Minutes for April 24, 2006History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Board of Education Administration Building, Mt. Horeb Road. The following is a record of that meeting.

I. Oath of Office
Mr. Daquila administered the Oath of Office to Mrs. Burman, Dr. Przybylski, and Mrs. Toubin.

II. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:41 p.m. by Board of Education Business Administrator, Mr. Daquila. .

OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT – Mr. Daquila read the following statement:
In accordance with the provisions New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law, the Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be posted in the Board Office and in the Township Office, mailed to the Courier News and Echoes Sentinel, and filed with the Clerk of the Township of Warren.

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mr. Daquila led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

IV. ROLL CALL
Present: Susan Burman, Pamela Coley, Roberta Monahan, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, Gina Voorhees, Kathleen Winter, and Dr. Ellen Zimmerman

Absent: 

Also Present:  Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of the press and public

V. ELECTION RESULTS
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the combined statement of April 2006 election results to be read aloud and made a part of the reorganization meeting minutes.
Mr. Daquila read the election results for Warren Township regarding the new board members and the budget defeat.

VI. ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS
On motion by Mrs. Voorhees, seconded by Dr. Przybylski and approved on a 9-0 vote, It was RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the election of the board president to be completed by members casting written ballots which will be read out load. Mrs. Winter nominated Mrs. Coley and Mrs. Voorhees nominated Mrs. Monahan. On a 5-4 vote the results of the election are as follows

1. President: Mrs. Coley
(newly elected president presiding)

Mrs. Coley requested nominations for vice-president. Mrs. Winter nominated Mrs. Spiller and Mrs. Monahan seconded. The motion was passed 9-0.

2. Vice President: Mrs. Spiller

VII. ANNUAL REORGANIZATION ACTION ITEMS

1. Policies
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves adoption of current Board Policies & Bylaws for the 2006-2007 school year.

2. Curriculum
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves adoption of the K-8 curriculum guides, as aligned with NJ Core Content Standards, for the 2006-2007 school year.

3. Textbooks
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves adoption of existing district textbooks for the 2006-2007 school year.

4. Service Appointments
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following:

  1. the Echoes Sentinel as the official school district newspaper for the 2006-2007 school year.
  2. the Courier News and Star Ledger as official alternate newspapers to be used in lieu of Echoes Sentinel, when necessary, for the 2006-2007 school year.
  3. the appointment of Peter Daquila as Board Secretary of the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2006-2007 school year.
  4. the appointment of Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent of Schools, as Acting Board Secretary for the 2006-2007 school year in the absence of the Board Secretary.
  5. the appointment of Ruth Davies as Treasurer of School Monies for the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2006-2007 school year.
  6. the appointment of Peter Daquila, Board Secretary, as Acting Treasurer of School Monies for the 2006-2007 school year for the Warren Township Board of Education in the absence of Ruth Davies.
  7. the appointment of Anthony Sciarrillo of Lindabury, McCormick and Estabrook as Board Attorney for the 2006-2007 school year at an hourly rate of $140.
  8. the appointment of Dickinson, Vrabel & Cassels, P.A. as the auditing firm for the Warren Township Board of Education for the 2006-2007 school year at an annual cost of $19,000.
  9. The appointment of USA Architects as the architect of record for the 2006-2007 school year at the following hourly rates of $160 Sr. Partner, $135 Partner; $115 Senior Field Rep, $95 Project Architect; $80 Senior Architect or Interior Designer, $70 Architect Designer; $60 Designer/CAD; $55 Architect Support.
  10. the appointment of Dr. Richard Lesko as District Medical Inspector for the 2006-2007 school year at the annual cost of $7,500
  11. the appointment of Dr. Ronald Frank as Alternate District Medical Inspector for the 2006-2007 school year at a cost to be determined at the time of service provided (if need be).
  12. the election of Kathy Winter, (alternate Gregory Przybylski) as the Board Representative to the Somerset County Educational Services Commission for the 2006-2007 school year.
  13. the election of Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent of Schools, as the Board Representative to the Morris Union Jointure Commission Board of Education for the 2006-2007 school year.
  14. the election of Patricia Toubin____ as Board Representative to the NJSBA Delegate Assembly for the 2006-2007 school year.
  15. the appointment of Dr. Laura Weitzman as the district’s Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX coordinator and 504 Officer for the 2006-2007 school year.
  16. the appointment of Joseph Palumbo as ESL Coordinator for the 2006-2007 school year.
  17. the appointment of G.R. Murray as the district’s board and general liability insurance agent for the 2006-2007 school year.
  18. the appointment of Grinspec Associates as the district’s health insurance agent for the 2006-2007 school year.
  19. the appointment of Tyler Tribelhorn as the district’s Right to Know contact and AHERA representative for the 2006-2007 school year.
  20. the appointment of Peter Daquila as the district’s Public Agency Compliance Officer (PACO) for the 2006-2007 school year.

