Warren Township Schools

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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 6:30 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 September 23, 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: Mark Bisci, David Brezee, Marc Franco, Ayanna Taylor, Patricia Zohn and Christian Bellmann

Absent: Lisa DiMaggio

Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, and Patricia Leonhardt, Board Secretary, and members of the public and press.

Aaron Bellish arrived at 6:45 p.m.

IV. Interview BOE Candidates

On behalf of the board, President Bellmann asked each candidate, Lori Ruckstuhl-Clar and Vaishali Amberkar, four questions.

V. Executive Session - BOE Candidate Selection

● At 6:56 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 be taken upon return to public session;

the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 20 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 7:14 p.m.

VI. Appointment/Oath of Office

● RESOLVED, that the Board of Education appoints Ms. Vaishali Amberkar to the Board, for a term of October 5, 2020 to December 31, 2020.*

(*Remaining year of the seat’s term will be on the ballot in November 2020.)

On motion by Mr. Bellmann, seconded by Mrs. Zohn, the resolution was approved by a 6-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. Franco abstained.)

● The Oath of Office was administered by Mrs. Leonhardt to Ms. Vaishali Amberkar.

VII. Minutes

● Mrs. Zohn moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public session minutes of the September 21, 2020 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Brezee and approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

VIII. Correspondence and Information

● Dr. Mingle reported on three emails addressed to the board regarding the district’s Hybrid operations.

· HIB Information

· Suspension Report

· Fire Drills

· Security Drills

IX. President's Remarks – Mr. Christian Bellmann

Mr. Bellmann welcomed all and the board’s newest member, Ms. Amberkar.

Mr. Bellmann discussed the planned expansion of attendance by K-2 students under the proposed Hybrid 1.1 model.

Mr. Bellmann also reminded all of the district’s chain of command.

X. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle

Dr. Mingle reported on the successful start of the district’s co-curriculum clubs, organized by Ms. Hunt.

Dr. Mingle spoke of the Warren Township Green Team’s Environmental Achievement Award, noting that district employees Maria Mensigner and Michael Pate are team members.

Dr. Mingle acknowledged the district’s receipt of two awards from NJSBA, one for virtual field trips and another for virtual co-curricular clubs.

Dr. Mingle welcomed Ms. Amberkar on her appointment to the board.

Referring to the agenda, Dr. Mingle referred to the expansion of the district’s Hybrid plan, as outlined in the Return to School plan.

Dr. Mingle expressed his thanks to the Warren Lions Club for its financial support of food for community members.

Dr. Mingle noted that today is World Teachers’ Day, and commended the work of the district’s instructional staff.

XI. Presentation

● K-2 Hybrid 1.1 - Dr. Mingle provided an overview of the district’s expansion to Hybrid 1.1.

XII. Discussion

The board expressed its support of the expansion, and asked ancillary questions.

XIII. Committee Reports

● Personnel Committee - Mr. Franco reported on the meeting held earlier in the evening, at which potential legislation and board goals were discussed.

● Ad Hoc Return to School Committee - Dr. Mingle reported on the meeting at which the expanded schedule and future board meeting protocol were discussed.

XIV. 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:

1. 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;
2. 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;
3. No participant may speak more than once on the same topic until all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard;
4. 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).

● Ms. Jessica Bodajlo - Brady Road, thanked the board on expansion to Hybrid 1.1.

● Ms. Courtney Vilanova - Briarwood Drive East, spoke in support of current operations and concerns of the Hybrid 1.1 effects on distance learners.

● Ms. Rosa Krause - Holly Drive, asked a question regarding parent survey distribution.

● Ms. Nicole Gameiro - King George Road, asked a question regarding the role of technology with classes of distance learners only.

● Ms. Rachel Singleton - Deerwood Trail West, asked a question regarding expansion of in person learning for classified students.

● Ms. Lauren Mansour - Ridge Road, spoke of the challenges of large distance learning classes.

● Ms. Sofi Mehta - Cardinal Drive, asked questions regarding Hybrid 1.1.

● Mr. Todd Weinstein - Nottingham Way, asked a question regarding expansion of in class time for classified students, as well as those students with 504 plans.

Dr. Mingle responded to the array of questions and topics.

XV. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Mr. Franco asked that items C.4. and C.5. be pulled for discussion. The board discussed.

Mr. Brezee asked that B.4. be pulled for separate vote and noted the generosity of the Warren’s Lions Club, motion B.3.

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

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mr. Bellmann, the consent item B.4., was approved by a 7-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. Brezee abstained.)

Mr. Bellmann made the following motion:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves moving its second Public Commentary session before Unfinished Business and New Business.

Seconded by Mrs. Zohn, the consent item was approved by a 8-0 voice 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 September 21, 2020.

A.2. Return to School Plan

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

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Central School Partial Roof Replacement Project

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes Parette Somjen Architects to submit all necessary plans and paperwork to the Department of Education concerning the Central School Partial Roof Replacement project, to submit an application to the Office of School Facilities and an amendment to the District’s Long Range Facility Plan, when necessary, and facilitate the solicitation of bids.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this project shall be an “Other Capital” project and the Board of Education is not seeking State funding but will fund the Project through a withdrawal from the district’s Capital Reserve. This motion supersedes the board’s September 21, 2020 motion.

B.2. Sale of Obsolete Items

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education declares as obsolete the following items:

● 2007 Meyer Plow Blade Only, Asset 11137

● 2008 Meyer Plow, Asset 11131

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the sale of the listed equipment in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A:45 – Sale of Property.

B.3. Donation - Warren Lions Club

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation in the amount of $1,575 from the Warren Lions Club to be used to offset support for community members in need.

B.4. Purchasing Approval

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following annual Cooperative purchasing:

● SHI International Corp, through cooperative purchasing agreement E-8801-ACESCPS as well as cooperative purchasing agreements, for technology purchasing, at an amount not to exceed $225,000.

● Cablevision Lightpath - NJ, Inc. through cooperative purchasing agreement NJDRLAP through ESCNJ, for internet and voice services, at an amount not to exceed $200,000.

● School Specialty, through State Contract 17DPP00111, for school supplies, at an amount not to exceed $75,000.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Leave Request

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

C.2. WTEA Stipend Position 2020-2021

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

C.3. Sidebar Agreement - Salary Guide Advancement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the sidebar agreement between the Warren Township Board of Education and the Warren Township Education Association regarding salary guide advancement.

C.4. 2020-2021 Approval of Title I - Extended Day Tutor

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following staff members as Title I - Extended Day Tutors, to be paid the contractual rate of $50 per hour. Total cost is dependent upon the needs of identified students in the district’s Title I school(s), which are Central and Angelo L. Tomaso Schools, at a total cost not to exceed $40,964. Cost to be fully funded by ESEA Title I.

C.5. 2020-2021 Approval of Title I - Extended Day Coordinator

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following staff members as Title I Extended Day Coordinator in the district’s Title I school(s), which are Central and Angelo L. Tomaso Schools, at a total stipend cost not to exceed $10,000. Cost to be fully funded by ESEA - Title I.

C.6. CPR Professional Development 2020-2021

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 $300.00.

C.7. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Refresher Training Instructor Stipend 2020-2021 

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.

C.8. Transfer/Change in Assignment

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

assignment of the following district staff:

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:

1. 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;
2. 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;
3. No participant may speak more than once on the same topic until all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard;
4. 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).

● Ms. Rachel Singleton - Deerwood Trail, spoke to increased in person time for classified students.

● Ms. Susan Leonard - Woodland Staff, asked a question regarding the school day.

● Ms. Nancy Andrews - WTEA President, spoke to mutual frustrations of staff and parents and in support of approaching this time with positivity.

● Ms. Toni Aitken - Reinman Road, asked a question regarding movement between cohorts.

● Ms. Gretchen Minieri - Mundy Lane, asked a question regarding instructional delivery.

● Ms. Shefali Tejani - Aspen Court, asked a question regarding homeroom assignments.

Dr. Mingle responded to the array of questions and topics.

XVII. Unfinished Business

● Future Board Meeting Location - Dr. Mingle provided an overview of the proposed format. The board discussed in depth.

Mr. Brezee made the following motion:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education establishes an additional Public Commentary session, the subject matter of which is limited to the items addressed in Unfinished and New Business this evening.

Seconded by Mrs. Zohn, the consent item was approved by a 8-0 voice vote.

Mr. Franco made the following motion:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education continue to hold its Board meetings via zoom.

Seconded by Mr. Bellmann, the consent item was approved by a 5-3 voice vote. (Mr. Brezee, Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Zohn voted no.)

XVIII. New Business

● Recognition - Mrs. Zohn congratulated Dr. Mingle on his designation as a Superintendent to Watch from the National School Public Relations Association.

● Bullying - Mrs. Taylor referenced the need to not lose focus on a need to control bullying.

XIX. Public Commentary (Unfinished and New Business)

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:

1. 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;
2. 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;
3. No participant may speak more than once on the same topic until all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard;
4. 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 spoke on behalf of continued Zoom board meetings:

● Ms. Heather Silver, Quail Run

● Ms. Nicole Gameiro, King George Road

● Ms. Stacey Sackett, Trinity Place

● Ms. Shefali Tejani,Aspen Court

● Ms. Rachel Singleton, Deerwood Trail West

XX. Executive Session

● At 9:20 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:

a collective bargaining agreement and/or negotiations related to it

specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session

Action may 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. Brezee and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mr. Franco, the Board reconvened in open session at 10:05 p.m.

XXI. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mr. Franco, the meeting was adjourned at 10:06 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Patricia Leonhardt

Board Secretary