Warren Township Schools

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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, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, David Ricci, Patricia Toubin, Gina Voorhees, Mildred Spiller, and Kathleen Winter
Absent:
Also Present: Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of the press and public

IV. Presentation

• Annual Violence and Vandalism Public Hearing - Dr. Crisfield (See Motion A.3.)
  Dr. Crisfield reviewed the Violence and Vandalism report with the board.
• Assignment Plan for Certified and Non-Certified School Nurses 2007-2008 (A.4.)
  Dr. Crisfield reviewed the Certified and Non Certified Nurse Plan.

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Monahan moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the amended minutes of the following meeting:
September 24, 2007 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Burman and approved by 8-0-1 voice vote. (Dr. Przybylski abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
Fire Drills - The superintendent reported the following fire drills had been held:

ALT	CentCentral	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
September 14, 26	September 6, 24	September 14, 24	September 7, 22	September 14, 25

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Mrs. Spiller is meeting with BOE presidents from the sending districts on Thursday and will report to the BOE after the meeting.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Policy
Mrs. Winter, Mrs. Monahan, Dr. Crisfield, and Mr. Daquila, met with Elaine Kille of Kille and Petracco regarding the policy review. They will also meet with Strauss Esmay and NJ School Boards. On November 12^th the committee will discuss the results with the board and approve a recommendation on November 26^th.

IX. DISCUSSION

• 2006-2007 Quality Assurance Annual Report-QAAR (See Motion A.2.)
  Dr. Crisfield presented the 2006-2007 QAAR to the board.
• Basic Skills Program (ASAP) - An Overview
  Dr. Crisfield presented the Basic Skills Program Overview to the board. A discussion about the Basic Skills Program followed the presentation.
• Students bringing money to school
  Dr. Crisfield led a discussion on how often and how much money the K-5 students bring to school. The district is attempting to minimize the frequency and amount of money brought to school. This will be monitored by the principal and the PTO at the elementary schools.

X. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Patricia Zahn, parent, thanked the board for discussing the money in the school topic. .

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Mrs. Monahan moved, and Mrs. Winter seconded, the following as a consent agenda.
The consent agenda as amended was approved by unanimous 9-0 role-call vote.

A. Education

A.1. Comprehensive Equity Plan
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Comprehensive Equity Plan for Academic Years 2007-2008 through 2009-2010 and approved by the Department of Education July 9, 2007.

A.2. Quality Assurance Annual Report
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 2006-2007 Q.A.A.R. for submission to the Somerset County Superintendent of Schools.

A.3. Violence and Vandalism Report
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Violence and Vandalism Report for the 2006-2007 school year.

A.4. Assignment Plan for Certified and Non-Certified School Nurses 2007-2008
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Assignment Plan for Certified and Non-Certified School Nurses for the 2007-2008 school year.

A.5. School Level Action Plans for 2007-2008
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the School Level Action Plans for the 2007-2008 school year as approved by the Somerset County Superintendent of Schools on September 14, 2007.

A.6. Out of District Related Services
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one student (ID#0120350) to receive two 30 minute sessions of PT per week, two 30 minute session of OT per week, and two 30 minute sessions of Speech, retroactive to September 5, 2007 for the 2007-2008 school year for a total cost to the district of $18,540.

A.7. Out of District Placement
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one student (ID #0120906) to attend Developmental Learning Center - Warren beginning October 15, 2007 through June 30, 2008. The tuition will be $70,810.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, the Board of Education authorizes the school business administrator/board secretary, pursuant to policy 3326, to audit pending bills and claims, to pay qualifying bills and claims within approved budget line item amounts, and to submit those bills to the Board of Education for approval at its next regular meeting.

