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The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on October 17, 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. Mrs. Bond-Nelson requested the call of the roll:
Thomas Allen Kathleen Mullen
David Branan Drew Elliott Smith
Sandra Dodd Linda Bond-Nelson
Edwin Estevez – absent, notified
A quorum was established
Also present were Marilyn Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools; Donald Sternberg, Board Secretary/School Business Administrator; and Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn to executive session for confidential matters relating to students, personnel, negotiations and litigation at 7:05 pm.
The meeting re-convened to public session at 7:35 pm with the same members present, as well as, Nora Rivera, Student Representative and approximately 8 members of the staff and public
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the public meeting began.
Introduction of New Staff
Reginald Sainte-Rose was introduced as the Principal of Somerset School.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 5 to 0 with Mr. Branan abstaining to accept the public session minutes of October 3, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 5 to 0 with Mr. Branan abstaining to accept the executive session minutes of October 3, 2007.
Student Representative Report
Nora Rivera reported on various student activities some of which included the following:
The Drama Club has a final performance of skits scheduled for the public on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 7:00 pm.
A homecoming dance is scheduled for October. In conjunction with homecoming and spirit week, each grade is decorating their hallway.
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.
Presentations
Diane Morris, NJSBA Representative discussed and reviewed a re-cap of the board’s self-evaluation. Several areas were identified as needing more attention by various committees.
School Based Planning Objectives were presented for each school by the following principals:
Jerard Stephenson, North Plainfield High School
Reginald Sainte-Rose, Somerset School
Al Roman, East End School
Beth Sobel, Stony Brook and West End Schools
Dr. Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent, presented the Annual Violence and Vandalism Report reviewing incidents by reporting category and providing a comparison of 2005-06 and 2006-07 data. The report is attached. There were no comments from the public on the report.
Dr. Rich presented the Title IV Summary of the Community Forum on Safe and Drug-Free Schools. Included in the review was a description of programs and related expenses.
Committee Delegate Reports
A Communications Committee meeting will be held on November 14, 2007 at 6:30 PM.
Superintendent’s Report
Staff
During the weekend of October 5-7, first grade teacher Christina Mundy participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. She was one of 4,500 walkers. Ms. Mundy raised $2,000.00 herself, and her team raised a total of $15,000.00. Ms. Mundy walked a total of 39.3 miles.
Students
Jeremy Frusco, NPHS senior, is the recipient of this year’s Homer S. Pace Medal given by the Lubin School of Business, Pace University. The Homer S. Pace Medal was created in 1998 to honor students in selected high schools that have achieved academic excellence in a college preparatory program and intend to pursue a career in accounting or a related field. Jeremy, his family, and Linda Remolino, director of school counseling attended the dinner honoring the recipients on October 11, 2007 at Pace University in Pleasantville, NY.
The following NPHS seniors have been nominated for scholarships:
Thushan Nithiananthan: nominated for the New Jersey Certified Public Accountants Scholarship.
Allison Sarfati, Elisa Salvemini, Wilbryant Ruiz, Carolyn Romond, Chrisitina Talucci, Natalie Szaroleta, Jacalyn Szaro, Artimus Sparrow, David Sloyan, and Danielle Smagalla: nominated for the Garden State Scholarship.
Angela Aviles: nominated for the “Angels Among Us” scholarship for volunteer service for persons with disabilities.
Christina Bulkilvish: nominated for the Young Entrepreneur Award Scholarship for students who have his/her own business.
Cedric Amegnisse: nominated for NJ Rising Scholars Scholarship Program.
Jasmine Campbell: nominated for the National Achievement Scholarship Program.
Jasmine Campbell, Cynthia Calderon, Ashley Dunhamn, and Latricia Antoine: nominated for the National Youth Leadership Forum.
