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The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on December 3, 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 Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools; Donald Sternberg, Board Secretary/School Business Administrator; and Dr. Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent, as well as, Romona Ross, Substitute Student Representative and approximately 12 members of the staff and public
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mr. Smith abstaining to accept the public session minutes of November 19, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mr. Smith abstaining to accept the executive session minutes of November 19, 2008.
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, there were none.
Student Representative Report
The Drama Club Production of Rumors is scheduled for December 3, 4, and 5 in the High School auditorium at 7:00 pm. December 10th is the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony. The Winter Band Concert is scheduled for December 11th and the Middle School Band and Choral Concert is scheduled for December 16th. The Choral Winter Concert is scheduled for December 18th. The French Honor Society will hold a holiday dinner on December 12th. Peer Leaders will attend a training session on December 7th to 9th at Camp Ockanickon.
Presentation
Mr. Bob Swisher of Suplee and Clooney Company, presented an unqualified audit with no recommendations noted to the Board and discussed the 2007-08 district surplus.
In regard to a testing update, this item will be placed as a future agenda item, pending the official release of the data from the State.
Guidance Director, Linda Remolino gave a presentation on the college application process and the conseling website.
Mr. Sternberg gave a presentation on the transportation cost center.
Superintendent’s Report
Recognition/Public Relations
Students
The North Plainfield-Plainfield Rotary recognized the following Interact students of the month: September - Rossana Bertini, grade 12; October - Max Torres, grade 9; and November - Miles Garcia, grade 10. Each student provided brief autobiographical data:
Rossana Bertini
“I was born in Colombia from parents of Italian heritage. Never in my life did I think that I would leave the country I became so accustomed to. However, when I was nine years old, my life took an unexpected turn; I came to the United States. Immediately I began to work hard in school. It was especially difficult for me since I did not speak English. I am a very ambitious person and I soon began setting high goals for myself. Right now my goals include being valedictorian of my class and getting into one of the colleges of my choice. The colleges I am applying to include University of Pennsylvania, NYU, Lehigh, Princeton, Rutgers, and Pace. I plan to study Business Management and one day own my own business.”
Maximiliano Torres
“My name is Maximiliano Torres, though most of the time I’m just called Max. I am currently a freshman at the North Plainfield High School and I am working hard each day. I have always followed the quote, “It’s better to give than receive.” As a high school student, it is important that not only me but anyone willing to volunteer gives back to their community. This is my first year in the Interact Club and it is definitely not my last. This club allows me to give back to the community with food drives, fund raisers, clothing drives, and much more. Not everyone is fortunate or wealthy and I wish to help, give, and cheer up others in difficult dilemmas. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to take part in community service. I have participated in other services aside from Interact such as school fairs, auctions, and a fund raiser named ‘Santa’s Little Helper.’ Working hard both for yourself and for your community is very important. North Plainfield is built on pride. Our town is named a ‘proud community.’ I take pride in everything I do for this town and wish to give back to those in need. I am proud to be invited to this luncheon and I hope I make my community proud as well. Thank you.”
Miles Garcia
“I was born on April 20, 1993. I currently am a shared-time student at Somerset County Vocational-Technical High School in their acting program. I like to hang out with my friends, and go to water parks. This is my second year in the NPHS Interact Club, where we help out with the community. My favorite holiday is Christmas because a lot of my family comes to my house.”
Schools/Programs
Somerset School
The Student Council "Partnership" Food Drive Sort and Delivery will take place on Friday, December 5 from 3 - 3:45 in the Somerset School Community Room. It is the culmination of a collaborative effort on the part of Student Councils at Somerset Intermediate, NPHS and NPHS. “It is most rewarding to see our 5th and 6th grade students working in unison with the 7th through 12th grade students in this community-based project, which is now in its fifth year,” stated Donna Patton, "Partnership" coordinator.
NPHS
Veterans’ Day: The North Plainfield High School Student Council sponsored a Veterans’ Awareness Day in the high school library. With great success last year, Vietnam veterans returned to host informal question and answer sessions with middle and high school students and their teachers. During periods 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, & 8, history classes in grades 7-12 were invited to participate in small group discussions hosted by a Vietnam veteran. Topics included physical geography of North and South Vietnam, history and statistics of the war, and overall medical care on and off the battlefields.
As members of the VFW Chapter 688 of Union County, the veterans were thrilled to be invited back to North Plainfield High School. Rick Harrison spoke about the history and political divisions of Vietnam. MaryJo Mahoney, a nurse during the war, gave very in-depth details about nursing and medical care to both American and South Vietnamese soldiers. Students were surprised to hear that American nurses also cared for several POWs or Vietcong soldiers. John Ferry and Frank Chupko emphasized the importance of keeping uniforms and equipment in order.
The purpose of the Veterans’ Awareness Day was not to teach about the causes of the war, but rather to teach students about a typical day before, during, and after the Vietnam War. Students and their history teachers asked a variety of questions about warfare, life outside the jungle, and their experience when they returned home. The goals of the nurse, pilot, and two marines were also to make students aware about the differences in the American home front during Vietnam War and today’s War in Iraq.
“North Plainfield High School is proud to say that our students and staff recognize the great efforts of our troops in the past, present, and future,” commented Kimberly Annette, advisor. Student Council officers for 2008-2009 include president: Ramona Ross; vice president: Ashley Dunhamn; secretary: Latricia Antoine; and treasurer: Nicole Sartori.
East End School
Assessment: Teachers at East End School have been busy administering the Learnia Assessment to third and fourth grade students. Learnia is aligned to the NJCCCS and provides teachers with an authentic snapshot of a student’s strengths and weaknesses. The data will be analyzed by third and fourth grade teachers both vertically and horizontally and used to drive instruction.
Harvest Festival: The second grade students presented The Strongest One, a Zuni Native American legend, retold by Joseph Bruchac at the annual Harvest Festival for students and families on the morning of November 25, 2008. After the performance, centers were set up which engaged students and their families in crafts, writing and games. Subsequently, students and guests sat down at beautifully decorated tables and enjoyed a small feast.
Geography: Jill Fogarty’s fourth grade class is engaged in a postcard exchange which supports the geography building objective. As the class receives a postcard, Ms. Fogarty places a marker on the US map to indicate where it is from. The class then sends a postcard back. They have even received a postcard from Holland.
Read Alouds: Kathleen Herrmann, principal, has been visiting classes and doing read alouds, which included Cinderella variants, Native American folktales, fiction, and a favorite Thanksgiving story entitled, Thank you, Sarah: the woman who saved Thanksgiving, by Laurie Halse Anderson. “It is important for children to listen to different people read to them, and I am planning on reading to every classroom at least twice this year,” commented Principal Herrmann.
Stony Brook
Look Who Was Caught Reading: The front showcase of Stony Brook School is being used to emphasize the importance of literacy and reading for everyone. Organized by Sue Garatino and entitled, "Look Who Was Caught Reading,” the showcase contains twenty pictures of teachers and staff members all reading books. Pictures include the two custodians, Mr. Bill and Mr. Archie; the Stony Brook crossing guard, Ms. Elsie; all teachers; Andrea Antonson, counselor; and Cathy Kobylarz, principal, all reading their favorite books and stories. “If you were to look closely, the twenty-first picture is of Alicia Keyes, the famous singer and performer, who also loves to read. Read, Read, Read, that is the Stony Brook motto,” stated Principal Kobylarz enthusiastically.
Anti-Violence Week: Anti-Violence week began on October 20, and the students at Stony Brook School joined this national celebration by once again pledging to maintain a peaceful school and a peaceful lifestyle. The NPHS "Heroes and Cool Kids" program launched the celebration by visiting each classroom and talking to each class about non-violence and ways to solve conflict peacefully. The L.E.A.P. committee wrote a poem about anti-bullying which was read over the morning announcements each day. Guidance counselor, Andrea Antonson, and media specialist Anne Bonner, visited each class and read stories of peacemaking and non-violence. The grand finale consisted of each student signing a white dove bearing the sentence "I pledge peace." The doves encircle the building as a tribute to peace.
Red Ribbon Week: Stony Brook students observed "National Drug Prevention Week, better known as "Red Ribbon Week” during the last week in October. Designed to remind the students of the importance of remaining drug-free and healthy, Monday, October 27 was declared "Hugs Not Drugs Day" as students were encouraged to bring in their favorite stuffed animal from home for lots of hugs. Tuesday, October 28 was "Red Rally Day" and everyone wore red. Four classes won pizza parties! Wednesday, October 29 was "Turn Your Back on Drugs" and everyone at Stony Brook wore their clothes backwards. Thursday, October 30 was "Sign Up Day" as a tremendously long, red ribbon was signed by all staff and student members. It is beautifully displayed, in the shape of a heart, in the front showcase for all to see. Finally on Friday, October 31, "Pledge Day,” the students and staff all pledged to do their best to say drug-free and healthy.
West End School
Star Lab Family Night: Many thanks to Marilyn Pinto, student liaison coordinator, and Sara Gagliano, academic support teacher, who hosted West End’s annual Star Lab Family Night. Approximately 250 people came to learn about the night sky through the Star Lab experience. Third Grade teacher Alison Clark and Kindergarten teachers Rosemarie Hansen and Nicole Migliore assisted with welcoming families and provided activities for them while they waited for their turn in the Star Lab. Ms. Pinto and Ms. Gagliano also provided lessons during the day for all of the students at West End in the Star Lab.
PTA Family Fun Night: “Family Fun night was a great success,” commented Beth Sobel, principal. “Along with all the fun activities provided by the PTA, the teachers set up a ‘scary’ reading environment on the stage and West End parent, Mr. DeSotelle, read scary stories to the children. He was amazing; the students truly enjoyed the event. The success of the night was due to great team work. Teachers that decorated the stage were Jason Lilly, Jonathan Scott, Marianne Harris, Sandy Deller, Paula Lemos, Vickie Mendes, Dina Diaz, Rosemarie Hansen, Wendy Szymanski, and Marilyn Pinto. Dina Diaz, Rosemarie Hansen, Wendy Szymanski and Marilyn Pinto stayed that night to assist and monitor the reading,” continued Ms. Sobel
Hispanic Heritage Pot Luck Dinner: West End held its annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration but had a little different spin to it this year by making it a pot luck dinner. Even though the weather was terrible, they had approximately 200 people in attendance. Entertainment included poetry reading, dancing by the high school dance club and the West End dancers, songs by the special West End chorus, and a read aloud book written by Hispanic authors. Many thanks to Marilyn Pinto, Mariluz Torres, Dina Diaz, Marilyn LaMarca, Taryn Buffolino, and Alan Adams for all the planning and organizing that went into the evening; Jon Scott and Wendy Alvarez for the time and energy that went into the performances of the West End singers and dancers; Theresa Knauer, Rosemarie Hansen, Stefanie Myers, Paulette Adams and Casey Sobel for providing help that evening; and Angel Lopez for set-up and assistance throughout the evening.
Birthday Bag Project: West Enders assembled 40 birthday bags for FISH. Now 40 children will be able to have a birthday party with cake, candles, sprinkles, party hats, birthday plates, napkins, utensils, and streamers. West Enders asked their families for donations of items to make a birthday party in a bag, and enough items were donated to make 40 bags. Many thanks to all contributors and to Student Council for their help in assembling all the bags. Special thanks to Dina Diaz's fourth grade class who made birthday cards for the bags. The following School Based Planning members should also be recognized: Marilyn Pinto, Wendy Szymanski, Marilyn LaMarca, Kourtney Karl, Taryn Buffolino, Cindi Crawford, Pat Harris, Michelle Tafuri as well as Student Council advisors: Carol Irvine and Sue Fordham who planned, organized, and implemented this project.
WE Celebrate Assembly: The purpose of the gathering was to celebrate students and staff for their accomplishments and demonstrations of good character.
The following were recognized: Alyssa Totten, Third Grade High Honor Roll; Kevin Andrade, Shaden Awad, Abdelaziz Bahnasy, Emily DeSotelle, Amina Elsais, and Emily McGrath, Fourth Grade High Honor Roll. In addition, students were recognized for demonstrating good character traits, showing academic improvement, and serving as a model for others. In fact, Josh Eady (fourth grader) was recognized for creating his own webpage (with the help of his parents) to support the West End School Walk for Diabetes. His goal is to reach $400 and so far he has collected $325!
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT
The district is currently working with the North Plainfield Office of Emergency Management to set up training for 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. Update: Employee training classes are scheduled to begin shortly after the New Year begins. Additional information is forthcoming.
SAFETY TRAINING
The safety topic for November was Confined Space Awareness. Related safety training was conducted with all staff members on Thursday, November 20, 2008. Additionally, a module on Cold Weather Safe Work Practices was disseminated to all employees. The safety topic for the month of December is Accident Prevention.
HEALTH & SAFETY
The North Plainfield Board of Education is the recipient of a 2008 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Leadership Award. According to Edward Ostroff, Director of Operations, “This award, co-sponsored by the EPA’s Tools for Schools Program, recognizes school districts throughout the country that are committed to implementing and proactively managing a comprehensive Indoor Air Quality Program.”
DISTRICT OPERATIONS
In addition to completing routine work orders, the Maintenance Department continues to complete a number of in-house projects. The following projects are in progress and should be completed within the next few weeks:
• High School – Repairs to sections of the wrestling room wood floor.
• Stony Brook – Intercom upgrades in the gymnasium.
• High School – Additional lighting fasteners in several classrooms.
CAPITAL PROJECTS 2008-2009
STATUS REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. Completed. Punch list items remain.
Auditorium Stage Lighting Upgrades. Slated for 2009/2010.
EAST END SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. Completed. Punch list items remain.
WEST END SCHOOL
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
STONY BROOK SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. Completed. Punch list items remain.
HARRISON BUILDING
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
2008-2009 MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
STATUS REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Field House HVAC Upgrades. Unit scheduled for delivery.
Upper Field Sound System Upgrades. Scheduled.
High School & Middle School HVAC upgrades. In Progress.
EAST END SCHOOL
Window Replacement (11). Awarded and installation is pending.
WEST END SCHOOL
No projects in progress.
STONY BROOK SCHOOL
No projects in progress.
SOMERSET SCHOOL
No projects in progress.
HARRISON CAMPUS
Modular T1, Floor Replacement. In Progress.
WATCHUNG BUILDING
Office Flooring Replacement. To be scheduled.
MAINTENANCE COMPOUND/FIELD AREAS
No projects in progress.
DISTRICT WIDE INITIATIVES
District-Wide Energy Savings Project. Planning Stage.
PROPOSED CAPITAL PROJECTS 2009-2010
The following Capital Improvement Projects have been *tentatively selected for inclusion in the 2009-2010 Budget.
• High School – Auditorium Stage Lighting Improvements
• High School – Restroom Renovations, 2nd floor
• East End School – Restroom Renovations, 2nd Floor
• Stony Brook School – Restroom Renovations, 2nd floor
• West & East End School – Exterior Doors
• District – Windows, as needed.
• East End School – Boiler and heating system(s) replacement
• West End School – Gymnasium structural repairs
*The aforementioned projects are tentative. The projects that are included in this year’s budget will depend on the amount of state aid. Those figures are not available at this time.
Correspondence
There was none.
Committee and Delegate Report
Mr. Branan provided an update on the Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting.
Old Business
Mr. Branan provided an overview of the following policies requiring revised language due to accountability regulations as follows:
Policy No. Title
1000/1110 Concepts and Roles in Community Relations: Goals and Objectives
1100 Communicating with the Public
1111 District Publications
2130.1 Compensation and Related Benefits
2131 Superintendent of Schools
3000 Concepts and Roles in Business and Non-instructional Operations:
Goals and Objectives
3326 Payment for Goods and Services
3327 Relations with Vendors
3510 Operation and Maintenance of Plant
3541.32 District-owned Vehicles (New)
4112.8/4212.8 Nepotism
4133/4233 Travel Reimbursement
4142/4242 Salary Checks and Deductions
7114.1 Repairs
9126 Appointment of Attorney/Use of Legal Services
9250 Board Member Expenses
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve for adoption the second reading of the previously listed policies as revised.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
New Business
Recommendations of the Superintendent
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that
WHEREAS Marianne Salkowski, teacher in the North Plainfield School District, has indicated that she wishes to retire on January 10, 2009, and
WHEREAS she has served the District and children of North Plainfield for approximately eight and one-half years with dedication to the highest standards of education, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Education of North Plainfield extend to Ms. Salkowski its thanks for the service she has given and best wishes for her future; and be if further
RESOLVED that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the public meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education on December 3, 2008, and be it further
RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution, signed by the President of the Board of Education and Board Secretary/School Business Administrator, be sent to Ms. Salkowski.
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 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 - 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 grant Tara Mattielli, elementary teacher at West End School, an unpaid leave of absence as follows:
March 9 – March16, 2009 Disability period using sick days
March 19 - April 17, 2009 Unpaid leave of absence under the
Disability period
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 appointment of the following staff to the co-curricular position(s) indicated after their name, at the 2007-2008 stipend indicated (pro-rated), to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement:
Charles Rowan HS Debate Club Advisor $2925
Kathleen Rowe HS National Honor Society $ 950
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 adjust the appointment of John Malazdra from 50% AV coordinator to 100% AV coordinator at East End School, effective December 1, 2009. (Mr. Malazdra will take over Irene Talmo’s 50% position.)
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 an additional two hours during the week of December 1, 2008 for Yahaira Soto, paraprofessional working with a classified student, for the purpose of training, at the 2007-2008 hourly rate of $18.12, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement.
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 an increase in hours for Geraldine Burns, paraprofessional working with a classified student at Somerset School, from 3.50 to 4.25 hours per day, effective December 1, 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 approve the employment of Margie Williams, substitute paraprofessional, as a paraprofessional working with a classified student at Somerset School for 4.50 hours per day at the 2007-2008 hourly rate of $18.12, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective December 1, 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 approve the employment of Raffaela Bartch, substitute paraprofessional, as a paraprofessional working with a classified student at Stony Brook School for 3.25 hours per day at the 2007-2008 hourly rate of $18.12, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective December 1, 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 approve the transfer of Marvine Warren, paraprofessional, from NPHS to Stony Brook School, working with a classified student for 3.50 hours per day, effective December 1, 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 approve Neil Thompson from the NJ Expedited Certification for Educational Leadership Program (NJEXCEL) as an administrative intern in NPHS with Dr. Debra Sheard serving as his on-site supervisor.
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 resignation of Sherry Muenz, special education teacher at NPHS, for reasons of retirement, effective January 1, 2009.
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 employment of the following individuals as district substitute teachers in the grades/classes indicated after their names:
Keith Young K – 12 Lindsay Sena K - 12
Neela Oza K – 8
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 certificated staff indicated below be paid for graduate courses taken between August and September 2008:
Name Course Hrs Paid Reimb.
Paul Kraucheunas The Kinesthetic Classroom 3 $895.00 $ 671.25
(Science/MS)
Wendy Szymanski Clsrm Mgmt. to Promote 3 $1268.00 $ 951.00
(SpecEd/WE) Student Learning
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 employment of Lindsay Sena as a temporary elementary teacher at West End School, at the 2007-2008 BA/Step 2 annual salary rate of $42,730, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective December 12, 2008 through May 10, 2009. (Ms. Sena will temporarily replace Kathleen Dolan.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
Curriculum, Instruction and Pupil Services
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mr. Allen abstaining that the Board of Education rescind the previously approved placement of non-classified student ALT-1-08-09 in the Somerset County Alternative High School for a period of six days.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mr. Allen abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve restraint training to be provided by Louis Daily, a specialist in this area, at the cost of $450 for a six-hour session for approximately 15 staff members.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mr. Allen abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve an out-of-district placement at Crossroads School – Union County Educational Services Commission for classified student RRRRR-08-09, at the cost of $57,500 per year, to be prorated effective December 8, 2008. Transportation will be required.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mr. Allen abstaining that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-10-08-09 for up to five hours per week to be provided by Education, Inc., effective November 25, 2008 through December 16, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mr. Allen abstaining that the Board of Education approve the placement of the following non-classified students in the Alternative to Suspension Program in the Somerset County Alternative High School in Raritan for six days, from December 5, 2008 through December 12, 2008, at the cost of $260 per day each. Transportation will be required.
ATS-01-08-09 ATS-02-08-09
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mr. Allen abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve Sheree B. Reese, speech language pathologist/fluency specialist, to work with designated students on an as-needed basis at the rate of $125 per hour.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mr. Allen abstaining that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve classified student ST-01-08-09 receive one l-hour speech therapy session per week to be provided by Sheree B. Reese, fluency specialist.
Finance, Purchasing 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 December 3, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept and file the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and the Auditor’s Management Report of Administrative Findings-Financial and Compliance for the year ending June 30, 2008, with no recommendations.
Items moved from future Agenda
There were none.
New items requested to be placed on the Agenda
There were none.
Mr. Branan provided a review of additional polices for revision due to statutory and administrative code actions that require revised or additional policy language and/or changes to legal references as follows:
Pollicy No. Title
5127 Commencement Activities
6140 Curriculum Adoption
6142.2 English As A Second Language: Bilingual Programs
6146 Graduation Requirements
6147 Standards of Proficiency
6150 Instructional Arrangements
6151 Class Size
These polices will be placed on the agenda for a second reading at the meeting of December 17, 2008.
Current Events in Education
There were none.
Comments from the Public
Mr. Williams expressed appreciation for the District’s solicitation of open space fundprovided by the Somerset County freeholders. In addition, Mr. Williams commented on restraint training as did Mary Forbes. Tracy Peters commented on the legality of restraining pupils and expressed appreciation for the college placement presentation.
Future Agenda Items
Board Presentations
Policy Update
Dress Code for Students and Staff
Student Mobility
Testing Update
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on December 17, 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 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 10:25 pm.
The meeting re-convened to public session at 10:55 pm with the same members present.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that Board of Education employee resolve that employee #01-08-09 be suspended without pay for 5 consecutive days effective Monday, December 8 through Friday, December 12, 2008 effective immediately.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn at 11:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
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