B.2. Travel Approval
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:

October 2007

• Terry Kraminitz, SPS, Memory Improvement, Edison $ 200.00
• Diane Langworhty, Woodland, NJSCA Fall Conf, Long Branch $ 160.00
• Doris Zanchelli, Mt Horeb, Annual School Health Conf, Somerset $ 215.00
• David Arnold, Middle, NJCSS Social Studies Conf, East Windsor $ 130.00
• Michele Lepore, Middle, STD's Learning, Allamuchy $ 90.00
• Janet Kozik, SPS, ASSA Training, East Brunswick $ 20.00
• Laura Weitzman, SPS, ASSA Training, East Brunswick $ 10.00
• Diana Raucci, transportation, Diesel Retrofit Program, Trenton $ 15.00
• Nicholas Bayachek, Middle, Project Adventure Training, Brattleboro, VT $1,220.00
• Kristina Morano, SPS, ALC Fall Symposium, Bridgewater $ 140.00
• Barbara Tantillo, Middle, Youth Services Commission, Somerset $ 65.00
• Joan Darkenwald, SPS Learning Resource Center, Morris Plains $ 30.00
• Elaine Hoffman, SPS, School Counselors Workshop, Long Branch $ 65.00
• Amy Brunswick, SPS, School Social Workers conf, East Windsor $ 140.00
• Maria Stankiewicz, Curriculum-Yoga in the Classroom, Neshanic Station $ 45.00
• *Ray Balkonis, Middle-Math Instruction & Assessment, New Brunswick $ 115.00
• *Christine Maxwell, Middle-Math Instruction & Assessment, New Brunswick $ 100.00
• *Stacey Modugno, Curriculum-Writing Connection, Union $ 20.00
• *Marianne Larson, Curriculum-Writing Connection, Union $ 20.00
• *Sondra Markman, Curriculum-Writing Connection, Union $ 25.00
• *Mary Ellen Roberts, Middle-Internet Safety, Hamilton $ 50.00

November 2007

• Michele Lepore, Middle, STD's Learning, Allamuchy $ 90.00
• Denise Kennedy, Mt Horeb, Reading Recovery, Holmdel $ 35.00
• Nancy Braunstein, Woodland, Reading Recovery, Holmdel $ 35.00
• Michelle Zgombic, Middle, Holocaust Education Perspective, Madison $ 45.00
• Susan Horn, Middle, Holocaust Education Perspective, Madison $ 35.00
• Anna Rizzo, Middle, Math Institute, Jamesburg $ 175.00
• K O'Brien Speckin, Middle, Math Institute, Jamesburg $ 165.00
• Mary Anne Murphy, Middle, Math Institute, Jamesburg $ 160.00
• MaryEllen Weaver, Middle, Math Institute, Jamesburg $ 170.00
• Hanne Walsh, Middle, Math Institute, Jamesburg $ 170.00
• Karen Sutherland, Woodland, Holocaust & Academics, Tenafly $ 50.00

December 2007

• Laura Weitzman, SPS, Affirmative Action Training, Piscataway $ 100.00
• Robin Savage, Middle, World Language Program, Jamesburg $ 165.00

January 2008

• Laura Weitzman, SPS, NJAPSA, Long Branch $ 210.00

February 2008

• Jeanne Nimmo, Woodland, NJ Music Educators, East Brunswick $ 140.00

All of the above travel has been approved by the Superintendent and the Board of Education. The School business Administrator shall track and re cord these costs to insure that the maximum amount is not exceed.

If unanticipated travel is necessary during the month, the Superintendent on behalf of the Board of Education has the authority to approve the expense and reimbursement.

B.3. Architectural Services: USA Architects - Central School Lower Level and Toilet Room Alterations, Contract Revision & Additional Funding
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. The contract will be increased by $5,146.26 from $65,000 to $70,146.26. The increase is for the development of the asbestos removal plans and air monitoring specifications.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education Approves the transfer from Capital Reserve to Fund 12 in the amount of $5,146.26 for this award of contract.

B.4. Central School - Lower Level and Toilet Renovation Project - Buckler Associates
RESOLVED, the Board of Education Approves the following change orders to Buckler Associates for the Central School Lower Level and Toilet Renovation Project in the amount of $56,177.00

• C/O #1 Automatic flushers for toilets and urinals $10,974.00
• C/O #2 Air handler and duct work for toilet rooms next to the gym $34,151.00
• C/O #3 Concrete sub floor in 4 toilet rooms off the gym $11,079.00

Total of Change Orders $56,177.00

The original bid for this project from Buckler Associates was $696,846.00. Change orders #1-3 for total of $56,177.00 and bring the total amount due to Buckler Associates for the project to $753,023.00.

RESOLVED, the Board of Education Approves the transfer from Capital Reserve to Fund 12 in the amount of $56,177.00 for these change orders.

B.5. Comprehensive Maintenance Plan
Whereas, the Department of Education requires New Jersey School Districts to submit three-year maintenance plans documenting "required" maintenance activities for each of its public school facilities, and

Whereas, the required maintenance activities as listed in the attached document for the various school facilities of the Warren Township Schools are consistent with these requirements, and

Whereas, all past and planned activities are reasonable to keep school facilities open and safe for use or in their original condition and to keep their system warranties valid, and

Whereas, specific proposed expenditures will be subject to review and approval by the Board of Education prior to the commitment of funds, now therefore be it

RESOLVED that the Warren Township School District hereby authorizes the School Business Administrator to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for the Warren Township Schools dated October 3, 2007 in compliance with Department of Education requirements.

B.6. Maximum Capital Reserve Deposit
Whereas, the Warren Township Schools has eleven (11) projects identified in its current Long-Range Facility Plan that have not been initiated or advanced, and

Whereas, the eleven (11) projects have an estimated total cost over the five-year period of $2,085,000.00, and

Whereas, it is estimated that projects totaling the amount $1,600,000.00 have been identified as Other Capital Projects that are not eligible for State funding in the form of debt service aid or NJSCC grant funds, and

Whereas, the estimated local share of these eligible projects is $1,600,000.00, and now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the maximum amount that the Warren Township School District may deposit in its capital reserve account not to exceed the local share of these eligible projects is $3,685,000.00

B.7. Central School PTO
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the acceptance, with appreciation, the generous gift of $940 from the Central School PTO for the purchase of five 6 foot benches for the outdoor classroom.

B.8. Transportation for Out of District Students
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the transportation for out of district students by the Morris-Union Jointure Commission and the Somerset County Educational Services Commission for the 2007-2008 school year as follows:

Contractor	Student ID#	School	Cost
MUJC	0000191, 0120037, 0120121	Montgomery Academy	$26,489.04
MUJC	0120148	Banyan School	29,686.68
		Total for MUJC	$56,175.72
SCESC	0000023	The Midland School	$18,221.40
SCESC	0120540	Garden Academy	24,287.40
SCESC	0000298	High Roads Upper School	28,917.00
		Total for SCESC	$71,425.80

B.9. Morris-Union Jointure Commission Joint Transportation Agreement
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the joint transportation agreement with the Morris-Union Jointure Commission for the transportation of special education students for the 2007-2008 school year.

B.10. Award Contract: Warren Middle School - Exterior Wall Repair Project
WHEREAS, on October 3, 2007, the Board of Education received bids for the Warren Middle School - Exterior Wall Repair Project as follows:

• Safeway Contracting, Mountainside, NJ $117,900
• TCI Construction Co, Farmingdale, NJ $126,400
• Drill Construction Co., Inc., West Orange, NJ $133,000
• Desapio Construction, Frenchtown, NJ $233,600

and

WHEREAS, upon the Architects recommendation and the Attorney review the bid should be awarded to Safeway Contracting since it is the lowest responsible bidder, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education awards the contract for the Warren Middle School - Exterior Wall Repair Project to Safeway Contracting of, Mountainside, NJ,
and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education Approves the transfer from Capital Reserve to Fund 12 in the amount of $117,900 for this award of contract.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Employment for the 2007-2008 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the application for emergent hiring for the following positions for the 2007-2008 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) Anastasia Papalitskas, Middle School, One-On-One Classroom Paraprofessional, step 9, 32.5 hours per week, effective October 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Ms. Papalitskas was previously approved as a substitute teacher.
b) Ann Marie Vernese, Middle School and District wide, Nurse and floating sub, BA+15, step 5-6, effective November 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.

C.2. Amendment on Salary Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amended placements on the teachers' negotiated salary guide:

• a) Denise Kennedy, MA+30 to MA+45 (remaining at step 13, effective September 1, 2007.

C.3. Curriculum Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following curriculum hours at the WTEA negotiated rate of $35 per hour:
a) Sean Convery - Online Data Collection for five hours.
b) Curriculum Closet Project for 5 hours.