District
In honor of International Literacy month, every third grade student in West End School, East End School, and Stony Brook School received the gift of a dictionary from the Plainfield/North Plainfield Rotary Club. Distributed by Rotarians --Mayor Janice Allen, Borough Administrator Dave Hollod, Police Captain Brian Tufaro (covering for Police Chief William Parenti), and School Superintendent Marilyn Birnbaum--the dictionaries were purchased by Rotary through The Dictionary Project, a South Carolina-based non profit organization.
School Counseling Programs
“Walk Away…Stop the Violence”: School Violence Awareness Week” is October 15 – 19, 2007. In support of this theme, students and parents will have an opportunity to participate in a number of activities.
To kick off the week, a group of students trained in the Heroes and Cool Kids character education program will visit each school and present anti-violence information. The students will speak to the children in each of the schools about ways to stay violence free. They will distribute ribbons with this message and read a proclamation from Mayor Janice Allen.
Throughout the week, Stony Brook School, East End School, West End School, Somerset School, North Plainfield Middle School and North Plainfield High School will involve students in a variety of activities to promote anti-violence. On Thursday, October 18, 2007 the North Plainfield High School Drama Club will present a variety of skits to illustrate interactions to promote peaceful solutions to conflicts. These skits revolve around cyber bullying, sexual harassment, bullying, teasing, and domestic violence. The production is being shown to the entire student population with an evening performance for parents/guardians of students K-12 at 7:00 p.m. in the NPHS auditorium.
Careers on Wheels will be held Tuesday, October 16, 8:30 - 12:30 in the parking lot of St. Luke's Church, 300 Clinton Avenue. Scheduled for all fourth grade students, the program introduces the children to careers/professions where some mode of transportation may be involved. They are shuttled between their school and St. Luke's, via a coach bus, throughout the morning. A brief description/ demonstration is provided by the participants. This year’s participants include: Citibank, D.A.R.E., Dr. Meleo (dentist), Mobile Response & Stabilization Services, NJ Army National Guard, NJROTC, NP Fire Department, NP Rescue Squad, Mayor Allen, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, Vo-Tech: Health Occupations, Plumbing, Cosmetology, Building Trades, Auto Body, and Dr. Fellin (veterinarian).
Community Adult School
The North Plainfield Community Adult School, North Plainfield Police Department and Somerset County Health Department are presenting the Second Annual North Plainfield Community Information & Health Fair, Tuesday, November 13, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, North Plainfield Middle School Gym. Representatives from community agencies, health agencies, and businesses will be providing information.
Somerset School
Archeologist Visits Somerset: On September 27, Theresa Zimmerman and Maggie Dinsmore, social studies teachers, offered sixth graders an opportunity to meet Jay Reti, a graduate student at Rutgers University in the Anthropology Department who has done archaeology work in Africa. In addition to sharing his background in archeology, Mr. Reti showed slides of the archaeology sites that he has worked on, brought some artifacts and fossils, and explained how simple stone tools are made in primitive cultures.
Family Math Night: Camile Ragin, Pat Wenk, and Sue Kurtzer, sixth grade math teachers, will be offering Family Math Night, October 19, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Parents and students attend together to learn math and have fun. Topics include Facto-Bingo, Race for the Wholes, Factor Game, Decimal/ Fraction Dominoes, Patterns, Probability, and Data Analysis
"Cupcake Earth": Sixth grade science students had a special treat during science class, "Cupcake Earth.” As part of their study on quantitative and qualitative observations and careers of scientists (including geologists), students made quantitative and qualitative observations about their "cupcake Earth.” Using clear straws, students took five core samples of their cupcake. Using that information, they were to predict what the inside of their cupcake is like. They then cut their cupcake in half to see the real inside. Students were then allowed to eat their half. They discussed why geologists take core samples in real life. The science teachers used food coloring to color the cake batter and changed the colors inside by layering different colors.
“Bucks for Breakfast”: Eighty-two children and parents attended the first “Bucks for Breakfast” celebration on October 9 before school. Fifth grade teachers served a delicious meal, and Principal Sainte-Rose welcomed the parents and students. Each month fifth grade students earn “bucks” toward having breakfast at school. “Bucks” may be given at any time during the month when positive behaviors are displayed. Students must keep track of their own “bucks.” Each student earning approximately eight “bucks” in one month (less for shorter months) is invited to attend a special breakfast along with one parent.
East End School
Walk to School Day: East End School held its third Walk to School Day on October 3, 2007. Under the direction of Kathy Senna and John Malazdra, health and physical education teachers, the focus of the initiative is to promote walking to school. As students arrived to school they signed in and received a sticker (saying that they walked to school) and a foot charm. Oranges and grapes were donated by Ms. Pompey and Ms. Senna for the students to enjoy while waiting for the bell to ring. In spite of the drizzle, 155 students and staff walked to school, approximately the same as in the past two years. As noted by Al Roman, principal, “The health benefits of walking were stressed in health and physical education classes and the students seemed proud of their stickers.”
Night of Star Gazing: The Building Objective Committee has arranged for John Miller to attend East End’s Star Gazing Spectacular on Tuesday, October 23, 7:00 -9:00 p.m. in the Community Room. Various stations will be available for students to engage in various activities as they wait their turn to be brought outside to view the various constellations and perhaps even a planet!!!
East End's fourth grade classes were in the Courier News last week with a photo and caption announcing their fabulous balloon launch to kick off the NJ Social Studies unit. Students released balloons each attached with pre-paid, self-addressed postcard requesting that the finder mail the postcard back from the same town it was found. So far eight balloon postcards have been returned and used in geography lessons - from as far as Islip, NY.
Stony Brook School
Literacy Month: Stony Brook School continues to celebrate October as Literacy Month with numerous literacy activities and special events. Last week, the PTA held a "Book Fair" for all students and families to visit. A special guest during parent buying night was "Clifford, the Big, Red Dog.” It was a "Book Fair Blizzard" as everyone chilled with cool books during the October heat wave. The "Book It" Reading Incentive Program started with many students already racing to read and preparing to reach their classroom's goals. The "Vocabulary Word of the Week" program also began this month and has already included words like enthusiastic and capable. Another literacy event was the special visit by North Plainfield's Rotary Club members, Dr. Birnbaum and Mayor Allen. “They surprised and delighted the third grade students by delivering dictionaries to every third grader,” noted Cathy Kobylarz, principal. Stony Brook's culminating literacy activity will be a visit by author Joan Buzik, whose book and CD titled What Went Right Today? will be part of an all school assembly. The students and staff will be taught not only the words to the story What Went Right Today? but how to sing and express the story in sign language. “At Stony Brook School, we love literacy,” expressed Principal Kobylarz.
West End School
On October 4 the Second Annual Kindergarten - Grade 1 Read Aloud Parent Academy was held at West End School. Marilyn Pinto and Keren Fonseca, teachers; and Marilyn LaMarca, media specialist, planned the event. Parents were given many tips and watched a demonstration on how to best use the time when they read to their children in order to help improve comprehension, vocabulary development, and the love of books and reading. Staff members Taryn Buffolino, Jessica Fuget, Rosemarie Hansen, Theresa Knauer, and Nancy Lubreski also assisted with this project. At the end of the evening each child got to take home five books for their home libraries! (The books given to the children were gently used books collected by Ms. LaMarca from many of our families whose children aged-out of them)
Starlab came to West End School on October 10, 11, & 12. Jessica Fuget and Marilyn Pinto, West End teachers, were the "Astronomy Experts" and presented lessons to every class over the three days and during the evening event-- Starlab night on October 11 with over 140 parents and children in attendance. Staff members Cindi Crawford, Rosemarie Hansen and Christina Mundy assisted with the event. Starlab is a portable planetarium made of fabric, which is inflated by a fan and capable of accommodating approximately 25 students. A star projector recreates the sky, including the Sun, Moon, and planet positions on the dome, for any time or place on Earth. Many thanks, too, to Michelle Pfennig, Stony Brook teacher, who assisted West End in this endeavor.
