Minutes for May 27, 2008History icon Archived Minutes

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A regular business meeting of the Board of Education was held this day in the Middle School. The following is a record of that meeting.

I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:04 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:     Susan Burman, Roberta Monahan, Dr. Gregory Przybylski, David Ricci, Tony Sardis, Mildred Spiller, Patricia Toubin, Mrs. Voorhees and Kathleen Winter 
Absent:
Also Present:   Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent, Peter Daquila, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, members of the public, staff and press

IV. PRESENTATION

  • Student Recognitions
    Dr. Przybylski was delighted to present the awards to the elementary and middle school students.  Dr. Crisfield noted that this is the first time all the awards were presented on the same evening.  He also noted that it is an honor to have these students in the district and he wished them continued success.

V. MINUTES
Mrs. Winter moved the following:
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the minutes, as amended, of the following meeting:
May 12, 2008 public and private session
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Toubin and approved by 8-0-1 voice vote.  (Mrs. Burman abstained.)

VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION
None

VII. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
Dr. Przybylski thanked Karen Sutherland in advance for the receipt of the Rotary teacher award.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
None

IX. DISCUSSION

Private Donations

Dr. Przybylski thanked Dr. Crisfield for the information on the acceptance of private donations.  Dr. Crisfield noted that some of the neighboring districts differ on parent funding for activities. 

Mr. Sardis commented about a philosophy of utilization of district resources.

The board discussed the concept of accepting donations for specific purposes. 

The board agreed that WTSA should continue with their plan to present the information on its private donation at the June 9, 2009 meeting.

X. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Tony Novo commented that WHSA is comprised of Warren, Watchung, and Long Hill members.  Watchung and Long Hill currently have middle school soccer teams. He also commented that the donation will be for 1 boy's and 1 girl's middle school soccer team

John Marques commented that the board has the opportunity to evaluate the soccer program in the fall of 2008 in order to decide how to proceed in the 2009-2010 budget.

Patricia Zahn noted that the soccer presentation from January 2008 was very well done.  It is also very persuasive in wanting to establish soccer at the middle school level.  She also noted that the 2008/09 budget was reduced by a large sum in order to balance the budget and the State's limitations will most likely propose a challenge to balance the 2009/2010 budget.  She urged the board to decline the donation for 2008/2009 and consider soccer in the 2009/2010 budget.

Jeff Goldstien stated that donations should be involved in consideration of their educational value.

Michael Heifetz commented that the WTSA is willing to fund soccer with no strings attached and doesn't understand why a simple item has so much opposition.

Barbara Todtenkopf questioned the amount of children that participate in the current sports that are being offered.  Perhaps the sports being offered need to be re-evaluated.

Alex Pomerantz (7th grader) noted that he gathered over 40 signatures last year in support of middle school soccer.  He doesn't understand why the soccer proposal is not being accepted.

XI. ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION/ACTION (CONSENT AGENDA)
Agenda items B.6. and D.1. were pulled from the consent agenda for discussion. 

On motion by Mrs. Winter, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the board approved the following as a consent agenda.  The consent agenda was approved by unanimous 9-0 role-call vote.

A. Education

A.1 Home Instruction
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves home instruction for one student (ID#1262567605) to receive 10 hours of home instruction per week for a period of two weeks beginning on or about May 20, 2008.

A.2. Specialized Programming
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves one student (ID#0120259) to receive two hours per day of specialized programming, provided by Beth Braverman, as student transitions from home instruction to partial school day beginning May 19, 2008 through June 20, 2008.  The cost to the district will be $1,750.

A.3. Out of Zone Request
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves one student (ID#2006267) to remain in Mt. Horeb School in 4th grade for the 2008-2009 school year.

A.4. Revised 2008-2009 BOE Committee Assignments
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the revised list of BOE committee assignments for the 2008-2009 school year dated May 27, 2008.

A.5. Extended School Year
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the list of extended school year services and placements for summer 2008 dated May 27, 2008.

B. Finance/Operations/Transportation

B.1. Payment of Bills
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the payment of bills for May, 2008 in the amount of $2,380,010.71.

B.2. Board Secretary's and Treasurer's Report
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the attached report of the secretary for the month of April and

WHEREAS, this report shows the following balances on April 30, 2008:

 

  FUND CASH BALANCE APPROPRIATION BALANCE FUND BALANCE
  (10) General Current Expense Fund $3,558,563.56   $1,050,880.76
  (11) Current  Expense   $1,082,608.66  
  (12) Capital Outlay   $312,432.20  
  (13) Special Schools   $23.56  
  (20) Special Revenue Fund ($52,120.81) $47,994.39 $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 $3,520,651.01 $1,443,058.81 $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.3. Joint Agreement Between WHRHS and Warren Township Board of Education
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a joint agreement between WHRHS and Warren Township Board of Education, in order to transport one special education student from home to/from WHRHS, effective May 20, 2008 through June 25, 2008, in the amount of $625.  WHRHS Board of Education will pay the full cost of transportation.

B.4. Joint Agreement Between Morris Union Jointure Commission and Warren Township Board of Education
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a joint agreement between Morris Union Jointure Commission and the Warren Township Board of Education to enter into an interlocal/shared services agreement for bus maintenance effective July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

B.5. COPS Grant
RESOLVED, the Board of Education agrees to fund 50% of the project costs (at a minimum matching the funds received from the COPS Grant) for the upgrade to the door locks and hardware improvements at all of the district schools including installation for security purposes.

B.6. Budget Transfers for Month of April 2008 PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
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

$1,000
  11-000-213-100-00-02 Nurse - Substitutes 11-110-100-101-00-02 Kindergarten - Substitutes

$3,200
  11-000-213-100-00-04 Stipends - First Aid & CPR 11-401-100-100-00-00 Co-Curricular Stipends

$1,000
  11-000-261-420-09-05 Maintenance Repairs - ALT 11-000-262-100-09-00 Salaries - Custodians

$3,000
  11-000-261-420-09-07 Maintenance Repairs - MS 11-000-261-420-09-03 Maintenance Repairs - CS

$9,000
  11-000-261-420-09-07 Maintenance Repairs - MS 11-000-261-420-09-06 Maintenance Repairs - WD

$9,000
  11-000-262-100-09-02 Substitute Custodians 11-000-262-100-09-00 Salaries - Custodians

$10,000
  11-000-262-420-09-01 Building Repairs - BOE/B&G 11-000-262-620-01-60 Heat - Admin

$400
  11-000-262-420-09-43 Equipment Repairs 11-000-262-620-03-60 Heat - Central

$4,500
  11-000-262-610-09-00 Building Supplies - Maint. 11-000-262-620-06-60 Heat - Woodland

$8,000
  11-000-262-610-09-01 Building Supplies - BOE 11-000-262-620-01-60 Heat - Admin

$400
  11-000-270-161-10-02 Special Ed Transp. - Subs 11-000-270-515-10-00 Special Ed Transp - Jointure

$5,800
  11-000-270-503-10-00 Contracted Aide in Lieu 11-000-270-517-10-00 Non-Public Transp.- ESC

$1,300
  11-000-270-512-06-00 Field Trip Transp.  - WD 11-190-100-800-06-00 Field Trip Admissions - WD

$40
  11-150-100-101-00-00 Home Instruction - Salaries 11-150-100-320-08-00 Home Instruction-Purc. Svcs

$2,100
  11-150-100-101-00-00 Home Instruction - Salaries 11-213-100-101-00-00 RC Teachers - Salaries

$10,000
  11-190-100-610-11-01 Supplies - Instr. Hardware 11-000-230-610-11-01 Supplies - Admin. Hardware

$8,000
  11-190-100-610-11-01 Supplies - Instr. Hardware 11-000-291-270-00-00 Health Benefits

$39,000
  12-000-260-730-00-00 Oper. & Maint.- HVAC Controls 11-000-262-620-07-60 Heat - Middle

$16,524
  12-000-400-390-00-00 Professional Services 11-000-262-620-03-60 Heat - Central

$6,300
  12-000-400-450-00-00 Construction Services 11-000-261-420-09-03 Maintenance Repairs - CS

$2,166
  12-000-400-450-00-00 Construction Services 11-000-262-620-07-60 Heat - Middle

$10,900
  12-120-100-730-06-00 Instructional Equipment-WD 11-000-262-620-07-60 Heat - Middle

$11,700
  13-422-100-500-00-00 Purchased Svcs - Sum Fun 11-190-100-610-07-10 Instructional Supplies - MS

$20
  Total Transfers

$163,350

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:

October 2008

  • Debra Tambor, Middle - NJ Science convention 2008, Somerset, NJ $ 96

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. 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) Melissa Stoeckel, Special Education Teacher, Central School, BA+15, step 2-3 effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  (Ms. Stoeckel is replacing Mrs. Ortega on family leave.)

b) Sitta Cohen, 8th Grade Math Teacher, Middle School, MA+30, step 1, effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  (Ms. Cohen is replacing Mrs. Kitchen who resigned.)

