Warren Township Schools: Minutes for February 7, 2022

Minutes for February 7, 2022 Archived Minutes

A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day at the Warren Middle School, 100 Old Stirling Road. The public was welcome to attend in person or virtually through the online Zoom 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 David Brezee.

Open Public Meeting Statement – Mr. Brezee 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 5, 2022. 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. Brezee led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Roll Call

Present: Mark Bisci, Daniel Croson, Mehul Desai, Lisa DiMaggio, Laura Keller,

Ryan Valentino, Patricia Zohn and David Brezee

Absent: Todd Weinstein

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

IV. Minutes

● Ms. Keller moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and executive session minutes of the January 24, 2022 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio and approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

V. Correspondence and Information

● Dr. Mingle reported on seven items of correspondence and two HIB reports.

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:			Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:
	2			2

· Suspension Report

In School:			Out of School:
	0			1

· Fire Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
January 25	January 27	January 6	January 12	January 31

· Security Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
January 18	January 13	January 25	January 19	January 18
Lockdown	Lockdown	Lockdown	Lockdown	Lockdown

VI. President's Remarks - Mr. David Brezee

Mr. Brezee welcomed all in person attendees.

Mr. Brezee further reported that he, along with Mr. Croson and Mr. Bisci, participated in a recent tour of the Warren Township preschool program.

Mr. Brezee referenced agenda item B.3, and gave special thanks to Mrs. Carol Brown at the Middle School for being awarded this grant.

Mr. Brezee acknowledged motions C.2. and C.8., and thanked these new substitutes, as well as all district substitutes, for their hard work and dedication.

Mr. Brezee acknowledged motion C.3., and congratulated all referenced teachers on their advancement on the salary guide.

Mr. Brezee congratulated Warren Middle School orchestra.

Lastly, Mr. Brezee introduced the idea of inviting the community to engage in informal community meetings with Board committees on a period basis.

VII. Superintendent’s Remarks - Dr. Matthew Mingle

Dr. Mingle reported on the following non-agenda items:

● Dr. Mingle congratulated the Warren Middle School Girls Basketball team on its recent playoff appearances.

● Dr. Mingle congratulated Warren Middle School 8th Grader, Emily Wang, in obtaining 1st place for Violin, Central Jersey Music Educators Association Band and Orchestra Audition.

● Dr. Mingle acknowledged that it is National School Counselor’s Week, and thanked all staff members who provide counseling to our students.

● Lastly, Dr. Mingle read a brief statement regarding recent proposed changes to the mask mandate:

The Warren Township Board of Education has long hoped for the ability to utilize local COVID risk data to guide its decisions about masking in the district's schools. The Governor's announcement of an impending shift away from a statewide mandate effective March 7 is welcome news. As previously announced, our plan has been to return to our risk-based masking expectations based on our regional case data. As with any major changes to state mandates, we look forward to receiving additional guidance and implementation details in the coming days so that we can review our plans and share them with our community well in advance of the state mandate's expiration next month. You can expect updates in the weekly community briefing between now and March 7. The district’s Return to School Committee and the Board’s Ad Hoc Return to School Committee are both scheduled to meet between now and the Board’s meeting on February 28th as well.

VIII. Presentations

None

IX. Discussion

● 2022-2023 Budget Development - Mr. Heagele made a brief presentation on the status of the budget. Mrs. Zohn encouraged each board member to work with their budget buddy to learn more and ask questions about the budget.

X. Committee Reports

● Curriculum, Communications, and Technology Committee - No meeting

● Finance, Operations, and Security Committee - No meeting

● Personnel and Negotiations Committee - No meeting

● Ad Hoc Planning for Elementary Growth Committee - No meeting

● Ad Hoc Return to School Committee - No meeting

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).

On motion by Mr. Croson to close public commentary, seconded by Mr. Desai, the motion was approved by a 8-0 voice vote.

XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Dr. Mingle spoke on the following agenda items:

● Item A.2: The 2022-2023 calendar has been changed to correct the dates of the NJEA Convention, move opening of school to August 31, 2022, and retains professional development days on October 10 and October 11.

● Item B.3: Dr. Mingle spoke about the relationship between social media usage and HIB incidents. This grant will be used for these areas and sessions with an outside licensed clinical social worker. Dr. Mingle thanked Mrs. Carol Brown for her hard work in this area.

● Item D.2: Dr. Mingle spoke about Policy 2422.

Mr. Croson asked for item D.2, Policy 2422 only, to be pulled for a separate vote.

Mrs. Zohn asked a question about itemC.9.

Mr. Bisci asked about how parents and the public can learn more about the curriculum development process.

On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mr. Croson, the consent items A.1., through A.4., B.1. through B.4., C.1., through C.9., D.1., and D.2. (except Policy 2422). All items were approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Ms. Keller, the consent item D.2. (Policy 2422), was approved by a 5-3 roll-call vote. (Mr. Croson, Mr. Desai, and Mr. Valentino voted no.)

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 January 24, 2022.

A.2. 2022-2023 Calendar

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the revised 2022-2023 calendar.

A.3. Preschool Expansion

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the preschool expansion

proposal for the 2022-2023 school year.

A.4. School Safety Data System (SSDS) Summary Report

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the SSDS Summary Report submitted by the Superintendent for the Report Period 1 of the 2021-2022 school year.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. 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
Paula Williams	CS	New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages/New Jersey Bilingual Educators 2022 Spring Conference	Virtual	June 10, 2022	$299
Lauren Valera	MTH	New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages/New Jersey Bilingual Educators 2022 Spring Conference	Virtual	June 10, 2022	$299
Cheryl Hall	Transp.	New Jersey Pupil Transportation Conference	Atlantic City, NJ	Mar 2022	$524

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.2. 2022-2023 School Year Tuition Rates

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following as the 2022-2023 tuition rates:

● Preschool - $7,500

● Kindergarten - $20,873

● Grades 1 - 5 - $22,636

● Grades 6 - 8 - $22,015

B.3. Acceptance of Grant Award - Warren Township Youth Services Commission

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the annual grant award from the Warren Township Youth Services Commission in the amount of $4,000. The funds will be utilized to implement a program focused on social media for Middle School students, educators, and parents.

B.4. Transportation for Out-of-District Student - 2021-2022 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Somerset County Educational Services Commission for 2021-2022 SY transportation for out of district student as follows:

School	Student ID #	Cost
Hunterdon Preparatory	7344244081	$58.49 per diem
Hunterdon Preparatory	7674803877	$58.48 per diem

*(This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on September 27, 2021.)

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2021-2022 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
Edward Alstrom	Instrumental Music Teacher 02-33-22/azp	WMS	BA	1	$59,549 (prorated)	February 2, 2022 through June 30, 2022	No	To replace employee #1120
Angelica Ulloa	Leave Replacement Teacher	WS	BA	1	$59,549 (prorated)	On or about March 23, 2022 through June 30, 2022	No	To replace employee #3225
Christine Agresti	Leave Replacement Nurse	WS	BA	1	$59,549 (prorated)	On or about March 7, 2022 through June 30, 2022	No	To replace employee #3490

C.2. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2021-2022 school year.

Name

Christine Agresti (Nurse)

Angelica Ulloa

Jake Dinicola

C.3. Advancement on the Salary Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2021-2022 salary guide:

Name	From	To	Effective
Catherine Murphy	MA+15	MA+30	02/01/2022
Ali Steffner	MA+15	MA+30	02/01/2022
Justina Thomson	MA	MA+15	02/01/2022
Scott Vaglio	MA	MA+15	02/01/2022
Bernadette Danner	BA+15	MA	02/01/2022

C.4. Leave Request

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

Employee ID	Paid/Unpaid
#2823	FMLA - May 5, 2022 through June 20, 2022 (paid) NJFLA - August 30, 2022 through November 18, 2022 (unpaid)
#0547	FMLA - February 7, 2022 through February 25, 2022 (paid)
#3490	FMLA - October 25, 2021 through November 30, 2021 (½ day) paid FMLA - November 30, 2021 (½ day) through December 1, 2021 (unpaid) NJFLA - December 2, 2021 through March 4, 2022 (unpaid) Extended Leave March 7, 2022 through June 30, 2022 (unpaid) (This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on October 25, 2021)

C.5. Additional Hours

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following additional hours:

Name	Student #	School	Club/Purpose	Starting Date	Cost
Diane Moon	9216913383	MS	Board Games	February 8, 2022	$340

C.6. Warren Academy Courses - Instructor Stipend 2021-2022

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for reimbursement as an Instructor. Each instructor will be reimbursed at the WTEA contractual rate $50.00 per hour.

Staff Member	Course	Date	Prep Hours	Instructor Hours	Cost Total Not to Exceed
*Marianne Larson	Reading Workshop - Grades 3, 4, and 5	November 16, 23, 30, December 7 and 14, 2021	15	5	$1,000
Kimberly Bostory	Set your Sights on Google Sites	March 31, 2022	1	1	$100
Kimberly Bostory	Genesis Part 2	April 7, 2022	3	1	$200
Cynthia Cassidy	Genesis Part 2	April 7, 2022	3	1	$200

(*This supersedes previously approved motion on October 25, 2021.)

C.7. Sidebar Agreement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the sidebar agreement between the Warren Township Board of Education and the Warren Township Education Association regarding Employee #1128.

C.8. Substitute Custodian

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as Substitute Custodian for the 2021-2022 school year.

Name

Francis Cheh

C.9. Resignation - Club/After School Activities

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the following resignation:

Name	Club
Kelly Backus	Marching Band Club

D. Policy

D.1. Policies – First Reading

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

Number	Name	New/Revision	Source of Changes
P2415.05	Student Surveys, Analysis, Evaluations, Examinations, Testing, or Treatment	R	SEA
P2431.4	Prevention and Treatment of Sports-Related Concussions and Head Injuries	R	SEA
P2622	Student Assessment	R	SEA
P3233	Political Activities	R	SEA
P5541	Anti-Hazing	N	SEA
P8465	Bias Crimes and Bias-Related Acts	R	SEA
P9560	Administration of School Surveys	R	SEA
R2431.4	Prevention and Treatment of Sports-Related Concussions and Head Injuries	R	SEA
R2622	Student Assessment	N	SEA
R8465	Bias Crimes and Bias-Related Acts	R	SEA

D.2. Policies – Second Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second reading and adoption of the following policies:

Number	Name	New/Revision	Source of Changes
P2422	Comprehensive Health and Physical Education	R	SEA
P2467	Surrogate Parents and Resource Family Parents	R	SEA
P5111	Eligibility of Resident/Nonresident Students	R	SEA
P5116	Education of Homeless Children	R	SEA
P6115.01	Federal Awards/Funds Internal Controls - Allowability of Costs	N	SEA
P6115.02	Federal Awards/Funds Internal Controls - Mandatory Disclosures	N	SEA
P6115.03	Federal Awards/Funds Internal Controls - Conflict Interest	N	SEA
P6311	Contracts for Goods or Services Funded by Federal Grants	R	SEA
P7432	Eye Protection	R	SEA
P8420	Emergency and Crisis Situations	R	SEA
P8540	School Nutrition Programs	R	SEA
P8600	Student Transportation	R	SEA
R7432	Eye Protection	R	SEA
R8420.1	Fire and Fire Drills	R	SEA

XIII. Unfinished Business

None

XIV. New Business

● Ethics Training - Mr. Brezee stated that board Ethics Training is scheduled for February 28, 2022, at 6 p.m.

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;

● Ms. Mariette Dzeletovic - King George Road, spoke about return to school topics.

● Ms. Rebecca Tucker - Forest West Drive, spoke about student mental health.

● Ms. Shefali Tejani - Aspen Court, spoke about return to school topics.

● Mr. Peter Doss - Ellsworth Drive, spoke about return to school topics.

On motion by Mr. Croson to close public commentary, seconded by Mr. Valentino, the motion was approved by a 8-0 voice vote.

Dr. Mingle responded to public comment, and stated that the district awaits further guidance from the NJDOE. Once received, the district will review all guidance, and will report to the board and public on the district’s response.

XVI. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. DiMaggio, seconded by Ms. Keller, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Christopher Heagele

Board Secretary

Google Translate Google Translate Google Translate Google Translate Google Translate