Minutes for June 12, 2006History icon Archived Minutes

Skip Navigation

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 7:02 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, Gina Voorhees, Kathleen Winter, and Dr. Ellen Zimmerman
Absent: Dr. Gregory Przybylski  
Also Present: Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of the press and public

IV.  Recognitions
· Mock Trial Central School Students
Jill Zimmer, REACH2 Teacher from Central School, explained how the students received the “Honorable Mention“award from the State of NJ for the Mock Trial program.  Mrs. Coley noted the district is very proud of the students and their achievement and she distributed certificates to the participants.. 

· Audrey Grodt - Retirement
Mrs. Coley thanked Audrey Grodt for her 37 years of service to the district.  Dr. Crisfield thanked Audrey for her service and the great work she performed. 
Dr. Crisfield stated that the very preliminary results of the GEPA were available and it appears that the district has performed well. 

V. Minutes
The May 22, 2206 minutes were deferred for approval to the June 26, 2206 meeting.

VI.  Correspondence and Information
· Fire Drills The superintendent reported the following fire drills had been held:

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

May 1, 17

May 4, 18

May 5, 25

May 5, 24

May 4, 25

VII. President's Remarks
Mrs. Coley noted the newspaper article about the bi-centennial at ALT school.
Mrs. Coley also noted that she, Dr. Crisfield, and a few board members attended the teacher’s retirement dinner.

VIII.Committee Reports
Mrs. Spiller reported on the goals of the Communications Committee.  Also reported on the plans the committee has to implement and achieve these goals. 
Mrs. Monahan stated that the Finance Committee will meet with Vic Sordillio on 6/27/06 at 6:00 P.M. at the Middle School to discuss the security issues. 
Mrs. Winter noted that the field use policy is in process of being updated.  The Warren Recreation Commission is also in the process of updating their policy.  The Board will review the town’s policy before finalizing its policy.

IX.  Presentation
· Project Citizen Recap
Dr. Crisfield commented on the Middle School Project Citizen program.

· Cyber/Bullying Video
Dr. Crisfield showed the cyber bullying video that the Middle school students created. 

· 2005-2006 Goals - Final Report
Dr. Crisfield discussed the board goals and the district goals.

X. Public Commentary
None

X. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Prior to voting the following motion C.1 was pulled for discussion.
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. District Mentoring Plan
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the District Mentoring Plan, originally dated September 29, 2005, as amended on May 25, 2006.

A.2. Kindergarten at Woodland School
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the creation of a fourth section of Kindergarten at Woodland School for the 2006-2007 school year due to increased enrollment.

A.3. Out of District Related Services
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Morris Union Jointure Commission to provide Adaptive Physical Education services for the 2006 summer program for one hour per week at an hourly rate of $149 for a total cost to the district of $596.00

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1.Partial Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the partial payment of bills for June 2006 (Check Numbers 021906-022081) in the amount of $1,238,923.27.

B.2.Donation
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the donation of $988.00 with appreciation from the Zinn family for an AED device at Warren Middle School.

B.3.Custodial Charges for Building Use
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following rates for the billing of custodial charges for the groups that use our building:
Straight Time  $22.00 per hour
Time and a Half  $33.00 per hour
Double Time$44.00 per hour

B.4.Contract for Local and Long Distance Phone Provider
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the contract with Cooperative Communication, of Lyndhurst, NJ, as the provider of local and long distance phone service to the district.  The district will save approximately $1,000.00 per month by changing phone service providers.  The new contract is for a period of one year.  Based on conversion, the contract will run approximately from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.

B.5.Tax Payment Schedule for 2006-2007
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following tax payment schedule for 2006/2007 from the Township of Warren:

Tax Payments 2006-2007

      

July 10, 2006

$700,000.00

 

January 3, 2007

$2,695,380.50

July 24, 2006

$700,000.00

 

February 5, 2007

$2,695,380.00

August 7, 2006

$700,000.00

 

March 5, 2007

$2,695,380.00

August 21, 2006

$1,000,000.00

 

April 2, 2007

$2,695,380.00

September 6, 2006

$3,268,070.50

 

May 1, 2007

$2,695,380.00

October 3, 2006

$3,268,070.00

 

June 4, 2007

$2,695,380.00

November 7, 2006

$3,268,070.00

     

December 5, 2006

$3,268,070.00

     

Total

$16,172,280.50

 

Total

$16,172,280.50

         

Total Taxes for 2006/2007

  

$32,344,561.00

 

B.6.Warren Middle School PTO Donation
RESOLVED, the Board of Education accepts with appreciation the donation in the amount of $12,000.00 from the Warren Middle School PTO.  These funds are for the new Project Adventure equipment at the Middle School.  The PTO is graciously sponsoring 50% of the equipment cost.

C.Personnel/Student Services

C.1.Employment for the 2006-2007 School Year – Pulled from consent agenda for discussion - see latter in the meeting.
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) Shannon Zurka, PE/Health Teacher, Mt. Horeb, BA, step 2, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  Ms. Zurka is replacing Gina Vintalore who resigned.
b) Diane LoPresti, Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt Horeb School, step 7, 32.5 hours per week with a stipend of $1,800 for a teaching certificate, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  Ms. LoPresti is replacing Michelle Roth who went to Woodland School.
c) Rebecca Longo, Grade 1 Teacher, Mt. Horeb, MA+15 step 10, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  This is a maternity leave position for Emily Parsells.
d) JoAnn Blatchford, Grade 8 Science Teacher, Middle School, MA, step 14, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  Ms. Blatchford is replacing Mary Ann Szatkowski who resigned.
e) Michael Gonnella, Groundskeeper, Buildings & Grounds, at a salary of $36,000, effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  A 30-day probationary period shall apply.
f) Sonal Mishra, Grade 4 Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, MA+30, step 1, effective September 1, 2006 through January 15, 2007.  This is a maternity leave replacement for Lisa Lukko.

C.2. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the Family Leave request for:
a) Kristina Morano, .4 Special Education Teacher/.6 LDTC, Central School, Family Leave (unpaid with benefits) from January 9, 2007 through March 30, 2007.  Returning April 9, 2007.

C.3.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 Seccamanie from BA to BA+15 (remaining at step 6).
b) Lauren Sheppard from BA to BA+15 (remaining at step 4).
c) Michele Lepore from BA to BA+15 (remaining at step 5).
d) Michelle Zgombic from BA to BA+15 (remaining at step 8).
e) Heather Kitchen from BA+15 to MA (remaining at step 7).

C.4.Reassignment of Staff
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the reassignment of Donna Perry, Central School from 17.5 hours per week to 32.5 hours per week, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.

C.5.Per Diem Deduct Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves per diem deduct request for:
a) Silvia Gebala, Multi Duty Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, for three days, May 31, June 1, June 2, 2006.
b) Mary Ann Szatkowski, Grade 8 Science Teacher, Middle School, for one day, June 14, 2006.

C.6.Resignations
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the resignation of:
a) Timothy Nelson, Vocal Music Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, effective June 30, 2006.
b) Mary Ann Szatkowski, Science Teacher, Middle School, effective June 30, 2006.

C.7.Additional Work Time for District Staff Members
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following district staff members for additional workdays in order to complete summer evaluations and additional services for extended school year students:

LDTC:
Joan DarkenwaldUp to 13 days
Kristina Morano  Up to 18 days
Terry KarminitzUp to 16 days
Alida Gorin Up to 15 days

Social Workers:
Elaine HoffmanUp to 4 days
Ann SanteeUp to 8 days
Faye BradyUp to 18 days
Amy BrunswickUp to 17 days
   

School Psychologists:
Michele SteinUp to 12 days
Karen LeskiUp to 20 days
Rebecca Olszyk  Up to 10 days

Speech:
Allison Reu Up to 12 days
Jamie Sands  Up to 4 days
Pat LaPenseeUp to 4 days
   