C.2. Staff Assignments for the 2008-2009 School Year
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of staff assignments for the 2008-2009 school year dated May 27, 2007.

C.3. Stipend Positions
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the list of stipend amounts and recipients for the 2008-2009 school year dated May 27, 2008.

C.4. 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) .5 Custodian
b) .5 Maintenance
c) Full-time Bus Driver

C.5.Amendment on Salary Guide
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following amended placements on the teachers' negotiated salary guide:

  • a) BethAnn Figueira, MA+15 to MA+30 (remaining at step 9-10), effective May 1, 2008.

C.6.Resignation
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the resignation of:
a) Heather Kitchen, 8th Math Teacher, Middle school, effective June 30, 2008.
b) Irena Rogowska, Head Night Custodian, Angelo L. Tomaso School, for the purpose of retirement with appreciation for the 15 years of service, effective August 31, 2008.
c) Donald Eger, Maintenance, Buildings and Grounds, for the purpose of retirement with appreciation for the 21 years of service, effective June 30, 2008.
d) Meghan Madden, Classroom Paraprofessional, Angelo L. Tomaso School, effective June 30, 2008.

C.7. Family Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Family Leave request for:
a) Kelly Hawkins, Special Education Teacher, Central School, family leave (unpaid with benefits) from November 12, 2008 through February 20, 2009 and child care leave (unpaid and no benefits) from February 23, 2009 through June 30, 2009.  Returning September 1, 2009.

C.8. Substitute Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following substitute for the 2007-2008 school year:
a) Shimalia Zafar
b) Jean Svolos

C.9. Appointment of Temporary Employees
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the appointment of James Rawson and Daniel Meller as temporary employees in the Maintenance/Buildings & Grounds Department for the period of May 27, 2008 to August 29, 2008, at a rate of $10.00 per hour. 

C.10. Student Teacher
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Student Teachers for the 2007-2008 school year:
a) Bridget Minogue - Angelo L. Tomaso School

D. Policy

D.1.1000-2000 Policy Series - Second Reading Pulled for Discussion
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the second reading of the revised 1000 and 2000 policy series.

Mr. Sardis had some questions on item B.6.  Mr. Daquila responded to the question.     

On motion by Mrs. Burman and seconded by Mrs. Winter, the board approved agenda item B.6. by a 9-0 roll vote.

Mr. Sardis had some questions on the "absolute" wording in the 1000-2000 policy series.  This wording is throughout all district policies. 

The BOE discussed the concept of the "absolute" wording.

On motion by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Burman, the board approved agenda item D.1.  by a 8-1 roll vote. (Mr. Sardis voted no.)

Mrs. Todtenkopf wasn't sure if her questions were answered regarding the evaluation of the sports teams.  The sports offerings are evaluated as part of the budget process.   She commented about the crowds and temperatures at the Middle School graduation.

XII. OLD BUSINESS

  • Projected 2008-2009 Enrollment Update
    Dr. Crisfield reported on the 2008/09 enrollment projections. 
  • Communications Committee Roles and Responsibilities
    Mrs. Spiller spoke about the goals of the communication committee.  BOE discussed the reported goals of the committee.  The goals will be altered by the committee and reviewed at a future meeting.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

  • Mission Statement Revision

    Dr. Crisfield reported on the suggested revision to the district mission statement.

    On motion by Mrs. Voorhees, seconded by Mrs. Toubin and approved on a 9-0 roll call vote, the board adopted the revised mission statement.

XIV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
None

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:  
At 9:50 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. Burman and approved by unanimous voice vote.

Mr. Daquila left at this point in the meeting (10:00 p.m.)

On motion by Mrs. Monahan and seconded by Mrs. Burman, the board reconvened in open session at 10:15 p.m.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT:    On motion by Mrs. Burman, seconded by Mrs. Voorhees, the meeting adjourned at 10:16 p.m.

Minutes recorded by:
Peter Daquila