5. Finance
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following:

  1. the designation of the following banks as depositories for district funds for 2006-2007, pending certification of approval by the Governmental Unit Deposit Protection Act:

Bank Of America

  1. authorization for the Board Secretary to invest school funds in accordance with the limitations of State law and Board Policy.
  2. authorization for the following persons to sign checks:

Account Name

No.

Signatory(s)

     

General Operating (Current) Account

3

Treasurer of School Monies and Board Secretary and Board President

Salary Account

1

Treasurer of School Monies

Payroll Deduction Account

1

Treasurer of School Monies

Unemployment Account

1

Board Secretary or Superintendent

Ice Cream Account

1

Board Secretary or Superintendent

Milk Account

1

Board Secretary or Superintendent

Flexible Spending Account

1

Board Secretary or Superintendent

Maintenance Petty Cash Account

1

Supervisor of Buildings & Grounds or Board Secretary

Superintendent Petty Cash Account

1

Superintendent or Board Secretary

Municipal Money Market Account

1

Treasurer of School Monies

Capital Reserve Account

1

Treasurer of School Monies

Middle School Student Activity Account

2

Middle School Principal and Middle School Dean or Board Secretary

Middle Student Athletic Account

2

Middle School Principal and Middle School Dean or Board Secretary

6. Board Committees
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the plan to work generally as a committee of the whole, with a limited number of standing committees to be designated at a future Board meeting.

7. Board Meeting Dates
The Board discussed the dates and potential conflicts and it was determined not to change the dates, but rather deal with attendance issue within 3 weeks of each meeting.

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following list of meetings for the 2006-2007 school year. {NOTE: All meetings will be held on a Monday in the BOE Admin. Bldg. unless otherwise noted.}

DATE

TIME

TOPICS/NOTES

July 24

7:00pm

 

August 28

7:00pm

 

September 11

7:00pm

 

September 25

7:00pm

 

October 9

7:00pm

SCHOOLS CLOSED (In-service)

November 13

7:00pm

 

November 27

7:00pm

 

December 11

7:00pm

 

January 8

7:00pm

 

January 22

7:00pm

 

February 12

7:00pm

 

February 26

7:00pm

 

March 12

7:00pm

 

March 26

7:00pm

BUDGET HEARINGAT WMS

April 10

7:00pm

(NOTE: TUESDAY)

 April 23

7:00pm

REORGANIZATION

May 14

7:00pm

 

May 29

7:00pm

(NOTE: TUESDAY)

June 11

7:00pm

 

June 25

7:00pm

 

8. Petty Cash Accounts
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the establishment of the following petty cash accounts for 2006-2007:

  1. Superintendent’s Office $500
  2. Buildings and Grounds $500
  3. Schools $200 (each school)
  4. SPS $100
  5. Curriculum $100
  6. Summer Fun  $100
VIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mrs. Voorhees moved the following.
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes of the following meeting as distributed:
April 4, 2006 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Winter and approved by 6-0 voice vote. ( Mrs. Burman, Dr. Przybylski, and Mrs. Toubin abstained.)

IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
None

X. PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
Mrs. Coley congratulated the new board members.

XI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Daquila discussed the failed budget, the process, and the meetings with the town to settle the budget.
Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Przybylski, and Mrs. Winter will attend the first meeting in the township office at 3:00 p.m. on April 26th.
Mrs. Spiller will attend a PTO meeting at Central to relay her experiences as a new board member.

XII. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Ray Tang asked if the meeting agenda can be posted on the website prior to meeting to determine public interest in the issues scheduled for discussion.

XIII. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Mrs. Spiller moved, and Mrs. Voorhees seconded the following as a consent agenda. The consent agenda was approved by unanimous role-call vote.

A. Education

A.1. Warren Middle School Graduation Date
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the Warren Middle School graduation date to be Monday, June 19, 2006.

A.2. Last Day of School 2005-2006
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the last day of school for all grades to be Tuesday, June 20, 2006.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for April 2006 (Check Numbers 021452-021660) in the amount of $2,903,266.38.

B.2. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the attached report of the secretary for the month of March 2006, and
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on March 2006:

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$2,085,327.31

 

$678,873.29

  (11) Current Expense

 

$1,008,647.06

 

  (12) Capital Outlay

 

$101,080.52

 

  (13) Special Schools

 

$809.43

 

Capital Reserve

   

$110,897.79

(20) Special Revenue Fund

$8,039.22

$38,582.69

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$379,149.33

$548,754.29

$227,005.47

(40) Debt Service Fund

$15,212.26

$15,211.58

$0.68

TOTAL

$2,487,728.12

$1,713,085.57

$1,016,777.23

WHEREAS, in compliance with N.J.A.C.6:20-2A(d) 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 N.J.A.C.6:20-2A.10(e), 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 N.J.A.C.6:20-2A.10(a)(1), 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 March 2006
Approve the following Resolution:

RESOLVED, the Board of Education ratifies the following transfers between budget line items that have been approved by the Superintendent of Schools and reported to them pursuant to Policy 3160:

 TO  FROM  

Tuition--Private (Reg. Year)

Tuition--Other LEAs (Reg Year)

13,700

Staff Training Supplies

Textbooks - Series Replacement

1,000

Contracted Transp-Spec Ed- Jointure

Contracted-Spec.Ed. (parents)

6,000

Contracted Transp-Spec Ed- Jointure

Contracted-NP-ESC (via WHRHS)

4,000

Contracted Transp-Spec Ed- Jointure

Misc. Purch Services

5,000

Supplies - Transportation

Purch. Tech. Services

10,000

Other Retirement Contribution(PERS)

Salaries--Maintenance

6,000

Other Retirement Contribution(PERS)

Salaries--Maintenance

1,600

Other Retirement Contribution(PERS)

Health Benefits

4,200

Other Retirement Contribution(PERS)

RC Teacher Salaries

2,400

Other Employee Benefits

BSI Salaries

2,000

Instructional Supplies—ALT

Textbooks - ALT

250

Operation & Maint. Equipment

School Adm. Equipment

1,000

Principal Redemption (MS/MH)

Interest on Bonds (MS/MH)

35,000

   

$ 92,150

B.4. Substitute Service Contract Renewal
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the renewal of the contract with The Substitute Service for substitute teacher management services for the 2006-2007 school year at an annual rate of $7,000.00.

B.5. New Jersey Nonpublic Textbook Program
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following resolution:

WHEREAS, 18A:58-37-1 et seq., as amended by Chapter 121, Laws of 1984, requires that the state and local community purchase and loan textbooks upon individual request to all students enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12 in nonpublic schools located within the local school district; and,

WHEREAS, no Board of Education is required to expend funds for the purchase and loan of textbooks in excess of the amounts provided in state aid; and,

WHEREAS, the Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) has agreed to administer the purchasing and processing of nonpublic school textbooks for local public school districts for the purpose of greater cost effectiveness through joint purchasing and centralized administration;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren Board of Education enters into an agreement with the SCESC whereby the SCESC will administer a nonpublic textbook program for those eligible students attending nonpublic schools located within the county for the 2006-2007 school year, in accordance with I 8A:58-37-1 et seq.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Warren Board of Education agrees to pay the total amount allocated by the State for the New Jersey Nonpublic School Textbook Program to the SCESC on or before July 31, 2006. Any unexpended funds will be refunded to the local district.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Board of Directors of the SCESC and the Warren Board of Education have by Resolution directed their respective Presidents and Secretaries to set their signatures and affix their seals.

B.6. The New Jersey Nonpublic Technology Initiative Program
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program has been authorized in the Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006-2007; and

WHEREAS, Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Aid shall be paid to school districts and allocated for nonpublic school pupils in a manner that is consistent with the provisions of the federal and state constitutions; and

WHEREAS, said program requires the Board of Education in each public school district in New Jersey to provide technology to all students attending a nonpublic school located in the public school district; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the chief school administrator of the public school district or designee to confer with the administrator of each participating nonpublic school within the district to advise the nonpublic school of the limit of funds available and to agree upon the technology to be provided to the nonpublic school within the limits of the funds that are available for the nonpublic school; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the public school district to send written verification that conferences were held with each nonpublic school administrator to the County Superintendent, along with a copy of each agreement, on or before December 31, 2006; and

WHEREAS, it shall be the responsibility of each public school district to provide the agreed upon technology which may include equipment, software, professional development and/or maintenance of equipment; and

WHEREAS, the Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) has agreed to administer the responsibilities associated with this program for the purpose of greater cost effectiveness through joint purchasing and centralized administration,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren Board of Education enter into an agreement with the SCESC, whereby the SCESC will administer the Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program for nonpublic schools located within the boundaries for the 2006-2007 school year, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Warren Board of Education pay 5% of the allocation for the Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program to cover the SCESC's cost for administering the program. The total amount allocated by the State for the New Jersey Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program will be paid to the SCESC on or before July 31, 2006 and 5% will be deducted for the SCESC's administrative expenses. Any unexpended funds will be refunded to the local district.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Board of Directors of the SCESC and the Warren Board of Education have by Resolution directed their respective Presidents and Secretaries to set their signatures and affix their seals.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2006-2007 School Year

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the application for emergent hiring for the following positions for the 2006-2007 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:

a) Linda DeRobertis, Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, Step 5, 32.5 hours per week, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.

