Minutes for August 21, 2023History icon 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. 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 6:30 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 9, 2023. This notice was on that date posted on the bulletin board in the Township Office, sent to the Courier News and TAPinto Warren, and filed with the Township Clerk of the Township of 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: Mehul Desai, Natalie Feuchtbaum, Laura Keller (Virtual), Patricia Zohn and David Brezee

Absent: Scott Otto, Stephen Toor, Ryan Valentino and Todd Weinstein,

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

IV. Minutes

● Mrs. Zohn moved the following:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public and private minutes of the July 17, 2023 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Keller and approved by a 5-0 roll-call vote.

V. Correspondence and Information

● Dr. Mingle reported that the Board received two emails.

· HIB Information

Total # of Investigations:

   

Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents:

 
 

0

   

0

· Suspension Report

In School:

   

Out of School:

 
 

0

   

0

VI. President's Remarks - Mr. David Brezee

● Mr. Brezee thanked Buildings & Grounds staff for their hard work during the summer.

● Mr. Brezee welcomes new staff (motion C.1.on the agenda).

● Mr. Brezee congratulated staff moving up on the salary guide (motion C.5.on the agenda)

VII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle

● Dr. Mingle reminded the board that the first day of school is August 31.

● Dr. Mingle stated that all student information is now available in Genesis.

● Dr. Mingle read a statement related to a lawsuit against the district, which has now been dismissed.

VIII. Presentations

None

IX. Discussion

None

X. Committee Reports

● Curriculum, Communications, and Technology Committee - No meeting

○ Ryan Valentino - Chair, Mehul Desai, Natalie Feuchtbaum, Todd Weinstein

● Finance, Operations, and Security Committee - August 14, 2023

○ Patricia Zohn - Chair, David Brezee, Scott Otto, Ryan Valentino:

Mrs. Zohn reported that the committee met on August 14. The committee discussed the following:

  1. Wetland Study, Phase II is on the agenda (motion B.10.). The committee recommends approval.
  2. Security discussion in advance of the planned board executive session.
  3. Five year plan was presented, for information only.

● Personnel and Negotiations Committee - August 15, 2023

○ Laura Keller - Chair, David Brezee, Stephen Toor, Todd Weinstein:

Ms. Keller reported that the committee met August 15. The committee discussed:

  1. The Chain of Command (motion A.7.)
  2. Board Certified Behavior Analyst job description (motion C.21.)

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:

  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 Board of Education welcomes and encourages input from the public. Being mindful of privacy rights regarding students and board employees and to avoid any potential liability on the part of the speaker, the board discourages references to specific individuals. While directing your comments or questions to the board president, please understand that the public comment portions of the meeting are not structured as question and answer sessions but rather are offered as opportunities for you to share your thoughts with the board. The board president may need to refer an issue to the superintendent if the particular issue has not been handled through the appropriate chain of command with the school district. However, responses may be provided at the end of this session. There are times when comments and questions will require additional fact gathering before a response is provided.

● Ms. Nancy Andrews, WTEA President - Welcomed all new staff to the Warren Township School District.

On motion by Mr. Desai to close public commentary, seconded by Mrs. Feuchtbaum, the motion was approved by a 5-0 voice vote.

XII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Dr. Mingle stated the following:

➢ The Chain of Command document will be available online after the meeting.

➢ Board Goals and Plan of Action to be sent to the Board later this week.

➢ Motion D.1: Policies will be approved after one ready only per State of New Jersey rules.

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mrs. Feuchtbaum, the consent items A.1. through A.9., B.1. through B.12., C.1. through C.24., and D.1., were approved by a 5-0 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 July 17, 2023.

A.2. Out-of-District Placement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following out-of-district tuition for 2023-2024 school year:

School

Student ID #

ESY Cost

SY Cost

Celebrate the Children

8830524421

N/A

$108,595

(*This motion supersedes previous motion from July 17, 2023.)

