Minutes for April 14, 2008History 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 6:06 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:   Pamela Coley, Roberta Monahan, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, David Ricci, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, Gina Voorhees, and Kathleen Winter 
Absent:    Susan Burman Arrived at 6:13 p.m.
Also Present:     Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, Athena Cornell of Lindabury, McCormick & Estabrook, members of the public and press

IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 6:08 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. Coley and approved by unanimous voice vote.
Mrs. Burman arrived at this point in the meeting (6:13 p.m.).
On motion by Mrs. Monahan and seconded by Mrs. Coley, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:08 p.m.

V.MINUTES
Mrs. Monahan moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes of the following meeting:
March 10, 2008 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Coley and approved by 7-0-2 voice vote.  (Mrs. Burman and Mr. Ricci abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

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

  • Fire Drills

    ALT

    Central

    Mt. Horeb

    Woodland

    Middle

    March 4, 20

    March 14, 26

    March 4, 27

    March 6, 26

    March 11, 26

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Mrs. Spiller again thanked everyone that worked to help make Willy Wonka a huge success at the Warren Middle School. The play was extremely enjoyable.  Mrs. Spiller noted that is has been an honor being president and serving on the board.  She thanked Mrs. Coley for her hard work as a board member and noted it has been a pleasure working with her.  She will be missed as a board member.
Mrs. Coley thanked the board and noted that serving on the board has been her pleasure.

VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
None.

VIII. DISCUSSION
2007-2008 Education Discussions - Recap
Mrs. Voorhees thanked the Education Team for their hard work and efforts. She noted that tonight is a summary of the discussions that occurred throughout the year. 

Dr. Crisfield noted that the key to the discussions are how the district can improve on things it currently does well.  He commented on each of the discussion topics.

The board members commented on a few of the education topics.

X. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Donna Perry commented about the Education discussion.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Mr. Ricci asked for clarification on Agenda item A.4.  Mrs. Monahan asked for clarification on Agenda item C.6. Mrs. Burman asked for clarification on Agenda item C.10. 

Mrs. Winter asked that Agenda item B.3. be pulled from the consent agenda for discussion. She asked about B.3 and requested clarification on Grinspec Consulting as the district's broker of record.  Dr. Przybylski asked about 2 lines in the resolution and the resolution was amended. 

Mrs. Monahan moved, and Mrs. Coley seconded, the following as a consent agenda.  The consent agenda was approved by unanimous 9-0 role-call vote.   

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Coley and approved on a 9-0 roll call vote, the board approved agenda item B.3. as amended.

A. Education

A.1. Summer Fun 2008 Program Brochure
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the attached Summer Fun 2008 Program Brochure.

A.2. 2007-2008 School Calendar
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the last day of school for the 2007-2008 school year to be Friday, June 20, 2008 with Warren Middle School graduation on June 19, 2008 and June 19th and June 20th as early dismissal days for students.

A.3. In-District Related Services
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves one student (ID#0120846) to receive one hour per week of Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) therapy beginning April 1, 2008 through June 24, 2008.  The cost to the district will not exceed $1,995.

A.4. Out of Zone Request
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves one student (ID#2007286) currently in third grade at Central School to remain at Central School for the 2008-2009 school year.

A.5. Out of District Placement Transfer
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves out of district placement for the following students:
a) One student (ID#0120146) to transfer placement from Banyan School to Newmark School effective April 7, 2008 through June 30, 2008.  The tuition will be $40,534.20 for an increase of $7,534.80 prorated to $2,501.52.
b) One student (ID#0120849) to attend the Bayberry preschool in Watchung, effective April 4, 2008 through June 20, 2000 at a per diem rate of $73 not to exceed $4,000.

A.6. Home Instruction
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves one student (ID#5001011) to receive one hour per day of home instruction provided by Saint Claire's Hospital beginning April 8, 2008 for duration of the student's hospitalization, approximately two weeks.  The cost is $49 per hour for a total cost to the district of $686.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the attached report of the secretary for the month of March, and

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on March 31, 2008:

FUND

CASH BALANCE

APPROPRIATION BALANCE

FUND BALANCE

(10) General Current Expense Fund

$4,365,964.49

 

$1,050,880.76

     (11) Current  Expense

 

$1,424,719.44

 

     (12) Capital Outlay

 

$302,070.70

 

     (13) Special Schools

 

$739.56

 

(20) Special Revenue Fund

($9,711.11)

$42,781.46

$0.00

(30) Capital Projects Fund

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

(40) Debt Service Fund

$14,208.26

$0.00

$14,208.26

TOTAL

$4,370,461.64

$1,770,311.16

$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.2. Budget Transfers for Month of March 2008
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:

 

 
 

11-000-100-562-08-01

Tuition - Other LEAs

11-000-100-566-08-01

Tuition - Private

$3,000
 

11-000-217-100-00-02

Extraordinary Paras - Sals.

11-213-100-106-00-00

RC Aides - Salaries

$15,500
 

11-000-217-320-08-00

Extraord. Svcs.-Purch.Svcs.

11-000-100-566-08-01

Tuition - Private

$3,000
 

11-000-230-339-01-00

Purch. Professional Svcs.

11-000-230-331-01-00

Legal Fees

$1,000
 

11-000-251-600-01-00

Business Office Supplies

11-000-251-592-01-00

Misc. Purch. - Bus. Office

$300
 

11-000-261-610-09-04

Maintenance Supplies - MH

11-000-261-420-09-04

Maintenance Repairs - MH

$2,000
 

11-000-261-610-09-05

Maintenance Supplies - ALT

11-000-261-420-09-05

Maintenance Repairs - ALT

$8,000
 

11-000-261-610-09-07

Maintenance Supplies - MS

11-000-261-420-09-07

Maintenance Repairs - MS

$3,000
 

11-000-262-420-09-01

Building Repairs - BOE/B&G

11-000-262-620-01-60

Heat - Admin

$2,000
 

11-000-262-610-09-00

Building Supplies - Maint.

11-000-262-620-06-60

Heat - Woodland

$7,000
 

11-190-100-610-06-10

Instructional Supplies - WD

11-190-100-640-06-00

Textbooks - Woodland

$1,950
 

11-204-100-101-00-00

LLD Teacher - Salaries

11-213-100-101-00-00

RC Teachers - Salaries

$1,000
 

12-000-240-730-00-00

School Admin. Equipment

11-000-291-270-00-00

Health Benefits

$14,250
 

12-000-260-730-06-00

Oper. & Maint. Equip. - WD

11-000-262-620-06-60

Heat - Woodland

$8,715
 

12-000-260-730-09-00

Oper. & Maint. Equipment

11-000-262-620-03-60

Heat - Central

$14,000
 

12-000-260-730-09-00

Oper. & Maint. Equipment

11-000-262-620-04-60

Heat - Mt. Horeb

$14,000
 

12-000-260-730-09-00

Oper. & Maint. Equipment

11-000-262-620-05-60

Heat - ALT

$14,000
 

12-120-100-730-11-01

Gr. 1-5 Equip. (Tech. Plan)

11-120-100-101-00-01

Gr. 1-5 Teachers - Salaries

$4,650

 

Total Transfers

$117,365

B.3. Changes to Group Insurance Program
RESOLVED, the Board of Education based on the recommendation of its group insurance broker-of-record, Grinspec Consulting, approves the following changes to its group insurance programs effective July 1, 2008:

  1. Terminate its group medical insurance policy with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, group #98072.
  2. Select CIGNA as its group medical insurance carrier, at the rates, benefits, terms, and conditions represented in the report from Grinspec Consulting, dated February 25, 2008.
  3. Designate Grinspec Consulting, a Division of Brown & Brown, Inc., of Murray Hill, NJ as the Board's group insurance broker-of-record for our new CIGNA group medical insurance program.
    Grinspec Consulting is authorized to act on behalf of the Board in all matters related to this program, subject to board approval.  Grinspec Consulting's responsibilities will include - but are not limited to - negotiating annual renewal rates, marketing our group insurance programs, and aiding our staff in the resolution of billing, enrollment, and claim problems.
    Grinspec Consulting is authorized to receive commission payments from CIGNA as compensation for their services, percentages for which are included in CIGNA's proposed premium rates.
  4. All appropriate Board of Education staff are authorized to take such action and affect such documentation as necessary to implement this change.

B.4. Change Orders for Integrated Control Solutions-LLC - HVAC Control Upgrades at Angelo Tomaso School, Central School, Mt Horeb School and Warren Middle School.
RESOLVED, the Board of Education Approves the following change orders for Integrated Control Solutions, LLC in the amount of $16,524.00.

  • C/O #1 Mt Horeb - AC for computer room $ 0.00
  • C/O #2 Mt Horeb - Power feed to room 6a & K $ 3,890.00
  • C/O #3 ALT - Additional controls for 3 re-heat coils $ 4,408.00
  • C/O #4 Mt Horeb - Power for computer room AC $ 1,680.00
  • C/O #5 Economized damper changeover $ (2,438.00)
  • C/O #6 Central - replace NOVAR controls in 4 rooms $ 8,984.00

Total                                                                      $  16,524.00

The original bid for this project from Integrated Control Solutions, LLC was $298,800.00.  Change orders #1-6 for total of $16,542 bring the total amount due to Integrated Control Solutions, LLC for the project to $315,324.00. 

B.5. Lions Club Donations
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves with appreciation the donation of $2,000 from the Warren Lions Club to replenish the Superintendent's discretionary fund that is used to assist families in need.

B.6. Transportation
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves transportation for the following students:
a) Student ID#0120687, to be transported by SCESC, to Jerry Davis School, Manville, effective April 14, 2008 through June 20, 2008 at a cost of $133 plus $40 per diem for an aide for a total cost of $7,612.

b) Student ID#0120849 to be transported by Watchung BOE to the Bayberry School, Watchung, effective April 4, 2008 through June 20, 2008 for a prorated cost of $704.

B.7. 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

  • Peter Daquila, BOE - NJASBO 403b Regulations, Bridgewater, NJ $ 25

May 2008

  • Janice O'Connor, Mt Horeb - 100 Best Children's Books, Edison, NJ $ 195
  • Sondra Markman, BOE - Enhancing Leadership, Monroe Twp, NJ $ 30
  • Ann Santee, ALT - Psycho Pharmacology, Piscataway, NJ $ 95
  • Susan Lewis, Mt Horeb - SMART Board Training, Piscataway, NJ $ 275
  • Michele Stora de Cruz, Mt Horeb - SMART Board Training, Piscataway, NJ $ 305
  • Marilyn Goldstein, Central - ELL Workshop, Somerset, NJ $ 225
  • Catherine Maguire, SPS - Issue in Autism, Atlantic City, NJ $ 345
  • Peter Daquila, BOE - NJASBO Annual BA Conference, Atlantic City, NJ $ 725
  • Mary Sfiris, Middle - NJTESOL Conference, Somerset, NJ $ 235
  • Carolyn McCloskey, Middle - Gravity and Orbits II, North Branch, NJ $ 40
  • Laura Sudol, Middle - Gravity and Orbits II, North Branch, NJ $ 40
  • JoAnn Blatchford, Middle - Gravity and Orbits II, North Branch, NJ $ 40
  • Susan Kline, ALT - SMART Board Training, Piscataway, NJ $ 295
  • Noralys Rebimbas, ALT - SMART Board Training, Piscataway, NJ $ 295
  • Elaine Hoffman, ALT - Violence Protection, Parsippany, NJ $ 110
  • Michele Gaglioti, Mt. Horeb - Math Skills, New Providence, NJ $ 110

June  2008

  • Lynn Degen, Middle - Confronting Injustice, North Branch, NJ $ 25

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.

B.8. After Care for 2008-2009
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the contracting with Somerset Hills YMCA for After Care Services at the four Warren elementary schools for the 2008-20089 school year.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Appointment of 2008 Summer Fun Staff
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached list of summer Fun Staff dated April 8, 2008, effective June 30, 2008 through July 31, 2008 at the following hourly rates:

  • Teacher - $35
  • OT - $70
  • Speech Therapist - $70
  • Nurse - $35
  • Paraprofessionals - up to $15
  • Extended Day and After Care Teachers - $35
  • Extended Day and After Care Paraprofessionals - up to $15

C.2. Family Leave Amendment
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education amends the family leave request for Jessica Malangone from May 12, 2008 through June 30, 2008 to April 9, 2008 through June 30, 2008 (unpaid with benefits).

C.3. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Family Leave request for:
a) Michelle Zgombic, Grade 7 Social Studies Teacher, Middle School, family leave (unpaid with benefits) from October 8, 2008 through January 16, 2009 and child care leave (unpaid, no benefits) from January 17, 2009 through June 30, 2009.  Returning September 1, 2009.
b) Lauren Regal, Special Education Teacher, Middle School, family leave (unpaid with benefits) from September 15, 2008 through December 15, 2008 and child care leave (unpaid, no benefits) from December 16, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  Returning September 1, 2009.
c) Katherine Boraski, Special Education Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, family leave (unpaid with benefits) from October 21, 2008 through January 29, 2009.  Returning January 30, 2009.
d) Leslie Ortega, Special Education Teacher, Middle school, family leave (unpaid with benefits) from September 1, 2008 through December 2, 2008 and child care leave (unpaid, no benefits) from December 3, 2008 through December 31, 2008.  Returning January 1, 2009.
e) Dannine Albanese, Basic Skills Teacher, Middle School, family leave (unpaid with benefits) from September 1, 2008 through December 2, 2008 and child care leave (unpaid, no benefits) from December 3, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  Returning Sept 1, 2009.

C.4. Student Teachers
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following student teachers for the 2008-2009 school year:

  • a) Janice Quarto, Elementary Art - Central School
  • b) Kris Stankiewicz - School Psychologist - Student Services
  • c) Christine Guido - Elementary Grade 3 - Woodland School

C.5. After School Clubs
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following after school clubs for the 2007-2008 school year and the instructors for each club at the negotiated stipend rate.

Angelo L. Tomaso School

  • a) Newspaper Club-advisor Elaine Hoffman at a stipend of $715.

C.6. Gettysburg Chaperones - Middle School 8th Grade Overnight Trip
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following staff to chaperone the Middle School 8th grade overnight trip to Gettysburg:

Laura Sudol, Carolyn McCloskey, JoAnn Blatchford, Faye Brady, Heather Kitchen, Kim Villanueva, Judy Motz, Josephine Brasile, Angela DellaVentura, Connie Luenberger, Lynn Degen, Heather Saum, Lisa Seccamanie, Midge Johnson, Robert Hartshorn, Jim Frascella, Sean Mealy, Steve Verger, Robert Comba, and two parents.

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

  • a) Alexandra Esposito
  • b) Barbara Heir

C.8. Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Al Bennett, Head Night Custodian at Mt. Horeb School, with appreciation for the 12 years of service to the Warren Township Schools, effective June 30, 2008.

C.9. Neurodevelopmental Therapist
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves Ann Toolajian to provide Neurodevelopmental therapy for one student (see A.2.) beginning April 1, 2008 through June 24, 2008.  Ms. Toolajian was approved as an outside evaluator February 11, 2008.

C.10. Per Diem Deduct Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves per diem deduct request for:

  • a) Carol Krenek, Classroom Secretary, Middle School, for two days, April 24-25, 2008.
  • b) Elsa Montoya, Van Driver, Transportation, for five days, March 31, 2008, April 1-4, 2008.

C.11. Outside Consultation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Kellie Dearey to provide 1½ days consultation for the transition of teachers in the K-2 LLD class.  The cost to the district will be $399.

D. Policy

D.1. 9000 Policy Series - Second Reading
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second reading of the revised 9000 policy series.

XII. OLD BUSINESS
None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

  • Coaches' qualifications

Dr. Crisfield spoke about the revised coaches' qualifications that will be effective September 1, 2008.
Mrs. Burman noted that there should be a coach's manual and proof of background checks. 

  • BOE Self Evaluation

Mrs. Coley presented the summary of the board's self evaluation.  A discussion among the board members on the specifics of the evaluation occurred.

Mrs. Coley presented the challenges and solutions for the board to be use for next year's goals.

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Donna Perry spoke about life being well rounded and must include various aspects of academics and extra curricular activities.    

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
None

XVI. ADJOURNMENT:
On motion by Mrs. Coley, seconded by Dr. Przybylski, the meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila