The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on January 7, 2009 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 – absent notified
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, Nora Rivera, Student Representative and approximately 10 members of the staff and public
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the public session minutes of December 17, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the executive session minutes of December 17, 2008
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, Stephanie Thomas commented that she had received a Board meeting notification call and she was interested in attending this evening.
Student Representative Report
Nora Rivera reported on various student activities some of which include the following:
Members of the High School Choir, Band, and Cast of “Rumors,” performed at the Veterans Hospital on December 23rd. Students heard a speaker on the consequences of drunk driving at an assembly held at the High School on December 23rd. The French Honor Society held a fundraiser on December 18th. The Step Team entered a competition on December 13th.
Presentation
Patricia Marseglia, Math/Science Supervisor, conducted a presentation and overview of Learnia, a program for on-line assessment software.
Dr. Birnbuam presented the redesign plan for NJ High Schools currently being developed by the New Jersey Department of Education.
Superintendent’s Report
RECOGNITION/PUBLIC REATIONS
Students
The New Jersey Football Coaches Association has name Tyson Chandler, a senior at NPHS, to the 2008 Super 100 All-State Football Team. “This is truly a great honor for Tyson since he is in an elite group of the best high school football players in the state,” noted Karl Gordon athletic director. This marks the first time that a player from NPHS has been selected to this team. Tyson will be honored at the association's annual awards banquet on January 25, 2009 at 12:00 p.m., at the Hilton Hotel in East Brunswick.
Schools/Programs
NPHS
The counseling department will be hosting a “Latin Parents College Night” on January 8, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. This is a college information night held in Spanish.
East End, Stony Brook, and West End Schools
On December 18, 2008, the Plainfield-North Plainfield Rotary Club distributed dictionaries and pencils to all of the third grade students at East End, West End and Stony Brook Schools. Janice G. Allen, North Plainfield Mayor; David Hollod, North Plainfield Borough Administrator; William Parenti, North Plainfield Police Chief, and Michael Townley, Rotary Club secretary talked about the importance of using a dictionary when reading and writing as well as the importance of giving to the community and others. Mayor Allen also explained to the students that one of the Rotary Club's goals is to help promote literacy and the dictionaries help with vocabulary development and comprehension skills.
Stony Brook School
The Stony Brook School Extended Day Program began during the week of December 1, 2008. Designed to give added instruction to students, the program begins immediately following dismissal. The students involved in the program stay for an additional 90 minutes of various learning activities. The 1 ½ hour session includes a group writing lesson and four center activities that include science, math, phonics and comprehension based on a two week rotation system. Currently there are 23 third graders and 26 fourth graders enrolled. Extended Day staff members include Sharon Switek, Michele Motichka, Carla Basile, Rachel Nadler and Patricia Klatt.
Student Council/Safety Patrol recently lifted the spirits of those children less fortunate. Led by Robert Meringolo, special education teacher and student council/safety patrol advisor, Stony Brook School students made holiday paper ornaments for hanging from the IV poles for children at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark. The project idea was conceptualized by Debbie Gray, third grade teacher at West End School who also works as a hospital teacher at Beth Israel after school. Ms. Gray promised to deliver the ornaments in time for the holidays.
Stony Brook's fourth annual Snowfest took place on December 23 as Stony Brook's gymnasium was magically transformed into a winter wonderland. The theme this year was the "Winter Owl.” Classes were invited to the Snowfest to participate in numerous activities that taught about this beautiful bird. Students visited the Stony Brook theatre to watch a video streaming clip about owls; they heard various "special readers" share Caroline Picher's story of The Littlest Owl; and they created their own owl to take home as a souvenir. The "Littlest Owl" is also the center of Stony Brook's next school wide incentive reading program, "Reading is a Hoot." On hand to assist for the day were various members of the NPHS football team as part of their "Play It Smart" program.
East End School
East End held its first Outstanding Citizens Assembly on December 23, 2008. Developed by the School Wide Discipline Committee (Selma Cardona, Sue Dahlinger, Sharon Egan, Lisa-Marie Gabriel, Kathleen Herrmann, Kitty Jedra, Marlo Matthews, Diane Olsen, Jackie Spaventa, Lynelle Thomas, Monica Villafuerte), East End students earned the certificate by:
• Taking responsibility for their own actions
• Following rules and procedures
• Demonstrating the six pillars of characters which are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
• Completing classwork and homework
Classroom and special teachers presented the awards to the students at the morning assembly where they were recognized by the entire school community. Students did not know in advance they would receive an award, although parents were notified so they could attend the assembly. Pictures were taken of each student and will be displayed on East End’s Hall of Fame Wall in the main entryway.
On December 23, East End also held its annual holiday sing along. Diana VanHise, music teacher, planned the event as a way to prepare the children for the long winter break.
