Minutes for March 23, 2026
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 Patrica 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 February 25, 2026. 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: Kevin Brotspies, Nicole Dalton, Bridget Granholm, Laura Keller,
Richard Molfetta, Stephen Toor, Todd Weinstein and Patricia Zohn
Absent: Ryan Valentino
Also Present: Dr. Matthew Mingle, Superintendent, Christopher Heagele, Board Secretary, and members of the public and press.
IV. Executive Session
● At 6:32 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:
○ specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session
Action will be taken upon return to public session;
the length of the meeting is anticipated to be approximately 15 minutes; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, the minutes of this closed session be made public when the need for confidentiality no longer exists.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Weinstein and approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.
On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mr. Weinstein, the Board reconvened in open session at 6:42 p.m.
V. Minutes
● Ms. Keller moved the following:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the public minutes of the March 9, 2026 Board Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Weinstein and approved by a 8-0 roll-call vote.
VI. Correspondence and Information
● Dr. Mingle reported on HIBs and suspensions.
· HIB Information
|
Total # of Investigations: |
Total # of Determined Bullying Incidents: |
|||
|
0 |
0 |
· Suspension Report
|
In School: |
Out of School: |
|||
|
1 |
1 |
VII. President's Remarks – Mrs. Patricia Zohn
● Mrs. Zohn reported that:
○ The district received a grant award. (motion B.5.).
○ A long time employee is retiring, motion C.5, and that the board wishes the employee all the best.
VIII. Superintendent’s Remarks – Dr. Matthew Mingle
● Dr. Mingle reported that:
○ Warren students participated in the New Jersey ASCD Heart of the Matter Summit.
○ Warren students placed 1st in a New Jersey Bar Association contest.
○ Curriculum Director (motion C.10.) - Dr. Mingle announced that Mrs. Alison Tugya will be put forward tonight as the new Curriculum Director. Dr. Mingle also walked through the process to fill the open principal’s position at Central School.
IX. Presentation
● Tentative 2026-2027 Budget - Mr. Heagele presented the 2026-2027 budget.
X. Discussion
None
XI. Reports of Board Members Appointed to External Assignments 2026
● New Jersey School Board Association Delegate Assembly
○ Stephen Toor, and Patricia Zohn - Alternate
● Somerset County Educational Services Commission
○ Nicole Dalton and Bridget Granholm - Alternate
● Watchung Hills Municipal Alliance Committee
○ Richard Molfetta and Ryan Valentino - Alternate
● Warren Township Opioid Advisory Committee
○ Kevin Brotspies
● Warren Township Mayor’s Wellness Committee
○ Laura Keller
XII. Committee Reports
● Curriculum and Technology Committee - March 18, 2026
○ Stephen Toor - Chair, Kevin Brotspies, Todd Weinstein, Bridget Granholm - Alternate
■ Mr. Toor reported that the Curriculum Committee met on March 18 to discuss NJ SCI Survey and the district’s cell phone policy.
● Finance, Operations, and Security Committee - March 16, 2026
○ Patricia Zohn - Chair, Rich Molfetta, Ryan Valentino, Kevin Brotspies - Alternate
■ Mrs. Zohn reported that the Finance Committee met on March 16 to discuss the 2026-2027 budget and was provided with a capital plan update. The committee is recommending approval of the PA System (motion B.7.) project bid, and Angelo L. Tomaso floor repair (motion B.8.) project bid. The committee also discussed the overall referendum budget. The Township committee and board member liaisons continue to meet, and a brief update was provided.
● Personnel, Negotiations, and Communication Committee - March 6, 2026
○ Laura Keller - Chair, Nicole Dalton, Bridget Granholm, Todd Weinstein - Alternate
■ Ms. Keller reported that the Personnel Committee met on March 6 to discuss communication strategies around the Planning for Growth initiative. The committee also discussed the succession plan for the Curriculum Department.
● Planning for Growth Working Group - No Meeting
○ Laura Keller - Chair, Patricia Zohn, Kevin Brotspies
XIII. 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).
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 Mr. Toor, the motion was approved by a 8-0 voice vote.
XIV. Items for Board Consideration/Action
Dr. Mingle reported on the budget process. Also, repeated his comments on the Curriculum Director position.
On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mr. Toor, the consent items A.1., through A.4., B.1. through B.10., C.1., through C.12., and D.1., through D.3. 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 March 9, 2026.
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 2026 in the amount of $6,203,883.77.
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 2026.
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on February 28, 2026
|
FUND |
CASH BALANCE |
APPROPRIATION BALANCE |
FUND BALANCE |
|
(10) General Current Expense Fund |
$6,276,414.68 |
$1,764,029.33 |
|
|
(10) General Current Expense |
$0.00 |
||
|
(11) Current Expense |
$684,449.83 |
||
|
(12) Capital Outlay |
$1,576,893.51 |
||
|
(13) Special Schools |
$34.15 |
||
|
(20) Special Revenue Fund |
$415.80 |
$90,493.82 |
$0.00 |
|
(30) Capital Projects Fund |
$3,236.22 |
($2,864,002.51) |
$586,804.37 |
|
(40) Debt Service Fund |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
TOTAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS |
$6,280,066.70 |
($512,131.20) |
$2,350,833.70 |
|
Wealth Mgmt - Capital Reserve |
$8,440,000.00 |
||
|
Wealth Mgmt - Operating |
$3,200,000.00 |
||
|
Wealth Mgmt - Capital Projects |
$8,314,101.00 |
||
|
Wealth Mgmt - Debt Service |
$82,668.17 |
||
|
TOTAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT |
$20,036,769.17 |
||
|
(62) Food Service Account |
$237,744.69 |
($419,037.15) |
$108,603.29 |
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 2026
RESOLVED, the Board of Education ratifies the attached 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 |
|
Chris Heagele |
BOE |
New Jersey Association of School Business Officials Annual Conference |
Atlantic City |
June 2026 |
$1,254 |
|
Michael Pate |
B&G |
New Jersey Association of School Business Officials Annual Conference |
Atlantic City |
June 2026 |
$649 |
|
Sandra Rama |
ALT |
New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages and Bilingual Education Spring Conference |
New Brunswick |
May 2026 |
$640 |
|
Minnelli de Matos |
WS |
New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages and Bilingual Education Spring Conference |
New Brunswick |
May 2026 |
$450 |
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. Acceptance of Grant Award - Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the grant award from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission in the amount of $1,228.
The funds will be utilized for the transportation of our 4th grade students to historical sites in Warren Township.
B.6. Adoption of the 2026/2027 Tentative Budget
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the tentative 2026-2027 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) |
$42,284 |
State Aid: General Fund |
$3,682,887 |
|
|
Operating Budget (11) |
$57,194,773 |
Tax Levy: General Fund |
$53,179,465 |
|
|
Capital Outlay (12) |
$105,700 |
Other Revenues |
$847,595 |
|
|
Summer School (13) |
$351,276 |
Fund Balance |
$587,000 |
|
|
Capital Project Xfer (30) |
$1,581,533 |
Xfer from Cap Res (CS Lot) |
$859,819 |
|
|
Xfer from Maintenance Res |
$118,800 |
|||
|
FUND 10 TOTAL |
$59,275,566 |
FUND 10 TOTAL |
$59,275,566 |
|
|
Fund 20 |
||||
|
Special Revenue Appropriations |
$446,209 |
Grants - Local |
$21,000 |
|
|
Grants - Federal |
$425,209 |
|||
|
FUND 20 TOTAL |
$446,209 |
$446,209 |
||
|
Fund 40 |
||||
|
State Aid: Debt Service Aid |
$3,013,004 |
|||
|
Debt Service Xfer (40) |
$8,861,779 |
Xfer from Cap Res (Debt) |
$5,848,775 |
|
|
FUND 40 TOTAL |
$8,861,779 |
$8,861,779 |
||
|
GRAND TOTAL |
$68,583,554 |
GRAND TOTAL |
$68,583,554 |
|
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Warren Township Board of Education includes in the proposed budget an enrollment adjustment as calculated in the budget software and pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7F-38 subsection (b)2 and N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-11.2 subsection (b), above 2% in the amount $797,352. The district intends to utilize this adjustment to enable all students to achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Warren Township Board of Education includes in the proposed budget a Health Care Costs adjustment as calculated in the budget software and pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7F-38 subsection (d) in the amount of $2,363,361. The additional funds will be used to pay for the additional increases in health care premiums, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the tentative budget includes a capital reserve withdrawal in the amount of $859,819 for the projects as follows:
|
Project Name |
Project Capital Reserve Withdrawal (54.366% of project cost) |
|
CentralParking Lot/Sidewalk Replacements |
$859,819 |
|
Total Capital Reserve Withdrawal |
$859,819 |
And be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the tentative budget includes a maintenance reserve withdrawal in the amount of $118,800 for use to partially fund the district’s required maintenance budget, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, per NJAC 6A:23B-1.2(b), the budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement. The 2026-2027 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 27, 2026 as the date of 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. Public Address System/Strobe Light Installation Project Bid Acceptance
WHEREAS, a recommendation was made by the Superintendent of Schools to the Warren Township Board of Education (“Board") to seek a contract for Public Address System/Strobe Light Installation Project at ALT, Warren Middle School, Mount Horeb School, and Woodland School (hereinafter “Project”); and
WHEREAS, the Project was properly advertised to prospective bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-4; and
WHEREAS, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Board received the following bids from potential bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A.18A:18A-1, et seq.;
|
Vendors |
Total |
|
Signal Electric Corporation |
$1,545,000.00 |
|
Coskey’s Electronic Systems |
$1,987,220.00 |
WHEREAS, Signal Electric Corporation’ bid has been reviewed by the design professionals and board attorney and is the lowest and is responsive to the bid requirements for the Project,
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby awards the Project to Signal Electric Corporation’ for one million five hundred forty five thousand dollars ($1,545,000.00). This contract and all of the project’s professional and ancillary fees are to be paid from the district’s capital fund monies.
B.8. Angelo L. Tomaso Floor Repair Project Bid Acceptance
WHEREAS, a recommendation was made by the Superintendent of Schools to the Warren Township Board of Education (“Board") to seek a contract for Angelo L. Tomaso Floor Repair Project (hereinafter “Project”); and
WHEREAS, the Project was properly advertised to prospective bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-4; and
WHEREAS, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Board received the following bids from potential bidders in accordance with N.J.S.A.18A:18A-1, et seq.;
|
Vendors |
Total |
|
Skopye, LLC |
$169,000 |
|
Drill Construction Co., Inc. |
$199,900 |
|
Lanyi & Tevaid, Inc. |
$212,000 |
|
TGG Floors |
$217,417 |
|
Academy Construction Inc. |
$233,000 |
|
Northeast Construction Services, LLC |
$237,849 |
|
George Koustas Ptg Construction |
$265,000 |
|
Billy Contracting & Restoration Inc. |
$278,880 |
|
Grove Contracting |
$392,000 |
WHEREAS, Skopye, LLC’ bid has been reviewed by the design professionals and board attorney and is the lowest and is responsive to the bid requirements for the Project,
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby awards the Project to Skopye, LLC’ for one hundred sixty nine thousand dollars ($169,000.00). This contract and all of the project’s professional and ancillary fees are to be paid from the district’s capital fund monies.
C. Personnel/Student Services
C.1. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following to be appointed as a substitute teacher for the 2025-2026 school year.
|
Name |
|
Debbie Martin |
|
Rachna Manglani |
C.2. Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following leave requests:
|
Employee ID |
Paid/Unpaid |
|
#3069 |
NJFLA - August 31, 2026, through November 20, 2026 (Unpaid) |
|
#3214 |
FMLA - June 5, 2026, through June 30, 2026 (Paid) NJFLA August 31, 2026, through November 20, 2026 (Unpaid) |
|
#2795 |
FMLA - April 14, 2026, through May 5, 2026 (Paid) (This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on October 27, 2025) |
|
#3699 |
Intermittent FMLA - March 17, 2026, through June 30, 2027 (Paid) |
|
#3754 |
FMLA - August 31, 2026, through September 4, 2026 (Paid) NJFLA - September 7, 2026, through November 27, 2026 (Unpaid) |
C.3. 2026-2027 Summer Custodians
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves custodians at their 2026-2027 hourly rate, as needed during the Summer 2026 for custodial department needs.
C.4. Handle With Care Building Teams
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff as Handle With Care Building Team (formerly known as the CPI team) members. Each staff member will receive an annual amount of $500 stipend per the WTEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. The stipend will be rewarded upon verified completion of the crisis prevention intervention training, for a total cost not to exceed $13,000.00.
|
Names |
||
|
Julie Jagiello |
Ashley Mohan |
Amy Petrik |
|
Toni Moss |
Denise Chapman |
Alyssa Pech |
|
David O’Connor |
Nancy Lauber |
Erica Bell |
|
James Zilinski |
Eliana Glassman |
Claire Vivenzio |
|
Nichole Kaller |
Nancy Dasti |
Daniel Ring |
|
Sydney Fielding |
Beth Alcaraz |
Lauren Mansour |
|
Jean Vecchio |
Josephine Maccagnan |
Shawna Slater |
|
Sydney Lynn |
Julie Costa |
Jessica Mironski |
|
John Tsihlas |
Alexandra McWilliams |
|
C.5. Retirement/Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the retirement/resignations
of the following staff:
|
Name |
Position |
Location |
Retirement/ Resignation |
Dates of Service |
|
John Seremula |
Music Teacher |
WMS |
Retirement |
September 1, 2001, through June 30, 2026 |
C.6. Long Term Substitute
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Long Term Substitute:
|
Name |
Dates |
Employee # |
|
Debbie Martin |
April 13, 2026, through June 30, 2026 |
#3352 |
C.7. Summer 2026 Custodial/Maintenance Staff Pay Rates
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Summer Custodian 2026 staff hourly rates as follows:
|
Position |
Hourly Amount |
|
Summer Custodian |
$21.33 |
C.8. Appointment of Transportation Employees as Summer Custodians
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves all employees in the Transportation Department as Summer Custodians at a rate of $21.33 per hour.
C.9. Summer Technology Assistants 2026
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of Summer Technology Assistants at a rate of $23.37 per hour.
C.10. 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 |
Total Salary |
|
Alison Tugya |
July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027 |
CS Principal |
Curriculum Director |
No Change in Salary |
C.11. Approval to Create Positions
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the creation of the following positions for 2026-2027 school year.
|
Location |
Position |
Full-Time Equivalent |
|
District |
Curriculum Director |
1.0 |
C.12. Approval to Abolish Positions
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves to abolish the following positions for the 2026-2027 school year:
|
Location |
Position |
Full-Time Equivalent |
|
District |
Curriculum Supervisor |
1.0 |
C.13. Extra Duty Stipend
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the extra duty payment for Ruth Rillo at an hourly rate of $26.81 for extra work performed during a leave replacement from January 21, 2026, to on or about April 13, 2026, for a total not to exceed $791. (This motion supersedes the previous motion approved on February 2, 2026)
C.14. Compact Schedule for Summer 2026
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a four-day compacted work schedule for Summer 2026, from the week of June 29, 2026, up to and including the week of August 24, 2026.
XV. Unfinished Business
● None
XVI. New Business
● None
XVII. 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).
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. Toor to close public commentary, seconded by Mr. Molfetta, the motion was approved by a 8-0 voice vote.
XVIII. Adjourn
On motion by Ms. Keller, seconded by Mr. Toor, the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 pm.
Minutes submitted by,
Christopher Heagele
Board Secretary