For West End’s PTA Family Fun Night, the P in PTA will be providing crafts and pumpkin painting and the T in PTA will be providing scary Halloween stories for the kids.
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage, West End is sponsoring Hispanic Heritage Family Night on October 24. The event will include poetry reading and storytelling from selections by Hispanic authors, a performance from a group of West End children of Hispanic dance, and a wide variety of Hispanic food. On October 25, as a culmination of the celebration, students will perform Hispanic dances and songs throughout the day.
NPHS
The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club will participate in the New Jersey High School Consumer Bowl. This is the first time that the club will enter. As noted by Jerard Stephenson, principal, “Students are excited to test their knowledge against high schools from around the state.”
The Interact Club was awarded a $1,000 grant from Wal-Mart. The club intends to use the donation to assist in the collection of food and clothing for the less fortunate.
The Annual Senior Breakfast will take place on October 23 during period 2. Project Graduation parents will offer breakfast to the students followed by a photographer taking the senior class picture on the football field.
The Canuck Mentor Program is in full swing. The topics that the mentors have covered include attendance, GPA, athletic eligibility, clubs/activities and cutting. The mentors also assist in introducing transfer students to the school.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
Safety Training
The safety topic for the month of October is electrical safety. Related safety training, including personal protective equipment, will be held on Thursday, October 18 with all staff members. Additionally, a “Lock Out/Tag Out” refresher will be given to appropriate staff.
Personnel
Message from Ed Ostroff, director: “The Operations Department suffered a great loss this past month with the untimely passing of Alfred Knoblauch. Mr. Knoblauch proudly served our district for over thirty three years and is dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his coworkers, friends and family.”
Photographs of the Operation’s Staff have been forwarded to our IT Department for processing. Staff members should receive their new I.D. Badges shortly.
Maintenance
In addition to completing daily work requests and routine maintenance, the following tasks were completed by the Maintenance Department during this past month.
• A classroom was air conditioned at West End School (health/safety)
• Three additional electrical circuits were branched at NPHS
• Two water fountains were rebuilt at West End School
• A storage box, for our bread deliveries, was installed at each school
• The new restroom doors and hardware were installed at West End School.
Completed Projects
• All boilers, district-wide, were inspected by the Office of Pressure Vessel Compliance. A few minor repairs to three of the boilers are being completed at this time. All others have been closed and are ready for operation.
• The new restrooms at NPMS and West End School are now open and fully operational. The general contractor is completing a few punch list items from our most recent inspection. Additionally, the plumbing sub-contractor has several open items that are being addressed at this time.
• The north stairwell sheetrock has been replaced at Somerset School. This area was damaged by a roof leak that was repaired over the summer. This area is currently being painted and should be completed before week’s end.
• A new field sign, with lights, has been installed on the back of the Press Box.
• The new key swipe system, recently installed on one NPHS entrance door, is now fully operational. Authorized staff members have been issued key fobs to enter and exit the building using this door.
Open/Pending Projects
High School/Middle School
• Installation of the surveillance system and associated wiring. This project is nearing completion and should be completed within the next two weeks. Once the system is complete and the associated signage has been installed, the service provider will begin to train our authorized staff members.
Harrison School
• The replacement of one office air conditioning unit is currently in progress.
Harrison House
• The remaining exterior trim and siding should be completed shortly.
Athletic Complex
• Upgrades to the existing heating and ventilation system in the field house.
• The reinstallation of one baseball sign on the west side of the field house.
East End School
• The replacement of four exterior light fixtures that are currently on order.
West End School
• The installation of two air conditioning units and electrical branch circuits for the computer room.
Somerset School
• By month’s end, this location, among others, will be monitored by the Somerset County Office of the New Jersey State Department of Education. This facility is currently being inspected for compliance.
Stony Brook
• There are currently no open projects at this location.
