Minutes:  April 25, 2007

The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on April 25, 2007 at Watchung School, 33 Mountain Avenue, North Plainfield, NJ. Mr. David Branna 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, Mr. David Brannan requested the call of the roll: Thomas Allen David Branan Kathleen Mullen Sandra Dodd Nancy Szaroleta Edwin Estevez - absent Linda Bond-Nelson – absent, notified A quorum was established. Also present were Marilyn Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools; Donald Sternberg, Board Secretary /School Business Administrator; Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent and Athina Cornell, Board Attorney. The meeting convened to public session at 7:30 pm with the same members present, Michelle Velasquez, Student Representative and approximately 10 members of the staff and public. Introduction of New Staff There was none. Minutes Approval Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta and unanimously approved to accept the Public Meeting Minutes of April 11, 2007. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta and unanimously approved to accept the Executive Session Minutes of April 11, 2007. Student Representative Report Michele Velasquez reported on student activities some of which included the following: The Scholarship Clearinghouse held interviews on Tuesday, April 24th. The High School Talent Show is scheduled for May 4th. Advanced Biology classes will visit Mutter Museum in Pennsylvania on April 30th. The Foreign Language National Honor Societies will have their induction ceremony on May 8th at 7:00 pm. Comments from the Public Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, there were none. Additional Board Matters Upon request of the chair for additional emergency matters to be discussed by the Board, there were none. Presentation The Board heard a presentation from the advisor and students of the Middle School Robotics Club. Committee Delegate Reports Mr. Branan provided the Board with a review of the Finance and Facilities Committee meeting of April 18th in which capital projects were reviewed Mr. Mr. Ostroff, Director of Operations for 2006-07 and proposed projectsfor 2007-08. Dr. Rich provided a review of various concerns discussed at the Board/Staff meeting of April 12th which included a discussion of vacation time and the food service. Superintendent's Report Recognition The following ten top students of the NPHS Class of 2007, along with the teachers who most influenced their lives, will be honored at a Student-Teacher Recognition Dinner on May 17, 7:00 in the NPHS library: Mabel Mayorga, Daniel Sawyer, Regina Nardi, Gurinder Singh, Leanne Pasch, Rafael Guevara, Javier Jaramillo, Mark Rooney, Angela Almodovar, and Altamash Raja. Arkor Kolubah has been selected as the first Interact Student of the Month. He was honored on April 18, 2007, at a luncheon sponsored by the Rotary of North Plainfield and Plainfield. A native of Liberia, Arkor came to NPHS four years ago. Since that time he has become an active member of Interact and HOPE. Simultaneously he has taken a rigorous course of study at NPHS. After graduation, Arkor plans to attend college and major in chemistry or English. Although he keeps a busy schedule with school assignments and activities, he still finds time to serve as a volunteer at the senior citizen center. The following sixth grade students at Somerset School will receive a state award for their mathematics scores on the John Hopkins CTY Talent Search: Coriander M. Laidlaw, Kevin Madison, and Olabade Omole. Stony Brook School’s Family Fitness Day/Family Picnic will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. This year’s activities include aerobic and rhythmical exercises, individual and group games, paddle and racquet sports, the Fitness IQ test, health corner, and a family picnic. As a community service project revolving around testing and character education objectives, Stony Brook School students will be participating in the St. Jude Children’s Hospital Math-a-thon. Children will receive a Math-a-thon workbook on their grade level with 200-250 problems to complete. Sponsors will pledge a dollar amount for every problem the child completes. Pledges can range from $0.01 to as “high as your wallet can handle.” Sponsors also can pledge a flat amount. The NPHS World Language Societies will conduct an induction ceremony for the French, Italian, and Spanish Honor Societies on May 8, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the NPHS auditorium. East End School’s Science Fair, featuring “Our Amazing Solar System,” will be held on May 19, 8:35-2:35 p.m. in the gymnasium. Smile Train on Right Track: The West End Service Club, under the direction of Buzzy Durkin and Stephanie Tedeschi, sponsored the fourth annual Smile Train Show on April 19, 2007. Over 240 West End students participated in this event and performed to a sold out audience in the high school auditorium. Focusing the show on the theme “Celebrate America,” children performed song and dance routines to music that celebrated America’s past and present, states and cities from across the nation, and the armed services. Beth Sobel, WestEnd School principal noted, “Mindy Harzula, Katie Dolan, Buzzy Durkin, and Stephanie Tedeschi were responsible for planning the show but it took many staff members, PTA, the girl scouts, West End alumni, and our wonderful parents to put the show together. Rehearsals started in January four mornings a week at 7:45 a.m. until show time and all the time and effort paid off because the show was outstanding.” While this project started out four years ago about one single SMILE, West End School is responsible for changing the lives of over 80 children. A representative from Smile Train informed Ms. Sobel that West End is still the school that does the most for Smile Train kids around the world! “We are very proud to be a Smile Train School,” expressed Ms. Sobel. NPHS Band and Chorus Students Perform at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida: Members of the NPHS Concert Band and Concert Choir experienced a once in a lifetime performance opportunity at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida on Thursday, April 19. Two busses filled with excited students and chaperones left the high school at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, April 17 for the twenty-hour bus ride to Florida. Upon arrival at the Universal Theme Park on Wednesday, everyone was free to enjoy all of the park’s attractions. Thursday, the day of their performances, had the students getting up at 6:30 a.m. for a quick breakfast, followed by a fifteen-minute ride to the performance site. Performing first, the Concert Choir’s well-executed show was greeted with cheers from the assembled throng of students, parents, and park visitors. The Concert Band performed second and also did a commendable job, leaving the stage to the sound of thunderous applause. After their performances, the trip concluded with visits to Sea World and the Wet and Wild water park. The tired travelers were welcomed home to North Plainfield on Sunday afternoon. “The hard work and dedication of Dorian Parreott, Amy Six and all of the Concert Band and Concert Choir students helped to make the trip a great success,” commented Robert Pispecky, chaperone and supervisor, fine, practical and performing arts. District Operations Monthly Training, April 2007 The following district-wide training was conducted on April 2, 2007 at the North Plainfield High School. Proper Restroom Cleaning Techniques. Chemical Safety Awareness. The following departmental training will be conducted during April for all employees. Fire Safety and Awareness. Spring Break 2007 The three days of spring break were utilized to complete a number of projects and maintenance work as scheduled. Additionally, the following repairs are in the process of being completed. Plumbing repairs at the West End School. In an attempt to find the origin of an intermittent odor, the Operations Department conducted a thorough examination of the plumbing located within the eastern crawlspace. This examination yielded a number of deteriorated sections of waste line. As of this date, the deteriorated sections have been temporarily repaired. It will be necessary to complete more extensive repairs during the summer break. District Operations Spring Break Projects (Approved) The following projects were completed over the spring break. Please note that items with an asterisk are in progress and will be completed shortly. LOCATION AREA/SITE PROJECT CONTRACTOR High/Middle School Misc. *Intrusion Alarm P.Q. Energy Somerset School Main Entrance Alarm Repairs Fire & Sec.Tech. West End School Stairwells Painting In-House West End School Field *Retaining Wall In-House East End School Room # 5 Floor Repairs In-House East End School Room # 5 *New Floor Tile Resource NJ District Wide All Electrical Repairs In-House District Wide All Plumbing Repairs In-House District Wide Main Entrances Floor Waxing In-House District Wide Ext. Property Site Clean up In-House + Spring Break Training Custodial Staff (Completed) In addition to the projects and maintenance work listed above, the following comprehensive training sessions were held at North Plainfield High School. LOCATION AREA/SITE PROGRAM FACILITATOR North Plainfield High School Old Section Restrooms Proper Cleaning Techniques Indco Inc. North Plainfield High School Old Section/ Main Entrance Diamond Cutting of Terrazzo Floors Indco Inc. District Projects The following maintenance and/or capital improvement projects have been completed, are in progress, or are scheduled for start up (Updated April 7, 2007). HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCATION PROJECT CONTRACTOR/VENDOR STATUS H.S. Gym Dividing Curtain Corby Assoc. Awarded Field/Gym Graduation Miller Rentals Awarded Auditorium Lighting Out For Proposals Pending Main Office Add. Heating Scheduled Open Hallways Motion Det. P.Q. Energy 50% Lower Field Renovations Durmar/Edwards 90% Gymnasium Floor Repairs Proposal Received Scheduled Field House Façade/Gutters JDS Roofing Scheduled Exterior Door Replacement Mckenzie 100% Gymnasium Floor Cracks Vitetta/Eng. Pending SOMERSET SCHOOL LOCATION PROJECT CONTRACTOR/VENDOR STATUS Main Ent. Detectors Fire/Securities 100% Roof Sec. Replacement Alessi On Hold Roof Leak Alessi On Hold Exterior Façade Repairs Valcourt Start Up EAST END LOCATION PROJECT CONTRACTOR/VENDOR STATUS Grounds Wall Installation D’Onofrio *50% Gymnasium Structural Vitetta/Eng. Pending WATCHUNG LOCATION PROJECT CONTRACTOR/VENDOR STATUS Rear Ent. Ext. Lighting Maintenance 100% WEST END LOCATION PROJECT CONTRACTOR/VENDOR STATUS Exterior Field Ret. Wall Operations 100% Exterior Door Replacement Mckenzie 90% Field Renovations Durmar/Edwards 100% STONY BROOK LOCATION PROJECT CONTRACTOR/VENDOR STATUS Exterior Tree Removal Predator 100% Exterior Façade Repairs Out For Proposal Pending HARRISON SCHOOL LOCATION PROJECT CONTRACTOR/VENDOR STATUS Roof Leak Alessi Scheduled Auditorium Electrical Maintenance 100% HARRISON HOUSE LOCATION PROJECT CONTRACTOR/VENDOR STATUS Interior/Ext. Alarm System Simplex 100% DISTRICT WIDE LOCATION PROJECT CONTRACTOR/VENDOR STATUS All Keying Maintenance 95% All Supply Inventory Custodial 100% All Surplus Inq. Operations Start Up All HVAC Filters Maintenance & Custodial Start Up M.S. & W.E. Restroom Renov. To Be Determined By Bid Specs. Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools Personnel The following recommendations were tabled at a recommendation to follow: Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the continued employment of Dr. Marilyn E. Birnbaum as Superintendent of Schools, and that a letter of intent to employ be issued. It is understood the contract will be determined in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:11-11. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the continued employment of Dr. Robert H. Rich as Assistant Superintendent of Schools, and that a letter of intent to employ be issued. It is understood the contract will be determined in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:11-11. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the continued employment of Donald Sternberg, non-tenured School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, and that a letter of intent to employ be issued. It is understood the contract will be determined in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:11-11. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the tenured and non-tenured administrators and supervisors shown on the attached list (A) be continued in the positions and salary rates indicated, and that contracts to employ be issued. (Non-tenured administrators are indicated with an *. Those eligible for tenure during the 2007-2008 school year are indicated with a #.) Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the following non-tenured Operations Department staff be continued in the positions indicated, at salary rates to be determined, and that letters of intent to employ be issued: Edward Ostroff Director of Operations & Auxiliary Services Stephen Schlosser Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the following non-tenured exempt staff be continued in the positions indicated, at salary rates to be determined, and that letters of intent to employ be issued: Robert Dixon Network Coordinator/Technician Darrell Taylor Unix Network Coordinator/Technician Carl Gaebel Security Officer Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the continued employment of all tenured certificated salaried employees noted on the attached list (B), at salary rates indicated, and that contracts to employ be issued. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the continued employment of all tenured and non-tenured secretaries indicated on the attached list (C), at salary rates indicated, and that contracts to employ be issued. (Those eligible for tenure during the 2007-2008 school year are indicated with a @.) Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following tenured exempt secretaries at salary rates to be determined, and that letters of intent to employ be issued: Brenda Fleisher Payroll Bookkeeper Evelyn Pereira Confidential Secretary to the Superintendent Joanne Santonastaso Confidential Secretary to the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary Carol Villani Confidential Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent Florence Ward Executive Secretary to the Superintendent Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the non-tenured certificated salaried employees noted on the attached list (D), at salary rates indicated, and that contracts to employ be issued. (Those eligible for tenure during the 2007-2008 school year are indicated with an X.) Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved to table the preceding recommendations A1 through A10. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Judith Cardona, paraprofessional at West End School, effective April 21, 2007. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education grant Lisa Morra, counselor at East End School, an unpaid leave of absence as follows: 09/01/07 – 09/16/07 Unpaid Leave of Absence (Disability Period) 09/17/07 – 12/10/07 Unpaid Leave of Absence under the Federal Family Leave Act 12/11/07 – 06/30/08 Unpaid Leave of Absence (Child Care Purposes) Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education adjust the unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act previously granted to Wendy Alvarez, physical education teacher at West End School, from April 14, 2007 to April 25, 2007 to effective April 14, 2007 to May 13, 2007. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve Susan Garatino as a mentor for first year teacher Monica Villafuerte, to be paid $550 at the conclusion of the 30-week program or prorated accordingly. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve Susan Woulfin and Theresa Moroney as SRA scorers for Language Arts Literacy projects, at the rate of $26 per hour. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve the Board member and/or staff conference and travel expenses as per the attached list. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the following student teacher placement(s) from The College of New Jersey, effective September 5 through December 15, 2007: Student Teacher Class School Cooperating Teacher Michael Schutz Social Studies NPMS Roger Graubard Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education adjust the unpaid leave of absence previously granted to Sara Lohrmann, elementary teacher at Somerset School, from May 10, 2007 through June 30, 2007 to May 10, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Wendy Gaetan as a paraprofessional working with a classified student at West End School for 2.75 hours per day at the hourly rate of $17.34, effective May 4, 2007 through June 21, 2007. (Ms. Gaeton will replace Judith Cardona.) Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve an increase in hours for the following paraprofessionals working with classified students, as indicated after their names: Name School From TO Effective Marvine Warren West End 3.5 hrs/day 3.75 hrs/day May 4, 2007 Kim Holzer East End 4.25 hrs/day 20 hrs/week April 26, 2007 Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Rita Martins as a teacher of English at NPHS, at the MA/Step 1 annual salary rate of $45,420, and that a contract to employ be issued. (Ms. Martins will replace M. Kawalek.) Thomas Allen - Aye David Branan - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Adam DiAngelo, teacher of Italian at NPHS, effective July 1, 2007. Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education adjust the previously approved recommendation for the out-of-district placement of classified student UUUUUU-06-07 to attend Somerset Academy in Raritan from $3,589.50 to read $3,589.50 per month, effective March 7, 2007. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year the Board of Education adjust the previously approved recommendation for the out-of-district placement of non-classified student attending Somerset County Alternative Academic High School from ATS-01-06-07 to EDS-02-06-07, and from the tuition rate of $10,470 per year to the rate of $1,745 per month. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve psychological evaluations for the following identified students be provided by the Somerset County Education Services Commission at the rate of $450 per evaluation: PSY-01-06-07 PSY-04-06-07 PSY-02-06-07 PSY-05-06-07 PSY-03-06-07 PSY-06-06-07 Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-32-06-07 to be provided by district and/or Somerset County Educational Services Commission Staff for not more than five hours per week, effective April 17, 2007. Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve payments from the Cafeteria Account and the Adult School Account in accordance with the attached list dated April 25, 2007. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve line item transfers in accordance with the attached list dated February 28, 2007. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the 2006-2007 Extraordinary Aid Award of $107,874 based on our application submitted on February 5, 2007. (It should be noted that payment will be received in July 2007.) Further that the Board of Education approve to appropriate the Extraordinary Aid Award of $107,874 into the 2006-2007 operating budget as listed below: Revenue Account Account Number Amount Other State Aid 10-3190-001 $107,874 Appropriation Account Account Number Amount Capital Outlay/Construction Services 12-000-400-450-09-00 $107,874 Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve participation in the New Jersey School Cooperative Bidding Program for the 2007-2008 school year, coordinated by Educational Data Services, Inc. at an annual fee of $8,940.00 for the following equipment and supplies: A/V Equipment & Supplies Fine Art Supplies Athletic Supplies & Equipment Copy/Duplicating Paper Custodial Supplies Office/Computer Supplies Physical Education Supplies & Equipment Health Supplies Technology Supplies Library Supplies Family/Consumer Education Supplies Science Supplies & Equip. Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education enter into an agreement with Vitetta to provide architectural and engineering services for toilet room renovations at the North Plainfield Middle School and West End Elementary School on an hourly basis in accordance with Vitetta’s current hourly rate schedule, not to exceed $32,500. Correspondence An invitation was received from the World Language Society for the induction ceremony on May 8th at 7:00 pm. Financial Report Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the list of bills and payrolls dated March 31, 2007, in the amount of $4,334,139.36. Thomas Allen - Aye David Branan - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the monthly financial reports of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary and the Treasurer of Schools Funds for the month of February, 2007, and further recommends in compliance with NJAC 6:23-2.11 (b), that the Board of Education certify that to the best of their knowledge, no major account or fund has been overexpended and that as of this report sufficient funds are available to meet the district's financial obligation for the remainder of this fiscal year. Thomas Allen - Aye David Branan - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye Old Business Mr. Sternberg discussed the 07-08 Budget and election indicating that the candidates’ results are still unofficial. The Somerset County Clerk will be in contact with the Board Office by the close of business on Friday with the candidates’ results. The budget passed by a vote of 465 to 421 and has been submitted to the County and State offices. The Superintendent’s Evaluation is completed. New Business In regard to the second reading of the Board Policy Manual, the following recommendation was made: Mrs. Mullen moved, seconded by Mrs. Dodd and unanimously approved that a second reading of the revised policy manual was approved as read. Dr. Birnbaum stated that future policy revisions will be addressed at subsequent meetings. Board Members are to submit to the Board President those policies they wish to be reviewed. In regard to 2007-08 draft calendars, a review of the two calendars was conducted and a preference for calendar #2 was indicated. Current Events in Education Dr. Rich discussed an update to No Child Left Behind status at West End School which has been changed from in need of improvement to no need for improvement. Comments from the Public Upon request of the chair for comments from the public, there were none. Future Agenda Items G&T Presentation – May 16, 2007 Draft Board Planning Calendar Technology Plan Adjournment Mrs. Mullen moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on April 30, 2007 at 7:00 pm, for confidential matters relating to personnel, students, negotiations, and litigation. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta and unanimously approved to adjourn to executive session at 8:20 pm for confidential matters relating to personnel, students, negotiations, and litigation. Respectfully submitted, APPROVED: Donald Sternberg