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The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on April 16, 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 wa 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, Nora Rivera, Student Representative and approximately 10 members of the staff and public
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved to accept the public session minutes of April 2, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the executive session minutes of April 2, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the public session minutes of April 10, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Estevez and unanimously approved to accept the executive session minutes of April 10, 2008.
Student Representative Report
Nora Rivera spoke on various student activities some of which included the following:
Senior Prom tickets are being sold. The Foreign Language Honor Society Induction ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, April 17th. The Junior Prom is scheduled for May 30th. The Drama Club will see a production of, “Kiss Me Kate,” on April 30th.
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, Mrs. Bond-Nelson discussed the new procedure to enhance the process for public comment.
Elise Salamini expressed gratitude to the Board for providing the opportunity to participate in High School Gymnastics.
Additional Board Matters
Upon request of the chair for additional emergency matters to be discussed by the Board there were none.
Presentation
Linda Remolino, Guidance Director, discussed the guidance office process for support and assistance of High School Seniors with the college application process. In addition, she presented a new software program for this process utilized in the guidance office.
Committee Delegate Reports
There were none.
Superintendent’s Report
Recognition
Professional Development: On April 15, teachers and administrators will gather in the NPHS library to learn about the educational uses for iPods and podcasting. Lisa Thumann, Senior Specialist in Technology Education, from the Rutgers Center for Mathematics, Science and Computer Education, will work with staff to help them find and develop podcasts that support instruction. Teachers will attend from each district school, along with several supervisors. Additional sessions are planned for May 8 and May 22; different teachers will attend these sessions.
The parent Project Graduation committee in conjunction with the PTO conducted a spring fashion show/ fund raiser in the NPHS cafeteria on April 4, 2008. The presidents, Grace Starks and Sandy Helck, visited local stores and were able to get support from Mandee's, Target, David's Bridal, Jacy's, and Dante Zeller Tuxedo. Tracy Conner (parent), a former runway model, worked with the students on walking the catwalk. Our models included the following: Boys: Benedict Ocariza, Derek Hargrove, Mohammed Sameeruddin, Diego Grozco, Marcus Perry, Kevin Ramirez, Mario Herrera, Kevin Rivera, Wille Robinson, Ricky Herrera, Albert Robinson, and Edgar Delgadillo; Girls: Harleen Goraya, Ashley Camp, Marie Anouo, Katherine Barretto, Jayna Strong, Courtney Thompson, Claudia Figueroa, Stephanie Fernandez, Tejal James, Ludnila Antoza, Caprice Crowley, Sierra Woody, Nataya Johnson, Amber Ransdell Jennifer Hernandez, Andrea Hernandez, Nancy Naol, Caecy Dagadillo, Shonda Mclendon, and Katherine Barreto. “The students did an excellent job and are looking forward to next year,” stated Jerard Stephenson, principal.
Robotics: On Saturday, April 5, 2008, seven students from the NPMS Robotics Club attended the Somerset County Middle School Design Challenge. Under the direction of Dawn Kleinfield, NPMS mathematics and Robotics teacher, the students engaged in several challenges for which they had practiced prior to the event. The students performed admirably, meeting one of the challenges "Seal the Tomb" on their first attempt. They also participated in a free form challenge; in this event, they had designed their own series of moves for their robot. Upon seeing that they had easily completed their self-designed challenge, but needed additional points to perform as well as other teams, they re-designed the routine to add more difficulty. They tried again, and were able to increase their point value. Although no official winners were announced, the North Plainfield team was very successful.
In addition, three students from North Plainfield joined students from other towns to meet the demands of a secret challenge, announced to them only at the competition. Without prior knowledge, and working with students whom they had never met before, our students had to participate in brainstorming, problem solving and collaboration to attempt a very difficult challenge. All students also saw a performance by a high school robotics team.
