Minutes for September 24, 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. Spiller.

OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT - Mrs. Spiller 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. Spiller led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL
Present:
Susan Burman, Pamela Coley, Roberta Monahan, Patricia Toubin, Gina Voorhees, Mildred Spiller, and Kathleen Winter
Absent: David Ricci arrived at 7:07 P.M.
Dr. Gregory Przybylski
Also Present: Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of the press and public

IV. Presentation
Long Range Capital Planning
Andrew Adornato of a USA Architects presented a facility analysis for the district.

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Winter moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes of the following meeting:
September 10, 2007public session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Toubin and approved by 6-0-2 voice vote. (Mrs. Burman and Mrs. Voorhees abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Central School Lower Level and Toilet Renovation
Contractor is progressing with the work on the lower level. The next major step is the installation of the structural steel support in the areas where the walls had to be removed. All other work is progressing.

Contractor has re-tiled the floor in the boy's and girl's bathroom outside the gym. The remaining 4 bathrooms will now be scheduled for their rework.

Middle School Roof
Contractor is about 99% complete with this project. The architect has prepared his punch list and the roofer has a few minor items to correct. For board reporting the project is now considered completed.

Middle School Driveway
|
The County Office will not approve the transfer of funds from capital reserve to fund the additional driveway project at the Middle School. According to the County Office, the project needs to be funded from available funds in the current budget or included in next year's budget. At this point the project will be included in the 2008/2009 budget and completed next summer.

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Mrs. Spiller will attend a meeting with BOE presidents of 3 neighboring towns on October 11th. If there are any potential topics please send them to Mrs. Spiller before that date.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Communications
Mrs. Monahan indicated that the PTO meetings for September and October are covered. Woodland is already talking about the new budget and registering new voters.

Policy
Mrs. Winter indicated that the committee is scheduling meetings with Strauss Esmay, NJSBA, and Kille Petracco regarding the policy upgrade.
Mrs. Voorhees reported on the meeting on the equity of State funding held in Montgomery Township. Point of the meeting is that there is no longer equity in the school funding formula. Attempt is to get the State to review the funding formula. Will be further discussed as New Business

IX. DISCUSSION
Education Discussion: Homework Policy and Philosophy
Mrs. Voorhees reminded the board of the discussion ground rules and that Mrs. Toubin will lead the presentation.
Mrs. Toubin reported on the board's policy and guidelines on the homework policy and philosophy. Homework guidelines for elementary schools are being followed (10 minutes per grade). The BOE discussed the homework policy and philosophy.

X. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Patricia Zahn, parent, thinks it would be helpful to inform the parents that the homework policy can be accessed through the website. She asked that as part of the process/procedure of the funding formula the public be informed.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Mrs. Monahan moved, and Mrs. Burman seconded, the following as a consent agenda.
The consent agenda as amended was approved by unanimous 8-0 role-call vote.

A. Education

A.1. Middle School Overnight trips
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Middle School overnight trips:
a) Grade 8, May 29-30, 2008 Lancaster, Gettysburg, and Philadelphia.
b) Grade 7, June 5-6, 2008 Fairview Lakes Environmental trip.

A.2. Out of District Negotiated Settlement Pulled for discussion
WHEREAS the District has negotiated a settlement with the parents of student ID#0120540:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Warren Board of Education approves the Stipulation of Settlement forwarded to Warren Township School District September 19, 2007 as outlined in Executive Session.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the partial payment of bills for September 2007 in the amount of $2,374,210.21

B.2. Budget Transfers for Month of August 2007
RESOLVED, the Board of Education ratifies the attached 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:

11-000-270-511-10-71

Contracted Reg. Transp.

11-000-270-515-10-00

Contracted Spec Ed Transp.

$8,975

12-000-260-730-09-00

Oper. & Maint. Equipment

12-000-240-730-00-00

School Admin. Equipment

$3,250

13-422-100-101-00-00

Summer School Teacher Sals.

13-422-100-106-00-00

Summer School Paras Sals.

