Minutes for May 22, 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. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by the Board President, Mrs. Coley. .

OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT – Mrs. Coley 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.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mrs. Coley led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III.  ROLL CALL
Present:  Susan Burman, Pamela Coley, Roberta Monahan, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, Kathleen Winter, and Dr. Ellen Zimmerman
Absent: Gina Voorhees arrived at 7:05 p.m.
Dr. Gregory Przybylski arrived at 7:50 p.m.
Also Present:Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of the press and public

IV.  Recognitions
· Governor's Teacher Award Recipients
Mrs. Coleypresented the Governor’s Teacher Awards to the 5 district teachers and thanked them for their hard work and efforts.
· A.T.O.M.S. (Academic Tournament Open to Middle Schools) Teams - Warren Middle School
Mrs. Coley recognized the efforts of the middle school Quiz Bowl team and presented certificates.  Middle School REACH E2 Teacher, Sue Cooper presented the awards to the team members.
Kira Seiger, an 8th grade middle school student, played yellow bird on the steel drum.  The steel drum is now part of the middle school band.

V. Minutes
Mrs. Toubin moved the following:

RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes of the following meeting as distributed:
May 8, 2006 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Spiller and approved by 8-0 voice vote.

VI.  Correspondence and Information
None

VII. President's Remarks
Mrs. Coley commented on the ALT bicentennial day which was fantastic.
Mrs. Coley suggested that the finance committee meet with Vic Sordillo regarding the Middle School Security Alternative.

VIII.Committee Reports
Mr. Daquila gave a construction update.

IX.  Public Commentary
None

X. Presentation
·  WMS TAP Teacher Advisement Program  
Robert Comba, Middle School Principal, and Mr. Chris Huss, Dean of Students, made a presentation on the Teacher Advisory Program.  The presentation included a summary of the middle school components and the benefits of the teacher contact with the students. 
There were comments by the board and public after the presentation.  All thoughts seemed positive.

·  WMS Math Placement (BC)
Mr. Comba presented math placement strategies and difficulties.  He proposed other solutions to correct the current issues.  There were comments by the board and public after the presentation. 
Dr. Przybylski arrived at this point in the meeting (7:50 p.m.).

X. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Prior to voting the following motions were pulled for discussion: B.4., B.5., B.6., C.1. (to be discussed in executive session), C.7., C.11., D.2., D.3., D.4.
Mrs. Spiller moved, and Mrs. Burman seconded the remaining motions as a consent agenda.  The consent agenda was approved by unanimous role-call vote. 

A. Education

A.1.Out of District Placement for the 2006-2007 School Year
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the attached list of students for out of district placement for the 2006-2007 school year.

A.2.Out of District Summer Related Services
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves one student (ID #120483) to receive two 30 minute sessions each of Speech and Physical Therapy per week for a two week period from August 14, 2006 through August 25, 2006 at a cost of $275 per week to the district.

A.3.In District 2005-2006 Extended School Year Related Services
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves one preschool student (ID #0120445) to receive one 60 minute session of NDT (Speech) per week during the extended 2005-2006 school year at a cost of $95 per week to the district.

A.4.Out of District Placement for the 2005-2006 Extended School Year
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the attached list of out of district students for the 2005-2006 extended school year.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1.Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for April 2006 (Check Numbers 0216612-021905  ) in the amount of $ 2,766,464.24).

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 April 2006, and
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on April 2006:

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$2,087,476.31

 

$678,873.29

  (11) Current  Expense

  

$809,055.78

 

  (12) Capital Outlay

  

$76,215.52

 

  (13) Special Schools

  

$809.43

 

Capital Reserve

    

$112,897.79

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($42,684.59)

$40,742.32

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$254,586.87

$548,754.29

$227,005.47

(40) Debt Service Fund

$15,212.26

$15,211.58

$0.68

TOTAL

$2,314,590.85

$1,490,788.92

$1,018,777.23

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 April 2006
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

    

11-000-219-390-08-00

CST Other Purch. Prof/Tech. Servs.

11-000-100-562-08-01

Tuition--Other LEAs (Reg Year)

5,000.00

11-000-230-610-01-00

Supplies -Administration

11-000-230-340-01-00

Purchased Technical Services

2,100.00

11-000-230-610-01-00

Supplies -Administration

11-000-230-530-01-22

Telephone - Supt. & BA

400.00

11-000-251-592-01-00

Business Office - Misc. Purch. Servs.

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

600.00

11-000-251-800-01-00

Business Office - Misc. Expenses

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

650.00

11-000-262-620-01-60

Heat – Admin. Bldg.

11-000-230-530-01-22

Telephone - Supt. & BA

600.00

11-000-262-620-03-60

Heat - Central

11-000-230-530-03-22

Telephone - Central

3,000.00

11-000-262-620-04-60

Heat - Mt. Horeb

11-000-230-530-04-22

Telephone - Mt. Horeb

3,000.00

11-000-262-620-04-60

Heat - Mt. Horeb

11-000-230-530-05-22

Telephone - ALT

3,000.00

11-000-262-620-06-60

Heat - Woodland

11-000-230-530-06-22

Telephone - Woodland

4,500.00

11-000-262-620-07-60

Heat – Middle

11-190-100-610-07-10

Instr. Supplies -Middle

7,000.00

11-000-270-390-10-00

Other Purch. Prof./Tech. Servs.

11-000-270-517-10-00

Contracted-NP-ESC (via WHRHS)

500.00

11-000-270-503-10-00

Contracted Aide in Lieu

11-000-262-100-09-05

Overtime - Custodians

4,000.00

11-000-270-610-10-00

Supplies-Transportation

11-190-100-610-07-10

Instr. Supplies -Middle

5,000.00

12-120-100-730-03-00

Instr. Equipment-Central

12-000-240-730-00-00

School Admin. Equip.

19,000.00
       

$58,350

B.4.Contract Amendment - USA Architects
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract extension for USA Architects on the Central School Addition and Renovations - South Wing Project.  USA Architects is currently being paid $1,200.00 per month for construction supervision up to April 30, 2006.  Due to construction delays this should continue for an additional three months or until July 31, 2006.

B.5.Warren Central School Addition & Renovations – South Wing Project - Change Orders for Carter Contracting Company Corp.
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following change orders to Carter Contracting Company Corp. for the Central School Addition & Renovations – South Wing Project in the amount of $37,160.28

· C/O #5  Electric for hot water heater  $  2,007.85
· C/O #6  Rock removal for exterior drainage  $10,956.63
· C/O #7  Credit for drainage piping not installed$( 2,080.00)
· C/O #8  Electric for card readers $  1,039.91
· C/O #9  Installation of bollards in the parking area $  4,530.71
· C/O #10 Extend concrete walkway by retaining wall $  2,132.10
· C/O #11 Crushed stone for retaining wall  $11,169.95
· C/O #12 Removal of dirt from construction site$  6,277.85
· C/O #13 Rebuild parking lot drain basin $  1,125.28
Total $37,160.28

B.6.Final 2006/2007 Warren Township School Budget
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following resolution:

WHEREAS the legal voters of the township of Warren, Somerset County, defeated the proposed budget at the annual district election on April 18, 2006, and

WHEREAS representatives of the Township of Warren and the Warren Township Board of Education have met for the purpose of settling on the reduction of the budget and the tax levy, and

WHEREAS the Township of Warren has adopted and approved a resolution to reduce the Warren Township School 2006/2007 School Budget by $600,000.00, and

WHEREAS this will result in a reduction to the proposed local tax levy from the original amount of $31,610,603 to the revised tax levy amount of $31,010,603, and

RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the following changes to the proposed budget 2006/2007 budget in the amount of $600,000.00,

Account Name:  Tuition Revenue
Account Number:  10-1300
Amount:$20,000.00
Description: Increase summer tuition rates

Account Name:  General Supplies
Account Number:  11-190-100-610
Amount:$74,000.00
Description: Decrease instruction supplies by 10%

Account Name:  Library Supplies
Account Number:  11-000-222-600
mount:$6,000.00
Description: Decrease library supplies by 10%

Account Name:  Textbooks
Account Number:  11-190-100-640
Amount:$65,000.00
Description: Delay purchase of new textbooks and eliminate backpack relief spending

Account Name:  Other Objects
Account Number:  11-190-100-890
Amount:$25,000.00
Description: Eliminate district paid admission for field trips

Account Name:  Co/Extra Curricular Activities
Account Number:  11-401-100-100
Amount:$45,000.00
Description: Decrease district sponsored after school activities

Account Name:  Contracted Transportation (Home & School)
Account Number:  11-00-270-511
Amount:$20,000.00
Description: Eliminate late bus

Account Name:  Contracted Transportation (Not Home & School)
Account Number:  11-00-270-512
Amount:$45,000.00
Description: Eliminate district paid transportation for field trips

Account Name:  Increase to Capital Reserve
Account Number:  10-604
Amount:$300,000.00
Description: Reduction to the capital spending reserve. 
Eliminate the down payment for the Middle School Front Office Security Project.

And it be further

RESOLVED the Board of Education approves the FINAL 2006/2007 Warren Township Budget as follows:

Appropriations:  Budget
General Fund  $31,346,116
Summer School  138,800
Capital Outlay  896,100
Capital Reserve1,002,000
Special Revenue 455,000
Debt Service 1,698,415
TOTAL BUDGET: $35,536,431

Revenues:
Tax Levy - General Fund $31,010,603
Tax Levy – Debt Service  1,333,958
TOTAL:$32,344,561

State Aid  $ 2,136,921
State Aid – Debt Service 364,455
TOTAL:$ 2,501,376

Surplus

General Fund  $  7,492
Debt Service 2
Miscellaneous Revenue  $ 228,000
Federal Funds Anticipated 455,000
TOTAL:$35,536,431

Spending Growth Limitation Adjustments (SGLA’s)

RESOLVED the Board of Education does apply for the following Spending Growth Limitation Adjustments for the 2006/20074 Warren Township Budget:}
Capital Outlay $681,788

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) Raymond Balkonis, .5 Basic Skills Teacher, Middle Schools, MA, step 1, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  Mr. Balkonis is replacing Emily Baker who resigned.
b) Allison Hecht, Special Education Teacher, Central School, BA+15 step 1, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  Ms. Hecht is replacing Laura Schachman who is reassigned as a grade 2 teacher.
c) Jennifer Cusati, Special Education Teacher, Middle School, MA step 1, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2006.  This is a new LLD position.
d) Lori Vigliotti, Classroom Paraprofessional, Middle School, step 4, 32.5 hours per week, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  This is for a new LLD class.
e) Kathy Marikakis, One-On-One Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, step 2, 32.5 hours per week, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 for a new student.
f) Ellen King, Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School, step 2 32.5 hours per week with a stipend of $1,800 for a teaching certificate, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  Ms. King is replacing Dina Lewis who resigned.
g) Christine Parolise, Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School, step 2, 32.5 hours per week, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  This is a new position.
h) Helen Hsu, Kindergarten Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, BA+15, step 1, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  This is a maternity leave replacement for Dana Baldari.
i) Jourdan Barovick, ABA Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, MA, step 3, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  This is a new position.
j) Jennifer DePinto, Art Teacher, Woodland School, BA, step 1, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  Ms. DePinto is replacing Nancy Longueil who retired.
k) Sonal Mishra, Grade 4 Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, MA+30, step 1, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  This is a maternity leave replacement for Lisa Lukko. (Removed)

l) Christine Burkhardt, Special Education Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, BA+15 step 1, effective September 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006.  This is a maternity leave replacement for Leslie Ortega.
m)  Tara Wessel, Special Education Teacher, Woodland School, MA, step 2, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  This is a maternity leave replacement for Erica Link.
n) Jennifer Curran, Speech/Language Therapist, Mt. Horeb School, MA, step 3, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  Ms. Curran is replacing Tancine Calderone who retired.

C.2.Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education amends the family leave request for Stacy Hann-Modugno, REACH Teacher, Woodland School from April 17, 2006 through June 1, 2006 to April 17, 2006 through June 30, 2006 (unpaid with benefits).  Returning September 1, 2006.

C.3.Resignations
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the resignation of:
a) Audrey Grodt, Van Driver, Buildings and Grounds, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 22, 2006.
b)Kara Kopcsik, Classroom Paraprofessional, effective June 30, 2006.

C.4.Amendment on Salary Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amendment on the teachers' negotiated salary guide effective May 1, 2006:
a) Lisa Lukko from BA+15 to MA (remaining at step 6).
b) Lauren Paguirigan from BA+15 to MA (remaining at step 5).
c) Susan Jackson from MA+15 to MA+30 (remaining at step 9).

C.5.Per Diem Deduct Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves per diem deduct request for:
a) Laurie Donovan, OT, District, for one day, May 26, 2006.

C.6.Independent Related Service Providers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached list of independent related service providers for the extended 2005-2006 school year and to provide services for the 2006-2007 school year.

C.7.Director of After School Activities for the 2006-2007 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Heather Kitchen as Director of After School Activities for the period September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 at the negotiated stipend rate.

C.8.Rescind Employment for the 2006-2007 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education rescind the employment of Kaitlyn Celeste, Special Education Teacher, Woodland School, for the 2006-2007 school year.

C.9.Appointment of Staff for the 2006-2007 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the revised list of certified staff, (BA only) for the 2006-2007 school year.

C.10. Staff Assignments for the 2006-2007 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached list of staff assignments for the 2006-2007 school year.

C.11. 2006-2007 Employment - Non WTEA Employees
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached list of non WTEA employee assignments and salaries for the 2006-2007 school year.

D. Policy

D.1.Policy 6142.6 - Basic Skills
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second reading of minor changes to Policy 6142.6 - Basic Skills.

D.2.Policy 6171.1 - Remedial Instruction
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second reading of minor changes to Policy 6171.1 - Remedial Instruction.

D.3.Policy 6161.1 - Guidelines for Evaluation and Selection of Instructional Materials
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the removal of the exhibit for Policy 6161.1 dated September 2002.  (Rest of the policy stays the same.)

D.4.Policy 6163.1 - Media Center/Library
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the removal of the regulation for Policy 6163.1 dated September 2002.  (Rest of the policy stays the same.)

B.4 - Mrs. Voorhees asked whether it would be better to pay a flat rate or do a time and materials payment.  Mr. Daquila stated that the flat rate is the most prudent way to proceed for paying the architect on the project.

B.5 - Mrs. Winter asked about the total cost of the Central Project and Mr. Daquila stated that the project is still under the total allotted for the project.

B.6 - Dr. Crisfield clarified that the amounts are being taken out of the line item totals and the amounts per school still need to be determined.
On motion by Mrs. Spiller seconded by Mrs. Burman and approved on a 9-0 vote, motions B.4., B.5., and B.6. were approved.

C.7 - Dr. Crisfield clarified the reason that the after school activity stipend is needed. 
On motion by Mrs. Voorhees seconded by Mrs. Monahan and approved on a 9-0 vote, motion C.7. was approved.

D.2., D.3., D.4., - Mrs. Winter questioned the changes to the policies.  Dr. Crisfield clarified the issues on the changes to the policies.
On motion by Dr. Zimmerman seconded by Mrs. Winter and approved on a 9-0 vote, motions D.2., D.3., and D.4. were approved.

XII. Public Commentary
Christine Phillips asked what the percentage of co/extra curricular activities budget is the $45,000 reduction.  The $45,000 reduction is approximately 50% of the original budget amount.

Margi Bultman spoke about the 10% cut to the instructional supply account.  Dr. Crisfield and Mr. Daquila clarified the matter that the account is flat from the prior year. 

Peggy Austin asked if the equipment line of $900,000 could be cut so the students would not be effected.  Dr. Crisfield stated that the improvements and the equipment are needed to keep the facilities in top working order .  Mrs. Austin also spoke about the importance of the field trips as part of the curriculum and suggested that some after school clubs be eliminated.

XIII. Old Business

· Field Trips
The Board discussed the subsidy of the field trips.
K-5 – board pays for field trip
6-8 – parents & PTO pay for field trips
District payment for buses will no longer exist.
The Board discussed the issue of eliminating the field trips, requiring the parents to pay for the trips or asking the PTO’s to subsidize the field trips.
Dr. Crisfield will discuss the issue with the PTO council.
· Before/After School Clubs/Activities
There was a discussion about the after school clubs and how the clubs are approved.  The administrators will have input on the clubs that remain and the clubs that are eliminated. 
Mrs. Winter requested that the district policy on Use of Facilities be reviewed to charge for the use of fields.  Mrs. Winter and Mr. Daquila will meet to discuss the issue.
Mrs. Monahan asked that the board members be given the school photo books for the new school year.

XIV. New Business

Dr. Zimmerman asked that Dr. Crisfield follow up on the math program for the middle school.

Mrs. Voorhees  asked about the practice that the BOE will follow about interaction with the public during public commentary.  Mrs. Coley will respond and if a board member is acknowledged he/she can respond to the public.

Mrs. Burman suggested that a public commentary be added after a presentation.  Another suggestion is to have a presentation, board discussion, and public questions about the presentation.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:  

At 9:30 p.m. Mrs. Spiller 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. Burman and approved by unanimous voice vote.
On motion by Mrs. Burman and seconded by Dr. Przybylski, the Board reconvened in open session at 10:25 p.m.
Mrs. Coley mentioned teacher recognition night and requested board attendance to show support.
Mrs. Toubin mentioned that the Mt. Horeb PTO was doing a Friday night out side movie night that was rained out and switched to a Thursday night.  The event starts at 9:00 p.m. which is too late for K-5.  Is there a policy on administration approving the PTO events. 
On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Monahan and approved 9-0, the board voted to approve motions C.1. a-j, l-m (item k has been removed), C.11, and C.10 as amended based on motion C.1 .

XVI.ADJOURNMENT:  On motion by Dr. Zimmerman and seconded by Mrs. Burman the meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila, Board Secretary