Warren Township Schools: Minutes for March 17, 2025

Minutes for March 17, 2025 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 6:30 p.m. by Board President Patricia Zohn.

Open Public Meeting Statement – Mrs. Zohn 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, 2025. 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 – Mrs. Zohn led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Roll Call

Present: Nicole Dalton, Bridget Granholm, Laura Keller, Stephen Toor, Ryan Valentino, Todd Weinstein, and Patricia Zohn

Absent: Richard Molfetta and Scott Otto

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 private minutes of the February 24, 2025 Board Meeting.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Valentino and approved by a 7-0 roll-call vote.

V. Correspondence and Information

● Dr. Mingle outlined communications, HIBs, and the suspension reports.

· HIB Information

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

· Suspension Report

In School:			Out of School:
	1			0

· Fire Drills

· Security Drills

VI. President's Remarks - Mrs. Patricia Zohn

● Mrs. Zohn reported on:

○ Neurodiversity Awareness Week

○ Congratulations on the retirements of 2 employees (motion C.8.) and thanked them for their service.

○ Special thanks to the Lions Club for their grant (motion B.8.).

○ Thanks to the voters for approval of the Referendum.

○ Thanked Board Members for their participation in Read Across America.

VII. Superintendent’s Remarks - Dr. Matthew Mingle

● Dr. Mingle reported on:

○ Warren Middle School American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge.

○ Warren Middle School Robotics Team who placed 1st at the Sumo Bot Challenge Competition in Bridgewater.

○ Encouraged the community to come and enjoy the Warren Middle School’s annual play, The Addam’s Family.

VIII. Presentations

● Preliminary 2025/2026 Budget - Mr. Chris Heagele

○ Mr. Heagele reported on the 2025/2026 Budget. The Board asked several questions and made several comments on the budget.

○ Mrs. Zohn made some final comments on the budget and thanked Dr. Mingle, Mr. Heagele, the Business Office Staff and the Finance Committee for their assistance.

IX. Discussion

None

X. Reports of Board Members Appointed to External Assignments 2025

● New Jersey School Board Association Delegate Assembly

○ Patricia Zohn and Richard Molfetta, Alternate

● Somerset County Educational Services Commission

○ Nicole Dalton and Stephen Toor, Alternate

● Watchung Hills Municipal Alliance Committee

○ Bridget Granholm and Ryan Valetino, Alternate

● Warren Township Opioid Advisory Committee

○ Bridget Granholm

● Watchung Hills Shared Services/Regionalization Study Advisory Committee

○ Patricia Zohn and Todd Weinstein

■ There is a meeting set for April 10 on the regionalization study.

XI. Committee Reports

● Curriculum and Technology Committee - February 24, 2025

○ Stephen Toor - Chair, Bridget Granholm, Rich Molfetta, Laura Keller - Alternate

■ Mr. Toor reported that the committee met on February 24 to discuss Generative AI Policy and iReady results and trends.

● Finance, Operations, and Security Committee - No Meeting

○ Patricia Zohn - Chair, Scott Otto - Vice Chair, Ryan Valentino, Rich Molfetta - Alternate

● Personnel, Negotiations, and Communication Committee - February 21, 2025

○ Laura Keller - Chair, Nicole Dalton, Todd Weinstein, Patricia Zohn - Alternate

■ Ms. Keller reported that the committee met on February 21 to discuss several job descriptions, a sidebar with the WTEA, and communications strategy related to the March 11 referendum.

● Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Committee - No Meeting

○ Laura Keller - Chair, Stephen Toor, Patricia Zohn

XII. Public Commentary (agenda items only)

Note on public input at BOE meetings: Board Policy #0167, adopted on June 18, 2018, provides for public participation in Board of Education meetings. Such participation is governed by the following rules:

A participant must be recognized by the presiding officer and must preface comments by an announcement of his/her name, address, and group affiliation, if applicable;
Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to three minutes’ duration. If necessary, the public comment portion of the meeting may be extended fifteen minutes with Board approval;
No participant may speak more than once on the same topic until all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard;
All statements, questions, or inquiries shall be directed to the presiding officer and any questions or inquiries directed by a participant to another Board member shall be redirected to the presiding officer who shall determine if such statement, question, or inquiry shall be addressed by the presiding officer on behalf of the Board;
When the Board of Education is conducting its meetings either virtually or in a hybrid environment, members of the public may also submit comments no later than 9:00 AM the day of the board meeting via email to BA@warrentboe.org or hardcopy mail to the district office.

The portion of the meeting during which participation of the public is invited shall be limited to fifteen minutes (limit may be adjusted at the discretion of the presiding officer as circumstances dictate).

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. Weinstein to close public commentary, seconded by Mrs. Dalton, the motion was approved by a 7-0 voice vote.

XIII. Items for Board Consideration/Action

Dr. Mingle reported on motion B.6., with thanks to many for their hard work on the budget, motion B.7., with thanks to Mr. Riegler and Mr. Heagele on a well negotiated contract, motion B.8. with thanks for their generous donation and motion C.2., recognizing the hiring of our first staff member for the 2025-2026 school year.

On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mr. Weinstein, the consent items A.1., through A.5., B.1., through B.8., and C.1., through C.11., 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 February 24, 2025.

A.2. Tuition Contract

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following tuition contract with the parents of:

Student	School	Dates	Monthly Revenue
ID # 701639	Angelo L. Tomaso	August 28, 2025 through June 30, 2026	$459.50

A.3. Home Instruction

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves bedside instruction as follows:

Student ID	Rate	Start Date	Amount
9875673316	$50 per hour, up to 10 hours per week	February 24, 2025	Not to exceed $3,000

A.4. Out-of-District Placement

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following change of Out-of District placement for the 2024-2025 School Year:

School	Student ID	Dates	SY Cost
Deron School	6633536241	March 17 through June 30, 2025	$41,107

A.5. Settlement Resolution

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the OAL Docket # EDS-17156-2024 for Student #4617852987.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for the month of March 2025 in the amount of $5,823,491.55.

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 February 2025.

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on February 28, 2025

FUND	CASH BALANCE	APPROPRIATION BALANCE	FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund	$4,969,126.80		$1,906,544.35
(10) General Current Expense		$0.00
(11) Current Expense		$839,202.67
(12) Capital Outlay		$23,146.49
(13) Special Schools		$6,561.48
(20) Special Revenue Fund	$61,080.69	$103,963.19	$0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund	$5,119.71	$100,644.73	$315,288.46
(40) Debt Service Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
TOTAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS	$5,035,327.20	$1,073,518.56	$2,221,832.81
Wealth Mgmt - Capital Reserve	$5,900,000.00
Wealth Mgmt - Operating	$5,000,000.00
Wealth Mgmt - Capital Projects	$2,839,000.00
TOTAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT	$13,739,000.00
(62) Food Service Account	$222,636.88	($375,989.33)	$81,162.03

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 February 2025

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.

B.4. 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
Lauren Valera	MTH	2025 Spring Conference: New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages	New Brunwsick	May 2025	$394
Matthew Mingle	District	2025 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2025	TBD
William Kimmick	District	2025 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2025	TBD
Chris Heagele	District	2025 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2025	TBD
Molly Lange	District	2025 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2025	TBD
Michael Pate	District	2025 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2025	TBD
TBD	District	2025 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop	Atlantic City	Oct 2025	TBD

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.5. Student Transportation - SCESC

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contract with Somerset County ESC during the 2024-2025 School Year as follows:

School	Student ID #	Transportation Cost (67 days) *
Angelo L. Tomaso School	4376622801	$112.89 per diem

*(This motion supersedes the previous motion from November 18, 2024)

B.6. Adoption of the 2025-2026 Tentative Budget

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the tentative 2025-2026 Warren Township School District Budget and approves the tentative budget for submission to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools for Somerset County for review.

The tentative budget includes sufficient funds to provide curriculum and instruction which will enable all students to achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and is in compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A and N.J.A.C Title 6 and 6A.

Proposed 2025-2026 Budget
Appropriations:		Revenue:
Fund 10
Transfer to Charter Schools (10)	$0	State Aid: General Fund	$3,482,913
Operating Budget (11)	$52,695,213	Tax Levy: General Fund	$49,022,358
Capital Outlay (12)	$264,238	Other Revenues	$985,000
Summer School (13)	$438,483	Fund Balance	$586,000
Capital Project Xfer (40)	$1,664,917	Capital Reserve Transfer	$986,580
FUND 10 TOTAL	$55,062,851	FUND 10 TOTAL	$55,062,851

Fund 20
Special Revenue Appropriations	$448,649	Grants - Local	$21,000
		Grants - Federal	$427,649
FUND 20 TOTAL	$448,649		$448,649

GRAND TOTAL	$55,511,500	GRAND TOTAL	$55,511,500

FURTHER RESOLVED, the tentative budget includes an increase in the tax levy which utilizes an enrollment adjustment of $28,150, an inflation adjustment of $925,561, a health care adjustment of $944,213, and a banked cap adjustment of $874,526, as allowed by law and are all needed in the 2025/2026 budget year, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the tentative budget includes a capital reserve withdrawal in the amount of $986,500 for three projects as follows:

Project Name	Project Capital Reserve Withdrawal (59.257% of project cost)
Woodland Parking Lot Replacement	$473,946
Woodland Sidewalk Work	$303,093
Woodland Restroom Addition	$209,541
Total Capital Reserve Withdrawal	$986,580

FURTHER RESOLVED, per NJAC 6A:23B-1.2(b), the tentative budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement. The 2025-2026 tentative budget includes a maximum travel appropriation of $150,000. The School Business Administrator shall track and record these costs to insure that the maximum amount is not exceeded, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, a Board of Education may, and this Board does, establish, for regular district business travel only, an annual school year threshold of $1,500 per staff member where prior Board approval shall not be required for regular business travel, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby establishes April 28, 2025 as the date for the Public Hearing on the budget and authorizes the Superintendent and Board Secretary, after approval by the Executive County Superintendent of Schools, to advertise the budget and the budget hearing as required by law.

B.7. 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 $12,830 per month, compared to the current rate of $17,227 per month. This is a 10 GB internet network which will replace our 3 GB internet network, and will include enhanced cybersecurity features. Three year contract to begin on July 1, 2025 ending on June 30, 2028. Contract terms through ESCNJ #20150112.

B.8. Donation - Warren Township Lions Club

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts, with gratitude, a donation in the amount of $700 from the Lions Club of Warren to be used to support a classroom project at the Middle School.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2024-2025 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

Stipend

Total Salary

Tenure

Effective Date

Discussion

Alexis Fabiano

Grade 7 Math Teacher

WMS

13-15

$84,293

Yes

April 28, 2025 through June 30, 2025

Replacing Employee #3672

Nomisha Sheth

Leave Replacement - Grade 1 Teacher

$64,185

March 4, 2025 through June 30, 2025

(This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on February 24, 2025)

Replacing Employee #3832

C.2. Employment for the 2025-2026 School Year

Name	Position / PCR	Location	Degree	Step	Salary	Stipend	Total Salary	Tenure	Effective Date	Discussion
Sara Laster	Special Education Teacher	ALT	MA	14-16	$88,090	$0	$88,090	Yes	August 26, 2025 through June 30, 2026	New Position

C.3. Substitute Teachers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as substitute teachers for the 2024-2025 school year.

Name

Jennifer Lemond

Julia Mullarkey

C.4. Long-Term Substitutes

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

Name

Dates

Employee #

*David O’Connor

February 4 2025

through May 7, 2025

Replacing Employee #3534

Joseph Burcat

April 2, 2025 through on or around May 9, 2025

Replacing Employee #3452

*(This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on January 6, 2025)

C.5. Leave Request

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

Employee ID	Paid/Unpaid
#3327	FMLA - August 26, 2025 through September 5, 2025 (Paid) NJFLA - September 8, 2025 through November 28, 2025 (Unpaid)
#3812	FMLA - April 7, 2025 through April 25, 2025 (Paid)
#3832	FMLA - March 4, 2025 through March 25, 2025 (Paid) FMLA - March 26, 2025 through May 16, 2025 (Unpaid) NJFLA - May 19, 2025 through June 30, 2025 (Unpaid) (This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on February 24, 2025)
#3719	Position Leave - February 4, 2025 through May 7, 2025 (Paid)
#2900	FMLA - February 19, 2025 through March 7, 2025 (Paid)
#3604	FMLA - January 29, 2025 through March 17, 2025 (Paid) FMLA - March 18, 2025 through April 18, 2025 (Unpaid) Extended Leave - April 21, 2025 through May 14, 2025) (Unpaid) (This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on January 27, 2025)
#2818	Medical Leave - May 20, 2025 through June 3, 2025 (Paid) (This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on February 24, 2025)
#2047	FMLA - April 9, 2025 through May 2, 2025 (Paid)
#3452	Position Leave - April 2, 2025 through June 30, 2025 (Paid)

C.6. 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	Salary	Stipend	Total Salary	Notes
Amy Hold	February 27, 2025 through June 30, 2025	1:1 Paraprofessional (32.5 hours) WS	1:1 Paraprofessional (32.5 hours) CS	$33,811	$3,800	$37,611	New Position
James Zilinski	March 4, 2025 through June 30, 2025	1:1 Paraprofessional (32.5 hours) WMS	1:1 Paraprofessional (32.5 hours) CS	$29,884	$2,000	$31,884	New Position
Aubrey Pellerin	April 2, 2025 through June 30, 2025	PE Teacher CS/MTH	PE Teacher CS	$76,588	$0	$76,588	Replacing Employee #0470

C.7. Approval to Abolish Positions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the abolishment of the following positions for 2024-2025 school year:

Location	Position	Full-Time Equivalent
WS	1:1 Paraprofessional	1.0
WMS	1:1 Paraprofessional	1.0

C.8. Approval to Create Positions

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the creation of the following position for 2025-2026 school year:

Location	Position	Full-Time Equivalent
ALT	Special Education Teacher	1.0
CS/WS	School Psychologist	1.0

C.9. Retirements

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirements

of the following staff:

Name

Position

Location

Retirement/

Resignation

Dates of Service

Kathlynn Kogler

Classroom Paraprofessional

(30 hours)

MTH

Retirement

October 26, 2009 through

June 30, 2025

Rebecca Maag

Grade 1 Teacher

MTH

Retirement

September 1, 2006 through

June 30, 2025

C.10. Warren Academy Courses - Instructor Stipend 2024-2025

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
Cynthia Cassidy	Supporting Students with Read & Write	March 27, 2025	3	1	$200
Cynthia Cassidy	Get to Know Khanmigo	April 3, 2025	3	1	$200
Leeann Wertheim Kelcey Sheeley	Engaging Parents: Building Strong Communication Bridges in Education	April 4, 2025	1	1	$100 each

C.11. Clubs/After School Activities

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following 2024-2025 after school clubs and instructors at the negotiated stipend rate.

Name

Club

School

Cost

Sean Convery

David Arnold

eSports

$735

(split)

*(This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on February 24, 2025)

XIV. Unfinished Business

None

XV. New Business

None

XVI. 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;

● Rachel Singleton, Deerwood Trail West - Asked about the status of the kitchen and the status of the preschool sections.

On motion by Mr. Valentino to close public commentary, seconded by Mrs. Dalton, the motion was approved by a 7-0 voice vote.

Dr. Mingle responded to Mrs. Singleton’s questions regarding the status of the kitchen and 2025/2026 preschool sections.

XVII. Adjourn

On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mrs. Dalton, the meeting was adjourned at 7:13 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Christopher Heagele

Board Secretary

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