A.3. Tuition Contract

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a tuition contract with the Long Hill Township School District, for Student # 3503375341 to attend Warren Township School District’s 2023-2024 LLD program at Warren Middle School with tuition rate as follows:

School Year

Amount

Extended School Year

(6/26/2023 through 7/28/2023)

$3,913

Regular School Year

(8/31/2023 through 6/30/2024)

$44,020

A.4. Fieldwork Site

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following supervised

clinical fieldwork at Warren Township BOE for the 2023-2024 School Year:

School

Clinical Field

Rowan University

Practicum of Nursing

A.5. Curriculum Guides - 2023-2024

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following new and

revised curriculum guides:

  1. Grade 6 ELA Curriculum Revision
  2. Grade 7 ELA Curriculum Revision
  3. Grade 8 ELA Curriculum Revision

A.6. Emergency Remote Instruction Plan

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves 2023-2024 Emergency Virtual Instruction Plan.

A.7. Communications Process Flow Chart

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adopts the Communications Process Flow Chart.

A.8. Board Goals

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adopts the following goals for the

2023-2024 school year:

  1. Adopt a new five-year capital plan.
  2. Negotiate a successor collective bargaining agreement with the Warren Township Education Association.
  3. Draft communications/messaging strategies for key community topics.
  4. Support the implementation of year four strategic plan priorities.

A.9. District Goals

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adopts the following goals for the

2023-2024 school year:

  1. Student Achievement
    1. Improve student outcomes in

      i. English Language Arts (ELA) by focusing on a consistent set of best practices and standards alignment in all ELA classrooms;

      ii. Math by focusing on a consistent set of best practices and standards alignment in all math classrooms; and

      iii. Social-Emotional Learning competencies (SEL) by clarifying expectations for staff roles in implementing SEL to promote academic and social growth of students.

  1. Belonging
    1. Increase the cultural proficiency of educators by:

      i. Engaging staff in conversations that help them recognize and improve their own cultural proficiency; and

      ii. Engaging staff in lessons on culturally responsive teaching.

  1. Increase student sense of belonging by:

    i. Creating spaces where all are empowered to develop their authentic selves;

    ii. Getting to know students’ evolving stories, strengths, ambitions, and needs;

    iii. Providing programs that foster student wellness and resilience;

    iv. Ensuring dignity and kindness for all, in every situation; and

    v. Building bridges across race, culture and identity to create a community where all are valued.

  1. Improve Middle School culture by:

    i. Engaging students in activities that foster student wellness and resilience;

    ii. Building a culture of dignity and kindness for all; and

    iii. Building bridges across race, culture and identity to create a community where all are valued.

  1. Operations
    1. Capital Plan

      i. Implement referendum projects.

      ii. Update the long-range capital plan.

  1. Safety
    i. Develop a safety and security five-year action plan based on the results of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office’s evaluation.

 

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of August 2023 in the amount of $2,109,673.70.

B.2. 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

Matthew Mingle

District

New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop

Atlantic City

Oct. 23-26, 2023

$1,200

William Kimmick

District

New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop

Atlantic City

Oct. 23-26, 2023

$1,245

Christopher Heagele

District

New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop

Atlantic City

Oct. 23-26, 2023

$1,190

Molly Lange

District

New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop

Atlantic City

Oct. 23-26, 2023

$1,196

Christine Smith

ALT

New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop

Atlantic City

Oct. 23-26, 2023

$1,200

Michael Pate

District

New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop

Atlantic City

Oct. 23-26, 2023

$1,178

Maria Mensinger

MS

Annual Middle Level Education Conference

National Harbor, MD

Nov. 2-3, 2023

$1,800

Cynthia Cassidy

MS

Annual Middle Level Education Conference

National Harbor, MD

Nov. 1-3, 2023

$1,256

 

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.3. Extraordinary Aid 2022-2023 - Acceptance

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts Extraordinary Aid funding from the 2022-2023 school year in the amount of $839,709.

