Minutes for January 22, 2007History 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 7:02 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, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, Gina Voorhees, and Kathleen Winter
Absent: Dr. Ellen Zimmerman arrived at 7:12 p.m.
Also Present: Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of the public and press

IV. RECOGNITIONS
None

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Spiller moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes of the following meeting as amended:
January 8, 2006 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Toubin and approved by 7-0-1 voice vote. (Mrs. Burman abstained)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
None

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Mrs. Coley welcomed the members of the public and thanked them for attending the meeting.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Communications Committee
Mrs. Spiller reported that the survey is online and encouraged everyone to complete the district survey.

IX. DISCUSSION

  • Gifted and Talented Program K-8
    Mrs. Voorhees introduced Middle School Principal, Mr. Robert Comba, and Director of Student Personnel Services, Dr. Laura Weitzman, who presented information on the Gifted and Talented Program (REACH). There was a Question & Answer session with the board members.
  • Guidance Program K-8
    Will be presented at the next BOE meeting on 2/12/07.
  • 2007-2008 Budget Deliberation

Finance
Mrs. Monahan asked Dr. Crisfield to start the discussion on the 2007-2008 projected budget.
Dr. Crisfield commented about the assumptions that are being made in the budget that is being presented. Dr. Crisfield provided a brief description of the 5 page packet that will be discussed by the board.
Mrs. Monahan then stated that tonight’s budget discussion should be completed in 3 parts. First the budget projection should be discussed, second the budget reductions suggested by the finance committee will be discussed, and then the potential additional reductions will be discussed.
The board discussed the “Budget Cut Options” sheet.
Mrs. Burman wants to put late bus and Middle School after school clubs to the right side.
Mrs. Coley wants to discuss field trips.
After deliberation the Middle School after school clubs will remain on the left side of the cut sheet for now.
After discussion field trips stay on the left side.
Mrs. Voorhees asked about the costs of courtesy bussing per individual. Courtesy busing (subscription busing) will be approximately $600- $700 for each child being transported The Board discussed courtesy busing and the effects it will have. Information of hazardous routes is needed and costs per student for subscription busing.
No members of the BOE wants to move courtesy busing from the right side. It will remain a discussion topic.
No members of the BOE wants to move Central Roof Project from the right side. More information is needed and it will remain a discussion topic,
Gifted and Talented (K-5) – BOE may consider a reduced G & T program. Need costs of partial reduction.
G & T (6-8) BOE does not want to cut this.
World Language at K-5 is an item that the BOE does not want to eliminate.

X. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Gerard Bu asked a question about specific line items and why their increases are well above 4 %.
Nancy Wilcenski commented that in the past the principals decided how the field trip money was spent and where the classes would go. She doesn’t understand why the PTO could not fund field trips in the future.
Adam Yenish suggested that the field trips be mandated by grade. The mass numbers may allow the district to negotiate better rates on admission fees.
Lenny Calvo stated that the PTO’s should be allowed to fund field trips and the BOE should permit this and not worry about inequities between the schools.
Gerard Bu suggested that computer instruction be reduced and possibly eliminated. There is duplication in computer instruction in regular class and then a separate computer class.
Tim Overstat asked about music instruction and was informed that it is part of the curriculum.
Tony Giacone asked about the Central Roof Project and if an alternative could be found to extend the life of the roof.
Lenny Calvo asked about the busing and if all the drivers are district employees.
Dolly Politian asked if the Central roof still has a life of 3 years, can the project be funded over 3 years instead of $300,000 in 07/08.
Patricia Zohn commented that the town should be involved in the preliminary budget discussions so that the town is aware of the district’s status.
Nancy Wilcenski asked about the K-5 guidance programs.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Prior to voting Mrs. Burman asked a question about agenda item C.7. Dr. Zimmerman asked a question about agenda item A.2. Agenda item A.2. was pulled for a separate vote.
Mrs. Spiller moved, and Mrs. Burman seconded, the following including addendum items, as a consent agenda:
The consent agenda was approved by unanimous 9-0 role-call vote. Dr. Zimmerman moved to table agenda item A.2., seconded by Dr. Przybylski and approved 5-4 on a roll call vote. The superintendent will provide board members additional support and information regarding agenda item A.2.

A. Education

A.1. Out of District Placement
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the placement of one student (ID#0120753) to attend Developmental Learning Center-Union, effective January 22, 2007 at a 10 month tuition cost of $67,826.00 prorated from January 22, 2007 through June 30, 2007.

A.2. Language Arts (Reading) Curriculum - Partial Approval Pulled for discussion
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following selected elements of the new Language Arts (Reading) curriculum on an interim basis, per the 11/15/06 request from Stacey Modugno, Language Arts Coordinator, in order to make arrangements for necessary staff training to be completed in time for the start of the 2007-2008 school year. (NOTE: This partial approval is pending formal approval of the entire new curriculum at a future date that will include these elements and others yet to be finalized.)
a) Word Study in Grades 1-5
b) Making Meaning in Grades 1-5
c) Reading Scope and Sequence for Grades 1-5

A.3. Out of District Related Services
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the Lake Drive Program (Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) to provide 2 hours of consultation per week for one preschool student (ID #0120782). The student has had cochlear implants. Services are to start January 22, 2007 through June 30, 2007. The total cost to the district will be $5,106.

A. 4. In District Related Services
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves three hours per month of behavioral consultation provided by Morris Union Jointure Commission at Woodland School for one student (ID #0120295), effective January 22, 2007 through June 30, 2007 at a total cost to the district of $2,970.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for January 2007 (Check #s 023771-023914) in the amount of $2,454,307.72.

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 December, and
WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on December 31, 2006:

FUND CASH BALANCE APPROPRIATION BALANCE FUND BALANCE
(10) General Current Expense Fund $3,041,835.28   $1,040,552.75
(11) Current Expense   $2,182,837.75  
(12) Capital Outlay   $635,225.06  
(13) Special Schools   $4,592.23  
(20) Special Revenue Fund ($55,614.86) $46,247.45 $0.00
(30) Capital Projects Fund ($419,869.95) $6,462.91 $55,215.18
(40) Debt Service Fund $1,190,163.76 ($1,000.00) $15,210.26
TOTAL $3,756,514.23 $2,874,365.40 $1,110,978.19

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 December 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 the Board pursuant to Policy 3160

TO: FROM:
11-000-230-331-01-00 Legal Services 11-000-100-562-08-02 Tuition Other LEAs- Ext. Yr. 17,500
11-000-230-339-01-00 Purchased Prof. Services 11-000-222-500-11-01 Other Purch. Servs.-Internet 2,500
11-000-100-566-08-02 Tuition- Private (Ext. Year) 11-000-100-566-08-01 Tuition - Private (Reg. Year) 12,520
11-000-213-100-00-04 Stipends - First Aid & CPR 11-40-100-100-00-00 Co-curricular Stipends 3,400
11-130-100-101-00-04 Grades 6-8 Stipends 11-40-100-100-00-00 Co-curricular Stipends 2,500
11-000-219-104-00-01 CST Extra Salaries 11-000-219-104-00-00 Child Study Team Salaries 5,160
11-000-219-105-00-01 CST Secretary Extra Salary 11-000-219-104-00-00 Child Study Team Salaries 570
11-000-230-530-07-21 Postage - Middle 11-000-230-530-01-21 Postage - Super. & Bus. Off. 650
11-000-261-420-09-01 Maint. Repairs - Admin. 11-000-261-420-09-07 Maint. Repairs – Middle 1,830
11-000-262-100-00-00 Service Staff Paras-Salaries 11-000-222-100-00-02 Library Paras – Salaries 7,300
11-000-262-100-09-00 Service Staff - Salaries 11-000-262-100-09-05 Overtime – Custodians 2,770
11-000-262-420-09-43 Equipment Repairs 11-000-240-600-03-20 Copies Supplies – Central 800
11-000-262-420-09-43 Equipment Repairs 11-000-240-600-04-20 Copies Supplies - Mt. Horeb 800
11-000-262-420-09-43 Equipment Repairs 11-000-240-600-05-20 Copies Supplies – ALT 800
11-000-262-420-09-43 Equipment Repairs 11-000-240-600-06-20 Copies Supplies - Woodland 800
11-000-262-420-09-43 Equipment Repairs 11-000-240-600-07-20 Copies Supplies – Middle 800
11-120-100-101-00-01 Gr. 1-5 Teacher Salaries 11-000-213-100-00-00 Nurse & Doctor Salaries 58,000
11-130-100-101-00-01 Gr. 6-8 Teacher Salaries 11-000-219-104-00-00 Child Study Team Salaries 8,000
11-130-100-101-00-01 Gr. 6-8 Teacher Salaries 11-000-221-102-00-00 Curriculum Coord. Salary 25,000
11-130-100-101-00-01 Gr. 6-8 Teacher Salaries 11-230-100-101-00-00 Basic Skills Teacher Sals. 25,000
11-000-222-100-00-01 Educ. Media/Library Sals. 11-000-219-104-00-00 Child Study Team Salaries 3,000
    Total Transfers - December 2006 $179,700

B.4. Donation of Piano -Mt. Horeb School
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of one Sterling Concert Grand Upright Piano at an appraised value of $2,500 to the Mt. Horeb School from Gregory and Elizabeth Bisson.

B.5. Middle School Eagleton Institute Transportation Grant
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the Eagleton Institute Transportation Grant awarded to the Middle School E2 Program in the amount of $300 for the Mock Trail debate.

B.6. Transportation - Somerset County Educational Services Commission
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation of one student (ID#0120753) to the Developmental Learning Center-Union by the Somerset County Educational Services Commission for the period of January 22. 2007 through June 30, 2007. The SCESC currently transports another Warren student to the Developmental Learning Center in Union, NJ and there is no fee increase for the additional student.

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) Kellie Dearey, ABA Special Education Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, Step BA+15, step 5, effective March 26, 2007 through June 30, 2007. Replacing Jourdan Barovick who resigned.

C.2. Amendment on Salary Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amended placements on the teachers' negotiated salary guide effective January 1, 2007:
a) Paul Duncan from MA to MA+15 (remaining at step 7).
b) Wendy Rosenberg to MA+45 (remaining at step 15).
c) Steve Rizzoli from MA to MA+15 (remaining at step 6).

C.3. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the Family Leave request for:
a) Mary Beth Greco, Grade 4 Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School Family Leave (unpaid with benefits) from September 1, 2007 through November 30, 2007. Returning December 1, 2007.

C.4. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2006-2007 school year:
a) Catherine Murphy
b) Elizabeth Swanson
c) Anthony Lowenberg
d) Diana Silva
e) Donna Kohl
f) Carol Ray

C.5. Out of District Auditory Verbal Therapist
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Nancy Schumann to provide three hours per week (one hour in school and two hours in office) of Auditory Verbal Therapy for cochlear implant use for one student (ID#0120782) effective January 15, 2007 through June 30, 2007. The fee is $165 for school therapy and $125 for office therapy at a total cost to the district of $9,750.

C.6. Senior Citizens Computer Workshops
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff members to conduct a Senior Citizens Computer Workshop with four sessions in their respective schools at a pay rate of $360 each $90 per session):
a) Susan Lewis - Mt. Horeb
b) Steve Verger - Middle School - only if a second class is needed.

C.7. Additional Child Study Team Days
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a total of 12 additional days for Amy Brunswick, Joan Darkenwald, and Michele Stein at Mt. Horeb School from January to June 2007 due to increased pre-school referrals and certain time-consuming cases. The total cost to the district will be $4,259.84.

C.8. Related Services
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Jill Pila to provide 1.5 hours per week of speech therapy at Woodland School effective January 22, 2007 through June 30, 2007 at an hourly rate of $55 for a total cost to the district of $1,627.50.

XII. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
None

XIII. OLD BUSINESS
  • 2007-08 School Calendar - Add a full week of recess in February?
    Mrs. Coley commented that a parent wants to have a full week off in February 07/08. BOE members will review item as old business next meeting.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS
Dr. Crisfield asked if the meetings should be moved to the Middle School during the budget session.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 10:20 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) 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
11) specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session
12) 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. Voorhees and seconded by Mrs. Burman, the Board reconvened in open session at 10:45 p.m.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Voorhees, seconded by Dr. Przybylski, the meeting adjourned at 10:46 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila, Board Secretary