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The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on February 20, 2008 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 Kathleen Mullen
David Branan Drew Elliott Smith
Sandra Dodd Linda Bond-Nelson
Edwin Estevez
A quorum was established
Also present were Marilyn Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools; Donald Sternberg, Board Secretary/School Business Administrator; and Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent and approximately 6 members of the staff and public
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the public session minutes of February 6, 2008
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the executive session minutes of February 6, 2008
Student Representative Report
Nora Rivera was absent.
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, Mrs. Reyes expressed concern regarding calls received in error for a student’s absence. Mr. Caprio questioned the start up of a Middle School wrestling program.
Additional Board Matters
Upon request of the chair for additional emergency matters to be discussed by the Board, there were none.
Presentation
There was none.
Committee Delegate Reports
Mr. Estevez, Legislative Chair, stated that there were no new legislative issues.
Mrs. Bond-Nelson, Negotiations Committee Chair, updated the Board on negotiations indicating that the next meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2008.
Mr. Branan, Policy Committee Chair, reviewed minor revisions to policies listed as Old Business. Mr. Branan indicated that the Conduct/Discipline policy will be posted on the website.
Mr. Branan, Finance & Facilities Committee Chair, updated the Board on the proposed 2008-09 Budget.
Superintendent’s Report
Recognition
Six outstanding educators have been selected from the North Plainfield School District as the 2008 New Jersey Governor’s “Teacher of the Year” Award Recipients. They will represent their individual school and the entire district at a Somerset County luncheon on Thursday, June 5, 2008. In addition, they will be honored at North Plainfield’s Teacher Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, June 11, 2008. The six award winners are as follows: Alan Adams, West End School; Kitty Jedra, East End School; Sharon Switek, Stony Brook School; Dina Liona, Somerset School; Robert Zetlin, NPMS; and Theresa Moroney, NPHS. The New Jersey Governor's Teacher Recognition Program was developed in 1985 for the purpose of honoring teachers who symbolize educational excellence in their profession.
Edwin Estevez, Board member and 2001 recipient of the NPHS Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, will be on the drums with Dorian Parreott, Pete Austin, Sandra Reedy and Kyle Skrivanek as they join other members of the a music department in their first Music Faculty Scholarship Concert on Thursday, February 21(snow date is February 28) at 7p.m. in the NPHS auditorium. There is no ticket fee; however, donations will be accepted at the door toward the scholarship of an NPHS senior continuing his/her studies in music.
Students
Christian Kushnir, grade 5, Somerset, and Jackelyne Racchumi. grade 12, NPHS, are the district's winners of the Somerset County School Boards Association Student Achievers Competition. Each school district was requested to select one student from grades 5-8 and one student from grades 9-12 to be recognized in this program that encourages student achievement in the public schools. In determining the selection, the following areas were considered: personal growth, participation in extracurricular activities, outstanding citizenship, community service, and continued academic progress.
Maria Zapata, grade 11, was accepted into the Robert Wood Johnson Mini Medical School for High School Students. There were over 500 applicants and 195 students were chosen to participate in the program.
Eugene Flood, grade 12, was accepted into the US Naval Academy.
DeVaughn Gordon, grade 12, signed his National Letter of Intent to attend and play football for Lehigh University. His photo was in the Courier News.
West End School
Black History Read-Aloud Celebration Huge Success
Once again, the Literacy Events Committee decided to make literacy part of West End’s African American History Month Celebration. This idea was originally endorsed by the International Reading Association. Over a million readers of all ethnic groups from 49 states, the West Indies, and African countries have participated in this Event. The Literacy Events Committee is proud to add North Plainfield’s West End School to that list.
To help kick off Black History Month, the committee asked West End parents to read aloud a book written by an African American author to a small group of children. They had 12 parent volunteers reading books that included biographies, short stories, and poems. Students eagerly listened to the stories read aloud. This year West End was fortunate to have J. R. Miller (we know her as Jacci Shepard), author of the book “We Don't Need No Stinkin' Manners!” and former West End parent, speak at the event. Ms. Shepard generously gave away two free copies of her book to two lucky children there that evening. Afterwards, Carol Gilliam a parent at West End School, read aloud “Shades of Black” by Sandra and Myles Pinkney. Parents and teacher concluded the night by helping and guiding children in creating a Unity Hand Print Wreath, which is displayed in the West End Community Room.