$1,670

13-422-100-101-00-00

Summer School Teacher Sals.

13-422-200-600-00-00

Summer School Supplies

$400

13-422-100-101-00-00

Summer School Teacher Sals.

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$29,200

11-190-100-640-05-00

Textbooks - ALT

11-190-100-610-05-10

Instructional Supplies - ALT

$1,500

11-000-262-100-09-15

Overtime - Maintenance

11-000-262-100-09-05

Overtime - Custodians

$15,000

11-230-100-110-00-00

ASAP Coordinator - Stipend

11-230-100-600-03-00

Basic Skills Supplies - CS

$585

11-230-100-110-00-00

ASAP Coordinator - Stipend

11-230-100-600-04-00

Basic Skills Supplies - MH

$585

11-230-100-110-00-00

ASAP Coordinator - Stipend

11-230-100-600-05-00

Basic Skills Supplies - ALT

$585

11-230-100-110-00-00

ASAP Coordinator - Stipend

11-230-100-600-06-00

Basic Skills Supplies - WD

$585

11-230-100-110-00-00

ASAP Coordinator - Stipend

11-230-100-600-07-00

Basic Skills Supplies - MS

$585

 

 

Total Transfers

$62,920

B.3. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the attached report of the secretary for the month of August, and

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on August 31, 2007:

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$1,439,103.92

  

$1,050,880.76

(11) Current Expense

 

$3,977,752.57

 

(12) Capital Outlay

 

$331,147.08

 

(13) Special Schools

 

$761.51

 

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($15,029.69)

$30,998.22

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$1,325,726.26

$0.00

$14,208.26

TOTAL

$2,749,800.49

$4,340,659.38

$1,065,089.02

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.4. TRAVEL APPROVAL - September 24, 2007
Whereas, in accordance with State of New Jersey School District Accountability Act (A-5) and the Warren Township Schools' policy number 4133 - Travel and Work Related Expense Reimbursement, travel by school district employees and Board of Education members must be approved in advance.

Now Therefore Be It RESOLVED, the Warren Township Schools Board of Education approves the following expenses for faculty, staff, administrators, and board members for seminars, conferences and workshops. The expense includes travel costs, if applicable:

September 2007
Robin Savage, Middle - STAMP Workshop at MCC, Edison $ 10.00

October 2007
Vivien Plesmid, Middle - Rebel 2 Training at RVC, Branchburg $ 15.00
Amy Brunswick, SPS - Intervention Model Training, Somerset $ 40.00
Joan Darkenwald, SPS - Intervention Model Training, Somerset $ 30.00
Michelle Stein, SPS - Intervention Model Training, Somerset $ 40.00
Kelly Maire, SPS - Intervention Model Training, Somerset $ 40.00
Diane Langworthy, SPS - Intervention Model Training, Somerset $ 45.00
Helen Scully, SPS - Intervention Model Training, Somerset $ 30.00
Elaine Hoffman, SPS - Intervention Model Training, Somerset $ 40.00
Sandella Marmorato, Middle - Art Ed of NJ, Somerset $100.00
Donna Pellagrino, Middle - Art Ed of NJ, Somerset $165.00
Meryl Lettire, Central - Art Ed of NJ, Somerset $140.00
Jennifer DePinto, Woodland - Art Ed of NJ, Somerset $145.00
Susan Sage, Mt Horeb - Art Ed of NJ, Somerset $150.00
Marilyn Brown, Woodland - Readers Theater, Edison $195.00
Nancy Darby, Woodland - Readers Theater, Edison $195.00
Alida Gorin, SPS - Implementing RTI, Somerset $ 45.00
Karen Leski, SPS - Implementing RTI, Somerset $ 45.00
Ann Santee, SPS - Implementing RTI, Somerset $ 45.00
Terry Kramitz, SPS - Implementing RTI, Somerset $ 30.00
Rebecca Olstyk, SPS - Implementing RTI, Somerset $ 55.00
Debra Tambor, Middle - NJ Science Teacher's Convention, Somerset $100.00
Joann Blatchford, Middle - NJ Science Teacher's Convention, Somerset $130.00
C. McClosky, Middle - NJ Science Teacher's Convention, Somerset $130.00
Laura Sudol, Middle - NJ Science Teacher's Convention, Somerset $ 85.00
Elaine Hoffman, ALT - Reaching Youth Families, Piscataway $ 50.00
Marianne Larson, Curriculum - Literacy Coaching, Atlantic City $700.00
Peter Daquila, BOE - NJASBO Financial Planning, Mt Olive $130.00
MaryGrace Suitovsky, BOE - NJASBO Financial Planning, Mt Olive $100.00
Kathleen Sanger, Middle - Youth Services Fall Conference, Somerset $ 30.00
Alida Gorin, SPS - CEDS Annual Conference, New Orleans, La $145.00
Ann Santee, SPS - Child Learning Differences, East Windsor $125.00
Karen Balich, SPS - Social Studies Seminar, East Windsor $140.00
Michelle Zgombic, SPS - Social Studies Seminar, East Windsor $100.00
Pamela Coley, Board - Annual Convention, Atlantic City $850.00
David Ricci, Board - Annual Convention, Atlantic City $1,175.00
Susan Burman, Board - Annual Convention, Atlantic City $1,150.00
Roberta Monahan, Board - Annual Convention, Atlantic City $335.00
Mildred Spiller, Board - Annual Convention, Atlantic City $335.00
Kathy Winter, Board - Annual Convention, Atlantic City $335.00

