The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on March 7, 2007 at Watchung School, 33 Mountain Avenue, North Plainfield, NJ. Mrs. Bond-Nelson called the meeting to order and made the following announcement: In accordance with NJSA 10:4-10, required advance notice of this meeting was filed with the Borough Clerk; submitted to the COURIER NEWS, STAR LEDGER, and Comcast; posted at Watchung School, Borough Hall and the North Plainfield Public Library. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mrs. Bond-Nelson requested the call of the roll:

Thomas Allen

David Branan Kathleen Mullen

Sandra Dodd Nancy Szaroleta

Edwin Estevez Linda Bond-Nelson

A quorum was established.

Also present were Marilyn Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools; Donald Sternberg, Board Secretary /School Business Administrator; and Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent.

The meeting convened to public session at 7:30 pm with the same members present, Michele Velasquez, Student Representative and approximately 21 members of the staff and public.

The following new staff were introduced:

Brian Bigden – Temporary Teacher

Linda Remolino-Guidance Director

Kathleen Towey – Paraprofessional

Mildres Hartman, Paraprofessional

Delia Perez, Paraprofessional

Bibi Baijnath-Paraprofessional

Lisa Chambers-Smith-LDTC, DPS

Nicole Rossi-Teacher

Ed Ostroff-Director of Operations

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the Public Meeting Minutes of February 21 and 24, 2007.

Mr Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the Executive Session Minutes of February 21, 2007.

Michele Velasquez reported on student activities some of which included the following:

Student Council is planning a blood drive for April 13^th. The drama club’s production of A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum is scheduled for March 22 to 24, 2007. The French Honor Society will be visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art on March 15^th.

Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, William Rodgers commented on reimbursement of transportation costs for non-public students. Hildy Jackson questioned the fact that there is no recess at Somerset School and questioned food service operations. Roger Zelay questioned no recess at Somerset School.

Upon request of the chair for additional emergency matters to be discussed by the Board, there were none.

The meeting re-convened to public session at 9:05 pm with the same members present.

Mr. Branan reported that at the Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting of March 5^th the Committee reviewed the 2007-08 Budget and the report of the facilities director.

Edwin Estevez provided a legislative update.

Recognition

The following students participated in the high school’s Black History Month Celebration, February 26-28, period 1, which included poetry reading and Drama Club and Step Club presentations.

Raina Simmons Amrita Goraya Angelica Febrillet

Javier Jaramillo

Arkor Kolubah Eric Desa Brittney Fennell

By: Langston Hughes By: Eric Desa By: Brittney Fennell

Kate Billard Patrick Brockway Stephanie Franco

Edison Guamba Joshua Kingsley Tracy Mamuric

Cherrell McGlone Jermaine Miller Samarr Morris

Nancy Ngobidi Nicholas Nieves Antoine Porter

James Powell Marcel Ringold Camille Salmon

Marguis Sheppard Dondre Stuetly Nadine Sylvester

Sierra Woody

Ayana Tanksley Ashley Lynch Natalia Benson

Ashleigh Bennett Shadee Lynch Chatee Esaw

Leiticia Antonine Even White Tifani Dyson

Natalie Lopez Rehanna Caldwell Karielle McKinney

Romona Ross

The NPMS girls' and boys' basketball teams will both be playing in the championship game in the March of Dimes Tournament on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at the Faber School in Dunellen with the girls playing Green Brook at 4:00 p.m. and the boys playing New Egypt at 7:30 pm. As noted by Karl Gordon, athletic director, “The middle school programs have had success in this tournament in the past. Both coaches, Robyn Enderle and Chuck Henriques, have done a wonderful job with their respective programs.”

The girls’ varsity basketball team earned 7^th Place in Somerset County; advanced to the 2^nd round of Somerset County Tournament (2/3/07); and advanced to the 2^nd round of the NJSIAA State Tournament at Arthur L. Johnson High School on 2/28/07.

7^th Place North Plainfield Wrestling Team placed 7^th in the Somerset County Tournament on December 28, 2006. In addition, the NJSIAA Districts, held on February 16, 2007 included the following:

2^rd Place 125 Yamil Cobb NJSIAA Districts

3^rd Place 119 Yuri Urrita NJSIAA Districts

2^nd Place 215 Kevin Romero NJSIAA Districts

NPHS

North Plainfield High School (NPHS) has been invited to be one of six districts throughout the state to field test the newly proposed end-of-course Biology test for high school students. Next year, all biology students in all New Jersey will take this test. The biology test, along with other proposed tests in chemistry, physics and environmental science, will eventually replace the science component of the HSPA. NPHS students and teachers will field test one of several forms of the test during the month of March.

North Plainfield teachers, including Debbie Gray, Michelle Pfennig, Denise VanHorn, Camille Ragin, Shona Wright-Hodge, Dawn Kleinfield, Jennifer Riolo, Jerry Pocius, June Troiano, Janet Austin, Andrew Risoli, Ellen Brain, Frank Fusco, Patty Lukacs, Ramon Rasaq, Luis Rincon, Teresa Luu and Cheryl Lechtanski have worked with the New Jersey Performance Assessment Alliance (NJPAA) in field testing performance assessments in math, science and language arts over the past two years in grades 3, 6, 7, 8 and 11. Through this affiliation, our students have been exposed to the kinds of questions that they will face on standardized tests and require them to explain their reasoning or defend their position in writing. Our teachers have attended free professional development sessions related to quality assessment and scoring procedures. The NJPAA works in close contact with the New Jersey Department of Education to develop tests that evaluate students’ understanding through application. This organization will develop the end-of-course tests for New Jersey students.

NPHS students and teachers will be instrumental in the development of the final form of the test. Biology teachers Annette Bicksler, Sarah O’Donnell, Cheryl Lechtanski, and Kathleen Rowe will administer the field test to all levels of biology--Biology 5, Biology 7, Biology 7 Honors, and Advanced Biology Honors; attend scoring sessions; and become part of a focus committee for the state of New Jersey, participating in discussions with Jay Doolan, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Education, about the future of science testing in New Jersey schools.

Somerset School

On March 9-10, the Somerset School Drama Club will be presenting their Cabaret Theatre as a “quartet of plays.” The fifth and sixth grade cast of characters will consist of experienced actors as well as many making their appearance on stage for the very first time. Directors Allan Reading, Donna Patton, and Chemagne Doyen are proud to be working with these young performers in “The Princess Who Believed Everything,” “The Enchanted Shirt,” “Senorita Cucaracha Finds a Husband,” and “The Prince Who Wouldn’t Talk.”

West End School

In celebration of African American Heritage Month, West End School’s parents and teachers are holding a Read-Aloud Evening, Monday, March 5, 2007, in the West End Community Room at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served (sponsored by Costco). Parents and teachers will be reading aloud books written by black authors to small groups spread out through the community room. East End and Stony Brook Schools have also been invited. Many thanks to the PTA as well as Marilyn Pinto, administrative intern and third grade teacher; Nancy Lisa, special education literacy coach; Marilyn LaMarca, media specialist; Keren Fonseca, first grade teacher; and Taryn Buffolino, school counselor.

District

Dr. Seuss Day: Students throughout the district joined students across the United States in celebrating the birthday of author Dr. Seuss on Friday, March 2. Sponsored by the National Education Association’s Read Across America Program, the program promotes reading by inviting administrators, staff, parents, and community members to share their favorite books and stories with children.

West End School had their favorite reader, Dave Livingston, county superintendent, read to West Enders in the community room. Mr. Livingston brought prizes to the children.

Nine players from the Rutgers Men's Basketball team visited East End School to meet their fourth grade pen pals and read for Read Across America Day. (This was a very successful program last year, and Janet Darvin, G&T teacher and former East End teacher, was fortunate to be able to continue it again this year.) In addition, Congressman Ferguson visited on Wednesday to celebrate reading with East Enders.

Stony Brook School's Read Across America Celebration included visits to Who-ville and the "Tour of Doors.” In addition, many special parent readers were in each classroom. Stony Brook also welcomed Brett Radi, Somerset County Clerk, who read to Debbie Lendach's kindergarten class.

Board

The PTA’s and PTO’s of North Plainfield’s schools are sponsoring a “meet and greet” with the Board of Education candidates on Thursday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. in West End School’s Community Room.

Buildings and Grounds Update

Stony Brook School

The contractor removed remnants of a second dead tree from the playground.

East End School

The contractor removed a fallen tree from the field.

Vitetta’s structural engineer is compiling a report on the gym wall in order to make necessary masonry corrections.

Somerset School

Repairs to the pitched roof will begin on Monday, March 5, 2007 to correct leaks in the stairwell.

NPHS/NPMS and West End School

Two sets of exterior doors at each location have been replaced.

We will be going out to bid in March for two bathrooms at NPMS and one at West End School after we receive Vitetta’s bid specifications.

Currently we are reviewing a proposal from PQ Energy to expand the security system at NPHS. We are hoping to be able to contract this work during this school year.

According to Dumor Contracting, West End School will be available for use by the end of March and Lower Krausche Field will be reseeded and available in the fall of 2007.

Ed Ostroff, our new director of operations, provided the following update:

MAINTENANCE

The maintenance department is completing routine maintenance requests and performing scheduled periodic system maintenance. Additionally, the maintenance department is currently completing several small projects throughout the district.

The maintenance department recently completed Lock Out/Tag Out Training as part of our commitment to safety. Additional safety and operational training will continue throughout the year.

CUSTODIAL

The custodial department is continuing to complete routine cleaning, setting up for events and localized floor care. This department is undergoing an intense evaluation to determine specific areas in need of improvement. Corrective action will be implemented based on the needs of the district.

The custodial department recently completed Lock Out/Tag Out Training as part of our commitment to safety. Extensive operational training for the custodial staff will begin shortly. Additional safety and operational training will continue throughout the year.

GROUNDS

All related sports equipment and field areas are being prepared for spring sports. The lower field at NPHS will most likely not be ready until early fall. However, the renovated field at West End should be ready for spring.

DISTRICT PROJECTS

The following maintenance and/or capital improvement projects are in progress or are scheduled for start up.

HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL

SOMERSET SCHOOL

EAST END

WATCHUNG

WEST END

STONY BROOK

HARRISON SCHOOL

HARRISON HOUSE

DISTRICT-WIDE

Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools

Personnel

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education grant Wendy Alvarez, physical education teacher at West End School, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act, effective April 14, 2007 through April 25, 2007.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the following certified staff indicated be paid for graduate courses taken between September and December 2006:

Name Course Hrs. Paid Reimb.__

Rheanna Pye Sem. Reading Research & Supvn. 3 $1,640.40 $1,230.38

(Elem/WE)

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve Board member and/or staff conference and travel expenses as per the attached list.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education rescind the recommendation approving John Tarnofsky to act as mentor for Vincent Mondano.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve the following teacher as mentors for first year teachers, to be paid $550 at the conclusion of the 30-week program, or prorated accordingly:

Mentor Provisional Teacher

Mary Castro Vincent Mondano

Mary Beth Winsor Aziza Hassan

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following teachers to the coaching positions and stipends indicated after their names, and that supplemental contracts be issued. It should be noted that teachers do not accrue tenure in these positions.

John Mattei Middle School Baseball Coach $4910

June Troiano Middle School Softball Coach $4910

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Edwin Serrano, probationary custodian, effective March 3, 2007.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept with regret the resignation of Richard Steele, maintenance worker, for reasons of retirement, effective July 1, 2007.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of George Jodry, custodian, effective March 5, 2007.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education rescind the previously approved recommendation to grant Sandra Barreto an unpaid leave of absence effective February 15, 2007 through February 26, 2007.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education adjust the salaries for the Middle School Interscholastic Track team coaches as follows:

Coach From To

Robyn Enderle $1705 $3410

Molly Irvine $1705 $3410

Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for classified student HI-23-06-07 to be provided by Education, Inc. Hospital Division staff at the rate of $42 per hour, for not more than ten hours per week, effective January 29, 2007.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for identified student HI-24-06-07 to be provided by Education, Inc. Hospital Division staff at the rate of $42 per hour, for not more than ten hours per week, effective February 23, 2007, pending child study team evaluation.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve the use of Invo Health Care Associates to provide speech therapy services at the rate of $95 per hour for up to 18 hours per week, effective March 12, 2007 through June 30, 2007, pending contract agreement.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for the following non-classified students to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff for not more than five hours per week, pending administrative Board review:

Student ID# Effective Date

HI-25-06-07 March 09, 2007

HI-26-06-07 March 12, 2007

HI-27-06-07 March 12, 2007

HI-28-06-07 March 12, 2007

HI-29-06-07 March 12, 2007

HI-30-06-07 March 12, 2007

Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent of Schools to apply for the Title I SIA funding in the amount of $9,634, in conjunction with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Local Education Agency (LEA) Consolidated Application FY’07, as follows:

200-300 Purchased Professional Services $6,596

200-600 Non-Instructional Supplies $3,038

Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye

David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye

Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – Aye

Edwin Estevez - Aye

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education authorize the submission of Demonstrably Effective Program Aid (DEPA) District and School-Based Operational Plans including related Budgets.

Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye

David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye

Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – Aye

Edwin Estevez - Aye

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve payments from the Cafeteria Account and the Adult School Account in accordance with the attached list dated March 7, 2007.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education enter into an agreement with ACCSES NJ CNA SERVICES for the purpose of providing temporary contracted services as identified by state set aside contracts, for fees in accordance with State Contract # TO419.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that

WHEREAS, 18A:58-37-1 et seq., as amended by Chapter 121, Laws of 1984, requires that the state and local community purchase and loan textbooks upon individual request to all students enrolled in grades kindergarten through twelve in nonpublic schools located within the local school district; and

WHEREAS, no Board of Education is required to expend funds for the purchase and loan of textbooks in excess of the amounts provided in state aid; and

WHEREAS, the Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) has agreed to administer the purchasing and processing of nonpublic school textbooks for local public school districts for the purpose of greater cost effectiveness through joint purchasing and centralized administration;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Plainfield Board of Education enters into an agreement with the SCESC, whereby the SCESC will administer a nonpublic textbook program for those eligible students attending nonpublic schools located within the county for the 2007-2008 school year, in accordance with 18A: 58-37-1 et seq.,

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the North Plainfield Board of Education agrees to pay the total amount allocated by the State of New Jersey Nonpublic School Textbook Program to the SCESC on or before July 31, 2007. Any unexpended funds will be refunded to the local school district.

Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye

David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye

Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – Aye

Edwin Estevez - Aye

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program has been authorized in the Appropriations Act for the fiscal year 2007-2008; and

WHEREAS, Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Aid shall be paid to school districts and allocated for nonpublic school pupils in a manner that is consistent with the provisions of the federal and state constitutions; and

WHEREAS, said program requires the Board of Education in each public school district in New Jersey to provide technology to all students attending a nonpublic school located in the public school district; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Chief School Administrator of the public school district or designee to confer with the administrator of each participating nonpublic school within the school district to advise the nonpublic school of the limit of funds available and to agree upon the technology to be provided to the nonpublic school within the limits of the funds that are available for the nonpublic school; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the public school to send written verification that conferences were held with each nonpublic school administrator to the County Superintendent, along with a copy of each agreement, on or before December 31, 2007; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of each public school district to provide the agreed upon technology which may include equipment, software, professional development and/or maintenance of equipment; and

WHEREAS, the Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) has agreed to administer the responsibilities associated with this program for the purpose of greater cost effectiveness through joint purchasing and centralized administration;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Plainfield Board of Education enter into an agreement with the SCESC, whereby the SCESC will administer the Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program for nonpublic schools located within the boundaries of the local school district for the 2007-2008 school year,

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the North Plainfield Board of Education pay 5% of the allocation for the Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program to cover the SCESC’s cost for administering the program. The total amount allocated by the State for the New Jersey Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program will be paid to the SCESC on or before July 31, 2007 and 5% will be deducted for the SCESC’s administrative expenses. Any unexpended funds will be refunded to the local school district.

Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye

David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye

Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – Aye

Edwin Estevez - Aye

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Borough of North Plainfield adopt the following school district budget which includes spending growth limitation adjustments for the 2007-2008 school year:

General Fund $44,432,399

Special Revenue Fund 4,065,885

Debt Service Fund 1,749,462

Total Base Budget $50,247,746

And be it further resolved, that the following amounts be raised from taxes:

General Fund $26,293,674

Debt Service $ 1,749,462

Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye

David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye

Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – Aye

Edwin Estevez - Aye

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the following spending growth limitation adjustments for the 2007-08 budget statement in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A: 7F-5D.

Special Education Costs $ 55,831

Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye

David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye

Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – Aye

Edwin Estevez - Aye

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve a spending growth limitation adjustment for Capital Outlay Expenditures in the amount of $55,000 for the 2007-2008 budget statement in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A: 7F-5D and as detailed below:

Project LRFP

Description Number Amount

Bathroom Renovations-West End School TBA 148,090

Exterior Doors, Classroom Floors, Bathroom Renovations-

East End School TBA 229,610

Bathroom Renovations - High School TBA 180,000

Instructional Equipment

Musical Instrument 4,000

Computers 9,000

Software 27,050

Hearing Impaired FM System/Reading System 48,000

HVACPerformance Contract- Principal 301202,301086 446,300

(Portion of total payment due)

Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye

David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye

Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – Aye

Edwin Estevez - Aye

There was none.

Kathy Mullen will present at the SCSBA Student Recognition Program on March 14, 2007 at Franklin Township High School.

The topic for the joint meeting agenda will be a discussion of the 2007-08 Budget.

Don Sternberg reviewed the 2007-08 school budget. In addition to a review of revenue and expenditures, capital projects planned for 2007-08 were reviewed and discussed. A special meeting will be held on Monday, March 12th at 7:30 pm for further review of the proposed budget. The public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Monday, March 26^th at 7:30 pm at East End School.

Dr. Birnbaum reviewed the status of the re-registration of students in grades

7 and 9.

Dr. Birnbaum presented follow-up notes of the Board Retreat held on February 24^th.

The Board has received the Borough’s Recreation Agreement for review.

In regard to Board minutes, approved minutes of the Board will be posted on the website.

A Board e-mail site will be created in place of individual e-mail addresses and e-mails will be forwarded appropriately.

The Board has approved the request for transportation for Project Graduation from Co-Chairs Starks and Helck.

The PTA’s will hold a candidates’ night on March 15^th at 7:00 pm at West End School in the Community Room.

There were none.

Upon request of the chair for comments from the public, Brian Worth made suggestions for a Board e-mail site on the website. Hildy Jackson thanked the Board for their approval of the posting of Board minutes on the website. In addition, Mrs. Jackson asked a question regarding the replacement procedure for the Somerset School principal position. Dr. Birnbaum stated that a Committee will be established.

G &T Presentation – TBD

Board Planning Calendar – 5/2/07

Policy Meeting-TBD

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on March 21, 2007 at 7:00 pm, for confidential matters relating to personnel, students, negotiations, and litigation.

Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn at 9:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Donald Sternberg

APPROVED: