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The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on October 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 Drew Elliott Smith
David Branan Nancy Szaroleta
Sandra Dodd Linda Bond-Nelson
Kathleen Mullen
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, Dennis McKeever, Board Attorney, Nora Rivera, Student Representative and approximately 20 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 5 to 2 with Mrs. Dodd and Mrs. Mullen abstaining to accept the public session minutes of September 17, 2008
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 5 to 2 with Mrs. Dodd and Mrs. Mullen abstaining to accept the executive session minutes of September 17, 2008
Student Representative Report
Nora Rivera reported on several student activities some of which include the following:
The NPHS Pep Rally took place on September 26th for the first football game of the season held on September 28th. Freshmen English students attended the Dodge Poetry Festival. The Drama Club is planning a pumpkin carving event as a fundraiser for October 29th. PSAT’s are taking place on Saturday, October 4th.
NPHS is planning an event in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
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
Dr. Rich, Assistant Superintendent, provided additional information regarding the annual testing report.
All school principals presented School-Based Planning Objectives for grades K-12.
Hope Blecher-Sass, Supervisor of Language Arts and Media Services, and Patricia Marseglia, Supervisor of Math and Science reviewed and discussed honors and college prep English, science and math initiatives, and outlined programs and plans to achieve objectives discussed by each of the building principals.
Committee Delegate Reports
In regard to negotiations, Linda Bond-Nelson updated the Board on the status of the Memorandum of Agreement reached with the NPEA.
In regard to the Policy Committee meeting, David Branan reviewed meeting topics and policies discussed on Nepotism #4112.8/4218.8, Electronic Communication and Filling Board Vacancies - #9113.
In regard to the Finance and Facilities Committee meeting, David Branan reviewed topics discussed including the revised purchasing manual, the 2009-10 school budget application for Facilities Grant and Energy Conservation Projects and the financial impact of the preschool program. Also discussed were the cabling project, the toilet renovation project, and the installation of basketball hoops.
Superintendent’s Report
Recognition
The NPHS Marching Band secured another First Place trophy (Group One) at the competition held at Piscataway High School, September 20. In addition, the band and color guard brought home the following trophies as well: Best Music, Best Guard, Best Percussion, Best Visual and Best Marching!
Gifted and Talented
Train Your Brain, G&T / KINDLE Theme: During the week of September 22, 2008, the K.I.N.D.L.E. Enrichment Program began instruction with an exciting extension of last year’s metacognition theme: “Train Your Brain!” Taught by teachers Cynthia Crawford at West End School, Janet Darvin at Stony Brook / Somerset Schools and Kathy Porter at East End / Somerset Schools, students in grades K-6 began to revisit the concept of “thinking about their thinking” as they explored new ways to train their brains. Proper strategies for creative and critical thinking are only one part of the equation. Equally important is for students to understand how their brains function, transmit messages, and stay fit and healthy. Students are beginning to learn that in order to improve their thinking capabilities they must evaluate their bodies’ need for good nutrition, adequate rest, physical activity, and the role of humor in their everyday lives. Kindergarten through sixth graders will be introduced to the various brain processes impacted by these variables and how they are connecting them to specific areas of brain function. “Together we will develop stronger minds and bodies as we train our brains throughout the year! commented Cathy Kobylarz, supervisor of the G&T program.
Stony Brook School
"Birthday Bash": Staff and students’ birthdays are a big celebration at Stony Brook. The "Birthday Bash" Program began its second year at Stony Brook, thanks to the PTA. Every day during the morning announcements, Cathy Kobylarz, principal, announces the names of the birthday students or staff members of that day. They are invited to the media center to receive a birthday sticker and pencil. Every month the birthday people gather in the lunch room and sit at a festive birthday bash table where they share their lunch and listen to a birthday story from their principal, Ms. Kobylarz. Each child is then given a scholastic book of his/her choice for a birthday present. "It's a great way to mark a very special occasion. Books and birthdays are a perfect combination," says Principal Kobylarz.
Windows for the Community: Once again, the windows of Stony Brook School are beautifully decorated with the children's fall artwork as a gift to the North Plainfield community. Three times every year, during fall, winter and spring, Stony Brook's art teacher, Sonya Russomanno-Larado works with her students to design and then build seasonal window displays. Ms. Kobylarz noted, “The window displays are our way of giving back to the community and saying thank you for all that is done to help in the education of the North Plainfield children. Look for our displays while driving down Grove Street.”
West End School
Back to School Night is a Family Event! Traditionally Back to School Night is for parents only. At West End School it is a family event. To reflect the importance of family in improving one's education, the children invited their parents to Back to School Night last week. They participated together in hearing about the expectations and wonderful happenings that will be taking place in their (both parents and children’s) classrooms. It is West End’s belief that it takes a partnership between school and home to provide the best support system for the children and that is the message West End is sending out to their families by making Back to School Night a family event.
They began the evening with an Open House experience in the community room. Each of the specialists setup a display about their specialty such as art, music, counseling services and spoke to parents as they came by the table. West End also had the local boy scout and girl scout troop there distributing information on membership as well as the PTA. Specific times were arranged for classroom visits during the evening in which the classroom teachers did their own presentations. “We have done this for the past two years and our attendance has tripled,” expressed Beth Sobel, principal.
West End is College-Bound again this year! Every classroom will no longer be known as a number but as a college or university. Each teacher and class will be adopting a college and every student will know what year they will be graduating high school and going to college or other form of continued education. Teachers are excited as well as the students. The “Adopt a College” program is being implemented in each classroom to motivate students in acquiring an interest in pursuing a college education after high school and that learning is a life-long process. This began last year as an introduction year. This upcoming school year West End will be doing additional activities such as visiting colleges, developing college color days, doing a “cheer-off,” and integrating this project into writing assignments and career awareness lessons.
East End School
Morning Announcements are a Hit: East End’s new program for morning announcements is a huge success. Each day Kathleen Herrmann, principal, shares important news of the day followed by a different fourth grader each morning leading the school in the Pledge of Allegiance. The morning announcement allows the principal to set a positive tone for the day and always ends with, “Have a wonderful day of learning.”
East End’s school-based objectives related to testing and geography are becoming the focus of instruction. The DRA2 assessment has begun as teachers become empowered with diagnostic and prescriptive data. All rooms at East End School have been named a country, and the school community is excited to learn about the different countries around the world. The staff is planning to integrate this theme into our character education program as well as across the disciplines.
East End’s first PTA Meeting was held on Tuesday evening, September 9. The meeting also provided new parents at East End the opportunity to come out and meet the principal. The principal gave a full and detailed report which focused on safety, discipline procedures and curriculum.
The school safety patrol program started September 15. Excited about their roles as “safeties,” the fourth graders are extremely helpful and are demonstrating a sense of pride. This year they are reporting in the morning as well and are assigned to each class in grades K-3 to ensure they are lined up properly.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
Employee Development
In the near future, we will begin training our support staff in C.P.R. and Standard First Aid. Our initial goal will be to have at least one person trained on each shift within each building.
Safety Training
The safety topic for September was Equipment Operations. Related safety training, including OSHA Standards, was conducted with all staff members on Wednesday, September 17, 2008. Electrical Safety will be October’s topic.
Health & Safety
Preliminary plans are being drafted to hold a Crisis Planning and Exercise Drill at NPHS on November 6, 2008. This exercise will include resources from several county and state agencies as well as local emergency responders. More information will be provided as we approach the date of the event.
District Operations
In addition to completing routine work orders, the maintenance staff continues to complete a number of summer projects. The following additional projects are now in start-up mode or are in the process of being scheduled:
• High School - Upgrades to a storage area to accommodate new servers.
• High School - Completion of a new office and work area.
• Stony Brook – Installation of a sound system in the gymnasium.
• High School – Additional lighting fasteners as required.
2008-2009 Capital Projects Status Report
High School/Middle School
Restroom Renovation Project. In progress. Anticipated completion, October 15.
Auditorium Stage Lighting Upgrades. Specifications are pending.
East End School
Restroom Renovation Project. In progress. Anticipated completion, October 15.
Structural Repairs to Gymnasium. Anticipated completion, September 30.
Exterior Door Replacement Project. Anticipated completion, September 30.
Exterior Façade Repairs. Anticipated completion, September 30.
West End School
Restroom Renovation Project. In progress. Anticipated completion, October 15.
Exterior Door Replacement Project. Anticipated completion, September 30.
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
Exterior Façade Repairs. Anticipated completion, September 30.
Stony Brook School
Restroom Renovation Project. In progress. Anticipated completion, October 15.
Exterior Façade Repairs. Anticipated completion, September 30.
Harrison Building
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
Exterior Façade Repairs. Completed September 15.
2008-2009 Maintenance Projects Status Report
High School/Middle School
Field House HVAC Upgrades. In Progress.
Upper Field Sound System Upgrades. In Progress.
Middle School Office/Server Room. In Progress.
High School & Middle School HVAC upgrades. In Progress.
East End School
Slate & Modified Roof Repairs. In Progress.
Computer Room Air Conditioning. Completed.
West End School
Slate & Modified Roof Repairs. Completed.
Stony Brook School
Security Upgrades. In Progress.
Somerset School
Radio Repeater System Installation. In Progress.
Harrison Campus
Modular T1, Floor Replacement. In Progress.
Watchung School
Security Upgrades. In Progress.
Office Flooring Replacement. Pending.
Maintenance Compound/Field Areas
Field Lighting Service. Completed.
District Wide Initiatives
District-Wide Energy Savings Project. Planning Stage.
Please see “District Operations” at our website for further information: www.nplainfield.org
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
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 January and August 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 6 to 1 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the Board member and/or staff conference and travel expenses as per the attached list.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education rescind the previously approved recommendation to employ Casey Sobel as a district substitute teacher.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following substitute paraprofessionals to be called on an as-needed basis at the 2007-2008 hourly rate of $18.12, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective October 6, 2008:
Roberta Jasper Jenna Dzurilla
Giovanna Quartarolo Raffaela Bartsch
Casey Sobel – with the exception of West End School
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the following teacher(s) to teach a sixth class at the rate indicated, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement:
Adrian Escriba Industrial Arts/NPHS BA/Step 10 (17) = $63,480
plus sixth class - $10,580 = $74,060
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the employment of Maria Duran De Alfaro as a food service worker for Maschio’s Food Service.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following teacher to serve as character education facilitator at the stipend of $500 each:
Edison Torres, Jr.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education appoint the staff members indicated on the attached list to teach after-school professional development courses at a rate of $30 per hour funded with NCLB FY’09 and/or local funds as indicated, to be paid at the conclusion of each course.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the guide and salary of Joan Gay, special education teacher at Somerset School, from the MA Guide/Step 5 (6-8/8) to the Master’s plus 30 Guide/Step 5, at the adjusted salary rate of $50,000, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Andrea Patterson, paraprofessional at West End School, effective September 22, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Karla Hernandez, paraprofessional at Stony Brook School, effective September 26, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Danielle Pizzigoni, special education teacher at East End School, effective October 1, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the dates of leave of absence previously granted to Kimberly Scott, school social worker, as follows:
Disability Period
From: 10/4/08 – 11/12/08 To: 9/25/08 – 10/30/08
Unpaid Leave of Absence Under the Federal Family Leave Act
From: 11/13/08 – 2/4/09 To: 10/31/08 – 1/22/09
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the payment of stipends to the following academic coaches:
Deanne D’Armiento $9,000.00
Marvel St. Victor $3,000.00
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Nicole Tyminski as a paraprofessional in the autistic class at West End School for 3.5 hours per day at the hourly rate of $18.12, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective October 6, 2008. (Ms. Tyminski will replace Karla Hernandez.)
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education grant Maureen Wyzykowski, instructional aide at West End School, a five-day unpaid leave of absence effective December 8 – 12, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept with regret the resignation of Irene Talmo, paraprofessional, for reasons of retirement, effective December 1, 2008. Further, Ms. Talmo is also resigning from her position as AV coordinator for East End School, effective December 1, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the hours of the following paraprofessionals working with classified students as indicated after their names:
Name School From To Effective
Shoma Kar EE 3.00 4.50 9/22/08
Agustina Rodriguez EE 3.75 4.00 9/22/08
Maritza Barreto EE 3.50 4.50 9/22/08
Nicholas Psillos WE 3.50 3.75 9/24/08
Alexandra Vergara MS 4.00 22.25 hrs/wk 9/24/08
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the following student teacher placement from The College of New Jersey, from March 9 through May 1, 2009:
Student Teacher Subject School Cooperating Teacher
Miguel Garcia Physical Education/Health NPHS Robyn Enderle
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following staff to the co-curricular positions indicated after their names at the 2007-2008 stipends indicated, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement:
Kimberly Dawson MS/HS Art Club $1500
Marcella Eldekki NPMS Drama Advisor $2310
Mimi Jen NPMS Asst. Drama Advisor. $ 910
Jennifer Magliaro NPHS TUNLAW $4300
Priscila Weber NPHS Freshman Class Adv. $1530
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education grant Amy Six, instrumental music teacher at NPHS, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act effective December 23, 2008 through January 19, 2009. It is understood that the above dates may need to be adjusted.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve Hildegarde Jackson from the New Jersey Expedited Certification for Educational Leadership Program (NJEXCEL) as an administrative intern in North Plainfield High School, with Jerard Stephenson as her on-site supervisor.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Martha Bryan to perform bilingual speech evaluations for students referred to the child study team on an as-needed basis at the cost of $400 to include the evaluation and a follow up written report.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education grant Dawn Fellerman, paraprofessional at Stony Brook School, a five-day unpaid leave of absence effective October 6-13, 2008.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the use of the following textbooks and/or trade books in the district as follows:
Title: Rules
Author: Cynthia Lord
Publisher: Scholastic Press, NY
Copyright: 2006
Course/Levels: English 6
Title: The Road to Paris
Author: Nikki Grimes
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, NY
Copyright: 2005
Course/Levels: English 6
Title: The Lightning Thief
Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children, NY
Copyright: 2005
Course/Levels: English 6
Title: Schooled
Author: Gordon Korman
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children, NY
Copyright: 2007
Course/Levels: English 6
Title: The Cheat
Author: Amy Goldman Koss
Publisher: Dial Books, NY
Copyright: 2003
Course/Levels: English 6
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
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 October 2, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education authorize the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to sell or dispose of the following obsolete/irreparable equipment
Elementary Substitute Caller:
Phone and answering machine
AV Equipment:
• 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
• 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
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the grant submission to Target for the “Trout in the Classroom” activity at North Plainfield High School in the amount of $800.00 to purchase equipment to raise and release trout, as submitted by Sara O’Donnell, HOPE Club Advisor.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education authorize and approve the submission of the attached 2008 – 2009 School Nursing Services Plan in compliance with the Department of Education requirements.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the attached School Level Plans for the 2008-2009 school year.
Correspondence
There was none.
Old Business
Regarding the NJSBA Annual Convention, Mr. Sternberg asked for confirmation of attendance.
New Business
Regarding Board protocol, Mrs. Bond-Nelson discussed the protocols of conducting a meeting and she suggested a new agenda format which received Board acceptance.
Current Events in Education
There were none.
Comments from the Public
There were none.
Future Agenda Items
Service Milestones & Introduction of New Staff – 10/15/08 at West End School
Dress Code, Staff and Students
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on October 15, 2008 at 7:00 pm for confidential matters relating to students, personnel, contract negotiations, litigation, and/or any other matter considered confidential by federal or state law.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen to adjourn to executive session for confidential matters relating to students, personnel, contract negotiations, litigation, and/or any other matter considered confidential by federal or state law at 11:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
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