Minutes for April 12, 2021
Archived Minutes
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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 7:00 p.m. by Board President
Marc Franco.
Open Public Meeting Statement – Mr. Franco 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 6, 2021. 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 – Woodland School Principal Jeff Heaney, introduced student Destiny Omeji
who led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Roll Call
Present: Aaron Bellish, Mark Bisci, David Brezee, Lori Clar, Lisa DiMaggio,
Laura Keller, Todd Weinstein, Patricia Zohn and Marc Franco
Absent:
Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, Patricia Leonhardt,
Board Secretary, and members of the public and press.
IV. Minutes
● Mr. Bisci moved the following:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and executive session minutes of the March 15, 2021 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Franco and approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.
V. Correspondence and Information
Dr. Mingle reported that he received three emails regarding the district’s Return to School Plan.
· HIB Information
|
Total # of Investigations: |
0 |
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: |
0 |
· Suspension Report
|
In School: |
0 |
Out of School: |
0 |
· Fire Drills
| ALT | Central | Mt. Horeb | Woodland | Middle | |
| Cohort C | Cohort C | Cohort C | Cohort C | Cohort A | Cohort B |
| March 25 | March 16 | March 16 | March 22 | March 15 | March 18 |
· Security Drills
| ALT | Central | Mt. Horeb | Woodland | Middle | |
| Cohort C | Cohort C | Cohort C | Cohort C | Cohort A | Cohort B |
| March 23 | March 18 | March 23 | March 18 | March 16 | March 19 |
| Lockdown | Lockdown | Lockdown | Lockdown | Lockdown | Lockdown |
VI. President's Remarks - Mr. Marc Franco
Mr. Franco remarked on his excitement for all of the district’s students to return five days per week and for tonight’s student presentation.
VII. Superintendent’s Remarks - Dr. Matthew Mingle
Dr. Mingle welcomed the Woodland students on the meeting tonight.
Dr. Mingle congratulated Kayla Peng on her 1st place finish in the Lions Clubs’ Peace Poster Contest as well as the Warren Middle School 6th grade team for their national second place finish in the Knowledge Master Competition.
Dr. Mingle congratulated Dr. Derek Ressa on his successful defense of his doctoral dissertation.
Dr. Mingle referenced:
❏ Motion A.2., which reflects an adjustment to the 2020-2021 calendar due to unused snow days.
❏ Motion A.4., calling attention to the district’s stellar scores.
Dr. Mingle also expressed his excitement for the student’s return to school five days a week and reported on the planning underway for End of Year events including Field Day and Moving Up ceremonies.
Dr. Mingle reported that the one line change in the district’s Return to School plan allows for future flexibility.
VIII. Presentations
● Woodland School Student Feature - Mr. Jeff Heaney presented a video of Woodland School students which focused on the Power of Yet and a growth mindset.
IX. Discussion
● 2022-2023 School Calendar - The board discussed, especially noting Halloween.
X. Committee Reports
● Personnel Committee - Mrs. Zohn reported on the March 15th meeting at which non-aligned salary recommendations and the sharing of a staff member were discussed.
● Warren Township Education Foundation - Mrs. Zohn reported on the formation of the foundation’s board and the impressive amount of work already accomplished.
● Ad Hoc Return to School - Dr. Mingle reported on the plan one sentence change and updated travel guidance.
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;
- When the Board of Education is conducting its meetings either virtually or in a hybrid environment, members of the public may also submit comments no later than 9:00 AM the day of the board meeting via email to BA@warrentboe.org or hardcopy mail to the district office.
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 West, thanked Woodland School Teacher
Mr. Justin Guglielmino as he leaves the district and noted the district’s QSAC scores.
● Ms. Linda Draper, Briarwood Drive East, asked a question regarding CDC guidelines.
● Ms. Rose Krause, Holly Drive, remarked on the Middle School drop off and the potential benefit of a policeman at the corner of Old Stirling and Reinman Road.
Dr. Mingle responded to the array of topics and questions.
XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action
Mr. Brezee asked that B.13. be pulled for separate vote.
On motion by Mr. Bisci, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent items A.1., through A.6., B.1., through B.12., C.1., through C.6., D.1., and D.2., were approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.
On motion by Mr. Bisci, seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio, the consent item B.13., was approved by 8-0-1 roll-call vote. (Mr. Brezee 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 March 15, 2021.
A.2. 2020-2021 Revised Calendar
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2020-2021 revised calendar.
A.3. 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.
A.4. New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) Review
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education reports receipt of the District’s
performance, as determined by the New Jersey Department of Education and outline below.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education reports the District’s designation as “high performing” for a period of three years until the next scheduled NJQSAC review.
|
NJQSAC Areas |
Initial Placement (March 2021) |
|
Instruction and Program |
89% |
|
Fiscal Management |
100% |
|
Governance |
100% |
|
Operations |
100% |
|
Personnel |
100% |
A.5. Tuition Contract
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves a tuition contract with the Parents of Student #8338661791 for continued attendance in the Warren Township School, effective March 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021, at a total tuition cost of $5,063.28. (This motion supersedes previous motion approved on January 25, 2021.)
A.6. Fieldwork Site
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a School Counseling Internship Agreement with Kean University from April 13, 2021 through June 30, 2021, securing Warren Township as a fieldwork site to provide supervised clinical educational experiences in school counseling.
B. Finance/Operations/Transportation
B.1. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of March, 2021; and
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on March 31, 2021:
|
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
|
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$11,701,347.99 |
$1,275,641.28 |
|
|
(10) General Current Expense |
$0.00 |
||
|
(11) Current Expense |
$3,062,310.70 |
||
|
(12) Capital Outlay |
$232,614.14 |
||
|
(13) Special Schools |
$165,269.24 |
||
|
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
$(17,374.86) |
$31,582.89 |
$0.00 |
|
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$713,568.90 |
$115,389.30 |
$355,825.94 |
|
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$0.00 |
$0.65 |
$0.00 |
|
TOTAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS |
$12,397,542.03 |
$3,607,166.92 |
$1,631,467.22 |
|
(60) Milk Fund |
$4,049.49 |
$ (26,000.00) |
$ 17,207.49 |
|
(61) Juice and Water Fund |
$1,358.13 |
$ (11,000.00) |
$ 1,358.13 |
|
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS |
$5,407.62 |
($37,000.00) |
$18,565.62 |
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.2. Budget Transfers for Month of March 2021
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. |
11-000-100-562-000-08-01 |
Tuition - Other LEAs |
11-000-100-566-000-08-01 |
Tuition - Private Schools |
$17,836 |
|
2. |
11-000-223-500-030-08-00 |
Staff Training - Other Purchased Services - SPS - CS |
11-000-223-580-030-08-00 |
Workshops & Travel - SPS - CS |
$580 |
|
3. |
11-000-223-500-033-08-00 |
Staff Training - Other Purchased Services - SPS - MS |
11-000-223-580-033-08-00 |
Workshops & Travel - SPS - MS |
$945 |
|
4. |
11-000-223-500-035-08-00 |
Staff Training - Other Purchased Services - SPS - MHS |
11-000-223-580-035-08-00 |
Workshops & Travel - SPS - MHS |
$85 |
|
5. |
11-000-223-500-040-08-00 |
Staff Training - Other Purchased Services - SPS - ALT |
11-000-223-580-040-08-00 |
Workshops & Travel - SPS - ALT |
$85 |
|
6. |
11-000-223-500-050-08-00 |
Staff Training - Other Purchased Services - SPS - WS |
11-000-223-580-050-08-00 |
Workshops & Travel - SPS - WS |
$400 |
|
7. |
11-000-240-600-033-07-10 |
Admin Supplies - MS |
11-000-240-580-033-07-00 |
Travel - MS |
$720 |
|
8. |
11-000-261-610-030-09-03 |
Maintenance Supplies - CS |
11-000-262-621-030-09-03 |
Heat - Central |
$1,200 |
|
9. |
11-000-261-610-033-09-07 |
Maintenance Supplies - MS |
11-000-262-621-030-09-03 |
Heat - Central |
$1,200 |
|
10. |
11-000-261-610-035-09-04 |
Maintenance Supplies - MHS |
11-000-262-621-030-09-03 |
Heat - Central |
$1,200 |
|
11. |
11-000-261-610-040-09-05 |
Maintenance Supplies - ALT |
11-000-262-621-030-09-03 |
Heat - Central |
$1,200 |
|
12. |
11-000-261-610-050-09-06 |
Maintenance Supplies - WS |
11-000-262-621-030-09-03 |
Heat - Central |
$1,200 |
|
13. |
11-000-263-420-000-09-00 |
Grounds - Repairs & Maint. Services |
11-000-262-621-033-09-07 |
Heat - MS |
$16,000 |
|
14. |
11-000-263-420-000-09-00 |
Grounds - Repairs & Maint. Services |
11-000-262-622-033-09-07 |
Electricity - MS |
$16,000 |
|
15. |
11-110-100-101-040-05-00 |
Salaries - Kindergarten Teachers-ALT |
11-213-100-101-040-05-00 |
Salaries - RC Teachers - ALT |
$57,000 |
|
16. |
11-215-100-101-035-04-01 |
Salaries - Preschool Teachers |
11-213-100-101-040-05-00 |
Salaries - RC Teachers - ALT |
$7,000 |
|
17. |
12-000-252-730-000-11-01 |
Equipment - Technology |
11-000-291-270-000-00-00 |
Health Benefits |
$48,330 |
|
18. |
12-000-263-730-000-09-00 |
Grounds - Equipment |
11-000-262-100-000-09-05 |
Overtime - Custodians |
$14,055 |
|
19. |
12-000-400-334-000-09-BG |
Architect Services - B&G Roof |
11-000-291-270-000-00-00 |
Health Benefits |
$2,600 |
B.3. 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 |
|
Kelly Stankiewicz |
MTH |
Oppositional Defiant & Disruptive Students: Practical Strategies for The Most Challenging Classroom Behaviors |
Online |
May 2021 |
$220 |
|
Rebecca Hartman |
MTH |
Oppositional Defiant & Disruptive Students: Practical Strategies for The Most Challenging Classroom Behaviors |
Online |
May 2021 |
$220 |
|
Katie Koczon |
CS |
Picture Exchange Communication System - Level 1 Training |
Online |
May 2021 |
$429 |
|
Allison Reu |
CS |
2021 New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention |
Online |
April and May 2021 |
$195 |
|
Julie Jagiello |
CS |
2021 Autism Symposium: What’s New & What’s Next in Treating Clients on the Spectrum |
Online |
April, 2021 |
$300 |
|
Michelle Barbagallo |
MTH |
2021 Autism Symposium: What’s New & What’s Next in Treating Clients on the Spectrum |
Online |
April, 2021 |
$300 |
All of the above travel has been approved by the Superintendent. The School Business Administrator shall track and record these costs to ensure that the maximum amount is not exceeded.
B.4. Sale/Disposal of Obsolete Items
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education declares as obsolete the following items:
|
Item |
Description |
VIN |
|
Bus #34 |
2008 Thomas |
1GDJG31U871153910 |
|
Bus #35 |
2010 Chevy |
1GBJG31K991117086 |
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.5. Bus Purchase
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a bus purchase as follows:
● 2022 Chevrolet Type B 24 Passenger at a cost of $57,340.33.
Purchase from Van-Con, Inc. through ESCNJ Cooperative bid #ESCNJ 20/21-33
B.6. Joint Agreements between SCESC and Warren BOE
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves entering into the following joint agreements between Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) and the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2021-2022 School Year:
● Nonpublic School Textbook Services agreement, dated July 1, 2021, with no administrative fee charged;
● Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program agreement, dated July 1, 2021, with a state-approved administrative percentage (currently set at 5%);
● Nonpublic School Nursing Services agreement, dated July 1, 2021, with an administrative fee of 6%
● Nonpublic School Security Aid Program agreement, dated July 1, 2021, with no administrative fee charged;
● Coordinated Transportation Services agreement, dated July 1, 2021, with an administration fee of 4.5%
● Nonpublic Instructional Services Agreement and Addendum for Chapters 192/193, with an administrative fee of 6%
● Nonpublic Instructional Services Agreement for Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, dated July 1, 2021, with no administrative fee.
B.7. Submission of Amendment for Federal Grant Monies
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the submission to the Department of Education of an amendment of the application for 2020-2021 ESEA Federal Grant Programs as follows:
● ESEA Title IIA
● ESEA TItle IV
Amendment reflects a reallocation of monies to meet the district’s needs.
B.8. Dental Broker
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education designates Grinspec of NJ, D.B.A. Centric Benefits Consulting of New Providence, NJ as our broker-of-record for implementing, negotiating and managing the district’s dental program. This designation will remain in full force and effect until changed or revoked by this district or its authorized representative. Designation is per N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5(a)(10), extraordinary unspecifiable services and is effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
B.9. Dental Insurance Carrier
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves providing equal to or better than dental coverage to its employees through Centric Benefits Consulting, with Delta Dental, effective 7/1/2021.
B.10. Public Employer Trust
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves notification to Brown & Brown of the district’s intent to leave the Public Employer Trust with sufficient notice, effective 7/1/2021.
B.11. Transportation for Out-of-District Student - 2020-2021 SY
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Somerset County Educational Services Commission for 2020-2021 SY for out-of-district student as follows:
|
Contractor |
School |
Student Id |
Cost |
|
SCESC |
New Dawn Academy |
1856892682 & 4137825245 |
$109.58 per diem |
B.12. Transportation Contract - ESY 2021 and SY 2021-2022
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves transportation contract for the Warren Township School District to provide transportation for Long Hill Township School District, of their student for ESY 2021 and SY 2021-2022 as follows:
|
District |
Destination School |
Student Id |
Warren Revenue |
|
Long Hill |
Warren Township School District |
7569754700 |
$3,554.00 ESY $13,831.20 SY |
B.13. Purchasing Approval
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following annual purchasing:
● Follett School Solutions Inc, for the purchase of library goods and services, exempt from bidding laws per N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5(a)(5), in an amount not to exceed $60,000.
● Staples for the purchase of office and classroom supplies, in an amount not to exceed $50,000, under Educational Data Bid #9829.
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 |
|
*Lam Wong |
.6 Leave Replacement Mandarin Teacher |
WMS |
MA |
2 |
$39,403.20 |
January 19, 2021 through June 30, 2021 |
No |
To replace employee #2580 |
|
**Mary Pat Kinney |
Leave Replacement Spanish Teacher |
WMS |
BA+15 |
16-17 |
$74,736 |
December 21, 2020 through April 16, 2021 |
No |
To replace employee #3214 |
*(This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on March 2, 2021)
**(This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on December 14, 2020)
C.2. Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following leave requests:
|
Employee ID |
Paid/Unpaid |
|
#0477 |
FMLA - March 1, 2021 through March 26, 2021 (paid) (This motion supersedes previous motion approved on March 1, 2021) |
|
#0095 |
FMLA - September 25, 2020 through October 16, 2020 (paid) FMLA - October 26, 2020 through January 5, 2021 (paid) Extended Leave - January 6, 2021 through May 7, 2021 (paid) (This motion supersedes previous motion approved on November 16, 2020) |
|
#2885 |
FMLA - March 25, 2021 through on or about May 21, 2021 (paid) (This motion supersedes previous motion approved on March 1, 2021) |
|
#2879 |
FMLA - January 4, 2021 through January 21, 2021 (paid) FMLA - January 22, 2021 through March 26, 2021 (unpaid) Extended Leave - April 5, 2021 through on or about June 1, 2021 (unpaid) (This motion supersedes previous motion approved on February 16, 2021) |
|
#1257 |
FMLA - April 23, 2021 through June 7, 2021 (paid) |
|
#0774 |
FMLA - April 14, 2021 through May 5, 2021 (paid) |
|
#2580 |
FMLA - January 7, 2021 through April 8, 2021 (paid) Extended Leave - April 9, 2021 through June 30, 2021 (paid) (This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on March 1, 2021) |
|
#0479 |
FMLA - Intermittent Leave ( Thursdays) from April 8, 2021 through on or about November 8, 2021 (unpaid) |
|
#3058 |
FMLA - May 17, 2021 through June 15 , 2021 (paid) FMLA - June 15, 2021 through June 30, 2021 (unpaid) NJFLA - August 30, 2021 through November 19, 2021 (unpaid) Extended Leave - November 22, 2021 through June 30, 2022 (unpaid) (This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on January 25, 2021) |
C.3. Retirement/Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement/resignations
of the following staff:
|
Name |
Position |
Location |
Retirement/ Resignation |
Dates of Service |
|
Ellyn Jara |
Multi-Duty Paraprofessional 08-40-15-beu |
ALT |
Retirement |
January 14, 2000 through June 30, 2021 |
|
Justin Guglielmino |
Grade 5 Teacher 02-35-22/adz |
MH |
Resignation |
September 1, 2017 through June 30, 2021 |
|
Dr. Erica Pawlo |
School Psychologist 02-40-06/bbp |
ALT |
Resignation |
August 28, 2019 through June 30, 2021 |
|
Robert Hartshorn |
Social Studies Teacher 02-33-22/age |
WMS |
Retirement |
September 1, 1995 through June 30, 2021 |
C.4. 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 |
|
Janine Pasquale |
April 12, 2021 through June 30, 2021 |
Leave Replacement Special Education Grade 4 Teacher, CS |
Leave Replacement Grade 2 Teacher, ALT |
|
Hallie Meister |
April 12, 2021 through June 30, 2021 |
Leave Replacement Distance Teacher, .25 ALT, .25 CS, .25 MH, .25 WS |
Leave Replacement Grade 2 Teacher, CS |
|
Cathryn Ticchio |
February 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021 |
WMS Paraprofessional, Step 3 $28,905 |
WMS Leave Replacement Teacher, MA+15 Step 1 $67,668 |
|
Joan Toth |
April 13, 2021 through June 7, 2021 |
Special Education Teacher WS |
Grade 2 Teacher WS |
C.5. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2020-2021 school year.
|
Name |
|
Alexandra Terry |
|
Danielle Lader |
C.6. Long Term Substitutes
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following individuals as a Long Term Substitutes:
|
Name |
Effective Date |
Replacing Employee # |
|
Sabina Gade |
January 13, 2021 through June 1, 2021 |
#2879 |
|
Adanna Cooper |
April 5, 2021 through May 21, 2021 |
#2885 |
|
Danielle Lader |
On or about April 13, 2021 through on or about May 27, 2021 |
#0774 |
D. Policy
D.1. Policies – Second Reading
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second reading of the following policy:
|
Number |
Name |
New/Revision |
Source of Changes |
|
P6360 |
Political Contributions |
R |
SEA |
D.2. Policies - Emergency Amendment and First Reading
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education amends the following policy and approves the first reading of the following policy. This amendment 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 |
R |
Legal Counsel |
XIII. Unfinished Business
● Regionalization - Mr. Bisci reported that a meeting to discuss potential regionalization is being scheduled. While needing to remain below a quorum, if any board members wishes to attend, please let Mr. Bisci know.
XIV. New Business
● Policy Review - Mrs. Zohn discussed Policy 167, suggested supplemental language, and made the following motion:
RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby tasks the Communications Committee with reviewing suggested supplemental language for Policy 167.
Seconded by Mrs. Clar, motion was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote
● Future Board Meetings - Mrs. Zohn discussed the potential of recording board meetings upon the board’s return to in person meetings. The board discussed the topic, as well as facilitation of public participation.
RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby taks the Communications Committee with a review of board processes including recording and public participation, in advance of a return to in-person meetings.
On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Ms. Keller, motion was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote
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).
● Ms. Nelly Pucci, Washington Valley Road, stated her support for a survey of the public regarding future board meetings.
● Ms. Jennifer Armao, Briarwood Drive East, discussed emails sent to teaching staff, complimented Carol Brown for her student outreach, and discussed the school calendar.
● Ms. Rachel Singleton, Deerwood Trail West, referenced full day attendance.
Mrs. Zohn left the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Mrs. Leonhardt informed the board of a letter from Ms. Margaret Feranda, Sunrise Drive, meant for public commentary, for which the board had received legal advice. Mr. Bisci objected to outside counsel publicly interpreting a constituent’s communication. With the letter itself displayed on the screen, Mrs. Leonhardt read board counsel’s statement.
Mrs. Zohn returned to the meeting at 8:11 p.m.
Dr. Mingle responded to the array of questions and topics.
XVI. Executive Session
● At 8:13 p.m. Mr. Bisci 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; and
specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session (non-tenured staff review, superintendent’s contract)
Action will not 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. Franco and approved by unanimous voice vote.
Mrs. DiMaggio left the meeting at 9:22 p.m.
On motion by Mr. Bisci, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:26 p.m.
XVII. Adjourn
On motion by Mr. Bisci, seconded by Mr. Brezee, the meeting was adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
Minutes submitted by,
Patricia Leonhardt
Board Secretary
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Last modified on Thursday, February 24, 2022