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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 7:03 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, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, Mildred Spiller, and Kathleen Winter 
Absent:    Roberta Monahan
Patricia Toubin 
David Ricci arrived at 7:05
Gina Voorhees arrived at 7:04    

Also Present:     Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of the public  and staff

IV. Presentation

• Energy Education, Inc.
  Dr. Crisfield introduced Mike Bitar of Energy Education Inc.  Mr. Bitar presented information about E.E.I. and its energy reduction program to the board.  There were questions from the board to which he responded. 
• Warren Middle School Science Test Score Report
  Dr. Crisfield commented that this is a follow up report on the test scores that were reported earlier this school year. Sondra Markman, Curriculum Supervisor, spoke about the State's standards for science.  Dr. Crisfield and Mrs. Markman answered the board's questions on the topic.

V.MINUTES

Mrs. Winter moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes of the following meeting:

February 25, 2008 public session
The motion was seconded by Dr. Przybylski and approved by 7-0 voice vote.

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

• Fire Drills

ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
February 25, 26	February 9, 29	February 19, 29	February 21, 25	February 8, 13

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Mrs. Spiller noted that on Wednesday is the Somerset County student recognition reception.  Mrs. Winter will be attending as the district representative.

VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Policy
Mrs. Winter noted that the 9000 series has been reviewed and will be presented to the   board on 3/35.  She distributed samples of 2 revised policies and the tracking of changes   document.

Mrs. Coley noted that she still needs the superintendent's evaluation returned.

IX. DISCUSSION

• Education Discussion: World Language K-8
  

  Dr. Przybylski presented the results of the World Language Middle School study.  It was noted that the last district survey in year 2000 inquiring about a 3^rd language being taught favored Italian.  Before a third language is added in the district a new survey should be taken.

  A question and answer period followed the presentation.  Approximately 70% of WMS students take Spanish.

X. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Mr. Jay Wilpon questioned the methods being used for teaching World Language in K-5.

Patricia Zahn asked that in evaluating the K-5 language the board should consider the value of what the K-5 students learn in world language.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)

Dr. Przybylski moved, and Mrs. Burman seconded, the following as a consent agenda.  The consent agenda was approved by unanimous 7-0 role-call vote.   

A. Education

A.1.Home Instruction

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following students to receive home instruction:

a)One student (ID#0120096) to receive 10 hours per week of home instruction, effective February 25, 2008 for a period of eight weeks.  The cost to the district will be $2,800.

b)One student (ID#0120095) to receive 10 hours per week of home instruction for a period of three weeks beginning February 26, 2008.  The cost to the district will be $1,050.

A.2. Out of District Related Services

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one out of district student to receive one 30 minute session of Occupational Therapy per week , effective February 27, 2008.  The cost to the district will be $1,550.

 

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. SMART Board Donation - Woodland PTO
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves with appreciation the donation of $18,698 From the Woodland School PTO towards the purchase of five SMART Boards.

B.2. Energy Management Program
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Energy Management Program resolution:

WHEREAS a proposal was received from Energy Education, Inc. to provide energy conservation consulting services and an energy management program; and

WHEREAS the Board of Education deems this energy management program to be an extraordinary unspecifiable service as stated in 18A:18A-2g; and

WHEREAS there is no financial risk to the district since the contract guarantees that Warren Township Schools will save more money than it spends on the energy consulting services and on the implementation of the energy management program; and

WHEREAS the school business administrator has evaluated the said proposal, contacted their references and recommends that a contract be awarded to Energy Education, Inc. consistent with their proposal; now

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the award of a contract to Energy Education, Inc. to provide energy conservation consulting services consistent with their proposal dated October 4, 2007.

B.3. A5 Insurance

WHEREAS, A5 was enacted by the New Jersey State Legislature to ensure and preserve public confidence in school boards by providing for various school district accountability measures; and

WHEREAS, A5 requires that as a condition of receiving State aid, a school district shall examine all available group options for every insurance policy held by the district, including any self-insurance plan administered by the New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group on behalf of districts, and that the district shall participate in the most cost effective plans;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Warren Township Schools has, in accordance with A5, examined their group options for every insurance policy held by the district, including any self-insurance plan administered by the New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group on behalf of districts; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Warren Township Schools has specifically examined the Warren Township Schools current insurance obligations with the New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group and have found the coverage's and savings to be more than satisfactory and also the most cost effective; specifically the ERIC North one year workers compensation savings of $61,604.76 and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Warren Township Schools has determined that the plan offered by the New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group is the most cost effective plan; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Warren Township Schools hereby determines to enter into the following insurance agreement in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A: 2007-2008 policy period.