West End School
On December 17, 18, and 23, West End School performed the play Annie, Jr. “The performance went beyond anything any of us imagined and it was wonderful,” exclaimed Beth Sobel, principal. In the words of Wendy Szymanski, teacher and performer: “West End School was very fortunate this year to receive a special gift known as Annie. We all loved the production that our students and staff put on for us. This was all made possible by the time and effort Mr. Scott, Mrs. Fordham, and Mrs. Lubreski dedicated to the show. This idea started last school year and they worked on it during the summer. The past four months they have been living a hard knock life running practices after school. The hard work and dedication paid off. Annie was a hit! If we had a Tony award it would go to you! Bravo to Mr. Scott, Mrs. Fordham, and Mrs. Lubreski. West End gives you a standing ovation for a job well done!”
Many thanks to the children in the play for their dedication, performance, and commitment; Sue Fordham for her wonderful role as director; Jon Scott for the musical excellence that was demonstrated by all the cast members; Nancy Lubreski and Wendy Szymanski for the choreography; staff cast members: Debbie Gray, Jason Lilly, Angel Lopez, Nancy Lubreski, Nicole Rivlin, Raul Sandoval, Jon Scott, Wendy Szymanski, and Michelle Tafuri; Somerset School friends: Raul Sandoval and Laurie Pfundheller; West End alumni: Kyra Bowes, Brenna Worthey, Andrea Wright, and Bobby Bereheiko; behind the scenes" cast members: Wendy Alvarez, Rheanna Andersen, Marilou Barrett, Taryn Buffolino, Lisa Cerulo, Cindi Crawford, Dina Diaz, Buzzy Durkin, Mindy Durkin, Kim Faszczewski, Keren Fonseca, Marianne Harris, Carol Irvine, Kourtney Karl, Theresa Knauer, Marilyn LaMarca, Christina Moscatello, Marilyn Pinto, Angela Roman, Mariluz Torres, and Todd Vanderputten; parents: Mrs. Brockway, Mrs. Totten, Mr. & Mrs. DeSotelle, and Mrs. Joback; and the West End PTA who helped with needed materials and ran the fifty/fifty and intermission refreshments. A $345 donation was made to FISH, the local food bank.
Ornaments for Children in the Hospital: Many thanks to Debbie Gray, third grade teacher, and all of the teachers who had their students make paper ornaments for Ms. Gray to bring to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center to hang on IV poles. As Ms. Gray stated, "This simple craft would put a smile on these children’s faces and also give our West End children the opportunity to do something for others during this holiday season."
To celebrate the holiday season, West End children were led in song at the Annual Holiday Sing by Jon Scott, music teacher and the fourth grade chorus members. Frosty, Rudolph, the Elves, Santa and Mrs. Claus were there, too. Many thanks to the following teachers for making this such a great event: Wendy Alvarez, Kim Faszczewski, Sue Fordham , Jason Lilly, Nancy Lubreski, Patty Russell, Jonathan Scott, Wendy Szymanski, and Michelle Tafuri
The West End School community honored the following students and staff in December: Third graders Anne Gaelle Joseph and Crispreet Kaur for consistently demonstrating the Character Counts traits of "Caring" and "Responsibility”; second graders Brian Benson and Jasmine Muhando for demonstrating good citizenship; second grader Ryley Payan for being thoughtful, respectful, and hard working; Mindy Durkin, first grade teacher for putting together the school gear sale. While attending a PTA meeting it was first decided there was too much going on and that West End would not have new gear this year. Ms. Durkin volunteered her time and energy to organize a school gear sale so children and staff at West End could show their school pride; and Lisa Cerulo, art teacher for just completing her Master's +30.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The safety topic for December was “Accident Prevention.” Related safety training was conducted with all staff members on December 18, 2008. The safety topic for January is “Slip and Fall Prevention.”
HEALTH & SAFETY
Asthma Friendly Schools: While recently attending the National Tools for Schools Symposium, Ed Ostroff, director of operations, attended a workshop on Asthma Friendly Schools. Co-sponsored by the E.P.A. and the Tools for Schools Program, this Indoor Air Quality Program targets specific areas that can trigger an asthma attack. Mr. Ostroff is currently working with the district’s school nurses to roll out and fully implement this program in all of the district’s schools.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS
In addition to completing routine work orders, maintenance personnel continue to complete a number of in-house projects. The following projects were recently completed:
• Somerset – Floor repairs in one classroom.
• Harrison Building – Sheet rock repairs in the multi-purpose room.
• Stony Brook – Replacement of two boiler sections.
WINTER BREAK PROJECTS
The following projects and or maintenance work was scheduled for completion during the winter break:
• Minor improvements within the East End Library.
• Flooring replacement at Watchung School.
• Several electrical upgrades throughout the district.
STATUS REPORT
2008-2009 CAPITAL PROJECTS
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.
Restroom Renovation Project. Completed. Punch list items remain.
STONY BROOK SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. Completed.
HARRISON BUILDING
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
STATUS REPORT
2008-2009 MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Field House HVAC Upgrades. Unit installed and operating.
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
Boiler sections replaced.
SOMERSET SCHOOL
No projects in progress.
HARRISON CAMPUS
Modular T1, Floor Replacement. In Progress.
WATCHUNG BUILDING
Office Flooring Replacement. Scheduled.
MAINTENANCE COMPOUND/FIELD AREAS
No projects in progress.
DISTRICT WIDE INITIATIVES
District-Wide Energy Savings Project. Planning Stage.
PROPOSED 2008-2009 CAPITAL PROJECTS
The following Capital Improvement Projects have been *tentatively selected for inclusion in the 2009/2010 school 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
• District – Energy Monitoring and Lighting Upgrades
*The aforementioned projects are proposed. The projects that are included in this year’s budget will depend on our share of state aid. Those figures are not available at this time.
Correspondence
There was none.
Committee and Delegate Report
A Board/Staff meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2009 at 4:00 pm.
A Curriculum Committee Meeting is schedules for January 14 at 7:15 pm.
Negotiations and Policy Committee Meetings are to be scheduled.
Old Business
Mr. Sternberg discussed the administering of the Fagone Scholarship Fund through the Mundy Scholarship Fund.
In regard to the report of non-resident students, Mr. Allen suggested that a special number be set up for reporting non-residents. Dr. Birnbaum suggested putting information on the district website.
Dr. Birnbaum discussed use of the automated phone system.
Mr. Sternberg discussed the status of the Field Turf Grant.
Mr. Sternberg reviewed monitoring the use of fields. Board members expressed concerns with outside groups using field without receiving prior permission.
In regard to the Joint Meeting of the Borough Council and Board, Mr. Sternberg asked for any additional agenda items, and will forward the tentative agenda to the Borough Council President for input and will then finalize.
New Business
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that WHEREAS Pearl Albrecht, speech correctionist in the North Plainfield School District, has indicated that she wishes to retire on January 1, 2009, and
WHEREAS she has served the District and children of North Plainfield for approximately seventeen 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. Albrecht 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 January 7, 2009, 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. Albrecht.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 teachers as SRA scorers for language arts literacy and mathematics projects to be paid $28 per hour:
Sandra Barreto Andrew Risoli
Patricia Mason Susan Woulfin
Theresa Moroney
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 previously approved recommendation to appoint the following staff to teach after-school professional development courses from three hours each to five hours each at the rate of $30 per hour, to be funded with NCLB FY’09 and/or local funds as indicated, to be paid at the conclusion of each course as indicated:
Meghan Drewes Managing Students with Behavioral Challenges $150
Maria Farraye-Biggs Managing Students with Behavioral Challenges $150
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 following individuals as teachers in the adult high school at the rate of $28 per hour, effective January 8, 2009.
Nicole Hawker-Daniels English Teacher & Substitute 90 hrs
Lakiesha Mendez Substitute Teacher
Lucy Pimpinella Substitute Teacher
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education rescind the previously approved recommendation to employ Catrina LoStacco as a substitute paraprofessional for the 2008-2009 school year.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the Spring 2009 semester, the Board of Education approve Robert Sennello from Seton Hall University as a student teacher at NPHS with Roger Graubard serving as his cooperation teacher.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept with regret the resignation of Patricia Mason, teacher of reading and English at Somerset School, for reasons of retirement, effective July 1, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 Jagmohan Goraya, paraprofessional at East End School, an eight-day unpaid leave of absence effective January 9, 2009 through January 21, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the Spring 2009 semester, the Board of Education approve Beth Fleisher from The Rutgers Graduate School of Education as a counseling intern in NPHS, with Linda Remolino serving as her on-site supervisor.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act granted to Amy Six, music teacher at NPHS, from December 23, 2008 to January 19, 2009 to December 23, 2008 through January 25, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 employment of Matthew Anderson, temporary teacher of music at NPHS, from November 12, 2008 through January 16, 2009 to November 12, 2008 through January 23, 2009. (Mr. Anderson is temporarily replacing Amy Six.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 Beth Fetchko, school nurse, as a first aider at the rate of $30 per hour, to work on an as-needed basis at athletic events.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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.
Meghan Drewes Orient to Doctoral Learning 5 $2185.00 $1638.75
(Schl Psych/DPS) in Psychology
Debra Foote Differentiated Instruction 3 $1095.00 $ 821.25
(SpecEd/HS)
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Curriculum, Instruction and Pupil Services
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the speech/language services of Wilma Pastrana-Cardosa, a therapist with Pediatric Advantage, for six hours per week at the cost of $90 per hour, effective January 12, 2009.
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 January 7, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent of Schools to accept the following funding in conjunction with the No Child left Behind (NCLB) Local Education Agency (LEA) Consolidated Application FY’09:
Title I Part A Basis/Concentration $517,364
Title II Part A $130,037
Title II Part D $ 4,125
Title III $ 62,218
Title IV $ 10,687
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the settlement agreement dated December 26, 2008 and the addendum dated January 7, 2009 regarding employee #03-08-09, as per approval of the insurance carrier.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education authorize Sarah O’Donnell, teacher of biology at NPHS and HOPE Club advisor, to apply for a $1,000 Green Grant through the Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management.
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
There were none.
Future Agenda Items
Board Presentations – Add: Middle States Accreditation Process 01/21/09
Dress Code – Staff Code: to be updated through Board/Staff Committee
Student Dress Code: to be referred to the Policy Committee
Student Mobility – 2/4/09
Testing Update – remove
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on January 21, 1009 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 10:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
.