C.2. Summer Secretarial Position
Approve Andrea Pasquarello, Grade 3 Teacher, Central School, as a secretary for Student Personnel Services, 8 hours a day for the month July 2006, at $15.50 per hour.

C.3. Per Diem Deduct Request

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves per diem deduct request for:

a) Janet Kozik, Secretary, Student Personnel Services, for one day, April 12, 2006.

C.4. Amendment on Salary Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amendment on the teachers' negotiated salary guide:

a) Kristen Schaefer from MA+15 to MA+30 (remaining at step 4), effective March 1, 2006.

b) Ann Santee from MA to MA to MA+15 (remaining at step 14), effective April 1, 2006.

C.5. Resignations
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the resignation of:

a) Gina Vintalore, Physical Education Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, effective June 30, 2006.

C.6. Independent Evaluator
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Carol A. Fiorile, Ph.D., Board Certified Behavior Analyst, to act as an independent evaluator for an educational assessment, consulting services, and as a possible court witness for the 2005-2006 school year at a rate of $175 an hour (testifying fees are slightly higher) not to exceed $4,000.

XIV. Public Commentary
Helena Shue asked about the process of the budget defeat and settling the budget with the town. Dr. Crisfield explained the process of settling the failed budget. Mrs. Voorhees suggested that the community attend the May 4th township meeting and express their concerns.
Waylend Li stated that the rumor is that the Gifted and Talented program is going to be cut from the budget.
Nancy Marsillo asked if the town is required to cut the budget. The town is not required to cut the budget but probably will.
Public is encouraged to attend the May 4th meeting with the town and speak during the meeting.
Ray Ting – town will review the 2006-07 proposed budget and adjust amount as they deem appropriate.
Helena Shue asked what the best way is for the public to voice their opinions and comments to the town committee. Dr. Crisfield stated that the town residents can call the town officials and speak regarding their pro-budget thoughts.

XV. Old Business
Mrs. Voorhees expressed concern regarding a district contingency plan for a flu outbreak. Dr. Crisfield said all of the State schools will go through the emergency exercises to verify being prepared. Board employees will attend training and report back to the Board.
Mrs. Voorhees questioned the middle school play and hiring a professional to run the play. The Board confirmed that this is a rumor.
Mrs. Voorhees discussed mentoring of new board members. Mrs. Spiller suggested that Mrs. Voorhees, Dr. Zimmerman, and Mrs. Monahan be the board buddies and mentors as follows:
Dr. Zimmerman to Mrs. Burman
Mrs. Monahan to Dr. Przybylski
Mrs. Voorhees to Mrs. Toubin
Mrs. Voorhees asked about the process of gathering information to a parent about family health. Dr. Crisfield stated that this is in process.
Mrs. Voorhees asked the president about committee structure and assignment. The Board discussed continuing operations to operate as a committee as a whole. A sheet will be distributed to the board members to ask their desires and choices.
Mrs. Coley stated that she wanted to create a Communications Committee.
The Board briefly discussed what each committee does and its responsibilities.
Board members need to consider which committee they would like to be involved in. Please get the info to Mrs. Coley by May 2, 2006.
In Warren email the board group consists of the 9 board members, Dr. Crisfield, Mr. Daquila, Ann Menken and Linda Miller. Board members to update directory sheet.

XVI. New Business
Board members should have information about the roles of the board members, superintendent and business administrator.

XVII.  EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 8:50 p.m. Mrs. Winter 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:

1) a matter rendered confidential by federal or state law

2) pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation and/or matters of attorney-client privilege

3) a matter in which release of information would impair the right to receive government funds

4) material the disclosure of which constitutes an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy

5) a collective bargaining agreement and/or negotiations related to it

6) a matter involving the purchase, lease, or acquisition of real property with public funds

7) protection of public safety and property and/or investigations of possible violations or violations of law

8) specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session

9) deliberation after a public hearing that could result in a civil penalty or other loss

and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, the minutes of this closed session be made public when the need for confidentiality no longer exists.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Spiller and approved by unanimous voice vote.
On motion by Mrs. Mrs. Voorhees and seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:25 p.m.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Voorhees and seconded by Dr. Przybylski the meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:

Peter Daquila, Board Secretary