Warren Township Schools: Minutes for May 12, 2008

Minutes for May 12, 2008 Archived Minutes

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, Dr. Przybylski

OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT - Dr. Przybylski 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 - Dr. Przybylski led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL
Present:     Dr. Gregory Przybylski, David Ricci, Tony Sardis, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, and Kathleen Winter
Absent:Susan Burman
Roberta Monahan arrived at 7:40 P.M.   Mrs. Voorhees arrived at 7:55 P.M.
Also Present:   Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of the public, staff and press

IV. PRESENTATION

Governor's Teacher Award Recipients
Dr. Przybylski presented the Governor's Teacher Awards to the five district teachers and thanked them for their achievements and hard work.

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Winter moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes of the following meeting:
April 28, 2008 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Toubin and approved by 6-0 voice vote.

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION

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

ALT

Central

Mt. Horeb

Woodland

Middle

April 8, 10

April 3, 15

April 3, 16

April 10, 17

April 10, 17

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Przybylski noted the donation from the Somerset count Board of Chosen Freeholders of $1,000 toward recycling in the elementary schools. Dr. Przybylski thanked the teachers and principals for their time at the Communion Ceremony last Saturday.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mrs. Winter commented about the Policy Committee and noted that the committee will work to follow goals and procedures.

IX. DISCUSSION
None

X. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Patricia Zahn thanked Dr. Cebula and the Central School teachers for their support at the communion last Saturday.

Tony Novo commented regarding the addition of a boys and girls soccer team at the Middle School level. He asked about the status for fall 2008 and if there is anything the soccer supporters can do to have the teams in place for fall 2008.

Rob Donnelly asked if the parents can donate the funds to support the teams.

Michael Heifetz noted that the Middle school soccer team is a mainstreamed item and the parents would like to help the board start the program in the fall 2008.

Gail Pester wanted to if the BOE is committed to adding soccer in 2009. This commitment is based on budget 2009/10 deliberations.

Dave Heimbrook asked about the commitment of the board to add soccer in the 2009/2010 school year.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Agenda items B.1 and B.6 as well as C.2.a. and C.3. were pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Toubin, the board approved the following as a consent agenda. The consent agenda was approved by unanimous 6-0 role-call vote.

A. Education

A.1. ABA Home Training Services
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one student (ID#0120753) to receive one hour per month of ABA home training service provided by Carol Keirstead, Special Education teacher, beginning March 1, 2008 through June 20, 2008 at a cost to the district of $220.

A.2. Extension of Home Instruction
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves one student (ID#5001011) to receive additional home instruction for a four week period effective May 16, 2008 through June 13, 2008 at an additional cost to the district of $980.

A.3. 2008-09 BOE Committee Assignments
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached 2008-09 BOE Committee Assignments Summary dated May 12, 2008.

A.4. Out of Zone Request
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves one student (ID#2001223) to remain in Mt. Horeb School for the 2008-2009 school year.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. 403(b) Plan Document for Public Education Organizations Pulled for discussion
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the 403(b) Plan Document for Public Education Organizations, dated May 13, 2008, for the Warren Township Schools effective July 1, 2008.

B.2. SMART Board Donation - Angelo L. Tomaso School PTO
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves with appreciation the donation of $7,140 from the Angelo L. Tomaso School PTO towards the purchase of two SMART Boards.

B.3. Donation - Central School
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the donation of $1,000 with appreciation from the Beth Rappoport Foundation for use at Central School.

B.4. Tax Payment Schedule for 2008/2009 School Year
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following tax payment schedule for 2008/2009 from the Township of Warren:

Tax Payments 2008/2009
	July 8, 2008	$700,003.50	January 6, 2009	$2,921,241.50
	July 22, 2008	$700,000.00	February 3, 2009	$2,921,242.00
	August 5, 2008	$700,000.00	March 3, 2009	$2,921,242.00
	August 19, 2008	$1,000,000.00	April 7, 2009	$2,921,242.00
	September 9, 2008	$3,606,862.00	May 5, 2009	$2,921,242.00
	October 7, 2008	$3,606,862.00	June 2, 2009	$2,921,242.00
	November 4, 2008	$3,606,862.00
	December 2, 2008	$3,606,862.00
	Total	$17,527,451.50	Total	$17,527,451.50
Total Taxes for 2008/2009			$35,054,903.00

B.5. Disposal of Equipment
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the donation of one 1991 GMC Pick-Up Truck VIN#1GDHK34K4ME513850 to the Township of Warren Volunteer Fire Department.

B.6. Central School - Roof Replacement Phase 1 Pulled for discussion
WHEREAS, on May, 6, 2008, the Board of Education received the following bids for the Central School - Roof Replacement Phase 1:

Laumar Roofing, Passaic, NJ $ 242,700
BMV Group, Old Bridge, NJ $ 305,800
Barrett Roofing, Millington, NJ $ 364,520
E. R. Barrett Roofing, Newark, NJ $ 384,500

and upon the Architects recommendation and the Attorney review the bid should be awarded to Laumar Roofing since it is the lowest responsible bidder, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education awards the contract for the Central School - Roof Replacement Phase 1 to Laumar Roofing, Passaic, NJ in the amount of $242,700.

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:

May 2008

Elaine Hoffman, Woodland - Leading for the Future, Piscataway, NJ $ 40
Helen Scully, Central - Positive Behavior Support, Somerville, NJ $ 20
Lauren Valera, Woodland - NJTESOL/NJBE Conference, Somerset, NJ $ 249
Janet Kozik, SPS - TIENET Presentation, Data Management), Edison, NJ $ 20
Mary Ellen Roberts, Middle - Technological Literacy, Flemington, NJ $ 30
Mary Ellen Roberts, Middle - NJTAP-IN Roundtable, Piscataway, NJ $ 22

June 2008

Governor's Teachers Recognition Event, Bedminster, NJ $ 720

July 2008

Faye Brady, SPS - Inclusion Conference, Montclair, NJ $ 130

August 2008

Megan Harvey, Central - STS Training, Lawrenceville, NJ $ 130

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. Donation - Warren Township Education Foundation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves with appreciation the donation of $1,000 from the Warren Township Education Foundation towards the purchase of SMART Boards.

B.9. Grant - Somerset County
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the acceptance of a $1,000 grant from Somerset County for Environmental Education in the District's REACH Program.

B.10. SMART Board Donation - Middle School PTO
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves with appreciation the donation of $6,800 from the Middle School PTO towards the purchase of SMART Boards.

C. Personnel/Student Services

C.1. Creation of New Positions
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the creation of the following new positions contained in the approved 2008-2009 budget:

a) .1 Social Worker
b) .1 Speech Therapist
c) .5 Science Teacher (grade 8)
d) .5 LA/SS Teacher (grade 6)
e) 1.0 LA/SS Teacher (grade 6)
f) 1.0 ELL/ASAP Teacher (grades K-5)

C.2. Employment for the 2008-2009 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the application for emergent hiring for the following positions for the 2008-2009 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) Tiffany Pillard, Special Education Teacher, Angelo L. Tomaso School, MA, Step 1, effective September 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009. (Ms. Pillard is replacing Mrs. Boraski on family leave.) Pulled for Discussion
b) Jennifer Fallone, Special Education Teacher, Middle School, BA+15, Step 1, effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. (Ms. Fallone is replacing Mrs. Regal on family leave.)
c) Maria Powers, Bus Monitor, Transportation, effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 at a salary of $14,490. (Ms. Powers is currently a sub bus monitor in the district.)
d) Beth Braverman .5 LA/SS Teacher, Middle School, BA, Step 4-5, effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. (Mrs. Braverman is currently a .5 Basic Skills teacher in the district.)
e) Andrew Ahimovic, Physical Education Teacher, Mt. Horeb School, BA, Step 1, effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. (Mr. Ahimovic is replacing Ms. Zurka who resigned.)

C.3. Appointment of Staff for the 2008-2009 School Year Pulled for discussion
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of staff (administrators, certificated staff, WTEA support staff), dated May 8, 2008, for the 2008-2009 school year.

C.4. Amendment on Salary Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amended placements on the teachers' negotiated salary guide:

a) Patti Pillinger, MA+30 to MA+45 (remaining at step 21-22), effective April 1, 2008.

C.5. Substitute Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Substitute Teachers for the 2007-2008 school year:
a) Christine O'Brien
b) Joyce Pekarsky (current Classroom Paraprofessional)

C.6. Substitute Bus Driver
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Iberca Jimenex as a part time sub bus driver, effective May 16, 2008 through June 30, 2008 at a salary of $16.64 per hour.

C.7. Speech Evaluation Contracted Services - 2008-2009 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Cynthia Levy to provide contracted speech evaluation services for two half days per week through a shared service agreement with Watchung Borough School District for the 2008-2009 school year at a cost to the district of $21,000.

C.8. Out of District Behavior Analyst
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Carol Fiorile as a out of district Behavior Analyst for the 2007-2008 school year.

C.9. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Family Leave request for:
a) O'Brien Speckin, Grade 7 Math/Science Teacher, Middle School, family leave (unpaid with benefits) from September 3, 2008 through October 3, 2008 returning October 6, 2008.
b) Andrea McGuire, Grade 3 Teacher, Central School, family leave October 23, 2008 through November 26, 2008. Returning December 1, 2008.

C.10. Energy Monitor for Energy Education Program
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the appointment of Steven Rizzoli as the Energy Monitor for the Energy Education Inc. Program for the period of June 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. Mr. Rizzoli will receive an annual stipend of $18,500 for this position.

C.11. ELL Coordinator Stipend Job Description and Position Creation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the ELL Coordinator Job Description, dated May 7, 2008, and the creation of the stipend position for the 2008-2009 school year.

C.12. Student Teacher - 2008-2009 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following student teacher for the 2008-2009 school year:
a) Bridget Minogue - grade 4, Angelo L. Tomaso School

D. Policy

D.1. 1000-2000 Policy Series - First Reading
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the first reading of the revised 1000 and 2000 policy series.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board approved agenda item C.2.a. by a 5-0-1 roll vote. (Mrs. Winter abstained.)

Mr. Ricci commented on the 403(b) being an automatic enrollment for employees instead of an option to enroll. The BOE discussed the suggestion.

Mr. Ricci commented on agenda item B.6 and the budgeted funds for the project.

Mrs. Monahan arrived at this pointing the meeting (7:40 p.m.)

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board approved agenda item B.1.a. by a 6-0-1 roll vote. (Mr. Ricci abstained.)

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Spiller, the board approved agenda item B.6. by a 7-0 roll vote.

XII. OLD BUSINESS

BOE Committee Roles and Responsibilities

Dr. Przybylski commented on the committee roles and responsibilities for the upcoming year. Mrs. Spiller questioned if the chair(s) of the committees should change on an annual basis.

The board discussed the roles of the committee and how the board will implement the changes to the committee focus.

Communications will need to alter how it conducts its business.
Mrs. Voorhees arrived at this point in the meeting (7:55 p.m.)
October 13, 2008 BOE Meeting - Reschedule?
The BOE will change the meeting from 10/13 to 10/6/2008.
Code of Ethics for School Board Members
Dr. Crisfield reported that the code doesn't have to be adopted. Each BOE member must sign a document stating that they have reviewed and read the code of ethics. The document will be available for signature at the next meeting.

Report on Central Toilet Renovation

Mr. Daquila noted that based on the architect's suggestions and the attorneys' comments the district has moved to terminate the contract with Buckler Associates for lack of performance. The contractor has not made adequate improvements to correct the tile installations.

Mrs. Spiller asked if creating intramural soccer is an alternative to creating a middle school soccer team. The boe discussed the item.

Mr. Ricci questioned working in Policy 1315 regarding the superintendent approving district publications.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

Projected 2008-2009 Enrollment - Update
Dr. Crisfield reported on the preliminary enrollment projector for 2008/09. The BOE discussed the enrollment projections.

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Donna Perry commented on the class sizes and that some grades are easier than other grades based on various factors.
Mrs. Toubin left at 8:40 p.m.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 8:42 p.m. Mrs. Winter 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. Spiller and approved by unanimous voice vote.

On motion by Mrs. Winter and seconded by Mrs. Voorhees, the board reconvened in open session at 9:08 p.m.

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Voorhees and approved on a 7-0 roll call vote the board approved agenda item C.3.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Voorhees, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila

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ALT	Central	Mt. Horeb	Woodland	Middle
April 8, 10	April 3, 15	April 3, 16	April 10, 17	April 10, 17