As Beth Sobel, principal noted, “The African American Read-Aloud Celebration was a huge success. Thank you, to all the committee members who worked hard to make this event an unforgettable night: Lisa Cirillo, Wendy Szymanski, Marilyn Pinto, Theresa Knauer, Carol Irvine, Veronica Quick, Nancy Schreck, Sandy Deller, Taryn Buffolino, Marilyn LaMarca.”
Let’s Celebrate School Counseling: Although counselors often assist students on an individual basis, they also provide “group counseling” in their respective buildings. For instance, Taryn Buffolino, West End School counselor, has been going into all classrooms to give guidance lessons on developmentally appropriate topics. She visits each classroom every other month. All classes learned about Bullying and Violence Prevention in the month of October. In December, the third grade classes learned about Diversity and Tolerance, while the 4th grade classes learned about Citizenship. Correlating with the 4th grade's lesson, "Changing the World," Lisa Cerulo, art teacher, has been assisting each fourth grade class in creating a class mural during art class. These will hang in the building when completed. For the month of February, Kindergarten will be learning about Friendship, first grade will be learning about Social Skills/ Communication and the second grade will be learning about Tolerance. Nicole Rivlin, who is interning in the Guidance Department, has been assisting when possible.
The first grade hosted its annual healthy snack sale on Wednesday, January 30. Students from West End donated various healthy snacks such as applesauce, granola bars, pretzels, and goldfish just to name a few! The snacks were sold in the afternoon for a quarter a piece. First grade raised $175 dollars for The Smile Train. Many thanks to the first grade teachers: Katie Dolan, Mindy Durkin, Keren Fonseca, Theresa Knauer, and Christina Mundy with additional thanks to Wendy Alvarez, Wendy Szymanski, and Todd Vanderputten who also assisted.
NPHS
The Interact Club has been involved in number of activities since the beginning of the school year. For instance, Interact has been holding a school wide clothing drive. The club will receive $0.10 per pound of clothing, and this money will be put into fund that the Interact will donate to "Homes for Hope" a Rotary International project that sponsors building/ educational programs in Ecuador. In addition, the Interactors have been busy selling refreshments at Rutgers University basketball games with the Plainfield-North Plainfield Rotary Club. Rotary Club gets a percentage of the sales, which in turn is earmarked for Plainfield High School and North Plainfield High School scholarships. This month members of the Interact Club also will join students at Somerset School to work on Conflict/ Resolution and also run programs after school using some of the funds from the Wal-Mart grant the club received in September.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The Safety Topic for the month of February is Proper Lifting Techniques and Back Safety. Related safety training, including safe work practices, was conducted with all staff members on Thursday February 7, 2008. This training also included an additional module on chemical safety and reporting procedures.
PERSONNEL
The Operations Department lost a close member of their family this past week. Donald Maines, a veteran bus driver for more than fifteen years, passed away after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Maines was well respected in the district. His friendship and loyalty to the district will be dearly missed. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
HEALTH & SAFETY
MRSA VIRUS. The Operations Department continues to monitor and implement additional housekeeping procedures as needed to reduce the risk of exposure to this antibiotic resistant virus. Please see the additional information posted on our website.
STAIR-CHAIRS. The district purchased four stair-chairs to be used at NPHS/MS to evacuate persons with disabilities in the event of an emergency. As soon as the chairs arrive, approximately February 18, 2008, they will be placed into service and training will be conducted with appropriate personnel.
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 new cubicle testing area was set up at the Watchung modular.
• One steam leak was repaired at West End School.
• Three automatic heat valves were installed at Watchung School.
• All exterior light fixtures were repaired at Somerset School.
• Assorted furniture and office cubicles were donated to the district through the Business Education Alliance.
CONTRACTED PROJECTS
The following projects were completed by an outside contractor:
• An emergency start circuit for the fire pump was inspected at Somerset School.