B.4. 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:

April 2008

• Helen Scully, Central - NJ Ask District Training, East Hanover, NJ $ 15
• Sondra Markman, BOE - Test Coordinator Training, Monroe, NJ $ 30
• Aida Gorin, Woodland - Learning Consultants Conference, Mt Laurel, NJ $ 200

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

 

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) Christopher Schwallie from, MA+15 to MA+30 (remaining at step 9-10), effective February 1, 2008.

C.2. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the family leave requests for:

a)Amend the family leave request for Alexis Slack, Spanish/Drama Teacher, Middle School, from March 13, 2008 through June 13, 2008 to March 17, 2008 through June 24, 2008.  Returning September 1, 2008.

b)Approve Allison Hecht, Special Education Teacher, Central School, family leave (unpaid with benefits) from September 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008.  Returning October 1, 2008.

c)Approve Lisa Beenders, Grade 6 Science, Middle School, family leave (unpaid with benefits) from September 2, 2008 through December 2, 2008 and child care leave (unpaid no benefits) from December 3, 2008 through January 1, 2009.  Returning January 5, 2009.

C.3. Child Care Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the extension of child card leave for the following:

a)Erica Brattner, Special Education Teacher, Middle School, for the 2008-2009 school year returning September 1, 2009.

b)Kristin Yates, Grade 1 Teacher, Central School, for the 2008-2009 school year returning September 1, 2009.

C.4. Resignation

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the resignation of:

a)Erica Link, Special Education Teacher, Woodland School, effective, June 30, 2008.  (Mrs. Link is currently on child care leave.)

b)Kellie Dearey, Special Education Teacher, Woodland School, effective, April 15, 2007.  (Mrs. Dearey is currently on family leave.)

C.5. Middle School Basketball Supervision
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Joann Blatchford as a Middle School basketball supervisor on February 7, 2008 at a stipend of $35 per hour for a total of two hours.

C.6. Per Diem Deduct Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves per diem deduct request for the following staff:

a)Christine Flynn, Classroom Paraprofessional, Mt. Horeb School, for two days, April 17, 18, 2008.

b)Jennifer Benn, Basic Skills Teacher, Middle School, for 2 days April 3, 4, 2008.

C.7. Substitute Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2007-2008 school year:

• a) Alexandra Gandolfo

C.8. After School Club
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following after school club effective March 11, 2008 and the instructors at the negotiated stipend rate.

Warren Middle School

• a) Academic Assistance Program - advisor Ray Balkonis and Lisa Bottone at a stipend of $715 each.

C.9. Family Medical Leave
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Debra Granrath, physical education teacher, Middle School, family medical leave (unpaid with benefits) from January 16, 2008 through April 17, 2008.  Returning May 19, 2008.

C.10.    Extension of Benefits
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the request from Debbie Granrath, Middle School physical education teacher, for an extension of health benefits for the period April 18, 2008 through the date of her return to work, but in any case not to extend past May 16, 2008 (Ms. Granrath is currently out on disability).

 

XII. OLD BUSINESS

• Budget Hearing Date and Time
  Dr. Crisfield noted that WHRHS scheduled their budget hearing on the same date and time as the K-8.  Mr. Daquila reported on the change to the Budget at a Glance due to the state debt service aid.  
• Parent Conferences
  Dr. Crisfield noted that the opportunities exist for parents to see middle school teachers individually.  Communication with the teachers is encouraged.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

• Use of E-mail Addresses
  Dr. Crisfield commented and addressed the concern that the PTO directories should not be used for mass email for non PTO business. 

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY

Christina Beekman, Woodland Kindergarten Teacher, asked when the PTO budget hearing is scheduled at Woodland - 3/19 at 9:30 a.m.  She questioned why the February ½ day for conferences was eliminated and change to an in-service. 

Jay Wilpon asked if the superintendents can work to unify the teaching of World Language, similar to what was accomplished with Algebra in the sending districts. 

XV.       EXECUTIVE SESSION:  

At 9:17 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 Dr. Przybylski and seconded by Mrs. Burman, the Board reconvened in open session at 10:02 p.m.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT:    On motion by Dr. Przybylski, seconded by Mrs. Voorhees, the meeting adjourned at 10:03 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila