Minutes for March 14, 2022
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THE WARREN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION
MINUTES –REGULAR MEETING
Monday, March 14, 2022
7:00 p.m.
A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day at the Angelo L. Tomaso School, 46 Washington Valley 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, Lisa DiMaggio, Laura Keller, Ryan Valentino,
Todd Weinstein, Patricia Zohn and David Brezee
Absent: Mehul Desai
Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, Christopher Heagele, Board Secretary, and members of the public and press.
Mehul Desai arrived at 7:08 p.m.
IV. Minutes
● Ms. Keller moved the following:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private session minutes of the February 28, 2022 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. DiMaggio and approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.
V. Correspondence and Information
· HIB Information
|
Total # of Investigations: |
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: |
|||
|
0 |
0 |
· Suspension Report
|
In School: |
Out of School: |
|||
|
0 |
0 |
· Fire Drills
| ALT | Central | Mt. Horeb | Woodland | Middle |
| February 17 | February 11 | February 10 | February 17 | February 10 |
· Security Drills
| ALT | Central | Mt. Horeb | Woodland | Middle |
| February 22 | February 3 | February 24 | February 3 | February 24 |
| Bomb Threat | Bomb Threat | Bomb Threat | Bomb Threat | Bomb Threat |
VI. President's Remarks – Mr. David Brezee
Mr. Brezee gave his report, which included:
● A thank you to board members for their participation on Reading Day.
● A thank you to the A. L. Tomaso School for the invitation to International Day.
● A recognition of substitutes and retirements on the agenda.
VII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle
Dr. Mingle gave his report, which included:
● Congratulations to 8th Grader Ethan Chibwe for his 3rd place finish in the recent spelling bee.
● A thank you to district staff and students for their efforts in transition to mask optional.
● A thank you to A. L. Tomaso School for hosting tonight’s meeting.
● Recognition of three Warren Middle School students (Nina Bowen, Rebecca Clemente, and Olivia Padilla) in advance of their upcoming presentation tonight.
Mr. Muhl Desai arrived at 7:08 p.m.
VIII. Presentations
● Angelo L. Tomaso School Spotlight - Ms. Christine Smith and Mrs. Michelle Wegener - Ms. Smith provided a highlight presentation of A. L. Tomaso School and introduced Mrs. Michelle Wegener, 4th grade writing teacher to share a different approach to assessments and learning. A video presentation was made where A. L. Tomaso School students shared their experiences in creating and using their own rubric.
● Policy #5511 - Dress and Grooming - Nina Bowen, Rebecca Clemente, and Olivia Padilla - Mr. Brezee introduced these Warren Middle School students to provide a presentation regarding the dress code. Their presentation included information on shirts, head wear, & shoes, and included a request to make some changes to the district dress code in these areas.
Mr. Brezee congratulated the students on a thoughtful presentation.
IX. Discussion
● Policy #5511 - Dress and Grooming - Mrs. Zohn asked to move the discussion of the dress code policy on the agenda (during Discussion instead of during New Business).
Mr. Brezee commented that policies should be revisited on a periodic basis and recommended that the dress code be discussed by a sitting committee or its own Ad Hoc committee. Mrs. Zohn endorsed sending the issue to the committee.
On motion by Mr. Valentino, seconded by Mr. Brezee, to send the dress code Policy #5511 to either a standing board committee or an Ad Hoc committee, to be determined at a later time.
The motion was approved by a 9-0 roll-call vote.
Mr. Brezee stated that this policy will go to an Ad Hoc committee to be appointed at a later date.
X. Committee Reports
● Curriculum, Communications, and Technology Committee - February 28, 2022 - Ms. Keller reported that the committee met on February 28 to discuss New Jersey Board Standards for Curriculum. Mr. Bill Kimmick provided an overview of the curriculum writing process. iReady was also discussed.
● Finance, Operations, and Security Committee - No meeting
● Personnel and Negotiations Committee - No meeting
● Ad Hoc Planning for Elementary Growth Committee - March 10, 2022 - Ms. Keller reported that the committee met on March 10 following the March 10 meeting of the working group. Ms. Keller gave a summary of the planning for Elementary Growth working group meeting, stating that the working group has recommended that the district rezone in advance of the 2023-2024 school year. A presentation is to be made on March 28 with a vote on the working group and committee recommendations on April 11, 2022.
● Ad Hoc Return to School Committee - March 3, 2022 - Mr. Desai reported that the committee met on March 3. Mr. Desai reported that the committee discussed what to do in the event of changing COVID conditions without State of New Jersey mandates. The committee agreed to recommend to the board that Dr. Mingle is given temporary authority to require masking districtwide until the next board 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).
None
On motion by Mr. Valentino to close public commentary, seconded by Mr. Croson, the motion was approved by a 9-0 voice vote.
XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action
Dr. Mingle addressed motion C.4. and stated that the District is aggressively recruiting for open positions.
Mrs. DiMaggio commented on A.2. and stated that Occupational Therapy is critical for our young learners.
On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mr. Croson, the consent items A.1., through A.3., B.1. through B.7., and C.1., through C.9., 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 February 28, 2022.
A.2. Fieldwork Site
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an Occupational Therapy Assistant Program with Raritan Valley Community College, from March 15, 2022 through June 30, 2022, securing Warren Township Schools as an internship site.
A.3. Out-of-District Placement
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following out-of-district placement for 2021-2022 school year:
|
School |
Student ID # |
Period |
Cost |
|
Montgomery Academy |
7614294272 |
March 10 through June 30, 2022 (Anticipated start date) |
$24,767.36 |
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 February 2022.
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on February 28, 2022
|
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
|
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$15,193,890.92 |
$1,929,204.87 |
|
|
(10) General Current Expense |
$0.00 |
||
|
(11) Current Expense |
$2,924,035.16 |
||
|
(12) Capital Outlay |
$141,169.24 |
||
|
(13) Special Schools |
$1,250.52 |
||
|
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
($61,966.86) |
$45,988.86 |
$0.00 |
|
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
($30,664.10) |
($30,664.10) |
$0.00 |
|
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
TOTAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS |
$15,101,259.96 |
$3,081,779.68 |
$1,929,204.87 |
|
(60) Milk Fund |
$4,049.49 |
($328,685.68) |
$15,660.49 |
|
(61) Juice and Water Fund |
$1,358.62 |
$0.00 |
$1,358.13 |
|
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS |
$5,407.62 |
($328,685.68) |
$17,018.62 |
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 February 2022
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. |
11-000-266-610-030-09-03 |
Security-Maintenance Supplies- CS |
11-000-266-300-000-09-00 |
Security-Purchased Technical Svcs. |
$900 |
|
2. |
11-000-266-610-033-09-07 |
Security-Maintenance Supplies- MS |
11-000-266-300-000-09-00 |
Security-Purchased Technical Svcs. |
$900 |
|
3. |
11-000-266-610-035-09-04 |
Security-Maintenance Supplies-MH |
11-000-266-300-000-09-00 |
Security-Purchased Technical Svcs. |
$900 |
|
4. |
11-000-266-610-040-09-05 |
Security-Maintenance Supplies-ALT |
11-000-266-300-000-09-00 |
Security-Purchased Technical Svcs. |
$900 |
|
5. |
11-000-266-610-050-09-06 |
Security-Maintenance Supplies- WS |
11-000-266-300-000-09-00 |
Security-Purchased Technical Svcs. |
$900 |
|
6. |
11-215-100-600-035-08-00 |
Preschool (PT) - Supplies - MHS |
11-204-100-610-033-08-00 |
LLD Supplies - MS |
$500 |
|
7. |
11-240-100-101-035-04-00 |
Salaries - Bilingual Teachers - MHS |
11-215-100-101-035-04-01 |
Salaries-Preschool Teachers - MHS |
$1,750 |
|
8. |
11-240-100-101-040-05-00 |
Salaries - Bilingual Teachers - ALT |
11-215-100-101-035-04-01 |
Salaries-Preschool Teachers - MHS |
$2,855 |
|
9. |
11-230-100-101-040-05-00 |
Salaries-Basic Skills Teachers - ALT |
11-214-100-101-033-07-00 |
Salaries - Autism Teachers - MS |
$1,798 |
B.3. Instructional Technology Purchasing
RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the following technology purchasing:
|
Equipment |
Cost |
|
175 - Dell 11 3100 Chromebooks and Licenses |
$67,812.50 |
Purchasing through State of NJ Purchasing Contract M0483/19TELE0656.
B.4. Contract for Voice and Wide Area Network
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with Optimum Lightpath for Voice and Wide Area Network at a total cost of $12,760 per month. This is a 10 Gb network which will replace our 1 Gb network. Three year contract to begin on July 1, 2022. Contract terms through ESCNJ 17/18-45.
B.5. Vehicle Purchase
RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the following vehicle purchase:
|
Item |
Vendor |
Amount |
|
2022 Ford F-250 |
Beyer Ford |
$55,278.50 |
Purchasing through State of NJ Purchasing Contract #88727
B.6. Updated Traffic Control Plan Contract
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following contract with its Architect of Record, Parette Somjen Associates, for an updated traffic control plan.
|
Project Name |
Project Scope |
Cost Not to Exceed |
|
Updated Traffic Control Plan |
The Warren Township Board of Education wishes to proceed with the development of updated Traffic Control Plans for all five (5) K-8 schools, the Administration Building and the Maintenance Facility within the Warren Township school district. The following school campuses/facilities are included in this study: A.L. Tomaso School, Central School, Mt. Horeb School, Woodland School, Warren Middle School, Administration Building and Maintenance Facility. |
Professional Fee: $9,300 Reimbursable Fee: $600 |
B.7. Board Norms for Communication and Operations
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the revised Board Norms
for Communication and Operations.
C. Personnel/Student Services
C.1. Substitute Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as a substitute teacher for the 2021-2022 school year.
|
Name |
|
Sumathi Srinivasan |
C.2. Movement on the Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2021-2022 salary guide:
|
Name |
From |
To |
Effective |
|
Gianna Bonfiglio |
BA |
BA+15 |
02/01/2022 |
C.3. Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following leave requests:
|
Employee ID |
Paid/Unpaid |
|
#3468 |
FMLA - June 6, 2022 through June 20, 2022 (paid) |
|
#2690 |
FMLA - March 8, 2022 through March 24, 2022 (paid) |
|
#2213 |
FMLA - August 29, 2022 through September 9, 2022 (paid) NJFLA - September 12, 2022 through December 2, 2022 (unpaid) Extended Leave - December 3, 2022 through December 23, 2022 (unpaid) |
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 |
|
Frances Blabolil |
LDTC 02-30-06/abi |
CS |
Retirement |
September 1, 1989 through June 30, 2022 |
|
Joseph Scott |
Custodian, WMS 04-3310/aob |
WMS |
Resignation |
July 3, 2017 through March 31, 2022 |
|
Alia Torres |
School Psychologist 02-40-06/bbp |
ALT |
Resignation |
August 30, 2021 through June 30, 2022 |
|
Sitta Cohen |
Grade 8 Math Teacher 02-33-22/acz |
WMS |
Retirement |
September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2022 |
|
Tam Quach |
Elementary Education Teacher 02-40-22/bfj |
ALT |
Resignation |
December 7, 2018 through June 30, 2022 |
|
Deborah Hunt |
Grade 8 Math Teacher 02-33-22/bdb |
WMS |
Retirement |
September 1, 2002 through June 30, 2022 |
|
Barbara Pellicano |
Elementary School Teacher 02-40-22/aqr |
ALT |
Retirement |
September 1, 1988 through June 30, 2022 |
C.5. Compacted Schedule for Summer 2022
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a four-day compacted
work schedule for Summer 2022, from the week of July 4th, up to and including the week of August 15th.
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 of $50.00 per hour.
|
Name |
Course |
Date |
Prep Hours |
Instructor Hours |
Cost Total Not to Exceed |
|
Aditi Patel |
Tech 101- Part 2 |
March 23, 2022 |
1 |
1 |
$100.00 |
|
Carol Brown |
Trauma and its impact on children, teenagers and adults |
April 11, 2022 |
3 |
1 |
$200.00 |
|
Carol Brown |
Executive Function Skills: What are they, how does a weakness in these skills impact students in the classroom |
March 21, 2022 |
3 |
1 |
$200.00 |
|
Kristen Stoyanov |
Unlock Your Reading Superpowers: Teaching Reading Strategies as Superpowers |
March 31, 2022 |
3 |
1 |
$200.00 |
|
Lynn Alger |
Google Drive Organization Part 2 |
March 31, 2022 |
3 |
1 |
$200.00 |
C.7. 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 |
|
Angela Arpino |
October 11, 2021 through June 30, 2022 |
1:1 Paraprofessional CS 32.5 hrs per week $30,806 (with stipend) |
Leave Replacement Teacher CS, BA Step 5, $63,144 prorated |
|
Sara Kolesar |
May 16, 2022 through June 30, 2022 |
Grade 3 CS 02-30-22/arb |
Grade 4 CS 02-30-22/amx |
|
Danielle Exter |
May 16, 2022 through June 30, 2022 |
Grade 4 CS 02-30-22/amx |
Grade 3 CS 02-30-22/arb |
C.8. Spring Curriculum Writing Projects
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for the spring 2022 curriculum writing projects, as per the WTEA negotiated agreement, at a rate of $50 per hour, at a cost not to exceed $23,000:
|
Names |
||||
|
Doug Clark |
Aubrey Pellerin |
Sean Ulichney |
Andrew Ahimovic |
Danielle Buzby |
|
Timothy Fabiano |
Kathryn Speckin |
Daniel Ticchio |
Simone Miller |
Cathlin Sweeney |
|
Kelly Brown |
Elena Marinello |
Christina Tommaso |
Deanna DeRoner |
Jill Andrews |
|
Cristina Trump |
Rebecca Leschinsky |
Lynn Degen |
Tim O’Heney |
Bonnie Pierson |
|
Steven Rizzoli |
Sue Kline |
Lynn Alger |
Amanda McGrath |
Kim Bostory |
|
Lindsay Le Neve |
Chris Burkhardt |
Susan Jackson |
Michelle Zgombic |
Christina Cirotti |
C.9. Additional Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following additional hours:
|
Name |
Student # |
Club/Purpose |
Starting Date |
Cost |
|
Valerie Nelson |
1316551903 |
Track |
March 14, 2022 |
$520 (18 hours) |
|
Teresa Kuprat |
1316551903 |
Track |
March 14, 2022 |
$245 (9 hours) |
XIII. Unfinished Business
None
XIV. New Business
Ad Hoc Return to School Committee Recommendation
During the March 3, 2022 meeting of the committee, the committee agreed to recommend to the board that, in the event of changing conditions without State of New Jersey mandates, Dr. Mingle would be given temporary authority to require masking districtwide until the next board meeting. The board would then decide whether to continue the mask requirement.
Dr. Mingle stated that he would want formal action on the COVID protocols if an outbreak occurs. Mr. Weinstein asked process questions of the committee. Mr. Desai gave responses based on the discussion of the committee. Mrs. Zohn reiterated that the board must support the decisions/process outlined by Dr. Mingle. Mr. Bisci stated that Dr. Mingle’s power would include taking steps to keep schools open.
On motion by Mr. Croson to approve the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Return to School committee, seconded by Mr. Desai, the motion was approved by a 9-0 voice 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;
- 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. Mariette Dzeletovic - King George Road, spoke about Return to School topics. She also stated it was a pleasure to attend pre-meeting and appreciated the willingness of Mr. Brezee and Dr. Mingle to talk about anything.
● Ms. Shefali Tejani - Aspen Court, stated that she would appreciate a district reminder prior to Board meetings. She also asked some clarifying questions on Planning for Elementary Growth process.
On motion by Mr. Croson to close public commentary, seconded by Mr. Valentino, the motion was approved by a 9-0 voice vote.
XVI. Executive Session
● At 8:22 p.m. Ms. Keller 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:
pending or anticipated litigation or contract or other negotiations and/or matters of attorney-client privilege
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. Weinstein and approved by unanimous voice vote.
On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mr. Croson, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:26 p.m.
XVII. Adjourn
On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mr. Croson, the meeting was adjourned at 9:26 p.m.
Minutes submitted by,
Christopher Heagele
Board Secretary
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Last modified on Thursday, February 24, 2022