OT:
Kara MalandrakisUp to 14 days

Middle School Scheduling:
Faye Brady  Up to 5 days
Alida GorinUp to 5 days
   

Special Ed Teachers:
To be determined Up to 35 hours

General Education Teachers:
To be determined Up to 35 hours

C.8.Middle School Team Leaders for the 2006-2007 School Year
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following Team Leaders for the 2006-2007 school year at the contractual stipend rate:
Grade 6 - Barbara LaSaracina
Grade 7 - Patricia LaMorte
Grade 8 - Laura Sudol
Unified Arts - Diane Burak

C.9.Summer Fun Staff
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Kathy Marikakis as a summer fun one on one aide for one student returning to the district for the 2006-2007 school year at the approved paraprofessional summer rate.  Ms. Marikakis has been approved as the student's aide for the upcoming school year on May 22, 2006.

C.10. Amend Custodial Contract for 2006-2007
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the amended contract for Carrie Vongvilay, Night Custodian, Central School, for a salary of $31,171.00.

C.11. Contracted Occupational Therapist For Summer Fun 2006
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Susan Dietzold-Meyers to provide 21/2 days of occupational therapy services during the Summer Fun Program at a cost of $55 per hour and provide services for two students for 2-30 minute sessions per week, effective July 31, 2006 to August 11, 2006 at a cost to the district of approximately $2,420.00.

C.12. 2006 Summer Help
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the attached list of summer help for 2006, effective July 1, 2006 through September 1, 2006.

C.13. Additional 2006 Summer Fun Paraprofessional Staff
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached list of additional 2006 Summer Fun paraprofessional staff.

C.14. Assignment Change
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following assignment changes for the 2006-2007 school year:
a) Erica Cheshire, Special Education Maternity Leave Teacher from .5 Woodland School and .5 Central to full time at Woodland School, effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.
b) Christine Burkhardt, Special Education Maternity Leave from full time Mt. Horeb School to .5 Mt. Horeb School and .5 Central School, effective September 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006.

D. Policy

D.1.Policy 8506 - Food Service Biosecurity Plan
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of Policy 8506 - Food Service Biosecurity Plan.

XII. Public Commentary
None

XIII. Old Business

· After School Clubs – Procedures
Dr. Crisfield spoke about the revised forms for the after school clubs and how the clubs will be chosen and accountable.
Mrs. Burman provided information the BOE regarding School Ethics.
Mrs. Toubin went to board camp and enjoyed the training.
Mr. Daquila gave a construction update 

Middle School Toilets
Back Bathrooms- The final inspections were today.  The bathrooms need to be cleaned and then they can be opened to the students.

Central School – Addition
Contractor is in process of completing some permit paperwork for the front kindergarten room.  Once this paperwork is filed the building office can complete its final review and complete the final inspection.  The contractor is in process of completing the punch list items.  The contractor will remove the temporary egress items once school is finished.

Central School – Gym
Contractor is delivering the submittal paperwork to the architect and has started ordering the major items for the project.  Contactor is aware of the tight time frame for completing the project.

ALT – Roof
Pre- construction meeting today, project work will begin once school is finished. 

Dr. Zimmerman asked about the math curriculum changes at the Middle School and when the board will discuss the changes.

Mrs. Coley asked if any BOE members wanted to hand out diplomas at the Middle School graduation.

Mr. Daquila asked about BOE members attending the October convention. 

XIV. New Business
None

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:  
At 8:45 p.m. Mrs. Voorhees 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. Voorhees and seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the Board reconvened in open session at 10:10 p.m.
On motion by Mrs. Spiller and seconded by Mrs. Monahan, motion C.1 items a. through d. were approved on an 8-0 vote.
On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded by Mrs. Burman and approved on a 7-0-1 vote, motion C.1 item e. was approved. (Mrs. Monahan abstained.)
On motion by Mrs. Spiller, seconded Mrs. Monahan and approved on a 7-1 vote, motion C.1 item f. was approved. (Mrs. Toubin voted no.)
Mrs. Winter asked about class trips and funding.  Dr. Crisfield will report after he meets with the PTO.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT:  On motion by Mrs. Burman and seconded by Mrs. Winter the meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila, Board Secretary