Warren Township Schools: Minutes for August 31, 2020

Minutes for August 31, 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 August 18, 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 session minutes of the August 17, 2020 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Franco and approved by a 8-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mrs. Taylor abstained.)

V. Correspondence and Information

· 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 to the evening’s meeting, held as the district prepares for the return of students.

Mr. Bellmann reported on the district's continued efforts to offer safe in person education as well as a choice for distance learning.

Mr. Bellmann also noted that one positive of the current environment is the ability to more easily have significant community input, enabling all to work together for the benefit of the school community.

VII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle

Dr. Mingle reported that he is ecstatic to welcome staff tomorrow and students next week.

Dr. Mingle also noted that our schools are only able to open due to the partnership of all working together.

VIII. Presentation

● Return to School Health, Wellness, & Operations Overview - Mr. Berry, Mrs. Leonhardt, Mr. Pate, Mr. Riegler and Mr. Ressa - The presentation focused on a day in the life of a student in the district’s Hybrid 1.0 operating environment, and the board asked follow up questions.

IX. Discussion

N/A

X. Committee Reports

Ad hoc Return to School - Dr. Mingle reported on the meeting, which discussed multiple topics which are reflected on the evening’s agenda, as well as briefly touching on future topics of consideration, including supplemental after school activities.

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 discussed the following topics:

● Ms. Heather Silver - Quail Run, meeting new teachers.

● Ms. Linda Draper - Briarwood East, travel to quarantine states and mask wearing.

● Ms. Rachel Singleton - Deerwood Trail West, bus unloading and walking to school.

● Ms. Jaclyn Joki - Heritage Drive, quantity of desks.

● Ms. Rosa Krause - Holly Drive, asymptomatic students and travel to quarantined states.

● Ms. Cindy Noh - Sugarwood Way, interpretation of common symptoms and the structure of co-teaching.

Dr. Mingle provided responses to the array of questions.

XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mr. Brezee discussed C.8. and congratulated staff moving across the salary guide.

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mrs. Taylor, the consent items A.1., B.1., through B.3., C.1. through C.8., and D.1., 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 August 17, 2020.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Transportation - Parental Contract

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a parental transportation contract for the 2020-2021 school year for Student #7325962020 for travel to/from home and Summit Speech School (September 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021) at a per diem rate of $19.46, calculated at the current OMB mileage rates.

B.2. Transportation for Out-of-District Student - SY

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Somerset County Educational Services Commission for 2020-2021 SY transportation for out of district student as follows:

Contractor	School	Student Id	Cost
SCESC	New Dawn	4137825245	$83.87 per diem

B.3. Approval For Middle School Paving Project

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with its Architect of Record, Parette Somjen Associates, per the terms and conditions of that agreement, for a paving project at the district’s Middle School. Authorization includes update of the district’s Long Range Facilities Plan, if required, as well as the solicitation of bids.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2020-2021 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
Hallie Meister	Leave Replacement Grade 2 Teacher	CS	BA	3	$60,562	9/1/2020 - 6/30/2021	No	To replace employee # 2693
Katie Koczon	Special Ed. Teacher 02-30-19/bci	CS	BA+15	2	$62,687	On or about 9/1/2020 - 6/30/2021	No	To replace employee # 3237
Julie Costa	Leave Replacement Speech Therapist	WS/ALT	MA	1	$64,726	9/1/2020 - 10/7/2020	No	To replace employee #2041
Rosemarie Kielblock	Bus Driver 12-00-24/axo, 7 hrs per day	District	N/A	N/A	$27,720	On or about 9/1/2020 - 6/30/2021	No	To replace employee #3079
Aleksandra Wagner	Paraprofessional 32.5 hours	WMS	N/A	1	$26,162	On or about 9/1/2020 - 6/30/2021	No	New Position
Linda DeBisco	Bus Monitor 12-00-24/aug, 5 hrs per day	District	N/A	N/A	$13,500	On or about 9/1/2020 - 6/30/202	No	To replace employee #2766

C.2. Substitute Teachers

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

Name

Nicole Kolb

Cathryn Ticchio

C.3. Leave Request

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

Employee ID	Paid/Unpaid
#2030	FFCRA - August 24, 2020 through August 25, 2020 (paid)
#3406	FFCRA - September 8, 2020 through October 16, 2020 (paid)
#1570	FMLA September 1, 2020 through November 23, 2020 (paid) Extended Leave - November 24, 2020 through December 23, 2020 (paid) Extended Leave - January 4, 2021 through February 22, 2021 (unpaid)
#0718	FFCRA - September 1, 2020 - November 23, 2020 (paid)

C.4. Retirement/Resignation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement/resignations of the following staff:

Name

Position

Location

Retirement/

Resignation

Dates of Service

Alison Manley

Long-Term Substitute

ALT

Resignation

N/A

Jessica Rediger

1:1 Paraprofessional

08-40-08/bgc

ALT

Resignation

9/1/2018 - 8/26/2020

C.5. 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	To
Shelly Stupay	9/1/2020 - 6/20/2021	Paraprofessional, MHS, 30 hrs 08-35-08/bgt $34,490	1:1 Paraprofessional, MHS ,32.5 hrs 08-35-08/bgs $37,214
Leslie Mupo	9/1/2020 - 6/20/2021	1:1 Paraprofessional, MHS, 32.5 hrs 08-35-08/bgs $30,593	Paraprofessional, MHS, 30 hrs 08-35-08/bgt $28,240
Philip Shimko	10/1/2020 - 6/30/2021	ALT Head Custodian 04-40-10/ank $49,376	WMS Head Custodian 04-33-10/aei $52,520

C.6. Assignment of WTEA-Eligible Staff for Hybrid 1.0

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the assignments of WTEA-eligible staff employment, dated August 31, 2020, for the 2020-2021 school year.

C.7. Appointment of Per Diem Nurse

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education appoints Patricia Paradiso, Per

Diem School Nurse, District, not to exceed 80 days per year, at a daily rate of $323.63, not to exceed $25,890.40, effective September 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.

C.8. Movement on the Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2020-2021 salary guide:

Name	From	To	Effective
Rebecca Sutherland	MA+30	MA+45	09/01/2020
Michelle McMahon	MA+30	MA+45	09/01/2020
Viven Plesmid	MA+30	MA+45	09/01/2020
Michele Scott	MA+30	MA+45	09/01/2020
Peter Kassalow	MA+30	MA+45	09/01/2020
Jacqueline Fattell	MA+30	MA+45	09/01/2020
Sara Kolesar	MA+30	MA+45	09/01/2020
Justin Guglielmino	MA+30	MA+45	09/01/2020
Adam Yenish	MA+15	MA+30	09/01/2020
Jessica Halpern	MA+15	MA+30	09/01/2020
Deborah Yankowicz	MA	MA+15	09/01/2020
Alyssa Pech	MA	MA+15	09/01/2020
Michele Wolkun	MA	MA+15	09/01/2020
Lisa Lukko	MA	MA+15	09/01/2020
Brielle Crowe	MA	MA+15	09/01/2020
Justina Thomson	BA+15	MA	09/01/2020
Danielle Buzby	BA+15	MA	09/01/2020
Martha Mendez	BA+15	MA	09/01/2020
Alexa Barber	BA	BA+15	09/01/2020
Lisa Lenci-Coppola	BA+15	MA	09/01/2020
Hannah Nizri	BA+15	MA	09/01/2020
Kristina Traynor	MA	MA+15	09/01/2020

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
P1648	Restart and Recovery Plan	Revised	SEA
P1648.03	Restart and Recovery Plan - Remote Instruction	New	SEA

XIII. Unfinished Business

● Location of Future Board Meetings - The board continued its ongoing discussion, with Dr. Mingle providing an overview of the options.

Mr. Bellmann made the following motion:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves holding its next meeting virtually.

The board discussed. As the motion had not been seconded, Mr. Bellmann withdrew it without a vote being necessary.

The board continued its discussion, including a review of the challenges.

On motion by Mr. Bellmann:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby resolved to hold its September 21st and October 5th meetings virtually with discussion of the topic to be on the agenda again for the October 5th meeting.

Seconded by Mrs. Zohn, the consent item was approved by a 7-1-1 voice vote.

(Mrs. DiMaggio voted no. Mr. Brezee abstained.)

On motion by Mr. Bellmann:

RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby tasks the Curriculum, Communications and Technology Committee with research and discussion regarding an hybrid operation for future board meetings.

Seconded by Mrs. Taylor, the consent item was approved by a 9-0 voice vote.

Subsequent discussion resolved around the need for a future survey for feedback regarding the success of the district’s operations.

XIV. New Business

N/A

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 discussed the following topics:

● Rosa Krause - Holly Drive, the Board of Education meeting in person and the effect of family illness on student attendance.

● Cindy Noh - Sugarwood Way, synchronous education time while distance learning.

● Rachel Singleton - Deerwood Trail West, Middle School cycle classes.

● Jaclyn Joki - Heritage Drive, Board of Education hybrid meetings.

Dr. Mingle responded to the questions.

XVI. Executive Session

● At 8:49 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:

material the disclosure of which constitutes an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy

Action will not 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. Bellmann and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mr. Bellmann, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:13 p.m.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mr. Bellmann, the meeting was adjourned at 9:14 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary

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