B.4. Extraordinary Aid 2022-2023 - Allocation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an increase to the 2023-2024 budget to recognize 2022-2023 Extraordinary Aid in the amount of $839,709 and allocates the $689,709 which is above the budgeted $150,000 as follows:

● Revenue Account: 10-3131 Extraordinary Aid (10-303 Budgeted Fund Balance)

● Expense Account: 11-110-100-101: Kindergarten Salary - $60,000

● Expense Account: 11-120-100-101: Grades 1-5 Salary - $120,000

● Expense Account: 11-190-100-800: Field Trips - Middle School - $6,000

● Expense Account: 11-213-100-101: RC Teacher Salary - $40,000

● Expense Account: 11-000-100-566 - Tuition: Private School - $100,000

● Expense Account: 11-000-217-106 - Extraordinary Paras Salaries - $44,000

● Expense Account: 11-000-230-339 - Purchased Professional Services - $5,000

● Expense Account: 11-000-291-220 - Social Security - $75,000

● Expense Account: 11-209-100-101 - Salaries - SEED Teachers - $78,815

● Expense Account: 11-214-100-101 - Salaries - Autism Teachers - $84,550

● Expense Account: 13-422-100-101 - Summer Fun Teachers - $60,450

● Expense Account: 13-422-100-106 - Summer Fun Paraprofessionals - $15,894

B.5. Sale/Disposal of Obsolete Items

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

Item

Description

Identification Number

Piano

Heritage Series by

Young & Change

Serial # T00064384

Piano

Everett Piano

Asset Tag #005038

B.6. Award of Food Commercial Vendor

WHEREAS, the Board received the following responses to its Request for Proposal to seek a commercial vended meal contract for the National School Lunch Program (district wide) 2023-2024 school year:

Vendor Proposals Received

Catering Solutions

Nu-Way Concessionaires

Karson Food Service

Solos Food

15 Walnut LLC

DBA Misters Food Service

 

WHEREAS, the Food Service Working Group evaluated the proposals and drafted an evaluation report which recommends 15 Walnut LLC DBA Misters as the successful respondent.

WHEREAS, 15 Walnut LLC DBA Misters bid a lunch price of $3.40 for each elementary school meal provided and a lunch price of $3.45 for each middle school meal provided.

WHEREAS, the Total Estimated Cost of Contract is $307,125.00 as calculated per New Jersey Department of Agriculture requirements.

Now, therefore be it RESOLVED that the Board hereby accepts the recommendation of the Food Service Working Group and awards the contract, pending review, to 15 Walnut LLC DBA Misters for the 2023-2024 school year.

(*This motion supersedes the motion from June 12, 2023.)

B.7. Transportation for Out-of-District Student - SCESC - ESY

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Somerset County ESC for 2023 ESY transportation for Out-of-District students as follows:

School

Student ID #

Total Cost

Celebrate the Children

8830524421

$2,079.55

B.8. Donation - Musical Instrument

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts with gratitude, an anonymous donation of a Giuseppe Meucci violin for Warren Middle School.

B.9. Donation - Watchung Hills Regional High School Preschool Supplies

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts with gratitude the donation of various preschool supplies from the Watchung Hills Regional High School District.

B.10. Expanded (Phase II) Wetlands Analysis Proposal

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a proposal from Parette Somjen Architects to conduct an expanded Phase II Wetlands Analysis at Warren Middle School, not to exceed $36,150.

B.11. Milk Price for 2023-2024 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby sets the price for milk at $0.50/carton for the 2023-2024 school year.

B.12. Alternate Toilet Room Facilities

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a resolution to provide an alternate method of compliance with N.J.A.C. 6A:26-6.3, by providing toilet rooms adjacent to but not inside the classroom in lieu of individual toilet rooms in each classroom for two kindergarten classrooms in Central School.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2023-2024 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

Rosa Scali

12 month Secretary

03-50-07/aes

WS

N/A

2

$58,460

On or about September 26, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Yes

To replace employee #0699

Madelyn Chester

Grade 2 Teacher

MH

BA

1

$61,273

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Yes

To replace employee #3442

Parsad Gandhi

School Psychologist

02-33-06/bbo

WMS

MA

7

$73,852

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Yes

To replace employee #3640

Aimee Runfolo

1:1 Paraprofessional 32.5 hrs

08-30-08/bnv

CS

N/A

1

$28,795

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

No

To replace employee #3727

Karly Trimble

Leave Replacement Paraprofessional 30 hrs per week

MH

N/A

2

$28,860 with stipend

(prorated)

August 28, 2023 through December 22, 2023

No

To replace employee #3720

Niki Marie Mott

Leave Replacement Teacher

CS

MA

1

$67,400 (prorated)

August 28, 2023 through on or about February 29, 2024

No

To replace employee #3321

Andrea Fazio

.25 Part-Time Multi-Duty Paraprofessional 7.5 hrs per week

WMS

N/A

7

$6,761.25

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

No

New Position

Celeste Massa

.25 Part-Time Multi-Duty Paraprofessional 7.5 hrs per week

WMS

N/A

7

$6,761.25

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

No

New Position

Kelcey Sheeley

Grade 2 Teacher

02-50-22/bmb

WS

BA

3

$62,993

(prorated)

On or about October 9, 2023 (or upon release from contract) through June 30, 2024

Yes

To replace employee #1483

Courtney Scott

Grade 5 Teacher

02-40-19/bmq

ALT

BA

2

$62,133

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Yes

To replace employee #3475

Amy Petrik

1:1 Paraprofessional, 32.5 hours

08-50-08/boq

WS

N/A

3

$29,845

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

No

To replace employee #3766

Jennifer Guarino

Classroom Paraprofessional

30 hours

08-50-08/bjq

WS

N/A

1

$26,580

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

No

To replace employee #3704

Gurvinder Dabb

Multi-Duty Paraprofessional 30 hours

08-50-08/bjr

WS

N/A

4

$25,485

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

No

To replace employee #1151

Tyler Firestine

1:1 Paraprofessional, 32.5 hrs

08-30-08/bkq

CS

N/A

4

$32,187

(with stipend)

September 7, 2023 through June 30, 2024

No

To replace employee #3406

Jennifer Ouimet

Leave Replacement Teacher

WS/ALT

MA

6

$72,537

August 28, 2023 through on or about December 12, 2023

No

To replace employee #3450

Loriann Carbone

1:1 Paraprofessional 32.5 hrs

08-30-08/bpb

CS

N/A

8-12

$32,662

On or about September 19, 2023 or upon release from contract) through June 30, 2024

No

New Position

Mary Johnstone

Leave Replacement Teacher

MH

BA

1

$61,273

On or about September 26, 2023 through April 8, 2024

No

To replace employee #2691

Monika Rosinski

Leave Replacement Paraprofessional, 30 hrs

CS

N/A

1

$26,580

On or about August 28, 2023 through on or about November 11, 2023

No

To replace employee #3384

Mary Spitz

1:1 Paraprofessional, 32.5 hrs

08-40-08/bja

ALT

N/A

15-16

$35,670

(with stipend)

On or about August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

No

To replace employee #3619

Mary Myers

Grade 1 Teacher

02-30-22/bmn

CS

BA

1

$61,273

On or about August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Yes

To replace employee #3442

Megan Mongno

Special Education Teacher

02-35-22/ard

MH

MA+45

17-18

$96,766

On or about August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Yes

To replace employee #3059

Heather Coon

Part-Time Multi-Duty Paraprofessional

20 hrs per week

CS

N/A

4

$16,989

On or about August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

No

To replace employee #3589

C.2. Renewal - Substitute Teachers/Nurses

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached list of substitute teachers/nurses for the 2023-2024 school year.

C.3. Leave Request

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

Employee ID

Paid/Unpaid

#0508

FMLA - August 28, 2023 through on or about November 3, 2023 (paid)

#0541

FMLA - August 28, 2023 through November 17, 2023 (paid)

Extended Leave - November 20, 2023 through December 1, 2023 (paid)

#3218

FMLA - January 2, 2024 through January 31, 2024 (paid)

FMLA - February 1, 2024 through February 23, 2024 (unpaid)

NJFLA - February 26, 2024 through May 24, 2024 (unpaid)

Extended Leave - May 27, 2024 through June 30, 2025 (unpaid)

#0682

FMLA - August 28, 2023 through September 29, 2023 (paid)

#2053

Extended Leave - August 28, 2023 through February 29, 2024 (paid)

(This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on July 17, 2023)

#0470

FMLA - September 25, 2023 through December 15, 2023 (paid)

Extended Leave - December 18, 2023 through December 22, 2023 (paid)

#0541

FMLA - August 28, 2023 through November 17, 2023 (paid)

Extended Leave - November 20, 2023 through December 1, 2023 (paid)

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

Abigail Litterio

Grade 3 Teacher

02-40-22/agu

ALT

Resignation

August 29, 2022 through September 19, 2023

(sooner if a replacement is found)

Sarah Hughes

Grade 5 Teacher

02-40-19/bmq

ALT

Resignation

September 3, 2019 through September 19, 2023

(sooner if a replacement is found)

Kimberly Bostory

Technology Coach

02-40-22/bdx

02-50-22/bdy

ALT

WS

Resignation

August 30, 2021 through September 22, 2023

(sooner if a replacement is found)

Nicole Panos

Grade 4 Teacher

02-50-22/bas

WS

Resignation

September 1, 2004 through September 18, 2023

(sooner if a replacement is found)

Seria Peguero

1:1 Paraprofessional (SEED)

08-40-08/bja

ALT

Resignation

August 31, 2021 through September 8, 2023 (sooner if a replacement is found)

Daniel Ticchio

Science Teacher

02-33-22/apg

WMS

Retirement

September 1, 2006 through April 30, 2024

C.5. Advancement on the Salary Guide

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for amended placements on the 2022-2023 salary guide:

Names

From

To

Effective

Michele Zgombic

MA+45

Doctorate

09/01/2023

Michele Wolkun

MA+30

MA+45

09/01/2023

Alyssa Pech

MA+15

MA+30

09/01/2023

Justina Thomson

MA+15

MA+30

09/01/2023

Scott Vaglio

MA+15

MA+30

09/01/2023

Jill Andrews

MA

MA+15

09/01/2023

Samantha Dock

BA+15

MA

09/01/2023

Reid Maglione

BA+15

MA

09/01/2023

Danielle Exter

BA

BA+15

09/01/2023

Sean Ulichny

BA

BA+15

09/01/2023

Liana Zadrozny

BA

BA+15

09/01/2023

Aubrey Pellerin

BA

BA+15

09/01/2023

Eliana Glassman

BA

BA+15

09/01/2023

C.6. Merit Pay - School Business Administrator

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the completion of the following 2022-2023 merit goals and subsequent merit goal completion payment for School Business Administrator Mr. Christopher Heagele as follows:

Criteria

Status

Merit Bonus Amount

Complete the School Safety Specialist Certification Program offered by the State of New Jersey Department of Education.

X Achieved

_ Partially Achieved

_ Not Achieved

2.5 % - $4,176.25

Develop a five-year financial & capital plan.

X Achieved

_ Partially Achieved

_ Not Achieved

2.5 % - $4,176.25

C.7. New Staff Induction Mentors

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following employees for their participation as mentors in the New Staff Induction Program orientation for 6 hours on August 24, 2023, at the WTEA contractual rate of $50 per hour per employee, for a total cost not to exceed $3,000.00.

Names

 

Liana Zadronzy

Cheryl Plager

Brian Kilroy

Beatrice Schwarzkopf

Jessica Mironski

Jennifer SanAntonio

Alison Hales

Linda Yu

 

Kathleen Haydu

Helen Scully

 

C.8. Employment Rescission

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education rescinds the appointment of Eduardo Bones as Summer/Substitute Custodian for Warren Township Schools effective May 16, 2023.

C.9. Superintendent Evaluation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the evaluation for the

Superintendent for the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.

C.10. Warren Middle School Staff Additional Hours Summer 2023

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Middle School counseling staff to work extra three days total, at the employee’s per diem rate, as noted below:

Name

Position

Amount

Jenna Rotella

Guidance Counselor

Not to exceed $1,011.00

(By August 25, 2023)

Helen Scully

Guidance Counselor

Not to exceed $1,569.95

(By August 25, 2023)

Lauren Systo

Guidance Counselor

Not to exceed $1,335.38

(By August 25, 2023)

C.11. 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

Notes

Deanna DeRoner

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Grade 3 Teacher

WS

Grade 3 Teacher

ALT

To replace employee #3475

Marybeth Henry

August 28, 2023 through November 22, 2023

Classroom Paraprofessional CS

Step 15-16 $33,065 (with stipend)

Leave Replacement Special Education Teacher CS

BA, Step 3

$62,993 (prorated)

To replace employee #3600

Karly Trimble

January 2, 2024 through June 30, 2024

Leave Replacement Paraprofessional, MH, 30 hrs $ $28,860

Grade 3 Teacher

MH, $61,273

02-35-22/adz

To replace employee #1475

Tina Nguyen

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Classroom Paraprofessional, 30 hrs, step 7, $31,410 with stipend

08-50-08/bjq

Grade 4 Teacher

BA, Step 5

$64,848

02-50-22/bas

To replace employee #1752

Angela Arpino

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Grade 2 Teacher, WS

BA, step 5

$64,848

Grade 3 Teacher, WS

BA, step 5

$64,848

Enrollment

Christine Rzasa

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Reading Specialist

MH/WS

Reading Specialist

MH

Enrollment

Antoinette Confessore

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Classroom Paraprofessional 30 hrs, WS

$30,150

Classroom Paraprofessional 30 hrs, WS

$31,950

(with stipend)

Stipend for certification

Robert Dallas

September 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Night Custodian

Mt. Horeb

$48,360

Head Night Custodian

$48,860

(with stipend)

To replace employee #2570

Lyndsay Carroll

August 28, 2023 (or as soon as a replacement is found) through June 30, 2024

ASAP Teacher, CS

02-30-22/bbu

0.5 Instructional Specialist, MH

0.5 Instructional Specialist, ALT

To replace employee #3598

Michelle Zgombic

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

.5 Teacher/Tech Coach - CS

.5 Teacher/Tech Coach - MH

.5 Teacher/Tech Coach - ALT

.5 Teacher/Tech Coach - MH

Staff Realignment

Kristen Stoyanov

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

.5 Instructional Specialist - ALT

.5 Instructional Specialist - WS

1.0 Instructional Specialist - WS

Staff Realignment

Francesca Frosoni

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

0.5 Instructional Specialist - CS

0.5 Instructional Specialist - MH

1.0 Instructional Specialist - CS

Staff Realignment

Christopher Tavaglione

August 28, 2023 through February 29, 2024

Leave Replacement Special Education Teacher - WMS

Leave Replacement Special Education Teacher - WMS

Change of Date

Antonio Alberto

September 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024

0.5 Custodian,

10 month, WMS

$20,600

09-33-10/aiz

0.5 Custodian, 12 month, District

$26,780

04-03-10/afr

To replace employee #2139

Lucia Raphael

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

1:1 Paraprofessional

32.5 hrs, CS

$33,258.

Classroom Paraprofessional

30 hrs, CS

$30,700

To replace employee #3207

Natalie Caterisano

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Classroom Paraprofessional

30 hrs, CS

$32,500

(with stipend)

1:1 Paraprofessional

32.5 hrs, CS

$35,058

(with stipend)

To replace employee #2940

Kimberly Collison

August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Grade 1 Teacher

02-30-22/bnm - CS

Grade 3 Teacher

02-30-22/bpc - CS

New Position

Alethia Gallien

On or about August 28, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Multi-Duty Paraprofessional

20 hrs, CS

$16,657

1:1 Paraprofessional

32.5 hrs, CS

08-30-08/bpd

$29,845

New Position

Joyce Pekarsky

September 26, 2023 through November 22, 2023

1:1 Paraprofessional

CS

Long-Term Substitute

CS

To replace employee #3693

C.12. Approval of 2023 Advanced Math Summer Bridge Program

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following staff member, to be paid at the contractual rate of $50 per hour. Total cost not to exceed $2,500.00. Fully funded through the ESSER federal grant.

Name

Justina Thomson

(*This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on June 12, 2023)

C.13. 2023-2024 Extended Day Instructors

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves all certificated teachers and paraprofessionals, to be appointed as extended day instructors for the 2023-2024 school year. Instructors to be paid at the contractual rate of $50 per hour. Total cost dependent upon needs of identified students in the district’s Extended Day Instructional Program. The total cost not to exceed $213,062.00 and to be fully funded by ESEA and ESSER grants.

C.14. Warren Academy Courses - Instructor Stipend 2023-2024

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

Total Cost Not to Exceed

Kristen Stoyanov

Classroom Management

9/8/23

1

1

$100

Michelle Zgombic

Unleash the Hidden Powers of Google Classroom

9/12/23

4

2

$300

Francesca Frosoni & Kristen Stoyanov

ELA Curriculum/Start Here Documents

9/13/23

4

2

$300 each

Michelle Zgombic

Survive and Thrive! Managing your Digital Workspace (Gmail, GDrive)

9/12/23

2

2

$200

Michelle Zgombic

Keeping Your Students in Line While Online: Classroom Management During Digital Instruction

9/19/23

4

2

$300

Francesca Frosoni & Kristen Stoyanov

BAS Overview

9/20/23

2

2

$200 each

Michelle Zgombic

Tech Tips and Assistive Tech for Special Ed and Paras

9/21/23

2

2

$200

Michelle Zgombic

Google Updates

9/26/23

3

1

$200

Francesca Frosoni & Kristen Stoyanov

iReady Structure: Technology & Tool Box

9/27/23

4

2

$300 each

Cynthia Cassidy

Google Updates

9/27/23

3

1

$200

Michelle Zgombic

Teaching Strategies to Support Diverse Learners in a Digital Setting

9/28/23

4

2

$300

Francesca Frosoni & Kristen Stoyanov

Shared Reading

10/4/23

4

2

$300 each

Cynthia Cassidy

Building Relationships in the Classroom

10/4/23

1

1

$100

Francesca Frosoni & Kristen Stoyanov

Next Generation Guided Reading

10/11/23

2

2

$200 each

Cynthia Cassidy

Navigating the Alternate Observation

10/23/23

1

1

$100

C.15. Approval to Create Positions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the creation of the following positions for 2023-2024 school year:

Location

Position

Full-Time Equivalent

CS

1:1 Paraprofessional

08-30-08/bpb

32.5 hrs

CS

1:1 Paraprofessional

32.5 hrs

District

BCBA

(effective 1/2/2024)

.50

WS

Instructional Specialist

1.0

CS

Instructional Specialist

1.0

CS

Grade 3 Teacher

1.0

District

District Custodian

.5

C.16. Approval to Abolish Positions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves to abolish the following positions for 2023-2024 school year:

Location

Position

Full-Time Equivalent

WS

Instructional Specialist

.5

WS

Technology/Teacher Coach

.5

CS

Technology/Teacher Coach

.5

CS

Instructional Specialist

.5

WMS

District Custodian

.38

C.17. Summer Work - Special Services Department

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves district staff to conduct summer evaluations, therapy hours (in-district), scheduling and IEP meetings, per the list dated August 7, 2023, at an additional cost not to exceed $2,013.00.