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the 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 for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education adjust the hours of R. Mildres Hartmann, paraprofessional for the breakfast program at NPMS, from 3.75 hours per day to 4.00 hours per day, effective September 17, 2007, and that an adjusted contract to employ be issued.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education adjust the previously approved recommendation granting Leeanne Chiaramonte, teacher of drama at NPHS, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act from effective November 5, 2007 through December 19, 2007 to effective November 1, 2007 through December 19, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the following individuals as district substitute teachers in the grades/subjects indicated after their names:
Heather Bissett K – 12
Anthony D’Errico 9 – 12
Kimberly Hawkins K – 6
Trevor Peters K – 12
Raffat Shahid K – 4
William Slinger K – 4
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the certificated staff indicated below be paid for graduate courses taken between January and September 2007.
Name Course Hrs. Paid Reimb
Mary Louise Durkin Essential Competencies 3 $2716.66 $1154.25
(Elem/WE) Servant Leadership Inst. 3 $2716.66 $1154.25
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education adjust the previously approved recommendation to change the guide and salary of Theresa Knauer, elementary teacher at West End School, who attained a Master’s degree, from $56,670 to $56,650, effective June 1, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education rescind the recommendation appointing Brian Moody as assistant baseball coach.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the following coaching appointments at NPMS/HS. It should be noted that teachers do not accrue tenure in these positions.
Brian Moody Head Baseball Coach $6,963
(replacing Lawrence Cohen)
Christopher Eshleman Asst. Baseball Coach $5,182
(replacing Brian Moody)
John Mattei MS Baseball Coach $5,100
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Victor Guzman as an ESL teacher in the adult high school at the rate of $27 per hour for approximately 150 hours, effective October 18, 2007.
Further, that the Board of Education approve Mr. Guzman as a substitute teacher in the adult high school for the 2007-2008 school year.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the attached List of Sick Leave Credits and Personal Days as of June 30, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 5 to 0 with Mr. Branan abstaining that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the transfer of Geraldine Burns, paraprofessional for a student at West End School, to Stony Brook School, effective October 15, 2007. Ms. Burns will be working with a student and her hours will remain 3.50 per day.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Abstain Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 approve the employment of Wendy Gaetan, currently employed as a district substitute paraprofessional, as a paraprofessional for a student at West End School, at the hourly rate of $18.12 for 3.50 hours per day, effective October 15, 2007, and that a contract to employ be issued. (Ms. Gaetan will replace Ms. Burns.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – 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 approve the employment of Victoria Tarquino as a district substitute paraprofessional at the rate of $18.12 per hour, to be called on an as-needed basis, pending completion of the employment process.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – 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 approve the following co-curricular supervisory appointments at the stipends indicated. It should be noted that teachers do not accrue tenure in these positions.
Marie Annette Bicksler Co-Advisor Peer Leadership $400
Casey McKeen Co-Advisor Peer Leadership $400
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – 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 employ staff members to teach in extended day mentoring programs at a rate of $30 per hour to be funded with federal, state and local monies, as per attached list.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – 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 adjust the previously approved recommendation to grant Lisa Morra, counselor at East End School, an unpaid leave of absence as follows:
FROM TO
Unpaid Leave of Absence (Disability Period)
9/1/06 - 9/16/07 8/6/07 - 9/5/07
9/6/07 – 10/4/07 – Extended Disability per Physician
Unpaid Leave of Absence Under the Federal Family Leave Act
9/17/06 - 12/10/07 10/5/07 – 12/28/07
Unpaid Leave of Absence
12/11/07 – 6/30/08 12/29/07 – 6/30/08
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – 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 approve the employment of Linda de’Marsi as a district substitute paraprofessional at the rate of $18.12 per hour, to be called on an as-needed basis, pending completion of the employment process.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – 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 approve the employment of the following food service workers by Maschio’s Food Service:
Evelin Murillo Glenda Herrera
Lilly Irvin
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – 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 approve the employment of Rachel Mastalski as a special education teacher at NPMS at the BA/Step 1 annual salary rate of $42,630, effective October 25, 2007, and that a contract to employ be issued. (Ms. Mastalski will replace Kathleen Borden.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – 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 grant Zoraida Parra, paraprofessional at East End School, an unpaid leave of absence effective November 1, 2007 through November 23, 2007.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – 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 grant Kimberly Shapiro, teacher of health and physical education at Stony Brook and West End Schools, an unpaid leave of absence effective October 23, 2007 through January 31, 2008, for child care purposes.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – 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 grant Marlo Matthews, elementary teacher at East End School, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act, effective February 28, 2008 through March 16, 2008. It is understood that the above dates may need to be adjusted.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – 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 approve the following high school paraprofessionals to work an additional six hours each (Nov. 5-7, 2007) at the rate of $18.12 per hour.
Donna Adams Linda Schultz
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent to offer employment for a budgeted vacant elementary teaching position.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-09-07-08 to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff for not more than five hours per week, effective October 15, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-10-07-08 to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff for not more than five hours per week, effective October 9, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education pay the tuition for the out-of-district placements of the following classified students in the schools and at the tuition rates noted. Transportation will be required.
ID# School/Location Tuition Effective
YYYY-07-08 Children’s Psychiatric Center/Morganville $61,380 10/15/07
ZZZZZ-07-08 Hunterdon Learning Center, Califon $35,883 10/15/07
Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent of Schools to apply for NCLB Carry-Over Funds FY’07, as per the attached budget as follows:
Title I 0
Title I SDIA 0
Title IIA $ 240
Title IID $ 59
Title III 0
Title IV $ 566
Title V $ 383
TOTALS $1,238
Mr. Branan 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 October 17, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve line item transfers in accordance with the attached listed dated September 30, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the North Plainfield Board of Education approve and authorize the School Business Administrator to submit the attached District School Safety Plan in compliance with the Department of Education requirements.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the North Plainfield Board of Education approve and authorize the School Business Administrator to submit the attached School Nursing Services Plan in compliance with the Department of Education requirements
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the grant application of Barbara Curtis in the amount of $1,500 from Target Corporation for the purpose of a field trip to Turtleback Zoo.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education acknowledge that emergency exit fire drills were conducted on all pupil transportation vehicles during the month of October 2007, in accordance with NJSA 6:21-11:4.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept with appreciation a grant from Wal-Mart in the amount of $1,000 in support of the NPHS Interact Club.
Correspondence
Letters were received as follows from:
M/M Steven Romeo re: Certificate of Appropriateness
Delaware Valley Regional High School Football Team
Rosemary McGuinness & Family re: Thank you
Invitation re: Memorial Program for Connie Fenner, Former East End School Teacher
Diane Frusco
Financial Report
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Branan and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the list of bills and payrolls dated September 30, 2007 in the amount of $5,700309.68.
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Branan 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 School Funds, for the month of August, 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 over expended and that as of this report sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligation for the remainder of this fiscal year.
Old Business
Dr. Birnbaum discussed planned improvements to traffic signage in front of Somerset School planned by the Borough. Additionaly, the Police Department has agreed to increase monitoring. Mr. Allen asked about positioning a crossing guard at the corner of Chestnut and Wilson Avenues.
Mr. Sternberg reviewed the process for reimbursement of expenses at the NJSBA Workshop on October 23 to 26, 2007.
Dr. Birnbaum reviewed NJQSAC and the finalization of the report to be presented for Board approval at the November meeting.
New Business
Mr. Sternberg and Dr. Birnbaum discussed a meeting held with Chief of Police, William G. Parenti, regarding the unauthorized use of school fields. Efforts will be made to step up enforcement of unauthorized use of Board property.
Current Events in Education
There were none.
Comments from the Public
There were none.
Future Agenda Items
Annual Financial Audit
Long Range Facilities Plan Update – 11/14/07
NJQSAC Update; Presentation 11/14/07
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold and executive session on November 14, 2007 at 7:00 pm for confidential matters relating to students, personnel, negotiations and litigation.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn at 10:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
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