Minutes for October 17, 2022
Archived Minutes
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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day at the Warren Middle School, 100 Old Stirling Road, Warren, NJ. 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,
Todd Weinstein, Patricia Zohn and David Brezee
Absent: Ryan Valentino
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 session minutes of the October 3, 2022 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Zohn and approved by a 7-0-1 roll-call vote.
(Mrs. DiMaggio abstained.)
V. Correspondence and Information
· HIB Information
|
Total # of Investigations: |
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: |
|||
|
0 |
0 |
· Suspension Report
|
In School: |
Out of School: |
|||
|
0 |
2 |
VI. President's Remarks – Mr. David Brezee
● Mr. Brezee announced that a special board meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. to approve an amended contract for Dr. Mingle.
VII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle
● Dr. Mingle stated that October has been designated as principal’s month. He thanked our five principals and one assistant principal for their service to our school community.
VIII. Presentation
● Strategic Plan Update with a Focus on Belonging and Rezoning - Dr. Matthew Mingle made a brief presentation.
● State Testing Report - Mr. Bill Kimmick presented the Spring 2022 State Assessment Results for Warren Township Schools.
IX. Discussion
None
X. Committee Reports
● Curriculum, Communications, and Technology Committee - No meeting
○ Laura Keller - Chair, Mark Bisci, Daniel Croson, Lisa DiMaggio
Mrs. DiMaggio left the meeting at 8:13 p.m.
● Finance, Operations, and Security Committee - October 11, 2022
○ Patricia Zohn - Chair, Mark Bisci, David Brezee, Ryan Valentino:
Mrs. Zohn reported that the Finance Committee met on October 11 and discussed:
- An increase in health care premiums by over 15%. She noted that sufficient funds are available through the end of the year due to the district’s conservative budgeting approach.
- Summer Fun Financials - Summer Fun had a good year financially due to higher enrollment and slightly higher tuition rates.
- Motion C.6. and C.7. - Wage adjustment proposals for transportation and buildings and grounds were reviewed and approved by the committee for board consideration.
- The committee approved its 2022/2023 goals.
- Discussed the draft feasibility study on a proposal for a district kitchen. Committee focused on an option that would combine Options 2 / Options 3 to create a 6th Option. The Committee has not reached a consensus on how/whether to move a recommendation regarding the kitchen/lunch service forward to the full Board.
- Discussed response from Warren Middle School PTO on their lunch program.
- Administration suggested that the committee meet as a committee of the whole to discuss the budget.
- Mr. Brezee and Mrs. Zohn reported on an upcoming meeting with two Warren Township committee members on the PILOT.
● Personnel and Negotiations Committee - October 3, 2022
○ Todd Weinstein - Chair, Mehul Desai, Laura Keller:
Mr. Weinstein reported that the committee met to prepare for the WTAA negotiations. The committee also set its 2022-2023 goals for the year.
● Ad Hoc Planning for Elementary Growth Committee - No meeting
○ Mark Bisci, Laura Keller, Todd Weinstein
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).
● Mr. Stephen Toor, Nottingham Way - Spoke on healthcare premiums.
● Ms. Mariette Dzeletovic, King George Road - Spoke on State Assessment Presentation.
● Ms. Jessica Bodajlo, Brady Road - Thanked Dr. Mingle and Mr. Kimmick for their presentations. Appreciates that the PTOs have been included in the process. Also had various questions about both presentations.
On motion by Mr. Weinstein to close public commentary, seconded by Mr. Croson, the motion was approved by a 7-0 voice vote.
XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action
Dr. Mingle answered several questions that were raised during public comment.
Dr. Mingle thanked the personnel/finance committee for support of wage adjustment.
On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mrs. Zohn, the consent items A.1. through A.3., B.1. through B.6., and C.1. through C.8. were approved by a 7-0 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 October 3, 2022.
A.2. HIB Self-Assessment
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the HIB Self-Assessment for the 2021-2022 school year.
A.3. Bedside Instruction
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the bedside instruction through LearnWell for Student #5213475863, beginning October 5, 2022, at an hourly rate of $44.50, at a cost not to exceed $2,966.
B. Finance/Operations/Transportation
B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of October 2022 in the amount of $4,653,582.31.
B.2. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the secretary for the month of September 2022.
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on September 30, 2022.
|
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
|
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$14,044,660.77 |
$1,484,579.02 |
|
|
(10) General Current Expense |
$0.00 |
||
|
(11) Current Expense |
$1,542,366.45 |
||
|
(12) Capital Outlay |
$22,232.33 |
||
|
(13) Special Schools |
$5,511.30 |
||
|
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
($103,253.05) |
$48,723.45 |
$0.00 |
|
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$8,608,485.79 |
($11,977.59) |
($1,653,267.26) |
|
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$179.41 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
TOTAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS |
$22,550,072.92 |
$1,606,855.94 |
($168,688.24) |
|
(60) Milk Fund |
$18,377.49 |
($27,900.00) |
$14,113.49 |
|
(61) Juice and Water Fund |
$51,270.64 |
($3,559.29) |
$48,174.64 |
|
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS |
$69,648.13 |
($31,459.29) |
$62,288.13 |
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.3. Budget Transfers for Month of September 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. |
11-000-230-630-000-01-00 |
BOE - Meeting Supplies |
11-000-230-610-000-01-00 |
Administration - Supplies |
$1,230 |
|
2. |
11-000-240-800-035-04-00 |
Principal Dues - Mt. Horeb |
11-000-240-600-035-04-10 |
Admin. Supplies - Mt. Horeb |
$57 |
|
3. |
11-000-251-580-000-00-00 |
Travel - Business Office |
11-000-251-600-000-01-00 |
Business Office - Supplies |
$1,200 |
|
4. |
11-000-291-290-000-00-00 |
Other Employee Benefits |
11-000-217-320-040-08-00 |
Extraordinary Svcs.-Purchased Svcs.-ALT |
$20,000 |
|
5. |
11-000-291-290-000-00-00 |
Other Employee Benefits |
11-000-262-100-000-09-16 |
Summer Maintenance Workers |
$20,000 |
|
6. |
11-000-291-290-000-00-00 |
Other Employee Benefits |
11-000-270-161-000-10-02 |
Transportation - Special Ed - Subs |
$15,000 |
|
7. |
11-000-291-290-000-00-00 |
Other Employee Benefits |
11-000-270-518-000-10-00 |
Contracted Special Ed Transp.- ESC |
$11,000 |
|
8. |
11-000-291-290-000-00-00 |
Other Employee Benefits |
11-000-291-260-000-00-00 |
Worker's Compensation |
$10,000 |
|
9. |
11-000-291-290-000-00-00 |
Other Employee Benefits |
11-000-291-270-000-00-00 |
Health Benefits |
$80,000 |
|
10. |
11-190-100-320-035-04-99 |
Purchased Educational Svcs - MHS |
11-190-100-610-035-04-99 |
Instructional Supplies - MHS |
$4,000 |
|
11. |
11-204-100-106-050-06-00 |
Salaries - LLD Aides - WS |
11-204-100-101-033-07-00 |
Salaries - LLD Teacher - MS |
$5,262 |
|
12. |
11-204-100-106-050-06-00 |
Salaries - LLD Aides - WS |
11-209-100-106-040-05-00 |
Salaries - SEED - Aides - ALT |
$32,668 |
|
13. |
11-204-100-500-033-08-00 |
LLD - Purchased Services-MS |
11-214-100-500-030-08-00 |
Autism - Purchases Services - CS |
$45 |
|
14. |
11-216-100-500-035-08-00 |
PSD - Purchased Services - MHS |
11-214-100-500-030-08-00 |
Autism - Purchases Services - CS |
$45 |
|
15. |
11-402-100-600-033-07-00 |
Sports Supplies - MS |
11-402-100-800-033-07-00 |
Sports - Miscellaneous |
$2,800 |
|
16. |
12-000-266-730-030-09-00 |
Security - Equipment - CS |
11-000-263-610-000-09-00 |
Grounds - Supplies |
$160 |
B.4. Finance, Operations, and Security Committee Goals
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Finance, Operations, and Security Committee goals for the 2022-2023 School
Year:
● Support the implementation of year two strategic plan priorities that focus on Finance, Operations, and Security:
○ Evaluate the district’s safety and security procedures and identify opportunities for enhancement.
○ Implement referendum projects.
○ Implement short-term lunch programs and plan for long-term lunch program implementation.
○ Update the long-range capital plan.
● Advise the board regarding the development of the 2023-2024 budget.
● Review the impact of new residential development on district operations.
B.5. Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP)
Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (Form M-1)
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following motion:
WHEREAS, the Department of Education requires New Jersey School Districts to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) and the Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) which documents "required" maintenance activities for each of its public school facilities, and
WHEREAS, the required maintenance activities as listed in the attached document for the various school facilities of the Warren Township Schools are consistent with these requirements, and
WHEREAS, all past and planned activities are reasonable to keep school facilities open and safe for use or in their original condition and to keep their system warranties valid, and
Now, therefore be it RESOLVED that the Warren Township School District hereby authorizes the School Business Administrator to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) and the Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) for the Warren Township Schools in compliance with Department of Education requirements.
B.6. Transportation for Out-of-District Student - 2022-2023 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Somerset County Educational Services Commission for 2022-2023 School Year transportation for out-of-district student as follows:
|
School |
Student ID # |
Cost |
|
The Community School |
1363196692 |
$334.41 per diem |
(This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on August 29, 2022)
C. Personnel/Student Services
C.1. Warren Academy Courses - Instructor Stipend 2022-2023
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 |
|
Carol Brown* |
Youth Mental Health First Aid |
November 21 & December 12, 2022 |
2 |
2 |
$200.00 |
|
Carol Brown* |
Youth Mental Health First Aid |
January 30 & February 13, 2023 |
2 |
2 |
$200.00 |
|
Carol Brown* |
Youth Mental Health First Aid |
March 6 & March 20, 2023 |
2 |
2 |
$200.00 |
|
Michelle Zgombic |
Digital Feedback for Formative Assessment |
November 16 & 17, 2022 |
4 |
2 |
$300.00 |
|
Kimberly Bostory |
Helpful Tech Tips for Paraprofessionals |
October 25, 26 & 27, 2022 |
5 |
3 |
$400.00 |
|
Michelle Zgombic |
Canva: Design Applications for your Classroom |
November 2 & 3, 2022 |
4 |
2 |
$300.00 |
|
Francesca Frosoni |
All About Writing Workshop |
November 3 & December 1, 2022 |
2 |
2 |
$200.00 |
|
Cynthia Cassidy |
Navigating the Alternate Observation |
November 17, 2022 |
1 |
1 |
$100.00 |
|
Myranda Shimko |
Making Breakout EDU Work for You |
November 3, 2022 |
1 |
1 |
$100.00 |
|
Cynthia Cassidy |
Using Canva with your Students |
December 8, 2022 & February 9, 2023 |
2 |
2 |
$200.00 |
|
MaryEllen Weaver |
Meditation for Concentration & Focus |
November 29, December 6 & 13, 2022 |
5 |
3 |
$400.00 |
|
Marissa Marton-Sarao |
Communicating Smarter, Not Harder |
November 15, 2022 |
1 |
1 |
$100.00 |
|
Kimberly Bostory |
Tips, Tricks and Updates you Need to Know from Google |
November 29 & 30, 2022 |
2 |
2 |
$200.00 |
|
Cynthia Cassidy |
Building Relationships in the Classroom |
December 1, 2022 |
3 |
1 |
$200.00 |
|
Cynthia Cassidy |
App Smash: Exploring WTSD Resources |
December 7, 2022 |
1 |
1 |
$100.00 |
|
Francesca Frosoni |
Alternate Observation |
November 17, 2022 |
1 |
1 |
$100.00 |
|
Laura Rodaman |
Let’s ‘Start’ Writing |
November 15, 22, 29 & December 6, 2022 |
12 |
4 |
$800.00 |
|
Simone Miller |
Canva for Beginners |
November 15 & 30 December 6 & 14, 2022 |
12 |
4 |
$800.00 |
|
Kimberly Bostory |
Canva is on my Classlink.. Now What? |
November 3 & 4, 2022 |
4 |
2 |
$300.00 |
* Fully funded through ESSER II.
C.2. Personnel and Negotiations Committee Goals
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Personnel and Negotiations Committee goals for the 2022-2023 School Year:
● Negotiate a successor collective bargaining agreement with the Warren Township Administrators Association.
● Review and advise on Superintendent recommendations for adjustments to nonaligned staff compensation.
● Conduct the Superintendent evaluation process.
C.3. Bus Monitor - Appointment and Substitute Rate
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves all district staff to be appointed as a substitute bus monitor at a per trip rate of $25 for all substitute bus monitors for the 2022-2023 school year.
C.4. Employment Rescission
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education rescinds the appointment of Dormi Borrayes as School Custodian for Warren Township Schools effective October 6, 2022.
C.5. Approval to Create Position
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves to create the following position for 2022-2023 school year:
|
Location |
Position |
Full-Time Equivalent |
|
MH |
1:1 Preschool Paraprofessional 08-35-08/bny |
32.5 hrs per week |
C.6. Wage Rate Adjustments for Designated Unaffiliated Transportation Staff
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves wage rate adjustments for designated unaffiliated Transportation Staff, effective November 1, 2022.
C.7. Wage Rate Adjustments for Designated Unaffiliated Buildings & Grounds Staff
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves wage rate adjustments for designated unaffiliated Buildings & Grounds Staff, effective December 1, 2022.
C.8. Substitute Custodian
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following as Substitute Custodians at the rate of $18.81 per hour, conditional upon the final approval by the New Jersey Department of Education. The Board further authorizes the submission of an application for emergency hiring.
|
Names |
|
|
Miguel Rubio |
Matthew Fernandez |
XIII. Unfinished Business
None
XIV. New Business
None
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. Jessica Bodajlo, Brady Road - Had a question on the National School Lunch Program.
● Ms. Lindsey D’Ecclessis, Mountain Avenue - Had a question about crosswalks and crossing guards.
On motion by Mrs. Zohn to close public commentary, seconded by Mr. Weinstein, the motion was approved by a 7-0 voice vote.
Dr. Mingle answered several questions that were raised during public commentary.
XVI. Executive Session
● At 8:46 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:
a collective bargaining agreement and/or negotiations related to it
Action will not 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 Mrs. Zohn and approved by unanimous voice vote.
On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mrs. Zohn, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:12 p.m.
XVII. Adjourn
On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mr. Croson, the meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
Minutes submitted by,
Christopher Heagele
Board Secretary
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