November 2007
Beverly MacGorman, Middle - Educator Conference, Monroe Twnp $180.00
Mona Harden, SPS - Support for Autism , New Brunswick $360.00
Jolanta Scassena, Mt Horeb - Co-Teaching Seminar, Piscataway $105.00
Chris Burkhardt, Mt Horeb - Co-Teaching Seminar, Piscataway $110.00

December 2007
Laura Weitzman, SPS - Special Ed in NJ Conference, Long Branch $230.00

All of the above travel has been approved by the Superintendent and/or School Business Administrator and the School Business Administrator shall track and record these costs to insure that the maximum amount is not exceeded.

If unanticipated travel is necessary during the month, the Superintendent and/or School Business Administrator have the authority to approve the expense and reimbursement.

B.5. IDEIA Application
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the submission of the 2007-2008 IDEIA Grant Application to the Department of Education with the following amount for special education programs:
IDEIA Basic $461,112.00
IDEIA Pre-School $ 17,425.00

B.6. Transportation Contract
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves a parental transportation contract for one student (ID#0120687) to the Jerry Davis Center for the 2007-2008 school year at the current IRS mileage reimbursement rate.

B.7 Transportation Contracts to Other Districts for Out District Students
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contracts with other districts for the receipt of funds for transporting Out of District Students with WHRHS, Long Hill, and Watchung for the 2007-2008 school year as follows:

Contractor

District

SCHOOL

Fee

Warren

WHRHS

DLC

10,553.40

Warren

Long Hill

Central Middle/Stirling/Math

1,500.00

Warren

Watchung

Children's Institute/Verona

1,160.00

Warren

Watchung

Bayberry School

68.36

Warren

Watchung

Stevens Institute of Tech

480.00

Warren

Watchung

Gillette School

510.00

Warren

Watchung

DLC

935.25

Warren

Watchung

DLC

5,276.70

Warren

Watchung

Children's Institute/Verona

9,862.62

Warren

Watchung

Algebra/Valley View MS

1,200.00

B.8. Transportation Contracts to Other Districts for Out District Students
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation contracts with other districts for the receipt of funds for transporting Out of District Students with Watchung for the 2006-2007 school year as follows:

Contractor

District

SCHOOL

Fee

Warren

Watchung

Giving Nest

400.00

Warren

Watchung

Bayberry School

332.50

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Amendment on Salary Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amended placements on the teachers' negotiated salary guide:

a) Cindy Howell, MA+30 to MA+45 (remaining at step 24), effective September 1, 2007.
b) Rebecca Mauceri, MA+30 to MA+45 (remaining at step 11), effective September 1, 2007.
c) MaryLou Psak, BA+15 to MA (remaining at step 13), effective September 1, 2007.
d) Meryl Lettire, MA to MA+15 (remaining at step 11), effective September 1, 2007.
e) BethAnn Figueira, MA to MA+15 (remaining at step 9-10), effective September 1, 2007.
f) Erica Cheshire, BA to BA+15 (remaining at step 3-4), effective September 1, 2007.
g) Sherrol Walcott, BA+15 to MA (remaining at step 11), effective September 1, 2007.
h) Diane Bell, MA+30 to MA+45 (remaining at step 21-22, effective September 1, 2007.

C.2. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the Family Leave request for:
a) Sanjita Livingston, Special Education Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, Family Leave (unpaid with benefits) from February 1, 2008 through April 30, 2008. Returning May 1, 2008.
b) Kellie Dearey, Special Education Teacher, Woodland School, Family Leave (unpaid with benefits) from January 14, 2008 through April 11, 2008. Returning April 14, 2008.
c) Lynn Alger, Grade 6 Teacher, Middle School, Family Leave March 4, 2008 through April 11, 2008 (unpaid with benefits). Returning April 14, 2008.

C.3. Per Diem Deduct Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves per diem deduct request for the following staff:

a) Lianne Heteji, Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, for three days October 9, 10, 11, 2007.
b) Rosemary Poyatt, Special Education Teacher, Middle School, for two days October 1, 2, 2007.
c) Margaret Cihocki, ASAP/Elective Teacher, Middle School, for six days December 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 2007.
d) Harriet Stambaugh, School Nurse, Woodland School, for one day November 7, 2007.
e) Marlene Roth, Grade 1 Teacher, Central School, for one day November 12, 2007.

C.4. PTO Calendar of Events
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of all schools' PTO Calendar of Events for the 2007-2008 school year.

C.5. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2007-2008 school year:
a) Sana Yarussi (Sub Nurse)
b) Kimberly Krupsky
c) Judith Maddalone
d) Christine Gourlay

C.6. Temporary Stipend
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following temporary stipend positions:
a) Jason Sandt receive the pro-rated portion of night head custodian stipend for Warren Middle School. Jason Sandt is filling in for Cornel Bogdan, effective September 1, 2007.
b) Estelle Raucci, Bus Monitor, as a substitute custodian for Jason Sandt at a rate of $14.06 an hour. Effective September 1, 2007.

C.7. Warren Middle School After-School Activities Brochure 2007-2008 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Warren Middle School After-School Activities Brochure for the 2007-2008 School Year.

C.8. After School Clubs
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following after school clubs for the 20007-08 school year and the instructors for each club at the negotiated stipend rate.

Angelo L. Tomaso School
a) Girls on the Run - advisor Kathy Boraski at a stipend of $1,430.
b) Newspaper Club - advisor Elaine Hoffman at a stipend of $715.

Central School
a) Art Club - advisor Meryl Lettire at a stipend of $1,430.
b) Girls on the Run - advisor Dana Matherly at a stipend of $1,430.
c) Girls on the Run - advisor Helen Scully at a stipend of $1,430.
d) Musical Theater Club - advisor Laura Rodaman at a stipend of $1,048.74

Mt. Horeb School
a) Art Club - advisor Susan Sage at a stipend of $1,430 for two sections
b) Chorus - advisor Mark Weber at a stipend of $1,430.
c) Computer Club - advisor Janice O'Connor at a stipend of $715.
d) World Travelers - advisor Michele Stora de Cruz at a stipend of $1,430.

Woodland School

a) Art Club - advisor Jenn DePinto at a stipend of $1,430.
b) Homework Club - advisor Christina Beekman at a stipend of $1,430.
c) Library Club - advisor Nancy Darby at a stipend of $1,430.
d) Math Club - advisor Christina Beekman at a stipend of $1,430.
e) Scrapbooking Club - advisor Amanda McGrath at a stipend of $1,430.
f) Video Production - advisor Susanne Wisher at a stipend of $1,430.

Middle School
a) Algebra 6x a Week - advisor Debbie Hunt at a stipend of $1,430.
b) Algebra Help - advisor Mary Anne Murphy at a stipend of $1,430.
c) Backstage Club - advisor Diane McCloskey at a stipend of $1,430.
d) Cross Country - advisor Nicholas Bayachek at a stipend of $715.
e) Environmental Science Club - advisor Dan Ticchio at a stipend of $1,430.
f) Flag Football - advisor Jim Frascella at a stipend of $715.
g) Games of Strategy - advisor Gladys Veitch at a stipend of $1,430.
h) Homework Help Club - advisor Pat LaMorte at a stipend of $1,430.
i) Homework Help Club - advisor Josephine Brasile at a stipend of $1,430.
j) Homework Help Club - advisor Kathleen Sanger at a stipend of $1,430.
k) Homework Help club - advisor Laura Sudol at a stipend of $1,430.
l) Honor Band - advisor Diane McCloskey at a stipend of $715.
m) Intramural Basketball - advisor Sean Mealey at a stipend of $715.
n) Jazz Band - advisor Joel VanTine at a stipend of $1,430.
o) Knit-A-Bit - advisor Lisa Seccamanie at a stipend of $715.
p) Knit-A-Bit - advisor Gladys Veitch at a stipend of $1,430.
q) Lego Robotics - advisor Susan Cooper at a stipend of $1,430.
r) Lego Robotics - advisor Sean Convery at a stipend of $1,430.
s) Marching Band - advisor Diane McCloskey at a stipend of $715.
t) Math Counts - advisor Susan Cooper at a stipend of $715.
u) Peer to Peer - advisor Lynn Degen at a stipend of $1,430.
v) Peer to Peer - advisor Susan Cooper at a stipend of $1,430.
w) Rebel 2 - advisor Vivien Plesmid at a stipend of $1,430.
x) Sim City Club - advisor Steve Verger at a stipend of $1,430.
y) Techno-Wizards - advisor Sean Convery at a stipend of $1,430.
z) Voice Club - advisor Diane McCloskey at a stipend of $715.

C.9. Amendment of Classroom Paraprofessional Hours - 2007-2008 School year.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education amends the hours of the following Classroom Paraprofessionals:
a) Lucille Schorr, Central School from 35 hours to 32.5 hours per week.
b) Cathleen Gavin, Mt. Horeb School from 30 hours to 27 hours per week.
c) Shelley Stupay, Mt. Horeb from 30 hours per week to 27 hours per week.

C.10. Language Arts Curriculum Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Language Arts curriculum hours at the WTEA negotiated rate of $35 per hour:
a) Writing Scope and Sequence - additional 5 hours for the committee.
b) K-5 Book Closet Preparation - additional 75 hours for the committee - divided among the four elementary schools.

C.11. New Classroom One on One Paraprofessional Position
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the creation of a new position, one on one Classroom Paraprofessional, at the Middle School, for the 2007-2008 school year.

XII. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
None

XIII. OLD BUSINESS
Epinephrine Law

Dr. Crisfield updated the board on the epi pen law. Most clubs were postponed this week due to compliance with the law. All districts in the State are struggling with this law.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Daquila reported that this is the last meeting with bottled water. In the future pitchers and cups for water from the 5 gallon jug will be used.

Mrs. Voorhees discussed the Sate funding equity meeting and asked if the board wants to be involved in the process. The board discussed the topic and determined to attend the next meeting.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 9:00 p.m. Mrs. Monahan 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. Monahan and seconded by Mrs. Winter, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:37 p.m.
On motion by Mrs. Monahan and seconded by Mrs. Winter, the board approved agenda item A.2. on a 8-0 roll call vote.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila