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The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on 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 Drew Elliott Smith
David Branan Nancy Szaroleta
Sandra Dodd Linda Bond-Nelson
Kathleen Mullen – left at 10:00 pm
A quorum was established
Also present were Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools; Donald Sternberg, Board Secretary/School Business Administrator; and Dr. Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent, as well as, Nora Rivera, Student Representative and members of the staff and public
Introduction of New Staff
The introduction of new staff will be handled under presentations.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved to accept the public session minutes of October 2, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the executive session minutes of October 2, 2008.
Financial Report
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the list of bills and payrolls dated in the amount of $4,982,389.39.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved 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 August 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.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, there were none.
Presentations
Dr. Birnbaum recognized students and advisors of Canuckling which had won an award for the second year in a row.
Dr. Birnbaum presented milestone service awards to staff members as per the attached list.
Dr. Birnbaum introduced new staff as per the attached list.
Student Representative Report
Nora Rivera reported on various student activities some of which included the following:
The Senior Breakfast is scheduled for October 16th when the class picture will be taken. NPHS has celebrated “School Spirit Week.” On October 16th an assembly will be held in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. An assembly was presented last week to all students on standardized testing. On October 29th the Drama Club will go to NYC to see, “A Tale of Two Cities.” Violence Prevention Week assemblies are scheduled with presentations by the Drama Club and Hero’s and Cool Kids, as well as other speakers. The NPHS Football Team beat North Warren.
Presentations Contd.
Dr. Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent presented the Annual Violence and Vandalism Report reviewing incidents by reporting category and providing a comparison of 2006-07 and 2007-08 data. There were no comments from the public on this report.
Dr. Rich presented the Title IV Summary of the Community Forum on Safe and Drug-Free Schools. Included in the review was a description of programs and related expenses.
Dr. Rich discussed and updated the Board on the Pre-School Expansion Program and the impact to the District.
Superintendent’s Report
Recognition/Public Relations
Students
Eric Castillo, Class of 2008, has been named an AP Scholar. This award is granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
Schools/Programs
District
Violence Prevention: “Walk Away…Stop the Violence”: By now I hope you have read our banners with the above words displayed in the schools and on Krausche Field in anticipation of “School Violence Awareness Week,” October 20 – 24, 2008. In support of this theme, students, and parents will have an opportunity to participate in a number of activities.
To kick off the week, a group of students trained in the Heroes and Cool Kids character education program will visit each school and present anti-violence information. The students will speak to the children in each of the schools about ways to stay violence free. They will distribute ribbons with this message and read a proclamation from Mayor Janice Allen.
Throughout the week, Stony Brook School, East End School, West End School, Somerset School, North Plainfield Middle School (NPMS) and North Plainfield High School (NPHS) will involve students in a variety of activities to promote anti-violence. NPHS and NPMS will be participating in “Pathways to Peace,” which will recognize School Violence Awareness Week, Red Ribbon Week, and World AIDS Day. This program will engage students in a series of mini-workshops to promote peace, encourage volunteerism, and address drug/alcohol prevention topics. (See below.) On Thursday, October 23, 2008 the NPHS Drama Club will present a variety of skits to illustrate interactions to promote peaceful solutions to conflicts. This program is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium and is open to parents of students K-12. We hope that you can join us for this informative presentation and discussion.
Somerset School
The M.A.L.E.S (Mentoring and Learning Equal Success) Program is set to begin its first year in North Plainfield Schools, under the direction of Reginald Sainte-Rose, principal. The program is a subsidiary of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Theta Psi Lambda Chapter, National “Go to High School Go to College” initiative. The first meeting will be held on October 24, 2008 and will begin at 5:45 p.m. The meeting will take at Somerset Intermediate School (Community Room) in North Plainfield. The meeting is specifically geared to all of the parents and guardians. This is an opportunity for parents to meet the volunteer mentors of the program whose background and ages vary. The mentors include undergraduates and retirees with diverse academic and career backgrounds and include attorneys, medical doctors, educators, and financial analysts. During the “kick off” meeting parents will have an opportunity to eat and converse with other parents and guardians who grapple with some of the same issues. The featured speaker for the evening is co-founder Dr. Lennox Small, principal of Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Teaneck, NJ. In past years ,the mentees participated in a variety of different academic and leadership programs that included: Leadership Development Conference at Kean University, a college tour to various universities in North Carolina, educational youth conference with Dr. Bill Cosby and the infamous “Three Doctors,” former professional basketball player John Celestand, and the partners from BCT Partners, to name a few.
Sixth Grade FAMILY MATH NIGHT at Somerset School will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. The evening will include fun math games & activities for the family.
NPHS
North Plainfield High School’s literary and art magazine, Canuckling, has been awarded Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s “Gold Medalist Certificate” and American Scholastic Press Association’s “First Place with Special Merit” for the second year in a row. The magazine is published yearly in June, and has been since 1955. The most recent title of the magazine is Images, named to represent the various ways that our student contributors see and look at the world around them. The previous magazine is titled Identity and provides a strong sampling of the many ways that students define themselves and others as teenagers in the 21st century.
With 106 pages of NPHS student poets, artists, photographers, and story tellers, the 2008 Canuckling is a proud example of the work of the students of NPHS. Canuckling club members met every other Tuesday to do whatever had to be done to get the final proof ready for the printer. Every one of the Canuckling student staff played the additional role of creative support by writing or creating art or photographs for the magazine. The cover is the work of Jeremy Frusco, a talented senior who graduated last year. Editors from Columbia Scholastic call his work “exceptional.”
The advisors for the magazine were Ellen Brain and Andrew Risoli, both NPHS English teachers. Kim Dawson, NPHS Art teacher, provided her support by supplying photos of student-generated art work and even more importantly worked to photo shop and organize pictures into the software package. The entire Language Arts Department fostered the development of material for consideration into the magazine; the ESL Department has also partnered to provide input to the magazine.
Other contributors included: Arielle Brown, Editor in Chief; Arielny de la Cruz, Co-Photographic Editor; Brittany Allen, Co-Photographic Editor; and Ernest Morgan, Art Editor. Team members were Silver Laur and Jeremy Frusco, Class of 2008; and Renndon Brown, Tevin Henry, Zubah Kolubah, Cassius Ross, Tenzin Sonam, Deborah Tucker, Jamel Wilson, and Haojie Zheng. This team reviewed the work of more than 200 classmates who submitted their work for consideration.
WINNERS AND STILL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: For the second year in a row, the North Plainfield High School Varsity Cheerleading Team has won the most prestigious AmeriCheer National Team Community Involvement Award. The team received this honor for representing their community at numerous local, state and national community service and cheerleading related events.
The girls were cited for events such as their two trips to Montoursville, Pennsylvania, keeping a twelve year cheerleading tradition in tact, by visiting this community where twenty-one residents and sixteen students were killed in the TWA Flight 800 disaster. The girls made the trips on July 17 of last year and this year, the 11th and 12th anniversary of the crash, holding memorials at the high school, the Flight 800 Memorial Park and at the grave sites of the victims.
The team received national recognition when once again, keeping a cheerleading tradition alive, made a one thousand mile trip, holding memorials at all three 9-11 attack sites, flying American flags at Ground Zero, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon. The trip was highlighted when they flew the only known American Flag to have flown over Pearl Harbor and all three 9-11 attack sites and made a special presentation of the first known American Flag to have flown over the three sites inside the Pentagon.
The girls have also represented their community leading the Fourth of July Parade proudly flying their 9-11 flags both in 2007 and 2008. They have held a memorial at the high school’s war memorial honoring veterans on Veteran’s Day and over fifty North Plainfield Cheerleaders held a memorial in front of the same monument, honoring a local veteran of World War II on Pearl Harbor Day.
The girls received a special “thank you” message from the Virginia Tech Cheerleaders and coaching staff for two large megaphones sent to Virginia Tech by North Plainfield Cheerleaders, signed by cheerleaders from all over America, filled with messages of love and caring for the students killed on their campus last fall.
Twenty-five North Plainfield Cheerleaders also represented their community when, for a second year in a row, they performed in a pre-game show for the NBA’s New Jersey Nets at the Meadowlands. They restarted a Competitive Cheerleading Program with a special performance at The Holiday Lights Competition at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, and competed in three categories taking a third place trophy for stunt group in the Mid Atlantic Championship at the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton, second place team at the Island Championships at the Wildwood Convention Center and first place individual at the Mid Atlantic Championships. Both stunt team and individual competitors received qualifying scores for the CANAM International Championships in Myrtle Beach.
By winning this award, the team remains the only high school cheerleading team ever to receive this honor and was the first high school team ever to win the award when they received it last year.
North Plainfield High School Addresses Violence Prevention with a “Pathways to Peace” Day Program: Almost two dozen individuals representing groups throughout the state have committed themselves to participate in the “Pathways to Peace” Day Program at North Plainfield High School on Friday, October 24, 2008. The extensive program at the high school includes workshops, presentations, and performances for students as part of their school day and is a culmination of funding and support from the North Plainfield Municipal Alliance, North Plainfield Youth Services Committee, North Plainfield Education Association, and North Plainfield School District.
Participating in the program at the high school will be individuals representing groups as diverse as Silent Witness, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, North Plainfield Police Department, North Plainfield High School Drama Club, Domestic Violence Resource Center, Peace Corp, ARC, Catholic Charities, Somerset County Parks Commission, and Habitat for Humanity. Presenters will be speaking to students about the ways that they can reduce risk factors associated with violence and spread hope by helping others through volunteerism.
Freshmen and juniors will engage in a special assembly with actor/comedian John Morello. Mr. Morello has been a stage performer for the last 15 years and is now touring with his one-man drug and alcohol prevention show entitled “Dirt.” “Dirt” is an emotionally powerful show endorsed by both MADD and SADD. This show is unique because it demonstrates Mr. Morello’s ability to deliver a serious message about choices in an engaging and meaningful way.
In addition to the variety of presentations there will also be displays from the Clothesline Project, a program that draws attention to violence against women and Silent Witness, an organization that raises awareness of domestic violence. Students will also have their own opportunity to create personal artwork that will eventually line the hallways of North Plainfield High School as a reminder of their commitment to “Pathways to Peace.”
The NPHS Marching Band and Color Guard continue to be impressive with its third straight First Place win in competition this past Saturday, October 11, 2008, at Nazareth, Pennsylvania. In the stands were two former NPHS Marching Band members, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Caswell (1979-1884). The Caswells were there to support their son, a member of the Easton H.S. Marching Band; however they were so impressed by North Plainfield's superlative performance, they wrote to Dorian Parreott, band director, saying they did not think their NPHS Marching Band and Guard was ever as "tight" as the one they just saw. Mr. Caswell added, "I have never been so proud." Anne Fellin, NPHS band parent, was equally moved saying, "I can't tell you how proud we are of all of them, and what an amazing job Mr. Parreott, Mrs. Fencik and the rest of the crew have done as well." The rest of the crew includes Shannon Shotwell and Emily Fencik, the advisors who have done a resplendent job with the color guard, and the addition of George Mattis, drill writer, who completes the winning team.
NPMS
The NPMS is making any serviceman or servicewoman who is related to a middle school student an honorary member of the NPMS learning community. In appreciation for their commitment and sacrifices, the NPMS plans to send care packages to the US servicemen and servicewoman who are currently deployed in countries overseas or are serving in the US. The care packages will include friendly letters and items that they have requested. The items will be collected for periodic donations.
Stony Brook News
Back-to-School Night at Stony Brook School: September 25, 2008 was Back-to-School Night at Stony Brook School. “It was a proud night to remember as the halls and classrooms were filled with Stony Brook families,” commented Cathy Kobylarz, principal. The evening was divided into three parts which started with classroom visits for kindergarten, first and second grade, followed by a General Assembly for all grades and closed with classroom visits for grades three and four. The general assembly included a Flag Ceremony presented by North Plainfield’s ROTC members, an introduction of all faculty members and a power point presentation describing highlights and photos of Stony Brook Students. Families visited the new "Media Center" and learned about the "Rock Wall.” The Stony Brook PTA offered child sitting services, opened their PTA store and hosted the evening with their hospitality table.
Stony Brook's Media Center: Every month Anne Bonner, Stony Brook School's media specialist, and Jenny Dzurilla, the library paraprofessional, motivate their young readers and fellow staff members with different themes that focus on reading. It starts with a beautifully decorated showcase spelling out the theme of the month. In September, the theme was "The Magic of Reading" and now in October they have “Falling under the Spell of Reading.” Each week Ms. Bonner visits every classroom and carefully selects special read aloud stories that focus on the theme. Teachers request books on special topics and stacks of books arrive at the classroom. On Wednesdays, Roseann Caruso uses the media center to instruct her computer classes for grades 3 & 4. Among the book exchange program, classroom research periods, and all the technology happening, the media center has truly become the "hub" of Stony Brook School.
Stony Brook School's Test Presentation and Guest Speaker: Test scores and testing tips were the topics of discussion at Stony Brook's October PTA meeting. The guest speaker was Dr. Hope Blecher-Sass, North Plainfield's new Supervisor of Language Arts, English, Media/Library and Social Studies Departments, who together with Principal Cathy Kobylarz presented the results of the NJ ASK 2008, discussed testing for kindergarten through fourth grade students and offered tips for parents on how to prepare their children for testing days. “The best advice for parents was to read, read, read with their children and create a home environment filled with reading, writing and great family discussions,” noted Ms. Kobylarz.
StarLab Visits Stony Brook School: Raritan Valley Community College's Astronomy Department offers neighboring schools a chance to "gaze upon the stars" through their StarLab Program. On October 13 & 14, the StarLab visited Stony Brook School. StarLab is a portable planetarium that is stored in two duffle bags and can fit in the trunk of a car. It inflates within ten minutes into a 16' x 11' dome and accommodates 25 students. Once inside the dome, the StarLab leader uses a cylinder projector to show the night sky, various constellations, the galaxy and solar system. The Starlab curriculum includes science, history, literature, art and mathematics. The students hear the legends of ancient civilizations and study the tales of many different cultures. Tuesday, October 14 was "StarLab Family Night" as Stony Brook students and families visited the lab.
East End School
Back to School Night was held on September 23. This year all parents and staff were invited to join Kathy Herrmann, principal, in the community room as she addressed the school community. “Every seat was filled and the parents stood four deep. Some parents brought their children and they were well behaved as they sat in classrooms with their parents listening to the teacher discuss expectations for the year. The hallways and classrooms were filled with student work, as well as every room in the building decorated to depict a country. It was evident that East End School is focused on the building objectives and believes that working together will make a difference,” commented Principal Herrmann.
On Friday, October 3, the PTA provided an assembly focusing on the EARTH. Students enjoyed the mix of humor and information and were empowered with strategies on how to recycle, protect our planet, and “go green.” This assembly also supported the geography building objective.
Going Global continues at East End School. Plans are being made for students to begin sending letters to each other. A large mailbox will be placed in the main hallway for students to mail their letters. They can choose a country and address it to that specific room. Each letter will have a question about the country which will foster students to research the answer and respond. This letter exchange will also support the format of the friendly letter as well as continue to support the importance of writing across the disciplines.
Where in the World is Rosie is one of East End School’s reading incentive programs. Students will record every five books they read on a paper Compass Rose, which will then be attached to form the body of Rosie. The more books the students read, the longer Rosie will grow and the further she will travel around the building. There will be mile markers to indicate continents and oceans as students continue to learn about geography. Announcements will also be made periodically to let the school community know where Rosie is. This also will encourage students to learn to count by 5’s, 10’s, etc. On the last day of school, students plan on taking Rosie down from the walls and bringing the student body outside on the field to hold Rosie and stretch her out so everyone can all see how many books the students have read. The second incentive program will be the use of Accelerated Reader. East End’s media specialist will chart student points as classes travel from continent to continent. A large bulletin board will house the information and students and staff will enjoy watching the student “planes” travel around the world.
On October 8, all East End students were invited to walk to school. John Malazdra and Kathy Senna, physical education teachers, facilitated this event. As children arrived, they were presented with a sticker for walking to school as well as a piece of fruit. Over 150 students walked to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
East End’s PTA-sponsored Book Fair began on October 6. Students are enjoying perusing the titles and purchasing books which support independent reading and lifelong learning.
West End School
WE Celebrate Assembly: The first WE Celebrate Assembly was held on September 29. The purpose of the gathering was to celebrate students and staff for their accomplishments and demonstrations of good character. The following were recognized: (Students): Joshua Arguello (kindergarten) for outstanding acts of kindness and caring for his classmates; Shaden Awad (fourth grader) for donating her hair to Locks of Love which makes wigs for people who have experienced hair loss due to medical conditions and treatments for medical conditions; and Yanqing Liang, Noah Suris, Jasmine Lattimore, Lauren Lattimore, Emily McGrath and Ricky Ruiz for their fundraising efforts to benefit children from the earthquake in China. (Staff): Kim Faszczewski for her volunteer work in Kentucky; Nicole Rivlin for attaining her Master’s Degree; Michelle Tafuri for attaining her Master’s Degree; Taryn Buffolino for Masters +30; and Michelle Onofri for Masters+30. Also recognized were the 70 students who met the requirements for the Wildcats Summer Reading Club. They were given a certificate and a goodie bag which included two books for their home library.
Courier News Summer Reading: Ninety-two (92) students from West End School participated in the Courier News Summer Reading Program.
Kindergarten/Grade 1 Read Aloud Parent Academy: The Kindergarten and Grade One Read Aloud Parent Academy was held on October 2. This annual event was planned by West End staff: Keren Fonseca, Marilyn LaMarca, and Marilyn Pinto. Mariluz Torres, Spanish teacher, translated and read with Marilyn Pinto when they presented the Spanish version of the Read Aloud. Each child got to take home five books for their home libraries!
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
Employee Development
The department is currently working with the North Plainfield Office of Emergency Management to set up training for the operations support staff in C.P.R. and Standard First Aid. The initial goal will be to have at least one person trained on each shift within each building.
On Wednesday, October 15, 2008, a training session will be held at NPHS to familiarize the custodial staff with a recently purchased Kivac Steam Machine. This piece of equipment will be used primarily to disinfect and sanitize restrooms and shower areas.
Safety Training
The safety topic for October is Electrical Safety. Related safety training, including safe work practices, will be conducted with all staff members on October 16, 2008.
Health & Safety
Preliminary plans have now been approved to hold a Crisis Exercise Drill at NPHS on November 6, 2008. The first planning meeting will be held near the end of this month with additional meetings scheduled prior to the drill. This exercise will include resources from several county and state agencies as well as local emergency responders. More information will be provided as the event date approaches.
District Operations
In addition to completing routine work orders, the Maintenance personnel continue to complete a number of summer projects. The following additional projects are now in progress or are in the process of being scheduled:
• NPHS: Ventilation for a storage area to accommodate new servers.
• NPMS: Completion of a new office for technology.
• Stony Brook: Intercom upgrades in the gymnasium.
• NPHS: Additional lighting fasteners in several classrooms.
2008-2009 Capital Projects Status Report
North Plainfield 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 the Gymnasium. Project now completed.
Exterior Door Replacement Project. Project now completed.
Exterior Façade Repairs. Project now completed.
West End School
Restroom Renovation Project. In progress. Anticipated completion, October 15.
Exterior Door Replacement Project. Project now completed.
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
Exterior Façade Repairs. Project now completed.
Stony Brook School
Restroom Renovation Project. In progress. Anticipated completion, October 15.
Exterior Façade Repairs. Project now completed.
Harrison Building
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
Exterior Façade Repairs. Completed September 15.
2008-2009 Maintenance Projects Status Report
North Plainfield High School/Middle School
Field House HVAC Upgrades. Unit scheduled for delivery.
Upper Field Sound System Upgrades. Scheduled.
Middle School Office/Server Room. In Progress.
High School & Middle School HVAC upgrades. In Progress.
East End School
Slate & Modified Roof Repairs. In Progress.
Soffit and downspout replacement. In Progress.
Computer Room Air Conditioning. Completed.
West End School
Slate & Modified Roof Repairs. Completed.
Soffit and downspout replacement. Completed.
Stony Brook School
Exterior Surveillance Cameras. Completed.
Somerset School
Radio Repeater System Installation. Completed.
Harrison Campus
Modular T1, Floor Replacement. In Progress.
Watchung Building
Exterior Surveillance Cameras. Completed.
Office Flooring Replacement. To be scheduled.
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
Correspondence
A proclamation was received from Mayor Janice G. Allen re: “Week Without Violence.”
Committee and Delegate Reports
There were none.
Old Business
Superintendent Objectives will be discussed at the November 19th meeting.
New Business
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining 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.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 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.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following individuals to work in the adult high school at the rates indicated after their names:
Name Position Rate Est. Hrs.
Fatima DeCorte Advisor/ $28/hr 170 hrs
Substitute Advisor
Nicholas DeCorte Supervisor/ $38/hr 150 hrs
Substitute Supervisor
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the stipend paid to Susan Ahlstrom for teaching Yoga in the Afternoon for the Fall 2008 Community Adult School, from $1050 to $900. It is understood that the class requires supporting enrollment or cancellation will occur.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Tatiana Gonzalez as a lunchroom paraprofessional at West End School for 1.75 hours per day, at the 2007-2008 hourly rate of $18.12, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective October 20, 2008. (Ms. Gonzalez will replace Andrea Patterson.)
Further, that Ms. Gonzalez be appointed a district substitute paraprofessional for the 2008-2009 school year.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education employ the staff members indicated on the attached list to teach after-school professional development courses at the 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.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the following student teacher placement from Rutgers Graduate School of Education, from November 10 to December 19, 2008:
Student Teacher Class/School Cooperating Teacher
Jennifer Ferreira ESL/EE School Francesca Cardona
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education rescind the recommendation appointing the following teachers to the co-curricular positions noted after their names:
Courtney Kopf Junior Class Advisor
Kimberly Annette Student Activities Co-Advisor
Robert Berger Model Congress Advisor
Kathleen Dailey Assistant Softball Coach
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following individuals as co-curricular advisors at the 2007-2008 rates indicated, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement:
Courtney Kopf Junior Class Co-Advisor $ 925
Casey McKeen Junior Class Co-Advisor $ 925
Kimberly Annette Student Activities Advisor $3766
Robert Ferraro Ski Club MS/HS $1430
Jennifer Magliaro Assistant Softball Coach $5182
Kimberly Dawson Asst. Technical Director/Spring Concert $1725
Bruce Bogle** Lighting Director/Spring Concert $1370
Bruce Bogle** Technical Director/Spring Concert $2050
**Non-Staff
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of Greg Kilmer as a substitute athletic trainer at the rate of $30 per hour.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education grant Shoma Kar, paraprofessional at East End School, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act from November 17, 2008 through December 5, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that the Board of Education rescind the previously approved recommendation to employ Kevin Womack as a substitute custodian.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following individuals as district 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:
Maria Flores Nancy Torres
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Andreza DeJesus as an office/playground paraprofessional at Stony Brook School for 3.5 hours per day at the 2007-2008 hourly rate of $18.12, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective October 20, 2008. (Ms. DeJesus will replace Karen Scapiliati’s PM hours.)
Further, that Ms. DeJesus be appointed a district substitute paraprofessional for the 2008-2009 school year.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve Travis Smith from Kean University as an administrative intern in NPHS, with Jerard Stephenson serving as his on-site supervisor.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following staff to proctor PSAT testing on Saturday, October 28, 2008 at the rate of $28 per hour:
Patricia Bailey Andrew Risoli
Robert Berger Jacquelyn Spaventa
Roger Graubard
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Gary LePond as a teacher of social studies at Somerset School at the 2007-2008, BA/Step 1 annual salary rate of $42,630, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, prorated effective October 20, 2008. (Mr. LePond will replace James Straley.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment by Maschios’s Food Services, Inc. of Keila Mazariegos as a food service worker.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve an increase in hours for the following paraprofessionals to accommodate the needs of the students, effective September 3, 2008:
Patricia Scarcella NPMS 6.50 hrs/day 6.75 hrs/day
Eliana Gerena East End 1.50 hrs/day 2.50 hrs/day
Jana Haggerty East End 3.50 hrs/day 19.75 hrs/wk
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that the Board of Education terminate the employment of Ross Tropeano, paraprofessional in the NPHS Bridge Program, effective September 27, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education grant Kathleen Dolan, elementary teacher at West End School, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act effective February 15, 2009 through May 10, 2009. It is understood the above dates may need to be adjusted.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that the Board of Education approve the use of the following textbooks and/or trade books in the district as follows:
Title: The Higher Power of Lucky
Author: Susan Patron
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Copyright: 2006
Course/Level: English 6
Title: Elijah of Buxton
Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Copyright: 2006
Course/Level: English 6
Title: The Thief Lord
Author: Cornelia Funke
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Copyright: 2002
Course/Level: English 6
Title: Stormbreaker
Author: Anthony Horowitz
Publisher: Walker Books
Copyright: 2004
Course/Level: English 6
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that the Board of Education approve the following application under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, Part B, for fiscal year 2009:
IDEIA-B Basic Application (ages 3-21) $785,709
IDEIA-B Preschool (ages 3-5) $ 17,566
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the use of occupational therapy services to be provided by Pediatric Advantage of Westfield at the rate of $90 per hour. It is understood the services are to include all evaluations, treatment sessions, conferences with teachers, parents, child study team members and written reports.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the classified students indicated on the attached list be provided with occupational therapy services by Pediatric Advantage of Westfield at the rate of $90 per hour, effective September 15, 2008, plus the extended school year for the summer of 2008 (those noted with an asterisk.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve Natural Setting Therapeutic Management behavioral consultation group to provide seven hours per week on-site consultation services (at the discretion of the district) to staff/parents working with students in the behavior disorder and autistic classes at the cost of $2,200 per month, effective October 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, for a total of $19,800.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve itinerant speech services be continued for classified student ST-04-08-09, to be provided by Summit Speech School for four hours per year at the cost of $140 per hour.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve assistive technology evaluations on behalf of the following classified students to be provided by Bergen County Special Services at the cost of $795 each:
ATE-01-08-08 ATE-02-08-09
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the attached List of Sick Leave Credits and Personal Days as of June 30, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent of Schools to apply for the following funding in conjunction with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Local Education Agency (LEA) Consolidated Application FY’09, as per the attached budget:
Title I Part A Basic/Concentration $517,364
Title II Part A $130,037
Title II Part D $ 4,125
Title III $ 62,218
Title IV $ 10,687
TOTAL ALLOCATION $724,431
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the split funding of the employees indicated on the attached list in conjunction with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Local Education Agency (LEA) Consolidated Application FY’09, according to the percentages indicated for each program.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the donation of an outdoor storage shed from the Stony Brook PTA to be used to store PTA materials.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
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 October 15, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve line item transfers in accordance with the attached listed dated September 30, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education acknowledge that emergency exit fire drills were conducted on all pupil transportation vehicles during the month of October, 2008 in accordance with NJSA 6:21-11:4.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve change order number FO-001, in the amount of $19, 930.95 for Fiber Optic Installation Project. The cost of the project will now be as follows:
Original total project cost $434,441.08
Change Order 19,930.95
Adjusted Total Project Cost $454,372.03
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve change order number FO-002, in the amount of $57,105.00 for Fiber Optic Installation Project. The cost of the project will now be as follows:
Original total project cost $434,441.08
Adjusted project cost $454,372.03
Change Order $ 57,105.00
Adjusted Total Project Cost $511,477.03
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve a resolution authorizing the Business Administrator and Vitetta to accomplish all necessary steps to proceed with approval and grant submission as follows:
WHEREAS, the North Plainfield Board of Education (“Board”) has determined that the HVAC/heating system at the West End and Harrison School buildings are in need of replacement (“Project”); and
WHEREAS, this project has been identified in the Long Range Facilities Plan as several projects for the purpose of upgrading for code, accessibility, replace heating systems, all relating to Health and Safety requirements; and
WHEREAS, the district intends to fund this project as “Other Capital Project” through its Capital Project Fund and is seeking additional State Funding through the “R.O.D Grant” program; and
WHEREAS, the Board must now take all actions as directed by the Department of Education and any other authority in order to receive a determination and approval to proceed; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Business Administrator/ Board Secretary Donald Sternberg, along with Vitetta is hereby authorized to submit and take all necessary action to obtain approvals for proceeding with the Project, including the submittal of an application and related schematic drawing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be effective immediately.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the Field Trip Schedule, as attached, for the 2008-2009 school year.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the donations of a Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone from Megan Hendrickson, teacher at Stony Brook school.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept a donation of $200.98 from Target Corporation as part of their “Take Charge of Education” school fund-raising program.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen – Aye
Items moved from future Agenda
There were none.
New items requested to be placed on the Agenda
There were none.
Current Events in Education
There were none.
Comments from the Public
Mr. Caprio commented on the interest in the expanded three-year old preschool program. Mr. McLellan commented on the potential for contracted providers to pull out of the preschool program.
Future Agenda Items
Board Presentations – 11/19/08: Recognition of Cheerleaders
Residence Procedures
Policy Update
Yearbook Pictures – 11/19/08 – 7:20 pm
Dress Code for Students and Staff
Student Mobility
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on November 19, 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 and unanimously approved to adjourn at 10:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
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