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The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on March 19, 2008 at West End School, 447 Greenbrook Road 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, as well as, Allison Sarfati, Senior Class President and approximately 40 members of the staff and public
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mr. Allen abstaining to accept the public session minutes of March 5, 2008
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mr. Allen abstaining to accept the executive session minutes of March 5, 2008
Student Representative Report
Allison Sarfati presented a report of student activities some of which included the following:
Plans for the Senior Prom are ongoing. The Ski Club held its last trip on February 21st. The Math League contests will end on March 18th. The Canuck Mentors discussed the Program of Studies with the Freshman Class discussing course selections for the next year. Winter Guard has begun competitive presentations and took a 4th place in their first competition. Four more competitions are scheduled.
The Jazz Band performed at the Music Parent’s Java & Jazz Program which was held as a fundraiser for music scholarships. The Marching Band will play at the NP Recreation Little League Parade on Saturday, April 12th. Camelot will be presented on March 27, 28, and 29th.
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
Allison Sarfati, Senior Class President , did a presentation on Senior Service Day which will take place on May 22nd. Seniors will participate in various community service activities.
A public hearing on the 2008-2009 Proposed School District Budget was presented by Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum and Mr. Donald Sternberg. Upon conclusion of the presentation, questions and comments were heard from the public as follows:
Mr. Graubard asked about future funding. Ms. Kushner questioned the 3-4 year old full- day program. Ms. Lindsey questioned the total cost of the proposed in-district autistic program. Ms. Feeb asked for costs on a per student basis. Mr. Hitchcock questioned the cost of legal fees associated with the referendum, and questioned the impact of St. Joseph’s School closing on the district. Ms. Lindsey questioned the use of solar energy. Mr. Smith suggested more conversations with St. Joseph’s. A question was heard regarding the position of a computer teacher. F. D’Amore questioned the term, “At-Risk Student.”
Committee Delegate Reports
Mr. Estevez, Legislative Chair, discussed current legislative issues impacting education.
Mrs. Bond-Nelson, Negotiations Chair, updated the Board on the progress of negotiations.
Superintendent’s Report
Recognition
Mayor Janice G. Allen of the Borough of North Plainfield presented Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, superintendent, with a proclamation declaring “National School Breakfast Week” in North Plainfield. Celebrating National School Lunch Breakfast Week, March 3-7, North Plainfield Elementary Schools invited parents to breakfast with their students. Lauren Morgenwezk, a Dietetic Intern from St. Elizabeth’s College, helped to plan the weekly festivities and also addressed various classes on the importance of breakfast. Ms. Morgenwezk also had the students get involved with food groups and nutritious breakfast items. They were eager to share their favorite breakfast foods and what they usually ate for breakfast. Students left each class with a better understanding of how this very important meal impacts their lives in a good way and were given nutrition information to take home.
District Arts Festival: April 3, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Schools
Stony Brook School
~ Stony Brook School held a "seussical" Read Across America Celebration by combining a love for reading Dr. Seuss Books and a need for helping the environment. The theme this year was, "Who-ville Goes Green.” The gym was magically converted into" Whoville" where the students heard three stories The Lorax, Horton Hatches an Egg and Freddie the Fish. The themes of these stories helped the students understand their responsibility to the environment. They also launched a third reading incentive program sponsored by ClassroomsCare and the Rainforest Alliance's Adopt-A-Rainforest Program. For every 100 books the children read, one hundred acres of rainforest will be conserved along the Northern Coast of Ecuador in an area known as the Choco Forest. Every book read will make such a difference!
The Stony Brook PTA's Cultural Arts Committee has invited the Morris Museum to visit Stony Brook through their "Outreach Program" that brings the Morris Museum to the school. The outreach programs are designed to allow the students to experience learning in an interactive way using museum artifacts, reproductions and incorporate multi-media PowerPoint presentations. So far this year, the fourth graders participated in a program titled, "The Earth Under Our Feet" while the kindergarten students participated in a different program titled, "The Dinosaur Age.” “From volcanoes to earthquakes to dinosaur footprints, bones and teeth, it is active learning at its best, thanks to the PTA”, noted Cathy Kobylarz, principal.
Stony Brook School hosted a visit from the Rutgers University Men’s Basketball Team on Friday March 7, 2008. Thanks to a program developed by Janet Darvin, one of the district's Gifted and Talented teachers, Stony Brook's fourth graders began a pen pal letter exchange over the past few weeks that culminated in visit from the team. Ms. Kobylarz stated, “It was great to meet them! They posed for photos, answered questions, gave out autographs and read stories to all of the students. It was such a great day!”
NPHS
The World Languages Honor Society Induction Ceremony will be on April 17 at 7:00.
NPHS is the proud recipient of $261.03 from Target. This donation is on behalf of Target and the Take Charge of Education program. NPHS was chosen by one or more Target customers to receive 1% of every purchase made using the REDcard. Schools are issued Take Charge of Education donations each March and September. These funds will be used to enhance classroom instruction.
The NPHS Drama Production, Camelot, will take place March 27-29, 2008 in the high school auditorium. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for senior citizens and students. The department is also inviting North Plainfield senior citizens to the dress rehearsal at no charge for them or their "driver." This means that if a non-senior citizen or staff drives a North Plainfield senior citizen to the dress rehearsal, even the driver gets in free.
Winter Guard: The NPHS Winter Guard season is off to a great start! The groups, made up of 17 students from grades 8-12, have begun to compete in the MAIN color guard network. This year, the guard's show is called "Tonight Tonight" and is performed to the music of the Smashing Pumpkins. The guard placed 4th at their first competition at Matawan High School. The guard will compete in four more competitions this season, ending with Championships on April 26 at South Brunswick High School.
West End School
The Parent Engagement Committee's first workshop – “Good Home Habits for School Success” (with special emphasis on standardized testing) - was a great success! West End had approximately 40 parents attend and about 20 children who were supervised in a nearby classroom. The evening opened with an interactive game of "Are You Smarter than a West Ender?" in which parents were able to try their hands at sample standardized test questions. Many were surprised to see just how difficult these tests really are! The game was followed by an overview of fun, easy strategies parents can use at home to increase academic and test success, given by Diana Sefchik, supervisor of academic support, ESL/bilingual, and world languages and Kathy Herrmann, supervisor of language arts, literacy, social studies, and media. The evening closed with a raffle of a big "test success basket" as well as five backpacks stuffed with fun school-related things! The Parent Engagement Committee believes that with this kind of continued collaboration, West End can truly reach their goal of increased parental participation, and as a result, optimal student achievement.
Principal Beth Sobel noted the following, “Many thanks to the North Plainfield High School Spanish Honor Society who translated for our Spanish speaking parents, the Girl Scouts for providing childcare, and to Maria Araneo, Jane Delaney and Melissa DeCosPalma who also attended. Many thanks to the committee members and the additional staff members who made this night such a great evening: Alan Adams and Paulette Adams, Taryn Buffolino, Marianne Harris, Marilyn Pinto, Nicole Rivlin, Wendy Szymanski, Mariluz Torres, and a special guest from the State Testing Regulatory Commission: Mrs. Ubetta Followtheruleski”
Read Across America Celebration: West End started the day with the play, “Character Education and The Little Red Hen,” performed in front of the whole student body in the community room. “It was so well done and such a great way to start the day especially since we tie character education into the books that are read by our guest readers in the library. It was perfect! Many thanks to our student cast and Michelle Tafuri, our director Sue Fordham, and stagehands Kim Fasczcewski, Carol Irvine, and Jon Scott. Many, many thanks to Marilyn LaMarca for planning such an exciting day and coordinating our guest readers. It was a huge job and she did it with ease. Amazing job! Thanks to Angel Lopez for setting up, cleaning up, setting up and cleaning up the community room for us that day!!” Guest readers included Dave Livingston, retired county superintendent, school administrators, many retired staff members, representatives from borough hall, the NPPD, NPFD, area businesses, Joyce Goode from the county office, and many other friends and supporters of West End School.
East End School
Read Across America: The Read Across America team put together a number of fun activities for the week of March 3, 2008. Some of the exciting activities included the following: Students illustrating their favorite book with covers. These were displayed on classroom doors. Students voted all week to read to a pet rabbit, cockatiel, or Mr. Roman. Books for breakfast included serving pancakes on Tuesday and Thursday. The Cat in the Hat visited classrooms handing out bookmarks. L. Brook Phillips’ class presented The Giant with the Three Golden Hairs on Friday in the library. Finally, teachers across the school “swapped” with their neighbors to read a story as a final farewell to Read Across America Week.
Somerset
Members from the Rutgers football team will be visiting Somerset School on Wednesday, March 19. There will be two assemblies: 6th grade, 12:05 pm - 12:35; 5th grade, 12:40 pm - 1:15
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The Safety Topic for the month of March is Vehicle Safety. Related safety training, including safe delivery practices, was conducted with all staff members on Thursday March 13, 2008. The aforementioned training also included an additional module on accident prevention and reporting procedures.
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 new stair chairs, to evacuate persons with disabilities from NPHS, have now been installed at four stairwells. The staff members who would be called upon to assist in the event of an emergency have now been trained on proper evacuation procedures.
MAINTENANCE/GROUNDS
In addition to completing daily work requests and routine maintenance, the following tasks were completed during this past month.
• Several heating units were repaired at NPHS.
• A steam leak was repaired in a classroom at East End School.
• A water line was repaired in a science lab at NPHS.
• One main circulating pump was rebuilt at East End School.
• All fields have been prepared for the start of the spring sports season.
CONTRACTED PROJECTS
The following projects were completed by an outside contractor during March.
• Emergency fire pump repairs were completed at NPHS.
• Several windows were repaired at NPHS.
COMMUNICATION
We are currently awaiting the delivery of three additional new radios that will be on loan from the Office of Emergency Management. These radios will be for the exclusive use of our Crisis Team Members. At this point, the radios have now been delivered to the Office of Emergency Management, and we anticipate their release to the Board of Education in the near future.
OPEN/PENDING PROJECTS
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
• The installation of a drop ceiling in the gymnasium foyer. All necessary permit applications have been filed and the project will start-up once they are received (approx. March 15).
EAST END SCHOOL
• The replacement of four exterior light fixtures, weather permitting.
• Structural repairs to the gymnasium. The engineering firm is in the process of creating specifications for the project.
WATCHUNG SCHOOL
The district has received 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.
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved 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.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved 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.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the following individuals to work in the adult high school in the positions and at the stipends indicated after their names:
Alice Firgau pianist for graduation and rehearsal $350
Lagina Womack graduation vocalist $100
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of Maryann Thorpey as a substitute paraprofessional in the adult high school, to be called on an as-needed basis, at the rate of $17.00 per hour.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education grant GinaMarie Stripto, special education teacher at East End School, a twelve-week unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act effective September 2, 2008 through November 24, 2008.
Further, that the Board of Education grant Ms. Stripto an unpaid leave of absence effective November 25, 2008 through June 30, 2009. It is understood that the above dates may need to be adjusted.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Frank A. Berardi as a probationary van driver at the hourly rate of $26.71, effective March 25, 2008 through June 22, 2008. (Mr. Berardi is replacing Donald Maines.)
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education grant Barbara Walker, school nurse at West End School, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act, effective March 11, 2008 through March 28, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve an increase in hours for the following adult high school instructors as indicated after their names, at the rate of $27 per hour:
Instructor From To
Patricia Donahue 270 hrs 370 hrs
Amanda Hempel 200 hrs 300 hrs
Elio Mayo 150 hrs 200 hrs
Amy Mogland 375 hrs 450 hrs
Thomas Schwab 275 hrs 325 hrs
Debra Soriano 150 hrs 200 hrs
Fern Wilson 170 hrs 245 hrs
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Margie Williams, as a district substitute paraprofessional, to be called on an as-needed basis, at the rate of $18.12 per hour, pending completion of the pre-employment documents.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Maritza Barreto, as a district substitute paraprofessional, to be called on an as-needed basis, at the rate of $18.12 per hour, pending completion of the pre-employment documents.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Ross Tropeano, as an instructional paraprofessional for 3.0 hours per day to work at the Bridge Program at the rate of $18.12 per hour effective March 25, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that the Board of Education suspend employee #S1-07-08 without pay, for five work days, effective March 20, 2008 through March 28, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved 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:
Maria Manzanrez Elvira Alvarado
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that the Board of Education adjust the employment of Jessica Alexander, temporary replacement special education teacher at Somerset School, from January 22, 2008 through March 31, 2008 to January 22, 2008 through March 14, 2008.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve Martha Bryan to perform bilingual (Spanish) speech evaluations for students referred to the child study team on an as-needed basis at the cost of $400 per evaluation to include the evaluation and a follow-up written report.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for the following non-classified students to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff for not more than five hours per week at the rate of $46.09 per hour, effective March 10, 2008:
HI-18-07-08 HI-32-07-08 HI-35-07-08
HI-33-07-08 HI-34-07-08
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the submission of applications for Extraordinary Aid as per the attached list.
Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve payments from the Cafeteria Account and the Adult School Account in accordance with the attached list dated March 19, 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. Estevez and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve line item transfers in accordance with the attached list dated February 29, 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. Estevez and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education authorize the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary to advertise for bids and solicit quotations where necessary for the 2008-2009 school year for the following services, supplies and equipment:
1. Janitorial Supplies 15. Calculators
2. Lumber Supplies 16. Classroom Furniture
3. Paint Supplies 17. Food Service Management
4. Adult School Brochure 18. Photocopier Equipment
5. Trash Removal 19. Boiler & Burner Services
6. Electrical Supplies 20.Door & Frame Replacements
7. Athletic Supplies & Equipment 21. District Painting
8. Athletic Cleaning & Reconditioning 22. District Printing
9. Athletic Transportation 23. Musical Instruments
10. Phys. Ed Supplies & Equipment 24. General, Art & Office Supplies
11. Vo-Tech Transportation 25. Fire & Intrusion Alarm Svc.
12. Ind. Arts Supplies & Equipment 26. A/V Supplies & Equipment
13. Library Periodical 27. Science Supplies & Equipment
14. Library Supplies
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. Estevez and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the Grant Application, Picturing America, as submitted by Greg Ammon for educational posters depicting the artistic heritage of the United States from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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. Estevez and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the Grant Application, IBM Mentoring Place, as submitted by Deanne D’Armiento for IBM Volunteer Mentors and the donation of two desktop classroom computers.
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. Estevez and unanimously approved by roll call vote that be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Borough of North Plainfield adopt the following school district budget for the 2008-2009 school year:
General Fund $ 52,450,772.00
Special Revenue Fund $ 2,159,435.00
Debt Service Fund $ 1,382,660.00
Total Base Budget $ 55,992,867.00
And be it further resolved, that the following amounts be raised from taxes:
General Fund $ 25,814,619.00
Debt Service $ 1,306,138.00
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. Estevez and unanimously approved by roll call vote that
WHEREAS, a recommendation was made by the Superintendent of Schools to the North Plainfield Board of Education (“Board”) to seek a contract with Scientific Learning in the amount of $60,610.00 for the purchase of proprietary software knows as “Fast ForWord,” (hereinafter “Project”); and
WHEREAS, the Project falls within the exception to the requirement for public bidding pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-4.1 and N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5 for the purchasing of provision or performance of goods or services for the support or maintenance of proprietary software, respectively;
WHEREAS, the project is in full compliance with the Public School Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-1, et seq.; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby approves the contract with Scientific Learning in the amount of $60,610.00 for the purchase of proprietary software known as “Fast ForWord.”
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Correspondence
Letters were received as follows from:
NPHS – Scholar-Teacher Recognition Dinner – April 29th – 7:00 pm – NPHS Library- Mrs. Bond-Nelson and Mr. Allen will attend.
Financial Report
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the list of bills and payrolls dated February 29, 2008 in the amount of $4,571,427.76.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez 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 January 2008 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
Mr. Estevez suggested tabling the NCLB Resolution previously considered by the Board.
New Business
Mr. Branan, Policy Chair, discussed the revision to Policy 6142.1 – Family Life Education. Upon the second reading of the policy, the following recommendation was made:
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved Policy 6142.1 – Family Life Education as revised and read.
Mr. Sternberg presented for approval by the Board improvements to Watchung School for a new sign and sidewalks. The Board agreed.
Mrs. Hauk presented a plan for the Joshua Johnson Memorial Planting to which the Board agreed.
Current Events in Education
There was none.
Comments from the Public
Mrs. Hauk questioned the sign at Watchung School. T. Peters questioned the benefits of administration and staff regarding co-pay requirements.
Future Agenda Items
Board Retreat – April 10, 2008
Superintendent Evaluation - Distributed on 3/25 – return by 4/2
Staff Evaluations
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on April 2, 2008 at 6:30 pm for confidential matters relating to students, personnel, negotiations and litigation.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved to adjourn at 10:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
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