinators-CS	11-000-221-176-033-07-00	Salaries - Integration Specialist - MS	$1
4.	11-000-221-102-033-07-00	Salaries - Curriculum Coordinators-MS	11-000-221-176-033-07-00	Salaries - Integration Specialist - MS	$1
5.	11-000-221-102-035-04-00	Salaries-Curriculum Coordinators-MHS	11-000-221-176-033-07-00	Salaries - Integration Specialist - MS	$1
6.	11-000-221-102-040-05-00	Salaries-Curriculum Coordinators-ALT	11-000-221-176-033-07-00	Salaries - Integration Specialist - MS	$1
7.	11-000-221-102-050-06-00	Salaries - Curriculum Coordinator-WS	11-000-221-176-033-07-00	Salaries - Integration Specialist - MS	$1
8.	12-000-266-730-035-09-00	Security - Equipment - MHS	11-000-266-300-000-09-00	Security - Purchased Services	$26,400
9.	12-000-266-730-040-09-00	Security - Equipment - ALT	11-000-266-300-000-09-00	Security - Purchased Services	$26,400
10.	12-000-266-730-050-09-00	Security - Equipment - WS	11-000-262-621-030-09-03	Heat - CS	$13,200
11.	12-000-266-730-050-09-00	Security - Equipment - WS	11-000-262-621-033-09-07	Heat - MS	$13,200
12.	12-000-270-734-000-00-00	School Bus - Special Education	11-000-270-503-000-10-00	Aid in Lieu of Transportation	$50,000
13.	12-000-270-734-000-00-00	School Bus - Special Education	11-000-270-518-000-10-00	Contracted Special Ed Transp. - ESC	$6,495
14.	12-120-100-730-030-03-00	Instructional Equipment - Central	11-120-000-101-030-03-02	Substitute Teachers - Central	$3,225

B.5. Milk Provider for the 2020-2021 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Cream-O-Land Dairy as the provider for the 2020-2021 school year. The cost of milk will be $.30, juice will be $.30 and water (8 oz.) will be $.35.

B.6. Transportation for Out-of-District Student - ESY

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Somerset County Educational Services Commission for 2020 ESY transportation for out of district student as follows:

Contractor	School	Student Id	Cost
SCESC	P.G. Chambers	8009989713	$6,356.25

B.7. Approval of Legal Settlement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Settlement for the 2020-2021 School Year for Student #7023184093.

B.8. Approval of Technology Purchasing

RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the following purchasing:

From Dell:

● 150 Chromebooks 11 3100 plus Chrome license @ a cost of $373.50 each

● 450 Dell Power Adapters @ $35.99 each

● Total $72,220.50

Purchasing through NJ State Cooperative Purchasing Agreement M0483.

From SHI:

● Bretford Charging Cart - 9 for a total cost of $6,998.10

● Sleeves- 600 @ $16.18 for a total cost of $9,708

● Total $16,706.10

Purchasing through the district's participation in the NJSBA Cooperative Purchasing system (as part of the district’s ACES membership) under bid E-8801-ACESCPS.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Leave Request

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

Employee ID	Paid/Unpaid
#2263	FFCVA - June 29, 2020 through July 10, 2020 (paid)
#1532	FFCVA - June 29, 2020 through July 10, 2020 (paid)

C.2. Retirement/Resignation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement/resignations

of the following staff:

Name

Position

Location

Retirement/

Resignation

Dates of Service

Martin Fonseca

Head Custodian

WMS

Retirement

9/1/1991 - 9/30/2020

Jenna Calderone

Long-Term Substitute

ALT

Resignation

N/A

C.3. Transfer/Change in Assignment

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

assignment of the following district staff:

Name

Effective Date

From

Tanna Sheneman

8/31/2020 - 6/30/2021

Paraprofessional

30 hrs, WS

1:1 Paraprofessional

32.5 hrs, WS

Shannon Sharkey

10/1/2020 - 1/29/2021

Supervisor of

Special Services, District

$119,809

Leave Replacement Principal, CS

Per diem rate of $53.79 per day in addition to $119,809

C.4. Approval to Create Positions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the creation of the following positions for 2020-2021 school year:

Location

Position

Full-Time Equivalent

1:1 Paraprofessional

32.5 hrs

1.0

C.5. Approval to Abolish Positions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the abolishment of the following positions for the 2020-2021 school year:

Location

Position

Full-Time Equivalent

Classroom Paraprofessional

30 hrs

1.0

C.6. Special Education Service Provider List

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Service Provider rate changes for the 2020-2021 school year:

Name

Rate

Pediatric Workshop

$112/60 minutes, $91/45 minutes,

$66/30 minutes - Physical Therapy

C.7. Long Term Substitute

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

Name	Effective Date	Replacing Employee #
Alison Manley	August 31, 2020 - on or about October 19, 2020	#3218

C.8. 2020-2021 WTEA Employment

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of WTEA employee assignments and updated salaries for the 2020-2021 school year, dated July 15, 2020. (This motion supersedes previous motion from June 22, 2020.)

D. Policy

D.1. Policies – First Reading

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

Number	Name	New/Revision	Source of Changes
P1581	Domestic Violence	Revision	SEA
R1581	Domestic Violence	New	SEA
P2422	Health and Physical Education	Revision	SEA
P5330	Administration of Medication	Revision	SEA
P7243	Supervision of Construction	Revision	SEA
P8210	School Year	Revision	SEA
P8220	School Day	Revision	SEA
P8462	Reporting Potentially Missing or Abused Children	Revision	SEA
P1649	Federal Families First Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Act (FFCRA)	New	SEA
P2270	Religion in Schools	Revision	SEA
P2622	Student Assessment	Revision	SEA
P5111	Eligibility of Resident/Nonresident Students	Revision	SEA
R5111	Eligibility of Resident/Nonresident Students	Revision	SEA
P5200	Attendance	Revision	SEA
P5320	Immunization	Revision	SEA
P5610	Suspension	Revision	SEA
R5610	Suspension Procedures	Revision	SEA
P5620	Expulsion	Revision	SEA
P8320	Personnel Records	Revision	SEA
R8320	Personnel Records	Revision	SEA
P1648.01	14 Day Quarantine for Employees Upon Return from Travel	New	Legal Counsel

D.2. Emergent Policy Adoption

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the adoption of the following policy on an emergent basis, in accordance with Board Policy #0131 - Bylaws and Policies. This policy shall terminate at the next meeting of the Board unless further acted upon by the Board.

Number	Name	New/Revision	Source of Changes
P1648.01	14 Day Quarantine for Employees Upon Return from Travel	New	Legal Counsel

XV. Unfinished Business

N/A

XVI. New Business

● 2020-2021 Calendar - While no action was requested this evening, Dr. Mingle discussed a possible calendar adjustment.

● Proposed Return to School Plan - Recommended Hybrid Model Determination.

The board renewed its discussion regarding the 2020-21 operating model.

Mr. Franco moved the following motion:

RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby requests that administration pursue the hybrid model whereby students attend school on alternating weeks as the district’s proposed plan.

Seconded by Mr. Bellmann, the motion failed by a 2-7 roll-call vote. (Mr. Franco and Mr. Bellmann voted yes.)

The board further discussed its options.

Mr. Bellmann moved the following motion:

RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby requests that administration pursue the hybrid model whereby students attend school either Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/ Friday with alternating half day Wednesdays.

Seconded by Mrs. Taylor, the motion failed by a 3-5-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Zohn and Mr. Bellmann voted yes. Mr. Bellish, Mr. Bisci, Mr. Brezee, Mrs. Chu and Mr. Franco voted no. Mrs. DiMaggio abstained.)

The board further discussed processes and options.

Mrs. Chu moved the following motion:

RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves a modification to this evening’s agenda, moving the second Public Commentary before resuming this discussion under New Business.

Seconded by Mr. Brezee, the motion was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

XVII. Public Commentary (any topic)

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;

● Ms. Nelly Pucci,Washington Valley Road.

● Mr. Mark Pucci, Washington Valley Road

● Mr. Adam Silver, Quail Run

● Ms. Heather Silver, Quail Run

● Ms. Darby Finkelstein, Beechwood Court.

● Ms. Rosa Krause, Holly Drive.

● Mr. Shaun Fine, Quill Pen Way

● Ms. Catherine Ebel, Mt. Horeb Road

● Ms. Rachel Singleton-Walker, Deerwood Trail West

● Ms. Jennifer Nuzzi, Loren Way

● Ms. Stacey Sachett, Trinity Place

● Mr. Michael Minieri, Mundy Lane

● Ms. Gretchen Minieri, Mundy Lane

● Ms. Jaclyn Joki, Heritage Drive

● Ms. Danielle Lader, Briarwood Drive East

● Mr. Joseph Toor, Nottingham Way

● Ms. Melissa Murano, Ellsworth Drive

● Ms. Meenal Patel, Marian Lane

Dr. Mingle responded to some concerns, including guidance that face shields can not be used in place of masks, supply chain concerns, there will be time allotted for student hygiene, and streaming options.

XVIII. New Business (continued)

Mr. Bellmann moved the following motion:

RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby requests that administration pursue the model whereby students attend school on alternating weeks.

Seconded by Mr. Franco, the motion failed by a 4-4-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. Bisci, Mr. Franco, Mrs. Zohn and Mr. Bellmann voted yes. Mr. Bellish, and Mr. Brezee, Mrs. Chu and Mrs. Taylor voted no. Mrs. DiMaggio abstained.)

Mr. Franco moved the following motion:

RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby requests that administration pursue the model whereby students attend school 50% of the time.

Seconded by Mrs. Taylor, the motion was approved by a 6-2-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. Bisci, Mrs. DiMaggio, Mr. Franco, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Zoh and Mr. Bellmann voted yes. Mr. Bellish and Mr. Brezee voted no. Mrs. DiMaggio abstained.)

XIX. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the meeting was adjourned at 12:55 a.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary

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