C.4. Per Diem Deduct Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves per diem deduct request for the following staff:

• a) Mary Elizabeth LeBlond, Grade 5 Teacher, Central School, for three days October 5, 8, 9, 2007.
• b) Diane McCloskey, Music Teacher, Middle School, for four days September 7, 10, 11, 12, 2007.
• c) Carol Krenek, Secretary, Middle School, for four days, October 5, 8, 9, 10, 2007.
• d) Diane LoPresti, Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, for five days October 8-12, 2007

C.5. Assignment Change
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the assignment change for Bernard Zuarino from a 12 month (40 hours per week) maintenance employee to a 10 month (25 hours per week) Van Driver, effective October 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.

C.6. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2007-2008 school year:

• a) Zena Schwartz - nurse
• b) Laurie Green (Mrs. Green is currently a multi-duty para at Central).
• c) Paul Gomes
• d) Sandra Sebestyen
• e) Nancy Wilcenski- nurse
• f) Darlene Bernhard (Ms. Bernhard is currently a classroom para at Central).

C.7. Leave Requests
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves leave requests for:
a) Susan Lewis, Computer Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, Family Leave (unpaid with benefits) from October 8, 2007 through November 7, 2007.
b) Kristin Yates, Grade 1 Teacher, Central School, Family Leave (unpaid with benefits) from January 7, 2008 through April 4, 2008 and Child Care Leave from April 7, 2008 through June 30, 2008 (unpaid no benefits). Returning September 1, 2008.

C.8. 2007-2008 Middle School Stipend Positions
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following Middle School stipend positions for the 2007-2008 school year:

• 1. Student Government Association Advisor - Beverly MacGorman at a stipend of $1,430.
• 2. E2 Weekend Coordinator - Susan Cooper at a stipend of $1,430.
• 3. Pre-game Basketball Spectator Supervision - David Arnold at a stipend of $35 per hour.
• 4. Musical Director - Diane McCloskey at a stipend of $2,640.
• 5. Director - Diane McCloskey at a stipend of $2,640.
• 6. Production Manager - Beverly MacGorman at a stipend of $1,430.
• 7. Set Designer - Doug MacGorman at a stipend of $1,430.

C.9. New Special Education Teaching Position - Part Time .4
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the creation of a new part-time .4 position, Special Education Teacher at the Central School, for the 2007-2008 school year.

C.10. After School Clubs
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following after school club for the 2007-08 school year and the instructor for the club at the negotiated stipend rate.
Angelo L. Tomaso School

• a) Homework & Study Skills- advisor Anabela Santos-Ordner at a stipend of $715.

C.11. In-District Assistive Technology Consultation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Travis Tallman of The Cerebral Palsy association of Middlesex County to provide three hours of assistive technology consultation for one student (ID#0120485). The total cost to the district will be $345.

C.12. Home Instructor
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Joan Toth to act as a home instructor for the 2007-2008 school year. Mrs. Toth is a teacher with the Warren Township School District.

C.13. Increase of Classroom Paraprofessional Hours
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the increase of hours for Joyce Pekarsky, 1:1 Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, from 27.5 to 31.5 hours per week for approximately 6 weeks beginning October 15, 2007. Mrs. Pekarsky will be a 1:1 aide for one student (ID #0120906) attending DLC until school is able to hire an aide.

XII. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
None

XIII. OLD BUSINESS
Mrs. Voorhees reported that Dave Ricci, Mr. Daquila and she attended the 2^nd meeting of the coalition on school funding. The committee is made mostly of town committees first and BOEs second. The group is going to continue meeting and create a mission statement and then determine the support it can gather. Ultimately the goal is to have the State re-address the school funding formula.

XIV. NEW BUSINESS
Dr. Crisfield will explore the concept of eliminating the school stores with the principals and PTOs. He will also explore the option of requiring the ice cream and popcorn to be paid for online the same as the food day funding.

Mrs. Winter inquired about the status of the intramural volleyball club at the middle school

Mrs. Monahan noted that when the 2008/09 calendar is prepared please add a 2^nd board meeting to October.

Mrs. Voorhees noted the next education topic is acceleration. Please send any items on the topic to Dr. Przybylski

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 8:30 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. Toubin and approved by unanimous voice vote.
On motion by Dr. Przybylski and seconded by Mrs. Coley, the Board reconvened in open session at 9:15 p.m.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Monahan, the meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila