Warren Township Schools: Minutes for August 22, 2005

Minutes for August 22, 2005 Archived Minutes

The Warren Township Board of Education met in public session on Monday, August 22, at 7:00 P.M. at the Board Offices.

I. CALL TO ORDER AND STATEMENT OF PRESIDING OFFICER
Re: Chapter 231 P.L. 1975
Board President, Mrs. Voorhees, called the meeting to order and read the following statement:
"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 May 3, 2005. This notice was on that date posted on the bulletin board in the Township Office, mailed to the Courier News and the Echoes Sentinel, 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. Voorhees led the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL
Present: Mrs. Coley, Mr. Fallon, Mr. Henschel, Mrs. Monahan, Mrs. Spiller, Mrs. Voorhees, Mr. Wilpon, Mrs. Winter, and Dr. Zimmerman
Absent:
Also Present: Superintendent of Schools, Dr. James Crisfield, and School Business Administrator, Ms. Patricia Cranley

IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None

V. MINUTES
July 25, 2005 and August 10, 2005 Public and Private Session Minutes
On motion by Mr. Henschel, seconded Mr. Wilpon and approved 9-0, the Board approved the public and private session minutes of the July 25, 2005 Board meeting.

On motion by Mr. Henschel, seconded Mr. Wilpon and approved 7-2, the Board approved the public and private session minutes of the August 10, 2005 Board meeting. (Mrs. Monahan abstained. Mrs. Coley abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
· Fire Drills

Mt. Horeb
July 13, 19

Fire Drills were reviewed and ordered filed.

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Mrs. Voorhees thanked the Board members for their efforts in attending the meeting on August 10, 2005.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Board reviewed the topics for discussion in the calendar of meetings development by Mrs. Voorhees and Dr. Crisfield. In addition to the presentations of Curriculum, Internet Safety, Standardized Testing, REACH, and Brain Theories, other current topics would be developed through curriculum, committees and administrative council for Board review. Such topics include the distribution of student honors and the trends in dress code. Dr. Crisfield outlined the procedures to be followed in development and administration of policy and development of administrative procedures and regulations. Mrs. Monahan encouraged the Board to review those items in policy and indicate any other policies for Board consideration.

IX. DISCUSSION
Presentation - USA Architects (Central School Phase II)

Mr. Arnolda Untoria, and Mr. Andrew Adornato provided architect drawings for Board review, discussion, and submission to the Department of Education. The discussion included the total project cost of $2.8 Million. The areas would include new gym floor and bleachers; rehabilitation of all purpose room and student lavatories; specific improvements in music and art rooms, and upgrades in classrooms to include HVAC casework, improved lighting fixtures, vinyl floors, and extensive painting of rooms. The current computer room would become a classroom. The Board discussed the financial considerations of grant, lease/purchase, and referendum and, the possibility of scaling down the projects.

X. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Bonnie Sauma reviewed the calendar of Board topics for the year. Mrs. Sauma asked if the Board and the administration would review any changes in policy at the PTO President’s Council during the course of the year.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION
The Board identified its consent agenda and took action as follows:

On motion by Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Henschel, and approved 9-0, the Board approved the consent agenda. Consent items are noted below.

A.      EDUCATION
None

B.       FINANCE/OPERATIONS/TRANSPORTATION

B.1.    Payment of Bills (Attachment 1)
a)       Approved the attached bill list for the month of August in the total amount of $1,828,387.57.                      - Consent 9-0

B.2.    Construction Change Orders
Approved CO #1A ($41,500) and CO #1B ($2,685) to the contract with Carter Construction for the Central School South Wing Expansion Project.                                                  - Consent 9-0

B.3.    Bond Refunding (Attachment 2)
The Board publicly reviewed the consent agenda of the (DCA) Local Finance Board approving the Ordinance for Warren Township Board of Education to enter into the refunding of $5,900.000 in Bonds. The public voiced no opposition to the Board’s decision to the ordinance.
Mr. Fallon proposed a delay of the vote on the Ordinance until the next public meeting to be held on September 12, 2005 and September 26, 2005.
Resolve that the Board appoint the following agents authorizing refunding of Bonds
Escrow Agent, Verification Agent, and Underwriter
for the refunding of bonds series 2000 maturing March 15, 2011 to 2016.  Was removed

B.4.    2005-2006 Contracted Bus Routes (Attachment 3)
Approved the attached Contracted Bus Routes for the 2005-2006 school year. - Consent 9-0

B.5.    Submission of Central School Alterations, Renovations, and Repairs
Approved the following resolution: - Consent 9-0

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Warren Township Board of Education hereby approves the final project drawings, plans and specifications dated August 22, 2005, for the proposed Central School Alterations, Renovations, and Repairs #5470-030-05-1000; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes USA Architects to forward the project applications, drawings, plans and specifications for said projects to the State of New Jersey and the local code review official of Warren Township for final review and approval.

B.6.    School Alliance Insurance Fund Resolution to Join for Additional Lines of Coverage
Mr. Fallon requested information on proposed joint insurance fund due to unforeseen shared cost of member liability prior to requesting Board vote.
Resolution was struck.

WHEREAS, a number of educational entities have joined together to form a Joint Insurance Fund as permitted by Chapter 108 Laws of 1983 (18A:18B et.seq.); and

WHEREAS, the statues governing the creation and operation of a Joint Insurance Fund contain elaborate restrictions and safeguards concerning the safe and efficient administration of the public interest entrusted to such a Fund; and

WHEREAS, the WARREN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION, hereafter referred to as "Educational Facility" has previously determined that membership in the School Alliance Insurance Fund hereafter referred to as "Fund" is in the best interest of the Educational Facility; and

WHEREAS, the Educational Facility is currently a member of the Fund and has provided school leaders professional liability coverage; and

WHEREAS, the Educational Facility has determined that it is in their best interest to expand their lines of coverage through the Fund; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Educational Facility agrees to participate in the Fund for the following coverages effective July 1, 2005 until July 1, 2006:

Excess Liability

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Educational Entity's Fund Commissioner is authorized and directed to execute all other documents signifying participation for the lines of coverage stated above and to deliver same to the Administrator of the Fund.

B.7.    Agreement to Hold Roofing Bid Open for a One Year Period
Approved the following resolution: - Consent 9-0

WHEREAS, on May 15, 2005, the Board advertised for bids in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-1 with respect to the Roof Replacement projects at the Angelo L. Tomaso School, and

WHEREAS, on June 22, 2005, the Board received the bids at a properly advertised and scheduled bid opening, and

WHEREAS, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-1, Laumar was determined to be the lowest responsive bidder.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree to the following:

1.     Laumar agrees to hold the terms of its bid open for a period of one year, inclusive of bid amount, unit prices, and labor costs.
2.     The Board agrees that the contract will be awarded to Laumar in accordance with the terms and conditions of the bid as submitted.
3.       Laumar acknowledges its rights to terminate its bid under N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-1 and hereby waives the right pursuant to the terms of this agreement.

C.       PERSONNEL/STUDENT SERVICES

C.1.    Employment for the 2005-2006 School Year (Attachment 4)
Approved the application for emergent hiring for the following positions for the 2005-2006 school year under the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:16-1 et seq., N.J.S.A. 18A:39-17 et seq., and N.J.S.A. 6-4.14 et seq., as listed below: - Consent 9-0
a)       Alice Morgan, One on One Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, Step 11, 32.5 hours per week, effective September 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.
b)       Dina Lewis, Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School, Step 7, 32.5 hours per week, effective September 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.
c)       Wandee Loithadthong, Night Custodian, Mt. Horeb School, Step 1, at an annual salary of $27,287, effective September 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.
d)       Melanie Wische, Classroom Paraprofessional, Woodland School, Step 3, 32.5 hours per week, effective September 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.

C.2.    Employment of District Physician
Approved the employment of Richard Lesko, M.D, as District Physician in the amount of $7,500 for the 2005-2006 school year. - Consent 9-0

C.3.    Substitute Teachers (Attachment 5)
Approved the attached list of Substitute Teachers for the 2005-2006 school year. - Consent 9-0

C.4.    Advancement on Salary Guide
Approved the following Advancement on the teachers negotiated salary guide effective September 1, 2005: - Consent 9-0
a)       Dawn Delorenzo to MA+15
b)       Mary Ann Szatkowski to MA+45
c)       Fran Blabolil to MA+45
d)       Maria Stankiewicz to MA+30

C.5.    2005-2006 Stipend Positions
Approved the following stipend positions, at the negotiated contract rate, for the 2005-2006 school year: - Consent 9-0

Angelo L. Tomaso School
Teacher in Charge             Susan Kline
Bus Duty                          Nancy De'Marsi

Central School
Teacher in Charge             Meryl Lettire
Bus Duty                          Laura Schachman

Mt. Horeb School
Teacher in Charge             Carol Monica
Bus Duty                          Michele Stora DeCruz

Woodland School
Teacher in Charge             Suzanne Wisher
Bus Duty                          Brian Kilroy

Middle School
Bus Duty                          Debbie Granrath
Yearbook                         Sean Convery
Yearbook Advisor             Beverly MacGorman
8th Grade Advisor             James Frascella

C.6.    Summer Secretarial Position
Amended Andrea Pasquarello, Grade 3 Teacher, Central School, as a secretary for Student Personnel Services, 45 hours per week, for three weeks in July 2005, at $15 per hour from $14.00 per hour, retroactive from July 5, 2005.                                   - Consent 9-0

C.7.    Summer Fun Staff
Approved Robert Lewent as a summer fun substitute teacher at the summer fun rate of $17 per hour, retroactive from June 28, 2005 through July 28, 2005.                                            - Consent 9-0

C.8.    Change of Assignment
a)       Amended the change of assignment for Carol Brown, SAC, Middle School, from .30 (10 hours) to .35 (12 hours) per week, effective September 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006. - Consent 9-0
b)       Amended the change of assignment for Maria Emma, Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School from 35 hours to 32.5 hours per week, effective September 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006. - Consent 9-0
c)       Amended the assignment of Kara Kopcsik, Classroom Paraprofessional from Angelo L. Tomaso School to Woodland School, 35 hours per week, effective September 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006. - Consent 9-0

C.9.    Resignations (Attachment 6)
a)       Accepted the resignation of Mary Joe Matinho, Guidance Counselor, Woodland School, effective July 31, 2005. - Consent 9-0
b)       Accepted the resignation of Lara Siegel, Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School, effective July 31, 2005. - Consent 9-0
c)       Accepted the resignation of Judith Chiarizzio, School Bus Monitor, effective August 6, 2005. - Consent 9-0
d)       Accepted the resignation of Jennifer Emmet, Classroom Paraprofessional, Woodland School, effective July 31, 2005. - Consent 9-0
e)       Accepted the resignation of Karen Votapek, Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, effective August 10, 2005. - Consent 9-0

C.10. Additional Child Study Team 2005 Summer Hours
Approved additional hours for the following Child Study Team Members for summer evaluations at each employee 2005-2006 per diem rate: - Consent 9-0
Allison Reu     5 days
Amy Brunswick      3.5 days
Michele Stein   1 day

C.11. Summer Evaluations
Approved special education and regular education teachers for approximately 29 summer evaluations on as needed basis at the $30 per hour rate not to exceed $870. - Consent 9-0

C.12. Per Diem Deduct Request
a)       Approved two days per diem deduct request for Carol Krenek, Middle School Secretary, for June 29 and June 30, 2005 (personal business).                              - Consent 9-0

C.13. Summer 2005 Curriculum Development Positions (Attachment 7)
Approved the attached list of teachers to work on curriculum projects for the 2005 summer at the rate negotiated in the WTEA work agreement. - Consent 9-0

C.14. After School Clubs
Approved the following after school clubs for the 2005-06 school year and the instructors for each club at the negotiated stipend rate. - Consent 9-0

Mt. Horeb School
Mr. Fallon recommended change in items for items e. through h. to include one day per week.
a)       Homework Club - Grades 3-5 - One hour, afternoon, twice per week, eight weeks beginning September 19, 2005 through November 16, 2005, instructor will be Gina Vintalore.
b)       Fit Club - Grades 4-5 - One hour, morning, twice per week, eight weeks beginning September 19, 2005 through November 16, 2005, instructor will be Gina Vintalore.
c)       Sports Club 1 - Grades 4-5 - One hour, morning, twice per week, eight weeks beginning September 20, 2005 through November 17, 2005, instructor will be Gina Vintalore.
d)       Sports Club 2 - Grades 4-5 - One hour, afternoon, twice per week, eight weeks beginning September 20, 2005 through November 17, 2005, instructor will be Gina Vintalore.
e)       Computer Club - Grade 2 - One hour, one day per week, full year beginning September 22, 2005 through May 2006, instructor will be Janice O'Connor.
f)       Computer Club - Grade 3 - One hour, one day per week, full year beginning September 21, 2005 through May 2006, instructor will Janice O'Connor.
g)       Computer Club - Grade 4 - One hour, one day per week, full year beginning September 20, 2005 through May 2006, instructor will Janice O'Connor.
h)       Computer Club - Grade 5 - One hour, one day per week, full year beginning September 19, 2005 through May 2006, instructor will Janice O'Connor.

C.15. Employees' Handbook (Attachment 8)
Approved the attached Building and Grounds Employees' Handbook and the attached Technology Employees' Information Sheet. - Consent 9-0

C.16. Language Arts Coordinator
Approved the appointment of Stacey Hann-Modugno as Language Arts Coordinator for the period September 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006 in the annual stipend amount of $10,000.    - Consent 9-0

C.17. Family Leave Request
a)       Approved the following family leave request for Leslie Ortega, Special Education Teacher Mt. Horeb School, Family Leave (unpaid, with benefits) from December 5, 2005 through March 8, 2006 and child rearing leave (unpaid without benefits) from March 9, 2006 through April 30, 2006. Returning May 1, 2006.                        - Consent 9-0
b)       Approved the following family leave request for Myranda Shimko, Grade 6 LA/SS Teacher, Middle School, Family Leave (unpaid with benefits) from January 31, 2006 through May 3, 2006. Returning May 4, 2006. - Consent 9-0

XII. OLD BUSINESS
· 2005-2006 BOE Meeting Schedule (Attachment 9 - To Be Distributed Monday)
Following the Board’s discussion, the revised 2005-2006 meeting schedule will be distributed.
· Standardized Testing in Grade 2
The Board discussed district wide testing with the inclusion of grade 2.
· Custodian/Maintenance Salary Guide Review (Attachment 10)
The salary guides of the custodians were reviewed by the Board. The guides were compared with several other districts in Somerset County in the areas of increases for Black Seal License, building head custodians and actual step levels on the guides. In reviewing the information, Mr. Wilpon favored the current approach of recommended percentage increases on a yearly basis and merit increases based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent in consultation with the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds and Business Administrator.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS
· 2005-2006 Projected Enrollments (Attachment 11)
The Board reviewed the actual enrollment compared with the estimated projected enrollment. The enrollment review indicated an increase in students of 15 middle school students and an increase of 4 out of district placements. As of August 18, 2005, the elementary school grades 3, 4, and 5 show an increase of 31 students. Grades 1 and 2 currently enroll 17 fewer students.

· Additional SGA Advisor at Middle School (Attachment12 )
Middle School Administrator, Mr. Huss, requested an additional moderator for student government due to the numerous activities. The Board discussed the coverage of this major activity.

XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None

XV. ADJOURN
There being no further business, it was moved Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Henschel and approved 9-0, that the Board adjourn its meeting at 9:38 P.M.

Secretary

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