At the April 2, 2008 meeting, the North Plainfield-Plainfield Rotary recognized and awarded certificates to the following NPHS students for their accomplishments:
Lindsay Miller has been involved in the school's Interact Club for the past three years. In that time she has been a part of many activities including working at the Rotary Track meet, selling food at Rutgers games, helping with the Interact clothing drive, and facilitating penny drives and many other activities. She has also been involved in many other aspects of the school. From elementary through high school, Lindsay has been active in her church and the school's choir. She has also taken part in the Marching Band Color Guard for the past two seasons. Along with that, working on the yearbook and becoming editor- in-chief has also been a great learning experience. Outside of school, Lindsay volunteers 10 hours a week as a kindergarten aid at Stony Brook School. Lindsay is honored to be chosen as the student of the month for January and feels that she has been valued for all her work and tireless effort.
Amber Henderson is a fourteen- year-old freshman at NPHS. Since elementary school she has been involved in school and community related activities. She is involved in many extra curricular activities this year such as the all high school instrumental ensembles, Marching Band, Interact, Winter Guard crew and the drama crew. She also plays on the JV softball team. “Going into Interact I didn't know what to expect but I had a feeling that it had something to do with helping people out and that's what I enjoy doing. Someone once told me that opening your heart and helping others could possibly turn out to stress and hurt you, but in the end it would be the most rewarding thing you would do. That's what I live by today. I am glad that I could be a part of Interact and am very pleased to be chosen student of the month for February,” stated Amber.
Antoine Terrell Porter is a junior at NPHS. Antoine has been an active member of Interact since his freshman year. He is also involved in the Drama Club and all the choruses at NPHS. Upon graduating, Antoine would like to pursue a career in the culinary arts. Antoine has been involved in almost every project Interact has been a part of and looks forward to continuing his service. He, too, is proud to be selected as the March student of the month.
Little Scholars Program: Five out of six North Plainfield Washington Rock Pop Warner students received status of 2nd Team All-American Scholars in the Pop Warner Little Scholars Program. They are in the top 1 to 2% academically of Pop Warner participants: Ryan Shepard, Byron Brown, Christian Kushnir, Francesca Cherasaro, and Lauren Weider. Honorable mention for the program went to Arlea Seavey.
College Acceptances
Annielly Acosta Kean University
Tania Acosta Berkeley College
Noeman Ahmed Rutgers University
Cedric Amegnisse William Paterson University
Rutgers University
Seton Hall University
Mount St. Mary University
Jessica Argueta Berkeley College
Randall Arthur St. John’s University
Seton Hall University
Rutgers University – Newark
Rutgers University –New Brunswick
Angela Aviles University of Hartford
Rutgers University – Newark
Central Pennsylvania Univ.
Seton Hall University
St. Peter’s University
Rutgers University
Tyrrell Belfield Montclair State University
Natalia Benson Rutgers University
St. John’s University
Christina Bulkilvish Fashion Institute of Technology
Cynthia Calderon Seton Hall University
College of St. Elizabeth
University of the Sciences –Philadelphia
St. John’s University
Jasmine Campbell North Eastern University
Hofstra University
Georgetown University
Elsy Castillo St. John’s University
St. Peter’s University
College of St. Elizabeth
Eric Castillo Rutgers University
Drexel University
University of Rochester
Matt Clements Kutztown University
Rider University
Fairleigh-Dickinson University
Seton Hall University
Monmouth University
Yahad Cobb Wilkes University
Lorena Contreras Montclair University
Guillermo Cubero DeVry University
Justin Curry Seton Hall University
West Virginia University
NJIT
Virginia Technical Institute
Michigan State University
Tiffany Diggs Georgian Court University
Drew University
Tifani Dyson Spelman College –Honors Program
Hofstra University
Cynthia Ellis New Jersey City University
Hector Espinel Berkeley College
Eric Fisher Rutgers University
University of Southern Florida
Eugene Flood United States Naval Academy
Penn State University
James Fredericks Post University
Rider University
Monmouth University
Jeremy Frusco Pace University
Rutgers University – School of Arts & Sciences
The College of New Jersey –School of Engineering –$20,000/4 yrs.
Michael Jackson Johnson & Wales University
Central Pennsylvania College
St. John’s University
University of Hartford
Kunwar Kaur Rutgers University
Penn State University
Silver Laur Rutgers University
Kristen Leary Kutztown University
Michael Lefanto Montclair State University
The College of New Jersey
Moravian College
Tracy Mamuric Pace University - $28,000
St. Peter’s Univ. - $44,000
Lindsay Miller Bridgewater College
Lori Nieves Sheperd University
Nicholas Nieves Academy of Art University - San Francisco
Daniel Olivo Kean University
Claudia Pacheco Pace University
Daniel Parrott Penn State University
Delaware Valley College –$42,000 scholarship
Britannie Peabody Penn State University
Robert Pittenger Rutgers University
Rabail Rana Felician College
St. John’s University
Diana Reinosa Rutgers University
Helenia Rivera Fairleigh-Dickinson University
Kutztown University
Ricardo Rojas Universal Technical Institute
Carolyn Romond Kutztown University
York College
Western New England College
Wilbryant Ruiz Rutgers University
Elisa Salvemini Moravian College - $11,000/yr.
Allison Sarfati University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Penn State University
Rutgers University
Clemson University
University of Delaware – Honors $8,000/yr.
The College of New Jersey
University of Maryland – $2,000/yr.
Bert Serrano Benedict College
Post University
Delmi Serrano William Paterson University
Rider University
Alexis Sims Kean University
Danielle Smagalla Monmouth University – $48,000/4 yrs.
Magaly Solis NYIT - $5000/yr. Achievement Award
Kean University
Artimus Sparrow University of Pittsburgh –$40,000
North Carolina State University
Lavonde Spencer Temple University – $2500 scholarship
Nadine Sylvester Rutgers University
Jacalyn Szaro Rutgers University
Drew University
Rutgers University
Natalie Szaroleta Johnson & Wales University - $3000
Albright College – $80,000 Jacob Albright Schol., $4,000 Albright National Honor Society Scholarship
Drexel University - $12,500/yr.
University of Bridgeport
Berkeley College
Cristina Talucci Rutgers University – $24,000/4 yrs.
Indiana University
Elise Thomas Point Park University
Yuri Urrutia Caldwell College – scholarship
Dennis Valencia Penn State University
Liliana Ventura Lehigh University
John Wong Johnson & Wales University
Penn State University –DuBois Campus
Temple University
Allison Zeller University of Massachusetts
Penn State University
Rutgers University
District
The District Arts Festival on April 3, 2008 was quite a success! Featuring numerous classroom and performance events, K-12, the festival included an art exhibit showcasing student work from all grade levels complimented by performances in music, theatre, and dance. Staff in the family and consumer science and the applied technology areas featured projects and displays developed and created by NPHS students.
“I was quite pleased with the turn out from the community for the 13th Annual Arts Festival. When entering the cafeteria to view the Fine and Practical Arts display, family, friends and staff were treated to the soothing and delightful sounds of harpist Florence Lombardo of North Plainfield. The Winter Guard and dance troupes had a large and appreciative audience in the Middle School gymnasium. Fresh baked cookies were offered to those who ventured to the second floor to experience the taste of our Foods, Fashion and Child Development department. All choral and instrumental groups from each school performed in the auditorium. Elementary students who could stay had the opportunity to experience each level of musical proficiency. The response from teachers, parents and students has been overwhelming positive. I am proud that we offer this event,” noted Tom Mazur, supervisor of fine, practical and performing arts.
Congratulations and many thanks to Mr. Mazur, the talented students in K-12, and the following staff members for orchestrating a fabulous evening of creativity in the arts: (Fine and Performing Arts) Pete Austin, Ivan Izeppi, Heather Fencik, Dorian Parreott, Sandra Reedy, Amy Six, Jonathan Scott, Kyle Skrivanek, Diana VanHise, Lisa Cerulo, Kathleen Fry, Kim Dawson, Tammy Mackiewicz, Sonya Russomanno, Joanne Wendt, and Leeanne Chiaramonte; (Practical Arts) Sharon Betz, Adrian Escriba, Robert Ferraro, Sharon Gianneschi, Kimberly Hazel, Tom Kavanagh, and Theodore Sielewicki.
Stony Brook School
At Stony Brook School the letters D.E.A.R. have a very special meaning. It means Drop Everything And Read. On April 11, Stony Brook staff and students joined a national reading movement to encourage and increase reading for everyone. From 2:00-2:30, following the countdown and blast-off, everyone literally dropped everything and picked up their books to read. Cathy Kobylarz, principal, stated, “It was a very quiet and special experience and one we hope to continue more often. We are encouraging our families to try this at home. It is rewarding while still being lots of fun.”
Future writers of America, here we come! The main showcase at Stony Brook School features stories from “The Stony Brook Writers of the Month Club." Each month the teachers select one student's writing piece to be placed into the showcase for the rest of the building to read. Monthly writers get their names announced over the morning announcements, earn a Writing Certificate, receive a complimentary pencil, and have a picture taken with that month's writing group. The group picture is on display in the showcase and later moved to the library for viewing.
Somerset School
Career Day: On April 4, 2008, Somerset School held its annual career day. A variety of professionals with different careers were assembled so that they could tell the students first hand what they needed to do to achieve their goals and so the students could ask them questions. “We realized that the best way to help our students understand why we need to work hard in school is to show them the many possibilities that exist for them. The program was successful and our guest speakers were very informative,” commented Reginald Sainte-Rose, principal.
Poetry Day: On April 25, 2008, Somerset School will sponsor Poetry Day. Students will be able to share the poetry they have written throughout the course of the year.
NPHS
NPHS is the proud recipient of $115.92 from Washington Mutual Bank. This donation from Washington Mutual Bank comes to NPHS through the bank’s WaMoola for Schools program. NPHS was chosen by one or more Washington Mutual Bank customers to receive a point every time they make a purchase with their enrolled Washington Mutual Debit Master Card. At the end of the calendar year, those points are converted to cash and a check for the points is sent to the school. These funds will be used to support programs, such as classroom instruction, school trips.
The World Language Honor Societies’ Induction Ceremony will take place on April 17, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the NPHS auditorium.
West End School
First Grade Fairness Day: West End's first graders hosted a school-wide Board Game Day on March 27, 2008. Kindergarten, second, third, and fourth grade classes visited a first grade classroom to learn about fairness, the first grade character education pillar. The first graders taught each class ways to play fair. Students then practiced fairness by playing a variety of board games while first graders reviewed fairness tips, game rules, and played along with the other students. A good time was had by all! Many thanks to the following first grade teachers: Katie Dolan, Mindy Durkin, Keren Fonseca, Theresa Knauer, Christina Mundy, and Wendy Szymanski.
West End Reading Celebration: On Friday, March 28, West End School held its 2nd Annual Read-a-thon. Special reading activities took place all over the building from mystery guest readers to door decorating with a book theme to special happenings in the library and the community room. All classes were invited with a "buddy" class to the community room to participate in reading stations. Students were treated to a Read Aloud of the book Bark, George by Jules Feiffer, a design a bookmark center, a reading terms word search and a buddy reading center. Many thanks to Taryn Buffolino, Lisa Cirillo, Rosemarie Hansen, Marilyn LaMarca, Marilyn Pinto, Veronica Quick, and Nancy Schreck for planning this event. Also many thanks to all of the teachers who gave up time during the day to help the event run so smoothly - Dot Carro, Pat Harris, Sandy Markert, Vicki Mendes, Anna Radcliff, and the planning committee.
PTA Family Fun Night: The evening of March 28 was filled with family fun at West End. The PTA sponsored a Family Fun Night that included a pizza dinner, games of BINGO, a bake sale, and an open gym night. Physical education teacher Wendy Alvarez set up the gym with basketball, Foosball, cargo net climbing, a rope swing, the climbing wall and Dance, Dance Revolution for all to enjoy. Over 200 people turned out for this night of fun. “Many thanks to the PTA Executive Board for planning the event, to Greg Hatala for calling BINGO, and Karen Pisani for organizing the bake sale. Staff members that attended to lend a helping hand were: Taryn Buffolino, Lisa Cirillo, Dina Diaz, Theresa Knauer, Carol Irvine, Wendy Szymanski, and Michelle Tafuri. The evening was a big hit!” commented Beth Sobel, principal.
Smile Train on Right Track:~ The West End Service Club, under the direction of Buzzy Durkin sponsored the fifth annual Smile Train Show on April 9, 2008.~ Over 250 West End students participated in this event and performed to a sold out audience in the high school auditorium.~ Focusing the show on the theme “KIDS,”children performed song and dance routines to music that celebrated the joy of being a kid as well as emphasizing the great work children can do for those in need when given the opportunity.
Beth Sobel, West End School principal noted,” Each year, our staff members join together with the parents, children, PTA, the girl scouts, West End alumni, and members of the community to put the show together. Rehearsals started in January four mornings a week at 7:45 a.m. until show time and all the time and effort paid off because the show was outstanding.”
While this project began five years ago with the goal of one single SMILE, West End School is responsible for changing the lives of over 107 children around the world. Michelle Sinesky, from the Smile Train headquarters in New York, informed Ms. Sobel that West End is still the school that does the most for Smile Train kids around the world!~ “Our goal this year was to reach our 100th smile and we did that and more! We are very proud to be a Smile Train School,” expressed Ms. Sobel.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The safety topic for April is Fire Safety. Related safety training, including incident response and safe work practices, was conducted with all staff members on Thursday, April 10, 2008. The aforementioned training also included 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 eye wash stations were repaired at NPHS/MS.
• Preliminary work continued at Watchung School to facilitate HVAC upgrades.
• An exterior roof drain was repaired at West End School.
• Several door vents were installed in the Middle School Guidance area.
• A steam leak was repaired at East End School.
CONTRACTED PROJECTS
The following projects were completed by an outside contractor in April.
• Two trees were removed at Stony Brook School for safety reasons.
• An exterior cage was installed at Watchung School to facilitate an HVAC unit.
COMMUNICATION
The district is currently seeking proposals to install a repeater system in the clock tower of the Somerset School. This system, once installed, will improve communication throughout the district.
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 15th.
• The repair of the sound system and ancillary microphone wiring in the auditorium.
EAST END SCHOOL
• Structural repairs to the gymnasium: Our engineering firm is in the process of creating specifications for the project. We anticipate going out to bid for this project by the end of April.
WATCHUNG SCHOOL
The district has received proposals to complete the following building integrity concerns at Watchung School. A project schedule has now been prepared and the project is under way.
• 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. Unit specifications have been prepared and we are seeking competitive quotes.
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 our 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 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.
PRELIMINARY LIST OF SPRING BREAK PROJECTS & MAINTENANCE
Operations
Watchung School & Modular Office
Exterior finish work associated with the installation of new doors and windows.
Installation of the new front entrance sign and removal of the old one.
Continued installation of the new HVAC unit for the conference room.
Installation of two new entrance doors for the modular office.
Trim replacement and associated painting for the modular office.
West End School
Continued installation of a new roof drain and dry-well for the main field area.
Continued diamond grinding and floor polishing of main hallways.
Concrete repair of the front step casement (sidewalk along Greenbrook Road).
High School
Repairs to floor mounted electrical system(s) in the science labs, as time permits.
Continued PM service and filter changes to HVAC equipment, building wide.
District
Continued PM service and filter changes to HVAC equipment, as time permits.
Completion of miscellaneous work orders as time permits.
Contracted Projects
Watchung Building
Installation of new front, side and rear entrance doors.
Installation of new windows and encapsulation of all soffits.
Replacement of all gutters and leaders.
High School
Repairs to the sound system in the auditorium.
Installation of a drop ceiling in the gym foyer (Tentative).
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 below be paid for graduate courses taken between September and December 2007:
Name Course Hrs. Paid Reimb.
Shona Wright-Hodge School Supv. & Org. Theory 3 $1605.75 $1103.06
(Reading/MS)
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 Jessica Rodriguez as a substitute paraprofessional, at the rate of $18.12 per hour, effective April 28, 2008, pending completion of the pre-employment process.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education grant Kathryn Rizzi, teacher of social studies at NPHS, an unpaid leave of absence for child care purposes.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education grant Lisa Ann Morra, school counselor at East End School, an unpaid leave of absence for child care purposes.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Sara Lohrman, elementary teacher at Somerset School, effective July 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 employment of Antonio Lella as a substitute custodian, to be called on an as-needed basis, at the Custodian/Step 1 hourly rate of $15.77, effective April 17, 2008 through June 30, 2008.
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 Monica Arencibia as a paraprofessional for 1.75 hours in the lunchroom at West End School at the rate of $18.12 per hour effective April 28, 2008. (Ms. Arencibia will replace Brenda Pickard.)
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education grant Nancy Anne (Lisa) Schreck, literacy resource coach in the Dept. of Pupil Services, a twelve-week unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act effective October 12, 2008 through January 4, 2009. It is understood that the above dates may need to be changed.
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 the following food service worker(s) by Maschio’s Food Service:
Liliana Castro Irma Linares
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education adjust the position of Adriana Bellotti, paraprofessional for a classified student at West End School, to that of substitute paraprofessional, effective April 10, 2008.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for classified student HI-41-07-08 to be provided by Professional Education Services at a cost of $46.09 per hour for up to ten hours per week, effective March 10, 2008.
Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements
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 April 16, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve line item transfers in accordance with the attached list dated February 29, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve participation in the New Jersey School Cooperative Bidding Program for the 2008-2009 school year, coordinated by Educational Data Services, Inc. at an annual fee of $9,020.00 for the following equipment and supplies:
A/V Equipment & Supplies Fine Art Supplies
Athletic Supplies & Equipment Copy/Duplicating Paper
Custodial Supplies Office/Computer Supplies
Physical Education Supplies & Equipment Health Supplies
Technology Supplies Library Supplies
Family/Consumer Education Supplies Science Supplies & Equip.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education gratefully accept the donation of $250 from the NPHS Class of 1962 Reunion Committee to benefit the teachers of East End School.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education gratefully accept the donation of $115.92 from Washington Mutual Bank to North Plainfield High School.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the grant submission to Target for the Target Education Grant for $1,000.00 to bring arts to the schools in the form of an author/speaker as submitted by Nancy Rodino, Somerset School librarian.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the grant submission to the U.S. Potato Board and the School Nutrition Foundation for the U.S. Board Healthy School Wellness Grant Program for $2,500 to purchase equipment to assist students in becoming conscious of a healthy lifestyle as submitted by Joan Marcuzzi, Maschio’s Food Service Director.
Correspondence
Letters were received as follows from:
North Planning Board re: Public Notice.
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 March 31, 2008 in the amount of $4,487,624.74.
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. 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 February 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 mee 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. Ostroff, Director of Operations, updated the Board on the progress of Lower Krausche Field.
Mr. Ostroff provided an overview of “Project Crash” for the Board’s consideration. Mr. Ostroff will work with Mr. Stephenson, High School Principal, to coordinate this presentation to Juniors and Seniors prior to graduation.
There will be a special meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, April 28th with a 7:00 pm Public Session adjourning to Executive Session at 7:15 pm.
Mr. Sternberg reviewed the election results for the 2008-09 Budget which passed by a vote of 386 to 364.
Dr. Birnbaum discussed the issues related to the sample ballots.
New Business
Mr. Sternberg mentioned that a food labeling book prepared by Maschio’s Food Service Company is available at each school and provides nutritional information.
Mr. Ostroff discussed turf field issues with lead recently published in the newspapers, based on information he received after attending a special meeting on the topic.
Current Events in Education
There were none.
Comments from the Public
Jerard Caprio commented on the use of fields. In addition, he questioned if signs were available for sale. He also asked about the availability of gyms in the summer.
Mr. Estevez asked about re-scheduling cancelled presentations. Dr. Birnbaum will advise.
Mr. Allen asked that a finance discussion be scheduled.
Future Agenda Items
There are none.
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn for the purpose of confidential matters relating to students, personnel, negotiations and litigation at 9:40 pm.
The meeting convened to public session at 10:30 pm with the same members present.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 5 to 2 that the Board of Education appoint Kathleen Herrmann as Principal of East End School at a salary of $114,000 for the 2007-08 school year and at a salary of $120,322 for the 2008-09 school year. In addition, Mrs. Herrmann will continue with her responsibilities as Supervisor of Language Arts/Social Studies/Library Media Services until such time as a replacement is named for those responsibilities
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - No
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - No
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn at 10:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
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