C. 18. New Staff Induction - Instructional Coaches/ Technology Coaches

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following employees for their participation in the New Staff Induction Program orientation for a total of 6 hours on August 23 & 24, 2023, at the WTEA contractual rate of $50 per hour per employee, for a total cost not to exceed $1,800.00.

Names

Cynthia Cassidy

Michelle Zgombic

Kimberly Bostory

Francesca Frosoni

Kristen Stoyanov

Lyndsay Carroll

C. 19. Extended Day Coordinators

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of the following staff member(s) as Extended Day Coordinator, to be paid a stipend commensurate with building program funding sources. The total cost not to exceed $22,000 and to be fully funded by Federal Grants.

Name

School

Stipend

MaryBeth Greco

Angelo L. Tomaso

$4,000

Marianne Larson

Central

$5,000

Linda Yu

Middle

$4,000

Cristina Trump

Mt. Horeb

$4,000

Kristen Stoyanov

Woodland

$5,000

C.20. Long Term Substitutes

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Long Term Substitutes:

Name

Effective Date

Replacing Employee #

Grace Jackson

August 28, 2023 through on or about November 3, 2023

(pending certification)

#0508

Aaron Geusic

On or about August 28, 2023 through on or about October 27, 2023

#0541

C.21. Job Description

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adopts the following new job description:

Position

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

C.22. Special Project Assistants

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves all district secretaries and other administrative staff to serve as special project assistants at a rate of $35/hour, not to exceed 80 hours in aggregate for all work performed.

C.23. Summer 2023 Curriculum Projects

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff for the Summer 2023 curriculum projects, as per the WTEA negotiated agreement, at a rate of $50 per hour, at a cost not to exceed $400.00:

Name

MaryBeth Greco

C.24. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2023-2024 school year.

Name

Michelle Feliciano

Grace Jackson

Mary Johnstone

Aaron Geusic

D. Policy

D.1. Policies and Regulations - First Reading

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education suspend Bylaw 0131 and adopt new Policy 1642.01 and new Regulation 1642.01 and revised Policy 2419 and new Regulation 2419 with one reading based on recently approved sick leave legislation that is effective immediately and recent New Jersey Department of Education guidance provided to school districts that is effective September 1, 2023.

Number

Name

New/Revision

Source of Changes

P1642.01

Sick Leave

New

SEA

P2419

School Threat Assessment Teams

Revised

SEA

R1642.01

Sick Leave

New

SEA

R2419

School Threat Assessment Teams

New

SEA

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:

  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 Board of Education welcomes and encourages input from the public. Being mindful of privacy rights regarding students and board employees and to avoid any potential liability on the part of the speaker, the board discourages references to specific individuals. While directing your comments or questions to the board president, please understand that the public comment portions of the meeting are not structured as question and answer sessions but rather are offered as opportunities for you to share your thoughts with the board. The board president may need to refer an issue to the superintendent if the particular issue has not been handled through the appropriate chain of command with the school district. However, responses may be provided at the end of this session. There are times when comments and questions will require additional fact gathering before a response is provided.

None

On motion by Mr. Desai to close public commentary, seconded by Mrs. Feuchtbaum, the motion was approved by a 5-0 voice vote.

XVI. Adjourn

On motion by Mrs. Zohn, seconded by Mr. Desai , the meeting was adjourned at 6:44 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Christopher Heagele

Board Secretary