• Additional façade repairs were completed on the front of Stony Brook School.
• CCTV Surveillance System was installed at NPHS/MS.
RECYCLING PROGRAM
The district’s comprehensive recycling program is now in start-up. The dumpsters and disposal bins have now been delivered to all locations. A departmental meeting was held last week to outline the proper recycling procedures for each building. * The start up of this program was delayed while we awaited the delivery of the recycling dumpsters and containers.
COMMUNICATION
We are currently awaiting the delivery of two additional new radios that will be on loan from the Office of Emergency Management. These radios will be for the exclusive use of Crisis Team Members.
OPEN/PENDING PROJECTS
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
• The repair and/or replacement of several broken windows is scheduled for February 19, 2008.
• The installation of a drop ceiling and upgraded lighting in the gymnasium foyer: All necessary permit applications have been filed and the project will begin once they are received. Start date is approximately March 1.
• The procurement and installation of four (4) emergency evacuation chairs.
EAST END SCHOOL
• The replacement of four exterior light fixtures that are now in stock.
• Structural repairs to the gymnasium. An engineering firm has now completed an on-site evaluation and is in the process of submitting a cost proposal for this work.
• The repair and/or replacement of several broken windows.
WATCHUNG SCHOOL
The district is currently soliciting proposals to complete the following building integrity concerns at Watchung School.
• The replacement of several windows and entrance doors.
• The encapsulation of the soffit and installation of new gutters and leaders.
• New entrance doors, exterior painting, and other necessary repairs to the modular.
ATHLETIC COMPLEX
• Upgrades to the existing heating and ventilation system in the field house.
SAFETY & SECURITY
The North Plainfield School District is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all of our students, staff and visitors. As such, we continue to implement new programs, critique existing procedures and routinely conduct a number of safety related drills. Additionally, several meetings are held monthly to discuss our current strategies and future initiatives.
Listed below are several of the current initiatives being implemented:
• The implementation of the new and amended EPA/PEOSH Standards regarding Indoor Air Quality in schools.
• The implementation of the additional EPA/DOE standards regarding Integrated Pest Management for schools.
• A complete review and update of the North Plainfield Board of Education’s Safety Policy Manual.
• Continued support of the mandated Playground Safety Code including scheduled inspections and monitoring.
• The creation of a Natural Hazard Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan in cooperation with the Office of Emergency Management and FEMA.
• The execution of an update to the Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement between the North Plainfield Board of Education and the North Plainfield Police Department.
• The distribution of portable radios to members of the Crisis Team.
• The purchase of four stair-chairs for use during emergency evacuations and drills.
• The reintroduction of a district-wide Safety Committee and review board.
• The addition of several new safety modules to the district’s Employee Safety Training Program.
• A complete review and update of the district-wide AHERA Plan.
• A complete review and update to the district’s School Security Plan, including new initiatives as mandated by the Office of Homeland Security, the New Jersey State Department of Education, and or any other agency having jurisdiction over the district.
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
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 Board members and/or staff conference and travel expenses as per the attached list.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 certificated staff indicated on the attached list be paid for graduate courses taken between September and December 2007.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 approve the following staff members to work during spring central registration at the hourly rates indicated:
Registration Clerks - $18.12 per hour
Karen Scapiliati Up to 25 hours
Zoraida Para Up to 25 hours
Nurses - $43.88 per hour
Beth Fetchko Up to 15 hours
Pat Glenn Up to 15 hours
Diane Olsen Up to 15 hours
Barbara Walker Up to 15 hours
Miriam West Up to 100 hours
Counselors - $43.88 per hour
Joan Graham Up to 15 hours
Melissa DeCos-Palma* Up to 15 hours
*Stipend partially covered by NCLB FY’08 Title III monies.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 approve the following individuals be employed as food service workers by Maschio’s Food Service, Inc:
Norman Arnold Delmy Valle
Susan A. Coote
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 approve the employment of Dana Smith as a district school counselor at the 6yr/Step 7(11-12/11) annual salary rate of $55,315, effective March 22, 2008 through June 30, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 approve the appointment of Christine Kennedy as a volunteer assistant to the coach of the girls’ track and field program.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 adjust the recommendation granting Marlo Matthews, kindergarten teacher at East End School, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act from February 28, 2008 through March 16, 2008 to effective March 15 through March 24, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 approve the employment of Pilar Zelaya, substitute paraprofessional, as a paraprofessional for the integrated preschool class at East End School, for 3.5 hours per day, at the rate of $18.12 per hour, effective February 21, 2008 through June 20, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 approve the employment of Susan Maegher, substitute paraprofessional, as a paraprofessional for a classified student at West End School, for 3.5 hours per day, at the rate of $18.12 per hour, effective February 21, 2008 through June 20, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 approve the employment of Adriana Bellotti as a paraprofessional working with a classified student at West End School, for 3.5 hours per day at the rate of $18.12 per hour, effective February 25, 2008 through June 20, 2008, pending completion of the pre-employment documents.
Further, that the Board of Education approve Ms. Bellotti as a district substitute paraprofessional for the 2007-2008 school year.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 adjust the hours of Shoma Kar, paraprofessional working with a classified student at East End School, from 2.50 hours per day to 3.0 hours per day, effective February 1, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 approve the employment of Karen Pisani as a paraprofessional working with a classified student at West End School, for 3.5 hours per day at the rate of $18.12 per hour, effective February 25, 2008 through June 20, 2008, pending completion of the pre-employment documents.
Further, that the Board of Education approve Ms. Pisani as a district substitute paraprofessional for the 2007-2008 school year.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 approve the employment of Corrine Williams as a paraprofessional working with a classified student at West End School, for 3.5 hours per day at the rate of $18.12 per hour, effective February 25, 2008 through June 20, 2008, pending completion of the pre-employment documents.
Further, that the Board of Education approve Ms. Williams as a district substitute paraprofessional for the 2007-2008 school year.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 approve the employment of the following individual(s) as district substitute teacher(s) in the grades/subjects indicated after their name(s):
Walter Foote K-12
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 spring 2008 semester, the Board of Education approve Stephanie Kenny from the Rutgers Graduate School of Education as a counseling intern in North Plainfield High School with Linda Remolino serving as her on-site supervisor.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 non-certificated staff indicated below be paid for graduate courses taken between September and December 2007:
Name Course Hrs. Paid Reimb.
Brenda Fleisher Quantitative Mtd. in Mtg Sci 3 $867.75 $650.81
(Payroll/Bkpr) Federal Income Taxes II 3 $867.75 $650.81
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 approve the employment of Melissa Patane as a kindergarten teacher at West End School at the BA/Step 1 annual salary rate of $42,630, effective March 17, 2008 through June 30, 2008. (Ms. Patane will replace Terry Tunkel.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
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-31-07-08 to be provided by UMDNJ for up to five hours per week at the rate of $46.09 per hour, effective February 11, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve classified student PSY-01-07-08 undergo a psychiatric evaluation to be provided by Dr. Nancy Durrant at the cost of $140 per hour for approximately four hours.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-23-07-08, for up to five hours per week to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff, effective February 22, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve Loving Care Agency, Inc. to be used by the district on an as-needed basis for medically fragile students at the cost of $60 per hour for an RN and $50 per hour for an LPN.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the funds needed to provide classified student EEEEEE-07-08 with nursing services for seven hours per day, five days per week, at a cost of $55-$60 per hour, depending on the agency used.
Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements
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 February 20, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 line item transfers in accordance with the attached list dated 12/31/08.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 setting the hours for voting at the Annual School Election on April 15, 2008 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 setting the time and date for the drawing of position on the ballot at 4:00 pm on March 5, 2008 at the Board of Education Administrative Offices.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 dispose of the following irreparable equipment:
Audio Visual
• Sharp VCR S#603730064, A-V #9610
• Magnavox AM/FM Cassette Recorder S#KY019420000326
• Bell & Howell Overhead Projector S#67191, AV #297
• EIKI Overhead Projector S#7351072
• EIKI Overhead Projector S#2093045
• Coby DVD S#0236019345
• Shure BG 3.1 Microphone AV#990014
• Sharp Linytrom TV S#91512
• Hitachi S#T4F055630
• Sharp Linytrom TV School label #01202
• Bell & Howell Overhead Projector S#9330070
• Elmo S#998250, AV#89038
• Elmo S#998220
• Sharp VCR S#903754345, AV #990010
• Panasonic VCR S#E6IA27621, AV #060718
• Quasar VCR S# SB 71631460, AV #9713
Audio Visual
• Bell & Howell Overhead Projector S#5169055, AV #75037
• Bell & Howell Overhead Projector S#7237140, AV #77060
• Bell & Howell Overhead Projector S#2100053, AV #7300195
• EIKI Overhead Projector S#2138080, AV #040
Fine Arts
Everett Upright Piano – Tag # 01207
Operations
1984 Dodge Ramcharger VIN #1B4HWB12T5ES329431
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 authorize payment of accumulated sick days to the estate of Donald Maines in the amount of $3,125.07.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 appointment of HACBM to provide structural engineering services for the purpose of repairing cinderblock walls at East End School. Services to include: establish scope of work, prepare construction documents to include drawings and specifications, certification of repairs. Contracted rate for services to be provided will not to exceed $11,500.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 North Plainfield Board of education has determined that the gym walls at the East End School building are in need of repair (“Project”); and
WHEREAS, this project has been identified in the Long Range Facilities Plan, relating to Health and Safety requirements; and
WHEREAS, the district intends to fund this project as “Other Capital Project” through its capital project fund and is not seeking additional state funding; and
WHEREAS, the Board must now take all actions as directed by the department of education and any other authority in order to receive a determination and approval to proceed; and
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Business Administrator/Board Secretary Donald Sternberg, along with HACBM is hereby authorized to submit and take all necessary action to obtain approvals for proceeding with the project, including the submittal of an application and related schematic drawing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be effective immediately.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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
WHERAS, North Plainfield School District has identified the need for pre-disaster mitigation plan consistent with standards identified by FEMA; and
WHEREAS, North Plainfield School District in conjunction with the Borough of North Plainfield would participate in a joint planning effort to ensure plan development; and
WHEREAS, FEMA is offering grants to fund projects identified in the plan; and
THEREFORE, be it resolved that Edward Ostroff, Director of Operations, is authorized to represent the “district” and make application and notification to the agency identified as “FEMA” in order to confirm participation and acceptance of funds should they become available.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Correspondence
There was none.
Financial Report
Mr. Branan 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 January 31, 2008 in the amount of $5,698,412.41
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - 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 hat 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 December, 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.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Old Business
Mr. Sternberg discussed initial information given to the Board on the proposed schedule for the presentation of the 2008-09 School Budget.
The Policy Committee presented the following policies for revisions and second reading:
1200 Participation by the Public
2130 Administrative Staff
5131 Conduct/Discipline
5141 Health
6145.1/6145.2 Intramural Competition/Interscholastic Competition
9111 Qualifications
9270 Conflict of Interest
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote to approve the policies as revised and read.
New Business
In regard to the request from the Project Graduation Co-Chairs, the Board agreed to pay for the cost of bus transportation for Project Graduation 2008.
Mr. Estevez discussed approving a resolution concerning NCLB to be drafted and submitted for Board approval at the March 6, 2008 meeting.
Current Events in Education
Mrs. Dodd asked a question about special education workshops. Dr. Birnbaum stated that they have been cancelled.
Mr. Smith questioned if the new funding formula would be explained to the public. Dr. Birnbaum said an explanation would be provided.
Mr. Allen discussed the meeting that he and Mr. Sternberg attended to meet the new Executive County Superintendent of Schools held on February 13, 2008.
Comments from the Public
Jerard Caprio questioned the procedure for generating interest in a Middle School Wrestling Team. Dr. Birnbaum suggested that contact be made with Karl Gordon, Physical Education Supervisor/Athletic Director.
Future Agenda Items
Board Retreat – 4/10/08
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold and executive session on March 6, 2008 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 9:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
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