Minutes for February 12, 2007History icon Archived Minutes

Skip Navigation

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, and Kathleen Winter
Absent: Gina Voorhees arrived at 7:06 p.m.
Dr. Ellen Zimmerman arrived at 7:07 p.m.
Mrs. Monahan departed at 8:15 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. Toubin moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes of the following meeting as amended:
January 22, 2006 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Burman and approved by 7-0 voice vote.

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

· Fire Drills The superintendent reported the following fire drills had been held:

ALT Central Mt. Horeb Woodland Middle
January 5, 12 January 4, 23 January 3, 4 January 3, 4 January 12, 26

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Mrs. Coley welcomed the members of the public and stated anyone interested in running for the BOE can pick up a packet in the board office. Packets must be returned by 2/26/07 at 4:00 p.m.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Communications Committee
Mrs. Spiller reported that the district survey closes on 2/14/07. The committee thanks everyone that completed a survey.
Mrs. Spiller and Mrs. Monahan attended the Chinese New Year celebration at the WHRHS. The event was very well done and very enjoyable.

IX. DISCUSSION
· Guidance Program K-8 - An Overview
Mrs. Voorhees introduced Director of Student Personnel Services, Dr. Laura Weitzman, who along with Middle School Principal, Mr. Robert Comba, presented an overview of the guidance program. The BOE then did a Question and answer session about the guidance program.

· 2007-2008 Budget Deliberation
Mrs. Monahan spoke about the budget handout and how the Finance Committee increased the proposed cuts to $925K. Still waiting on the final info from the State regarding the budget increases.

The Finance Committee will attend the Township Committee meeting on March 8th.

X. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Jodi Scheiner, Hazelwood Court: the neighboring districts that have eliminated field trips permit the parents to fund the trips. Will the district consider this?

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Mrs. Spiller moved, and Mrs. Burman seconded, the following (including agenda item B.5 as amended) as a consent agenda:
The consent agenda was approved by unanimous 8-0 role-call vote. Agenda item A.3 reflected under Education was presented after the executive session (see page 6).

A. Education

A.1. Behavior Management Services
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education amends Board Resolution of November 12, 2006, Item XI, A Education, A.5. Behavior Management Services to read student (ID #0120088).

A.2. Out of District Level 1 Services
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one student (ID #0120687) to receive Level 1 services from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The cost to the district for the period of November 14, 2006 through June 30, 2007 will be $1,300.

A.3  Educational Services Settlement
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the settlement agreement on file in the Board Secretary’s Office between the parents of Student #1200098 and the Warren Township Board of Education, concerning the educational services provided by the Board to this student.)

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Amendment of Transportation Contract
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education amends the transportation contract with Essex County ESC for the 2006-2007 school year to include a 5% administration fee. The Board previously approved a cost of $28,704 but the total cost of the contract is $30,139, which includes the administration fee. Essex County ESC transports one out of district student.

B.2. Central School Lower Level and Toilet Room Alterations, Contract Revision
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the amendment to the contract with USA Architects of Somerville, NJ for the Central School Lower Level and Toilet Room Alterations Project. The contract will be increased from $52,000 to $65,000 due to the increased scope of services that will be provided to the district.

B.3. Budget Transfers for Month of January 2007
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 that are now being reported to the Board pursuant to Policy 3160:

TO: FROM:
11-000-213-100-00-04 Stipends - First Aid & CPR 11-000-213-100-00-02 Nurse Substitute 450
11-000-216-320-08-00 Speech - Professional Svcs 11-000-216-100-00-00 Speech & OT - Salaries 2,800
11-000-217-600-08-00 Extraordinary Svcs-Supplies 11-000-217-100-00-01 Extraordinary Svcs -Salaries 800
11-000-222-100-00-01 Educ. Media/Libr. - Salaries 11-000-217-100-00-01 Extraordinary Svcs -Salaries 2,200
11-000-223-600-12-00 Staff Training Supplies 11-190-100-610-12-00 Instruct. Supplies (kits)-Curr. 3,000
11-000-230-339-01-00 Purch. Professional Svcs 11-000-291-270-00-00 Health Benefits 10,000
11-000-230-895-01-02 BOE Member. Dues & Fees 11-000-230-890-01-01 Dues & Memberships -Supt. 30
11-000-240-103-00-00 Salaries-Principals/Dean/Dir 11-000-218-104-00-00 Guidance - Salaries 4,000
11-000-240-103-00-00 Salaries-Principals/Dean/Dir 11-000-219-104-00-00 CST - Salaries 300
11-000-270-161-10-00 Transp. Spec. Ed. - Salaries 11-000-270-515-10-00 Contr. SE Transp. - Jointure 3,500
11-000-270-518-10-00 Contr. SE Transp. - ESC 11-000-270-515-10-00 Contr. SE Transp. - Jointure 120
11-130-100-101-00-01 Gr. 6-8 Teacher Salaries 11-130-100-101-00-02 Grades 6-8 Substitutes 3,100
12-000-400-390-00-00 Professional Services 12-120-100-730-03-00 Instr. Equipment - Central 6,000
12-000-400-390-00-00 Professional Services 12-120-100-730-04-00 Instr. Equipment - Mt. Horeb 6,000
12-000-400-390-00-00 Professional Services 12-120-100-730-05-00 Instr. Equipment - ALT 6,000
12-000-400-390-00-00 Professional Services 12-120-100-730-07-00 Instr. Equipment - Middle 6,000
11-000-291-241-00-00 Retirement Contrib. - PERS 11-190-100-610-03-10 Instr. Supplies - Central 2,600
11-000-291-241-00-00 Retirement Contrib. - PERS 11-190-100-610-04-10 Instr. Supplies - Mt. Horeb 3,400
11-000-291-241-00-00 Retirement Contrib. - PERS 11-190-100-610-05-10 Instr. Supplies - ALT 9,500
11-000-291-241-00-00 Retirement Contrib. - PERS 11-190-100-610-07-10 Instr. Supplies - Middle 9,500
    Total Transfers – January 2007 $79,300

B.4. No Child Left Behind Grant
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the acceptance of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Grant for the fiscal year 2006 from the New Jersey Department of Education with the following amounts:
Title II-Part A $25,339.00
Title III $12,600.00
Title IV $ 4,860.00
Title V $ 4,790.00

B.5. Health Benefit Coverage
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby provides that effective February 19, 2007, proof of marriage must be provided prior to an employee receiving health benefit coverage for the first time or at the discretion of the district, for his/her dependent spouse; and be if further
RESOLVED, that the Board hereby provides that effective February 19, 2007, proof of parental guardianship must be provided prior to an employee receiving health benefit coverage for the first time or at the discretion of the district, for his/her dependent children, either birth or adoptive; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board hereby provides that effective February 19, 2007, proof of civil union must be provided prior to an employee receiving health benefit coverage for the first time or at the discretion of the district, for his/her dependent civil union partner/spouse.

B.6. Donation of Piano -Warren Middle School
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves, with appreciation, the donation of one W.W. Hoffman Baby Grand Piano(#6942) at a value of $5,500 to the Warren Middle School from Mrs. Nadine Cohen.

B.7. Temporary Stipend
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves that Jason Sandt receive the pro-rated portion of day head custodian stipend for Angelo L. Tomaso School. Jason Sandt is filling in for Jose Sala effective Monday, February 5, 2007 through approximately April 30, 2007 (depending on return date of Mr. Sala).

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) Michelle Langer, Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School, Step 7, 32.5 hours per week, effective February 14, 2007 through June 30, 2007. Replacing Ellen King who resigned. (C.10. c)

C.2. Amendment on Salary Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amended placements on the teachers' negotiated salary guide:
a) Susan Kline from MA to MA+15 (remaining at step 6), effective January 1, 2007.
b) Patricia LaPensee from MA+30 to MA+45 (remaining at step 30), effective February 1, 2007.

C.3. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2006-2007 school year:
a) Reyna Martoccia
b) James Sena
c) Meghan Heinle

C.4. Substitute Bus Drivers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following personnel to act as substitute bus drivers on an as needed basis effective January 19, 2007 through June 30, 2007:
a) Costel Gherghescu
b) Georgeta Gherghescu

C.5. After School Clubs
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following after school clubs for the 2006-07 school year and the instructors for each club at the negotiated stipend rate.

Woodland School
a) Art Club - advisor Jennifer DePinto at a stipend of $650.
b) Homework Club - advisor Christina Beekman at a stipend of $650.

C.6. Out of District Evaluator
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Dr. Carol A. Fiorile, certified Behavior Analyst, to evaluate one student (ID #0120540). The cost to the district will not exceed $1,750, which covers the observation, evaluation, written report and traveling expenses.

C.7. Outside Bilingual Evaluators
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following outside bilingual evaluators:
a) Janessa Borges, MSW to conduct a bilingual social history assessment (Spanish/English) for one student (ID #0120804) at a cost to the district of $275.
b) Learning Tree Multicultural/Multilingual Evaluation and Consulting, Inc. to perform bilingual evaluations on an as needed basis at a cost to the district of $650 per evaluation.

C.8. Middle School Play Choreographer
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Jennifer Zimmerman as choreographer for the 2006-2007 Middle School play at a stipend of $1,300, which will be funded through the proceeds of the musical production. The position was approved January 8, 2007.

C.9. Amendment to Full Time
RESOLVED, the Board of Education amend the contract of Jennifer Lesslie, Classroom Paraprofessional at Mt. Horeb School, from .50 to full time (30 hours per week), remaining at step 2, effective February 14, 2007 through June 30, 2007.

C.10. Resignation
RESOLVED, the Board of Education accept the following resignations:
a) Ann Hall, .60 Teacher/.40 Classroom Paraprofessional, Middle School, for the purpose of retirement with appreciation for the 11 years of her service to the children of Warren, effective June 30, 2007.
b) Roberta Krinick, Classroom Paraprofessional, Woodland School, for the purpose of retirement with appreciation for the 9 years of her service to the children of Warren, effective June 30, 2007.
c) Brenda Hockstein, Special Education Teacher, Middle School, effective June 30, 2007.
d) Ellen King, Classroom Paraprofessional, Central School, effective February 28, 2007.

C.11. Middle School Coaches
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Middle School coaches for the 2006-2007 school year on the teachers' negotiated pay agreement:
a) Joshua Funk - Girl's Basketball
b) Sean Mealy - Boy's Basketball
c) Sean Mealy - Boy's Baseball
d) Carolyn McCloskey - Girl's Track
e) Amanda Rodrigues - Girl's Softball

XII. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
None

XIII. OLD BUSINESS

· 2007-08 School Calendar – Provide full week of recess in February?
The board discussed the parent proposal about a full week off in February. After discussion the board agreed to not change the current schedule at this time.

· Safety Policy and Regulations - Plan for Review
Dr. Crisfield commented about the safety polices that have been looked at.

Mrs. Winter commented that there are policies that do need to be reviewed regarding safely and security of the students. Mrs. Winter also asked for a small committee to work on these policies. Mrs. Winter will compose a list of questions about the policies and present them to Dr. Crisfield.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS

· Plans for 2006-2007 Superintendent Evaluation, Board Secretary Evaluation and BOE Self-Evaluation
Superintendent and Board Secretary evaluations are required by April 30, 2007. All three of the evaluations will be done at the April 10, 2007 BOE meeting.

· Plans for Joint Meeting with Township Committee - 2007-2008 Budget
Mrs. Coley would like to see the Finance Committee attend the Township Committee meeting on March 8, 2007 to present the budget.

· Start Time for 3/12/07 BOE Meeting
Dr. Crisfield noted that on March 12th the interviews for the Mt Horeb principal search will be held. Based on the number of candidates the start time will be adjusted to as early as 5:00 p.m.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 8:55 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) 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. Spiller and seconded by Mrs. Burman, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:40 p.m.
Dr. Crisfield introduced resolution A.3 covering an Education Services Settlement. On motion by Dr. Zimmerman and seconded by Mrs. Burman, the Board approved, on an 8-0 roll call vote, agenda item A.3.
On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller and approved on a 8-0 roll call vote, the Board entered into a 2nd executive session at 9:45 p.m..
On motion by Dr. Przybylski and seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the Board reconvened in open session at 10:40 p.m.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Voorhees, seconded by Dr. Przybylski, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:

Peter Daquila