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The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on April 2, 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 – absent, notified
David Branan Drew Elliott Smith – arrived 9:30 pm
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, Nora Rivera, Student Representative 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 March 19, 2008 as amended to correct the spelling from Mrs. Hauk to Mrs. Helck.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved to accept the executive session minutes of March 19, 2008.
Student Representative Report
Nora Rivera reported on various student activities some of which included the following:
The Drama Club performances of Camelot took place on March 27, 28 and 29, 2008. The Arts Festival will be held on April 3rd at 6:30 pm. The Interact Club held a pizza party on April 1st to celebrate their achievements. The Junior Class is organizing a fundraising fashion show. The National Honor Society is organizing a book drive.
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, Ellen Velasquez expressed several concerns relative to the improvisation of the student play, Camelot indicating inappropriate conduct of student actors. Harry Hooker commented that all previous High School performances were well done and with no issues. Nora Rivera commented that exaggerated performances were done to lighten moments.
Mrs. Chamblis commented on general statements made at a prior meeting and Board hiring practices.
Additional Board Matters
Upon request of the chair for additional emergency matters to be discussed by the Board, there were none.
Committee Delegate Reports
There were none.
Superintendent’s Report
Recognition
The National Italian Contest Exam was administered on March 14. The NPHS winners are as follows: Level 2, Samual Fajardo; Level 3, Rocio Llanos; and Level 4, Rossana Bertini. Their tests have been sent to contest headquarters for competition against the national students who participated. The National French Contest Exam took place on March 20. Forty-eight students participated. Their tests have been sent out to be scored. The French and Italian students who participated will be receiving a certificate of participation from the world languages department. (The National Spanish Contest Exam will take place the week of April 1 on computer.) The World Language Honor Societies’ Induction Ceremony will take place on April 17, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the NPHS auditorium.
District Arts Festival: April 3, 2008, 6:30 p.m., NPHS.
Stony Brook School
~Building Good Character Traits continues to be a theme for Stony Brook students. On March 25, the Surflight Theatre visited Stony Brook for the production of "Maggie McGee and the Good Character Bandwagon.” Maggie and friends had a great message for the students on how important it is to be kind, considerate, respectful and helpful. She encouraged all to climb aboard the "bandwagon of good character and ride the road to responsibility,” as Stony Brookers have been doing through the L.E.A.P. (Learning Equally and Peacefully) program. March 27 was "Teambuilding Thursday" at Stony Brook School. Megan Hendrickson and April Kelly-Winston visited various classrooms to practice developing stronger character traits through role-playing conflict resolution situations. The goal is to create a peaceful learning environment by practicing various peacemaking skills. The team will also be starting the ""Peacemaker Hall of Fame" which includes a monthly recognition ceremony and awards for students exhibiting the highest degree of peacemaking skills.
~ On March 7, 2008, the Rutgers Men's Basketball team visited the fourth graders at Stony Brook School. Organized by Janet Darvin, gifted and talent teacher, the program was part of Stony Brook’s Read Across America celebration. The students and the players had been writing pen pal letters back and forth to each other, so the visit was a chance to finally meet. The players read stories to the students, answered many questions, posed for hundreds of pictures and autographed basketballs, t-shirts and pencil boxes for everyone. Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, superintendent and Dr. Robert Rich, assistant superintendent, were both on hand to join in the festivities. “It was such a pleasure to meet such a fine group of athletes and now the fourth graders all want to go to Rutgers when it is time for college,” commented Cathy Kobylarz, principal.
Somerset
A Visit to Liberty Science Center: Somerset School fifth graders spent March 20, at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. At the recently renovated center, they explored dozens of exhibits, hands-on displays, and informational demonstrations. Students worked in small groups to complete an information scavenger hunt. They had lunch at the museum and, of course, visited the gift shop before returning to school.
Bucks for Breakfast: On March 10, 2008, the North Plainfield Fire Department visited Somerset School. No, they weren’t here to put out a fire. They were here to cook and serve breakfast to the fifth grade “Bucks for Breakfast” honorees and their families. For the third year in a row, the fire department chefs provided yet another delicious breakfast. The menu included two types of frittatas, scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, oranges, bagels with cream cheese or butter, hot chocolate for the children, and coffee or tea for the parents. Once breakfast was served, the firemen also visited with the children and their parents. This was the sixth “Bucks for Breakfast” celebration, and, as always, many fifth grade teachers were also there to help out, despite their “day off” from cooking. Reginald Sainte-Rose, Somerset School principal, congratulated the honorees on their achievement, noting that they exhibited the qualities he wants to see in all Somerset School students. He also expressed his desire to see the community room filled with fifth graders who had earned a special breakfast through their exemplary behavior. Principal Sainte-Rose conveyed his appreciation for the parents’ support of their children. In closing, he recognized the firemen’s ongoing contribution to the community and thanked them for the wonderful breakfast.
West End School
The fifth annual Smile Train Show will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 7:00 p.m. in NPHS auditorium.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The safety topic in April is fire safety. Related safety training, including incident response and safe work practices, will be conducted with all staff members on April 10, 2008. The aforementioned training will also include an additional module on fire extinguisher and emergency lighting inspections and proper documentation 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.
MAINTENANCE/GROUNDS
In addition to completing daily work requests and routine maintenance, the following tasks were completed during this past month.
• Several faucets were repaired and or replaced at NPHS.
• Preliminary work has begun at Watchung School to facilitate HVAC upgrades.
• A roof drain was repaired at West End School.
• A second main circulating pump was rebuilt at East End School.
• A steam leak repair and trap replacement was completed at East End School.
CONTRACTED PROJECTS
The following projects were completed by an outside contractor during March:
• Two trees were removed at Stony Brook School for safety reasons.
• Additional boiler repairs were completed at Harrison School.
COMMUNICATION
Three new radios were received from the Office of Emergency Management. These new radios will be for the exclusive use of our Crisis Team Members.
OPEN and or 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 begin once they are received. (Anticipated Start-Up: April 1, 2008)
• The repair of the sound system and ancillary microphone wiring in the auditorium.
EAST END SCHOOL
• 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. A project schedule is now being prepared and we anticipate a project start-up within the next two weeks.
• New signage, as approved by the board, for the front lawn area of the building.
• 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.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
The North Plainfield Board of Education is committed to reducing our energy costs and consumption. As such, we continue to evaluate new technology, create synergies with regional utilities and explore new cost saving opportunities. The district is currently working with the following two companies to reduce the district’s energy costs and generate revenue to offset increasing utility rates.
• GreenTech Energy Services – Lighting upgrades and fixture retrofitting.
• EnerNoc, Inc. – Regionalized energy reduction during high demand incidents.
SAFETY & SECURITY
The North Plainfield School District is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all 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.
2008/2009
CAPITAL & MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
The general scope of all proposed capital projects has been approved by the board and included in the 2008-2009 school budget. Upon budget approval, a formal listing of all capital and maintenance projects will be prepared and posted.
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 members and/or staff conference and travel expenses as per the attached list.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education 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. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve Thomas Kavanagh as a mentor for first year teacher, Marvel Sainte-Victor, to be paid $550 at the conclusion of the 30-week program or pro-rated accordingly.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Alissa Trapanese, school psychologist in the Department of Pupil Services, effective May 24, 2008, or sooner should an appropriate replacement be employed.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation James Porter, school psychologist in the Department of Pupil Services, effective May 25, 2008, or sooner should an appropriate replacement be employed.
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 Karla Hernandez as a substitute paraprofessional, at the rate of $18.12 per hour, effective April 7, 2008, pending completion of the pre-employment process.
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 Elizabeth Langmaack as a paraprofessional, at the rate of $18.12 per hour, effective April 7, 2008, pending completion of the pre-employment process
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve Maritza Barreto 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 March 26, 2008.
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 the following paraprofessionals as indicated after their names:
Name From TO Effective Position
Rosalie Gargano 3.25 3.75 2/27/08 Somerset/Bus
Yahira Soto 3.00 3.50 3/20/08 Classified Student
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education grant Elizabeth Brush, elementary teacher at West End School, a one-year extension to her unpaid leave of absence for child care purposes.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008 Fall semester, the Board o Education approve the following Somerset School student teacher placement from Rutgers University:
Student Teacher Class Cooperating Teacher
Sheera Stern ESL Karen Moore
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education extend the unpaid leave of absence granted to Marion Risoli, paraprofessional, from October 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008 to October 1, 2007 through April 30, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education adjust the recommendation to employ Ross Tropeano as a paraprofessional in the Bridge Program from effective March 25, 2008 to effective April 1, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of Casey McKeen as a volunteer assistant to the Track & Field Coach (boys and girls) for the spring season.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of Rafael Burgos as a volunteer assistant to the Baseball Coach.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the Spring 2008 semester, the Board of Education approve Andrea Antonson from Rutgers University Graduate School of Education as a counseling intern in NPHS with Linda Remolino serving as her on-site supervisor.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Lauren Chamides, special education teacher at Stony Brook School, effective July 1, 2008.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the attached 2008-2009 District Professional Development Plan as approved by the Somerset County Professional Development Board on February 14, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for classified student HI-36-07-08 to be provided by district and/or Education, Inc. staff ($44/hr) for not more than ten hours per week, effective March 28, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-37-07-08 to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff for not more than five hours per week, effective April 2, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for the following non-classified students to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff for not more than five hours per week, effective March 27, 2008:
HI-38-07-08 HI-39-07-08
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for identified student HI-40-07-08 to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff for not more than ten hours per week, effective March 31, 2008, pending child study team evaluation.
Finance, Purchasing 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 April 2, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Edwin Estevez - Aye
David Branan - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the payment of accumulated vacation for the balance of the 2007-2008 school year and accrued for the 2008-2009 school year to the following staff member:
Name Days Payment
Alexander Roman 34 $17,565.76
Thomas Allen - Aye Edwin Estevez - Aye
David Branan - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Sandra Dodd – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that
WHEREAS, 18A:58-37-1 et seq., as amended by Chapter 121, Laws of 1984, requires that the state and local community purchase and loan textbooks upon individual request to all students enrolled in grades kindergarten through twelve in nonpublic schools located within the local school district; and
WHEREAS, no Board of Education is required to expend funds for the purchase and loan of textbooks in excess of the amounts provided in state aid; and
WHEREAS, the Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) has agreed to administer the purchasing and processing of nonpublic school textbooks for local public school districts for the purpose of greater cost effectiveness through joint purchasing and centralized administration;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Plainfield Board of Education enters into an agreement with the SCESC, whereby the SCESC will administer a nonpublic textbook program for those eligible students attending nonpublic schools located within the county for the 2008-2009 school year, in accordance with 18A: 58-37-1 et seq.,
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the North Plainfield Board of Education agrees to pay the total amount allocated by the State of New Jersey Nonpublic School Textbook Program to the SCESC on or before July 31, 2008. Any unexpended funds will be refunded to the local school district.
Thomas Allen - Aye Edwin Estevez - Aye
David Branan - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program has been authorized in the Appropriations Act for the fiscal year 2007-2008; and
WHEREAS, Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Aid shall be paid to school districts and allocated for nonpublic school pupils in a manner that is consistent with the provisions of the federal and state constitutions; and
WHEREAS, said program requires the Board of Education in each public school district in New Jersey to provide technology to all students attending a nonpublic school located in the public school district; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Chief School Administrator of the public school district or designee to confer with the administrator of each participating nonpublic school within the school district to advise the nonpublic school of the limit of funds available and to agree upon the technology to be provided to the nonpublic school within the limits of the funds that are available for the nonpublic school; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the public school to send written verification that conferences were held with each nonpublic school administrator to the County Superintendent, along with a copy of each agreement, on or before December 31, 2008; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of each public school district to provide the agreed upon technology which may include equipment, software, professional development and/or maintenance of equipment; and
WHEREAS, the Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) has agreed to administer the responsibilities associated with this program for the purpose of greater cost effectiveness through joint purchasing and centralized administration;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Plainfield Board of Education enter into an agreement with the SCESC, whereby the SCESC will administer the Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program for nonpublic schools located within the boundaries of the local school district for the 2008-2009 school year,
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the North Plainfield Board of Education pay 5% of the allocation for the Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program to cover the SCESC’s cost for administering the program. The total amount allocated by the State for the New Jersey Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program will be paid to the SCESC on or before July 31, 2008 and 5% will be deducted for the SCESC’s administrative expenses. Any unexpended funds will be refunded to the local school district.
Thomas Allen - Aye Edwin Estevez - Aye
David Branan - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Sandra Dodd – Aye
Correspondence
Letters were received as follows from:
Al Roman – thank you note
Pat Harris – thank you note
Financial Report
There was none
Old Business
There was none.
New Business
Mr. Sternberg discussed the state mandated re-bid of food services prior to the conclusion of the allowable bid renewal period. The Board approved going forward with the process of bidding during the current school year, one year earlier than required.
Current Events in Education
There were none.
Comments from the Public
Mrs. Chamblis questioned the contract with Klubhouse Kids. Mr. Sternberg is waiting for a written response from the Board Attorney.
A review of the policy, Distribution of Materials, will be done by the Policy Committee.
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 April 16 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 hold and executive session on April 10 for confidential matters relating to students, personnel, negotiations and litigation if needed.
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 8:45 pm.
The meeting re-convened to public session at 11:30 pm with the same members present.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn at 11:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
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