Warren Township Schools: Minutes for August 3, 2020

Minutes for August 3, 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 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 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, Susie Chu, Lisa DiMaggio,

Marc Franco, Ayanna Taylor, 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 July 20, 2020 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio and approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

V. Correspondence and Information

Dr. Mingle reported on the plethora of communication he has received in the past two weeks.

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

· Suspension Report

In School:

Out of School:

VI. President's Remarks – Mr. Christian Bellmann

Mr. Bellmann welcomed all and referenced each step of the evening’s agenda.

Mr. Bellmann thanked all for providing input regarding the district’s Return to School plan, the district’s interest in listening to the feedback, and the lack of an ability to craft the perfect plan for all.

VII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle

Dr. Mingle referenced the district’s preparation for the upcoming storm.

Dr. Mingle then referenced the focus of each the upcoming presentations scheduled for the Board’s August meetings:

● August 3 - Schedule

● August 17 - Distance Learning

● August 31 - Health and Safety Protocols

VIII. Presentation

● Return to School Plan - Dr. Mingle provided the proposed plan, continuum of operations and the multiple facets which were considered/are affected. Mr. Kimmick provided the instructional details and Mr. Ressa addressed the plan for Special Education students.

IX. 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 commented on the district’s Return to School plan:

● Mrs. Ilana Goldstein-Barksy, Gates Ave.

● Ms. Marietta Dzeletovic, King George Road

● Mr. Stephen Toor, Nottingham Way

● Ms. Cindy Noh, Sugarwood Way

● Ms. Jessica Bodajlo, Brady Road

● Ms. Shefali Tejani, Aspen Court

● Ms. Jaclyn Joki, Heritage Drive

● Mr. Ken Pincus, Birchmont Lane

Upon notice that this Public Commentary portion of the meeting had reached 15 minutes, Mr. Brezee made the following motion:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves to extend Public Commentary an additional 15 minutes.

Seconded by Mr. Franco, the item was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

Additional comments regarding the Return to School plan were then provided by:

● Mr. Weinstein, Nottingham Way

● Ms. Stacy Sackett, Trinity Place

● Ms. Vaishali Amberkar, Orchard Way

● Ms. Nelly Pucci, Washington Valley Road

● Mr. Marc Pucci, Washington Valley Road

● Mr. Peter Walpow, Red Hill Road

● Ms. Rachel Singleton, Deerwood Trail West

● Mr. and Mrs.Fumoso, Ashwood Court

● Mr. Adam Gioia, Sugarwood Way

Upon notice that the extension of the Public Commentary had reached its 15 minutes, Mr. Franco made the following motion:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves to extend Public Commentary an additional 15 minutes.

Seconded by Mr. Bellish, the motion was approved by a 6-0-3 roll-call vote. (Mrs. DiMaggio, Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Zohn abstained.)

Additional comments regarding the Return to School plan were then provided by:

● Ms. Lori Clar, Skyline Drive

● Mr. Matthew Klein, Upper Warren Way

● Mr. Silver, Quail Run

● Mrs. Heather Silver, Quail Run

● Mr. David Rosen, Briarwood Drive West

● Mr. Michael Minieri, Mundy Lane

● Ms. Ying-Ming, Downington Court

● Ms. Rosa Krause, Holly Drive

● Ms. J. Brothers, Trinity Place

Upon notice that the extension of the Public Commentary had reached its 15 minutes, Mr. Franco made the following motion:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves to extend Public Commentary to 15 minutes.

Seconded by Mrs. Zohn, the consent item was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

Additional comments regarding the Return to School plan were then provided by:

● Ms. Mariette Dzeletovic, King George Road

● Ms. Ilana Goldstein-Barsky, Gates Ave

Dr. Mingle addressed the topics raised during public commentary, including but not limited to distance learning details, instructional time, aftercare, Families First Coronavirus Act (FFCRA), WIN time, and parental supports..

X. Committee Reports

● Curriculum Committee - Mrs. Taylor reported on the meeting held that evening, which centered on the district’s Back to School Plan’s rigor and consistency.

● Ad Hoc Return to School Committee- Dr. Mingle reported that the topics reviewed by the committee were already discussed this evening.

XI. Discussion

● The board discussed the Return to School plan, which is on this evening’s agenda for approval.

XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mr. Bellmann, the consent items A.1., through A.3., B.1., through B.3., C.1. through C.8., and D.1., through D.2., were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

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 July 20, 2020.

A.2. 2020-2021 Calendar

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the revised 2020-2021 calendar.

A.3. Return to School Plan

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Return to School plan and authorizes its submission to the New Jersey Department of Education.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Adoption of Modified 2020-2021 Budget

WHEREAS the Warren Township Board of Education has received notification that its 2020-2021 Aid from the State of New Jersey has been decreased by $175,507; and

WHEREAS the district is required to present a balanced budget, whereby projected revenue equals projected expenses; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves a modified 2020-2021 Warren Township School District Budget.

The budget includes sufficient funds to provide curriculum and instruction which will enable all students to achieve the New Jersey Student Learning

Standards and is in compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A and N.J.A.C Title 6 and 6A.

2020-2021 Budget
Appropriations:		Revenue:
Fund 10
Operating Budget	$43,365,805	State Aid: General Fund	$1,739,913
Transfer to Charter Schools	$0	Tax Levy: General Fund	$41,193,378
Deposit to Capital Reserve (Interest allocation)	$500	Other Revenues	$582,957
Capital Outlay	$4,610,887	Fund Balance	$461,000
Summer School	$320,658	Withdrawal from Capital Reserves for Debt Service Payment	$4,320,602
TOTAL	$48,297,850		$48,297,850

Fund 20
Special Revenue Appropriations	$408,551	Grants - Local	$1,000
		Grants - Federal	$407,551

Fund 40	$6,606,703	Debt Service Fund Balance	$60,336
		Transfer from Capital Reserve	$4,320,602
		State Debt Service Aid	$2,225,765

FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent and Business Administrator to implement this modified 2020-2021 budget as hereby approved.

B.2. Extraordinary Aid 2019-2020 - Acceptance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts Extraordinary Aid funding from the 2019-2020 school year in the amount of $533,134.

B.3. Extraordinary Aid 2019-2020 - Allocation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase to the 2020-2021 budget to recognize 2019-2020 Extraordinary Aid in the amount of $533,134 and allocates the $383,134 which is above the budgeted $150,000 as follows:

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

● Expense Acct:11-000-291-270 - Health Benefits $383,134

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the individuals on the attached list to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2020-2021 school year.

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

Meghan Young

Grade 1 Leave Replacement Teacher

Resignation

(effective immediately)

N/A

Lakiesha Beaubrun

Special Education Teacher

02-30-19/bcl

Resignation

9/1/2017 - 9/25/2020

(or sooner)

C.3. Special Education Service Providers’ List

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following additional services for the provider Summit Speech School for the 2020-2021 school year.

Service	Rate
Staff/Student In-service	$165/per hr
Consultative Services	$165/per hr
Review/Observation/Intake (ROI) Provided by the Coordinator/Supervisor of the Itinerant Program	$250/per hr
To consult directly or indirectly with the Educational Audiologist in the form of email, phone call, text and/or mail	$200/per hr
Extensive record review at district with Recommendations	$200/per hr
Diagnostic report review via email	$100/per hr

C.4. Non-WTEA Stipend Position 2020-2021

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following non-WTEA stipend for the 2020-2021 school year:

Position	Name	Amount
ELL Coordinator	Lauren Valera	$4,000
After School Activities Coordinator	Deborah Hunt	$3,200

C.5. Approval of IDEA Preschool Payroll Monies

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the use of the FY2021 IDEA Preschool Grant monies in the amount of $16,198 for salary support as follows:

Employee ID	Full Salary	Salary Funds from IDEA	Percentage
#2207	$30,593	$16,198	53%

C.6. Leave Request

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

Employee ID

Paid/Unpaid

#3214

FMLA December 23, 2020 through February 11, 2021 (paid)

NJFLA February 12 through May 6, 2021 (unpaid)

C.7. Return to School Professional Development and Program Development

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for the Return To School Professional Development and Program Development project, as per the WTEA negotiated agreement, at a rate of $50 per hour, at a cost not to exceed $33,600.:

Name
Nancy Andrews	Myranda Shimko
Carol Brown	Melissa Smolenski
Jessica Nathan	Kristen Stoyanov
Alyssa Pech

C.8. Summer Hourly Rate - Transportation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following hourly rates for summer transportation:

Name	Rate
Deborah Novy	$35.11
Noelle Perrine	$25.87

D. Policy

D.1. Policies – Second Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second 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. Policies – First Reading

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

Number	Name	New/Revision	Source of Changes
P1648	Restart and Recovery Plan	New	SEA
P1648.02	Remote Learning Options for Families	New	SEA
P8613	Waiver of Student Transportation	New	SEA

XIII. Unfinished Business

N/A

XIV. New Business

● Public Engagement - The board discussed the topic in general, the potential to include it as a board goal, the structure of public comment within board meetings, the possibility of committee review of the topic, and various options.

XV. 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;

The following members of the public commented on the district’s Return to School plan:

● Ms. Kimberly Kilpatrick, Ferguson Road

● Ms. Shefali Tejani, Aspen Court

● Ms. Rosa Krause, Holly Drive

● Ms. Rachel Singleton, Deerwood Trail West

● Ms. Meghna Agarwal, Mountain Avenue

● Mr. Adam Gioia, Sugarwood Way

● Ms. Cindy Noh, Sugarwood Way

Upon notice that this Public Commentary portion of the meeting had reached 15 minutes, Mr. Franco made the following motion:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves to extend Public Commentary an additional 15 minutes.

Seconded by Mrs. Zohn, the consent item was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

The following members of the public commented on the district’s Return to School plan:

● Ms. Kimberly Kilpatrick, Ferguson Road

● Ms. Nelly Pucci, Washington Valley Road

Dr. Mingle provided answers as able, including communication regarding cohorts, offers of assistance, decreased state aid, the timing of periodic reviews and space and staffing considerations.

XVI. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mr. Bellmann, the meeting was adjourned at 10:17 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary

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